bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FIGURE 7 from Combinatorial Natural Killer Cell–based Immunotherapy Approaches Selectively Target Chordoma Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Hoke Austin T.K. , Padget Michelle R. , Fabian Kellsye P. , Nandal Anjali , Gallia Gary L. , Bilusic Marijo , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Hodge James W. , London Nyall R.
Published: October 2024

Targeting of chordoma CSCs through N-601 (anti-PD-L1)-mediated ADCC by N-803 (IL15 superagonist)-activated NK cells. CellTrace Violet-stained UM-Chor1 cells were used as targets for healthy donor NK cells in a flow cytometry-based killing assay. A, CSC and non-CSC subpopulations were identified using the gating strategy described. B, UM-Chor1 cells were co-incubated with N-601 or isotype control antibody and NK cells were treated with N-803 where indicated. CSC and non-CSC cell death through N-601-mediated ADCC by untreated or N-803-treated NK cells were evaluated via flow cytometry using a live/dead fixable cell stain exclusion method. (C and D) Flow cytometry was used to quantify expression of HLA-A,B,C, MICA/B, B7-H6, and PD-L1 expression on CSC and non-CSC UM-Chor1 cells. Cell surface expression of each marker is reported in % positive cells and MFI. Bold values denote an increase of > 20% when comparing CSC vs. non-CSC. All E:T ratios are 5:1. Statistical analyses were done by one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons test. *P d 0.05, **P d 0.01, ***P d 0.001, ****P d 0.0001. Results shown are the means ± SEM of technical quadruplicate measurements and are representative of two independent experiments.
FIGURE 1 from In Silico Epitope Prediction Analyses Highlight the Potential for Distracting Antigen Immunodominance with Allogeneic Cancer Vaccines
Authors: James C. Alston , Ronning Peter , Cullinan Darren , Cotto Kelsy C. , Barnell Erica K. , Campbell Katie M. , Skidmore Zachary L. , Sanford Dominic E. , Goedegebuure S. Peter , Gillanders William E. , Griffith Obi L. , Hawkins William G. , Griffith Malachi
Published: October 2024

Simulated clinical trial work flow and shared neoantigen analysis. Using cancer-type matched cohorts from the TCGA, 33 samples were selected randomly and designated as either “vaccine” (n = 3) or “patient” (n = 30). Analysis was then performed to determine the number of shared tumor-specific neoantigens between the pooled vaccine and each patient individually. Right, a neoantigen analysis workflow is depicted. Tumor-specific neoantigens were determined for each sample individually in the following order. All somatic variants in the tumor were first identified. Non–protein-altering variants were excluded. The total pool of possible peptides was then calculated, and those that did not result in a predicted neoantigen with an IC50 < 500 nm were excluded for the lysate-based analysis. In addition, predicted neoantigens not presented on both the vaccine and patient's MHC haplotype were excluded for the cell-based analysis (Materials and Methods).
The Clinical and Genetic Diversity of Thyroid Hormone Resistance: Four Clinical Vignettes
Authors: Deeb Asma , Kadam Rochita Rajesh , El-Kebbi Imad Mohamad
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Resistance to thyroid hormones (RTH) is a rare but important genetic cause of decreased peripheral tissue responses to the actions of thyroxine. Most RTH cases are caused by mutations in thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ, THRB), while a few are caused by mutations in thyroid hormone receptor α (TRα, THRA). RTH is clinically heterogeneous, and the biochemical features are often confusing, resulting in misdiagnoses, mismanagement, and life-long consequences for affected individuals. An awareness of the clinical and genetic spectrum of RTH is therefore essential to avoid misdiagnosis and to ensure timely referral for definitive management. Case Presentation: Here we present four clinical vignettes describing three children and one adult with RTH encountered in our “real-world” tertiary pediatric endocrinology practice. We describe a novel THRA (NM_199334.3:c.-298 + 5G>A) missense mutation in the first intron in the 5’ untranslated region (UTR) of THRA, with causal variant prediction with Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion placing the mutation in the top 1% most deleterious variants (scaled C-score 21.7). We speculate that this mutation causes an exon skipping event affecting the 5’UTR and protein-coding region, thereby resulting in abnormal or absent TRα1, although supporting clinical, genetic, and/or functional analyses are required to upgrade the pathogenicity classification from uncertain significance to pathogenic/likely pathogenic. The three cases describing “classical” RTH caused by THRB mutations showcase the consequences of misdiagnosis, with 2 patients prescribed medications that could exacerbate symptoms and one child presenting with behavioral problems that might benefit from tailored management with hormone therapies. Conclusion: This report not only highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion for RTH to prompt the genetic diagnosis but also contributes to a growing appreciation of the pathogenic role of non-coding variants in rare diseases.
Relative Importance of Defined Mycobacterium tuberculosis Antigens in the T-Cell Recognition Repertoire of Latently Infected Individuals Not Progressing to Active Disease
Authors: Oftung Fredrik , Mustafa Abu Salim
Published: October 2024

