bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D thermal structural and dehydration modeling in the southern Chile subduction zone and its relationship to interplate earthquakes and the volcanic chain
Authors: Iwamoto Kaya , Suenaga Nobuaki , Yoshioka Shoichi , Ortega-Culaciati Francisco
Published: January 2024

In southern Chile, the Nazca plate is subducting beneath the South American plate. This region was struck by megathrust earthquakes in 1960 and 2010 and is characterized by the existence of a volcanic chain. In this region, we modeled a three-dimensional thermal structure associated with the subduction of the Nazca plate by using numerical simulations. Based on the obtained temperature distribution, we determined the updip and downdip limit temperatures for the region ruptured by these two megathrust earthquakes. In addition, the distributions of water content and dehydration gradient were calculated by using appropriate phase diagrams and compared with the location of the volcanic chain. As a result, we infer that the coseismic slip of the 2010 Mw8.8 Maule earthquake occurred only at temperatures lower than and around the 350 °C isotherm that resembles the beginning of the brittle‒ductile transition. We also deduce that the rupture of the 1960 Mw9.5 Valdivia earthquake propagated up to the 450 °C isotherm because the magnitude was considerably large and the young hot plate subducted near the Chile Ridge. In addition, the hydrous minerals in the turbidites, MORB and ultramafic rocks released fluids via dehydration reactions, and dehydrated water migrated upward almost vertically, decreasing the melting point of the mantle wedge and contributing to the formation of the volcanic chain.
Nexus of governance, macroeconomic conditions, and financial stability of banks: a comparison of developed and emerging countries
Authors: Ullah Saif , Ullah Atta , Zaman Mubasher
Published: January 2024

The study aims to explore the impact of governance and macroeconomic conditions on financial stability in developed and emerging countries. The study sample comprised 122 countries from 2013 to 2020, and a comprehensive set of variables was used to construct the financial stability index (FSI). The results of the two-step system GMM analysis, robust with D–K regression, indicate that interest rate, GDP growth, voice and accountability, political stability and absence of violence/terrorism, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and control of corruption have a positive and statistically significant impact on financial stability. However, inflation, money supply, and the rule of law have adverse and insignificant effects on financial stability. Notably, the findings vary between developed and emerging countries due to differences in governance and macroeconomic conditions and their role in financial stability. The study concludes that regulatory governance and macroeconomic conditions are crucial for financial stability. These outcomes are significant for central banks, academia, and policymakers, as they emphasize the need for stable financial systems and sustainable, balanced growth through governance and macroeconomic conditions.
Librarians and information specialists as methodological peer-reviewers: a case-study of the International Journal of Health Governance
Authors: Ibragimova Irina , Fulbright Helen
Published: January 2024

Background

Objectives of this study were to analyze the impact of including librarians and information specialist as methodological peer-reviewers. We sought to determine if and how librarians’ comments differed from subject peer-reviewers’; whether there were differences in the implementation of their recommendations; how this impacted editorial decision-making; and the perceived utility of librarian peer-review by librarians and authors.

Methods

We used a mixed method approach, conducting a qualitative analysis of reviewer reports, author replies and editors’ decisions of submissions to the International Journal of Health Governance. Our content analysis categorized 16 thematic areas, so that methodological and subject peer-reviewers’ comments, decisions and rejection rates could be compared. Categories were based on the standard areas covered in peer-review (e.g., title, originality, etc.) as well as additional in-depth categories relating to the methodology (e.g., search strategy, reporting guidelines, etc.). We developed and used criteria to judge reviewers’ perspectives and code their comments.

We conducted two online multiple-choice surveys which were qualitatively analyzed: one of methodological peer-reviewers’ perceptions of peer-reviewing, the other of published authors’ views on the suggested revisions.

Results

Methodological peer-reviewers assessed 13 literature reviews submitted between September 2020 and March 2023. 55 reviewer reports were collected: 25 from methodological peer-reviewers, 30 from subject peer-reviewers (mean: 4.2 reviews per manuscript). Methodological peer-reviewers made more comments on methodologies, with authors more likely to implement their changes (52 of 65 changes, vs. 51 of 82 by subject peer-reviewers); they were also more likely to reject submissions (seven vs. four times, respectively). Where there were differences in recommendations to editors, journal editors were more likely to follow methodological peer-reviewers (nine vs. three times, respectively). The survey of published authors (87.5% response rate) revealed four of seven found comments on methodologies helpful. Librarians’ survey responses (66.5% response rate) revealed those who conducted peer-reviews felt they improved quality of publications.

Conclusions

Librarians can enhance evidence synthesis publications by ensuring methodologies have been conducted and reported appropriately. Their recommendations helped authors revise submissions and facilitated editorial decision-making. Further research could determine if sharing reviews with subject peer-reviewers and journal editors could benefit them in better understanding of evidence synthesis methodologies.
Efficacy and safety of different bupivacaine concentrations in periarticular infiltration combined with adductor canal block for bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dej-arkom Sukanya , Pangthipampai Pawinee , Chandranipapongse Weerawadee , Chatsirichareonkul Somruedee , Narkbunnam Rapeepat , Charoencholvanich Keerati , Tangchittam Suwida , Iamaroon Arissara
Published: January 2024

Background

Pain management for bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) often combines adductor canal block (ACB) with periarticular infiltration (PAI). However, concerns arise regarding local anesthetic toxicity. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of different bupivacaine concentrations in simultaneous BTKA.

