bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Signatures of the 12C(α, γ)16O Reaction Rate in White Dwarf Models with Overshooting
Authors: Chidester Morgan T. , Timmes F. X. , Farag Ebraheem
Published: August 2023

We consider the combined effects that overshooting and the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rate have on variable white dwarf (WD) stellar models. We find that carbon–oxygen (CO) WD models continue to yield pulsation signatures of the current experimental 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rate probability distribution function when overshooting is included in the evolution. These signatures hold because the resonating mantle region, encompassing ≃0.2 M
⊙ in a typical ≃0.6 M
⊙ WD model, still undergoes radiative helium burning during the evolution to a WD. Our specific models show two potential low-order adiabatic g-modes, g
2 and g
6, that signalize the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rate probability distribution function. Both g-mode signatures induce average relative period shifts of ΔP/P = 0.44% and ΔP/P = 1.33% for g
2 and g
6, respectively. We find that g
6 is a trapped mode, and the g
2 period signature is inversely proportional to the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rate. The g
6 period signature generally separates the slower and faster reaction rates, and has a maximum relative period shift of ΔP/P = 3.45%. We conclude that low-order g-mode periods from CO WDs may still serve as viable probes for the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rate probability distribution function when overshooting is included in the evolution.
Accretion Spin-up and a Strong Magnetic Field in the Slow-spinning Be X-Ray Binary MAXI J0655-013
Authors: Pike Sean N. , Sugizaki Mutsumi , Eijnden Jakob van den , Coughenour Benjamin , Jaodand Amruta D. , Mihara Tatehiro , Motta Sara E. , Negoro Hitoshi , Shaw Aarran W. , Shidatsu Megumi , Tomsick John A.
Published: August 2023

We present Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI) and Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) observations of the Be X-ray binary, MAXI J0655−013, in outburst. NuSTAR observed the source once early in the outburst, when spectral analysis yields a bolometric (0.1–100 keV), unabsorbed source luminosity of L
bol = 5.6 × 1036 erg s−1, and a second time 54 days later, by which time the luminosity had dropped to L
bol = 4 × 1034 erg s−1 after first undergoing a dramatic increase. Timing analysis of the NuSTAR data reveals a neutron star spin period of 1129.09 ± 0.04 s during the first observation, which decreased to 1085 ± 1 s by the time of the second observation, indicating spin-up due to accretion throughout the outburst. Furthermore, during the first NuSTAR observation, we observed quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) with centroid frequency ν
0 = 89 ± 1 mHz, which exhibited a second harmonic feature. By combining the MAXI and NuSTAR data with pulse period measurements reported by Fermi/GBM, we are able to show that apparent flaring behavior in the MAXI light curve is an artifact introduced by uneven sampling of the pulse profile, which has a large pulsed fraction. Finally, we estimate the magnetic field strength at the neutron star surface via three independent methods, invoking a tentative cyclotron resonance scattering feature at 44 keV, QPO production at the inner edge of the accretion disk, and spin-up via interaction of the neutron star magnetic field with accreting material. Each of these result in a significantly different value. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each method and infer that MAXI J0655−013 is likely to have a high surface magnetic field strength, B

s
> 1013 G.
Choked Jets in Expanding Envelope as the Origin of the Neutrino Emission Associated with Tidal Disruption Events
Authors: Zheng Jian-He , Liu Ruo-Yu , Wang Xiang-Yu
Published: August 2023

Three tidal disruption event (TDE) candidates (AT2019dsg, AT2019fdr, AT2019aalc) have been found to be coincident with high-energy astrophysical neutrinos in multimessenger follow-ups. Recent studies suggest the presence of a quasi-spherical, optically thick envelope around the supermassive black holes in TDEs, resulted from stellar debris after the disruption. The envelope may expand outwardly with a velocity of ∼104 km s−1, as indicated by the emission line widths. We study whether the neutrino signal can be explained by choked relativistic jets inside the expanding envelope. While powerful jets, such as that in Swift J1644+57, can successfully break out from the envelope, those with relatively weak power could be choked by the envelope. Choked jets can still accelerate cosmic rays and produce high-energy neutrinos via interaction with the thermal photons in the envelope. We explore the parameter space of the jets that can produce detectable neutrino flux while being choked in the expanding envelope. We find that the cumulative neutrino numbers of AT2019fdr and AT2019aalc are consistent with the expected range imposed by observations, while the allowed parameter space for AT2019dsg is small. The neutrino time delay relative to the optical peak time of TDEs can be explained as the jet propagation time in the envelope before being choked. The discovery of TDE-associated neutrino events may suggest that jets might have been commonly formed in TDEs, as expected from super-Eddington accretion, but most of them are too weak to break out from the expanding envelopes.
Alfvén Wave Connection between the Chromosphere and the Corona of the Sun: An Analytical Study
Authors: Chae Jongchul , Lee Kyoung-Sun
Published: August 2023

