bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of dental pulp stem cells response to flowable nano-hybrid dental composites: A comparative analysis
Authors: Rady Dina , Albar Nassreen , Khayat Waad , Khalil Mennatullah , Raafat Shereen , Ramadan Mohamed , Saber Shehabeldin , Shamel Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Background

Flowable resin composites (FRC) are tooth-colored restorative materials that contain a lower filler particle content, and lower viscosity than their bulk counterparts, making them useful for specific clinical applications. Yet, their chemical makeup may impact the cellular population of the tooth pulp. This in-vitro study assessed the cytocompatibility and odontogenic differentiation capacity of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in response to two recent FRC material extracts.

Methods

Extracts of the FRC Aura easyflow (AEF) and Polofil NHT Flow (PNF) were applied to DPSCs isolated from extracted human teeth. Cell viability of DPSCs was assessed using MTT assay on days 1, 3 and 7. Cell migration was assessed using the wound healing assay. DPSCs’ capacity for osteo/odontogenic differentiation was assessed by measuring the degree of mineralization by Alizarin Red S staining, alkaline phosphatase enzyme (ALP) activity, and monitoring the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), RUNX Family Transcription Factor 2 (RUNX2), and the odontogenic marker dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) by RT-PCR. Monomer release from the FRC was also assessed by High-performance liquid chromatography analysis (HPLC).

Results

DPSCs exposed to PNF extracts showed significantly higher cell viability, faster wound closure, and superior odontogenic differentiation. This was apparent through Alizarin Red staining of calcified nodules, elevated alkaline phosphatase activity, and increased expression of osteo/odontogenic markers. Moreover, HPLC analysis revealed a higher release of TEDGMA, UDMA, and BISGMA from AEF.

Conclusions

PNF showed better cytocompatibility and enhancement of odontogenic differentiation than AEF.
Viral load suppression and its predictor among HIV seropositive people who receive enhanced adherence counseling at public health institutions in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Belete Minyichil Birhanu , Bitew Abebayehu , Mulatu Kebadnew
Published: May 2024

Background

For those HIV seropositive people with high viral loads, the World Health Organization recommends more counseling before changing ART regimens. A high viral load can lead to increased HIV transmission and lower survival rates. Clients with viral loads above 1000 copies/mL should receive enhanced adherence counseling for 3–6 months before switching. Despite enhanced adherence counseling programs, most countries struggle with viral load suppression. Little is known about viral load suppression in Ethiopia and the research area after counseling.

Objective

This study aims to assess viral load suppression and its predictors among HIV-positive individuals receiving enhanced adherence counseling in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022.

Methods

An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among randomly selected 546 clients on Enhanced Adherence Counseling at public health facilities in Bahir Dar city. The Epicollect5 mobile application was used to collect the data, which was then exported to Stata version 14 for analysis. A Log-Binomial regression model was fitted for each explanatory variable. Variables having a p-value <0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered into a multivariable Log-Binomial regression model. Finally, an adjusted risk ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value <0.05 was used to measure the strength of the prediction.

Results

Following enhanced adherence counseling, 312 (57.1%) people had their viral load suppressed. Absence of recurrent OI (ARR 1.40; CI 1.03–1.91), EAC stay less than 3 months (ARR 1.54; CI 1.19–1.99), EAC stay 3–6 months (ARR 1.38; CI 1.12–1.69), once-daily ARV dose regimen (ARR 1.28; CI 1.03–1.58), baseline viral load of 2879.00 copies/ml (ARR 1.30, CI 1.06–1.60), being orthodox Tewahido Christian (ARR 0.37; CI 0.18–0.75) were significant predictors of viral load suppression after Enhanced Adherence Counseling.

Conclusion and recommendation

Most importantly, this study found that most people had suppressed viral loads after receiving enhanced adherence counseling. Significant predictors of viral load suppression included recurrent OI, length of stay on EAC, daily ARV dosing regimen, baseline viral load, and religion. Clients with a high baseline viral load and those who experience recurring opportunistic infections should get extra care during EAC sessions.
Advancing 100m sprint performance prediction: A machine learning approach to velocity curve modeling and performance correlation
Authors: Tam Chung Kit , Yao Zai-Fu
Published: May 2024

