bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life of Migrants on the Balkan Road to Europe - Selected Poems From a Migrant's Diary of Resistance
Authors: Nana A. , Hajzler Sasa
Published: May 2024

A., a persecuted activist, flees Cameroon to Europe. In 2019 he is extradited by the Slovenian police and brutally pushed back by Croatian border police. A. takes the state of Slovenia to court with the help of from a local Slovenian activist group, Infokolpa. Over the several years that follow, as he waits for the outcome of the court case, he writes a diary and collects testimonies from other migrants in camp Miral in Bosnia, creating a poetry of resistance. This contribution consists of excerpts of his poetry. The words belong to A., but the voice is of all migrants
Frieden und Frauenrechte im Kalten Krieg
Authors: Track Lara
Published: May 2024

Als der Kalte Krieg die Welt an den atomaren Abgrund brachte, formierte sich in den USA das Aktivistinnen-Netzwerk »Women Strike for Peace« (WSP). Von Frauen getragen, protestierte die WSP gegen Atomwaffentests und forderte Frieden im Namen künftiger Generationen. Lara Track analysiert das Verhältnis der WSP zur zeitgenössischen Frauenrechtsbewegung und zeigt auf, welchen entscheidenden Einfluss transnationale Vernetzung auf die Zusammenarbeit sozialer Bewegungen hatte. Damit erschließt sie nicht nur die Geschichte des bisher kaum im historischen Gedächtnis verankerten Frauenfriedensnetzwerks bis 1990, sondern verdeutlicht auch, wie Aktivistinnen gemeinsam für Frieden und Frauenrechte einstanden.
Das Politische als unbewusstes sujet
Authors: Boger Mai-Anh
Published: May 2024

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit der intrasubjektiven Grenze der Inklusion und der Partizipationsfähigkeit, indem er einen Begriff des Politischen als unbewusstes sujet entfaltet. Er fragt dazu nach jenem, an dem wir nicht bewusst teilhaben und das demnach eine Grenze der Fähigkeit zu einer wohlgeformten und bewusst-intentionalen politischen Artikulation betrifft. Um die (Nicht-)Interpretation von etwas als politisch zu ergründen, wird nach der Darlegung der Grundbegriffe an einem Beispiel gezeigt, worin sich die Freudsche und die Lacansche Interpretationstechnik unterscheiden. Zuletzt wird dreistellig die Differenz zwischen realen, imaginären und symbolischen Grenzen der Inklusion erörtert.
Mehr als Meritokratie?
Authors: Gibson Anja , Helsper Werner , Hinrichsen Merle , Hummrich Merle
Published: May 2024

Gibson, Helsper, Hinrichsen und Hummrich widmen sich in diesem Beitrag der Bedeutsamkeit von Meritokratie in schulkulturellen Ordnungen. Sie verstehen Inklusion und Exklusion als Bedingung schulischer Teilhabeordnungen, die sich in schulkulturelle Entwürfe einschreiben. Anhand der Betrachtung unterschiedlicher Schulkulturen werden Relationierungen von Meritokratie und Distinktion im Talentbereich Musik mit Blick auf Inklusivität und Exklusivität rekonstruiert. Die hier entstehende Typologie zeigt u.a., wie sich das Verhältnis von Meritokratie und Talentdistinktion für einzelne Schulkulturen sozialräumlich ausgestaltet. Damit wird gezeigt, dass jenseits des Postulats, kulturell-ästhetische Fächer würden Inklusion ermöglichen, gerade diese zu Distinktionsgewinnen führen und einen Beitrag zur Aufrechterhaltung von Exklusivität schulischer Bildung leisten.
Audiovision zwischen Hand und Haut
Authors: Kirschall Sonja
Published: May 2024

Welche Funktion hat der Tastsinn für die Sinnlichkeit von Film? Filmtheoretische Konzeptualisierungen, die diese Frage zu beantworten versuchen, sind seit mehr als zwei Jahrzehnten maßgeblich von Gegenüberstellungen »optischer« und »haptischer« Bilder bestimmt. Sonja Kirschall nimmt eine kritische Revision dieses Denkens vor, indem sie es einerseits mit seiner eigenen etwa hundertjährigen Konzeptgeschichte, andererseits mit den teletaktilen ästhetischen Praktiken der seit 2010 in den sozialen Medien produktiven ASMR-Community konfrontiert. Aus der Kombination von kritischer Theoriearbeit mit ästhetischer und Erfahrungsanalyse entwickelt sie so eine ordnende Zusammenschau möglicher Modi filmischer Tastsinnlichkeit und eine hapto-taktile Art der Filmanalyse.
Verpackungen der Literatur
Authors: Röttel Ronald
Published: May 2024

»[L]auter schönes Layout!« - Seit 1960 tritt ein Element der Literatur, nämlich ihr werbender Paratext, verstärkt auf den Plan. Was bedeutet es für das Verhältnis von literarischem Werk und verpackendem Beiwerk, wenn Autor*innen ihren Geltungsbereich auf die Gestaltung von Covern, Buchumschlägen und Layout ausweiten? Ronald Röttel zeigt, wie Literatur in der zweiten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts in Auseinandersetzung mit alltäglicher Konsumästhetik, Pop Art und popkulturellen Typografien in Zeitschriften ein Interesse für die Ästhetik ihrer Verpackung und Oberfläche gewinnt. Dazu analysiert er u.a. psychedelische Typografie, raubkopierte Punk-Typografie sowie ›glatte‹ New Wave-Layouts - und gibt so einen Einblick in ein wenig erforschtes Feld der Medienästhetik.
Starker Liberalismus
Authors: Oswalt (verst.) Walter
Published: May 2024