Alfvén waves are closely relevant to the three outstanding problems in the solar corona: coronal heating, solar wind acceleration, and the fractionization of low first ionization potential (FIP) elements. There has been increasing observational evidence for the Alfvén waves, not only in the corona, but also in the chromosphere. Here we investigate the Alfvén wave connection between the chromosphere and the corona based on the analytical solution of Alfvén waves in a layer where Alfvén speed varies along magnetic field lines with a constant gradient. The wave transmission of the layer is determined by two parameters: the Alfvénic cutoff frequency and the dimensionless thickness of the layer. It is shown that the ponderomotive acceleration originating from Alfvén waves is always directed upward in the solar atmosphere with the peak occurring in the chromosphere-corona transition region in association with downward low-frequency waves. We also find that some velocity amplitudes observed in the chromosphere of quiet regions and all the velocity amplitudes observed in active regions fall short of the theoretical estimates obtained with the assumption that the Alfvén waves generated below the chromosphere transport upward the energy required for the corona. We suggest considering the possibility that the Alfvén waves responsible for the coronal heating and the FIP fractionization originate from above the chromosphere.
A Tight Universal Relation between the Shape Eccentricity and the Moment of Inertia for Rotating Neutron Stars
Authors: Gao Yong , Shao Lijing , Steinhoff Jan
Published: August 2023

Universal relations that are insensitive to the equation of state are useful in reducing the parameter space when measuring global quantities of neutron stars (NSs). In this paper, we reveal a new universal relation that connects the eccentricity to the radius and moment of inertia of rotating NSs. We demonstrate that the universality of this relation holds for both conventional NSs and bare quark stars (QSs) in the slow-rotation approximation, albeit with different relations. The maximum relative deviation is approximately 1% for conventional NSs and 0.1% for QSs. Additionally, we show that the universality still exists for fast-rotating NSs if we use the dimensionless spin to characterize their rotation. The new universal relation will be a valuable tool to reduce the number of parameters used to describe the shape and multipoles of rotating NSs, and it may also be used to infer the eccentricity or moment of inertia of NSs in future X-ray observations.
Suprathermal Electron Transport and Electron Beam Formation in the Solar Corona
Authors: Tang Bofeng , Che Haihong , Zank Gary P. , Kolobov Vladimir I.
Published: August 2023

Electron beams that are commonly observed in the corona were discovered to be associated with solar flares. These “coronal” electron beams are found ≥300 Mm above the acceleration region and have velocities ranging from 0.1c up to 0.6c. However, the mechanism for producing these beams remains unclear. In this paper, we use kinetic transport theory to investigate how isotropic suprathermal energetic electrons escaping from the acceleration region of flares are transported upwardly along the magnetic field lines of flares to develop coronal electron beams. We find that magnetic focusing can suppress the diffusion of Coulomb collisions and background turbulence and sharply collimate the suprathermal electron distribution into beams with the observed velocity within the observed distance. A higher bulk velocity is produced if energetic electrons have harder energy spectra or travel along a more rapidly expanding coronal magnetic field. By modeling the observed velocity and location distributions of coronal electron beams, we predict that the temperature of acceleration regions ranges from 5 × 106 to 2 × 107 K. Our model also indicates that the acceleration region may have a boundary where the temperature abruptly decreases so that the electron beam velocity can become more than triple (even up to 10 times) the background thermal velocity and produce the coronal type III radio bursts.
Instabilities Driven by Proton Temperature Anisotropy in the Presence of Alpha Particles: Implications for Proton-temperature-anisotropy Constraint in the Solar Wind
Authors: Xiang L. , Wu D. J. , Chen L. , Li Q. H. , Zhao G. Q. , Feng H. Q. , Yu H. W.
Published: August 2023

In situ measurements reveal that proton temperature anisotropy is ubiquitous in the solar wind. Various plasma instabilities have been proposed to regulate the distribution of the proton temperature anisotropy in the solar wind; detailed constraint processes are still unclear. In this paper, we study the effects of alpha beams on both the forward and backward proton temperature anisotropy instabilities at parallel and oblique propagation with the Vlasov theory, and compare the theoretical results with the Wind observation. As the alpha-beam drift velocity v

α
/v
A increases, the growth rates of forward Alfvén/ion-cyclotron (FA/IC) and backward magnetosonic/whistler (BM/W) instabilities increase, those of backward Alfvén/ion-cyclotron (BA/IC) and forward magnetosonic/whistler (FM/W) instabilities decrease, and those of the mirror and forward Alfvén wave (FAW) instabilities are nearly constant. In particular, there are different constraining mechanisms on the distribution of proton temperature anisotropy for different values of the alpha-beam drift velocity. The proton temperature anisotropy instability together with the alpha beam can provide a potential explanation for the distribution of the proton temperature anisotropy in the solar wind.
Avalanches and the Distribution of Reconnection Events in Magnetized Circumstellar Disks
Authors: Fatuzzo Marco , Adams Fred C. , Feinstein Adina D. , Seligman Darryl Z.
Published: August 2023

