bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From the External to the Internal Dynamics of the Neutron Star: The Exotic Braking Indices of PSR B0540−69
Authors: Rusul Abdujappar , Zheng Xiao-Ping
Published: July 2023

The braking index is of great importance for interpreting the spin-down mechanism of pulsar rotation. The sudden spin-down rate transition of PSR B0540−69, the lowest braking index n = 0.031, and its variations up to 1.2 in its later phases, without glitches or changes in X-ray pulsed flux or shape, are the most enigmatic problem that challenges our understanding of the correlation between pulsar spin-down and magnetospheric emission. Here we discuss the above issue on the external and internal grounds of pulsar dynamics. It is found that the increase of the open field line region of the pulsar magnetosphere would give a plausible explanation for the state transition and the braking index of 0.031 of PSR B0540−69, and changes in the moment of inertia of PSR B0540−69 after the state transition may account for the variable braking indices in its subsequent phases. Results indicate that, on the one hand, a change in the magnetosphere size of a pulsar would influence the external braking torque and have a substantial impact on the observed braking index; and, on the other hand, a sudden change in external torque may trigger the mechanism that could slowly increase the moment of inertia of the pulsar and cause an observable effect on the spin frequency second derivatives. This is hardly explained under the regular glitch hypothesis. In this respect, PSR B0540−69 would be the ideal candidate to study the inside and outside dynamics of a pulsar.
Reducing the Uncertainty on the Hubble Constant up to 35% with an Improved Statistical Analysis: Different Best-fit Likelihoods for Type Ia Supernovae, Baryon Acoustic Oscillations, Quasars, and Gamma-Ray Bursts
Authors: Dainotti Maria Giovanna , Bargiacchi Giada , Bogdan Malgorzata , Lenart Aleksander Lukasz , Iwasaki Kazunari , Capozziello Salvatore , Zhang Bing , Fraija Nissim
Published: July 2023

Cosmological models and their parameters are widely debated, especially about whether the current discrepancy between the values of the Hubble constant, H
0, obtained by Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) and the Planck data from the cosmic microwave background radiation could be alleviated when alternative cosmological models are considered. Thus, combining high-redshift probes, such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and quasi-stellar objects (QSOs, or quasars), together with baryon acoustic oscillations and SNe Ia is important to assess the viability of these alternative models and whether they can cast further light on the Hubble tension. In this work, for GRBs, we use a three-dimensional relation between the peak prompt luminosity, the rest-frame time at the end of the X-ray plateau, and its corresponding luminosity in X-rays: the 3D Dainotti fundamental plane relation. Regarding QSOs, we use the Risaliti−Lusso relation among the UV and X-ray luminosities for a sample of 2421 sources. We correct both the QSO and GRB relations by accounting for selection and evolutionary effects with a reliable statistical method. We here use both the traditional Gaussian likelihoods (





) and the new best-fit likelihoods (





) to infer cosmological parameters of nonflat Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) and flat wCDM models. We obtain for all the parameters reduced uncertainties, up to 35% for H
0, when applying the new





likelihoods in place of the Gaussian ones. Our results remain consistent with a flat ΛCDM model, although with a shift of the dark energy parameter w toward w < −1 and a curvature density parameter toward Ω
k
< 0.
Generation of Vertical Flows by Torsional Alfvén Pulses in Zero-beta Tubes with a Transitional Layer
Authors: Scalisi Joseph , Ruderman Michael S. , Erdélyi Robertus
Published: July 2023

Spicule activity in the chromosphere is modeled via the perturbation resulting from the propagation of an Alfvén wave pulse in a magnetic flux tube. Building on previous work, the model is augmented by the inclusion of a finite transitional layer in which the atmospheric density decreases exponentially. This additional complexity of the density stratification provides a more physical representation of the solar atmosphere and improves on the existing model. The wave pulse is introduced at the lower boundary of the flux tube and interacts with the transitional layer, also being partially reflected. The total mass flux induced by the pulse, and the proportion of this pulse that is transmitted through the layer, is calculated and examined in the context of spicules and the solar wind using an example solution. We find that the inclusion of the transitional layer results in more plasma flux being transferred into the upper solar atmosphere when compared with the case of a discontinuity. We examine how varying the parameters of this transitional layer affects the ratio of the flux above and below the layer.
Sepsis biomarkers for early diagnosis of bacteremia in emergency department
Authors: Yurttutan Uyar Neval , Sayar Ahmed Kerem , Kocagöz Ayşe Sesin , Serdar Muhittin Abdülkadir , Zengin Rehile , Sarıkaya Zeynep Tuğçe , Kilercik Meltem , Balcı Veysel , Serteser Mustafa
Published: July 2023