Methods

Patients undergoing simultaneous BTKA under spinal anesthesia were included in the study. They received ACB with 50 mg bupivacaine for each thigh. The patients were then randomized into two groups. Group A was administered a PAI of 100 mg bupivacaine per knee (totaling 300 mg bupivacaine for ACB and PAI). Group B received a PAI with 50 mg bupivacaine per knee (totaling 200 mg bupivacaine for ACB and PAI). Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale at 4-h intervals for 48 h after surgery. Plasma bupivacaine concentrations were measured at eight specified times. Postsurgery walking ability was also evaluated.

Results

Among the 57 participants analyzed, visual analog scale pain scores revealed no significant differences between the two groups. An interim analysis of plasma bupivacaine concentrations in both groups indicated no significant disparities. In group B, 93.1% managed to walk with assistance within 48 h, as opposed to group A’s 71.4% (P = 0.041).

Conclusions

Combining ACB with 100 mg bupivacaine and PAI with another 100 mg bupivacaine provided effective pain relief. This combination also had a better safety profile and led to more patients walking postsurgery than when combining ACB with 100 mg bupivacaine and PAI with 200 mg bupivacaine. Thus, ACB combined with PAI with a total dose of 200 mg bupivacaine appears suitable for simultaneous BTKA.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03249662).
Interrelationship dynamics between stock markets of nation under debt crisis and its major trading partners: evidence from Sri Lankan crisis
Authors: Kakran Shubham , Sapra Nishant , Kumar Ashish , Sidhu Arpit
Published: January 2024

A series of crises triggered over a decade may bring global recession, which may impact millions of investors, including countries teetering on the brink due to forex reserve shortages; this study addresses the significant financial event of a small nation declaring bankruptcy. Such events can have adverse consequences on the global economy, particularly affecting the stock market indices of the country’s trading partners. Our research investigates the impact of small nation bankruptcies on the stock market indices of connected importing and exporting partners. Focusing on the recent political and economic crisis in Sri Lanka, we analyze interactions between the Sri Lankan stock exchange and its key trading partners. Employing pairwise cointegration and the vector auto-regressive model-based Granger causal approach, our findings reveal cointegration among the stock markets in Germany, Italy, and Sri Lanka. Notably, the pre-crisis causal links between the Colombo Stock Exchange and other stock markets have dissolved. These insights hold valuable implications for understanding and preparing for similar circumstances in other South Asian economies grappling with forex shortages and rising inflation.

Graphical abstract
Care pathways, prescribing practices and treatment outcomes in major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression: retrospective, population-based cohort study
Authors: Pappa Sofia , Shah Moulesh , Young Sophie , Anwar Tazneem , Ming Timothy
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite the availability of effective therapies, many patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) develop treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Aims

To evaluate and compare prescribing patterns, contact with specialist services and treatment outcomes in patients with MDD and TRD.

Method

This was a retrospective analysis of linked primary and secondary care National Health Service data in the north-west London Discover-NOW data-set. Eligible patients were adults who had diagnostic codes for depression and had been prescribed at least one antidepressant between 2015 and 2020.

Results

A total of 110 406 patients were included, comprising 101 333 (92%) with MDD and 9073 (8%) with TRD. Patients with TRD had significantly higher risks of suicidal behaviour and comorbidities such as anxiety, asthma, and alcohol or substance misuse (all P < 0.0001). Citalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine and mirtazapine accounted for 83% of MDD and 71% of TRD prescriptions. Use of antidepressant switching (1% MDD, 7% TRD) and combination therapy (1%, 5%) was rare, whereas augmentation occurred more frequently in the TRD group (4%, 35%). Remission was recorded in 42 348 (42%) patients with MDD and 1188 (13%) with TRD (P < 0.0001), whereas relapse was seen in 20 970 (21%) and 4923 (54%), respectively (P < 0.0001). Mean times from diagnosis to first contact with mental health services were 38.9 (s.d. 33.6) months for MDD and 41.5 (s.d. 32.0) months for TRD (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

There appears to be a considerable difference between treatment guidelines for depression and TRD and the reality of clinical practice. Long-term treatment with single antidepressants, poor remission, and high relapse rates among patients in primary care highlight the need to optimise treatment pathways and access to newer therapies.
Semaglutide-induced Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Authors: Okeke Ijeoma Gloria , Camarda Amanda Rose , Okeke Richard , Chaughtai Saira
Published: January 2024

Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have traditionally been used for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. More recently, the medical community in the United States has used its most common side effect, weight loss, as an adjunct therapy for weight management in certain populations. Little is known about the effects of semaglutide in pregnancy. But in nonpregnant people, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and abdominal cramping are common side effects. Here we present the first reported case of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) induced by semaglutide. Our patient presented at 7 weeks’ gestational age with 4 days of extreme nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and anorexia, symptoms that she did not experience in prior pregnancies. The patient was treated with little symptomatic improvement during her hospitalization. She later informed the medical team of her use of a high dose of subcutaneous semaglutide (2 mg) the day of symptom onset before discovering her pregnancy; semaglutide was obtained online without clinicians’ guidance. Her symptoms resolved 6 days after taking semaglutide, which closely coincides with semaglutide's half-life. This leads us to believe that semaglutide exaggerated the physiological nausea and vomiting of pregnancy causing HG.
Prevalence Study of MASLD in Adolescent and Young Adult Pacific Islanders and Asians Living in Hawai’i
Authors: Parsa Alan A , Azama Katie A , Vawer May , Ona Mel A , Seto Todd B
Published: January 2024

Context

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the most common cause of chronic liver disease with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 30.1% while clinical practice observations reflect a disproportionately lower prevalence of 1.9%, indicating a condition that is underrecognized in clinical care settings. Screening for MASLD is rarely performed, and little is known about the prevalence in Hawai’i.

