bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Hume and Buddhist Philosophers Really Share a Similar View of the Self?
Authors: Inukai Yumiko
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Comparisons have been drawn between certain aspects of Hume’s philosophy and Buddhist philosophy, particularly concerning their views on the self. While it is intriguing to discover affinities between two philosophical systems that are separated far apart by both time and space, comparison would become superficial if similarities are found merely in their general, overall claims or doctrines. Although engaging in a comparative exploration between Hume and Buddhist philosophers on the self can reveal remarkable similarities in their accounts, it can also provide valuable insights into their differences. The differences between Hume’s and Buddhist philosophers’ views become evident when considering the debates about the self among Buddhist philosophers, which have resulted in diverse accounts within the Buddhist tradition. Indeed, it is those differences that prove to be more illuminating for recognizing and understanding subtle aspects and various components of Hume’s account, which may not be adequately described or distinguished by Hume himself. These aspects are particularly revealed in Hume’s brief description of dissatisfaction with his own account in the Appendix. The primary objective of this paper is to uncover the system of reality underlying Hume’s account of the self, which creates a labyrinth for him, by drawing upon Buddhist ideas and debates regarding the self.
The Eighth and Ninth Karmapas' Prāsaṅgika System (Acknowledged by Others)
Authors: Duckworth Douglas
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This paper discusses the eighth and ninth Karmapas' representation of Prāsaṅgika-Madhyamaka. The ninth Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorjé (1556–1603), outlines a Prāsaṅgika system that can only be articulated through denials and/or by deference to what is "acknowledged by others" ( gzhan grags ). He thus affirms a view of Prāsaṅgika only and always in terms of what is acknowledged by others, but never in terms of any view acknowledged by the Prāsaṅgika tradition itself. This paper explores the implications of Wangchuk Dorjé's unique Prāsaṅgika interpretation, as well as the parallel portrayals of Madhyamaka in the works of the eighth Karmapa, Mikyö Dorjé (1507–1554), which influenced Wangchuk Dorjé and were inspired in part by the Sakya scholar Taktsang Lotsawa (1405–1477). The paper will also situate this interpretation of Madhyamaka historically and philosophically against the backdrop of Mahāmudrā in the Karma Kagyü tradition.
The Ghost of Anacharsis Cloots
Authors: Warren Lenora
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This essay explores the references to Anacharsis Cloots in Melville's Moby-Dick or The Whale (1852), The Confidence-Man (1857), and Billy Budd, Sailor (1924). Cloots, a Prussian aristocrat who fancied himself the "orator for mankind" figures in Melville's work as an avatar for both the ideals of revolutionary philosophy and its failures. Yet his appearances in these texts are so glancing as to not have inspired much in the way of sustained analysis. It is my contention that one can only begin to understand the Cloots references if one considers the manner in which they appear adjacent to key Black characters: Pip in Moby-Dick , Black Guinea in The Confidence-Man , and the unnamed Black Sailor in Billy Budd . This placement allows Melville to simultaneously call out Cloots's grand delegation for its exclusion of any African nation and highlight the as-yet unrealized grand aims of revolutionary rhetoric. Cloots's specter haunts these texts the way that the American, French, and Haitian revolutions haunt the decades before and after the Civil War. This haunting, I argue, is Melville's way of exploring both the limits and necessity of Revolutionary idealism.
“I’m a Needed Commodity
in the Academy”: Racial
Capitalism and the Positioning
of Race as Capital in the Faculty
Job Market
Authors: Liera Román , Rodgers Aireale
Published: November 2024

Guided by racial capitalism, interest convergence, and positioning
theory, we analyzed focus group data from 30 racially minoritized PhD
candidates to understand how they experienced and responded to racial commodification
in the academic job market. Although our participants perceived
their hireability might be contingent on their performance of “the right typeof diversity,” they decided to position themselves in authentic and humanizing
ways. The study highlights how racial commodification incentivizes racially
minoritized PhD students in the academic job market to position themselves
such that Historically White Serving Institutions could exploit them while
maintaining the status quo. We provide recommendations for faculty to
identify and disrupt these positionings and instead support People of Color in
navigating the job market with authenticity, dignity, and self-determination.
Connecting the South to the World: Export Geographies of the Region’s Larger Cities
Authors: Kalafsky Ronald
Published: November 2024