Objective: In this study, we have mapped the relative importance of well-defined recombinantly expressed Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens in the T-cell recognition repertoire of latently infected individuals not progressing to active disease. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy latently infected long-term non-progressors were screened for antigen-induced proliferation and Th1 cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ) responses. Results: The panel of antigens tested showed a clear spectrum of responsiveness and lead to the identification of a subgroup of frequently recognized antigens (MPT59, CFP7, CFP10, CFP21, TB37.6/PPE68, ESAT-6, MPT51, and DnaK) with a high cellular response level as measured in both proliferation and IFN-γ assays. Among a subgroup of antigens also screened for responses in tuberculosis patients, CFP21 was identified as differentially recognized in non-progressors. For both cellular assays, we found a positive correlation between responder frequency and magnitude of response. A significant correlation between the level of antigen-specific proliferation and INF-γ secretion was also observed. Conclusion: We have identified a defined set of M. tuberculosis antigens frequently recognized by T cells at a high response level from latently infected long-term non-progressors which warrant further investigation for a potential role in immune regulation and protection against progression to active disease.
Financiamiento de la Salud Pública en América Latina: estudios sobre Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México y Perú
Authors: Schor Adriana ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Relações Internacionais, Schettini Daniela Carla Decaro ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Relações Internacionais, Sarti Flavia Mori ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Lins Maria Antonieta Del Tedesco ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Relações Internacionais, Nishijima Marislei ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Relações Internacionais, Pontiatti Natalia Dus ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Relações Internacionais
Published: October 2024

El conjunto de artículos que componen esta publicación, de septiembre de 2024, es resultado de la ejecución de un proyecto realizado en el Instituto de Relaciones Internacionales de la Universidad de São Paulo en 2023 y 2024, con el objetivo de investigar los aspectos económicos de la prestación de servicios de salud en los países de América Latina, concretamente con un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo sobre la inversión en salud en seis países de la región: Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México y Perú. El proyecto surgió de un convenio de investigación firmado en febrero de 2023 entre la Universidad de São Paulo (USP), representada por el Instituto de Relaciones Internacionales (IRI), y la Federación Latinoamericana de la Industria Farmacéutica (FIFARMA). Bajo la coordinación del profesor Pedro Bohomoletz de Abreu Dallari, director del IRI, y del investigador Guillermo Aponte Reyes Ortiz, vinculado al IRI y al Centro Iberoamericano (CIBA), seis profesoras del área de economía desarrollaron actividades de investigación y produjeron cuidadosos análisis sobre el financiamiento de los servicios de salud en los países estudiados: las profesoras del IRI Daniela Carla Decaro Schettini (Argentina), Marislei Nishijima (Brasil), Natalia Dus Poiatti (Chile), Adriana Schor (Colombia) y Maria Antonieta Del Tedesco Lins (México), y la profesora Flavia Mori Sarti (Perú), de la Escuela de Artes, Ciencias y Humanidades (EACH). En esta publicación, los seis artículos centrados en los diferentes países están precedidos por dos artículos introductorios de temática más amplia: un estudio sobre el entorno demográfico y económico de la salud en Latinoamérica, elaborado por el investigador Guillermo Aponte, y un estudio sobre los marcos constitucionales para la garantía e implementación del derecho a la salud en América Latina, escrito por el profesor Pedro Dallari. Un breve artículo de los coordinadores con consideraciones generales y finales cierra la publicación.
Cancelamento: em busca de uma definição sociocultural
Authors: Castro Luiz Henrique Silva de , Libardi Guilherme Barbacovi
Published: October 2024

A partir de la popularización del debate en torno a la "cultura del cancelamiento" en los entornos digitales y los espacios de los medios de comunicación tradicionales, este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir la dimensión "cultural" del cancelamiento. Nos preguntamos si las acciones que caracterizan un "cancelamiento", en conjunto, pueden realmente constituir una "cultura". Para ello, a través de investigaciones bibliográficas y documentales, presentamos algunas conceptualizaciones y reflexiones recientes sobre la "cultura del cancelamiento" para luego evaluar este fenómeno desde un enfoque sociocultural. Concluimos que el cancelamiento no posee suficiente profundidad para ser nombrado como "cultura", sino más bien como una práctica cultural caracterizada por tácticas de resistencia y negociación.
A Taça da Champions vai a Abu Dhabi: apontamentos sobre sportswashing e usos geopolíticos do esporte no século XXI
Authors: Amaro Fausto
Published: October 2024

