bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards an integrative understanding of British Columbia’s Nechako Watershed: Connecting knowledge systems to strengthen understanding of climate change, watershed security, health and well-being
Authors: Parkes Margot W. , Déry Stephen J. , Owens Philip N. , Petticrew Ellen L. , Booth Barry P.
Published: July 2024

Understanding of upstream and downstream dynamics of continental river basins demands attention to the influence of important tributaries and watersheds. This is exemplified by the 47,200 km2 Nechako Watershed, the second largest sub-watershed of British Columbia’s Fraser River Basin. Although the Nechako (derived from the Indigenous Dakelh word meaning “big river”) is recognised for its ecological, societal and cultural importance, attention to this sub-watershed has often been overshadowed by a focus on the iconic Fraser River. This paper examines insights from a purposeful response to this gap, whereby a team of researchers has worked together to strengthen understanding of cumulative stressors and changes in the Nechako, focusing on climate change and water security, sediment sources and quality, and health and well-being dynamics within the Nechako Watershed. Lessons learned from a decade of this collaboration are presented, reflecting on the Nechako Watershed’s past, present, and future through the lens of a unique case study of interdisciplinary research. Emerging research and knowledge exchange partnerships are highlighted along with growing concerns for the Nechako’s keystone aquatic species including three species of Pacific salmon and the endangered Nechako white sturgeon. Drawing on the natural, social and health sciences, we examine strengths and challenges of connecting research across interrelated watershed security issues ranging from climate change, landcover disturbances (e.g., wildfires, mountain pine beetle outbreaks and forest harvesting), land use changes (e.g., expansion of Vanderhoof’s agricultural belt), and the far-reaching impacts of the damming of the Nechako River mainstem in the 1950’s. Our paper brings necessary attention to these and other influences on waterways, landscapes and communities of the Nechako Watershed, highlighting new research opportunities arising among diverse knowledges and disciplines, and the ongoing collaborative effort required to address emerging challenges for the Nechako and wider Fraser River Basin, with consequences for current and future generations.
Superando la adversidad: ¿resiliencia del turismo en la ruralidad durante la COVID-19? Comunidades en el sur de Ecuador como marco de estudio
Authors: Farfán-Pacheco Karina , Alvarado-Vanegas Byron , Espinoza-Figueroa Freddy
Published: July 2024

Este artículo presenta un estudio cualitativo sobre los cambios en las dinámicas turísticas con base en la interacción del sector público, privado y comunidades de acogida durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Cuatro comunidades rurales ubicadas en el Área de Biosfera del Macizo del Cajas (ABMC), ubicadas en el sur de Ecuador fueron consideradas como casos de estudio para entender si la resiliencia fue un mecanismo usado para afrontar la crisis. Como método de recolección de datos se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con residentes de las comunidades, autoridades y empresarios privados involucrados en los territorios de estudio. Los resultados indican que los valores simbólicos de las comunidades emergieron durante la crisis. Sin embargo, lo privado mantuvo su intención de mantenerse a flote y lo público intensificó las acciones que venían realizando antes de la pandemia. Se concluye que la COVID-19 destacó las reacciones fragmentadas hacia el turismo. Por lo tanto, la resiliencia comunitaria, centrada en los recursos y capacidades locales se adapta utilizando sus activos, mientras que la resiliencia del sector turístico aspira a regresar a la normalidad.
Transformación del paisaje rural desde los significados sociales. Caso Malinalco, Estado de México
Authors: Cruz Rocha Emma Elizabeth , Osorio García Maribel , Nava Bernal Eufemio Gabino
Published: July 2024

Se presenta un estudio de corte cualitativo que tiene como objetivo generar un análisis de la transformación del paisaje en Malinalco a partir de las percepciones y significados sociales. La información se documenta a través de narrativas de actores locales que se desagregan, analizan y categorizan a partir de la Fenomenología Sociológica de Alfred Schütz y el modelo interpretativo de Lalive d’Epinay. Se exponen como resultados la identificación del proceso de transformación del paisaje descrito en tres dimensiones (temporal, social y espacial) y la delimitación de dos ethos de la población malinalquense: el poblador tradicional, quien conserva la memoria del paisaje considerado original; y el poblador contemporáneo, quien expone el paisaje híbrido que tiene lugar a partir de las revalorizaciones y nuevas funciones de los espacios representativos en el municipio. Dichas interpretaciones permiten concluir que las distintas modalidades de turismo en espacios rurales (como es el caso de estudio) permean en las dinámicas socio-culturales de la comunidad, impulsando los cambios y transformaciones que a primera vista se considerarían endógenos, y que repercuten de manera directa en las estructuras y significados sociales respecto a sus recursos (ahora atractivos turísticos), su entorno y, por ende, respecto al paisaje.
Aproximación a la imagen gastronómica del corredor costero Tijuana-Rosarito-Ensenada a partir de las reseñas en línea
Authors: Toudert Djamel , Bringas-Rábago Nora L.
Published: July 2024