Exports are often employed as a metric for economic development – and as a potential
vehicle for regional economic growth, which has been a goal of development efforts across much of the
southern United States. This region has long been linked to the global economy and the South’s cities
have long played a signi
Skulls, the “Mazze,” and the Promise of Union: Political Symbolism and Culture of Peasant Protest in the Milk Delivery Strikes of Western Switzerland, 1945– 1951
Authors: Auderset Juri
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This contribution investigates a specific agricultural protest movement that emerged towards the end of the Second World War in Western Switzerland. In the spring of 1945, dissatisfied farmers in the French-speaking part of Switzerland founded the “Union Romande des Agriculteurs” (URA), a peasant opposition movement that struggled against both the increasing power of the state and the existing farmers’ organizations in regulating agriculture and the disintegrating impact of industrial capitalism on the livelihoods and way of life of farming communities. In the fall of 1945 and 1947, the URA organized two milk delivery strikes to mobilize fellow farmers to join the URA’s resistance. They also founded their own journal, tellingly called Le Paysan Enchâiné – “The Chained Peasant.” The leaders of the movement were later brought to the courts and condemned to harsh punishments for their non-compliance with the milk delivery obligations that emanated from the war economy regime and that were still in force after the war. The story of the URA’s milk delivery strikes and its suppression by the state and the official farmers’ organizations is also a story of farmers’ use of symbolic practices with which they forged their identity as an opposition movement and by which they demanded political legitimacy for their claims. By taking a closer look at the activities of this movement and investigating the performance of the URA’s protests, as well as the symbolic meanings they attached to them, this article attempts to decipher the often-intangible political symbolism and ritual character that shaped their protesting, at the crossroads of long-standing traditions of peasant resistance and the new challenges farmers were facing in the transformation of mid-20th century agriculture.
Personnages en Marge D’eux-Mêmes: Je Suis Quelqu’un d’Aminata Aidara
Authors: Chevillot Frédérique
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The present essay is an attempt towards identifying writing techniques in contemporary fiction in French that would invite White readers to acknowledge their implicit biases and adopt an antiracist reading process, and conversely, invite racialized readers to reclaim the reality of their lived experiences through literary inscription. It follows an earlier investigation, published elsewhere, which only alluded to the novel that is analyzed here in depth. Je suis quelqu’un , published in 2018, is the Senegalese-Italian author Aminata Aidara’s first novel. It is a powerfully written text that does not hesitate to call all readers out on their own implicit biases and unchallenged racial assumptions.
Resonant EO combs: beyond the standard phase noise model of frequency combs
Authors: Heebøll H. R. , Sekhar P. , Riebesehl J. , Razumov A. , Heyrich M. , Galili M. , Da Ros F. , Diddams S. A. , Zibar D.
Published: November 2024

A resonant electro-optic (EO) frequency comb is generated through electro-optic modulation of laser light within an optical resonator. Compared to cavity-less EO combs generated in a single pass through a modulator, resonant EO combs can produce broader spectra with lower radio frequency (RF) power and offer a measure of noise filtering beyond the cavity’s linewidth. Understanding, measuring, and suppressing the sources of phase noise in resonant EO combs is crucial for their applications in metrology, astrophotonics, optical clock generation, and fiber-optic communication. According to the standard phase noise model of frequency combs, only two variables—the common mode offset and repetition rate phase noise—are needed to fully describe the phase noise of comb lines. However, in this work, we demonstrate analytically, numerically, and experimentally that this standard model breaks down for resonant EO combs at short timescales (high frequencies) and under certain comb parameters. Specifically, a third phase noise component emerges. Consequently, resonant EO combs feature qualitatively different phase noise from their cavity-less counterparts and may not exhibit the anticipated noise filtering. A more complete description of the deviations from the standard phase noise model is critical to accurately predict the performance of frequency combs. The description presented here provides foundational insights for improved designs tailored to applications such as supercontinuum generation and optical communication.
Mitigation of MIMO equalizer-enhanced noise in long-haul coupled-core multicore fiber transmissions by an advanced spectral shaping filter
Authors: Xiong Junjie , Sun Lin , Ma Lin , Cai Jiaqi , Hu Daohui , Cheng Tianqi , Lu Ziqin , Shen Gangxiang , He Zuyuan
Published: November 2024

Commonly used linear equalizers in optical transmissions may induce in-band noise enhancement in the high-frequency region, degrading signaling performance. In this Letter, we propose for the first, to our knowledge, time, to mitigate the multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) equalizer-enhanced noise (EEN) in coupled-core multicore fiber (CC-MCF) systems by utilizing the spectral shaping (SS) filter and maximum likelihood sequence detection (MLSD), which have shown effective EEN mitigation in SMF systems. However, CC-MCF systems feature multiple spatial channels, each requiring separate coefficient optimization for SS filters corresponding to each output of MIMO. To streamline this process, we introduce a simplified coefficient optimization method using the overall averaged MIMO response, demonstrating no obvious performance degradation. In experiments, a more significant Q-factor improvement was achieved with the proposed technique for higher baud rate signals, which experienced more severe bandwidth limits and thus exhibited higher EEN effects. This result indicates that the proposed DSP technique can effectively suppress MIMO-induced EEN in CC-MCF transmissions. Additionally, we conducted a multi-loop CC-4CF transmission to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed DSP scheme in long-haul transmissions. Q-factor improvements of 0.45 dB were successfully achieved after a 1000-km transmission. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed technique in mitigating MIMO-induced EEN and show promise for enhancing the signaling performance of long-haul CC-MCF transmissions.
Cardiac disease diagnosis based on GAN in case of missing data
Authors: Chen Xing , Zhang Na , Yang Xiaohui , Wang Chunyan , Na Qi , Luan Tianyun , Zhu Wendi , Zhang Chenjie , Yang Chao
Published: November 2024