Introduction: We compared the diagnostic values of individual and composite biomarkers used in the prediction of bacteremia in adult emergency department patients.
Methodology: First-hour blood levels of C- reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-6, lactate, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and white blood cell count were collected from a 30-person control group and 47 adult patients. Patients included in this study were admitted to the emergency department on suspicion of sepsis. We categorized patients according to presence/absence of sepsis and bacteremia. Our control group was categorized as S-B -, septic patients with bacteremia were S+B+, and septic patients without bacteremia were S+B-.
Results: All biomarkers showed a statistically significant elevation when S+B- and S+B+ groups were compared with the S-B-. When S+B+ group was compared with the S+B- group only procalcitonin and lactate levels had statistically significant elevation (p < 0.005). Regression analysis demonstrated that lactate and procalcitonin were independently associated with having bacteremia in the state of sepsis and Hosmer-Lemeshow score was 0.772. The areas under the curve (AUC) values of biomarkers procalcitonin, lactate, C-reactive protein, combined 1 (procalcitonin+ lactate), and combined 2 (procalcitonin + lactate + C-reactive protein) were 0.773, 0.744, 0.523, 0.806, and 0.829 respectively.
Conclusions: Combination of tests such as combined 1 or combined 2 were highly predictive of bacteremia in adult septic patients. Combined 2 demonstrated the best predictive performance and could be utilized as a tool to assist diagnosis of bacteremia before culture results are available.
Transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in Bejaia, Algeria: ten years retrospective and comparative study
Authors: Djoudi Ferhat , Amir Nadir , Chouikh Mohammed Tahar
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Blood transfusion saves millions of lives year around the world; it is the most important life-saving option for blood recipients. However, this act is not without risks as contaminated blood may be the source of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTI). This is a retrospective and comparative study on the prevalence of acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome, viral hepatitis B, C and syphilis in blood donors from Bejaia province (Algeria).
Methodology: This study is designed to estimate the risk of TTIs among blood donors and the demographic associated factors. It was carried out in the serology laboratories of Bejaia blood transfusion center and Khalil Amrane university hospital. Data were collected from the archived results of screening tests for HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis, mandatory for all blood donations, from January 2010 to December 2019. The association was considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.
Results: Among 140,168 donors from Bejaia province, 78,123 represent the urban population and 62,045 the rural population. Over 10 years, results of serological tests revealed a prevalence of 0.077%, 0.083%, 0.102%, and 0.132%, respectively for HIV, HCV, HBV, and Treponema pallidum. Trends of hepatitis B and syphilis were decreasing; however, hepatitis C was increasing.
Conclusions: HIV and syphilis prevalence have been variable, with significant peaks in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Globally, the low rates reported in this study confirm the effectiveness of the preventive policy applied by the health authorities. However, among the rural population, special attention is required to stem any resurgence of hepatitis C and syphilis.
Assessment of chronic rhinosinusitis severity indicators: radiological and clinical perspective
Authors: Markovic-Vasiljkovic Biljana , Janovic Aleksa , Antic Svetlana , Barac Aleksandra , Bracanovic Milos , Peric Aleksandar , Bracanovic Djurdja
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is inflammation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus mucosa. The aim of this study was to examine which of the available radiological and clinical parameters is the best indicator of the CRS severity.
Methodology: In order to classify CRS, we used both a subjective assessment tool such as SNOT-22 questionnaire, as well as an objective tool such as clinical examination. We introduced three forms of CRS (mild, moderate and severe). Within these groups, we evaluated the computerized tomography (CT) parameters used as an indicator of bone remodeling, the Lund-Mackay score (LMS), CT properties of the soft tissue content in the maxillary sinuses, presence of nasal polypus (NP), presence of fungal infection and parameters indicating allergic status.
Results: Frequencies of NP, positive eosinophil count, presence of fungi, areas of high attenuation, and duration of CRS and LMS significantly increased with the increased severity of CRS. Anterior wall thickness and density increased in the severe forms of CRS in the group assessed by SNOT-22. Positive correlation was detected between LMS and maximal density of sinus content and between duration of CRS and anterior wall thickness.
Conclusions: Morphological changes of sinus wall detected in CT could be a useful indicator of CRS severity. Changes in bone morphology are more likely to occur in patients with longer-lasting CRS. The presence of fungi, allergic inflammation of any origin and nasal polypus potentiates more severe forms of CRS both clinically and subjectively.
Modeling discontinuous growth in reared Panulirus ornatus: A generalized additive model and Cox proportional hazard model approach
Authors: Foo Chuan Hui
Published: July 2023

Crustaceans exhibit discontinuous growth as they shed hard shells periodically. Fundamentally, the growth of crustaceans is typically assessed through two key components, length increase after molting (LI) and time intervals between consecutive molts (TI). In this article, we propose a unified likelihood approach that combines a generalized additive model and a Cox proportional hazard model to estimate the parameters of LI and TI separately in crustaceans. This approach captures the observed discontinuity in individuals, providing a comprehensive understanding of crustacean growth patterns. Our study focuses on 75 ornate rock lobsters (Panulirus ornatus) off the Torres Strait in northeastern Australia. Through a simulation study, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed models in characterizing the discontinuity with a continuous growth curve at the population level.
High-order finite difference approximation of the Keller-Segel model with additional self- and cross-diffusion terms and a logistic source
Authors: Xu Panpan , Ge Yongbin , Zhang Lin
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we consider the Keller-Segel chemotaxis model with self- and cross-diffusion terms and a logistic source. This system consists of a fully nonlinear reaction-diffusion equation with additional cross-diffusion. We establish some high-order finite difference schemes for solving one- and two-dimensional problems. The truncation error remainder correction method and fourth-order Padé compact schemes are employed to approximate the spatial and temporal derivatives, respectively. It is shown that the numerical schemes yield second-order accuracy in time and fourth-order accuracy in space. Some numerical experiments are demonstrated to verify the accuracy and reliability of the proposed schemes. Furthermore, the blow-up phenomenon and bacterial pattern formation are numerically simulated.
Subindividual variability in sea pens (Octocorallia: Pennatulacea)
Authors: García-Cárdenas Francisco J.
Published: July 2023