In Europa und den USA des 17. und 18. Jahrhunderts revoltierten mehrere Bewegungen für einen »starken Liberalismus«: in England die Leveller, in den USA Unabhängigkeitskämpfer um Tom Paine und in Frankreich der Cercle Social. Sie kämpften nicht nur für Menschenrechte und Demokratie, sondern auch gegen eine Machtkonzentration in der Wirtschaft. Trotz großer Anhängerschaft wurden sie verfolgt, eingekerkert oder ermordet und ihr Gedankengut geriet in Vergessenheit. Walter Oswalt macht ihre Ideen und Lösungsvorschläge in diesem posthum erscheinenden Band zugänglich und zeigt, wie aktuell ihre Tradition in der heutigen Welt einer globalisierten Wirtschaft ist. Mit einem Vorwort von Carsten Herrmann-Pillath.
Das Überleben der Bilder oder Ikonografie einer Krankheit
Authors: Leinung Mona
Published: May 2024

Mona Leinung spürt in ihrem Beitrag "Das Überleben der Bilder oder Ikonographie einer Krankheit" die Narrative auf, die den 2021 kursierenden medialen Repräsentationen der Corona-Pandemie eingeschrieben sind. Das Fehlen eines Schlüsselbildes, das sich als unauslöschliches Beispiel der Krise in das kollektive Bildgedächtnis der Gesellschaft schreibt, nimmt die Autorin zum Anlass, die Corona-Pandemie auf ihre visuelle Struktur hin zu befragen und die ikonographische Kohärenz der vielen ,vorbeischlitternden' Fotografien in den Medien zu diskutieren.
Futures of Covid-19 - Zukünfte in Datenund Informationsvisualisierungen der Corona-Krise
Authors: Ernst Christoph
Published: May 2024

Unter Rückgriff auf theoretische Ansätze zur Analyse von Daten- und Informationsvisualisierungen sowie ihren Interfaces analysiert der Beitrag zwei verschiedene interaktive Webseiten zur Corona-Pandemie. Im Fokus steht dabei die Frage, wie auf diesen Webseiten mögliche zukünftige Entwicklungen der Pandemie visualisiert werden und welche Konsequenzen sich daraus für die Medialität der vermittelten Botschaft ergeben.
Trostlose Protokolle oder Zeitzeugnisse einer Krise? Diaristische Schreibverfahren in Zeiten von Covid-19
Authors: Chatzinikolaou Anna-Christina
Published: May 2024

Anna Chatzinikolaou untersucht in ihrem Beitrag diaristische Schreibverfahren, welche sich während der sogenannten »Ersten Welle« der Corona-Pandemie in der digitalen und analogen Welt verbreitet haben und sich mit den Auswirkungen dieses Ausnahmezustands beschäftigt haben. Dabei fokussiert sie sich auf die literarischen Experimente deutschsprachiger Autor:innen und versucht zu analysieren, weshalb bei der schriftlichen Verarbeitung der gegenwärtigen Geschehnisse so häufig auf die Tagebuchform zurückgegriffen wird und welche Relevanz die sogenannten »Corona-Tagebücher« für die Gesellschaft und für den Literaturbetrieb haben.
Pflegekräfte zwischen Popstars und Superhelden - Handlungsdimensionen und ihre Medialisierung
Authors: Stange Lena , Stange Markus
Published: May 2024

Lena Stange und Markus Stange widmen sich in diesem Beitrag der medialen Inszenierung von Pflegekräften in der Covid-19-Pandemie. Die Pflegenden wurden als die neuen Stars in Szene gesetzt, die eine Stütze in unsicheren Zeiten darstellen und wurden damit zur Projektionsfläche heldenhafter Taten. In dem Aufsatz wird zunächst gezeigt, was die professionellen und moralischen Handlungsdimensionen der bislang medial ,unsichtbaren' Pflegekräfte im Vergleich zu Popstars und Superhelden kennzeichnet, welche ohne mediale Vermittlung gar nicht existieren würden. Anschließend wird gezeigt, wie das Zusammenspiel aus Taten und Medialisierung Stars und Helden erschaffen kann.
Krankheit zur Evolution. Der Planet der Affen und das Potenzial der pandemischen Zoonose
Authors: Shah Mira
Published: May 2024

Die Filme des Planet-der-Affen-Reboots thematisieren seit 2011 den Wandel im Speziesverhältnis von Menschen und Affen auf unserem Planeten über eine virale Erkrankung. Der Beitrag von Mira Shah geht dieser Elaboration des bereits in der Romanvorlage von Pierre Boulle angelegten Themas nach. Er arbeitet dabei heraus, wie diese Inszenierung einer globalen Pandemie als 'Krankheit zur Evolution' sowohl an Kultur- und Medientheorien des Viralen andockt, als auch das anthropozäne, narrative und evolutionstheoretische Potenzial der Zoonose thematisiert, wie es in aktuellen Diskursen aufgenommen wird.
Pandemie im Weltraum. Das MMO EVE Online und der wandelnde Umgang mit imaginierten und realen Pandemien
Authors: Hausar Gernot , Donecker Stefan
Published: May 2024