In daily life, two common algorithms are used for collecting medical disease data: data integration of medical institutions and questionnaires. However, these statistical methods require collecting data from the entire research area, which consumes a significant amount of manpower and material resources. Additionally, data integration is difficult and poses privacy protection challenges, resulting in a large number of missing data in the dataset. The presence of incomplete data significantly reduces the quality of the published data, hindering the timely analysis of data and the generation of reliable knowledge by epidemiologists, public health authorities, and researchers. Consequently, this affects the downstream tasks that rely on this data. To address the issue of discrete missing data in cardiac disease, this paper proposes the AGAN (Attribute Generative Adversarial Nets) architecture for missing data filling, based on generative adversarial networks. This algorithm takes advantage of the strong learning ability of generative adversarial networks. Given the ambiguous meaning of filling data in other network structures, the attribute matrix is designed to directly convert it into the corresponding data type, making the actual meaning of the filling data more evident. Furthermore, the distribution deviation between the generated data and the real data is integrated into the loss function of the generative adversarial networks, improving their training stability and ensuring consistency between the generated data and the real data distribution. This approach establishes the missing data filling mechanism based on the generative adversarial networks, which ensures the rationality of the data distribution while filling the missing data samples. The experimental results demonstrate that compared to other filling algorithms, the data matrix filled by the proposed algorithm in this paper has more evident practical significance, fewer errors, and higher accuracy in downstream classification prediction.
Investigation of growth curves with different nonlinear models and MARS algorithm in broiler chickens
Authors: Şengül Turgay , Çelik Şenol , Şengül Ahmet Yusuf , İnci Hakan , Şengül Ömer
Published: November 2024

This study was conducted to determine the live weight model of the broiler chicks by using the most appropriate mathematical growth curves. Live weights were used in broiler chicks grown for 0–6 weeks. Logistics, Gompertz, Weibull, Hossfeld and Von Bertalanffy models and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) data mining algorithm were used to define the live weights of the chickens. In the comparison of the models, the determination coefficient (R2), mean square error (MSE), Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) and Schwarz Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) values were used. As a result of the study, it is seen that Gompertz model is the best model to define live weight of the broilers in the Gompertz model, R2, MSE, RMSE, AIC, BIC and growth rates for male broiler were 0.9998, 470.570, 21.681, 68.750, 68.934 and 0.241, respectively. The actual measured live weight values and the weight values estimated by Logistics, Gompertz, Weibull, Hossfeld, Von Bertalanffy models and MARS algorithm are close and in harmony with each other in the graph. However, the weight values estimated from the MARS algorithm are much closer to the observed live weight values. The represent study also demonstrated a very high predictive performance of the MARS data mining algorithm for describing the growth of chicken. In conclusion, MARS algorithm can be a good alternative for breeders aiming at describing the weight-age relationship of broiler chickens.
The impact of terrorist attacks on cultural values as expressed in books
Authors: Hart Daniel , Chiu I-Ming , Epstein Richard
Published: November 2024

We assessed the effects of the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks on the salience of moral words and phrases in the United States, Great Britain, and Spanish-speaking countries, focusing particularly on those phrases related to authority and loyalty. Our predictions were that the 9/11 attacks would increase the salience of authority phrases suggestive of disorder (“chaos”, “disobedience”, etc, labeled authority-vice) and decrease words and phrases suggestive of organization (“hierarchy”, “obedient”, etc: authority-virtue) in books published in the United States. Similarly, we anticipated that the salience of phrases consistent with fidelity to members of one’s social group (“allegiance”, “one for all”, loyalty-virtue), would decrease, and those suggestive of social corrosion (“betrays”, “back stabs”, loyalty-vice) would increase. To test these predictions, we calculated the relative frequency of authority-vice, authority-virtue, loyalty-vice, and loyalty-virtue phrases, as well as those associated with other moral values, in books published in the U.S., Great Britain, and Spanish-speaking countries for each year between 1960 and 2019. A Bayesian structural time-series approach for each type of phrase provided additional support for the hypotheses for books published in the United States. Descriptive analyses suggested that the period following 9/11 was characterized by a deceleration in historical trends toward increasing use of moral vocabulary in published books. We discuss the implications of our findings for the measurement of cultural values and the impact of terrorism events on moral foundations and suggest that the encoding of these value shifts in texts is one way in which cultural effects are sustained.
Classifying age from medial clavicle using a 30-year threshold: An image analysis based approach
Authors: Ivković Nela , Bašić Željana , Jerković Ivan
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to develop image-analysis-based classification models for distinguishing individuals younger and older than 30 using the medial clavicle. We extracted 2D images of the medial clavicle from multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) scans from Clinical Hospital Center Split (n = 204). A sample was divided into a training (164 images) and testing (40 images) dataset. The images were loaded into the Orange Data Mining 3.32.0., and transformed into vectors using the pre-trained neural network Painters: A model trained to predict painters from artwork images. We conducted Principal Components Analysis (PCA) to visualize regularities within data and reduce data dimensionality in classification. We employed three classifiers that provided >80% accuracy: Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), and Neutral Network Identity SGD (NNI–SGD). We used 5-fold cross-validation (CV) to obtain optimal variables and performances and validated data on the independent test set, with a standard posterior probabilities (pp) threshold of 0.5 and 0.95. The explainability of the model was accessed visually by analyzing clusters and incorrectly classified images using anthropology field knowledge. Based on the PCA, clavicles clustered into categories under 30 and 40 years, between 40 and 55 years, and over 80 years. The overall accuracy with standard pp ranged from 82.5% to 92.5% for CV and 82.5% to 92.5% for the test set. The posterior probability of 0.95 provided classification accuracy up to 100% but with a lower proportion of images that could be classified. The study showed that image analysis based on a pre-trained deep neural network could contribute to distinguishing clavicles of individuals younger and older than 30.
Glycemic load impacts the response of acquired resistance in breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro
Authors: Adham Sirin A. , Al Kalbani Azza , Al Zeheimi Noura , Al Dalali Muna , Al Kharusi Noor , Siddiqi Azeeza , Al Maskari Aliya
Published: November 2024