Objective

This pilot aims to develop an understanding of the prevalence and factors associated with MASLD in Hawai’i's adolescent and young adult (AYA) population.

Design/Methods

Cross-sectional observational pilot study: We used Fibroscan®—liver ultrasonographic vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) to identify MASLD based on controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) scores ≥238 (dB/m) and collected biometric, anthropometric, and Beverage Intake Questionnaire (sugar-sweetened beverage) survey data.

Setting

The study took place at community clinics in Hawai’i on the island of O’ahu.

Participants

One hundred individuals were evaluated, age 14 to 34 years.

Main Outcome Measures

We used VCTE Fibroscan® with CAP scoring to identify the presence of hepatocyte steatosis (fatty liver).

Results

Overall MASLD prevalence in the sample was 44% (95% confidence interval: 34.1%-54.3%). In participants with MASLD, obese Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders (62%) and nonobese Asians (43%) had the highest rates of MASLD.

Conclusion

This pilot evaluation of the AYA NHOPI and Asian MASLD population in Hawai’i shows a higher rate of MASLD than those reported in other parts of the United States. Larger population health studies are indicated to expand our knowledge of MASLD in the Hawaiian Islands.
The Art of Conjecture: A Window into the Heart
Authors: Martin John Jeffries
Published: January 2024

In 1561, Francesco Casoni published De arte, ac ratione in criminum causis disserendi, a dialogue that offered judges a rigorous method of investigation in criminal cases in which eyewitness testimony or a confession was lacking. Typically, in such cases, judges relied on their own personal arbitrium (discretion) in deciding whether to remand defendants to torture or sentence them to the gallows. Drawing not only on Aristotelian logic and classical rhetorical theory but also on the works of contemporary philosophers, Casoni used his dialogue to lay out a rigorous interpretative methodology. To Casoni, the careful elaboration of inferences, along with the proper use of loci, and a reasoned interpretation of signs (both natural signs and signs of conscience) enabled judges to read, through the opaque surfaces of the body, the interior states of those brought into their courts on suspicion of crimes—and to do so without resorting to torture.
Fate, Human Character, and Divinatory Perception in Early Modern Metoposcopy
Authors: Maggi Armando
Published: January 2024

Metoposcopy, the early modern divinatory practice that reads the pattern of lines on a person's forehead for their signification, has been the object of studies primarily focused on the discipline's historical evolution. This article analyzes the complex origins of this practice, its concrete techniques, and its possible legal and medical applications. The essay opens with a reassessment of Girolamo Cardano's Metoposcopia by emphasizing the essential influence exerted by the art of memory, which he mentions in a key passage of his De sapientia. The essay investigates the problematic role played by Cardano's treatise, which is usually considered as the first and most comprehensive examination of metoposcopy, even though it was published posthumously in 1658 when interest in this science was waning. A fundamental aspect that hasn't received significant attention is the connection between metoposcopy, focused on the upper part of the head, and contemporary views of human intellectual faculties that granted this science special significance.
“Not a drop of tears, or any sweat from fear came from her”: Interrogating Mind, Body, and Emotions in Early Modern German Witch Trials
Authors: Kounine Laura
Published: January 2024

In early modern German witch trials, how defendants looked and moreover how they behaved on trial—physically and emotionally—was crucial to whether they were deemed innocent or guilty. This was particularly the case in trials of witchcraft, a crime that often left little tangible evidence in its wake. Indeed, notions of the body are integral to understanding early modern witchcraft beliefs, particularly at a time when the boundary between mind and body was viewed as porous and permeable. This was a time when emotions were seen to have physical consequences, and this belief played a key role in witchcraft cases. Through a close reading of a seventeenth-century trial of witchcraft from a history of emotions perspective, this article examines the ways in which the body, mind, and soul were interrogated in the heartland of early modern witch persecutions: the Holy Roman Empire.
Goya, Portraiture, and the (Impossible) Art of Deciphering Faces
Authors: Pereda Felipe
Published: January 2024

Francisco de Goya's extraordinary portrait The Family of Charles IV (1800) was received with bewilderment by some of its first viewers. French visitors to the Prado Museum thought it was a disrespectful, if not humorous, depiction of the members of the royal family, and the portrait has since then challenged art historians’ interpretation of Goya's true intentions. Discussions have delved into whether the painting was meant to be a “caricature” of its subjects. This article revisits this problem by historicizing the debate on caricature in relation to the revival of physiognomy at the end of the eighteenth century, particularly the opposing positions of Johan Caspar Lavater and the Count of Buffon on the science of reading humans’ personality traits by the features of their faces. Not only was Goya well informed on the ongoing debate, but he also responded critically to it with his drawings and, of course, with his portraits.
Προβλήματα από την χρήση των δυνατοτήτων του διαδικτύου στις τουριστικές συναλλαγές
Authors: Θωμαΐδης Αναστάσιος
Published: January 2024