Comparisons between plants and sessile modular colonial invertebrates offer interesting parallelisms between plant and animal body plans after millions of years of divergent evolution. Among these parallelisms might be the existence and distribution of intraindividual heterogeneity in organ traits, also named subindividual variability. Subindividual variability is quantitatively important and has many consequences for plant individuals, populations and communities, and for animal consumers as well. However, could a similar process of subindividual variability occur in sea pens, which have a modular architecture similar to that of plants? In the literature of marine invertebrates very little is known about the presence and magnitude of subindividual variability in modular organisms. This study provides for the first time a quantitative assessment of subindividual variability in sea pens, analysing certain biometric features of reiterated structures that presumably have some ecological function, and offers an initial comparison of quantitative levels of subindividual variation between plants and sea pens.
The molluscan fauna of Chella Bank and surroundings (Western Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Caballero-Herrera José Antonio , Urra Javier , Gofas Serge , Salas Carmen , Bárcenas Patricia , Gallardo-Núñez Marina , Moya-Urbano Elena , Olivero Jesús , Rueda José L.
Published: July 2023

Molluscs of Chella Bank and its surroundings were studied from 21 samples collected with a van Veen grab in the depth range 95-729 m. A total of 299 taxa were identified (77 live-taken), thus increasing by more than 95% the species of molluscs reported in the recently declared site of community importance “Sur de Almería-Seco de los Olivos”. Two of the species are new records to Spanish waters and one to the Alboran Sea. The high species richness observed could be related to the location, the hydrological characteristics and the topographical heterogeneity of the area within the Alboran Sea. Four significant groups of samples were discriminated through multivariate analysis of quantitative data of live-taken molluscs: (I) bathyal muddy bottoms with buried rhodoliths; (II) bathyal muddy bottoms with coral rubble; (III) bathyal hemipelagic muddy bottoms and (IV) bathyal sandy bottoms. Molluscs were more diverse on coral framework bottoms than on sedimentary bottoms around Chella Bank. Most of the live-taken species are widely distributed along the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, and a few are strictly Mediterranean. The most striking feature was the occurrence of two species with planktotrophic larval development for which Chella Bank is the sole recorded locality in the Mediterranean (Episcomitra angelesae and Mitrella templadoi) and which elsewhere extremely rare (Mathilda spp.).
Faire la liste des morts au combat : l’exemple d’Azincourt (1415)
Authors: Ambühl Rémy , Curry Anne
Published: July 2023

Les listes de morts au combat abondent dans les chroniques de la fin du Moyen Âge. La source de leurs informations ou leur finalité soulèvent de nombreuses questions, trop souvent négligées dans les travaux d’érudition et les éditions de texte. Poursuivant une réflexion critique entamée par Olivier Bouzy, nous menons ici une étude comparative des listes de morts d’Azincourt comprises dans les chroniques du xve siècle. Ce corpus est complété par deux listes indépendantes dressées au lendemain de la bataille, dont l’une est publiée pour la première fois à la fin de cette contribution. Notre enquête montre que la composition de ces listes résulte de la combinaison de deux facteurs difficilement dissociables : l’accès à l’information et le choix de l’auteur. Elle démontre également l’existence d’une « liste originelle » et soulève l’hypothèse de la participation d’un héraut dans sa composition et sa circulation outre-Manche, fournissant un exemple concret du rôle de comptage et d’identification des morts souvent attribué aux officiers d’armes dans les sources narratives.
Bernhard von Zedlitz. Un chef de mercenaires au service des rois d’Angleterre, ses hommes et son certificat de bonne conduite
Authors: Paravicini Werner
Published: July 2023

Bernard von Zedlitz, un noble silésien, fit carrière au service du Prince Noir, d’Édouard III et de Richard II. Il participe en 1355 à la grande chevauchée, puis joue un rôle non négligeable en 1356 dans la bataille de Poitiers. Les hommes de sa suite, provenant de Rhénanie et de sa parenté silésienne, sont identifiés, le certificat de bonne conduite que le Prince lui a accordé au moment du départ, publié en annexe, d’un contenu assez étonnant, est commenté. Le personnage est identifié au sein d’une famille pléthorique. Sa carrière postérieure est esquissée : il reste familier du Prince, négocie le mariage de Richard II avec Anne de Bohême, sert le roi dans ses relations avec la Hanse teutonique. À partir de l’année 1387 il n’apparaît plus en relation avec l’Angleterre, mais il y a des preuves de son activité en Silésie. Il meurt entre 1400 et 1407. La mobilité guerrière de la chevalerie européenne est ainsi illustrée, tout comme la fonction des étrangers à la cour. L’attention est attirée sur le genre des certificats de bonne conduite, qui jamais encore n’ont été réunis.
Philippe, seigneur de Ternant (v. 1403-1454), chevalier sans scrupules ?
Authors: Schnerb Bertrand
Published: July 2023