Resisting chemotherapy is a significant hurdle in treating breast cancer. Locally advanced breast cancer patients undergo four cycles of Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide, followed by four cycles of Paclitaxel before surgery. Some patients resist this regimen, and their cancer recurred. Our study aimed to understand the underlying mechanisms of acquired resistance during these specific treatment phases. We explored how breast cancer cells, resistant to chemotherapy, respond to different glucose levels, shedding light on the intricate relationship between diabetes, breast cancer subtype, and resistance to preoperative chemotherapy. We examined two groups of cell lines: the standard MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells and their resistant counterparts after exposure to four cycles of Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (4xAC) or four cycles of 4xAC and Paclitaxel (4xAC+4xPAC), aiming to unravel the mechanisms and cellular responses at these critical treatment stages. Notably, under normal and low glucose conditions, the resistant MDA-MB-231 cells showed accelerated growth compared to the control cells, while the resistant MCF7 cells proliferated more slowly than their original counterparts. Resistance to 4xAC resulted in significant cell death in both cell lines, especially under low glucose conditions, in contrast to control or 4xAC+4xPAC-resistant cells. The similarity between the MCF7 4xAC+4xPAC resistant cells and the control might be due to the P-AKT expression pattern in response to glucose levels since the levels were constant in MCF7 4xAC in all glucose concentrations. Molecular analysis revealed specific protein accumulations explaining the heightened proliferation and invasion in resistant MDA-MB-231 cells and their ability to withstand low glucose levels compared to MCF7. In conclusion, increased drug involvement corresponds to increased cell resistance, and changes in glucose levels differentially impact resistant variant cells to different drugs. The findings can be translated clinically to explain patients’ differential responses to preoperative chemotherapy cycles considering their breast cancer subtype and diabetic status.
Pine pollen reverses the function of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting α-Enolase mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Luo Yanhong , Guo Chun , Ling Caixia , Yu Wenjun , Chen Yuanhong , Jiang Lihe , Luo Qiuxiang , Wang Chunfang , Xu Weixin
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the influence of pine pollen (PP) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) behavior in vitro and in vivo and explore its mechanism of action by focusing on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein serine-threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway and α-Enolase (ENO1) gene expression.

Methods

We performed a bioinformatics analysis of ENO1. HCC cells overexpressing ENO1 were developed by lentivirus transfection. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were assessed using the cell cytotoxicity kit-8 assay, transwell assay, cell scratch test, and ENO1 inhibiting proliferation experiment. Protein expression was analyzed using Western blot. The in vivo effects of PP on HCC xenografts were also assessed in mice. The serum of nude mice in each group was analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and AST/ALT. The tumor blocks of nude mice were weighed, and proteins were extracted for Western blot.

Results

Compared to normal cells, the phosphorylation of ENO1 at the S27 site was most significant in HCC cells and was closely related to cell proliferation. In vitro, the PP solution inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of ENO1 overexpressing cells compared with empty-vector-transfected cells. In mice bearing HCC, PP injection inhibited the overexpression of ENO1, affected serum ALT, AST, and AST/ALT levels, and reduced tumor weight. However, the expression of proliferation-related proteins in tumors overexpressing ENO1 was higher than in empty transfected tumors.

Conclusion

PP inhibits HCC by regulating the expression of ENO1 and MBP-1 and suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway by inhibiting C-MYC and erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2.
Is it safe and feasible to use multi-lateral-pores drainage strategy after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery?
Authors: Dong Yingxian , Li Shujun , Che Guowei
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Evidence-based studies optimizing chest tube management have been conducted to accelerate the recovery process for lung cancer patients after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This study is to evaluate whether using the multi-lateral pores chest tube can achieve better drainage performance than conventional-lateral-pore drainage.