Σκοπός της διδακτορικής διατριβής ήταν η μελέτη, από άποψη ουσιαστικού και δικονομικού δικαίου, της τριμερούς σχέσης πελάτη, ψηφιακής πλατφόρμας και ξενοδοχειακής επιχείρησης, στο πλαίσιο της σύμβασης ξενίας, με την διαμεσολάβηση των ηλεκτρονικών ταξιδιωτικών πρακτορείων. Η έρευνα επικεντρώθηκε στον νομικό χαρακτηρισμό των συμβατικών σχέσεων των μερών και των σοβαρών ζητημάτων που προκύπτουν από τη σκοπιά του δικαίου του ανταγωνισμού, του ευρωπαϊκού δικαίου, του διεθνούς δικονομικού δικαίου, του ιδιωτικού διεθνούς δικαίου, του δικαίου του καταναλωτή, του δικαίου του ηλεκτρονικού εμπορίου, του δικαίου των προσωπικών δεδομένων και του τουριστικού δικαίου γενικότερα. Οι ψευδείς αξιολογήσεις των ξενοδοχειακών υπηρεσιών από τους πελάτες, οι ρήτρες ισοτιμίας στις συμβάσεις, οι Κανονισμοί Βρυξέλλες Ια, Ρώμη Ι και ΙΙ, η προστασία του ασθενέστερου μέρους έναντι της παντοδυναμίας των πλατφόρμων, ο Κανονισμός Σχέσεων Ξενοδόχων Πελατών αναφορικά με τη σύμβαση ξένιας και η διαμεσολάβηση των ψηφιακών πλατφόρμων κρατήσεων δωματίων, η νομική αντιμετώπιση της κατάστασης που διαμορφώθηκε από την πρόσφατη πανδημία είναι θέματα που εξετάστηκαν αναλυτικά. Αποτέλεσε περίπτωση μελέτης η εταιρεία Booking.com και οι σχέσεις της τόσο με τους ξενοδόχους όσο και με τους πελάτες. Έγινε εκτενής αναφορά και κριτική στην αντιμετώπιση των ζητημάτων που προκύπτουν από τον διαμεσολαβητικό ρόλο των ψηφιακών πλατφορμών από τις αλλοδαπές έννομες τάξεις και κυρίως από την γερμανική και την ελβετική. Μελετήθηκε το νομικό πλαίσιο των βραχυχρόνιων μισθώσεων της οικονομίας διαμοιρασμού και έγινε σύγκριση της τριμερούς αυτής σχέσης με τη τρίμερη σχέση που δομείται στη σύμβαση ξενίας. Η ερευνά επικεντρώθηκε και στις σημαντικές αποφάσεις του ΔΕΕ για το διαμεσολαβητικό ρόλο των πλατφορμών της οικονομίας διαμοιρασμού που χαρακτηρίζονται ως υπηρεσίες της κοινωνίας της πληροφορίας και εμπίπτουν στην οδηγία 2000/31/ΕΚ για το ηλεκτρονικό εμπόριο και την ιδιαίτερη σημασία και για το διαμεσολαβητικό ρόλο των ηλεκτρονικών ταξιδιωτικών πρακτορείων στο πλαίσιο της σύμβασης ξενίας.
Modulation of emotional memories upon formation, retrieval, and reconsolidation
Authors: Αντύπα Αργυρώ-Δέσποινα
Published: January 2024

Οι συναισθηματικές μνήμες αποτελούν κεντρικό κομμάτι της ανθρώπινης εμπειρίας και η αδυναμία να τις ξεχάσουμε σε κάποιες περιπτώσεις καθιστά τη μελέτη τους καίρια καθώς και τα στοιχεία για την ενδεχόμενη διαμόρφωσή τους σημαντικά ώστε να τα μελετήσουμε. Η παρούσα διατριβή περιλαμβάνει τέσσερις μελέτες σχετικά με τη διαμόρφωση των συναισθηματικών αναμνήσεων με συμπεριφορικούς και φαρμακολογικούς χειρισμούς κατά το σχηματισμό, την ανάκτηση και την επαναπαγίωση της μνήμης, τον έλεγχο της μνημονικής απόδοσης με διάφορες μεθόδους και των νευρωνικών συσχετίσεων με λειτουργική μαγνητική τομογραφία. Συνοπτικά, οι μελέτες αυτής της διατριβής αναδεικνύουν την επίδραση της συναισθηματικής διέγερσης και της κορτιζόλης στο σχηματισμό συναισθηματικών αναμνήσεων, την αναγκαιότητα της κορτιζόλης για τη συμμετοχή του νευρωνικού δικτύου συναισθηματικής μνήμης κατά την ανάκληση και την επαν-ενημέρωση των νευρωνικών αναπαραστάσεων μνήμης για συναισθηματικά γεγονότα, καθώς και την αλληλεπίδραση της κορτιζόλης με τον ύπνο για την επαναπαγίωση των συναισθηματικών αναμνήσεων. Συνολικά, η παρούσα διατριβή δείχνει ότι οι συναισθηματικές αναμνήσεις μπορούν να μεταβληθούν σε όλα τα στάδια της μνήμης, με πιθανές κλινικές επιπτώσεις στην ψυχοθεραπεία και τη θεραπεία των ψυχολογικών διαταραχών.
Fortresses of the Peloponnese, Ottoman Defences and the Greek Revolution (1821–1828)
Authors: Özkan Pantazis Dilek
Published: January 2024