Este artigo apresenta uma primeira exploração de pesquisa que pretende analisar como os Estados nacionais e conglomerados financeiros têm se utilizado do poder da mídia para se comunicar com diferentes públicos, principalmente internacionais, por meio de instrumentos de diplomacia esportiva e sportswashing. É importante frisar que não se trata de um fenômeno propriamente novo, mas que tem ganhado projeção nos últimos anos, dado o uso reiterado de instrumentos de soft power por regimes totalitários e autocráticos ao redor do mundo. Neste artigo, apresenta-se algumas reflexões iniciais sobre o tema, amparadas em bibliografia de referência, e faz-se uma análise parcial da relação entre o Manchester City e o Abu Dhabi United Group, fundo dos Emirados Árabes Unidos (EAU).
Entre o artístico e o publicitário: efeitos de marca e lembrança dos lambe-lambes do festival Lollapalooza
Authors: Sarralheiro Vinícius Alves , Oyakawa Thais Kaori , Chagas Alex Ribeiro , Lima Juliana Reis Nogueira de , Rosas Gabriel Vítor Lima , Caiado Marina Faleiro
Published: October 2024

Este estudo investiga o papel dos lambe-lambes artísticos no contexto do festival Lollapalooza como ferramentas de comunicação que mesclam arte e publicidade. Utilizando métodos da neurociência do consumo, como o eye tracking, analisa-se de que modo essas intervenções visuais capturam a atenção do público e influenciam na memorização das marcas patrocinadoras. Ao explorar essa interseção entre arte contemporânea e estratégias de marketing, o artigo oferece insights sobre como a estética dos cartazes contribui para a percepção e experiência dos consumidores, destacando o potencial dos lambe-lambes como elementos simbólicos que transcendem simples anúncios para engajar e conectar-se emocionalmente com o público.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Keep It Simple
Authors: Hanley Daniel F. , Ziai Wendy C. , Vahidy Farhaan S. , Polster Sean , McBee Nichol A. , Thompson Richard E. , Awad Issam A.
Published: October 2024

The quotation, attributed to Confucius many centuries ago, in our opinion, applies to the evolving story of defining a primary surgical treatment for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. The precise quote is: “Keep it simple and focus on what matters. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed.”

1

The evidence from multiple trials on intracerebral hemorrhage regarding mortality benefit and potential functional benefit directs us toward the simple task of evacuating the clot, similar to our prime focus on opening the artery in ischemic stroke. We need not be overwhelmed by questions about adjustments to patient selection, comparative techniques, and precision timing, for which we do not have conclusive data. We review the consensus results from the recent MISTIE trial (Minimally Invasive Surgery Plus Alteplase in ICH Evacuation) and ENRICH trial (Early Minimally Invasive Removal of Intracerebral Hemorrhage) and articulate remaining questions where further evidence is needed to challenge equipoise and define future practice.
Prenominal Adverbs, or Apparent Selectional Violations in Coordination
Authors: Przepiórkowski Adam , Patejuk Agnieszka
Published: October 2024

A robust generalization about coordinate structures is that X and Y may be conjoined in position P if and only if each of X and Y alone may occur in P. In particular, different grammatical categories (e.g., the NP a Republican and the AdjP proud of it) may be coordinated in a position that allows for either (e.g., Pat is [a Republican and proud of it]; Sag et al. 1985). Apparent violations of this generalization are sometimes taken as evidence for an asymmetric structure of coordination, where a single conjunct determines categorial features of the coordinate structure. Bruening and Al Khalaf 2020 and Bruening 2023 posit that one such violation involves coordination of AdvPs and AdjPs in prenominal positions that apparently do not allow for AdvPs alone; e.g., The [Once and Future] King (a book title) is grammatical, while the once king alone is claimed either to be ungrammatical or to involve a hypothetical compound once king that only a minority of English speakers accept. On the basis of rich attested data and acceptability judgment experiments, we demonstrate that adverbs such as once, now, soon, and twice combine with nouns in regular syntax, rather than via hypothetical compound forming processes. Hence, constructions exemplified by The Once and Future King do not violate the discussed generalization and do not provide an argument against the symmetric nature of coordination.
Constructed Identities and Dueling Ideologies: Reading Ancient Israelite Foreign Oracles as Ideological Critique
Authors: Timmer Daniel C.
Published: October 2024

This article aims to advance understanding of foreign nation oracles in the hb/ot by analyzing how many such oracles focus, more precisely, on subgroups within the polities named and direct their critique against that group’s articulation and enactment of imperialistic or nationalistic ideologies. The article first draws upon sociology and critical discourse analysis to sketch a theoretical perspective in which to analyze such oracles, then heuristically explores nation oracles in several prophetic books to illuminate the significance of their double focus on subgroups associated with ideologies which, as discourses of power, definitively validate and vindicate their proponents over against the Other. The article concludes with reflections on the value of ideologically-sensitive interpretation of prophetic oracles concerning foreign groups in light of this phenomenon’s overlap with sociology, imperialism, ideological critique, and justice.
Migration and Identity: A Rereading of the Child in Matthew 2:13-23
Authors: Allen Amy Lindeman
Published: October 2024