Methods

Data from patients undergoing VATS were consecutively collected from September 2023 to June 2024. The groups were randomized into two subgroups, which were multi-lateral-pores drainage group (MDG) and conventional-lateral-pore drainage group (CDG). The primary outcomes included chest drainage performance, and the secondary outcomes included postoperative complications (PPCs).

Results

After screening, 228 patients were randomized into two groups, in which 116 patients in MDG and 112 patients in CDG. The daily drainage volume [199.70 (95%CI: 165.19~234.99) mL/d vs 149.43 (95%CI: 120.70~179.21) mL/d, P<0.01] and total drainage volume [342.79 (95%CI: 291.91~392.63) mL vs 272.68 (95%CI: 225.87~322.11) mL, P = 0.04] in the MDG was significantly higher that that in the CDG. The drainage duration in the MDG was also less than that in the CDG [36.41 (95%CI: 32.23~40.72) h vs 51.02 (95%CI: 46.03~56.38) h, P < 0.01]. The incidence of pleural effusion was lower in the MDG when compared with that in CDG (1.7% vs 9.0%, P = 0.04). No differences were found in the other incidences of chest tube—related PPCs, including pneumothorax (12.0% vs 15.2%, P = 0.15) and subcutaneous emphysema (17.2% vs 17.9%, P = 0.35), however.

Conclusions

Based on this single-center analysis, multi-lateral pores chest tube provided better drainage performance after VATS.
Combinatorial treatment with traditional medicinal preparations and VEGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors for middle-advanced primary liver cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Hui-Bo , Hu Jia-Qi , Han Bao-Jin , Du Yan-Yuan , Chen Shun-Tai , Chen Xin , Xiong Hong-Tai , Gao Jin , Zheng Hong-Gang
Published: November 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Traditional medicine preparations (TMPs) given in combination with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-associated multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of middle to advanced-stage primary liver cancer (PLC).

Methods

This systematic literature survey employed 10 electronic databases and 2 clinical trial registration platforms to identify relevant studies on the use of TMPs + VEGFR-TKIs to treat patients with middle-advanced PLC. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was performed following the PRISMA guidelines using the risk ratio (RR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI) or standardized mean difference as effect measures.

Results

A total of 26 studies comprising 1678 middle-advanced PLC patients were selected. The meta-analysis revealed that compared with VEGFR-TKI mono-treatment, the co-therapy of TMPs + VEGFR-TKIs considerably enhanced the objective response rate (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.31–1.69), disease control rate (RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.16–1.30), and one-year overall survival (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.28–1.74). Furthermore, the co-therapy was associated with reduced incidences of liver dysfunction (RR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45–0.91), proteinuria (RR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.24–0.75), hypertension (RR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.53–0.83), hand-foot skin reactions (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49–0.80), myelosuppression (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.46–0.87), and gastrointestinal reactions (RR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45–0.92). Moreover, the co-therapy indicated no increase in the incidences of rash and fatigue.

Conclusion

This systematic analysis revealed that co-therapy with TMPs + VEGFR-TKIs has a higher effectiveness and safety profile for treating middle-advanced PLC patients. However, further validation using randomized control trials is required.

PROSPERO registration no

CRD42022350634.
Non-analgesic effects of opioids: Topical application of Eucerin-based ointment containing opium on the healing process of thermal skin damage in rats
Authors: Mehrpour Omid , Farrokhfall Khadijeh , Naseri Kobra , Nakhaee Samaneh
Published: November 2024