Philippe, seigneur de Ternant, issu de la noblesse du comté de Nevers, conquit très tôt une place éminente à la cour du duc de Bourgogne Philippe le Bon : conseiller et chambellan de ce prince, chevalier de l’ordre de la Toison d’or de la première promotion, homme de guerre et diplomate, il apparaît comme appartenant au premier cercle du pouvoir au sein de l’État bourguignon. Il jouissait de la faveur du duc qui lui octroya des dons importants et favorisa son mariage avec Isabelle de Roye, représentante de la haute noblesse de Picardie. Ami et protecteur des chroniqueurs Georges Chastelain et Olivier de La Marche, il doit à ces deux écrivains une réputation flatteuse. Pourtant certaines sources financières ou judiciaires montrent qu’il se rendit coupable d’actes délictueux, de détournements de fonds et de violations des trêves, car si ce chevalier était sans peur, il n’était pas sans reproche.
« Dei patientia » et « gratia dux Britannie ». Formules de dévotion et titulatures uniques sous le règne de Jean III, duc de Bretagne (1314 et 1339)
Authors: Lémeillat Marjolaine
Published: July 2023

Parmi les actes subsistants pour les ducs de Bretagne de la maison de Dreux (1213-1341) figurent deux curiosités, datant du règne de Jean III (1312-1341) : un texte au début duquel le duc s’intitule « Dei patientia » (« par la patience de Dieu »), dans l’un, et « gratia Dei » (« par la grâce de Dieu »), deux emplois tout à fait inusités chez lui ou ses prédécesseurs. Ces chartes sont par ailleurs classiques, tant dans la forme que dans le fond. Quelles raisons expliquent ces titulatures ? De fait, dans le premier cas, celle-ci reste un mystère. Dans le second cas, trois hypothèses sont possibles : la flatterie du bénéficiaire de l’acte, les habitudes du clerc rédacteur ou une erreur pure et simple de sa part. En tout état de cause, ces formulations sont demeurées des hapax – jusqu’à la reprise du Dei gratia par le duc Jean V (1399-1442) dans les années 1417-1418. Cet article s’accompagne des transcriptions et traductions des actes concernés, en annexes et à titre de preuves.
Un document méconnu sur la bataille de Nicopolis (1396)
Authors: Le Goff Sophie , Paviot Jacques
Published: July 2023

Michael Jones avait signalé en 1994 le Chronicon Briocense (Chronique de Saint-Brieuc) comme source sur la bataille de Nicopolis en 1396. Or, les historiens de la croisade de Nicopolis n’ont pas porté attention à ce document. Deux manuscrits, tous deux du xve siècle et sur papier, ont été conservés à la Bibliothèque nationale de France. L’œuvre est une compilation, due à Hervé Le Grant, garde des chartes du duc de Bretagne de 1395 à 1416, donc un contemporain des événements. Est offerte une édition du texte latin avec les variantes, ainsi qu’une traduction française et une étude de sa postérité. Le statut de ce texte n’est pas sans poser de questions. Il semble qu’il ait été rédigé après 1417 et peut prendre la forme d’une invective contre les responsables de la défaite, tout en étant une lamentation sur les Bretons morts dans la bataille. Un survivant, Jean d’Acigné, semble avoir été l’informateur d’Hervé Le Grant.
El Niño Shuá: del estereotipo a la reivindicación de la vida y obra de Miguel Ángel Jusayú
Authors:  Gavidia Nelly  García ,  Chirinos Carlos Adán  Valbuena ,  Reverol Carmen Laura  Paz
Published: July 2023

Realizamos un recorrido por la vida y obra del Maestro Miguel Ángel Jusayú (1933-2008), con el propósito de analizar a partir de su autobiografía y de la película El niño Shuá de Patricia Ortega, los momentos más difíciles a partir de la pérdida de su visión, el vivir con el estigma de ser ciego en la sociedad wayuu a la cual pertenecía y de su proceso de apropiación de la escritura del castellano, cuyo dominio le permitió garantizar su subsistencia y también convertirse en especialista y realizar un invaluable aporte a la gramática y escritura de la lengua wayuunaiki.
Que deviennent les martyrs ? Débats eschatologiques soulevés par l’exégèse de Coran II, 154 et III, 169
Authors: Oulddali Ahmed
Published: July 2023

Dans le Coran, les martyrs de la guerre sainte apparaissent comme « vivants auprès de leur Seigneur » (aḥyāʾ ʿinda rabbihim). Les versets qui les décrivent ainsi, à savoir II, 154 et III, 169, font l’objet de diverses interprétations. Si certaines de ces interprétations reposent sur la tradition du Prophète, d’autres se fondent sur des thèses élaborées par les théologiens spéculatifs (mutakallimūn) ou par les philosophes (falāsifa). Certains exégètes classiques, comme Faḫr al‑Dīn al‑Rāzī, recourent à ces thèses pour expliquer la possibilité et la nature de la seconde vie promise aux combattants tués dans le Chemin de Dieu. Leur démarche donne lieu à diverses discussions sur la conception de l’homme et sur les questions eschatologiques. La présente étude vise à offrir un aperçu de ces débats.
La « fitna d’Ibn al‑Zubayr ». Les modalités d’une construction historiographique dans les sources narratives
Authors: Bouali Hassan
Published: July 2023