Stefan Donecker und Gernot Hausar befassen sich in diesem Beitrag mit Pandemien in Videospielen, insbesondere im MMO EVE Online. Herangehensweisen von Spieler*innen im Rahmen der Spielwelt werden nicht nur mit historischen Pandemien sondern auch mit der gleichzeitigen COVID-19 Pandemie in Kontext gesetzt und auch hinsichtlich Aspekten des Informationstransfers und des Kompetenzerwerbs betrachtet: Die Spielwelt als Austauschort für Strategien zur Bewältigung von Pandemien in der Spielwelt aber auch zum Informationsaustausch und als Rückzugsort bei realen Pandemien, der Tod einer Spielfigur aber auch der Spieler*innen selbst und der Umgang der Gemeinschaft damit standen hier im Fokus der Betrachtung. Sie zeigen, wie digitale Spielewelten und virtuelle Räume vermehrt auch im Rahmen des Austauschs über Aspekte des realen Lebens an Bedeutung gewinnen. Die Nutzung gerade von Science-Fiction - einem Genre mit Tradition in diesem Bereich - als Setting für die Behandlung auch realer sozio-technischer Veränderungen unterstützt den Informationstransfer. Der Bezug auf historische Bewältigungsstrategien legt nahe, daß Science-Fiction als Genre hier teilweise die Rolle historisch stark religiös geprägter künstlerisch-kreativer Übersetzungshandlungen im Rahmen der untersuchten historischen Pandemien wahrnimmt.
Das auditive Netz
Authors: Werner Hans-Ulrich
Published: May 2024

Was macht künstlerisches Forschen im Bereich Sound und Musik aus? Im Ausklang einer langen und produktiven technisch-künstlerischen sowie wissenschaftlichen Laufbahn stellt Hans-Ulrich Werner seine Ergebnisse zum Thema vor. Dazu orientiert er sich vor allem an den Ideen und Erkenntnissen der Menschen, denen er bei seinem Schaffen begegnete und die er als Akteure eines internationalen Netzes beschreibt. Somit ergibt sich nicht nur ein Einblick in die Protagonisten der vielfältigen Klanglandschaften dieser Welt, sondern auch die Etablierung des künstlerischen Forschens als eigenständige Disziplin jenseits von klassischer Wissenschaft.
Zwischen Provinz und Staatstheater
Authors: Holl-Enzler Christine
Published: May 2024

Bühnen unter der Trägerschaft einer Stadt bilden die überwiegende Grundlage der Theaterstätten im deutschsprachigen Raum. Am Beispiel des Theaters in Augsburg widmet sich Christine Holl-Enzler erstmals einer umfassenden Erörterung der Institution des Stadttheaters. Gleichzeitig geht sie der Frage nach, ob das Stadttheater als Provinzbühne verstanden wird und nimmt außerdem dessen kulturelle Bedeutung für die Stadtgesellschaft in den Blick. Durch das spezielle Verständnis, das Theater als Institution zu begreifen, bieten sich neue Erkenntnisse für Bühnen in der Provinz, denen der Sprung in den Rang eines Staatstheaters gelingen kann.
Track Changes
Authors: Hamel Hanna
Published: May 2024

Am Beispiel der Funktion »Track Changes/Änderungen nachverfolgen« untersucht der Aufsatz die Effekte digitaler Textverarbeitung auf das Schreiben und Lesen. Dabei wird die These verfolgt, dass die digitale Textverarbeitung einerseits kollaborative Textproduktion unterstützt, damit andererseits aber auch implizite normative Erwartungen an Texte heranträgt. Während das vergleichende Entwickeln von Standards für das wissenschaftliche Arbeiten (und zum Teil auch für das akademische Schreiben) ein zentraler Bestandteil der Qualitätssicherung ist, scheint das Vergleichen von Varianten, Formulierungen und Texten in der Literaturproduktion eher zu Effekten stilistischer Glättung und Angleichung zu führen. Das wiederum ruft auch ästhetische Strategien hervor, die Glättungs- und Vergleichsprozesse thematisieren und problematisieren.
The central vein sign in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nabiev Sh. R. , Dzhukkaeva S. A. , Asvedov M. Sh. , Voskresenskaya O. N.
Published: May 2024

Objective: to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the central vein sign (CVS) for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Material and methods. We analyzed 76 patients. The main group consisted of 40 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MS according to the McDonald criteria, 2017. The comparison group included 20 patients with migraine and 16 patients with cerebral microangiopathy. All patients underwent a standardized MRI scan of the brain, including 3D FLAIR and SWI modes. The total number of T2/FLAIR hyperintense lesions in the brain and the number of lesions with CVS were calculated. Results. In the group of MS patients, the total and relative number of lesions with CVS was higher than in the comparison group (p<0.001). The 40% lesion rule had a sensitivity of 97.5% and a specificity of 94.4%. The sensitivity of the 3-lesion rule was 92.5% and the specificity 66.7%. The use of the 5-lesion rule had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 83.7%. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate a significant diagnostic role for SCV in MS. The use of the 5-lesion rule provides high sensitivity and specificity with relative ease of use.
PELANGGARAN TERHADAP KARYA CIPTA SENI LUKIS I NYOMAN GUNARSA DI PENGADILAN NEGERI DENPASAR (Studi Kasus Putusan Nomor : 244/Pid.B/2001/PN.Dps)
Authors: Arini Ni Kade
Published: May 2024