Las reseñas gastronómicas en sitios WEB especializados se convirtieron rápidamente en una importante fuente de información para la reflexión y la toma de decisiones en el ámbito de la vinculación entre demanda y oferta del destino turístico. Tomando en consideración esta nueva realidad, la investigación realizó un acercamiento de la imagen gastronómica a través del análisis del corpus textual de reseñas en línea con el interés de averiguar -entre otros- las diferencias estructurales de la narrativa que se desprenden del origen geográfico de la fuente autoral. En el marco de estas motivaciones se planteó un marco metodológico basado en las técnicas lingüístico-computacionales y de minería de datos para analizar reseñas del sitio de Tripadvisor en el contexto del corredor costero Tijuana-Rosarito-Ensenada del estado de Baja California en México. Lo anterior permitió evidenciar tanto la frecuencia estructural como las lógicas combinatorias de las subdimensiones de la componente cognitiva de la imagen gastronómica y la vinculación con sus otras dimensiones afectivas y conativas. La diferencias de la estructuración narrativa se examinó estadísticamente para medir sus efectividad comparando los grupos de visitantes de Baja California, de otros estados de la república mexicana, del estado limítrofe de California, del resto de los estados de la unión americana y finalmente, de otros países. Los resultados del estudio dejen entrever una complementariedad con las dimensiones de la imagen derivadas de encuestas presenciales o virtuales, poniendo en relieve las secuencias narrativas de mayor frecuencia y combinación. Sobre estos materiales intervienen intereses y preferencias dispares para unos grupos de visitantes y compartidos para otros, dejando entrever una amplia maniobrabilidad para operar ajustes y reacomodos de la oferta gastronómica local. Estos hallazgos parecen también reforzar la necesidad de estudios que cruzan las diferentes fuentes de información.
Reseña del libro: Blue Flag Beaches. Economic Growth, Tourism and Sutainable Management
Authors: Lillo Bañuls Adelaida
Published: July 2024

Book review: Prats, M.A., Merino, F. (2024): Blue Flag Beaches. Economic Growth, Tourism and Sutainable Management, Routledge. London and New York, 262 p. ISBN 978-1-032-34734-9.
Reseña del libro: Turismo cultural en Andalucía: Rutas históricas-artísticas. Navarra: Editorial Aranzadi. 330 págs. ISBN: 978-84-1125-909-5
Authors: Pérez Leonor M. , Rodríguez Maribel
Published: July 2024

Reseña del libro: Ana Ruiz Osuna y Guillermo López Merino (coords.) (2023). Turismo cultural en Andalucía: Rutas históricas-artísticas. Navarra: Editorial Aranzadi. 330 págs. ISBN: 978-84-1125-909-5.
Effect of neem leaf extract (Azadirachta indica) in reducing the degree of parasitemia and apoptosis in C57BL mice with cerebral malaria
Authors: Rahmah Zainabur , Nirmala Kautsar Citra , Nashichuddin Ach , Riskiyana Riskiyana , Milliana Alvi , Indriana Nurfianti , Astari Lina Fitria , Ayudianti Prida , Kholil Munawar
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim: Brain malaria, which results from Plasmodium falciparum infection, is responsible for substantial fatalities and health issues. These processes, including cytoadherence, rosetting, and sequestration, induce an immune response, hypoxia, brain microvascular obstruction, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and cell death. Parasitemia level can reveal the presence of infection and its association with apoptosis-related genes. Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves with antimalarial properties could replace ineffective Indonesian malaria medications. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of neem leaf extract on cerebral malaria-induced parasitemia and neuron cell apoptosis in mice through an in vivo approach.

Materials and Methods: 13–16 weeks old C57BL mice received infection by Plasmodium berghei strain ANKA. Parasitemia was estimated daily from the mice’s tail blood. 8 mg, 12 mg, and 16 mg of a 96% ethanolic neem leaf extract were orally given for 6 days. Healthy, positive, and negative controls were included for treatment comparisons. On the 7th day, brain tissue was analyzed for (p > 0.05) gene expression. Through immunohistochemistry, both cell apoptosis in neurons expressing caspase-3 within a brain sample and the degree of parasitemia in a blood smear were assessed. The Pearson correlation test and one-way analysis of variance were employed to analyze the data.

Results: Neem leaf extract reduces parasitemia and neuron cell apoptosis at multiple dosages (p < 0.000). Apoptosis in brain neurons and parasitemia show a strong positive correlation (r = +0.939). Neem leaf extract at doses of 12 and 16 mg was the most effective in reducing parasitemia levels and causing cell death.

Conclusion: Neem leaf therapy significantly reduced the degree of parasitemia and cell apoptosis in C57BL mice compared with the control group without treatment (p = 0.05). This shows that neem leaves have the potential to be a candidate drug for malaria.