Naming is a personal and powerful action, often tied to the identity of an individual. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ name is chosen with great care, only to be almost immediately cast aside in favor of the generic form “the child” throughout his childhood in exile. This article reads Matthew 2:13-23 through a childist lens, combining migration theory with attention to the obfuscation of the child Jesus’ identity to elucidate both the experiences represented in the Gospel account, as well as its enduring significance for generations of migrant communities living into their identities today. Seeking to read Matthew 2 together with refugee communities today, this reading highlights the limits of constructed identities such as borders, nation states, and even names, while tracing the child Jesus’ development in the infancy narrative of Matthew.
Early Configurations of Jewish Prayer
Authors: Bakker Arjen
Published: October 2024

The argument of this article is that there are remarkable affinities between early configurations of Jewish prayer in the Second Temple period and the later rabbinic liturgical system. The article examines Greek and Hebrew sources that exhibit a process of deepening and purification in which sacrificial worship is reinterpreted and relegated to other domains of non-sacrificial worship and service. Furthermore, the article explores elements of the sacrificial cult that are incorporated into prayers from the Second Temple period. My argument relies on both textual and material evidence, including the works of Philo of Alexandria, the Dead Sea Scrolls, excerpted texts and tefillin, and the Septuagint of Daniel.
Commentary: Revisiting Contemporary Revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Lawson Fred H.
Published: October 2024

Mark Beissinger’s The Revolutionary City marks a major advance in current scholarship on revolutions. Cases drawn from the Middle East and North Africa are an important component of the analysis. Yet instances of popular rebellion in this part of the world have been omitted and several instances that are included are mischaracterized. Specialists in regional affairs can contribute to improving the study of revolutions by revisiting this influential project.
The Renewable Rentier State in Algeria
Authors: Benali Lagraa
Published: October 2024

This article focuses on a major problem: How can the rentier state renew itself? The article focuses on oil-producing countries and their ability to survive during the economic crises they are exposed to due to the collapse of oil prices and the shocks they generate. The oil rentier state has proven its ability to rebuild itself after oil shocks. This study thus analyzes the basic ingredients for the renewal of the rentier state: the rentier economy, the rentier system, and rentier society. Algeria was chosen as a case study during the period under consideration (2000–2022) because it is an oil rentier country that was exposed to both an oil boom and oil shock. The article includes four axes: the definition of the renewable rentier state; the sustainable crises of the rentier state in Algeria; levels of renewal of the rentier state in Algeria; the rentier state between continuity and change after the popular movement in Algeria.
Contribution of Design Thinking to Leadership Outcome
Authors: Lamaa Youssef , Baroudi Noujoud
Published: October 2024

This article explores the various types of leadership used in Lebanese small and medium-size enterprises (SME s). The purpose is to define the roots of the commercial leadership problems in Lebanon and to identify ways to improve business outcomes, taking as a reference point a human-centered management approach called Design Thinking (DT). The article investigates whether a DT approach can contribute to better leadership. An inductive qualitative approach has been used to conduct research into this question, with data collected by means of semi-structured interviews with Lebanese SME leaders. Content analysis and lexical and thematic approaches show that there are two dominant issues in Lebanese leadership: a complete denial of employees’ right to access decision making; and an incomplete human-centered management approach, one showing a lack of empathy and an absence of a performance evaluation process.
Saudi-Iranian Relations
Authors: Abisaab Fares
Published: October 2024

After nearly seven years of severing diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and after nearly two decades of deteriorating relations between the two countries, China succeeded in bringing both parties together to restore their relations that could open a new phase in the relations among countries of the Gulf region in particular, and the Middle East in general, which will affect the political, economic and humanitarian scene and put an end to the sharp deterioration of the region since the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, which contributed in worsening the Saudi-Iranian relations, and led the Middle East into wars, violence and the spread of terrorism, noting that the region might need decades to get out of its economic, social and political repercussions.
Academic Historiographic Remedies of Colonialist Images of Egypt’s Nationalist Party
Authors: Salem Ahmed Ali
Published: October 2024

This article does not attempt to outline the history of Egypt’s Nationalist Party since its foundation by Mustafa Kamil in 1907; rather, it demonstrates the colonialist nature of early British narratives, then discusses the counternarratives of contemporary Egyptian nationalist leaders, and analyzes the emergence of academic narratives from Egyptian and Western academic historians. The article argues that the image of the Nationalist Party in Western academia has moved away from the defamation of early British colonialist writers, with a favorable image prevailing among Egyptian academic historians since 1952. Politicians and historians searching for inspiring nationalist personalities, particularly during the self-criticism after the Arab defeat in the 1967 war, revived the Nationalist Party leaders. This favorable image has survived several dramatic changes in ideology of successive ruling regimes and has become so popular that politicians of all orientations often use it to serve their political interests.
Gulf Reconciliation 2021
Authors: Al-Zaidi Mufeed
Published: October 2024