PELANGGARAN TERHADAP KARYA CIPTA SENI LUKIS I NYOMAN GUNARSA  DI PENGADILAN NEGERI DENPASAR (Studi Kasus Putusan Nomor : 244/Pid.B/2001/PN.Dps)
Autistic Perspective on Workplace Disclosure and Accommodation
Authors: Samtleben Eric
Published: May 2024

The negative stereotypes associated with autism have created many barriers to employment. As a result, the autistic population has some of the lowest workforce participation rates among all types of disability; with about only one-quarter of the working age population actively participating. These low unemployment rates persist despite many autistic people expressing the desire to work and being more than capable to do so. Among successfully employed autistic people, disclosure and effective accommodations appear to be key factors for the maintenance of long-term employment. Thus, the present study aimed to provide a qualitative exploration of autistic perspectives on how managers/organizations can encourage disclosure and accommodation requests. In addition, this project sought to explore how managers and/or organizations can best support their autistic employees following an accommodation request. Results from the thematic analysis revealed four primary themes (i.e., authentic culture of caring and inclusivity; strengths approach; individualization and collaboration; and clear and consistent structure/communication) stratified by two categories (i.e., encouraging disclosure and accommodation requests; and supporting autistic employees). The results from this study provide managers/organizations with a practical framework for encouraging disclosure and informing the accommodation process.
cohabitation en mixité sociale
Authors: Courcy Isabelle , Jeanneret Nuria , Forgeot d'Arc Baudouin
Published: May 2024

L’inclusion des personnes autistes dans la communauté est un élément essentiel à considérer dans le développement de projets résidentiels qui leur sont destinés. La cohabitation en mixité sociale est une approche intéressante pour favoriser cette inclusion dans la communauté. Toutefois, peu de recherches ont été menées à ce jour sur ce que souhaitent les personnes autistes en matière de logement et d’habitation. Encore plus rares sont celles qui abordent la question sous l’angle de la cohabitation en mixité sociale. Qu’en disent les personnes autistes ? Sont-elles intéressées à cohabiter avec des familles, des personnes de différentes générations ou des personnes étudiantes ? En collaboration avec un organisme communautaire en autisme, un sondage a été réalisé (n = 370). Les résultats indiquent qu’environ 4 personnes sur 5 sont intéressées à cohabiter dans un projet résidentiel en mixité sociale composée de personnes autistes et de personnes non autistes. Cet intérêt varie peu selon les caractéristiques sociodémographiques et les besoins de soutien ou d’accompagnement à la vie autonome. L’analyse qualitative des commentaires offre des pistes pour mieux comprendre les raisons pour lesquelles les personnes sont intéressées (ou non) à cohabiter en mixité sociale. Les résultats montrent que la cohabitation en mixité sociale est un modèle qui pourrait convenir à plusieurs, mais que des défis sont craints en raison du manque de connaissance perçu de la population générale à l’égard des différentes réalités de l’autisme.
Test-Training Integration to Optimize Performance and Health in Baseball Pitchers: An Outcome Driven Approach
Authors: Morrison Gus , Ashworth Ben , Read Paul J.
Published: May 2024

Upper-limb injuries are common among baseball pitchers, creating significant time loss for the player and financial loss for the team. Multiple studies have outlined the kinetics and kinematics of a baseball pitch, and many of which evaluate testing or training methods to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. However, a systematic approach that integrates testing and training to optimize health and performance in baseball pitchers has not been presented. The aims of this article are threefold: (a) analyze the sport demands to identify the key biomechanical requirements and injury epidemiology; (b) present a test battery to examine the components identified in the needs analysis; and (c) develop a progressive sequence of exercises related to each of the assessments performed, which can then be used to formulate an athletic training program.
The Effect of Elite Cues on Policy Attitudes through the Lens of Affective Polarization in Taiwan
Authors: Chin Chih-Yu , Wang Cheng-Lung
Published: May 2024

The personalization of politics and elite polarization have attracted considerable scholarly attention. We conducted an online experimental survey on policy proposals and voters’ evaluations of candidates during the 2020 Taiwanese presidential election. We see an elite effect on voters’ policy attitudes when controlling for party-related factors. The effect shows up as a negative cue but not as a positive cue. Moreover, the negative effect varies by candidate. These findings suggest that in policy attitude formation, opposition to a candidate has a stronger effect than liking a candidate. Overall, this study extends our understanding of the elite effect from the perspective of personalized politics with evidence from the Taiwanese electoral context. This information is critical not only for understanding the political consequences of polarization but also for understanding how it relates to opinion formation among citizens.
Chinese Overseas Foreign Direct Investment and Online Digital Freedom in Developing Countries
Authors: Hunter Lance Y. , Biglaiser Glen , Lu Kelan (Lilly)
Published: May 2024

Although studies have shown China’s growing influence on developing countries’ policies, little empirical work has considered the relationship between Chinese overseas foreign direct investment (FDI) and host countries’ online digital freedom. Considering as many as 112 developing countries from 2003 to 2019, and using a two-stage least squares selection modeling approach, we find an association between Chinese FDI and four types of limits on online digital freedom. Conversely, when we substitute global FDI (excluding Chinese FDI), we obtain different results, suggesting there is something unique about Chinese multinational corporations and online digital freedom. Our research indicates that China and host states’ domestic leaders mutually benefit by restricting online digital freedom.
Crisis of Medical Humanity: It Is the Time for a Real Consideration
Authors: Frye Cynthia
Published: May 2024