Keywords: apoptosis, Azadirachta indica, cerebral malaria, neem leaves, parasitemia.
Monitoring Changes in Parts of the Guinea-Savannah Woodlands
Authors: Fynn Iris Ekua Mensimah , Sullo Banuro , Fynn Obed Fiifi
Published: July 2024

Land use and land cover (LULC) in Ghana has undergone a lot of changes over the past years emanating from natural and anthropogenic activities. This study is a comprehensive analysis of LULC changes in parts of the Guinea-Savannah through an integrated approach of geospatial procedures. Multi-temporal satellite imagery data sets of four different years, 1990 (Landsat TM), 2000 (Landsat ETM+), 2010 (Landsat ETM+) and 2020 (Landsat ETM+) were analyzed. Built-up area, Agricultural land, Closed savannah vegetation, Open savannah vegetation and Water bodies were LULC categories delineated for Jirapa municipality. The Cellular Automata-Markov (CA-Markov) model was applied to predict the likely changes in LULC in 2030. The study revealed that the most dominant land cover type in the municipality is the Open savannah vegetation as it occupied averagely 45% of the total surface area. Built-up area increased in area coverage by 93% between 1990 and 2020. Agricultural activities, bushfires, deforestation, infrastructural development, and population growth are the main drivers of changes in Agricultural land, Open savannah vegetation, Closed savannah vegetation and Water bodies. The LULC prediction for 2030 showed that the Built-up areas would increase significantly in 2030 leading to a 6% reduction in Agricultural land in 2030.
Can lichens be indicators for air pollution monitoring in Kandy City, Sri Lanka?
Authors: Edirisinghe Edirisinghege Sanduni Madushika , Athukorala Athukoralage Dona Sarangi Nirosha Priyajeevani Athukorala
Published: July 2024

The quality of the surrounding environment significantly impacts lichen diversity and composition, but crustose lichens, particularly those in disturbed environments, can persist. Although the effects of habitat disturbances on the morphology, anatomy, chemical composition, and fertility of lichen species have not been extensively researched, understanding their mechanisms is crucial for understanding their persistence in their environment. The study aimed to identify common lichen species in polluted and semi-polluted environments and compare their morphology, anatomy, chemical composition, and fertility. A two-kilometer stretch along the road that passes through the University of Peradeniya was selected as the semi-disturbed site based on previous records, while the area around Kandy Lake was designated as the polluted site. Using conventional keys, lichen species were identified, and using a hand lens, dissecting microscope, and compound microscope, the morphological traits of the thallus, apothecia, soredia, and isidia, as well as the anatomical features of the thallus, apothecia, and ascospores, were compared between the two sites. Thin-layer chromatography was used to separate and elucidate the secondary metabolites of lichen. Thirty-nine species were discovered on the university site, 15 in the area around Kandy Lake, and species gathered from both locations shared commonalities, including Physcia sp., Parmotrema sp., Lecanora sp., Graphis sp., and Lepraria sp. The color difference between all species, as measured by mean dE, is visible to the naked eye and changes from a pale to a dark hue from a semi-disturbed site to a polluted one. In comparison to disturbed sites, the majority of species displayed an increased mean area in semi-polluted sites. Layer thickness increases or decreases depending on how well each layer can withstand disruptions. Depsinose has been recognized as a potential class of metabolites generated by lichens present in both locations. Only lake sites exhibit toxic metal compounds, as opposed to semi-disturbed sites. Every pH value was acidic, and most species at the lake site had more acidic pH than those at the university site. There is no specific trend in apothecial number and ascospore numbers in common lichen species in both sites. The current study showed that changes in certain morphological and anatomical biochemical characteristics can be triggered by the environment, suggesting that the quality of the environment significantly affects the growth and reproductive success of lichens, thereby survival or extinction, and proposed that bioindicator and bioaccumulator species concerning the changes occurred.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Hemorrhagic Shock in a Patient Diagnosed With Disseminated Histoplasmosis
Authors: Omiwade Oluwaposi , Prevallet Alex
Published: July 2024

A 63-year-old patient with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B virus was found to have disseminated histoplasmosis with gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient was initially treated for sepsis, but the infectious workup was negative. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed diffuse mesenteric and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, with plan for biopsy. Unfortunately, the patient had a Code Blue after having profuse hematochezia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy disclosed actively bleeding duodenal ulcer; computed tomography angiography showed gastric and jejunal extravasation. The patient expired, and autopsy revealed histoplasmosis of duodenum and jejunum. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is particularly helpful for timely diagnosis in immunocompromised patients with gastrointestinal bleed from suspected infections or malignancy.
Cap Polyposis—A Rare Cause of Rectal Bleeding in a Young Woman
Authors: Domingues Ângela , Araújo Ricardo , Dias Nuno , Silva Américo
Published: July 2024

Cap polyposis is a very rare clinical entity, with only few cases reported in the literature. It is a benign disease, characterized by inflammatory polyps of the gastrointestinal tract. A 35-year-old woman was referred to our Gastroenterology department due to rectal bleeding. Endoscopic examination revealed multiple polypoid lesions in the middle/lower rectum. Histology was compatible with cap polyposis. She underwent mucosectomy of the lesions, with clinical and endoscopic improvement. Clinical findings and therapeutic approach represent a challenge in this pathology.
The Youth Climate Uprising
Authors: Fopp David , Axelsson Isabelle , Tille Loukina
Published: July 2024

Species are going extinct, forests are burning, and children are worried about the future and their peers worldwide. But that is not the whole story: One Friday in 2018, a few young people joined Greta Thunberg to protest, and the global climate strike movement was born. Scientist David Fopp spent 250 Fridays with the newly formed grassroots movements. Together with activists Isabelle Axelsson and Loukina Tille, he offers an insider perspective on how scientists and activists can fight for a just and sustainable global society. The volume also offers both an introduction to ecophilosophy and a unified science of democracy in times of interdependent crises. How can research in all disciplines - from (drama) education and economics to psychology - help with this struggle? And how can we all fight the climate crisis by transforming and deepening democracy?
Mythomane Werner Herzog
Authors: Wörffel Linus
Published: July 2024