After the American occupation of 2003 and the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, Iraq faced many challenges including in its foreign relations. It sought to overcome these, especially with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in light of its confrontation with terrorism, sectarianism, and security deterioration. This state of affairs continued until 2014 when Iraqi-Gulf relations witnessed a remarkable normalization in various political, security and economic fields, culminating in the “Gulf reconciliation” in January 2021 when the GCC succeeded in achieving reconciliation with Qatar, at the “Al-Ula Summit” held in Al-Ula in northern Saudi Arabia. The article examines Gulf reconciliation in 2021 and its implications for the future of Iraqi-Gulf relations and puts forward a hypothesis based on the fact that positive Iraqi-Gulf relations contribute to achieving a state of security and stability for Iraq, and the GCC as a whole. This will lead to improving Iraq’s relations with the countries of the region after suffering from a state of instability for the past two decades. Achieving Gulf reconciliation will plausibly help in building positive relations and further develop them in the future, helping to reduce regional conflict, and preserve Iraq’s unity and sovereignty as an important country in the Gulf regional order.
A Comprehensive Model for Innovation Ecosystems
Authors: Toth Csilla , Hary Andras
Published: October 2024

Research on innovation ecosystems is mostly approached from the point of view of institution-oriented aspects, which typically focus on the structural elements of innovation systems. However, this perspective has limitations to describe a really functioning innovation system, as it does not take into account its complex nature of dynamics and the functional features.

The authors run research on models of innovation ecosystems based on complexity theory principles. The presented perspective, based on complexity theory, takes into account not only the structural and the complex but also the dynamic feature of the innovation ecosystems, still using the triple helix approach as a basis. The objective of the article is to present a system model framework for innovation ecosystems, that can be used for development of technology and science parks management models.

The approach of the research is based on literature review and discussion of relevant results, followed by explanation and concluding a possible innovation ecosystem framework model, finally demonstrated its interpretation through a specific case. In its first part, the article gives a general overview on complex systems from point of related findings on innovation ecosystems. Based on literature review, the preliminary analysis of the authors in the subject is given. Then, the relevant model features are described, then and the proof of the concept is explained according to the research. The descriptive features of complex systems based on the referenced papers are used to interpret the proposed model.

The main outcome of the article is a comprehensive innovation ecosystem model as a tool to understand and analyse such systems based on actors, functions and key factors. The authors demonstrated in the article that features of complex systems not only help describing innovation ecosystems but also support defining key model elements. An empiric case of ZalaZONE Technology Park was shown related to the presented innovation ecosystem model.

Finally, the next steps of the model development are outlined and advice is concluded for application of the model in the practice and in further research.

The novelty of the article is pointing out that the simple model of triple helix and the complexity approach as a view for modelling the real circumstances, can be well-combined to outline a comprehensive model for innovation ecosystems.
Partial or complete replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal improves feed efficiency in laying hens between 22 to 30 weeks of age
Authors: Veldkamp T. , Rezaei Far A. , Caimi C. , Gasco L. , Lima R.C. , Cunha L.M.
Published: October 2024

The European Commission recently authorised the inclusion of insect meal in poultry feed. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSF) has comparable nutritional value to soybean meal (SBM) and higher calcium content, making it an attractive alternative protein source for laying hens While a few studies have explored this objective, inconsistent results have been reported, likely due to variations in hen age, breed, husbandry systems, and sunflower meal composition across studies, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions. We hypothesised that partial or complete replacement of SBM with BSF has no adverse effects on egg production and quality in laying hens at the initiation of laying (22-30 weeks of age). This study consisted of three dietary treatments and nine replicates per treatment. Diets were a control diet, and two diets containing 5% (BSF5%) and 10% (BSF10%). The experimental unit was a pen (100 × 200 × 200 cm) of 14 Brown Nick laying hens resembling an aviary setting. We found that complete replacement of SBM with BSF10% in the diet of laying hens improved feed efficiency attributed to a lower feed intake in comparison to laying hens fed the BSF5% or the control diets, while production performance, body weight, and egg quality were maintained and the colour of the egg yolk increased. Therefore, replacing SBM with up to 10% BSF in brown laying hens in aviary pens at the initiation of laying had no adverse effects on production performance, chemical and physical characteristics, and sensory attributes of eggs. Maintaining production and egg quality with a lower intake of nutrients requires further investigation.
Symbolic and Cultural Indications of Motherhood Figurines in Ancient Arabia
Authors: El-Sayyad Emad Ahmed
Published: October 2024

This article deals with some aspects of the cultural influences that developed between Arabia and neighboring old-world cradles of civilization, as represented in motherhood figurines found buried with the dead. These reveal the skillfulness of the Arabian artist in shaping the figurines in such a way as to bring out feminine features. The article also demonstrates that the Arabian tribal system passed through two stages: an ancient primitive stage, during which women were socially dominant, as confirmed by the maternal statues; and another stage, prior to the coming of Islam, during which paternal hegemony dominated and maternal statues gradually began to disappear from the scene with the advent of the Nabataeans.
An Investigation of Convective Boundary Layer Depth and Entrainment Zone Properties Using Dual-Polarization Radar and Balloon-Borne Observations
Authors: Stouffer Braedon C. , Stensrud David J. , Comer C. Lyn , Zhang Yunji , Kumjian Matthew R.
Published: October 2024

