bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monetary Policy, Market Power, and SMEs
Authors: Ferrando Annalisa , McAdam Peter , Petroulakis Filippos , Vives Xavier
Published: May 2023

Monetary policy aims to affect corporate borrowing by influencing the marginal costs of firms, but its potency can be conditioned by the degree of market competition. We first identify conditions under which changes in marginal costs have different effects on credit constraints and output under different competitive environments, in a simple Cournot competition setting. We then exploit a monetary policy easing shock in the euro area to examine whether policy pass-through is conditioned by market structure. We show that small firms within less concentrated sectors experienced a larger reduction in credit constraints than similar firms in more concentrated sectors.
Rising Markups, Rising Prices?
Authors: Conlon Christopher , Miller Nathan H. , Otgon Tsolmon , Yao Yi
Published: May 2023

The rise in markups and market power documented by De Loecker, Eeckhout, and Unger (2020) has recently generated much discussion in economics. We measure the correlation between the change in firm level markups and the change in industry level prices as measured by the Producer Price Index and find little to no relationship both for 1980-2018 and 2018-present. While a “false negative” result due to mismeasurement is possible, it also raises the possibility that firms have not passed along declines in marginal costs to consumers or that there have been significant changes in scale elasticities.
Risk Rating without Information Provision
Authors: Mulder Philip , Kousky Carolyn
Published: May 2023

We describe the initial impact of risk-based flood insurance pricing in the United States. More than two-thirds of National Flood Insurance Program policyholders are paying higher premiums under “Risk Rating 2.0” (RR2.0), and increases will continue in the coming years. Premium increases are largest for policyholders classified as low risk on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) flood maps, and the average premium gap between those in and out of the FEMA-mapped floodplain is narrowing. FEMA's flood maps, which fail to account for the new risk information, are still relied on by homeowners and regulators, blunting the adaptation benefits of RR2.0.
The Self-Employment Effects of Secure Communities in the United States
Authors: García Raffi E. , Gutiérrez-Li Alejandro
Published: May 2023

Illegal immigration has increased substantially in recent years. In this paper, we analyze how Secure Communities (SC), a major internal immigration enforcement program, affected self-employment participation and income in the United States between 2008 and 2013. Following a difference-in-difference approach, we find that the staggered implementation of the SC reduced self-employment rates across the country, but not substantially. However, the policy had a significant negative impact on the income of the self-employed, particularly affecting White and male individuals and workers in the manufacturing and service sectors. Overall, our results highlight the unintended consequences of SC on entrepreneurship in the United States.
Laura Hassan. Ash‘arism Encounters Avicennism: Sayf al-Dīn al-Āmidī on Creation
Authors: Demir Osman
Published: May 2023

Laura Hassan. Ash‘arism Encounters Avicennism: Sayf al-Dīn al-Āmidī on Creation.
Piscataway, NJ : Gorgias Press LLC, 2020. xi+317 sayfa. ISBN:‎ 9781463207199.
Orhan Güneş. Eski ile Yeniye Bakmak: Bir Âlimin Gözünden Modern Astronomi. Hayâtîzâde’nin Efkâru’l-Ceberût Adlı Eseri
Authors: Danışan Gaye
Published: May 2023

Orhan Güneş. Eski ile Yeniye Bakmak: Bir Âlimin Gözünden Modern Astronomi.
Hayâtîzâde’nin Efkâru’l-Ceberût Adlı Eseri, İstanbul: Ketebe, 2021. 538 sayfa. ISBN:
9786257587921.
Fıkıh Usulü Tarihinde Kavramların Mantıkla Kesişimi: Âmm Lafızlar Tümel midir?
Authors: Evdüzen Osman Said
Published: May 2023