Werner Herzog zählt zu den wenigen Exporterfolgen nachkriegsdeutscher Kulturproduktion. Werk und Wirken dieser Ausnahmegestalt des Weltkinos auf den Begriff zu bringen, bleibt indes eine anhaltende Herausforderung. Linus Wörffel nimmt sie an und begegnet dem mythenaffinen Nullpunktästhetiker Herzog mit wirkungsgeschichtlicher Kontextualisierung. Dabei zeigt er, wie sehr Herzog im unablässigen Ausloten von Grenzbereichen zwischen Fakt und Fiktion die Rezeption seines Schaffens stets mitzudenken gesucht hat. Ein kommentiertes Werkverzeichnis rundet die Untersuchung ab, die als bislang umfassendste deutschsprachige Aufarbeitung des Herzog'schen Schaffens der letzten 60 Jahre gelten dürfte.
Geopolitics and Energy Diplomacy in the Caspian Region
Authors: Gurbanov Yunis
Published: July 2024

Could the Caspian Region replace Russia's or the Persian Gulf's immense energy potential with their energy resources? Yunis Gurbanov explores the strategic importance of the region in post-USSR Eurasian policies of major global actors, namely China, the EU, the USA, and Russia, and examines Azerbaijan's, Kazakhstan's, and Turkmenistan's oil and gas resources as alternatives to conventional suppliers. He shows that the Caspian region's resources could serve as alternative energy sources on a global level, mitigating dependence on traditional suppliers and stabilizing energy prices.
Social Entrepreneurship in Germany
Authors: Kenel Philipp
Published: July 2024

Public and political interest in social entrepreneurship (SE) is increasing while it remains a contested and ambiguous concept. Philipp Kenel traces the popular media representation of SE in Germany over time (1999—2021), making an important empirical contribution to the sociological and political understanding of the phenomenon. He shows that until 2008, SE was mainly understood as a reform of the welfare infrastructure (including public and non-profit institutions). From 2009, SE was increasingly conceptualised as part of the economy, while sometimes challenging and other times reaffirming mainstream economic logics. More recently, in somewhat competing perspectives, SE has been framed as part of the ›start-up‹ world or as a force for deeper social and ecological transformation.
Transformer Differential Protection Method for Recognition between Power Transformer Internal Defects and Inrush Current: A Comprehensive Review of Detection Techniques
Authors: Atiyah Wael Abdulhasan , Karimi Shahram , Moradi Mohamad
Published: July 2024

The cornerstone of any electric power system lies in its power transformers, as their seamless operation is crucial for network reliability. Instant disconnection from the grid is imperative upon detecting any faults to prevent cascading issues. However, distinguishing between fault conditions, like inrush current, which necessitates caution rather than immediate action, poses a challenge for effective protection schemes. This dilemma can lead to relay malfunctions, further jeopardizing system integrity. This paper delves into a thorough analysis and comparison of various methods employed in differential protection to discern between internal faults and inrush currents, aiming to enhance system resilience. This comprehensive review explores the efficacy of intelligent techniques, hybrid approaches, and traditional methods in fault detection. By shedding light on the strengths and limitations of each method, researchers in this domain can glean insights to innovate and address the deficiencies of existing strategies in tackling internal faults and inrush currents detection. Ultimately, this endeavor seeks to fortify the reliability and stability of power systems in the face of dynamic operational challenges.
Predictive Value of HAS-BLED and HEMORR2HAGES Bleeding Risk Scores After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Doomun Ianis , Doomun Daphné , Schukraft Sara , Arroyo Diego , Cook Selma T. , Huwyler Tibor , Goy Jean-Jacques , Stauffer Jean-Christophe , Togni Mario , Puricel Serban , Cook Stéphane
Published: July 2024

Background:

Various scoring systems have been developed to assess the risk of bleeding in medical settings. HAS-BLED and HEMORR2HAGES risk scores are commonly used to estimate bleeding risk in patients receiving anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation, but data on their predictive value in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are limited.

Methods:

This study evaluated and compared the predictive abilities of the HAS-BLED and HEMORR2HAGES bleeding risk scores in all-comer patients undergoing PCI. The PARIS score, specifically designed for patients undergoing PCI, was used as a comparator. The scores were calculated at baseline and compared with the occurrence of events during a 2-year clinical follow-up period. Between 2015 and 2017, all consecutive patients undergoing PCI we re prospectively enrolled and divided into risk tertiles based on bleeding risk scores. The primary end points were hierarchical major bleeding events, defined by Bleeding Academic Research Consortium types 3 through 5, and patient-oriented composite end points according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium classification, which were assessed during the 2-year follow-up period.

Results:

A total of 1,080 patients completed the follow-up period. Two years after index, 189 patients (17.5%) had experienced any bleeding, with 48 events (4.4%) classified as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium types 3 to 5. All bleeding risk scores showed statistically significant predictive ability for bleeding events. The HEMORR2HAGES score (C statistic, 0.73) was more effective than the HAS-BLED score (C statistic, 0.66; P = .07) and the PARIS score (C statistic, 0.66; P = .06) in predicting risk of major bleeding. Patients in high-risk bleeding groups also experienced a higher incidence of patient-oriented composite end points.