Cosmic rays produced by young stellar objects can potentially alter the ionization structure, heating budget, chemical composition, and accretion activity in circumstellar disks. The inner edges of these disks are truncated by strong magnetic fields, which can reconnect and produce flaring activity that accelerates cosmic radiation. The resulting cosmic rays can provide a source of ionization and produce spallation reactions that alter the composition of planetesimals. These reconnection and particle acceleration processes are analogous to the physical processes that produce flaring in and the heating of stellar coronae. Flaring events on the surface of the Sun exhibit a power-law distribution of energy, reminiscent of those measured for earthquakes and avalanches. Numerical lattice reconnection models are capable of reproducing the observed power-law behavior of solar flares under the paradigm of self-organized criticality. One interpretation of these experiments is that the solar corona maintains a nonlinear attractor—or “critical”—state by balancing energy input via braided magnetic fields and output via reconnection events. Motivated by these results, we generalize the lattice reconnection formalism for applications in the truncation region of magnetized disks. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that these nonlinear dynamical systems are capable of both attaining and maintaining criticality in the presence of Keplerian shear and other complications. The resulting power-law spectrum of flare energies in the equilibrium attractor state is found to be nearly universal in magnetized disks. This finding indicates that magnetic reconnection and flaring in the inner regions of circumstellar disks occur in a manner similar to the activity on stellar surfaces. These results, in turn, have ramifications for the spallation-driven injection of radionuclides in planetesimals, disk ionization, and the subsequent planetary formation process.
Long-term Evolution of Warps in Debris Disks—Application to the Gyr-old System HD 202628
Authors: Brady Madison T. , Faramaz-Gorka Virginie , Bryden Geoffrey , Ertel Steve
Published: August 2023

We present the results of N-body simulations meant to reproduce the long-term effects of mutually inclined exoplanets on debris disks, using the HD 202628 system as a proxy. HD 202628 is a Gyr-old solar-type star that possesses a directly observable, narrow debris ring with a clearly defined inner edge and nonzero eccentricity, hinting at the existence of a sculpting exoplanet. The eccentric nature of the disk leads us to examine the effect on it over Gyr timescales from an eccentric and inclined planet, placed on its orbit through scattering processes. We find that, in systems with dynamical timescales akin to that of HD 202628, a planetary companion is capable of completely tilting the debris disk. This tilt is preserved over the Gyr age of the system. Simulated observations of our models show that an exoplanet around HD 202628 with an inclination misalignment ≳10° would cause the disk to be observably diffuse and broad, which is inconsistent with Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) observations. With these observations, we conclude that, if there is an exoplanet shaping this disk, it likely had a mutual inclination of less than 5° with the primordial disk. The conclusions of this work can be applied either to debris disks appearing as narrow rings (e.g., Fomalhaut and HR 4796) or to disks that are vertically thick at ALMA wavelengths (e.g., HD 110058).
CoLFI: Cosmological Likelihood-free Inference with Neural Density Estimators
Authors: Wang Guo-Jian , Cheng Cheng , Ma Yin-Zhe , Xia Jun-Qing , Abebe Amare , Beesham Aroonkumar
Published: August 2023

In previous works, we proposed to estimate cosmological parameters with an artificial neural network (ANN) and a mixture density network (MDN). In this work, we propose an improved method called a mixture neural network (MNN) to achieve parameter estimation by combining ANN and MDN, which can overcome shortcomings of the ANN and MDN methods. Besides, we propose sampling parameters in a hyperellipsoid for the generation of the training set, which makes the parameter estimation more efficient. A high-fidelity posterior distribution can be obtained using


(

10

2

)

forward simulation samples. In addition, we develop a code named CoLFI for parameter estimation, which incorporates the advantages of MNN, ANN, and MDN, and is suitable for any parameter estimation of complicated models in a wide range of scientific fields. CoLFI provides a more efficient way for parameter estimation, especially for cases where the likelihood function is intractable or cosmological models are complex and resource-consuming. It can learn the conditional probability density p(
θ
∣
d
) using samples generated by models, and the posterior distribution p(
θ
∣
d

0) can be obtained for a given observational data
d

0. We tested the MNN using power spectra of the cosmic microwave background and Type Ia supernovae and obtained almost the same result as the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. The numerical difference only exists at the level of


(

10

−
2

σ
)

. The method can be extended to higher-dimensional data.
General Physical Properties of Fermi Blazars
Authors: Chen 陈 Yongyun 永云 , Gu 顾 Qiusheng 秋生 , Fan 樊 Junhui 军辉 , Yu 俞 Xiaoling 效龄 , Zhong 钟 Xiaogu 晓谷 , Liu 刘 Hongyu 红宇 , Ding 丁 Nan 楠 , Xiong 熊 Dingrong 定荣 , Guo 郭 Xiaotong 晓通
Published: August 2023

We study the general physical properties of Fermi blazars using the Fermi fourth source catalog data (4FGL-DR2). The quasi-simultaneous multiwavelength data of Fermi blazars are fitted by using the one-zone leptonic model to obtain some physical parameters, such as jet power, magnetic field, and Doppler factor. We study the distributions of the derived physical parameters as a function of black hole mass and accretion disk luminosity. The main results are as follows. (1) For a standard thin accretion disk, the jet kinetic power of most flat-spectrum radio quasars can be explained by the Blandford–Payne (BP) mechanism. However, the jet kinetic power of most BL Lacertae objects (BL Lacs) cannot be explained by either the Blandford–Znajek mechanism or the BP mechanism. The BL Lacs may have advection-dominated accretion flows surrounding their massive black holes. (2) After excluding the redshift, there is a moderately strong correlation between the jet kinetic power and jet radiation power and the accretion disk luminosity for Fermi blazars. These results confirm a close connection between jet and accretion. The jet kinetic power is slightly larger than the accretion disk luminosity for Fermi blazars. (3) There is a significant correlation between jet kinetic power and gamma-ray luminosity and radio luminosity for Fermi blazars, which suggests that gamma-ray luminosity and radio luminosity can be used to indicate the jet kinetic power.
Policy-Relevant Lists of Species
Authors: Heughebaert André
Published: August 2023