Previous work has shown that differential reflectivity ZDR observations from National Weather Service dual-polarization Doppler weather radars (WSR-88Ds) provide accurate estimates of convective boundary layer (CBL) depth when compared with depth estimates from 0000 UTC rawinsonde observations. We extend this work by launching small rawinsondes, called Windsonds, to study ZDR signals throughout the daytime hours. Results show that it can be difficult to identify CBL depth from ZDR alone when biological scatterers are absent. The exploration of other radar variables leads to the use of azimuthal ZDR variance to help in identifying CBL characteristics. A variable that combines both ZDR and azimuthal ZDR variance, called DVar, allows for improved signal identification using the quasi-vertical profile (QVP) method. Furthermore, the QVP channel width is found to be closely tied to the overall entrainment zone (EZ) structure. Results show that the centers and vertical extents of channels of reduced DVar in QVPs correlate well with sounding-observed CBL depth and EZ depth, respectively, across all stages of CBL development and in both clear and cloud-topped CBLs. The QVP approach tends to fail in identifying CBL and EZ depths when the vertical gradient in moisture above the CBL is small. Additionally, we compare the observed EZ depth to various EZ parameterizations and show that the parameterizations generally underestimate EZ depth. We conclude that the ability of WSR-88Ds to sample the CBL should be leveraged to increase our knowledge of CBL properties.

Significance Statement

The boundary layer is the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere and influences many weather-related phenomena. During the day, sunlight warms the surface and the convective boundary layer (CBL) forms. Even though CBL characteristics are important for accurate weather forecasts, current methods of observing the CBL are severely lacking. This study investigates the potential of using dual-polarization weather radars to expand CBL observations. We also evaluate how well simplified CBL models predict certain CBL characteristics and how they could be improved in the future.
Short- and Medium-Range Predictability of Warm-Season Derechos. Part II: Convection-Allowing Ensemble Forecasts
Authors: Ribeiro Bruno Z. , Weiss Steven J. , Bosart Lance F.
Published: October 2024

This study explores convection-allowing ensemble (CAE) forecasts of a subset of 24 warm-season (May–August) progressive derechos from 2012 to 2022. The derecho cases were stratified into low predictability and moderate predictability based on the performance of Storm Prediction Center’s Convective Outlooks. The Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) is used with a global mesh of varying horizontal resolution, with a 60-km spacing over most of the globe decreasing to a 3-km spacing where the derechos occurred. A 10-member ensemble was initialized at 0000 UTC from 5 days before the derecho (D5) to the day of the event (D1). The CAE is evaluated using objective metrics as well as subjective assessments of convective mode, coverage, initiation timing, and spatial displacement of simulated convection. The objective evaluation indicates that the MPAS CAE has skill in predicting severe wind gusts, even in the medium range (3–5 days before). The skill diminishes faster with lead time in low-predictability cases compared to that of moderate-predictability cases. Overall, more than half of the ensemble members generated a sustained, progressive bowing mesoscale convective system (MCS) on D1 in both low- and moderate-predictability cases, but the percentages decrease substantially for forecasts with progressively greater lead time. Furthermore, the environmental differences among ensemble members that produce bowing MCSs, multicell clusters, and supercells are minimal. These results indicate that correctly predicting sustained bowing MCSs prior to observed derechos is challenging for the MPAS CAE for lead times longer than 1–2 days, reflecting convective-scale complexity and predictability limits.

Significance Statement

This research evaluates the forecast capabilities of an ensemble modeling system with convection-allowing resolution in the prediction of derechos, which are convective events resulting in widespread wind damage. Our study reveals that these ensembles have skill in forecasting damaging wind gusts within both short-term (1–2 days before) and medium-term (3–5 days before) time frames, with the highest skill at shorter lead times. However, a limitation is found in representing the correct convective organization, which is important in derecho forecasting. The small differences in environments leading to diverse convective organizations suggest that storm-scale stochastic and other internal processes play a crucial role in convective evolution. These findings underscore the potential utility and weaknesses of medium-range convection-allowing ensembles as guidance for forecasters in predicting derechos.
Wheat Flour Discrimination Using Two-Dimensional Correlation Spectroscopy and Deep Learning
Authors: Zhang Tianrui , Wang Yifan , Sun Jiansong , Liang Jing , Wang Bin , Xu Xiaoxuan , Xu Jing , Liu Lei
Published: October 2024