This study presents a novel approach to modeling the velocity-time curve in 100m sprinting by integrating machine learning algorithms. It critically addresses the limitations of traditional speed models, which often require extensive and intricate data collection, by proposing a more accessible and accurate method using fewer variables. The research utilized data from various international track events from 1987 to 2019. Two machine learning models, Random Forest (RF) and Neural Network (NN), were employed to predict the velocity-time curve, focusing on the acceleration phase of the sprint. The models were evaluated against the traditional exponential speed model using Mean Squared Error (MSE), with the NN model demonstrating superior performance. Additionally, the study explored the correlation between maximum velocity, the time of maximum velocity occurrence, the duration of the maximum speed phase, and the overall 100m sprint time. The findings indicate a strong negative correlation between maximum velocity and final time, offering new insights into the dynamics of sprinting performance. This research contributes significantly to the field of sports science, particularly in optimizing training and performance analysis in sprinting.
Nutritional status of primary school children and their caregiver’s knowledge on malnutrition in rural and urban communities of Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Sanni Taofeek Adedayo , Elegbede Olusegun Elijah , Adewoye Kayode Rasak , Durowade Kabir Adekunle , Ipinnimo Tope Michael , Alabi Ayodele Kamal , Ojo John Olujide , Agbana Richard Dele , Raji Mustapha Muhammad , Aderinwale Oluseyi Adedeji , Adeosun Mojoyinola Oyindamola , Adetona Ademuyiwa , Abioye Opeyemi Oladipupo , Asake Olumide Temitope , Olasehinde Olanrewaju Kassim , Oni Olawale Bashir-ud-deen
Published: May 2024

Background

Nutritional imbalance is an underlying cause of 2.6million death annually and a third of child’s death globally. This study assessed and compared the nutritional status of primary school children and their caregiver’s knowledge on malnutrition in rural and urban communities of Ekiti State.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional comparative study carried out among 983 urban and rural primary school children in Ekiti State (495 in urban and 488 in rural) using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. A multi-stage sampling technique was used and data collected was analyzed using SPSS 23 with level of statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

Underweight and stunting were relatively higher in rural (6.5% and 22.7% respectively) than in urban (6.3% and 19.4% respectively) and these differences are not statistically significant (p = 0.898, p = 0.197). However, wasting, overweight and obesity were higher in urban (12.7%, 6.1% and 7.7% respectively) than rural (11.5%, 3.7% and 7.5% respectively) but the difference is not statistically significant. (p = 0.242). Majority of the caregivers in both settings had good knowledge of malnutrition though higher in urban mothers (89.5%) with statistical significance than their rural counterparts (71.5%). However, there is no significant association between caregiver’s knowledge and malnutrition in this study. Being in lower primary school class, relationship with caregiver, educational status of caregiver and occupation of caregiver were the common predictors of malnutrition among the school children in both community settings.

Conclusion

Generally, the prevalence of malnutrition was high in both urban and rural primary school children in this study. However, while underweight and stunting were more prevalent among the children in the rural communities, wasting, overweight and obesity were more prevalent in the urban. The caregivers in both communities had good knowledge of malnutrition (better in the urban) but this is not good enough to bring a significant relationship with the occurrence of malnutrition in the children. Common predictors of malnutrition in both community settings are being in lower primary school class, relationship with caregiver, educational status of caregiver and occupation of caregiver. It is therefore recommended that regular continuous public enlightenment, nutritional education programmes and other programmes targeted at improving the economic power of the caregivers are measures that will improve the nutritional status of the primary school children.
A study protocol to characterise pathophysiological and molecular markers of rheumatic heart disease and degenerative aortic stenosis using multiparametric cardiovascular imaging and multiomics techniques
Authors: Mutithu Daniel W. , Aremu Olukayode O. , Mokaila Dipolelo , Bana Tasnim , Familusi Mary , Taylor Laura , Martin Lorna J. , Heathfield Laura J. , Kirwan Jennifer A. , Wiesner Lubbe , Adeola Henry A. , Lumngwena Evelyn N. , Manganyi Rodgers , Skatulla Sebastian , Naidoo Richard , Ntusi Ntobeko A. B.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), degenerative aortic stenosis (AS), and congenital valve diseases are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Many knowledge gaps remain in understanding disease mechanisms, stratifying phenotypes, and prognostication. Therefore, we aimed to characterise patients through clinical profiling, imaging, histology, and molecular biomarkers to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prognosis of RHD and AS.

Methods

In this cross-sectional, case–controlled study, we plan to recruit RHD and AS patients and compare them to matched controls. Living participants will undergo clinical assessment, echocardiography, CMR and blood sampling for circulatory biomarker analyses. Tissue samples will be obtained from patients undergoing valve replacement, while healthy tissues will be obtained from cadavers. Immunohistology, proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptome analyses will be used to analyse circulatory- and tissue-specific biomarkers. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses will be used for hypothesis testing and identification of important biomarkers. In summary, this study aims to delineate the pathophysiology of RHD and degenerative AS using multiparametric CMR imaging. In addition to discover novel biomarkers and explore the pathomechanisms associated with RHD and AS through high-throughput profiling of the tissue and blood proteome and metabolome and provide a proof of concept of the suitability of using cadaveric tissues as controls for cardiovascular disease studies.
The ecological and biodiversity conservation values of farm dams: A systematic review
Authors: Littlefair Michelle , Scheele Ben C. , Westgate Martin , Lindenmayer David
Published: May 2024