Cet article vise à mieux cerner les modalités d’une construction historiographique, celle de la « fitna d’Ibn al-Zubayr ». La première partie établit un état des lieux de cette catégorie discursive dans des sources diverses. La seconde partie de l’étude porte son attention sur quelques motifs historiographiques de la « fitna d’Ibn al-Zubayr » tels que l’avarice, la décadence religieuse et la violence.
Un an de fitna-s à Bagdad. Les désordres urbains de l’année 422/1031
Authors: Renterghem Vanessa Van
Published: July 2023

À l’époque médiévale, les fitna-s, ou émeutes urbaines, causaient périodiquement de profonds dégâts dans les grandes villes du domaine islamique. À Bagdad, elles étaient particulièrement fréquentes et engendraient des conséquences désastreuses pour la population urbaine. Le présent article propose une traduction annotée ainsi que le commentaire d’extraits de chroniques arabes (notamment le Muntaẓam d’Ibn al‑Ǧawzī, le Mirʾāt al‑zamān de Sibṭ ibn al‑Ǧawzī, et le Kāmil d’Ibn al‑Aṯīr), décrivant les nombreuses fitna-s qui eurent lieu au cours de l’année 422/1031. Le contexte régional était celui du délitement du contrôle des Bouyides sur les terres centrales du califat abbasside et sur leur capitale, de la rivalité intense entre membres de la famille bouyide pour obtenir le titre de Grand émir (amīr al‑umarāʾ), et enfin de la mort du calife al-Qādir bi-Llāh (r. 381‑422/992‑1031). Le contexte bagdadien, lui, incluait l’agitation endémique des troupes et émirs turcs cantonnés dans la capitale abbasside, les affrontements confessionnels entre groupes sunnites et chiites, qui s’étaient intensifiés sous le règne des Bouyides, ainsi que les exactions de bandes d’hommes armés, les ʿayyār‑s. L’article examine ensuite la terminologie entourant le terme fitna, et les facteurs, tant sociaux que religieux et politiques, qui menaient au déclenchement de ces émeutes. Il étudie leurs acteurs, qu’ils soient issus du petit peuple ou bien institutionnels ; l’intervention (ou non) des instances de contrôle urbain ; et enfin les lourdes conséquences de ces fitna-s pour une société bagdadienne déjà fort divisée.
Some New Insights regarding Mamluk Siege Artillery (7th–8th/13th–14th centuries)
Authors: Berriah Mehdi
Published: July 2023

The conquest of the Frankish and Armenian fortresses attests to the high level of mastery achieved by the Mamluk army in the art of siege warfare. In addition to the large number of places they conquered, the short duration of their sieges raises the question of the process and phases of the Mamluk army’s sieges, the presence of specialized corps (sappers, artificers), and above all their use of artillery. Had the Mamluks not used heavy artillery with effective firepower, they would never have been able to conquer so many Frankish and Armenian strongholds in such a short time. This article builds on previous articles by scholars who have examined some aspects of the Mamluk army’s artillery, aiming to broaden our knowledge of the equipment and processes of the Mamluk army in siege warfare during the 7th/13th and 8th/14th centuries. By comparing Mamluk didactic and narrative sources, this study attempts to provide new data on the siege equipment of the Mamluk army and its use, and to shed light on questions relating to Mamluk poliorcetics that have been debated by scholars.
قرية البرج من عمل بيروت. مطلع القرن الثامن الهجري/الرابع عشر الميلادي
Authors: مكرزل بيار
Published: July 2023

يستند المقال إلى وثيقة غير منشورة تتضمّن وقفًا للسلطان الناصر محمد بن قلاوون. تزوّدنا هذه الوثيقة بمعلومات مهمّة عن قرية البرج من عمل بيروت إبّان حكم المماليك مطلع القرن الثامن الهجري/الرابع عشر الميلادي. تشكّل هذه الوثيقة نموذجًا لإدارة أراضي وأملاك الفرنج التي استولى عليها المماليك.
bodies of architecture, an Essay on Photomontages / Un essai en photomontages
Authors: Borelli Caterina
Published: July 2023

Artist’s statement about the photomontage series bodies of architecture.
How to be Modern: The Darantière Press and Anglo-American Writers in France
Authors: McMahon Fiona
Published: July 2023

The collaboration between Sylvia Beach, James Joyce, and the Dijon printer Maurice Darantière that resulted in the first printing of Ulysses in 1922 was commemorated in a 1988 study by the modernist scholar Jean-Michel Rabaté: Maurice Darantière, les années vingt: bibliographie d’imprimeur. The bibliography appended to the investigation of Darantière's publishing history (1900-1928) reveals a remarkable number of volumes of English-language poetry, essays and fiction during this period. Along with French translations of a range of English-language short stories (by Sherwood Anderson or Edgar Allan Poe), Darantière’s catalogue boasts over a dozen English-language volumes, including those by some of the key figures of anglophone literary modernism (Bryher, Robert McAlmon, Gertrude Stein, William Carlos Williams, H.D.). Darantière’s willingness to print books in a language other than French is a tribute not only to the audaciousness of his enterprise but to the network of influence established among Anglo-American writers, publishers and booksellers in France in the first decades of the twentieth century. What can a new examination of the Darantière collection (Bibliothèque municipale, Dijon) bring to light about the mediation of avant-garde Anglo-American writing in France and what Lawrence Rainey has called the “commodification” (44) of modernist print culture? The contribution of Darantière in the dissemination of Anglo-American literary experiment will be measured alongside the expanding role of the printer, from craftsman to vector of the new expatriate writing.
Scope and Application of Learning Theories in the Delivery of Medical Education
Authors: Shrivastava S. R. , Shrivastava P. S.
Published: July 2023