During the Greek Revolution, the fortresses of the Peloponnese played a crucial role, serving as key defensive positions, sanctuaries for those seeking refuge from violence and sites for negotiations between the Ottoman forces and Greek revolutionaries. By maintaining control over a handful of fortresses in the Morea, the Ottomans were able to monitor the progress of the uprisings. However, their claim to rule persisted until they were eventually compelled to evacuate by French forces in 1828. This article seeks to address the Ottoman presence in the Peloponnese. It explores the whereabouts of Ottoman forces, their defensive strategies against the Greek revolutionaries and the factors that contributed to their successes or failures in confronting the Greek forces. Additionally, it delves into the impact of the physical characteristics of the fortresses, the geography of the region and the weather conditions during the Greek uprising. Focusing primarily on the fortresses of the Peloponnese, the article draws from Ottoman archival documents to shed light on the Ottoman perspective of the Greek revolts.
Empires, Nations and the Question of Territorial Sovereignty in the Greek Archipelago during the Greek Revolution
Authors: Kousouris Dimitris
Published: January 2024

Based mainly on the correspondence between the local religious and secular authorities, the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (Propaganda Fide) in Rome, representatives of the French and Austrian governments and the Greek insurgents, this article demonstrates how the story of the Catholic community of Syros describes the making of a new frontier but also the shaping of a new territorial conception of sovereignty where multiple agents and jurisdictions co-existed next to each other for centuries. The so-called “Pope’s Island” was the only one with a solid Roman Catholic majority among its inhabitants. After the outbreak of the Greek revolt, Syros declared its neutrality and became a safe haven for Orthodox refugees fleeing from Ottoman reprisals, especially after the Chios massacres in April 1822. By 1825, around 30,000 (mainly Orthodox) refugees had taken over the port, which in the meantime became a Christian “Eldorado” of legal trade and illegal traffic of all sorts, including piracy booties and slave labour.
Alexander Kitroeff, The Greeks and the Making of Modern Egypt; and Angelos Dalachanis, The Greek Exodus from Egypt: Diaspora Politics and Emigration, 1937–1962
Authors: Viscomi Joseph John
Published: January 2024

Review of Alexander Kitroeff, The Greeks and the Making of Modern Egypt. Cairo: American University in Cairo Press, 2019. 256 pp; Angelos Dalachanis, The Greek Exodus from Egypt: Diaspora Politics and Emigration, 1937–1962. New York: Berghahn, 2017. 288 pp.
Alexis Heraclides, The Macedonian Question and the Macedonians: A History
Authors: Skoulariki Athena
Published: January 2024

Review of Alexis Heraclides, The Macedonian Question and the Macedonians: A History. London: Routledge, 2021. 292 pp.
Identification of the SIRT1 gene's most harmful non-synonymous SNPs and their effects on functional and structural features-an in silico analysis
Authors: Thayyil Menambath Desy , Adiga Usha , Rai Tirthal , Adiga Sachidananda , Shetty Vijith
Published: January 2024

Introduction The sirtuin (Silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog)1(SIRT1) protein plays a vital role in many disorders such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, inflammation, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this in silico analysis of SIRT1's functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was to gain valuable insight into the harmful effects of non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) on the protein. The objective of the study was to use bioinformatics methods to investigate the genetic variations and modifications that may have an impact on the SIRT1 gene's expression and function. Methods nsSNPs of SIRT1 protein were collected from the dbSNP site, from its three (3) different protein accession IDs. These were then fed to various bioinformatic tools such as SIFT, Provean, and I- Mutant to find the most deleterious ones. Functional and structural effects were examined using the HOPE server and I-Tasser. Gene interactions were predicted by STRING software. The SIFT, Provean, and I-Mutant tools detected the most deleterious three nsSNPs (rs769519031, rs778184510, and rs199983221). Results Out of 252 nsSNPs, SIFT analysis showed that 94 were deleterious, Provean listed 67 dangerous, and I-Mutant found 58 nsSNPs resulting in lowered stability of proteins. HOPE modelling of rs199983221 and rs769519031 suggested reduced hydrophobicity due to Ile 4Thr and Ile223Ser resulting in decreased hydrophobic interactions. In contrast, on modelling rs778184510, the mutant protein had a higher hydrophobicity than the wild type. Conclusions Our study reports that three nsSNPs (D357A, I223S, I4T) are the most damaging mutations of the SIRT1 gene. Mutations may result in altered protein structure and functions. Such altered protein may be the basis for various disorders. Our findings may be a crucial guide in establishing the pathogenesis of various disorders.
The application of L-theanine for patients with mental health conditions - a review
Authors: Łata Michał , Getka Beata , Kwiecień Justyna , Przyborowska Kinga , Wiejak Katarzyna , Rukat Mateusz
Published: January 2024