Biodiversity is in rapid decline globally with agriculture being one of the leading causes. Within agricultural landscapes, some features provide a benefit to biodiversity that is disproportionate to their spatial area. An interesting example is artificial ponds–or farm dams–which can support a large variety of taxa. Here, we present a global review of farm dam research related to biodiversity conservation objectives to provide an overview of the topics, key research insights, and the characteristics of current research. We used a three-stage process to screen literature and identified 104 relevant papers across 27 countries encompassing studies of 13 different taxa. Most of the studies were short-term (less than 5 years) with small sample sizes (less than 20 sites). Of the 104 papers, 88 were focussed primarily on ecological outcomes, such as species richness or abundance, and 15 on primary production outcomes, such as crop and livestock yield, despite addressing or measuring ecological metrics. Only one study measured both ecological and primary production outcomes. Studies frequently examined how the features of dams (79 studies) and attributes of the surrounding landscape (47 studies) impact particular species and communities. Terrestrial mammals (1 study) were under-represented in the literature with macrophytes (28 studies), macroinvertebrates (26 studies), and amphibians (19 studies) receiving the most attention. Our results reveal a growing trend towards recognizing farm dams as habitats for various taxa, including amphibians, beetles, dragonflies, and other macroinvertebrates within agricultural environments. Significant knowledge gaps exist in understanding how dam age, invasive species, and effective management practices impact the biodiversity conservation values of farm dams. Future research should emphasize enhancing biodiversity by collaborating with landholders to increase habitat through strategic vegetation planning, minimizing runoff and nutrient inflow, and restricting stock access.
Legionella pneumophila exploits the endo-lysosomal network for phagosome biogenesis by co-opting SUMOylated Rab7
Authors: Li Chuang , Fu Jiaqi , Shao Shuai , Luo Zhao-Qing
Published: May 2024

Legionella pneumophila strains harboring wild-type rpsL such as Lp02rpsLWT cannot replicate in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) due to induction of extensive lysosome damage and apoptosis. The bacterial factor directly responsible for inducing such cell death and the host factor involved in initiating the signaling cascade that leads to lysosome damage remain unknown. Similarly, host factors that may alleviate cell death induced by these bacterial strains have not yet been investigated. Using a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening, we identified Hmg20a and Nol9 as host factors important for restricting strain Lp02rpsLWT in BMDMs. Depletion of Hmg20a protects macrophages from infection-induced lysosomal damage and apoptosis, allowing productive bacterial replication. The restriction imposed by Hmg20a was mediated by repressing the expression of several endo-lysosomal proteins, including the small GTPase Rab7. We found that SUMOylated Rab7 is recruited to the bacterial phagosome via SulF, a Dot/Icm effector that harbors a SUMO-interacting motif (SIM). Moreover, overexpression of Rab7 rescues intracellular growth of strain Lp02rpsLWT in BMDMs. Our results establish that L. pneumophila exploits the lysosomal network for the biogenesis of its phagosome in BMDMs.
Hoje tem coletiva: Gênero e Diversidade Sexual em debate na Coordenação Pedagógica
Authors: Da Cunha Mesquita Café Leonardo
Published: May 2024

A coordenação pedagógica é um espaço fundamental para a formação continuada das/es/os profissionais da educação. Na educação pública, ela representa a possibilidade de discutir coletivamente aspectos importantes para a escola, promovendo questionamentos, reflexões e reconstituição de práticas. Entretanto, é também espaço de disputa e luta pelo poder. Nesse sentido, este trabalho visa compreender como uma ação de formação continuada chamada “Gênero, Diversidade Sexual e Educação”, vivenciada por várias unidades escolares da rede pública de ensino do Distrito Federal, pode provocar processos de reflexividade crítica fundamentais para que práticas pedagógicas antimachistas e antiLGBTIfóbicas sejam promovidas na escola. O presente estudo, assim como a ação de formação aqui apresentada, é orientado teórico-metodologicamente pelos Estudos Críticos do Discurso e pelos Estudos de Gênero para investigar como que o discurso, presente nas práticas sociais, pode ser rearticulado a partir da problematização da materialidade discursiva do documento orientador das práticas pedagógicas das/es/os servidoras/es públicas/es/os da Educação Básica nessa unidade federativa: o Currículo em Movimento. Para tanto, analiso os recursos utilizados durante a ação formativa, trechos do currículo que garantem a discussão sobre diversidades, bem como alguns excertos de textos produzidos pelas/es/os profissionais que participaram dessa atividade como forma de avaliação do encontro. Como resultado, é possível perceber um fortalecimento do grupo que já tratava da temática, uma provocação reflexiva àquelas/es que muitas vezes se engajam com discursos e representações estereotipadas inconscientemente, além de um arrefecimento dos grupos mais conservadores e resistentes à temática pela percepção da legalidade que essa discussão tem no ambiente escolar.
The Medical and Surgical Management of Recurrent Multicenter Insulinomatosis Without Known Genetic Predisposition
Authors: Jaquillard Erin , Pusateri Antoinette , Krishna Somashekar G.
Published: May 2024

Insulinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors characterized by episodic hypoglycemia. Typically, insulinomas are benign, solitary, intrapancreatic, and measure less than 2 cm in diameter. When insulinomas are multicenter or recurrent, they are often associated with genetic conditions such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, neurofibromatosis type 1, or von Hippel-Lindau disease. Most insulinomas can be resolved with surgery. Multicenter and recurrent insulinomas, known as insulinomatosis, may require additional medical and surgical management. We report a distinctive case involving recurrent multicenter insulinomatosis devoid of any identified genetic familial predisposition. The patient's complex medical history spans nearly 2 decades, marked by unsuccessful attempts at resolution through surgical enucleation and noninvasive medical management, culminating in the decision for total pancreatectomy.
Strategic knowledge management:
Authors: Goi Vasyl , Nonik Valerіі , Dergach Marharita , Mamonov Kostiantyn , Kovalenko Lyudmyla
Published: May 2024

In the modern, dynamically changing business environment, the relevance of strategic knowledge management becomes extremely important. It is driven by the need to maintain innovation activity and competitiveness of enterprises in the context of globalization and the information openness of markets. At the same time, the effective creation, preservation, and use of intellectual capital is a key factor in the sustainable development of companies. This study aims to analyze knowledge management strategies in the context of their impact on the intellectual capital of an organization. The authors applied a set of methods, including systemic and structural-functional analysis. They also employed methods of ascension from the specific to the abstract and vice versa to provide a multifaceted view of the research issue. The results of the study reflect the correlation between the effectiveness of strategic knowledge management and the ability of companies to adapt to external challenges effectively. The authors found that enterprises that intensively develop their knowledge management strategies demonstrate higher innovation activity and the сapability to instantly adjust to dynamic market requirements. It has also been confirmed that a systematic approach to intellectual capital management contributes to the optimization of internal processes, increased productivity, and sustainable development of companies. The research comes across numerous ideas that are relevant for modern management, as they offer conclusions on the effectiveness of knowledge and intellectual capital management. Besides, they can be a source of information for managers, strategists, and other key stakeholders. They provide the latter with recommendations on how to formulate the most practical knowledge management strategies. The research pays special attention to the details of creating, storing, and optimally using intellectual capital. This allows companies to maximize the use of their internal resources to achieve strategic goals and adapt to rapidly changing market conditions.
Modern didactic methods in the formation of moral values and training of future social workers
Authors: Shestakova Kateryna , Gnatchuk Oksana , Yenhalycheva Iryna , Korolenko Viktor , Iievliev Oleksandr
Published: May 2024

The paper is devoted to the analysis of modern didactic methods in the training of future social workers. The article presents the essence of the "didactic method" concept and a list of basic teaching methods. It describes the didactic teaching methods in the educational process of social workers' training at the current stage. The study compares the didactic methods in different Ukrainian higher education institutions in the "Social Work" specialty. The authors propose their own didactic methods for training students-social workers. The study aims to highlight the state of modern didactic methods in the training of future social workers. The research object is the state of training of future social workers in higher education institutions in Ukraine. Such research methods as description, analysis and synthesis, comparison, generalization, and content analysis were used in this research. The work examines the place of modern didactic methods in the training of future social workers. It was found that at the current stage of student training, preference is given to those methods and means of learning that contribute to the effective combination of theoretical experience with practical. Accordingly, the article pays attention to didactic methods of teaching. The authors have found that Ukrainian higher education institutions use different didactic methods in the "Social Work" specialty. Using the examples of Kharkiv National Pedagogical University named after H. S. Skovoroda, Drohobych State Pedagogical University, Ternopil National Pedagogical University named after Volodymyr Hnatyuk, and the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, the authors identified the following main teaching methods in the training of future social work professionals: brainstorming, discussions, press conferences, role-playing, intellectual games, art therapy, training, and the case method. It is proposed to include such didactic methods as bibliotherapy, painting therapy, drama therapy, and movie therapy in educational programs. A scheme of directions for solving educational tasks using didactic methods is proposed.
Leading tendencies of media linguistic discourse in the conditions of martial law
Authors: Suvorova Liudmyla , Haidai Iryna , Muzychuk Valentyna , Kukharonok Svitlana , Svysiuk Olena , Kravchenko Anastasiia
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to the research of the leading trends of the media-linguistic discourse in the conditions of martial law. It is noted that today, media linguistics is becoming a means of modernization of language education in Ukraine, a tool of struggle on the information battlefield. In connection with the expansion of the boundaries of modern media discourse, the importance of the inclusion of media linguistics as a discipline of the language cycle in the educational and programmatic matrix of a higher school is substantiated. The peculiarities of the media discourse were traced by means of test monitoring. The results of the survey of applicants for higher education in economic, technical, humanitarian, and pharmaceutical specialties are presented and analyzed. It is shown that media linguistics is gradually entering the public sphere. A set of strategic steps that would contribute to its effective implementation in competence is developed. Proposals to improve the level of media culture of students of higher education in the conditions of martial law have been developed.
Features of verbal influence implementation in contemporary pedagogical discourse (based on the material of Ukrainian Language Teaching)
Authors: Dudko Iryna , Galona Nataliia , Volovenko Iryna , Kashuba Nataliia
Published: May 2024