Conclusions:

The HEMORR2HAGES, HAS-BLED, and PARIS risk scores exhibited good predictive abilities for bleeding events following PCI. Patients at high risk of bleeding also demonstrated increased ischemic risk and higher mortality during the 2-year follow-up period.
Potensi Dark Septate Endophyte Isolat Sumatera Utara terhadap Ganoderma boninense Penyebab Busuk Pangkal Batang Kelapa Sawit
Authors: Firdani Citra , Lisnawita  , Siregar Luthfi Aziz Mahmud
Published: July 2024

Penyakit busuk pangkal batang yang disebabkan oleh Ganoderma boninense menyebabkan kerusakan signifikan pada perkebunan kelapa sawit di Asia Tenggara, termasuk di Indonesia. Penggunaan fungisida kimia yang intensif terhadap Ganoderma dapat berdampak negatif terhadap lingkungan, kesehatan, dan terganggunya keseimbangan ekologi. Aplikasi mikrob sebagai agens hayati menggunakan cendawan endofit antagonis, salah satunya dark septate endophyte (DSE) berpotensi sebagai pengendalian Ganoderma. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendapatkan isolat DSE lokal Sumatera Utara dari areal endemik Ganoderma yang berpotensi untuk mengendalikan G. boninense. Eksplorasi cendawan DSE dilakukan pada areal dengan insidensi Ganoderma moderat (5%-30%) di Kecamatan Galang, Kabupaten Deli Serdang dan pengujian dilakukan secara in vitro. Hasil penelitian didapat lima isolat cendawan DSE, yaitu isolat II 3 A CM, Gelap A, II 4 CM, II 3 A CC, dan abu-abu. Kemampuan daya hambat terhadap perkembangan G. boninense secara in vitro dari yang paling tinggi berturut-turut adalah isolat Gelap A (100%), abu-abu (90.87%), II 3 A CC (82.83%), II 3 A CM (82.23%), dan II 4 CM (74.88%) pada 7 hari setelah inokulasi. Temuan ini merupakan data awal akan potensi cendawan DSE sebagai agens hayati G. boninense dan merupakan laporan pertama untuk cendawan DSE asal tanaman kelapa sawit di Sumatera Utara.
Jazzwomen Spoken Here
Authors: Cuervo Adriana P.
Published: July 2024

na
Investigating the incremental value of urine sediment reporting in emergency medicine with a Sysmex UN urinalysis system
Authors: Tosi Marco , Negrini Davide , Celegon Giovanni , Montagnana Martina , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Urinalysis is widely used and is also frequently requested in emergency situations for screening hypovolemia, urinary tract infections, diabetes, ketoacidosis and hematuria. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of reporting urinary sediment in emergency department specimens with the Sysmex UN system.

Methods

We evaluated urinalyses requested by the emergency department over a three-month period and examined red blood cell count interference, compared leukocyte esterase dipsticks to cytofluorimetric leukocyte count and nitrites to cytofluorimetric bacterial count. We then examined digital microscopy images to identify additional elements of interest or pathology.

Results

We collected 532 cases, 354 with only chemical and cytofluorimetric analysis and 178 with digital microscopy. Automated erythrocyte counting showed a 7 % error rate, mainly false-positive results. Leukocyte esterase had a sensitivity of 88.22 % and specificity of 88.84 % at the lower limit, while nitrites had a sensitivity of 41.06 % and a specificity of 99.38 %. Pathological elements were detected in 126 samples by digital microscopy: 70 had casts, 36 crystals and seven cells with high pathological value.

Conclusions

Evaluation of urine sediments by trained specialists can provide potentially important information even in emergency situations, whereby the pre-analytical phase must always be taken into account.
Interference by vitamin B12-macrocomplexes: towards an effective detection and correct interpretation of hypo- and hypervitaminemia
Authors: Delgado José A. , Pastor María I. , Costa Gemma , Márquez Nuria , Bauça Josep Miquel
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The presence of macro-B12 is a cause of factual hypervitaminemia B12. Precipitation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a simple method of removing high-molecular-weight biomolecules. However, “free” molecule may co-precipitate. This fact requires the establishment of reference intervals for the post-precipitation result. The main aims of the study were to: 1) establish post-PEG RIs for vitamin B12; 2) compare the two criteria for defining the presence of macro-B12; 3) evaluate the joint usefulness of percentage post-PEG vitamin B12 recovery and post-PEG RIs to inform the real vitamin B12 status; and 4), propose interpretative comments for ease of interpretation.

Methods

Prospective study in which 488 serum samples from “healthy” individuals were included and analyzed to determine recovery and RIs following PEG precipitation. Subsequently, a retrospective analysis was carried out in order to evaluate the joint usefulness of both definitions for a suspicion of macro-B12. A total of 297 cases were included.

Results

Recovery and post-PEG RIs determined on an Alinity i platform ranged from 60 to 107 % and from 118 to 506 pmol/L, respectively. McNemar’s test revealed statistically significant differences between both criteria for estimating interference. However, both methodologies showed good agreement. In 27 cases, the presence of macro-B12 coexisted with true hypervitaminemia B12. No case of coexistence of macro-B12 with vitamin B12 deficiency was detected in our series.