The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of different doses of Eucerin-based ointment containing opium compared to routine treatment on experimentally induced burn injury. Male Wistar rats were divided into five experimental groups for topical application: silver sulfadiazine 1% (SSD), Eucerin-based ointment containing opium at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5%, and a Eucerin-based ointment containing 0.05% opium plus SSD (mixed group), following burn wound induction using the comb burn model. An equal volume of different ointments was administered topically. The wound appearances of different groups were photographed at different time points for 21 days. In addition, blood and skin samples were taken 2 and 10 days after thermal injury to assess inflammatory parameters and oxidative stress markers. Also, the liver enzyme activity and kidney function tests were assessed on day 10. The body weight in Opium 5% significantly decreased compared to all other groups after ten days. The wound area was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in three groups: Opium 0.05%, Opium 0.5%, and mixed, compared to the SSD group on days 14 and 21. On day 21, the wound size in the Opium 5% group was significantly larger than that in the SSD group. Significantly lower serum levels of MDA were observed in all groups compared to the SSD group on days 2 and 10. There were no significant differences between treatment groups for concentrations of TNF-α in serum and burned skin samples (p>0.05). The serum concentrations of interleukin-10 in the mixed group were significantly higher compared to the SSD group on day 10. After ten days, groups were not different regarding AST, ALT, and creatinine concentrations (p>0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed that the wound healing efficacy of opium at its lowest concentration (0.05%) surpassed that of silver sulfadiazine (SSD). Furthermore, the combination of 0.05% opium with SSD enhanced the wound repair potential of SSD in burn injuries. This study showed that opium ointment delayed wound closure dose-dependently. Low doses of topical opium ointment and its mixed application with silver sulfadiazine had a protective role in thermal-induced injury.
Nonlinear effects of traffic statuses and road geometries on highway traffic accident severity: A machine learning approach
Authors: Liang Yao , Yuan Hongxia , Wang Zhenwu , Wan Zhongjin , Liu Tiantian , Wu Bing , Chen Shijie , Tang Xiaobo
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore nonlinear and threshold effects of traffic statuses and road geometries, as well as their interactions, on traffic accident severity. In contrast to earlier research that primarily defined road alignment qualitatively as straight or curved, flat or slope, this study focused on the design elements of road geometry at accident locations. Additionally, this study considers the traffic conditions on the day of the accident, rather than the average annual traffic data as previous studies have done. To achieve this, we collected road design documents, traffic-related data, and 2023 accident data from the Suining section of the G42 Expressway in China. Using this dataset, we tested the classification performance of four machine learning models, including eXtreme Gradient Boosting, Gradient Boosted Decision Tree, Random Forest, and Light Gradient Boosting Machine. The optimal Random Forest model was employed to identify the key factors infulencing traffic accident severity, and the partial dependence plot was introduced to visualize the relationship between severity and various single and two-factor variables. The results indicate that the percentage of trucks, daily traffic volume, slope length, road grade, curvature, and curve length all exhibit significant nonlinear and threshold effects on accident severity. This reveals sepecific road and traffic features associated with varying levels of accident severity along the highway section examined in this study. The findings of this study will provide data-driven recommendations for highway design and daily safety management to reduce the severity of traffic accidents.
Building block for success: A case study of capacity-strengthening in grant administration for Pakistani universities
Authors: Hassan Mustafa , Ghafoor Bakhtawar , Bloomfield Gerald , Kamal Ayeesha , Almas Aysha , Awan Safia , Tariq Muhammed , Virani Salim , Samad Zainab
Published: November 2024

Background

Grant administration plays a pivotal role in the success of research and academic endeavors. However, in Pakistan, academic institutions often face challenges in this domain, primarily due to a lack of specialized training and infrastructure.

Aims

This research paper presents the outcomes of a comprehensive capacity-strengthening workshop, hosted in two cities, aimed at improving grant administration skills in Pakistani academic institutions.

Methodology

A pre and post-survey analysis was conducted to assess participants’ knowledge and experience. A pre-survey method was used to develop the learning objectives and content for the workshop, whereas the post-survey tool was used to assess the immediate effect of a two-day capacity-strengthening workshop on participants’ knowledge of grants

Results

Response rates for Karachi participants were 86% pre and 87% post, while for Islamabad participants, they were 63% pre and 57% post. Notably, participants in Islamabad, where infrastructure and support services are often less advanced, exhibited significant improvement in their understanding of grant administration processes. Factors contributing to the workshop’s success included its dynamic content, interactive learning methods, and an inclusive learning environment.

Conclusion

The outcomes of this research provide insights into the effectiveness of tailored capacity-strengthening programs in addressing the unique needs of diverse academic institutions. In addition, it highlights the potential of collaborative learning, where participants from various backgrounds come together to enhance their collective knowledge. This initiative underscores the importance of enhancing grant administration skills to foster a more robust research ecosystem in Pakistan.
Adherence to higher Life’s Essential 8 scores is linearly associated with reduced all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among US adults with metabolic syndrome: Results from NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: Zhou Dao-Cheng , Liang Jia-Lin , Hu Xin-Yu , Fang Hong-Cheng , Liu De-Liang , Zhao Heng-Xia , Li Hui-Lin , Xu Wen-Hua
Published: November 2024

Background

Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) is the American Heart Association (AHA)’s recently updated assessment of cardiovascular health (CVH). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most common chronic noncommunicable diseases associated with CVH impairment and an increased risk of mortality. However, the association of LE8 with all-cause and disease-specific mortality in the MetS population remains unknown. We aimed to explore these associations in a national prospective cohort study from NHANES 2005–2018.

Methods

The LE8 was calculated according to the assessment criteria proposed by the AHA, which includes health behavior and health factor domains. LE8 scores were categorized as low CVH (0–49), moderate CVH (50–79), and high CVH (80–100). MetS was assessed according to NCEP-ATP III criteria, and mortality data were obtained through prospective linkage to the National Death Index database.

Results

7839 participants with MetS were included and only 3.5% were in high CVH. In the fully adjusted models, LE8 was negatively associated with both all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (hazard ratios [HR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI] of 0.978 (0.971,0.984) and 0.972 (0.961,0.984), respectively, both p < 0.0001). Both moderate/high CVH were associated with significantly lower mortality compared to low CVH (both p for trend <0.0001). Health behaviors had a more dominant effect compared to health factors. All-cause and CVD mortality gradually decreased with increasing ideal LE8 metrics. LE8 was not significantly associated with cancer mortality. LE8 and health behaviors were linearly associated with all-cause and CVD mortality, whereas health factors were nonlinearly associated (plateaued after ≥50). Education and chronic kidney disease influenced the association of LE8 with all-cause and CVD mortality, respectively.