Biodiversity-related regulations often include lists of species in annexes of legal texts. Unfortunately, those publications are often published in PDF with lists in tables in annexes, not suitable for machine reading nor for incorporation into databases, decision making tools or any other information technology tools. This situation undermines efficient data reporting and therefore limits the follow-up of the policies. I tried to publish several species lists*1 from some key European Union legislation (e.g., the Habitats and Birds Directives) to ChecklistBank. Based on my experience, I will discuss the adequacy of existing biodiversity informatics standards to publish policy-relevant lists of species and see how they differ from usual taxonomic checklists. I will also suggest possible improvements to cope with the specificities of these policy-relevant lists.
Miradessus gen. nov. from South America described for two species previously in Amarodytes Régimbart, 1900 and two new species (Arthropoda, Insecta, Coleoptera, Adephaga, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae, Bidessini)
Authors: Miller Kelly B. , Benetti Cesar J. , Michat Mariano C.
Published: August 2023

Miradessusgen. nov. is described for two previously described species, Amarodytes pulchellus Guignot, 1955 from Colombia, with new records from Venezuela, and A. plaumanni Gschwendtner, 1935, from Brazil, and two previously unknown species, Miradessus benisp. nov., from Bolivia and Peru, and Miradessus rikaesp. nov. from Ecuador. The genus is characterized by 1) occipital line absent; 2) basal pronotal striae present; 3) basal elytral stria absent; 4) sutural elytral stria absent; 5) transverse carina on elytral epipleuron at humeral angle absent; 6) distinct marginal bead on anterior clypeal margin absent; and 7) male median lobe deeply multilobed with a dorsal portion separate from a unilobed or bilobed ventral portion.
Descriptions of two new stick insect species of Cnipsomorpha Hennemann, Conle, Zhang & Liu (Phasmatodea) from China based on integrative taxonomy
Authors: Xu Fangling , Jiang Yingjie , Yang Maofa
Published: August 2023

Accurate taxonomical identification is an extremely important basis for stick insect research, including evolutionary biology but also applied biology such as pest control. In addition, genetic methods are a valuable identification auxiliary technology at present. Therefore, this paper used morphological and molecular data to investigate five stick insect specimens from the genus Cnipsomorpha in Yunnan, successfully identifying two new species: Cnipsomorpha yunnanensis Xu, Jiang & Yang, sp. nov. and C. yuxiensis Xu, Jiang & Yang, sp. nov. A phylogenetic tree was constructed through their 28S and COI genes in order to infer the phylogenetic position of the two new species. Photographs of the new species and a key to all known Cnipsomorpha species are provided.
Analysis of fractional global differential equations with power law
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Khan Muhammad Altaf
Published: August 2023

We have considered a special class of ordinary differential equations in which the differential operators are those of the Caputo fractional global derivative. These equations are generalizations of the well-known differential equations with the Caputo fractional derivative. Due to the various possible applications of these equations to model real-world problems we have first introduced some new inequalities that will be used in all fields of science, technology and engineering where these equations could be applied. We used Nagumo's principles to establish the existence and uniqueness of the solution for this class of equations with additional conditions. We have applied the midpoint principle to obtain a numerical scheme that will be used to solve these equations numerically. Some illustrative examples are presented with excellent results.
Painting and Ontology: D. H. Lawrence as an Art Historian
Authors: Novaković Milovan
Published: August 2023

More than any other twentieth-century writer, D. H. Lawrence developed a profound understanding of painting and evaluated this art form through the prism of his idiosyncratic ontological scheme. In allegiance to his polaristic philosophy, in which everything is created by the opposition of static and dynamic, mind and body, optical and tactile, “Will-to-Motion” and “Will-to- Inertia,” light and darkness, Lawrence conceived the history of visual arts as a mirror of this universal opposition of ultimate metaphysical forces. Despite his general view that Western art was entirely under the dominion of idea, mind, and light, Lawrence pointed to several examples in which dark, bodily, and haptic experiences were processed pictorially. This essay intends to introduce Lawrence as an art historian who understood works of art and art historical periods as constituted out of a never-ending power struggle between the corporeal and the spiritual, and who always sought and called for their reconciliation and balance in his literature.
Lirika in antropološka redukcija
Authors: Senegačnik Brane
Published: August 2023