Conclusions

Laboratory reports should include total vitamin B12 concentration, recovery and post-PEG vitamin B12 concentration with their adjusted RIs to better assess the body vitamin status.
Learning from Surprising Observations in Management – Longitudinal Accounts
Authors: Jönsson Sten , Jönsson Richard
Published: July 2024

Accounts can be understood as “repair of problematic situations”, which, in turn, may be seen as inference to the best explanation of a surprising observation. We analyse “learning events” as told by prominent Swedish industrial leaders in two sets of interviews with 30 years between them. We find that the accounts quite often centre around surprising situations, i.e. uncertainty is maximal, where coherence is reached by combining facts and arguments into an understanding of the situation good enough to justify action. The primary function of these accounts is to generate meaning. That meaning will inform managers in the choice of relevant “levers of control” in implementation. It has been argued that “semi-confusing information” in organizations will invite questions and dialogue, and thereby help them avoid or overcome crises. We extend this line of reasoning by showing how such information feeds deliberation – construction of inference to the best explanation – by abductive reasoning toward action in “moments-of-truth”.
What is finiteness in Dagaare?
Authors: Mwinlaaru Isaac N.
Published: July 2024

Although the notion of finiteness has been much debated from different theoretical perspectives, little is known beyond Indo-European languages. The present study examines finiteness in the Lobr dialect of Dagaare (Niger-Congo: Mabia) from a systemic functional typological point of view. The study contributes to debates on whether finiteness is a discrete system or a cline. The study first distinguishes between semantic and grammatical finiteness. The analysis then show that Dagaare has a grammaticalised binary system of finiteness in the verbal group, encoded by four kinds of finiteness markers: (i) tense-mood-polarity, (ii) modality, (iii) habitual tense, and (iv) remoteness particles. Also, the Dagaare verbal group embodies disassociated systems of tense, comprising futurity, habituality, and remoteness and choices from each of these systems result in multiple Finite elements in the verbal group. On the other hand, clausal finiteness in Dagaare is a semantic cline that depends on the system of freedom. Specifically, a clause is finite or less finite depending on whether it combines a finite verbal group with clause final negotiation or information focus. The article provides finer criteria for distinguishing between semantic and grammatical finiteness that can be used for the description and typology of finiteness across languages.
Demonic Pantheism: Either/Or on Boredom as the Modern Crisis of Faith
Authors: Strelis Söderquist Anna Louise
Published: July 2024

This article engages with A’s “Crop Rotation” in Either/Or—the “boredom” essay—as a source for serious thought on the modern crisis of faith. Exploring A’s portrayal of the modern subject as isolated and self-enclosed, a “bored” condition linked to its radical autonomy and self-directed existence, it suggests that A’s explanation for this condition still holds today: modern humans’ self-assertion (and hence self-isolation) emerges as a response to a profound loss of meaning. Through an existential reading of A’s essay, it highlights A’s notion of “demonic pantheism” as illuminating what lies behind boredom, namely, a relatable experience of disillusionment following the loss of meaning—in other words, “existential doubt” or a crisis of faith.
Kierkegaard, Spiritual Crisis, and Anxious Faith: Battling for Faith in Fear and Trembling and Strengthening in the Inner Being
Authors: Söderquist K. Brian
Published: July 2024

This study shows that, for Kierkegaard, the crisis of faith plays an essential role in the life of faith. To demonstrate this, it compares pseudonym Johannes de silentio’s portrayals of religious crisis in Fear and Trembling with similar sketches in Strengthening in the Inner Being, an edifying discourse published on the same day as Fear and Trembling. Kierkegaard agrees with de silentio that the life of faith is tethered to struggle, but unlike his pseudonym, who is baffled by the source of Abraham’s bold trust, Kierkegaard is more confident about identifying that which gives him strength: an inner, divine affirmation.
Martensen’s Review of Heiberg’s New Poems and the Discussion on Speculative Poetry and the Crisis of the Age
Authors: Bravo Nassim
Published: July 2024

In this article I offer an introduction to Hans Lassen Martensen’s review of Heiberg’s New Poems, published in 1841. In his treatise On the Significance of Philosophy of 1833, the poet and philosopher Johan Ludvig Heiberg presented a diagnosis of what he perceived as the cultural crisis of the time. In his view, Danish society was afflicted by a frivolous and nihilistic worldview. A Hegel enthusiast, Heiberg thought that the cure for the crisis lay in a new philosophical perspective, capable of finding the universal and infinite within the particular and finite. But this was only possible to communicate through literature and, more specifically, through what he called speculative poetry. In the following years, Heiberg and his friend and colleague Martensen developed the notion of this new genre. This didactic campaign culminated with the publication of Heiberg’s New Poems, especially the piece “A Soul after Death,” accompanied by the review composed by Martensen.
Crossmodal correspondence between lexical tones and visual motions: a forced-choice mapping task on Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Gao Feier
Published: July 2024