The modern development of pedagogical discourse in Ukraine to ensure the implementation of verbal influence for pedagogical purposes is becoming increasingly important. This is due to the rapid development of the educational process, changes in the form of communication channels, and the strengthening of teachers' role as one of the main academic sources. Implementing verbal influence in pedagogical discourse serves a motivational and stimulating function. Therefore, to enhance the effectiveness of the educational process, it is necessary to improve the qualifications of educators and foster their creative approaches. This article's research aims to outline the key principles of implementing verbal influence in contemporary pedagogical discourse and to enhance the educational process through language means. The research goals include: defining the structural elements of verbal influence and methods of its implementation; analyzing the components of pedagogical discourse and modern practices of its application; strengthening the role of the teacher's influence. The authors use scientific research methods to analyze the basic principles of verbal influence, methods and techniques of modern use to improve an educational process. The article examines the following aspects: the application of pedagogical discourse; the possibility of its integration with the educational process and upbringing through verbal influence; the issue of strengthening the role of pedagogical activity as the main means of ensuring learning effectiveness. Special attention is paid to using Ukrainian language culture to improve national and patriotic education, as well as to stimulate reflective listening and increase interest in learning. The research methodology is based on analyzing information sources regarding pedagogical discourse and its potential integration into pedagogical activities. The obtained results can be helpful from the perspective of improving the educational process through pedagogical discourse in the Ukrainian language and strengthening the role of verbal influence in pedagogical activity.
Rekwizyt – atrybut – gadżet. O społecznych funkcjach znaków addytywnych
Authors: Hendrykowski Marek
Published: May 2024

The article presents a panorama of selected topics and research issues relating to the functional characteristics of props, both in the past and present.
Samochód jako rekwizyt – ekranowe wizerunki dodge’a chargera
Authors: Czaja Justyna
Published: May 2024

The car is a popular prop used in the cinema to create film reality. On the screen it functions not only as a physical object, an element of the depicted world, but also as a representation, imagination, myth. The aim of the article is to analyze various ways of using a car (the Dodge Charger, considered an icon of the automotive industry, the most popular American muscle car) as a film prop in a Hollywood cinema, a description of its various functions, meanings and meanings assigned to it – literal and symbolic.
Dziwny obłęd umysłowy małej entuzjastki. Korespondencja Marii von Herbert z Immanuelem Kantem jako fan mail
Authors: Urbańczyk Agnieszka
Published: May 2024

The paper discusses the letter exchange between Maria von Herbert and Immanuel Kant as an early example of fan mail. While the past research on Herbert described her as a sharp but underappreciated philosopher, in this paper she is treated primarily as a fangirl. The article discusses her correspondence with Kant (and Kant’s correspondence about her exchanged with others), her use of religious language as best means of conveying her fascination with an inaccessible celebrity, the parasocial interaction of these two, and the manner in which a hysterical discourse has been imposed on the young woman, not unlike the fate of contemporary fangirls.
Fotografia jako rekwizyt (wiersza). Piekło Dantego w (dwóch) „Komentarzach do fotografii” Witolda Wirpszy
Authors: Zalewski Cezary
Published: May 2024

The article is an analysis of two poetic texts by Witold Wirpsza from the volume Comments on fotografia. The object of inquiry is the status of photography as a prop in Wirpsza’s multimodal construction. The similarities between the works were brought out and explained on the assumption that in both cases the poet uses references to Dante’s Divine Comedy.
Walking with: understandings and negotiations of the mundane in research
Authors: Bradley Jessica Mary , Pöyhönen Sari
Published: May 2024