Conclusions

LE8 scores were negatively associated with all-cause and CVD mortality in the MetS population, while health behaviors had a dominant role. Adherence to higher CVH contributes to the prevention of excessive all-cause and CVD mortality in the MetS population.
Effect of task interruption on the situation awareness of air traffic controllers
Authors: Zhou Kun , Wang Chenglong , Xie Siqi , Zhou Yanan , Zhang Xuelong , Wang Yanqing , Tang Hui
Published: November 2024

Multiple intersecting situational tasks in the field of aviation often cause air traffic controllers to face issues pertaining to interruption and task switching. To investigate the impact of task interruption on the situation awareness of air traffic controllers, two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1, which focused on 44 new graduates preparing to work in the field of air traffic control, revealed that task interruption reduced the participants’ levels of situation awareness. Experiment 2, which focused on 80 new air traffic control graduates, employed a 2 (primary task modality: visual, auditory) × 2 (interruption modality: visual, auditory) between-subjects design and revealed that the negative effect of task interruption on situation awareness was moderated by task modality. Interruptions that occur in the same modality as the primary task were shown to result in greater decreases than were cross modal interruptions. Visual interruption led to a greater decrease in situation awareness than did auditory interruption, and interruption of the visual task also caused a greater decrease in situation awareness than did interruption of the auditory task. These findings might be valuable in attempts to enhance situation awareness among air traffic controllers by providing insights into the design of human‒computer interactions in the context of an air traffic control automation system.
Eimeria: Navigating complex intestinal ecosystems
Authors: Weng Shengjie , Tian Erjie , Gao Meng , Zhang Siyu , Yang Guodong , Zhou Bianhua
Published: November 2024

Eimeria is an intracellular obligate apicomplexan parasite that parasitizes the intestinal epithelial cells of livestock and poultry, exhibiting strong host and tissue tropism. Parasite–host interactions involve complex networks and vary as the parasites develop in the host. However, understanding the underlying mechanisms remains a challenge. Acknowledging the lack of studies on Eimeria invasion mechanism, we described the possible invasion process through comparative analysis with other apicomplexan parasites and explored the fact that parasite–host interactions serve as a prerequisite for successful recognition, penetration of the intestinal mechanical barrier, and completion of the invasion. Although it is recognized that microbiota can enhance the host immune capacity to resist Eimeria invasion, changes in the microenvironment can, in turn, contribute to Eimeria invasion and may be associated with reduced immune capacity. We also discuss the immune evasion strategies of Eimeria, emphasizing that the host employs sophisticated immune regulatory mechanisms to suppress immune evasion by parasites, thereby sustaining a balanced immune response. This review aims to deepen our understanding of Eimeria–host interactions, providing a theoretical basis for the study of the pathogenicity of Eimeria and the development of novel anticoccidial drugs.
¿Qué papel desempeñan los hermanos de personas con discapacidad intelectual en la edad adulta? Un estudio cualitativo con implicaciones educativas
Authors: Barbero Aguado Sofía , Rodríguez Herrero Pablo , Esteban Moreno Rosa María
Published: November 2024

Introducción.
El papel desempeñado por los hermanos de personas con discapacidad intelectual (DI) dentro del núcleo familiar es fundamental a lo largo de toda la etapa vital, pero especialmente en la edad adulta, cuando se toman decisiones importantes y se lleva a cabo el relevo generacional.

Objetivo del estudio.
Explorar los factores de impacto que intervienen en la relación de fratría entre los hermanos y sus implicaciones educativas, cuando uno de ellos presenta DI, fomentando la oportunidad de crear programas educativos de acompañamiento familiar en edad adulta que puedan capacitar a los hermanos.

Método.
La investigación, de corte cualitativo, se realiza a través de un diseño fenomenológico interpretativo en el que las dimensiones de análisis son los vínculos de apego, la vivencia personal y emocional, el entorno familiar y social y el proyecto de vida. En la investigación se analizan las percepciones de personas con DI (5 participantes) y hermanos (10 participantes) a través de entrevistas personales semiestructuradas.

Resultados.
Entre los resultados más relevantes, se encuentran que los hermanos de personas con DI necesitan conocer la información referida a la propia discapacidad, siempre acorde a su edad y capacidad, para poder desarrollar estrategias de aceptación y afrontamiento de la propia discapacidad. El tiempo compartido entre los hermanos es un predictor de lo que puede llegar a suceder en el futuro cuando se produzca ese relevo generacional, pero los propios hermanos requieren de apoyos educativos y de acompañamiento para dar respuesta a las necesidades que vayan surgiendo y reforzar las relaciones de fratría.