Crossmodal correspondence refers to the phenomenon in which individuals match stimulus features (e.g., auditory pitch) with different sensory modalities (e.g., visual size). While studies on correspondences exhibited by suprasegmentals have mostly focused on pitch-size and pitch-shape associations, audiospatial binding observed in the production and perception of Mandarin tones, where pitch of the syllable distinguishes word meanings, sheds light on the symbolic potential of auditory pitch. In the present study, a forced-choice mapping task was conducted in the form of a word guessing game, where native Mandarin listeners select the meaning of an auditory “alien” word from two visual motions. The results showed that: (1) listeners reliably match auditory tones with visual motions in the way that pitch trajectories are congruent with spatial movements, (2) vowel category impacts tone-motion correspondence when syllables are articulated in non-contour tones, and (3) the capacities in driving the tone-motion correspondence are different across tonal categories. These findings further contribute to our understanding of the sound symbolic potential of lexical tones and expand the boundary of crossmodal correspondence that can be demonstrated by pitch.
Microstructure and oxidation of a Ni–Al based intermetallic coating formation on a Monel-400 alloy
Authors: Yener Tuba , Özsarı Alperen Refik Bilal , Döleker Kadir Mert , Erdoğan Azmi , Yener Suayb Çağri
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this work was to examine how the microstructure and oxidation characteristics of Monel 400 Alloy were affected by the low-temperature aluminizing method. Monel 400 alloy was subjected to a low-temperature aluminizing procedure for 2 and 4 h at 600, 650, and 700 °C. Pure aluminum powder was used as the source of aluminum deposition to prepare the packs for the process. The activator and inert filler utilized were ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and Al2O3 powder, respectively. The coating surfaces were characterized using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. It was discovered that the through-thickness variance in the layer microstructure varied between 4 and 30 µm, and that it increased with greater process temperatures and times. The coating layer hardness grew to 800 HV after the deposition process, whereas the matrix hardness remained at 200 HVN. Furthermore, the sample that was coated at 600 °C for 4 h was exposed to oxidation at 750–800 and 850 °C. It was found that the oxidation kinetics were 176 kJ/mol.
Long-range molecular energy transfer mediated by strong coupling to plasmonic topological edge states
Authors: Buendía Álvaro , Sánchez-Gil José A. , Giannini Vincenzo , Barnes William L. , Rider Marie S.
Published: July 2024

Strong coupling between light and molecular matter is currently attracting interest both in chemistry and physics, in the fast-growing field of molecular polaritonics. The large near-field enhancement of the electric field of plasmonic surfaces and their high tunability make arrays of metallic nanoparticles an interesting platform to achieve and control strong coupling. Two dimensional plasmonic arrays with several nanoparticles per unit cell and crystalline symmetries can host topological edge and corner states. Here we explore the coupling of molecular materials to these edge states using a coupled-dipole framework including long-range interactions. We study both the weak and strong coupling regimes and demonstrate that coupling to topological edge states can be employed to enhance highly-directional long-range energy transfer between molecules.
Ultra-sensitive, graphene metasurface sensor integrated with the nonradiative anapole mode for detecting and differentiating two preservatives
Authors: Wu Gui Fang , Yan Feng Ping , Yan Xin , Wang Wei , Li Ting , Li Zhen Hua , Liang Lan Ju , Zhang Rui , Chu Fu Tong , Yao Hai Yun , Wang Meng , Wang Zi Qun , Wang Lu , Hu Xiao Fei
Published: July 2024

Graphene-based metamaterial sensors are of significant research value for detecting food preservatives at low concentrations due to their extremely high sensitivity levels. In this work, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated an anapole resonance-based graphene metasurface (An-graphene-Ms) sensor with its conductivity altered by electrostatic doping effects for detecting and differentiating between two preservatives, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, in the terahertz region. Sodium benzoate, owing to its benzene ring structure, established π–π stacking interactions between the π-electrons in the benzene ring and those in graphene, amplifying the sensing effect. The amplitude changes and phase differences of the An-graphene-Ms sensor for the sodium benzoate detection were greater than those for potassium sorbate at the same concentration. Additionally, to reveal the dependence of the resonance frequency on the time delay, the measured signals were investigated using the continuous wavelet transform (CWT), and the time-frequency combination of the metasurface sensor was performed. The 2D wavelet coefficient intensity cards are effectively constructed through CWT, which also presents a more accurate approach for distinguishing and determining the concentrations of the two preservatives.
Photonic Dirac waveguide in inhomogeneous spoof surface plasmonic metasurfaces
Authors: Yang Yuting , Zhang Juyi , Yang Bin , Liu Shiyu , Zhang Wenjie , Shen Xiaopeng , Shi Liwei , Hang Zhi Hong
Published: July 2024

The metamaterial with artificial synthetic gauge field has been proved as an excellent platform to manipulate the transport of the electromagnetic wave. Here we propose an inhomogeneous spoof surface plasmonic metasurface to construct an in-plane pseudo-magnetic field, which is generated by engineering the gradient variation of the opened Dirac cone corresponding to spatially varying mass term. The chiral zeroth-order Landau level is induced by the strong pseudo-magnetic field. Based on the bulk state propagation of the chiral Landau level, the photonic Dirac waveguide is designed and demonstrated in the experimental measurement, in which the unidirectionally guided electromagnetic mode supports the high-capacity of energy transport. Without breaking the time-reversal symmetry, our proposal structure paves a new way for realizing the artificial in-plane magnetic field and photonic Dirac waveguide in metamaterial, and have potential for designing integrated photonic devices in practical applications.
Flat lens–based subwavelength focusing and scanning enabled by Fourier translation
Authors: Zhang Xin , Hu Yanwen , Lin Haolin , Yin Hao , Li Zhen , Fu Shenhe , Chen Zhenqiang
Published: July 2024