Disruptions, and indeed spectacular disruptions, are understood and experienced by people in many different ways. They serve to both highlight and embed deep-rooted inequalities, changing experiences of the everyday and even challenging the very right to have an everyday. In this joint article we critically engage with conceptualisations of the mundane, exploring how people negotiate everyday life in contexts of unprecedented change. We take up Georges Perec’s call to take account of the everyday, focusing on examples from two ethnographically informed projects, both of which engage with creative practice. The first is long-term research in forced migration settings in North-Western Finland, which explores how people negotiate and re-negotiate linguistic citizenship and everyday life, in a policy context which restricts and limits. The second is a community arts and wellbeing project in the North of England, which investigated creative approaches to re-emergence from the Covid19 pandemic among people who had been particularly affected by isolation, including new mothers. In both projects, our data are drawn from fieldnotes from observations, reflections from our own participation, interviews and creative artefacts made by participants. In our analysis and discussion, we foreground ephemeral everyday moments and how individuals aim to hold up the mundane in the middle of major, internal and international crises. We consider how the ‘right to an everyday’ is central to understandings of being human, and draw on these experiences to show how ethnographic research, with particular emphasis on language(s) and creative practice, can shed light on lived experiences of the mundane and unequal experiences of and rights to the everyday.
A new triple voltage gain seven level switched capacitor-based inverter with minimum voltage stress
Authors: Katta Suresh , Jayaram Nakka , Pulavarthi S. V. Kishore , Rajesh Jami
Published: May 2024

This paper presents, a new seven level triple voltage gain inverter topology is proposed based on switched capacitor technique. The proposed inverter topology has minimum voltage stresses on the switches and balanced capacitor voltages. This paper briefs the operation of proposed topology, voltage stress analysis, capacitor sizing and generation gate signals for the switches. In addition, proposed topology is modeled in industrial based software PLECS with practical switches to study thermal behavior and efficiency analysis. Further, the proposed inverter topology is compared with competitive topologies in the recent literature. The proposed topology has merits like minimum total standing voltage, switching redundancy and inherent polarity generation. Furthermore, MATLAB based simulations and experimental analysis is done to validate the superior performance the proposed topology. The experimental results for the proposed seven-level inverter are presented and discussed in brief by considering different types of loads, amplitude modulation variations and frequency variations.
Chemical stability of β-carotene composite or bilayer emulsions coated with pea protein isolate and γ-polyglutamic acid compared to monolayer emulsion
Authors: Zhang Bobo , Zhu Hongshuai , Xie Xinhua , Shi Qingshan , Liang Dan , Chen Kai
Published: May 2024

The integration of β-carotene into functional foods is limited due to its limited hydrophilicity and chemical stability. To address this issue, emulsion was encouraged to be utilized. Monolayer, composite, and bilayer emulsions were prepared using pea protein isolate (PPI) alone or in combination with poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA). Our findings indicate that the bilayer emulsion utilizing γ-PGA as an external emulsifier exhibited the smallest droplet size (737.61 nm) and highest zeta potential (−35.23 mV). Under various environmental stresses, the chemical stability of the composite emulsion surpassed that of the monolayer emulsion but was inferior to that of the bilayer emulsion. Moreover, following simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the β-carotene bioaccessibility in the composite emulsion (12.76 %) exceeded that in the monolayer emulsion (6.57 %) but was less than that in the bilayer emulsion (20.01 %). Therefore, the emulsion preparation method or the sequence of γ-PGA addition significantly affects emulsion stability. Among the studied emulsions, the bilayer emulsion demonstrated the most stable structure, enhancing the stability of β-carotene within the oil droplets.
Memorizing soccer tactics through immersive and non-immersive visualizations: the moderating effect of visuospatial abilities
Authors: Ben Mahfoudh Hatem , Zoudji Bachir
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used for sports purposes, including tactical learning. However, the instructional efficiency of this emerging technology remains unclear, especially when considering learners’ cognitive abilities, such as visuospatial abilities (VSA). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of VSA in memorizing soccer tactics under immersive (VR) and non-immersive (animation) conditions.

Methods

The experiment involved a group of 52 adult male soccer beginners. Initially, participants’ VSA were assessed using six computerized tasks. Subsequently, participants were tasked with memorizing and reproducing tactical soccer scenes in VR and animation formats.

Results

The results revealed a significant interaction, indicating that beginners with high-VSA were more efficient at memorizing scenes through animation than VR, supporting the ability-as-enhancer hypothesis. Conversely, those with low-VSA benefited equally from both visualizations, despite being more accurate in recalling scenes through VR.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that coaches should pay attention when using new technologies such as VR and consider individuals’ levels of VSA to improve their communication and learning sessions.
Familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia (FDH) due to Arg242 His variant in ALB gene in Turkish children
Authors: Turkkahraman Doga , Gullu Merve , Tekin Suat , Kalkan Tarkan
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To investigate albumin (ALB) gene variations in patients suspected from familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia (FDH).

Methods

Eight Turkish patients were included into the study. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of the subjects and their parents were evaluated and genetic analysis were performed.

Results

In genetic analysis, a previously reported heterozygous, c.725G>A variant was detected in exon seven of the ALB gene.