L-theanine is an amino-acid found in green tea (Camellia sinensis), a beverage consumed by people all around the world. Its chemical structure is similar to L-glutamic acid. L-theanine acts as an antagonist of AMPA and kainate receptors as well as partial co-agonist of the NMDA receptors. The application may be associated with several health benefits, such as improvements in cognition, reduction of stress and anxiety-like symptoms. Although the dosage of L-theanine in green tea, which is around 20 mg per tea, is not very likely to have meaningful impact on mental health, supplementation of doses 200-400 mg/day has shown some promising advantages.Despite some evidence towards beneficial impact of L-theanine on mental health, longer-term and larger cohort clinical studies are required in order to justify its application for patients suffering from such diseases as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and sleep disorders. What is more, it is more possible to act as a therapy augmentation in particular cases, rather than conventional therapy replacement.
Genetic implications in patients with NAFLD
Authors: Misiak Jakub , Kępczyk Martyna , Kwaśniewska Oliwia , Urbaś Michał , Ojdana Miłosz , Demianenko Yehor , Czekaj Oliwia , Kościołek Aleksandra , Kościołek Dawid , Surowiecka Kaja
Published: January 2024

Introduction and purpose:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease's growing prevalence and the complications it brings constitutes a serious problem nowadays. According to this, better understanding of mechanisms laying on the ground of its pathogenesis is a crucial factor to better understand this disease and develop interventions to counter its effects. Genetic relationships with NAFLD are known and they show great variation of mechanisms underlying their impact on subjects' metabolic state. Due to this fact the assumption that it is worth collecting these connections in one place was made, so that it is easier to navigate in them. Mostly studies refer to rodents trials, we focused on studies referred to people with NAFLD diagnosis.
Material and method: 
The literature was scrutinised in the Google Scholar database,  in the Pubmed database with the use of following keywords: “genetics”, “genes”, “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”, “NAFLD”, “non-alcoholic steatohepatitis”, “NASH”.
Results:
NAFLD as a metabolic disease has many links with metabolic pathways encoded by various genes. When it comes to genetic factors, we can specify gene expression single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and genes methylation. All of these aspects affect activity of coded proteins and what follows this is its impact on human metabolism.  These factors have been studied in the work of other researchers.
Conclusions:
 Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease's growing prevalence and the complications it brings constitutes a serious problem nowadays. Genetic relationships with NAFLD are known and they show great variation of mechanisms underlying their impact on subjects' metabolic state.
„Kiedy Mars stępił swe groty...”: Twórczość Jędrzeja Świderskiego
Authors: Dąbrowski Roman
Published: January 2024

The subject of this monograph is the entire literary output of Jędrzej Świderski, a legionary officer, one of the prominent figures of the late Enlightenment period, who first published two volumes of poetry entitled Zabawki wierszem i prozą [Plays in Poetry and Prose] in 1804, while his last work was the poem Syn marnotrawny [The Prodigal Son], published in 1824. In the book, after an introduction containing mainly biographical information, his individual publications are discussed in separate chapters and in chronological order. In addition to these mentioned above, the subjects of attention here are thus: the drama Olind i Sofroni [Olind and Sofroni] (1805, a paraphrase of a work by Louis Sébestien Mercier), and the poems: Muza polska [The Polish Muse] (1807), Galicja oswobodzona [Galicia Delivered] (1810), Pustelnik narodowy [The National Hermit] and Poświęcenie łoża małżeńskiego [The Consecration of the Marriage Bed] (1816), Józefada [Josephade] (1818). Each time, the relationship of the work in question to the historical context to which it relates is indicated. An important observation is the category of the speaker itself, assuming various roles or characters. The rhetoric dominating the stylistic shape of the works is highlighted. Considerable attention was also paid to the genological aspect of Świderski’s works, with particular emphasis on the eclecticism present almost everywhere; the presence of features characteristic of important aesthetic categories such as classicism (above all), rococo, sentimentalism or Youngism was noted. The recurrence in successive works of certain themes and motifs, such as the prophetic or instructive dream, the idyllic image of love, the importance of hope in human life, the defence of peasants, the charms of life in a country cottage, and the depiction of battle, alluding to the epic tradition, was repeatedly pointed out. The monograph consistently emphasises Świderski’s considerable skill in showing military actions (also at sea), which he knew very well from his own experience. The monograph stresses the constancy of his fundamental worldview beliefs, his faith in the order of the world as arranged by God, guiding historical processes, his patriotism, and his affirmation of a modest and virtuous life. Finally, Świderski’s attitude to his own work also comes under scrutiny, accepting its lack of originality but accentuating the fact that it is the result of diligence (which the poet-soldier values highly).
Wymiary niesystemowości w twórczości Siergieja Arno
Authors: Brążkiewicz Bartłomiej
Published: January 2024