Learning is a complex process and refers to the acquisition of new knowledge, comprehension, skills, attitude, behaviors, values, and preferences. Learning theories have been proposed to explain how students receive, process, and retain knowledge. These theories differ from each other based on the underlying principles. Being medical educators, we should have an understanding of each of the learning theories, so that instead of taking sides with one specific theory, we should be broad enough in our vision to accept and employ them based on the nature of the educational experience. To conclude, it is vital that medical teachers should be aware of how students learn, and this aspect can be understood by knowing about different learning theories. Further, we must understand that there is an overlap between educational theories and they complement each other, and thus we should not consider them in isolation.
Board characteristics, ownership structures and bank profitability: Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Pradeep A. A.
Published: July 2023

Despite theoretical literature stating that corporate governance mechanisms enhance the banking sector performance, empirical studies over the past decades have inconclusive evidence over the effectiveness of such mechanisms. Several studies argued that some mechanisms led to diminishing banking profitability. Hence, the scope of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of corporate governance mechanisms in driving the banking profitability. The evidence is based on 13 licensed commercial and specialized banks in Sri Lanka during the period from 2011 to 2020. It examines the relationship between profitability indicators such as return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) against seven variables related to board characteristics and ownership structures through a panel data regression model. Each regression model is initially estimated with pooled OLS method and then tested with fixed and random effects methods based on the Hausman test results. The findings suggest that board size, frequency of board meetings, representation of non-executive directors in boards, gender diversity, directors’ share ownership and economic growth are significant determinants of ROA. In contrast, board size, frequency of board meetings, bank size and economic growth are associated with ROE, summarizing that the shareholders concentrate less on ownership structures in the Sri Lankan banking sector. This broadly supports the stakeholder theory where the corporate governance mechanisms ensure enhanced returns to all stakeholders rather than the shareholders’ returns. The results also suggest that the existing corporate governance requirements for the Sri Lankan banks require careful revisits to further promote their effectiveness.
The impact of micro credit programme on rural women livelihood development: A study of Bulathsinhala DS division in Sri Lanka
Authors: Rathnayaka R. P. I. K. , Silva K. N. N.
Published: July 2023

Micro credit (MC) is a financial service include under micro finance which is provide by consultative group to assist low income people. In global context, it is a very popular credit scheme among people who don't have access to formal financial services and most of them are women. However, this study tried to find the impact of Micro Credit programme on rural women livelihood development in Sri Lanka. The study conducted under main three objectives. Firstly, identify the Micro Credit client base and their intention of granting of Micro Credit loans. Then analyse the impact of Micro Credit loans on rural women livelihood development. Finally, provide suggestions and recommendations to improve effectiveness of credit programme in Sri Lanka. As the way to continue the study 50 Micro Credit women clients were selected from Bulathsinhala DS division by using simple random sampling technique. Then the data collected through structured questionnaires and interviews were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis methods. According to the findings of the study, due to on-time & easy access to Micro Credit loans, people tend to use Micro Credit irrespective of the high-interest rate. Anyhow, Micro Credit has not helped to improve the livelihood and living standard of the rural women in the study area. Instead of that, their debtness was increased. Reasons for that were lack of financial literacy knowledge of women and miss utilization for recover previous loan premiums and for family consumption without a proper investment plan. Therefore, the study suggests responsible authorities to create accessible credit schemes for rural women & Micro credit institutions to create evaluating & monitoring process as an after care service of loans & organize programme to improve their client’s Financial Literacy knowledge to create an effective rural Micro Credit programme within Sri Lankan context.
Para una revolución cristiana: El joven diputado provincial Carlos Auyero (1963-1966)
Authors: Pattin Sebastian , Ferrari Marcela
Published: July 2023

Durante los años de inestabilidad política en Argentina y en un trienio democrático (1963-66), el joven diputado democristiano Carlos Auyero presentó proyectos en la legislatura de la provincia de Buenos Aires que propendían a la redistribución de la riqueza y reflejaban sus mundos sociales de pertenencia, además de las ideas en las que abrevaban. Este análisis recupera de qué manera su formación y sociabilidad católica, su educación formal laica y su participación inicial en el comité partidario de una sección del conurbano bonaerense, se conjugaron con las transformaciones internacionales en la Iglesia católica y los paradigmas ideológicos en crecimiento, entre ellos, el desarrollista y el revolucionario, para dar cuenta de sus apropiaciones creativas durante los primeros años de su carrera política.
FERDINANDO DI FENIZIO INTERPRETE DI KEYNES
Authors: Beretta Silvio , Targetti Lenti Renata
Published: July 2023