Fıkıh usulünün dil ve yorum bahislerinde yer alan konulardan biri âmm lafızlardır. İlk dönemlerde umum ifadelerin tanımına, varlığına ve kapsamına dair tartışmalar yer alırken Gazzâlî sonrasında klasik mantığın konularından olan tümeller de tartışmada yerini aldı. Bu makale âmm lafızların gönderimde bulunduğu anlamın tümelliğini sorgulamakta ve klasik sonrası usul düşünürlerinin umum-tümel ilişkisine dair teorik açıklamalarını incelemektedir. Makalenin iddiası şudur: Fıkıh usulünün elfâz bahislerinde ele alınan umum ifadelerin tümellere delâletini savunan ve bunu dilin zihnî suretlere vaz olunmasına bağlayan ilk usulcü Gazzâlî’dir (ö. 505/1111). Fahreddin er-Râzî (ö. 606/1210) ve sonraki dönem usulcüler ise âmm lafızların tümelliğini kabul etmemiş sadece fertleri arasında tümel bir anlamın var olduğunu savunmuştur. Aynı düşünceyi devam ettiren Karâfî (ö. 684/1285), İsfahânî (ö. 688/1289) ve Sübkî (ö. 771/1370), İbn Sînâ’nın (ö. 428/1037) etkisiyle umum ifadeleri tümel önermeler olarak değerlendirirken Teftâzânî (ö. 792/1390) kapsam kavramı üzerinden hem tüm hem tümel olarak görmüştür. Her iki farklı anlayışın öğretilerini eklektik bir tavırla inceleyen Cem‘u’l-cevâmi‘ üzerine şerh ve haşiye yazan usulcüler ise tüm, tümel ve tümel önerme olmak üzere üç farklı kabul sergilemiştir.
Haberci Olarak Şair, Kâhin ve Nebî: Fârâbî ve İbn Sînâ Bağlamında Bir Değerlendirme
Authors: Kocakaplan Nursema
Published: May 2023

İnsanlardaki nefsin yetkinlik seviyesi ve mizacın denge oranı eşit düzeyde olmadığından onların ay-üstü âlemden ulaşan haber içerikli mesajları kabullerinde farklılıklar ortaya çıkar. Akıl yetisi yetkin, sezgisi kuvvetli, taklit kabiliyeti yüksek olan insanların diğerlerine kıyasla ay-üstü âlemden feyz edileni kabulü güçlüdür. Makalede ay-üstü âlemden iletileni kabul eden ve bilinmeyen olaylara ilişkin haber veren insanlar hakkındaki bilgi üç aşamalı olarak verilmiştir: (i) Platon’un şair, kâhin, âşık arasında yaptığı ayrımın Aristoteles ve Plutarkhos felsefesindeki yeri. (ii) İslam öncesi dönemde şair ile kâhinlerin konumu ve müşrikler tarafından Hz. Muhammed’e hem şairlik hem de kâhinlik atfedilmesi, Hz. Muhammed’in ayetlerde nebî olarak tanımlanması. (iii) Fârâbî ile İbn Sînâ’nın şair, kâhin, âşık ve nebî kavramlarına yükledikleri anlam. Bu çerçevede “Hem Fârâbî hem de İbn Sînâ’nın şair, kâhin hakkındaki fikirlerinin felsefî temelleri ve nebî kavramıyla ilgili görüşlerinin dinî dayanağı nedir?” sorularına cevap aranmaya çalışılmıştır. Bu sorulara yanıt bulmaya gayret gösterilirken peygamberliğin şiir ve kehanetten üstünlüğü göz önünde bulundurularak peygamberin şair, kâhin ve âşıktan farklı olduğunu belirleme hedeflenmiştir.
THE ATTITUDE OF FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS OF A PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY TO MOTIVATION AND DISCIPLINE IN PERSONAL SELF-DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Maltseva Svetlana M. , Voronkova Anna A. , Stroganov Dmitry A. , Makunin Maxim M.
Published: May 2023

Relevance. Self-development is a recognized existential value of the modern personality. This process requires taking into account many factors, including the influence of motivation and discipline. However, people do not fully realize the difference between them within the framework of self-development, which affects its effectiveness.