Conclusions

FDH is an asymptomatic condition however there is still a risk of misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Therefore, if FDH is considered, initial ALB hotspot sequencing as a rapid and simple method is recommended instead of complex and expensive laboratory and imaging techniques.
Filial Piety, Longevity and the Start of Humanity
Authors: Sheng Hong
Published: May 2024

When human ancestors preferred to eat less and did not want to abandon their old parents in the mountains, they did something that violated the previous natural laws; that is, after the task of giving birth and raising children, they should no longer waste valuable resources. However, this brought unexpected results. Older parents can take care of their grandchildren, making families with grandmothers have more children than families without grandmothers. Therefore, filial piety may be the main reason why human beings stand out from the apes. Doing things without utilitarian motives but that may have lasting utilitarian results and recognizing the relationship between the results and the behaviors) is an important characteristic of this kind of filial piety that occurs and persists. Culture is something that transcends today’s utilitarianism, is willing to pay for the value of emotion, aesthetics and morality, and, ultimately, has utilitarian results. This trait has always been accompanied by human development as a human cultural gene.
HOXD10 regulates intestinal permeability and inhibits inflammation of dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis through the inactivation of the Rho/ROCK/MMPs axis
Authors: Xu Jing , Lin Nana
Published: May 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) has been identified as a severe inflammatory disease with significantly increased incidence across the world. The detailed role and mechanism of HOXD10 in UC remain unclear. In present study, we found that HOXD10 was lowly expressed in UC samples and was notably decreased by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration. Overexpression of HOXD10 dramatically ameliorated DSS-induced UC symptoms, including the loss of weight, increased disease activity index values, and the shortened colon length. Additionally, terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling and immunohistochemistry staining assays showed that HOXD10 overexpression suppressed cell apoptosis and facilitated proliferation of colon tissues after DSS treatment. Moreover, HOXD10 overexpression obviously suppressed DSS-triggered inflammatory response by decreasing the expression level of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Furthermore, overexpression of HOXD10 effectively restored the intestinal permeability, thereby alleviating DSS-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. Mechanistic study demonstrated that HOXD10 significantly reduced the activities of Rho/ROCK/MMPs axis in colon tissues of mice with UC. In conclusion, this study revealed that HOXD10 might effectively improve DSS-induced UC symptoms by suppressing the activation of Rho/ROCK/MMPs pathway.
»Töten und Sterben, Gefahr und Kampf sind die einzigen Realitäten« – ein Plädoyer für eine Geschichte des Überlebens an der Front
Authors: Neitzel Sönke
Published: May 2024

Der Essay plädiert dafür, insbesondere den Zweiten Weltkrieg nicht nur aus einer Perspektive der Verbrechen zu betrachten, sondern stärker als bislang die ganze Breite der Erfahrungswelt von Soldaten in die Analyse einzubeziehen. Dabei bietet es sich an, Ansätze der Gewalt- und Militärgeschichte zu kombinieren, um zu erschließen, wie Soldaten in militärischen Organisationen »funktionierten«.
Choice of baseline hazards in joint modeling of longitudinal and time-to-event cancer survival data
Authors: Hari Anand , Jinto Edakkalathoor George , Dennis Divya , Krishna Kumarapillai Mohanan Nair Jagathnath , George Preethi S. , Roshni Sivasevan , Mathew Aleyamma
Published: May 2024

Longitudinal time-to-event analysis is a statistical method to analyze data where covariates are measured repeatedly. In survival studies, the risk for an event is estimated using Cox-proportional hazard model or extended Cox-model for exogenous time-dependent covariates. However, these models are inappropriate for endogenous time-dependent covariates like longitudinally measured biomarkers, Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA). Joint models that can simultaneously model the longitudinal covariates and time-to-event data have been proposed as an alternative. The present study highlights the importance of choosing the baseline hazards to get more accurate risk estimation. The study used colon cancer patient data to illustrate and compare four different joint models which differs based on the choice of baseline hazards [piecewise-constant Gauss–Hermite (GH), piecewise-constant pseudo-adaptive GH, Weibull Accelerated Failure time model with GH & B-spline GH]. We conducted simulation study to assess the model consistency with varying sample size (N = 100, 250, 500) and censoring (20 %, 50 %, 70 %) proportions. In colon cancer patient data, based on Akaike information criteria (AIC) and Bayesian information criteria (BIC), piecewise-constant pseudo-adaptive GH was found to be the best fitted model. Despite differences in model fit, the hazards obtained from the four models were similar. The study identified composite stage as a prognostic factor for time-to-event and the longitudinal outcome, CEA as a dynamic predictor for overall survival in colon cancer patients. Based on the simulation study Piecewise-PH-aGH was found to be the best model with least AIC and BIC values, and highest coverage probability(CP). While the Bias, and RMSE for all the models showed a competitive performance. However, Piecewise-PH-aGH has shown least bias and RMSE in most of the combinations and has taken the shortest computation time, which shows its computational efficiency. This study is the first of its kind to discuss on the choice of baseline hazards.
Using Students’ Smartphones as Tools to Determine Total Carbohydrates in Beverages
Authors: Derman Mustafa
Published: May 2024