Out of many definitions for culture, the ‘broad’ one provided by Alfred L. Kroeber and Clyde Kluckhohn seems most closely associated with the concept of ‘system.’ Culture, like any ‘system’ of social order, involves various attitudes towards itself: affirmative, non-affirmative or indifferent. The first of them will be of ‘system’ nature, while the other two can be described as ‘non-system.’ As Anthony Giddens has noted, culture cannot be separated from society, therefore any form of social activity is based on either ‘system’ or ‘non-system’ foundations. The same applies to literature within a particular cultural system. Especially in Russian tradition writers were expected to reflect in their works their ‘system’ or ‘non-system’ perspective. Sergey Arno is a contemporary Russian author whose works display some ‘non-system’ dimensions. Exposing them is therefore quite revealing because much of his prose contains autobiographical and self-referential motifs. From the incorporation of biographical elements into a narrative through the very form and style of his writing up to some ideological manifestations directly accessible through the text, Arno can be deemed a ‘non-system’ author whose books serve as an alternative to both the official and dominant cultural trends.
Molodaâ Rossiâ: ûmor kak instrument protesta
Authors: Troitskiy Sergey
Published: January 2024

In my chapter, I will give an overview of the many means and the variety of genres of protest expression. The characteristics of humour make it an instrument of protest against the system in the broad sense that we use as a starting point for our entire study. Humour challenges the established structures of meaning and patterns of communication. This allows it to fulfil its main task: to test the system for its strength. In culture, this function is necessary for self-correction and development; it also provides a creative insight, a necessary element of the creative process. However, in the conditions of containment of culture, the attempts to “freeze” it in favour of the narrow interests of individuals or social groups, the restriction of creativity leads to humour becoming a special creative current in culture that includes representatives of various social groups without restriction. Perhaps against the backdrop of general cultural stagnation, humour only becomes more visible. The chapter explains in detail the theoretical foundations of this approach to interpreting humour and uses the example of protest activities in Russian culture of the 2010s and early 2020s to show how humour becomes an instrument of protest. The chapter introduces diverse aspects of protest/humour, such as visual forms, narratives, actionism and others.
Shortparis – muzyczny neoekspresjonizm – między uniwersalnym sprzeciwem a zaangażowanym głosem protestu
Authors: Żak Elżbieta
Published: January 2024

This text presents the Russian musical art project Shortparis as a voice affirming Russian cultural identity, through which the band has worked in a unique way, drawing upon the Russian tradition of creating art across the dominant trends that are officially in force. The article focuses on the analysis of individual actions as well as the aesthetics of songs and videos. The goal is to portray the way the band juxtaposes elements of elitist and mass culture, the Russian cultural background, and the social problems of Russian life. As a result, the audience interacts with universal artistic language that is emotional and outside any systems, that questions the hierarchy of structures and stigmatises multiple dimensions of violence. In their theatrical, performative shows, videos and lyrics, the artists do not verbalise any particular politically engaged protest, which would position them within a specific temporal and spatial framework. The activities of Shortparis are difficult to classify within an unambiguous system of signs and catchphrases of objection, which includes the songs of such musicians as Noize MC, Maksim Pokrovsky (Nogu Svelo!) and others. With its modern arrangements and sound based on dissonance, antagonisms, and provocation, Shortparis uncovers social episodes and histories in a surprisingly visual way. The artistic practices of the band are called meta-modernist; Shortparis creates its own aesthetics. It separates itself from the modules of the Western culture, which is – as diagnosed by David Forster Wallace – under the dictatorship of irony. Shortparis creates art that expresses pain and anxiety, strongly affects primal emotions and at the same time de-hierarchizes Russian culture from the inside, providing a space for critical thought. The importance of the work of Nikolai Komyagin and Shortparis can be characterized through the words of Michał Paweł Markowski: the band meets a post-ironic challenge that involves taking responsibility for the quality and authenticity of artistic experience, for language and daily communication, and finally, for its own place in everyday culture.
AS HERANÇAS DA TRADIÇÃO ORAL AFRICANA NO ROMANCE MOÇAMBICANO: TÉCNICA E ENGAJAMENTO NA PRODUÇÃO DE PAULINA CHIZIANE
Authors: Carmo Igor Fernando Vergara Xanthopulo
Published: January 2024

A arte das palavras entre os povos bantos é imemorial e, tradicionalmente, ela se incumbe de entreter, moderar e instruir os agentes das sociedades onde ela se integra. Na cena contemporânea, os escritores de Moçambique fazem uso dos recursos e motivos da tradição oral, integrando-os às técnicas reincidentes nas narrativas advindas do ocidente, sobretudo do gênero romance. Entre os artistas que escrevem em língua portuguesa, Paulina Chiziane é um expoente com admirável habilidade em trafegar nessa fronteira literária e cultural, dialogando com formas africanas e estrangeiras de se narrar. Ademais, a produção da escritora demonstra seu empenho como ativista social, dedicada em potencializar as minorias silenciadas ou exploradas, que vivem dentro e fora de Moçambique.
“A BORBOLETA INCOLOR” E “A SEREIA NEGRA”: PROSTITUIÇÃO E PERSONAGENS FEMININAS EM O ALEGRE CANTO DA PERDIZ, DE PAULINA CHIZIANE
Authors: Dos Santos Isabela Batista , Nascimento Santos Jeane de Cassia
Published: January 2024