The article analyses the contribution by Ferdinando di Fenizio to the introduction of Keynesian thought into Italy; di Fenizio’s work is discussed within the historical context of the economic doctrines prevalent at that time. The comparison shows how the adaptation of Keynes’s thought to the Italian environment was a long and laborious process. The article covers the academic and life experience of di Fenizio (1906-1974) during the 1930s and 1940s. It is emphasized that his entry into the Milanese environment, in particular in the Montedison’ research department and the editorship of “L’industria”, contributed to bringing about what was to be a constant feature of his research activities: close attention to facts, empirical verification, relevance of theory for the analysis and economic policies. His editorship of “L’industria” was central to the diffusion of Keynes’s thought from the beginning of the post World War II period, and significantly contributed to the progress of economic studies in Italy, both in terms of research and teaching of economics. In the early post-war years, di Fenizio published many essays which analyzed various aspects of the Keynesian system: overall supply and demand, effective demand, income and employment. Di Fenizio systematically highlighted – in Keynes’s work – the elements of continuity up to The General Theory. The paper emphasizes, in particular, that Fenizio identified three eighteenth-century authors as precursors of the Keynesian system as an aggregate and real-monetary integrated system, all significant from the point of view of monetary analysis albeit very heterogeneous: John Law, “the true ancestor of the concept of manipulated money” according to Schumpeter, the mercantilist banker Richard Cantillon, and the physician, physiocratic and “economist” François Quesnay.
PER L’ANNIVERSARIO DI UN GRANDE POETA: ANDREA ZANZOTTO E I SUOI AUTOGRAFI
Authors: Venturi Francesco
Published: July 2023

The article examines the main features of Andrea Zanzotto’s poetry (1921-2011) and scrutinises the poet’s manuscripts kept at the University of Pavia’s Centro Manoscritti di Autori Moderni e Contemporanei. The analysis specifically focuses on the intricate genetic and elaborative processes underlying Zanzotto’s ‘trilogy’ or ‘pseudo-trilogy’, composed of three poetry collections published in nearly a decade, Il Galateo in Bosco (1978), Fosfeni (1983), and Idioma (1986).
ESSERE UMANI
Authors: Boncinelli Edoardo
Published: July 2023

What does “human” mean in the age of artificial intelligence and the digital revolution? Why do we feel the need to say «let’s stay human»? Where will our evolutionary process take us? The extraordinary multiplicity and diversity of what constitutes us - organic matter, brain, mind, consciousness, emotions - makes the answer difficult, especially in definitive terms. The human is configured as an always open construction site, of great complexity and in continuous evolution.
DANTE TRA L’AMBROSIANA E IL LOMBARDO
Authors: Frasso Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

Giovanni Galbiati, “Prefetto” of the Ambrosian Library from 1924 to 1951, effective member of the Istituto Lombardo since 1928, chaired the Milanese Committee of the Italian Dante Society from 1935 to 1944. Close to fascism, he organized, and then edited, the publication of numerous Dante’s conferences promoted by the Milanese Committee. These conferences, moving very often, like many of Galbiati’s premises to the volumes, on the cultural lines of the fascist party, illustrate in an exemplary negative way, how Dante’s work could be bent to interests and ends completely unrelated to it.
Spontaneous renaturalization of open ecosystems in the hills of Brescia seen through the bird community
Authors: Leo Rocco , Romanenghi Gabriele , Franchini Diego , Gobbini Marco
Published: July 2023

The sun-exposed open areas of the Brescia hills overlooking the Po Valley (Avanalpica region) were created by man starting from the 11th century. After the Second World War, following agro-pastoral abandonment, these areas have significantly shrunk. The evolution underway is towards the deciduous forest although in some areas the strong presence of quarries is blocking the vegetational succession or delaying it. Local birds are now largely associated with woodland coenosis and more scarcely with open areas, shrublands and wood edges. Seven open areas species have become extinct over the past 30 years: Woodchat Shrike, Barred Warbler, Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Tawny Pipit, Corn Bunting and Ortolan Bunting. Others, like Red-backed Shrike, Common Whitethroat, Cirl Bunting and Wood Lark have declined. Only the generalist Sardinian Warbler and Blue Rock-Thrush, typical of rocky areas with grassy spaces, are still relatively widespread although slightly decreasing. The Cirl Bunting, a species linked to traditional vineyards and orchards, is not expanding in the new intensively cultivated lands. The Eastern Subalpine Warbler is on the rise even though, due to its very low presence and lack of specific surveys, it may not have been detected in the past. The factors determining the presence of these species, i.e. traditional crops, flat open areas, soils with low grass and often with outcropping and/or rocky substrate, are in sharp decline. We can state that this bird community is negatively influenced by the percentage of tree cover and positively influenced by the presence of quarries which, however, represent an ephemeral and strongly impacting environment. In the absence of fires and/or natural disasters as well as human interventions, which are not likely to occur due to their poor economic sustainability, the prognosis for these birds is to be considered poor and a reduction in both bird and general biodiversity is to be expected.
New data on the expansion of the Eurasian Thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus in Sicily. A consideration of citizen science.
Authors: Surdo Salvatore , Cusimano Camillo Antonino , Lo Duca Rocco
Published: July 2023