The medical humanity issue presents a significant obstacle to the healthcare profession, raising concerns about the ethical standards, compassion, and empathy that are vital aspects of patient-centered care. Amidst the prevalence of technological progress and a focus on measurable results, there is a rising apprehension that healthcare providers are becoming increasingly detached from their patients, viewing them as just medical cases rather than individuals who deserve comprehensive care. The erosion of medical humanity not only weakens the bond between patients and healthcare providers but also has consequences for patient outcomes and the overall quality of service. Healthcare organizations must prioritize activities focused on cultivating a culture of empathy, providing training in communication skills, and promoting mindfulness practices among healthcare staff. To tackle this problem and guarantee the provision of compassionate care that respects the dignity and well-being of every patient, we need to shift our attention towards humanistic ideals and recognize the significance of emotional intelligence in medical practice.
Medical Equity: The Eventual Goal of Health Care
Authors: Wang Wanbo , Will Donne , Wang Fuzhou
Published: May 2024

Medical equity is the fundamental principle that all individuals should have equal access to high-quality healthcare services, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. Achieving medical equity is essential for improving health outcomes and reducing disparities in healthcare delivery. This goal requires addressing systemic barriers such as discrimination, stigma, and lack of access to resources that prevent marginalized populations from receiving appropriate care. Implementing policies and programs that promote medical equity will help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy life. By prioritizing equity in healthcare delivery, we can work towards creating a more just and inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being.
Deep learning autism classification and prediction
Authors: Abdulshahed Sameer Hameed , Abdulsaddsa Ahmad Taha
Published: May 2024

One of the most prevalent illnesses in children is autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (1 in 44). According to some estimates, 53% of kids with ASD engage in one or more challenging behaviors (CB; aggression, self-injury, property destruction, elopement, etc.), which is significantly higher than the prevalence among their peers who are typically developing or who have other developmental disorders. Numerous, significant negative effects of CB on the person exist, and they are linked to a worse long-term outlook. For caregivers of children with ASD, the presence of CB is a better indicator of stress than the severity of the child's core ASD symptoms. The validity of fixed features extracted from autistic children’s face photographs as a biomarker to demarcate them from healthy children is investigated in this study paper. The proposed paper aims to use deep learning models (CNN) to classify autism spectrum disorders based on facial expression images. By leveraging the power of deep convolutional neural networks, based on the Kaggle dataset. We used and prepared data input to CNN models where the split image in two parts horizontally and vertically as feature extractor’s model as a binary classiﬁer to identify autism in children accurately. Our results reveal that the proposed model achieved an accuracy of 94%, Sensitivity of 93% and Specificity of 95% this indicator is considered important and can be built or relied on.
Characterization of a Mexican hot sauce (from "chile de arbol”) and changes through storage
Authors: Ugalde Yanaina Chávez , Vélez-Ruiz Jorge F
Published: May 2024

Due to the importance of hot sauces as a complementary food and as non-Newtonian fluid, a characterization of this item was completed. The study was divided into three stages, firstly, four commercial sauces were analyzed on physicochemical, microbial and flow properties to have a framework of accepted products by human consumers. Subsequently, a group of twelve sauces, was prepared to determine the same and other properties influenced by formulation, and from the obtained information, a third or storage study of eight elaborated sauces was carried out, measuring the same characteristics, also influenced by formulation, sanitization treatment, temperature and storing time. Finally, three items, two studied and selected sauces were prepared in order to develop a sensorial assessment and to generate a complete vision, comparing with a commercial one, the two selected sauces resulted with better acceptation that the commercial hot sauce.
Minimally monophyletic genera are the cast-iron building blocks of evolution
Authors:   Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, Zander R.H.
Published: May 2024

Detailed evaluation is provided for the statistical methods intrinsic to interlocking Sequential Bayes analysis, which allows estimation of evidential support for stem-taxon dendrograms charting the macroevolution of taxa. It involves complexity functions, such as fractal evolution, to generate well-supported evolutionary trees. Required are data on trait changes from ancestral species to descendant species, which is facilitated by reduction of large genera to the smallest included monophyletic groups (one inferred ancestral species each). The genus is here defined as the smallest monophyletic unit, which turns out to be monothetic at least for the direct descendant species. The key fact is that the most-recently acquired traits of the single ancestral species are apparently selectively inviolate and passed on without change to each immediate descendant species. The details of sequential Bayesian analysis were clarified by comparing support of the optimal model with summed support of the alternative models. Because analysis is confined to optimal arrangements of only immediate branches from ancestral species to descendant species, conjugate priors were found to operate such that all alternative models are simply one minus the probability of the optimal model. Such analysis demonstrated that the optimum arrangement of ancestor and descendant species leads to high support values for fitting evolutionary theory, comparable to statistical support levels reported for molecular evolutionary trees, and conjugate priors may be assumed for similar model-building. The method is simple, free of special computer analysis, and well-suited to standard taxonomic practice.
New Zealand Lithothelium (Pyrenulaceae) — description of a new species Lithothelium kiritea sp. nov., with notes on L. australe
Authors:   Applied Molecular Solutions Research Group, School of Environmental and Animal Sciences, Unitec Institute of Technology, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand, Marshall A.J. , Aptroot A. ,   Laboratório de Botânica / Liquenologia, Instituto de Biociências, Bairro Universitário, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, Blanchon D.J. ,   Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, Private Bag 92018, Victoria Street West, Auckland, New Zealand, James C.J. ,   Applied Molecular Solutions Research Group, School of Environmental and Animal Sciences, Unitec Institute of Technology, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand, de Lange P.J. ,   Applied Molecular Solutions Research Group, School of Environmental and Animal Sciences, Unitec Institute of Technology, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Published: May 2024