The continuous evolution of deep learning has garnered significant attention in spectroscopy. This study focuses on identifying wheat flour, presenting a more efficient and accurate method by combining two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) and deep learning techniques. A data set of 316 near-infrared (NIR) spectral samples of four types of wheat flour was collected. By applying three disparate 2D-COS techniques, i.e., synchronous, asynchronous, and integrated, we crafted 948 2D-COS images. These images, obtained by transforming the original one-dimensional spectra into 2D representations, offer richer information for deep learning analysis. The study introduced an 18-layer residual network incorporating a convolutional attention mechanism, specifically tailored for the 2D-COS analysis of wheat flour, aimed at enhancing the model's discriminative capabilities by refining the residual neural network's structure. Achieving an unprecedented recognition accuracy of 100% through methodical optimization and rigorous training on the synchronous 2D-COS data set of wheat flour, the proposed model is a testament to the efficacy of deep learning in spectroscopic analysis. To further exhibit the confluence of 2D-COS with deep learning, t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding was employed to visualize the distinctive 2D-COS features within the deep learning architecture. Additionally, the model's performance was juxtaposed with prevailing NIR spectral recognition methods, including random forest, gradient boosting decision tree, and artificial neural network. This comparison cemented the proposed approach's superiority in wheat flour categorization. The findings of this study not only introduce a novel and efficient solution for wheat flour quality analysis but also underscore the significant potential of deep learning techniques in spectroscopy applications.
Damage characterization of FRP embedded with different optical fibers under tensile load using acoustic emission and micrographic real-time inspection
Authors: Liu Yang , Wu Qi , Xiang Ruijie , Lan Wulin , Zhang Yuxi , Zhang Hanqi , Fan Baocun
Published: October 2024

Embedding optical fibers into fiber-reinforced plastics (FRPs) for composite health monitoring has attracted the interests of academia and industry recently though the impact of embedded optical fiber on FRP damage has not been clarified. In this study, the damage to the FRP structure caused by the embedded optical fibers was investigated. Five FRP samples incorporated with different types of optical fibers were subjected to tensile testing, and the crack initiation and propagation were in situ monitored using acoustic emission (AE) and micrographic inspection. After the AE signals were classified in terms of peak amplitude and peak frequency using K-means++ clustering, the damage progression from matrix cracking, fiber/matrix debonding, delamination, and fiber break were characterized. In-situ micrographic inspection clearly revealed the damage evolution around the embedded optical fiber. By correlating the stress-strain curves with the AE clustering and micrographic inspection results, it was verified that larger-diameter optical fibers reduce the modulus and ultimate strength of the FRP, while a good optical fiber/matrix interface mitigates these negative effects. The embedded optical fiber accelerated the crack propagation around it, leading to changes in the damage pattern. This phenomenon is the primary cause of FRP failure. Notably, polyimide-coated optical fibers with an outside diameter of 50 μm are ideal for embedded sensing as their incorporation into the matrix reduces the ultimate strength of FRP by only 1.8% with minimal impact on crack propagation.
Authoritarian innovations: a fresh perspective on the state's role in labour governance
Authors: Ford Michele , Gillan Michael
Published: October 2024

How do we understand the efforts of governments across the political spectrum to undermine trade unions in ways that do not involve overt repression? This article introduces a special issue that examines this question through the lens of authoritarian innovations, a political science concept that draws analytical attention to practices that purport to embody democratic principles but actually undermine democratic participation. As applied to the labour and industrial relations field, the concept of authoritarian innovations refers to new governance practices that appear to advance labour rights but, in fact, weaken or subvert workers’ genuine, democratic and collective participation in the workplace, in labour institutions, and in the broader polity. As this article argues, this concept allows us to move beyond broad-brush assessments of the labour governance practices associated with different kinds of political regimes to a recognition that democratic and authoritarian states alike may act in ways that appear democratic but are, in reality, quite the opposite.
Brexit and labour governance: Authoritarian innovations in the United Kingdom
Authors: Smismans Stijn
Published: October 2024

The concept of authoritarian innovations encourages a focus on authoritarian change at the meso-level of governance. At the same time, this article argues that such meso-level change can be best understood by taking into account macro-level (authoritarian) developments. In the UK, Brexit has generated a broader macro-level authoritarian innovation, creating cumulative effects at the level of politics, governance and jurisdiction. This macro-level development is reflected in authoritarian innovation at the meso-level of labour governance. The article first explains how Brexit relates to three key drivers for authoritarian innovations in labour governance, namely, general authoritarian inclination, neoliberal policy and electoral populist motivations. It then analyses the main authoritarian innovations in labour governance adopted since Brexit, namely, the approach to the legacy of EU protective standards and new policy measures limiting the right to strike. Using a discourse on democracy, acting against the ‘undemocratic EU’ and relying on ‘the referendum mandate’, UK governance post-Brexit is characterised by reducing pluralist processes and even parliamentary debate, enabling these authoritarian innovations. At the same time, due to the inherent contradictory forces inspiring Brexit, the long-term impact of Brexit on labour governance will likely remain modest.
Enhancing Quality of Life through Travel, Happiness, and Psychological Resilience: The Influences of Coping and Vulnerability
Authors: Mulcahy Rory , Prayag Girish , Pourfakhimi Shahab
Published: October 2024