Lirična poezija je zaradi različnih oblik antropološke redukcije v sodobni kulturi (»semantizacija« poezije, sociologizacija kulturnega obzorja, nevrokognitivna interpretacija literature) teže razumljiva in vse bolj marginalizirana. V nelahkem razmerju je tudi z literarno vedo, ki po svojem bistvu teži k ugotavljanju »fiksnih« resnic in oprijemljivih dejstev o pesmi, ki jih najdeva v opisu zunanjeformalnih lastnosti, pa tudi njene semantike, tako »notranje« kot »zunanje«: njenih medbesedilnih referenc, kulturnega, družbenega in zgodovinskega ozadja. Čeprav je to nesporno relevantno, pa se na ta način pušča ob strani celostno učinkovanje in dogodkovno bistvo lirične poezije in s tem tudi njen ontološki horizont. V ozadju teh težav je nekompatibilnost prevladujočih epistemoloških in kulturnih paradigem, ki se opirajo na predmetno zavest (predstave in samopredstave), in neposredne govorice lirike, ki deluje na predrefleksivno (nepredmetno) zavest, s katero je sebstvo v razmerju s samim seboj in z resničnostjo kot celoto.
Parthenogenesis (“Virgin Birth”): A Woman’s Futile Attempt at Achieving Recognition
Authors: Rabinovich Irina
Published: August 2023

This article demonstrates how a contemporary British writer, Clare Chambers, in her novel Small Pleasures (2020), applies fourth-wave feminist notions when describing historical events from 1955–1956, namely an actual attempt to prove parthenogenesis (“virgin birth”) by scientific methods. Such an analysis reflects important social and cultural changes that have taken place in the last six decades regarding women’s reproductive rights and autonomy, body image, and lesbianism. The paper shows that in contrast to the conservative and repressive postwar British society that viewed lesbianism and the idea of conception through parthenogenesis as a deviation from accepted norms, contemporary representations of the latter issues have undergone tremendous change. The paper also shows how Chambers insinuates a much more recent outlook on parthenogenesis often held by members of the lesbian community, particularly its members who belong to the separatist wing. This view includes both utopian and dystopian ideas. Finally, the role of sensational and tabloid journalism in influencing public opinion and, consequently, in shaping social and cultural constructs is described.
Els poemes amb arbres (i altres vegetals) de Narcís Comadira
Authors: Boyer Denise
Published: August 2023

Ce travail examine le traitement poétique des arbres et autres végétaux évoqués dans l'œuvre de Narcís Comadira.
Post-COVID-19 opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome
Authors: Sivagnanam Branavan , Chang Thashi
Published: August 2023

Background: Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a rare neurological disorder, which most commonly is a paraneoplastic manifestation. We report a case of OMS occurring as an immunological sequalae of COVID-19.Case presentation: A 69-year-old woman developed subacute onset opsoclonus, multifocal myoclonus and truncal ataxia following moderately-severe COVID-19. Extensive evaluation revealed no underlying malignancy. There was only a partial response to steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, but she significantly improved with plasmapheresis.Conclusion: SARS-COV-2 infection can induce an immune-mediated OMS, which responds to plasmapheresis.
The Role of Honour in Tolerance to Intimate Partner Violence against Women in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunaratne S. S. , Abeysiriwardana D. T.
Published: August 2023

The current study aimed to examine the role of the type of honour endorsement (masculine, feminine, family, moral integrity) in the tolerance to intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) in Sri Lanka. Three hundred and sixty-two Sri Lankan participants completed an online questionnaire. Results revealed that feminine honour and masculine honour were positively associated with, and moral integrity was negatively associated with, tolerance to IPVAW. Results also showed that men were more likely to tolerate IPVAW than women, and women were more likely to endorse feminine honour and family honour than men. The results suggest that specific typefacesnour play a predictive role in tolerance to IPVAW along with gender differences that are in line with cultural and gendered norms.
Exploring the Linkages between Parenting Styles, Self-efficacy, and Self-employment Intentions: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Pathirathna Samantha , Priyanath H. M. S. , Samaraweera G. R. S. R. C.
Published: August 2023

Existing literature lacks a comprehensive systematic review investigating the relationship between parenting styles, self-efficacy, and self-employment intentions, highlighting a notable research gap. This review is aimed to explore the association between parenting styles, self-efficacy, and the self-employment intention of youth. The search strategy employed in this review encompassed reputable electronic databases, academic journals, and a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research studies exploring the domains of parenting, self-efficacy, and self-employment intention. To bring coherence to the diffuse body of literature, this study reviews 141 scholarly papers and analyzes content analysis. The included studies were categorized into three topics including parenting styles, self-efficacy, and self-employment. The styles of parenting were found to be positively associated with the self-efficacy of youth, which influences their self-employment intentions. The evidence was most robust concerning the association between a high level of self-efficacy and an authoritative parenting style, with the findings of 16 included studies. Though the study acclaimed that self-efficacy is positively related to self-employment intention, research to date has not focused on the influence of parenting styles on self-employment intention. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for policymakers and provide direction for future research, highlighting the importance of fostering self-efficacy through parenting styles to promote self-employment.
Verification of Criteria for Assessing Citizens' Satisfaction Issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs at a One-stop Office in the Industry and Trade Department of Binh Duong Province, Vietnam
Authors: Son Ngo Hoai
Published: August 2023