The purpose of this work is to study the role of motivation and discipline in personal self-development, as well as a comparative assessment of their contribution to the formation of the meaningfulness of self-development of a person’s personality.

Research methods: analysis of scientific literature from the field of psychology, pedagogy and sociology, observation, comparative analysis.

Results. The study showed that many consider the contribution of motivation to the process of personal self-development more significant than discipline. The authors consider disciplined self-development to be more rational and effective for achieving success in any activity and self-development.
ASSESSMENT OF THE RELATIONSHIP OF INTERNET ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR AND CLIP THINKING IN SCHOOLCHILDREN
Authors: Yaskevich Natalia A. , Rybin Efim A. , Yaskevich Roman A. , Moskalenko Olga L.
Published: May 2023

The purpose of the study. To assess the relationship between Internet addictive behavior and clip thinking in schoolchildren

Materials and methods. 59 students of both sexes of the 8th grade of secondary school № 84 of Krasnoyarsk took part in the study. A modified test based on the J.S. Bruner questionnaire was used to diagnose the clip type of thinking. The level of Internet addiction was assessed using the CIAS scale.

Results. A pronounced and stable pattern of Internet addictive behavior on the CIAS scale was detected in 15,2% of the surveyed schoolchildren, among whom there were three times more girls compared to boys. The frequency of gambling addiction was higher in boys than in girls, while the frequency of dependence on social networks was 2 times higher among girls. The clip type of thinking was revealed in a third of the surveyed schoolchildren with the same frequency among both boys and girls. At the same time, persons with a theoretical type of thinking were more common among girls, and with a creative type of thinking – among boys. In Internet-addicted girls and boys, clip-type thinking was detected in half of the subjects in both groups.

Conclusion. Among the identified students with the clip type of thinking, 50% belonged to people with Internet addictive behavior.
THE POSSIBILITIES OF USING PODCASTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF LISTENING AND SPEAKING SKILLS IN TEACHING CHINESE
Authors: Osipova Nadezhda V. , Osipov Lev A.
Published: May 2023

The article discusses the use of podcasts in teaching a foreign language to high school students. The dynamism of the development of modern foreign language education has led to the expansion of the range of foreign languages studied at school. Chinese is becoming one of the most popular languages today. It is studied in schools and universities mostly as a second foreign language. Due to its specificity, it requires the development of integrated approaches to its study, to which the works of Yu.E. Arekeeva, K.V. Volkov, N.A. Demina, I.V. Kochergin, etc. are devoted.

The study of the methodology of teaching Chinese in such areas of speech activity as speaking and listening is relevant nowadays.

The problem of the study is the choice of an algorithm for working with podcasts. The purpose is to consider the potential of podcasts in the development of oral speech activities when teaching Chinese in high school and to determine the algorithm for working with them. The study was conducted on the basis of authentic podcasts in Chinese. The used methods of research, such as theoretical analysis of literature, study of normative documents, observation of the educational process, comparative analysis, led to the following results: the theoretical foundations of the use of podcasts are described; the concepts of “podcast” and its didactic functions are defined; practical aspects of the development of oral speech activities in teaching Chinese are proposed; an algorithm for working with a podcast in a Chinese language lesson is given. The authors concluded the effectiveness of the use of podcasts in teaching Chinese.
CONCEPTS OF THE TEACHER AND MENTOR: FROM THE ISLAMIC PEDAGOGICAL RENAISSANCE TO THE MODERNITY
Authors: Nurikhanova Nailya K. , Araslanova Aliya T. , Nabieva Tamara B.
Published: May 2023

The thinkers of the era of the Islamic Pedagogical Renaissance created many works in which the problems of preparing a teacher and mentor were revealed. According to the thinkers of the past, a teacher is an educated, cultured person, a wise mentor, a creator of the child’s personality. These ideas are still relevant today. A modern teacher and mentor needs to increase an active life position, improve personal and professional qualities, develop a creative component, and form a personal brand. In order to form these competencies, it is proposed to use an innovative pedagogical workshop that contributes to the development of the teacher’s and mentor’s creative potential through the use of managerial and educational resources that meets the modern challenges of the education system.