Smartphones are used universally in many areas due to their advanced features. Smartphones are also widely used by teachers and students in education. This research aims to design low-cost and easy experiments for biology lessons using smartphones. Colorimetric measurement was made with a smartphone. Mobile applications were used to read color change values. The amount of sugar in beverages was calculated with the students. They could create standard curves, measure with a smartphone, organize the data, and determine sugar concentration. It was determined that the students had positive thoughts about the activity. Self-confidence results indicated that the activity had a positive effect on students’ self-confidence. Although there was a decrease in the mean scores of difficulty, it was revealed that the mean scores were over the “moderate” level. As a result, it can be said that the activity may be easily practiced by teachers and students in biology lessons.
Decarbonizing Affordable Housing in New York City
Authors: Downing Lia , Hsu David
Published: May 2024

Buildings account for about 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Retrofitting existing buildings for electrification and energy efficiency is a necessary first step toward building decarbonization. For the City of New York to reach its ambitious decarbonization goals, the city must create market conditions to allow rapid scaling up of deep energy retrofits. RiseBoro Community Partnership delivered one such innovative deep energy retrofit project called Casa Pasiva. This case study reveals ways in which affordable housing developers are uniquely positioned with many supporting policies in New York to become early adopters of deep energy retrofits, given their need to improve both business operations and tenant health. However, future projects still face steep obstacles ranging from funding gaps, a lack of familiarity with new building technologies, and conservative investors. RiseBoro’s successful Casa Pasiva pilot project identifies many of the remaining challenges related to deep energy retrofit capital projects as well as further opportunities to scale necessary retrofits across the New York affordable housing market. Readers will learn about options for and obstacles to implementing and scaling up deep energy retrofits in the affordable housing industry.
Linguistic Diversity
Authors: Sallabank Julia
Published: May 2024

Linguistic diversity is generally perceived as declining, although the number of languages in the world, as counted by catalogues such as Ethnologue, is actually increasing year on year. This paper will consider what is meant by linguistic diversity, how it is measured and valued, why it is seen as under threat, why this matters, and to whom. The paper will trace how the concept of linguistic diversity, and discourses surrounding it, have developed over the last few decades: exploring, for example, parallels that have been drawn between language, cultural and biological diversity, and more recently health and well-being. The paper will also explore the different conceptions and reactions of linguists, policymakers, and linguistic communities: how linguistic resources are valued; what the impact is of their potential loss for academia, societies, and individuals; and how it is addressed by these various actors. The paper will conclude by considering broader implications of viewing linguistic diversity through a social lens, especially in relation to the UNESCO Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) and discourses and rhetorics about linguistic diversity.
El absurdismo: categoría estética del cuento “Un grito” (1947) de Carlos Salazar Herrera
Authors: Huertas-Arredondo Kimberly
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this article is to analyze the features of Camusian absurdism present in the short story “Un grito” (“A Scream”) (1947), by the Costa Rican writer Carlos Salazar Herrera. Specifically, it will focus on the expression of the absurdism and what this category implies in the configuration of the textual interweaving of the story. As theoretical-methodological references, The Myth of Sisyphus (1942) by the Algerian-French writer Albert Camus, and the theory of intertextuality by Julia Kristeva (1978). In this analysis, it was proved that in the text under study there are elements of the absurdism that demonstrate the influence of Camusian thought in Salazar Herrera’s storytelling.
Francofonía y literatura: Aimé Césaire y su trayectoria literaria
Authors: Méndez Vega Mauricio
Published: May 2024

This article begins with a general introduction on the Martinican writer Aimé Césaire. It briefly mentions the research project: “Main writers of the Francophonie and their literary trajectory during the second part of the 20th century and the first half of 21st century” and succinctly explains the concept of Francophonie. This article is divided into six parts: the author, his literary production, awards and distinctions, geographical location and the historical context of Martinique, the Negritude movement and finally, the study and analysis of three poems of this great writer
Consideraciones acerca de raza e identidad en la conformación de América Latina
Authors: González Sancho Roy
Published: May 2024

This essay aims to carry out a brief analysis of the conformation of Latin America. Among the results, it has been visualized the evident role that, confessional clashes and political-economic disputes between the colonizing countries have had in the implantation of relationships based on forms of hierarchization, segregation and discrimination of the Amerindian, Afro-descendant, and mestizo populations, during the process of conquest and the subsequent independence. Especially considering the need on the maintenance of the domination of the colonial powers and the subsequent colonial caste system in the periods of “independent” life. At the same time that it is urged, given the contemporary conditions, for the discussion and deep reflection of issues such as alter subjectivities and Otherness. In this way, an exposition of the subject is carried out, beginning with the repercussions and characteristics of the colonial era, followed by a review of the particularities and effects that occurred in the post-Independence times, to continue with an analysis of some current debates around subjectivities and identities, ending with a discussion on the conclusions of the process.