The study includes two research objectives: (1) identify and measure the factors affecting people's satisfaction; and (2) assess the importance of factors affecting people's satisfaction, thereby proposing suggestions to improve the set of criteria that are designed to assess people's satisfaction issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs of Vietnam. The essay employs a quantitative analytic approach to find elements impacting people's contentment. The survey sample was randomly selected from 350 individuals who had transactions at the one-stop shop of the Department of Industry and Trade of Binh Duong Province, Vietnam. The paper performs data processing using SPSS 20.0 software to examine the reliability of the scale using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, exploratory component analysis (EFA), correlation analysis, regression, and model testing theory. The findings showed that there are only 4 factors (with statistical significance) affecting people's satisfaction, including approachability (coefficient 0.316), administrative procedures (coefficient 0.384), civil servants (coefficient 0.529), and receiving and solving complaints and feedback (coefficient 0.145). The Ministry of Home Affairs should modify the criteria for assessing citizens' satisfaction with less focus on the results of public administrative service provision as this factor has no correlation with citizens' satisfaction.
Generation Z – A New Lifeline: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Jayatissa K. A. D. U.
Published: August 2023

A generation is a group of people who share similar birth years, life experiences, and cultural influences. Generation Z is the current generation that has attracted much attention from researchers and practitioners. They are defined as those who were born after 1995 and are characterized by their digital nativism and unique characteristics. The aim of this paper is to understand how Generation Z distinguishes itself from previous generations, especially in terms of its values, attitudes, and behaviours. For this purpose, a systematic literature review was conducted using Google Scholar as the main database. The search results were filtered using inclusion and exclusion criteria based on the relevance, quality, and recency of the sources. The main findings of the review are that Generation Z are born after 1995 and are known as digital natives who are proficient in using technology and social media. They also possess unique characteristics such as being entrepreneurial, socially conscious, pragmatic, and diverse. The paper concludes that Generation Z is a distinct generational cohort that requires further research and attention from various stakeholders.
Empowering Rural Women through Small Scale Agro-Processing: The Potential in Maize Flour Processing in Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Bwala M. A. , Ezuma P. , Chabawaza K. B.
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the potential of maize flour processing to empower rural women in Niger State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling was used to collect data using a questionnaire, the budgetary analysis method was utilized for the analysis. Seventy-three (73) respondent processors were drawn for the study. Furthermore, descriptive statistics were also used to organize and present the data collected. Findings revealed that local processing of maize flour by women in the rural area is profitable, and therefore an economic empowerment strategy. The processors’ gross margin and net return were estimated at N14,250 and N11,990 respectively. Hence, from the analysis, it is apparent that the enterprise has the potential of providing means of livelihood to women in the study area. Furthermore, the study identified a lack of preservatives and high moisture content of the flour, a lack of good storage facility, and frequent contamination of the flour by lubricants during milling as constraints. This study focused on the agro-processing potential of rural women in maize flour production. It is confirmed that maize flour processing has the potential to empower rural women in the study area.
cGAS–STING Pathway Activation during Trypanosoma cruzi Infection Leads to Tissue-Dependent Parasite Control
Authors: Perumal Natasha , White Brooke , Sanchez-Valdez Fernando , Tarleton Rick L
Published: August 2023

Host cell invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi is a markedly silent process, with limited host transcriptional changes indicative of innate immune recognition, except for a modest type I IFN (IFN-I) response. In this study, we show that T. cruzi–induced IFN-β production was nearly abolished in primary murine cGAS−/− or stimulator of IFN genes (STING)-deficient (STINGGt) macrophages and fibroblasts. T. cruzi infection did not impact the ability of IFN-regulatory factor reporter macrophages to respond to classical cGAS–STING agonists, indicating that the limited IFN-β induction is not due to active parasite suppression. cGAS−/−, STINGGt, and IFN-α/β receptor−/− (IFNAR−/−) macrophages infected with T. cruzi yielded significantly higher numbers of amastigotes compared with wild-type macrophages; however, the impact of the STING pathway during infection in vivo is more complex. Despite an initial increase in parasite growth, STINGGt and IFNAR−/− mice ultimately had lower parasite burden in footpads as compared with wild-type mice, demonstrating a role for IFN-I expression in potentiating parasite growth at the infection site. STING pathway activation had little impact on parasite levels in the skeletal muscle; however, in the heart, cGAS−/− and STINGGt mice, but not IFNAR−/− mice, accumulated higher acute parasite loads, suggesting a protective role of STING sensing of T. cruzi in this organ that was independent of IFN-I. Together, these results demonstrate that host cGAS–STING senses T. cruzi infection, enhancing parasite growth at the site of entry, and contributes to acute-phase parasite restriction in the heart, a major site of tissue damage in chronic T. cruzi infection.
Tranexamic acid - a promising hemostatic agent with limitations: a narrative review
Authors: Kim Dong Joon , Cho Su Yeon , Jung Ki Tae
Published: August 2023