The purpose of the article is a historical and pedagogical analysis of the views on the problem of a teacher and mentor of the era of the Islamic pedagogical Renaissance and their actualization for modern education.

Materials and methods. The sources were the studies of Arab, Persian scientists, as well as the published works of domestic and foreign authors who considered certain problems of the pedagogy of medieval Islam and modernity.

Methods of historical and pedagogical research: comparative - historical monographic, biographical, problem-chronological. In addition, such general scientific theoretical (analysis, synthesis, systematization, classification, generalization, comparison, inductive and deductive methods) and bibliographic methods (annotation, reviewing, citation, abstraction, etc.).

Results. Тhe pedagogical ideas of the thinkers of the era of the Islamic pedagogical Renaissance and modernity are systematized; organizational and pedagogical opportunities for the development of a personal brand of a modern teacher through the use of innovative creative workshops, territory of the Technopark were identified; the criteria and indicators of the effectiveness of the pedagogical activity of a teacher-mentor in modern educational practice are determined.

The research materials can be used in the practice of the school by teachers and class teachers, in the system of higher professional education by students, undergraduates, graduate students and teachers of humanitarian secular and Muslim universities and colleges, practitioners interested in the history of Islamic pedagogy and education.
DEVELOPING CHINESE STUDENTS’ COMMUNICATION SKILLS THROUGH SYNCHRONOUS DISTANCE INTERPRETING COURSE
Authors: Vasina Ekaterina A.
Published: May 2023

Future of higher education is closely connected with degree programs in distance mode as it guarantees security and convenience for overseas students. With Chinese-Russian relations becoming closer, more Chinese students are majoring in translation and interpreting studies at Russian universities while staying in China, so universities should provide well-organized online interpreting classes to build professional interpreting competences.

Purpose. This paper aims to assess possibility of developing basic communication competence of future interpreters from China through all-digital synchronous interpreting course in Russian educational environment.

Methodology. The research was carried out among Master’s degree Chinese students and their trainers at Lomonosov Moscow State University, overall number of participants was 58. The set of tools included role playing performance evaluation, open discussion, assessment scales, questionnaires and interviews.

Results. The study showed that communication skills of future Chinese interpreters can be sufficiently developed in synchronous all-digital interpreting course if good educational environment is provided. The results of the cross-semester examination as well as the questionnaire data confirm that interpreting classes in distance synchronous mode at Moscow State University promote developing of communication competence of Chinese major degree students. For this purpose, pedagogical technologies of the course should include online interactive tasks, role play activities, small-size group rooms, chats via video platforms as well as use of various digital translation technologies. The results of the survey also showed that open online discussions with Russian students have a positive impact on the development of Chinese students’ communication skills. The study also reveals that synchronous distance learning is preferable for Chinese students in turbulent periods of world history (epidemics, wars) as it guarantees sustainability and continuality of educational process.

Practical implications. The results of the study can be applied in optimizing the organization process in professional higher education both in Russia and abroad. Under certain circumstances synchronous distance training can be the only choice for international higher education programs.
FACTORS OF PARENTAL ATTITUDE TO CHILDREN AMONG RESIDENTS OF NURSING HOMES IN THE PAST
Authors: Rybakov Alexander V. , Lezhnina Larisa V.
Published: May 2023

The presented article is devoted to a comparative retrospective analysis of parental attitudes to children among residents and non-residents of nursing homes. The purpose of the study is to determine the characteristics of parental attitude to children among residents of nursing homes. The hypothesis of the study is the assumption of a connection between the residence of an elderly person in nursing home with the peculiarities of parental relations in the past.