In this work, we collected records of Eurasian Thick-knee observations in Sicily by using scientific literature, citizen science programs, and social networks as data sources. The aims of this work is creating a complete and up-to-date dataset, which also includes the authors’ targeted research in the field. As compared with records previously reported in literature, the data collected here, which cover the last fifteen years, show a clear expansion trend for the Eurasian Thick-knee in Sicily. About one third of these new records come from Facebook groups dedicated to biodiversity, thus underlining the usefulness of unconventional sources to gather data on species with poorly known distributions. [Article in Italian]
Effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy as a transdiagnostic treatment for improving cognitive functions: a systematic review
Authors: Vijayapriya CV , Tamarana Rameshbabu
Published: July 2023

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been found to be an efficacious treatment for disorders characterized by high levels of emotional instability. In view of the multifaceted applications of DBT and the extent to which mental disorders can incapacitate cognitive functions, the current systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of DBT in strengthening cognitive functions across various mental health conditions. Original research studies employing both experimental and quasi-experimental designs were included in the review. The literature search was done using different electronic databases, from the first available literature until June 2022, that covered an approximate period of ten years. Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to assess the methodological rigor of the studies. Twelve studies conducted on adolescents with emotional dysregulation, and adults with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and multiple sclerosis were selected. Results indicate that DBT has the potential to improve key cognitive functions such as attention, memory, fluency, response inhibition, planning, set shifting, tolerance for delayed rewards and time perception, as assessed by neuropsychological tests, self-report of cognitive functions, and neuroimaging techniques. Considering the review’s findings that showcase the effectiveness of DBT in fostering improvements in cognitive functions, DBT may possibly be chosen as a preferred treatment to ensure that patients reach optimal levels of cognitive functioning. Limitations include lack of sufficient studies encompassing all the common mental health conditions, usage of neuroimaging techniques as only an indirect measure of cognitive functioning and nuances related to the quality of individual studies.
Mercaptoethylguanidine is a selective inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor on pulmonary artery
Authors: Wang Xian-He Shyanher
Published: July 2023

Background:

Nitric oxide (NO) is a colorless and odorless toxic gas and a short-acting physiological vasodilator. NO is produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). NOS has three isoforms, including endothelium NOS, neuronal NOS, and inducible NOS (iNOS). Many NOS inhibitors are analogs for the amino acid, L-arginine, and are nonselective among the three NOS isoforms. Alternatively, mercaptoethylguanidine (MEG) is not an analog for the amino acid but an analog for the guanidine group on L-arginine. Concentrations of up to 10-4 M have no effects on the acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxations in rat aorta, but it reverses sepsis-induced vascular hypocontractility in endothelium-removed rat aorta.

Objectives:

The pulmonary artery is different from the aorta in many physiological responses. This study aims to investigate the selectivity of MEG for the iNOS in the pulmonary artery.

Methods:

Standardized rabbit pulmonary arterial rings were adopted. MEG of up to 10-4 M was added to the tissue baths containing either the endothelium-intact or -removed rings after testing for endothelial function. Phenylephrine concentration-response curves were cumulatively obtained after the incubation period, p and compared among four groups, including control, MEG alone, IL-1β alone, and IL-1β plus MEG.

Results:

Acetylcholine could stimulate the endothelium NOS on the endothelium-intact pulmonary arterial rings under the tonic status, resulting inrelaxation, but not on the endothelium-removed ones. Interleukin (IL)-1β could stimulate the iNOS in both the endothelium-intact and endothelium-removed pulmonary arterial rings after tissue incubation, resulting in relaxation. The IL-1β-induced relaxation could be inhibited by mercaptoethylguanidine (MEG) in both the endothelium-intact and endothelium-removed pulmonary arterial rings. MEG had no effects on both the endothelium-intact or endothelium-removed pulmonary arterial rings.

Conclusion:

MEG is a selective iNOS inhibitor in the pulmonary artery.
Vitiligo: A mini review
Authors: Liao Da-Ming , Chen Chieh
Published: July 2023

Vitiligo is a common depigmentation disorder and is mainly characterized by white patches of irregular shapes with clear boundaries on the skin. Although vitiligo is not a fatal disease and is not contagious, it can affect a person’s appearance and can cause great psychological distress. Approximately 1%–2% of the general population has vitiligo, and an estimated 20% has a family history of the disease. Vitiligo can be further classified into segmental and systemic vitiligo. Clinically, there are many skin depigmentation diseases that are easily confused with vitiligo, such as tinea versicolor, pityriasis alba, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, and chemical vitiligo, which need to be differentiated by a physician for correct diagnosis. The doctor will have to conduct a pathological examination of the skin to rule out any malignant diseases known to have reduced or absent melanocytes.
Acute Mitral Regurgitation with Unilateral Left-Sided Pulmonary Edema
Authors: Anjum Ibrar , Zia Umer , Anjum Sheraz , Patel Shalin
Published: July 2023

A 67-year-old man with inferior wall ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction underwent Impella-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention complicated by unilateral left-sided pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock due to severe mitral valve regurgitation. Surgery was deferred due to hemodynamic instability and a high risk of mortality, so he underwent a MitraClip procedure. Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a catastrophic mechanical complication of myocardial infarction that leads to the development of pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock, and death. After the procedure, the patient significantly reduces MR with a resolution of pulmonary edema. Acute MR can rarely present as a unilateral left-sided pulmonary edema delaying diagnosis and treatment. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair can be a safe alternative for patients who are at high risk for surgery.