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic antifibrinolytic agent that has been used for several decades to reduce blood loss during surgery and after trauma. TXA was traditionally used to reduce bleeding in various clinical settings such as menorrhagia, hemophilia, or other bleeding disorder. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of TXA in reducing blood loss and the need for transfusions. Interest in the potential applications of TXA beyond its traditional use has been growing recently, with studies investigating the use of TXA in postpartum hemorrhage, cardiac surgery, trauma, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery. Despite its widespread use and expanding indications, data regarding the safe and appropriate use of TXA is lacking. Recent clinical trials have found various potential risks and limitations in the long-term benefits of TXA. This narrative review summarizes the clinical applications and limitations of TXA.
Early Post-Stroke Seizures in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Agarwal Ayush , Sharma Jyoti , Padma Srivastava M.V. , Bhatia Rohit , Singh Mamta Bhushan , Gupta Anu , Pandit Awadh K. , Singh Rajesh , Rajan Roopa , Dwivedi Sadanand , Upadhyay Ashish , Garg Ajay , Vishnu Venugopalan Y.
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Stroke is the most common cause of epilepsy in the adult population. Post-stroke seizures (PSSs) are classified into early-onset seizures (ES) and late-onset (LS). ES can significantly affect the clinical outcome and occurrence of LS.

Methods:

We analyzed data from a prospective cohort of acute ischemic stroke patients between June 2018 and May 2020 in a neurology unit at a tertiary hospital. We screened all acute stroke patients and included consecutive patients older than 18 years of age, presenting with acute, first-ever neuroimaging-confirmed ischemic stroke. We excluded patients with a previous stroke, transient ischemic attacks, hemorrhagic stroke, cerebral venous thrombosis, prior history of seizures, or any other epileptogenic comorbidity. ES were classified as spontaneous seizures occurring within 1 week of the stroke. The main outcome assessed was the occurrence of ES. The secondary outcome was to determine predictors of ES and create an ES prediction score.

Results:

We screened 432 patients; of them, 291 were enrolled. ES occurred in 37 patients (12.7%). Cortical location (OR: 4.2), large artery disease subtype (OR: 2.9), mRS at presentation (OR: 1.4), use of anticoagulants (OR: 2.6), and hypertension (OR: 0.3) were significantly associated with the occurrence of ES. Patients with ES had a statistically significant worse clinical outcome at 3 months follow-up (P = 0.0072).

Conclusion:

We could formulate an ES prediction tool using the following components: (a) cortical location, (b) large vessel stroke, (c) mRS at admission, (d) anticoagulant use, and (e) presence of hypertension. This tool might help in treating patients at high risk for ES with prophylactic ASD, thereby preventing seizures and their complications.
Neuropsychiatric Features, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Caregiver Burden in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Goel Atul , Narayan Sunil K. , Sugumaran Ramkumar
Published: August 2023

Aim:

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and significantly impacts patients and their caregivers. The current study aims at recognizing its neuropsychiatric symptoms, its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of the patients, and the caregiver burden in a middle- to-low-income country.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 73 idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) patients and their caregivers from January 2021 to June 2021. Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-12) and Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39) were used to assess patients' symptoms and HRQOL, respectively. We used the Zarit caregiver burden interview (ZBI) and Hamilton depression scale (Ham-D) for the caregiver's burden assessment.

Results:

Of the 73 patients, 43 (59%) were men, and 30 (41%) were women. Their mean age was 60.25 years (± 11.1), and the mean duration of PD was 6.4 years (± 3.4). Eighty-six percent of the patients reported having one or more neuropsychiatric symptoms. HRQOL, as indicated by PDQ-39, correlated most significantly with H and Y staging (r = 0.680, P < 0.001) of the disease. Sixty-eight percent of the caregivers felt a disease burden, and 55% had depression. On regression analysis, NPI total score on caregiver burden (beta = 0.883, P < 0.001, confidence interval [CI] of 1.087 to 1.400,) and H and Y staging on depression (beta = 0.772, P < 0.001, [CI of 0.629 to 0.934) were having the most decisive impact.

Conclusion:

Our study showed the presence of frequent neuropsychiatric symptoms in PD patients. It has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of patients and results in a significant increase in caregiver burden and depression among them.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Environmental Toxic Metal Contaminants and the Risk of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Dev Priya , Gupta Priya , Mahapatra Archisman , Cyriac Mareena , Kumar Amit , Singh Varun Kumar , Mishra Vijaya Nath , Pathak Abhishek
Published: August 2023

Background:

Stroke is the second largest cause of mortality (WHO 2014) and long-lasting disability worldwide. Many risk factors are associated with stroke, such as age, gender, chronic illnesses, cardiovascular disease, lifestyle, and smoking. With global industrialization, the roles of environmental contaminants and their association with stroke are still unclear and have attracted much more attention.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a systematic review on the environmental toxic metal contaminants and the risk of ischemic stroke. A comprehensive literature search was carried out till June 30, 2021 from databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Embase, and Scopus. The quality of all the articles which met our inclusion criteria was assessed using Newcastle–Ottawa scaling, and four eligible studies were included for our systematic review.

Results:

The serum and urine cadmium concentrations were positively associated with the risk of ischemic stroke. There was an inverse association of serum and urine concentrations of mercury (Hg), serum concentration of gold and cerium with ischemic stroke, and the serum and urine concentrations of lead (Pb) had no association with ischemic stroke risk.