Conclusiones.
El estudio tiene algunas implicaciones educativas relevantes en el ámbito de estudio como la propuesta de crear un programa de acompañamiento educativo familiar destinado a hermanos de personas con DI en edad adulta.
The effect of a semester long of teaching practice on the academic performance of the final year students.A case study on the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka
Authors: Akinjola Moses
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of a semester-long showing practice on the scholarly execution of conclusive year understudies at the Government School of Instruction (Specialized), Akoka. The showing practice program is a vital piece of educator preparation, intended to overcome any barrier between hypothetical learning and down-to-earth application. Utilizing a blended technique research approach, information was gathered from 120 last-year understudies and dissected to decide what their cooperation in showing practice meant for their scholarly presentation. The discoveries uncover a positive relationship between's showing practice and worked on comprehension of educational techniques; however, difficulties, for example, using time productively and scholarly responsibility, impacted a few understudies adversely. Proposals for better arrangement of showing practice and scholarly timetables are given to upgrade understudy results.
Using the equilibrium approach analyze Nigeria -China relation
Authors: Igbeboh Love uyemhi
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates the complex interaction of Nigeria and China through the equilibrating approach with regard to the dynamics of trade, investment, and its geopolitical implications. Since establishing relations in 1971, Nigeria and China have come into a partnership which is multi-faceted, characterized by a strong increase in trade and foreign direct investment. However, the structural trade deficit, hugely in favor of China, raises concerns about Nigeria's economic dependency and long-term sustainability. This paper identifies the most relevant quality features of Chinese investments, the necessity of having in place strong regulatory frameworks that take into account the socio-economic impacts on local communities, and analyzes historical context, trade dynamics, and investment patterns that shape the relationship between key challenges—such as debt sustainability and governance issues—that arise when trying to achieve a balanced economic relationship. The findings have shown that if Nigeria is to gain effectively from the partnership with China, it should be in diversification of its economy, enhancement of local content policies, and promotion of technology transfer. Conclusively, the paper indicates recommendations to make the relationship more balanced and for mutual benefit, taking care of long-term development goals by both countries.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES E DESAFIOS À PRÁTICA DOCENTE NA ATUALIDADE: UMA MIRADA NO USO DAS TECNOLOGIAS DA INFORMAÇÃO E COMUNICAÇÃO COMO RECURSOS PEDAGÓGICOS NO ENSINO DE GEOGRAFIA
Authors: Santos Francisco Kennedy Silva dos
Published: November 2024

Este artigo constitui um recorte dos resultados da pesquisa intitulada “Possibilidades e desafios para prática docente no processo de aprendizado discente: o uso das Novas Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (NTIC) no ensino de geografia na rede pública estadual Pernambuco”, que procura compreender melhor a mudança operada no trabalho docente dos professores de Geografia da educação básica, confrontados com as NTIC. Nossas incursões metodológicas foram movidas por abordagens distintas (quantitativa e qualitativa), porém complementares. Como resultados da pesquisa, constatamos que os professores das escolas investigadas, apresentam grandes afinidades com as NTIC, entretanto, as limitações de uma formação inicial que traga em sua proposta curricular elementos para subsidiar suas práticas são evidentes, o que nos remete a novas investigações no âmbito do currículo dos cursos de formação na área de Geografia.
Analyzing clients’ opinion on vegetarian diet, their safety and availability in the Egypt market
Authors: Nermin Saad Mohamed Fahmi Dr.
Published: November 2024

In our paper we focus on the clients´ opinion on vegetarian diet, their safety and availability in the Egypt market. The analysis is based on a survey organized in the period between January 2024 and February 2024. From the methodological aspect, basic approaches of descriptive statistics have been used, as well as methods of association measurement. The test of robustness tested Chi-Square statistic. The robustness have been judged based on the p-values. Correlations have been tested through the Contingency coefficient and Cramer's V coefficient. From the survey it can be concluded that even though clients have some idea about vegetarian diet and trust them more compared to other classic food, they think that their market supply is not sufficient. Respondents consider media and internet, as the most important information source that they wish to be informed on vegetarian diet safety and control. Through the statistics of robustness, it was found out that the effect of gender, education, economic and activity had a better information vegetarian diet proved to be statistically significant.
Sobre el significado de Anfægtelse en Kierkegaard
Authors: Parcero Oubiña Oscar
Published: November 2024

En la obra de Kierkegaard Temor y temblor el término Anfægtelse tiene una decisiva centralidad, hasta el punto de que cabría afirmar que, si no todo, buena parte del libro descansa sobre su significado. Es, no obstante, una palabra de muy problemática traducción (en rigor: un intraducible), que exige una consideración a fondo de su sentido. Queriendo responder a esta exigencia, el presente trabajo se presenta como una revisión del significado de Anfægtelse en la obra de Kierkegaard, orientada particularmente a la propia Temor y temblor. Para ello, se investigará, primero, la conexión existente con el correspondiente término alemán, Anfechtung, que es también central en Lutero; en segundo lugar, se hará un recorrido por las distintas acepciones que adquiere Anfægtelse en la obra kierkegaardiana, para poder valorar todo el alcance de su significado; y en tercer lugar, se considerará ya el sentido específico que este término adquiere en Temor y temblor, sobre el cual se podrá justificar su problemática traducción.