We demonstrate a technique for flexibly controlling subwavelength focusing and scanning, by using the Fourier translation property of a topology-preserved flat lens. The Fourier transform property of the flat lens enables converting an initial phase shift of light into a spatial displacement of its focus. The flat lens used in the technique exhibits a numerical aperture of 0.7, leading to focusing the incident light to a subwavelength scale. Based on the technique, we realize flexible control of the focal positions with arbitrary incident light, including higher-order structured light. Particularly, the presented platform can generate multifocal spots carrying optical angular momentum, with each focal spot independently controlled by the incident phase shift. This technique results in a scanning area of 10 μm × 10 μm, allowing to realize optical scanning imaging with spatial resolution up to 700 nm. This idea is able to achieve even smaller spatial resolution when using higher-numerical-aperture flat lens and can be extended to integrated scenarios with smaller dimension. The presented technique benefits potential applications such as in scanning imaging, optical manipulation, and laser lithography.
Some results involving the A

α
-eigenvalues for graphs and line graphs
Authors: da Silva Júnior João Domingos G. , Oliveira Carla Silva , da Costa Liliana Manuela G. C.
Published: July 2024

Let

G

G

be a simple graph with adjacency matrix

A

(

G

)

A\left(G)

, degree diagonal matrix

D

(

G

)

,

D\left(G),

and let

l

(

G

)

l\left(G)

be the line graph of

G

G

. In 2017, Nikiforov defined the

A

α

{A}_{\alpha }

-matrix of

G

G

,

A

α

(

G

)

{A}_{\alpha }\left(G)

, as a linear convex combination of

A

(

G

)

A\left(G)

and

D

(

G

)

D\left(G)

, in the following way,

A

α

(

G

)

≔
α
A

(

G

)

+

(

1
−
α

)

D

(

G

)

,

{A}_{\alpha }\left(G):= \alpha A\left(G)+\left(1-\alpha )D\left(G),

where

α
∈

[

0
,
1

]

\alpha \in \left[0,1]

. In this study, we present some bounds for the largest eigenvalue of

A

α

(

G

)

,

{A}_{\alpha }\left(G),

and for some eigenvalues of

A

α

(

l

(

G

)

)

{A}_{\alpha }\left(l\left(G))

. Extremal graphs attaining some of these bounds are also characterized. Furthermore, some comparisons between the new bounds obtained in this study, and between these and some bounds presented by Nikiforov are made.
Extending dual-class stock: A proposal
Authors: Berger David J. , Fisch Jill , Solomon Steven Davidoff
Published: July 2024

The increasing use of dual-class voting structures in public companies—and the frequency with which such structures contain sunset provisions—raises the issue of when and how such sunset provisions should be modified, extending the company’s use of the dual-class structure. Recent decisions have applied the entire fairness legal standard to dual-class extensions, but, in the recent Trade Desk case, the Delaware Chancery court concluded that the extension complied with the MFW standard and should therefore receive the protection of the business judgment rule.

We question the practicality of applying either entire fairness or MFW to dual-class extensions. Instead, we argue for a contractual approach in which the initial charter specifies the conditions under which a dual-class structure can be extended. The contractual approach increases the information available to shareholders at the IPO stage, thereby improving market efficiency. We argue that extensions that comply with such charter provisions should be insulated from entire fairness review.
Spatial variation of the source mechanisms in the Egyptian continental margin
Authors: Abu El Nader Iman F. , Salama Asem , El-Gabry Mohamed N. , Hussein Hesham M. , Abdelazim Mona
Published: July 2024

The spatial variability of the focal mechanism solutions in the NW Egypt Cyrenaica and Levant-north Egypt domains of the Egyptian Continental margin is investigated based on the polarity of the P-wave first motions of eleven earthquakes with local magnitudes ML ranging from 4.2 to 6.2. The identified focal mechanism solutions in the Levant-north Egypt domain are evaluated in two sub-provinces with different geological settings. The first sub-province shows strike-slip faulting mechanisms with right-lateral motion along the NE-trending Rosetta-Qattara fault zone, while the NW-trending Temsah fault zone produces left-lateral strike-slip motion. The inland extension of the Rosetta-Qattara fault zone towards the Western Desert reflects the same sense of motion. Strike-slip faulting with thrust components dominates the focal mechanisms in the second sub-province but with a different stress orientation. A single thrust faulting mechanism event which occurred on the periphery of the continental shelf shows the same common orientation of the stress field at the Hellenic Arc. This type of mechanism in this locality can be explained by the mean of compressional stress transfer towards the coast generated by the accelerated southwest retreat of the Hellenic Trench. The complex regional stress along the Cyprian and Hellenic arcs, the current local structure features, and the dominant orientation of the pre-existing fault are the factors that contribute to the changeable stress pattern field in the Levant-north Egypt domain. A single event in the second domain, the NW Egypt Cyrenaica, is a strike-slip with a right-lateral sense of motion on a WNW-oriented plane, consistent with motion along the WNW tectonic fault which separates the continental shelf from the oceanic crust.