Conclusion:

The study showed strong associations between heavy metals and ischemic stroke, but more studies are required to prove the associations.
Familial CNS-Isolated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Due to a Novel PRF1 Mutation Triggered by SARS-CoV2
Authors: Caldito Natalia Gonzalez , Lorenzo Jocelyn , Wang Cynthia X.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a potentially fatal hyperinflammatory condition that presents with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and characteristic laboratory findings. Mutations in the perforin gene PRF1 have been implicated in cases of familial HLH (fHLH) and can cause isolated CNS-HLH in the absence of systemic HLH.

Results:

A five year-old boy presented with three weeks of headache, blurry vision, and emesis. He was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), thought to be triggered by SARS-CoV-2 given positive nasopharyngeal testing. He completed a five day course of high dose IV methylprednisolone and plasma exchange. In the subsequent months, he was admitted twice due to worsening clinical and radiological activity and after several courses of IV pulse steroids, plasmapheresis, and IV immunoglobulin (IVIG), his condition stabilized with rituximab and monthly IVIG. A few months later, his younger brother presented with a similar syndrome. It was discovered that his parents were second cousins, leading to concern for a genetic disorder. Genetic testing revealed a homozygous mutation for PRF1 in both siblings (variant c.4422G>A).

Conclusions:

This is the first presentation of CNS-isolated familial HLH triggered by SARS-CoV-2 in the pediatric population. Furthermore, this is the first report of this specific PRF1 mutation, the variant c.4422G>A, as pathogenic. It highlights the relevance of genetic testing in pediatric neuroinflammatory disorders that do not respond adequately to conventional treatments. It is possible that as our knowledge in neurogenetics develops, certain genes will be identified as predisposing factors to syndromes such as ADEM.
Evaluation of Vascular Cognitive Impairment Using the ICMR-Neuro Cognitive Tool Box (ICMR-NCTB) in a Stroke Cohort from India
Authors: Kaul Subhash , Goyal Sheetal , Paplikar Avanthi , Varghese Feba , Alladi Suvarna , Menon Ramshekhar , Sharma Meenakshi , Dhaliwal RS , Ghosh Amitabha , Narayanan Jwala , Nehra Ashima , Tripathi Manjari
Published: August 2023

Background and Purpose:

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) presents with a spectrum of cognitive impairment due to stroke and poses a huge socioeconomic burden especially in low middle-income countries. There is a critical need for early recognition and identification of VCI patients. Therefore, we developed and validated culturally appropriate neuropsychological instruments, the ICMR-Neuro Cognitive Tool-Box (ICMR-NCTB) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to diagnose vascular MCI and dementia in the Indian context.

Methods:

A total of 181 participants: 59 normal cognition, 25 stroke with normal cognition, 46 vascular MCI (VaMCI) and 51 vascular dementia (VaD) were recruited for the study. The ICMR-NCTB and MoCA were administered to patients with VCI and major cognitive domains were evaluated.

Results:

The ICMR-NCTB was found to have good internal reliability in VaMCI and VaD. The sensitivity of the ICMR-NCTB to detect VaMCI and VaD ranged from 70.8% to 72.9% and 75.9% to 79.7%, respectively, and the specificity for VaMCI and VaD ranged from 84.8% to 86.1% and 82.5% to 85.2%, respectively. The MoCA had excellent sensitivity and specificity to detect VaMCI and VaD at ideal cut-off scores.

Conclusion:

The ICMR-NCTB is a valid neuropsychological toolbox that can be used for comprehensive cognitive assessment and diagnosis of VCI in India. In addition, the Indian version of MoCA is more adept as a screening instrument to detect VCI due to its high sensitivity. The ICMR-NCTB will aid in early detection and management of many patients, thereby reducing the burden of vascular MCI and dementia in India.
Association of platelet glycoprotein IIIa polymorphism as a risk factor for acute ischemic stroke in Egyptian patients
Authors: Saad Dohaa A , Attia Fadia M , Hosney Ahmed O , El samahy Mohamed , Abdelhamid Mohamed A , Ibrahim Gehan A
Published: August 2023

Context

Association of genetic variants of platelet receptors and their inferences on cerebral stroke is a major concern.

Aims

The current study evaluates the genetic polymorphism of platelet GPIIIa as a risk factor in Egyptian patients with ischemic cerebrovascular stroke.

Settings and design

A total of 50 patients with ischemic stroke were recruited from the Neurology Department, in addition to 50 control individuals matching the study group in age and sex.

Patients and methods

Data were collected using an interview questionnaire, clinical and neurological examination, and laboratory assessment, which included hematological assessment, biochemical assessment, and molecular assessment of genotyping of GPIIIa polymorphism by PCR-RFLP technique using endonuclease restriction alongside Msp-I enzyme.

Statistical analysis

To compare control and study groups, independentttest in parametric data and Mann–Whitney for nonparametric data were used.

Results

Regarding GPIIIa (PlA2/A2) genotypic distribution of the studied groups, there was a statistically significant difference between patients with ischemic cerebrovascular stroke and controls. Dyslipidemia and platelet GPIIIa genotype showed the highest odds ratio. On binary regression analysis, the role of the platelet genotype as a risk factor of stroke development alone is maximized. In the copresence of other risk factors, its role is minimized.

Conclusions

The GPIIIa (PlA1/PlA2) polymorphism is a highly predictive and reliable biomarker for ischemic cerebrovascular stroke.