Parental attitude to children in the past was studied using the modified methodology “Questionnaire of parental attitude” by A.Ya. Varga and V.V. Stolin.

Factor analysis of the empirical data obtained allowed us to conclude about the structural differences in the factors that determine the parental attitude. In the sample of non-residents, the variable “Authoritarian hypersocialization” is included in one of the factors, which is not observed in the sample of residents of nursing homes.
Virtual Reality as a method to reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric patients - a review
Authors: Fussek-Styga Urszula , Błaszczyk Agnieszka , Trojan Sara , Kwieciński Jakub , Miszuda Sławomir , Szwedkowicz Agata , Basiaga Bartosz , Bednarz Krzysztof , Heluszka Jakub , Leśniak Marek
Published: May 2023

Introduction and purpose 

The role of virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being discussed not only in the context of entertainment, but also in the medical field. Recently, there has been a growing number of literature analyzing its effect on reducing pain and anxiety, which are common problems of pediatric patients. These feelings can negatively affect their psyche, health recovery, but also doctor-patient cooperation and avoidance of treatment in the future.The purpose of this study is to analyze and summarize the potential of using virtual reality to reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric patients.

Material and methods 

A literature review of 2015-2022 based on PubMed and Google Scholar.

Results 

The literature reviewed shows the extensive use of virtual reality in the treatment of pain and anxiety in pediatric patients. VR is a good method for reducing perioperative anxiety, pain during wound care and pain as well as anxiety in invasive procedures. This method may not be beneficial in the treatment of acute pain and its role is uncertain during dental treatment. Disadvantages of this technique include the need for financial investment in equipment and trained staff. Patients may experience dizziness and motion sickness during its use. Another disadvantage is also that it does not provide a long-term analgesic effect.

Conclusion

There appears to be merit in using this technology as an adjunctive method to reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric patients. There is also a need for further research in this area and the development of appropriate therapeutic intervention for a specific age group and procedure in a well-defined process by a trained team.
Analysis of TPACK (Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge) variables for middle school teachers through surveys in the Pasar Jambi district
Authors: Windianingsih Tri , Susanti Nova , Alrizal Alrizal
Published: May 2023

This study aims to analyze the influence of TPACK variables on junior high school teachers in Pasar Jambi District. The type of research used is quantitative research with a survey approach via WhatsApp groups and filling out questionnaires via google forms. The data collection technique used a questionnaire and then analyzed using the Structural Equation Model-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) method with SmartPLS software. From the results of the analysis, there are 5 out of 12 variable relationships that have a significant effect. Seven variables do not have a considerable impact: CK variables on TCK, CK on TPACK, PCK variables on TPACK, PK variables on PCK, PK variables on TPACK, PK variables to TPK, and TPK variable to TPACK. This shows that pedagogical and content knowledge does not significantly influence the teacher's TPACK ability. This research is expected to improve teacher TPACK competence, especially in technological knowledge, because teacher TPACK abilities are strongly influenced by technological knowledge.
Synthesis and fabrication of superstrate and substrate Cu2ZnSnS4/CdS thin film solar cells utilizing copper powder as local materials
Authors: Prima Eka Cahya , Rahmat Anggi Datiatur , Setiawan Andhy
Published: May 2023