O presente artigo discorre sobre a narrativa da escritora Paulina Chiziane, com análise da obra O alegre canto da perdiz (2010). Com o intento de analisar a trajetória de personagens da obra, observaremos a problemática do corpo feminino negro e como a prostituição atravessa a vida da “borboleta incolor” e da “sereia negra”, epítetos de Maria das Dores e Delfina, respectivamente. Assim, a prostituição é o caminho em que elas são inseridas no processo de colonização e o desenvolvimento da resistência se apresenta como o ponto de quebra desse ciclo. Nesse sentido, o estudo se centra na óptica da crítica pós-colonial, através da interpretação problematizadora do colonialismo, fundamentado em teóricos pós-coloniais a exemplo de Albert Memmi (1967) e Homi Bhabha (2013).
The Characteristics and Features of Buddhist Meditation
Authors: Kim Hogui
Published: January 2024

Today, general meditation is widely practiced around the world. In addition to the history, types and methods of meditation, industries that utilize meditation are also developing. Modern meditation began to have such a popular character in India in the 1950s, when it was introduced to the United States and Europe in the 1960s. There are many reasons why modern people meditate. The basis of meditation is to maintain and improve the function of the body and mind. Furthermore, meditation is used to pursue physical and psychological tranquility and relaxation, and furthermore to promote overall health and well-being. On the other hand, Buddhist meditation emphasizes that you are always awake. In particular, meditation on the sitting type of Buddhist meditation aims at the achievement of enlightenment, for example, solving problems of oneself. Self-problem solving is to know oneself clearly and to achieve oneself. This kind of meditation began with the meditation of the Buddha. Meditation in general focuses on relieving stress. Sitting meditation, on the other hand, focuses on calming stress and moving toward enlightenment. In this respect, there is a difference between general meditation and sitting meditation. In this thesis, the characteristics of general meditation and Sitting meditatin are examined and some differences are examined. As a result, first, there was a difference in the ultimate goal of general meditation and Sitting Meditatin. Second, there was a difference in the subject, Thirdly, the methods, Fourth, the effects, Fifth, the characteristics, and Sixth, the Features.
A Qualitative Study on the Experience of Buddhist Performers' Participating in Empathy Education Program
Authors: Tae Sangsun
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of Buddhist practitioners participating in empathy education programs. The research problems of this study are as follows. First, what did Buddhist practitioners experience in empathy education? Second, what effect did the experience of empathy education have on Buddhist practitioners? Third, what are the future implications of the empathy education experience for Buddhist practitioners? The research results are as follows. First, in 'Experience in empathy education,' 'Understanding me and the world','knowing the need for an empathetic attitude','knowing what real empathy is', and 'experience of learning and practicing how to express empathy' were derived. Second, in “The Influence of Empathy Education Experience,” 'Recognizing the importance of empathy', 'starting with empathy for oneself', 'increased attention and observation toward oneself', and 'willing to improve the empathic attitude through constant training' were derived. Third, in ‘What the experience of empathy education implies for practitioners in the future’, 'It becomes an opportunity to meet me', 'I realize that solving my inner problems is the priority', 'I will understand more about the friends I study with', 'I want to further develop my qualities as an expert', and 'I want to help Buddhists through empathy' were derived. This study is meaningful in that it provided basic data for the development of empathy education programs targeting Buddhist practitioners.
The essence of healing mind: healing correlation between forest and meditation poetry
Authors: Baek Wonki
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of Buddhist meditation poetry produced on the basis of forests and meditation on mental and physical healing. Forests are the source and home of life that mankind has enjoyed so far. So nature[forest] has the power of wisdom to bring man back to his true self. Especially, various phytoncides emitted from the forest, and the appearance and sounds of nature: mountain colors, birds, water, wind, etc. have the function of relaxing the five senses. Actually, interacting with the forest is not only a good way to find the meaning of "true self" but also calms down the complicated and unsettling heart of people. In this vein, the forest becomes the best space for mental and physical healing. Today, many people visit the forest and reflect not only on the “outside landscape” but also on the “inner scape” together. It is for this reason that they want to let go of greed for a while and heal the inner side through simplicity and emptiness of the forest. Therefore, the meditation poetry of Buddhist thought arising from the harmonious relationship between forest and meditation is one of the alternatives to overcome stress and promote a sense of solidarity of harmony, communication, empathy, contemplation and emptiness. It makes us realize that all things arise by dependence on something else. Furthermore, it will become a signature that allows future generations to dream of tomorrow and live a more positive life.
Relationship between life stress and mental health problems of Diamond Sutra prayer participants: focusing on the moderating effects of religious activities and social support
Authors: Shon Kangsuk
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effects of religious activities and social support in the relationship between life stress and mental health problems in Diamond Sutra prayer participants. For this purpose, 562 participants who participated in the Diamond Sutra prayer conducted at Woljeongsa Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism were the subjects of the study, and life stress, religious activities, social support, and mental health problems were measured. Based on the collected data, reliability analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis were conducted. The results of this study are as follows. First, mental health problems were found to have a significant positive correlation with life stress and a significant negative correlation with religious activities and social support. Second, religious activities were found to moderate the relationship between life stress and mental health problems. Third, social support was found to moderate the relationship between life stress and mental health problems. Based on the above research results, it is meaningful to suggest additional interventions that can be provided to Diamond Sutra prayer participants.