This study, guided by the broaden-and-build theory (BBT), examines the relationship between leisure travel frequency and tourists’ quality of life (QoL), with happiness and psychological resilience as key mediators. We also explore how tourists’ coping abilities and perceived vulnerability levels shape this relationship as moderators. Using cross-sectional surveys with Australian tourists at three time points (Study 1– n = 599, Study 2– n = 290, Study 3- n = 379), we evidence the connection between travel frequency and QoL, highlighting the mediating roles of happiness and psychological resilience. Individuals with weaker coping abilities and high vulnerability levels are also shown to benefit more from increased travel frequency in terms of QoL. These findings deepen our understanding of the link between leisure travel and QoL, identifying the types of tourists who gain the most from frequent travel. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed in line with these findings.
Defending the Commons from Dispossession in the Mountains of Guerrero: Contributions from and for Anthropology
Authors: Gasparello Giovanna
Published: October 2024

This paper addresses the experience of Indigenous peoples in the highlands of Guerrero, Mexico, as they organize to defend their territory against mining exploitation. This struggle evinces the different dimensions of territoriality that are mobilized in the process of anti-mining resistance, with particular emphasis on the collective structures of organization and government. My ethnographic findings and anthropological analysis problematize the concepts of common goods and dispossession, in which Indigenous territoriality and the processes territory defense against material and cultural dispossession are framed.

El presente ensayo discute la experiencia de organización para la defensa del territorio de los pueblos indígenas en la Montaña de Guerrero frente a proyectos de explotación minera, exponiendo las distintas dimensiones de la territorialidad movilizadas en el proceso de resistencia antiminera, con particular énfasis en las estructuras colectivas de organización y gobierno. A partir de los hallazgos etnográficos y del análisis antropológico, se problematizan los conceptos de bienes comunes y despojo, en los cuales se enmarcan la territorialidad indígena y los procesos de defensa del territorio frente al despojo material y cultural.
Ethylene vinyl acetate/copper sulphide with near-infrared light active shape memory behavior
Authors: zhang Jintao , Zhang Qi , Pan Wei , Jiao Mingli , Chen Yan , Pei Haiyan , Li Xiaopeng , Qi Yu , Zhao Jiarui
Published: October 2024

This thesis presents the preparation of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)-based shape memory polymer composites (SMPC) (EVA/CuS) with near-infrared light photo-thermal response. The composites were prepared using EVA as the matrix material and copper sulphide (CuS) particles as the functional phase. The designability of SMPs was considered in the preparation of these composites. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of CuS, as a functional phase, enhanced the cross-linking degree and augmented the shape memory properties of EVA. Additionally, it served as a photo-thermal functional filler, imparting its photo-thermal properties. It can be observed that as the quantity of CuS particles incorporated into the EVA/CuS composite film increases, the photothermal conversion performance of the composite film improves, the shape fixation rate rises, and the rate of recovery of light-responsive shape memory accelerates. The temperature of the composites increased to 116.7°C in 20 s when the CuS addition was 2 wt% and the NIR light intensity was 0.5 W/cm2. At a NIR light intensity of 0.6 W/cm2, the “U” shape of the sample was restored to a straight state in 30 s, and the shape recovery rate reached 100%. In this experiment, optical near-infrared photostimulation-responsive EVA/CuS composites have been successfully prepared. These composites demonstrate the ability to achieve remote control and fast response of EVA shape memory behavior, offering a new avenue for the preparation of photo-responsive EVA-based shape memory materials.
Prediction of Optimum Operating Parameters to Enhance the Performance of PEMFC Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: M Arunadevi , B Karthikeyan , Shrihari Anirudh , S Saravanan , K Sundararaju , Palanisamy R , Awad Mohamed , Mahmoud Mohamed Metwally , Mbadjoun Wapet Daniel Eutyche , Ayidh Abdulrahman Al , Hussein Hany S. , Hussein Mahmoud M. , Omar Ahmed I.
Published: October 2024

Among various fuel cells (FCs), Polymer exchange membrane FC (PEMFC) plays a vital role in the transportation era because they operate at moderate temperatures, have quick start-up, are highly efficient, have scalable size, have high energy density etc. With a high degree of accuracy, machine learning algorithms (MLAs) can be applied to solve nonlinear problems in FCs, including performance prediction, service life prediction, and fault diagnostics. In addition to carrying out the optimization of operational parameters and design, MLAs when paired with optimization techniques may effectively and accurately accomplish a variety of optimization goals. The main objective of this study is to explain the significance of MLAs in PEMFC research and describe the prediction of operating parameters at which the PEMFC performance is maximized. This paper is structured to study the influence of different process parameters such as system temperature, fuel supply pressure, air supply pressure, fuel flow rate and air flow rate on the output voltage of the FC. It is clearly observed that the system temperature has significant percentage contribution as 96.92% on FC current and 86.22% on FC voltage compared to other parameters. Different MLAs are modelled to explore the PEMFC performance and results proved that gradient boosting regression provides better predictions compared to other algorithms such as decision tree regressor, support vector machine regressor, and random forest regression.