Cu2ZnSnS4 is a promising material for low-cost thin-film solar cells. This paper reports a new approach to fabricating a solar cell using a Superstrate and Substrate configuration. We utilized a non-vacuum deposition process to deposit Copper Zinc Tin Sulfate (CZTS) and Cadmium Sulphate (CdS) on a glass substrate. To achieve this, we adopted the sol-gel spin coating method for CZTS and the Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) method for the CdS layer. The solar cell has two structures: ITO/Cu2ZnSnS4/CdS/Ag for substrate configuration and ITO/CdS/Cu2ZnSnS4/Ag for superstrate configuration. The Cu/(Zn+Sn) atomic ratio was set to 0.86, while Zn/Sn was set to 1.25. Our CZTS/CdS solar cell achieved a 48.7 × 10-6 % power conversion efficiency with a 1.40 eV band gap and 98.71 % external quantum efficiency at 373 nm for the superstrate configuration. For the substrate configuration, the power conversion efficiency was 19.0 × 10-6 % with a 1.49 eV bandgap and 95.74 % external quantum efficiency at 321 nm. Based on the results presented in the text, the CZTS solar cell with a superstrate configuration achieved a higher power conversion efficiency and external quantum efficiency than the substrate configuration. The superstrate configuration allowed for better light absorption in the CZTS layer and reduced the reflection of light back into the substrate. This configuration also prevented the back diffusion of CdS into CZTS and improved the electrical performance of the solar cell. Therefore, the superstrate configuration is more efficient than the substrate configuration for CZTS solar cells.
Morphological structure and functional group of Toraja robusta and arabica spent coffee grounds for electronic device applications
Authors: Thana Dwi Prasetyawati , Pawarangan Ishak , Jefriyanto Wilson , Pineng Martina , Pasinggi Eko Suripto , Bone Rali Sarira , Mari' Yosep , Conny Conny
Published: May 2023

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are waste byproducts of the coffee brewing process and are frequently disposed of in landfills, which raises environmental issues. A thorough overview of the properties of coffee grounds has yet to accompany the utilization of coffee grounds in many applications. This study attempts to categorize different coffee grounds based on their morphological structure and composition/element characteristics using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for microstructural analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to figure out the functional groups in coffee grounds. Morphological structure analysis showed that Robusta and Arabica SCG were dominated by around 70% of carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen. FTIR analysis revealed seven different peaks in Robusta and Arabica coffee grounds. Finally, the high concentration of carbon in Robusta and Arabica coffee grounds led to promising electrochemical energy storage for electronics applications.
“Unjust” War, wrongful justification, and international humanitarian law
Authors: Akhtar Zia
Published: May 2023

The potential exists for charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity against the perpetrators of the invasion of Iraq, namely, former Prime Minister Tony Blair and his entourage. The findings of the Chilcot Inquiry in 2016 do not rule out the International Criminal Court taking action, and this article argues that it is plausible for those leaders who took the UK to war to be prosecuted for breaching international human rights law and international humanitarian law. This is because, first, the UNSCR 1441 was not respected by the British government that gave UN inspectors more time to investigate if Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and, second, there is a measure of personal responsibility for those who gave the order for the invasion that has led to catastrophic consequences both in terms of human casualties and material damage in its aftermath.
Surface defect effects in AlGaAs-on-Insulator photonic waveguides
Authors: Kamel Ayman Nassar , Pu Minhao , Yvind Kresten
Published: May 2023

We report on our study of optical losses due to sub-band-gap absorption in AlGaAs-on-Insulator photonic nano-waveguides. Via numerical simulations and optical pump-probe measurements, we find that there is significant free carrier capture and release by defect states. Our measurements of the absorption of these defects point to the prevalence of the well-studied EL2 defect, which forms near oxidized (Al)GaAs surfaces. We couple our experimental data with numerical and analytical models to extract important parameters related to surface states, namely the coefficients of absorption, surface trap density and free carrier lifetime.
Thickness-ratio-dependent performances of broadband organic photodiodes based on a tin phthalocyanine/PTCDA heterojunction
Authors: Zhang Ningbo , Xu Ziqiang , Tang Qianying , Hu Gang , Liu Dongqi , Wang Xinyu , Huang Jiapei , Zhang Qiyue , Xu Xiaoyue , Hu Yang , Peng Yingquan , Xu Sunan , Sun Lei , Lv Wenli , Jiang Lin , Li Qing , Lu Feiping
Published: May 2023