Lithothelium kiritea A.J. Marshall, Aptroot, de Lange & Blanchon sp. nov. (Pyrenulaceae) is described from Aotearoa / New Zealand. The new species has a mainly coastal and mostly westerly distribution in Aotearoa / New Zealand and is thus far known only from the bark of living Cordyline australis (Asparagaceae). The new species is separated from Lithothelium australe (treated here as endemic to the Chatham Islands), by its corticolous, rather than saxicolous habit, white to pale buff (when fresh) thallus and large ascospores (measuring 32−40 × 12−15 μm). Lithothelium kiritea is easily recognised and usually abundant in the locations where it has been found, yet it seems to have not been collected until 1973 when it was sampled once and then not collected again until 2018. Currently, specimens matching L. kiritea have not been reported from Australia, so we recommend it be searched for there. Within Aotearoa / New Zealand, we propose that the species be assessed as ‘Not Threatened’ using the New Zealand Threat Classification System.
Water and Sanitation Access for Children in Alabama
Authors: Poole Claudette L. , Hutson Chatham Amy , Kimberlin David W. , Hartzes Anastasia , Brown Joe
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Safe drinking water and closed sanitation are fundamental to health and are assumed in the United States, however, gaps remain, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. We sought to describe household sanitation access for children in rural Alabama and local health provider knowledge of sanitation related health concerns.

METHODS

Data were collected from self-administered surveys obtained from children enrolled in a larger cross-sectional study to determine soil transmitted helminthiasis prevalence in Alabama, from a survey of health providers from local federally qualified health centers and from a baseline knowledge check of Alabama health providers enrolled in an online sanitation health course.

RESULTS

Surveys completed on 771 children (approximately 10% of county pediatric population) revealed less than half lived in homes connected to centralized sewers; 12% reported “straight-pipes,” a method of discharging untreated sewage to the ground outside the home, and 8% reported sewage contamination of their home property in the past year. Additionally, 15% of respondents were likely to use well water. The local health providers surveyed did not include routine screening for water and sanitation failures or associated infections. Regional healthcare providers have limited knowledge of soil transmitted helminthiasis.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant number of children from rural counties of Alabama with high rates of poverty reside in homes with water and sanitation challenges that predominantly affect African American families. This is an under-recognized health risk by local health providers, and its contribution to well-documented health disparities in this region is poorly understood.
Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Authors: Marsh Melanie C. , Junquera Guillermo Yepes , Stonebrook Emily , Spencer John David , Watson Joshua R.
Published: May 2024

Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for the evaluation, treatment, and management of urinary tract infections (UTIs), UTI diagnosis and management remains challenging for clinicians. Challenges with acute UTI management stem from vague presenting signs and symptoms, diagnostic uncertainty, limitations in laboratory testing, and selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy in an era with increasing rates of antibiotic-resistant uropathogens. Recurrent UTI management remains difficult due to an incomplete understanding of the factors contributing to UTI, when to assess a child with repeated infections for kidney and urinary tract anomalies, and limited prevention strategies. To help reduce these uncertainties, this review provides a comprehensive overview of UTI epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies that may help pediatricians overcome the challenges associated with acute and recurrent UTI management.
Malaxis engelsii (Malaxidinae), a new species from the upper montane forest of the Atlantic Rainforest in southern Brazil
Authors: Faria dos Santos Thiago , De Camargo Smidt Eric
Published: May 2024

Malaxis engelsii is a newly discovered orchid found in the upper montane forests of the Atlantic Rainforest in Paraná, Brazil. This species is characterized by its small size, elliptic leaves, flowers with partially connate sepals at the base, trilobate lip with four cavities, and a longitudinal keel on the adaxial surface of the lip apex. A detailed description, photographs, drawings, and comparison with similar species, Malaxis cipoensis, M. sertulifera, and M. ybytus, are provided. Currently, it is classified according to the IUCN guidelines as “Endangered (EN)’’.
Nanoarchitectonics of catalytic tubular nanomotors based on Cu/Fe@SBA-15 for lung cancer treatment
Authors: El-Okaily Mohamed S. , El-Seidy Ahmed M. A. , Ismail Eman H. , Allam Rasha M. , Saeed Ayman A. , Bhaumik Asim , Mostafa Amany A.
Published: May 2024

Fabrications of nanomotors (NMs) are at the forefront of exploring the true potential of nanotechnology. Tubular nanomotors (TNMs) have been attracting huge interest recently. NMs based on 2D-hexagonal mesoporous silica (SBA-15) have been prepared through the surfactant-assisted sol–gel method. Copper and/or iron oxide nanoparticles have been impregnated in SBA-15 to form catalytic tubular nanomotors. Characterization has been investigated by XPS, XRD, HR-TEM, SEM–EDS, and BET. The electrochemical measurements were used to confirm the motion of the nanomotors. By increasing the loading of metal oxide nanoparticles, the motion decreases; this could be observed from the current loss. The anti-cancer potential of synthesized nanomotors against two cell lines (A549 and H460) of human lung carcinoma has been tested. Among all tested NMs, high-metal oxide-loaded materials containing CuO only as well as CuO and Fe2O3 are potent and significant in apoptotic cell death for lung cancer treatment.

Graphical abstract
The growth and characterization of Au-catalyzed gallium oxide nanowires
Authors: Dorsey Geordan , Moore Antonio , Heffner Christian , Ueda Akira , Mu Richard , Collins W. E.
Published: May 2024

Gallium oxide is a powerful and versatile wide band gap semiconductor, which has been gaining scientific interest in recent years due to its applications in power electronics. In this work, the growth of β-gallium oxide (Ga2O3) nanowires has been achieved by the vapor–solid–liquid method on silicon wafer, fused quartz, and gallium oxide thin-film substrates. In a chamber purged of ambient atmosphere, pure gallium was heated to produce gallium vapor, which was then oxidized by minute oxygen impurities in the backing gas to form gallium oxide nanowires on a substrate, inside a vertical tube furnace. On the silicon wafer substrates, β-Ga2O3 nanowires were observed to grow in a specific crystallographic direction via transmission electron microscopy. The resulting nanowires were highly faceted and had a unique polyhedral structure on the gold catalyst ‘cap’ of the nanowire. Time of growth and oxygen-level studies were conducted on nanowires grown on various substrates.

Graphical abstract
Heritage Bread in the UAE
Authors: Iddison Phil
Published: May 2024

This article presents and illustrates an overview of the heritage of bread in the Emirati diet in the twentieth century. The focus is Dubai with reference also to bedu food culture. It ranges from the bread baked on desert journeys to the array of breads consumed in the family context in the trading entrepôts along the coast. The bread varieties are being revived at heritage events with feedback into the tourist culture of the United Arab Emirates.
News and Announcements
Authors: Bilton Sam
Published: May 2024

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Stressful life events, psychiatric comorbidities and serum neuromediator levels in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria treated with omalizumab
Authors: Akdaş Elçin , Gülekon Ayla , Deveci Bulut Tuba Saadet , Gülbahar Özlem , Öztürk Murat , Başaran Ahmet Selim , Coşar Behçet
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Many chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients have highly stressful life events and exhibit psychiatric comorbidities. Emotional stress can cause or exacerbate urticaria symptoms by causing mast cell degranulation via neuromediators.
Objectives: To investigate the frequency of stressful life events and compare psychiatric comorbidities and serum neuromediator levels in patients with CSU who responded to omalizumab with healthy controls.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included 42 patients with CSU who received at least 6 months of omalizumab treatment and a control group of 42 healthy controls. Stressful life events were evaluated with the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5). The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-42 (DASS-42) was used to evaluate depression, anxiety and stress levels. Serum nerve growth factor (NGF), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.
Results: Twenty-six (62%) patients reported at least one stressful life event a median of 3.5 months before the onset of CSU. There were no significant differences in all three variables in the DASS subscales between the patient and control groups. Serum NGF levels were found to be significantly lower in patients with CSU (p <0.001), whereas CGRP levels were found to be significantly higher (p <0.001). There was no significant difference for SP.
Conclusions: The psychological status of patients with CSU who benefited from omalizumab was similar to that of healthy controls. Omalizumab may affect stress-related neuromediator levels.
Patch test in Brazilian children with a clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis: a cross-sectional study using an extended patch test battery
Authors: Raad Rigolon Janete , Saintive Barbosa Simone , Simões Goudouris Ekaterini
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease mainly affecting children. Similarly, Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an inflammatory skin disease, but unlike AD it results from direct exposure to an external agent. Theoretically, the impaired skin barrier facilitates the penetration of potential allergens. Therefore, AD patients are at risk for an associated ACD, exacerbating their skin condition. Because eczema is similar, performing a patch test (PT) for the differential diagnosis is essential.
Methods: In this cross-sectional transversal study, we performed a PT with 30 sensitizers in 26 children with AD, selected according to established criteria for suspected ACD, and treated at an AD center of a pediatric university hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Clinical presentation, patient profile, main sensitizers, and frequency of ACD caused by therapeutic skincare products were evaluated.
Results: In all, 23 (88.5%) patients reacted to at least one allergen, 21 (80.7%) had a relevant positive patch test, and 15 (57.7%) were polysensitized. The main positive sensitizers were nickel (38.5%), blue disperse (30.8%), fragrance mix (30.8%), and neomycin (23.1%). Nineteen (73%) patients reacted to substances present in therapeutic or skincare products.
Conclusion: Our data underscore the importance of performing a PT in AD children whose eczema has atypical distribution. The expressive percentage of positive tests, especially of allergens in skincare products, indicates the constant need to review the proposed treatments. Therefore, we recommend a specific and expanded PT battery for pediatric AD patients, including a negative control, to increase sensitivity for diagnosing ACD.
Evaluation of treatment and long-term management of anaphylaxis in pediatric departments of Greece: a 2-year nationwide survey
Authors: Chiampou Evanthia , Douros Konstantinos , Moriki Dafni , Marina Mitrogiorgou , Anastasiou-Katsiardani Anastasia , Tanou Kalliopi , Grammeniatis Vasilis , Zisi Anna , Perikleous Evanthia , Galanakis Emmanouil , Lioudaki Marilia , Vrouvaki Fotini , Kolyva Soultana , Mavroudi Antigoni , Nivatsi Maria , Ntouma Stergianna , Stefanaki Evangelia , Triga Maria , Kakava Panagiota , Lagiou Olga , Priftis Kostas N. , Chaliasos Nikolaos , Tsabouri Sophia
Published: May 2024

Background: Anaphylaxis proportions of incidence are increasing globally. However, limited data are available regarding anaphylaxis in the pediatric population of Greece.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate management of anaphylaxis in Greek pediatric departments.
Methods: We performed a questionnaire-based study of children aged less than 16 years presenting with anaphylaxis in 10 national pediatric hospitals over a period of 2 years. Management of anaphylaxis was assessed prior to and after an informative intervention.
Results: In all, 127 cases of anaphylaxis were identified. Epinephrine was administered in almost half of all cases (51.2%), predominantly through intramuscular route (88.5%), while the majority of anaphylaxis patients were treated with antihistamines (92.9%) and corticosteroids (70.1%). Epinephrine was more likely administered by physicians if the elicitor was a drug (P < 0.003). Regarding long-term management, an epinephrine auto-injector was prescribed in 66.9% of patients. Follow-up information was available for most of the patients (92.9%), the majority of whom (76.3%) were referred to an allergist. More than half of these patients (63.6%) had a documented allergy follow-up, which identified a causative allergen in 53.3% of cases. No statistically significant differences were recorded prior to and after the intervention regarding management of anaphylaxis.
Conclusions: This nationwide study highlighted the necessity of further improvement in terms of anaphylaxis treatment and secondary prevention measures. This presupposes appropriate education and training of healthcare professionals, thus contributing to proper and comprehensive care of the pediatric population.
The prognostic value of platelet aggregation in patients with sepsis
Authors: Chen Ting , Yang Haohao , Zhao Zheren , Wang Hui , Zhong Song
Published: May 2024

Background: This study aims to investigate the relevance of platelet aggregation markers, specifically arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP), in relation to the prognosis of sepsis patients.
Methods: A cohort of 40 sepsis patients was included and stratified, based on their 28-day post-treatment prognosis, into two groups: a survival group (n = 31) and a severe sepsis group (n = 9. Then, their various clinical parameters, including patient demographics, platelet counts (PLT), inflammatory markers, and platelet aggregation rates (PAR) induced by AA and ADP between the two groups, were compared. Long-term health implications of sepsis were assessed using the Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the prognostic significance of PAR in sepsis patients.
Results: Patients with severe sepsis exhibited significantly elevated levels of procalcitonin (PCT), platelet adhesion rates, and PAR induced by ADP (P < 0.05), but having lower PLT (P < 0.05), compared to those in the survival group. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that PAR induced by ADP was a protective factor in predicting prognosis in sepsis patients (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Activation of platelets in sepsis intensifies inflammatory response. Patients with sepsis whose ADP-induced PAR was < 60% displayed significant impairment in platelet aggregation function, and had higher mortality rate. Monitoring ADP-induced PAR is crucial for management of sepsis.
Managing children with frequent respiratory infections and associated wheezing: a preliminary randomized study with a new multicomponent nasal spray
Authors: Tosca Maria Angela , Varricchio Attilio , Schiavetti Irene , Naso Matteo , Damiani Valerio , Ciprandi Giorgio
Published: May 2024

Background: Preschoolers frequently have respiratory infections (RIs), which may cause wheezing in some subjects. Type 2 polarization may favor increased susceptibility to RIs and associated wheezing. Non-pharmacological remedies are garnering increasing interest as possible add-on therapies. The present preliminary study investigated the efficacy and safety of a new multi-component nasal spray in preschoolers with frequent RIs and associated wheezing.
Methods: Some preschoolers with these characteristics randomly took this product, containing lactoferrin, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, carboxymethyl-beta-glucan, and vitamins C and D3 (Saflovir), two sprays per nostril twice daily for 3 months. Other children were randomly treated only with standard therapy. Outcomes included the number of RIs and wheezing episodes, use of medications, and severity of clinical manifestations.
Results: Preschoolers treated add-on with this multicomponent product experienced fewer RIs and used fewer beta-2 agonists than untreated children (P = 0.01 and 0.029, respectively).
Conclusions: This preliminary study demonstrated that a multicomponent product, administered add-on as a nasal spray, could reduce the incidence of RIs and use of symptomatic drugs for relieving wheezing in children.
Tablet allergen immunotherapy: the anaphylaxis issue
Authors: Ciprandi Giorgio , Naso Matteo , Angela Tosca Maria
Published: May 2024

For the first time 15 years ago, tablet allergen immunotherapy (T-AIT) formulations were approved by regulatory agencies for treating allergic rhinitis caused by grass pollen in adults and children aged >5 years. Extensive evidences existed about effectiveness and safety of AIT. However, the safety profile is particularly compelling in children. Generally, T-AIT causes local reactions, mostly in the oral cavity, that are usually mild-to-moderate and often self-resolving. However, systemic allergic reactions are also observed with T-AIT, anaphylaxis representing the most fearsome adverse event, considering that it occurs in subjects treated for allergic rhinitis. Therefore, we conducted a literature search of patients reporting anaphylaxis because of T-AIT. Nine cases of anaphylactic reactions were reported in literature. Notably, no death was reported using T-AIT. This outcome was very important as it underscored the substantial safety of T-AIT. However, T-AIT deserves careful attention, mainly in the pediatric population. In this regard, after the first report of anaphylactic reaction at the first administration of T-AIT, manufacturers recommended that the first dose should be administered in a medical facility in the presence of staff with experience in managing anaphylaxis and the patient should be observed for at least 30 min. Interestingly, reported anaphylactic reactions were due to grass pollen extracts, with no report concerning other allergen extracts. However, it is relevant to note that anaphylactic reactions because of T-AIT are not reported in recent years.