Employing a photosensitive donor/acceptor planar heterojunction (DA-PHJ) with complementary optical absorption as the active layer is one of the key strategies for realizing broad spectral organic photodiodes (BS-OPDs). To achieve superior optoelectronic performance, it is vital to optimize the thickness ratio of the donor layer to acceptor layer (the DA thickness ratio) in addition to the optoelectronic properties of the DA-PHJ materials. In this study, we realized a BS-OPD exploiting tin(II) phthalocyanine (SnPc)/3,4,9,10-perylenete-acarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) as the active layer and investigated the effect of the DA thickness ratio on the device performance. The results showed that the DA thickness ratio has a significant impact on the device performance, and an optimized DA thickness ratio of 30:20 was found. Upon the optimization of the DA thickness ratio, improvements of 187% in photoresponsivity and 144% in specific detectivity were achieved on average. Trap-free space-charge-limited photocarrier transport and balanced optical absorption over the wavelength range can be ascribed to the improved performance at the optimized DA thickness ratio. These results establish a solid photophysical foundation for improving the performance of BS-OPDs via thickness ratio optimization.
Translating phage therapy into the clinic: Recent accomplishments but continuing challenges
Authors: Petrovic Fabijan Aleksandra , Iredell Jonathan , Danis-Wlodarczyk Katarzyna , Kebriaei Razieh , Abedon Stephen T.
Published: May 2023

Phage therapy is a medical form of biological control of bacterial infections, one that uses naturally occurring viruses, called bacteriophages or phages, as antibacterial agents. Pioneered over 100 years ago, phage therapy nonetheless is currently experiencing a resurgence in interest, with growing numbers of clinical case studies being published. This renewed enthusiasm is due in large part to phage therapy holding promise for providing safe and effective cures for bacterial infections that traditional antibiotics acting alone have been unable to clear. This Essay introduces basic phage biology, provides an outline of the long history of phage therapy, highlights some advantages of using phages as antibacterial agents, and provides an overview of recent phage therapy clinical successes. Although phage therapy has clear clinical potential, it faces biological, regulatory, and economic challenges to its further implementation and more mainstream acceptance.
Trends of infant vaccination timeliness and completion in selected urban slum communities in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria: A four-year review
Authors: Balogun Folusho Mubowale , Bamgboye Eniola Adetola , Orimadegun Adebola Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

Background

Suboptimal infant vaccination is common in Nigeria and multiple interventions have been deployed to address the situation. Child health indicators are reported to be worse in urban slums compared with other urban areas, but urban data are usually not disaggregated to show these disparities. Examining the timeliness and completion of infant vaccination in urban slums is important to determine the effectiveness of existing interventions in improving infant vaccination among this vulnerable population. This study explored the trends of infant vaccination in selected urban slum communities in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria between November 2014 and October 2018.

Methods

This was a cross sectional study where infant vaccination data were extracted from the immunization clinic records of six primary health care centers that were providing infant vaccination services for seven urban slum communities. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square test at α = 05.

Results

A total of 5,934 infants vaccination records were reviewed, 2,895 (48.8%) were for female infants and 3,002(50.6%) were from Muslim families. Overall, only 0.6% infants had both timely and complete vaccination during the four years under study. The highest number of infants with timely and complete vaccination were seen in 2015(12.2%) and least in 2018(2.9%). Regarding timeliness of the vaccines, BCG, was the least timely among the vaccines given at birth and the pentavalent and oral polio vaccines’ timeliness reduced as the age of the infants increased. Both yellow fever and measles vaccines were timelier than the pentavalent vaccines. Vaccines were most timely in 2016(31.3%) and least timely in 2018(12.1%). Those from Muslim families significantly had delayed and incomplete vaccinations compared with those from Chrisitan families (p = 0.026).

Conclusion

Infant vaccinations were significantly delayed and incomplete in the study communities during the years reviewed. More focused interventions are required to ensure optimal vaccination of the infants.
De novo mitochondrial genome sequencing of Cladonia subulata and phylogenetic analysis with other dissimilar species
Authors: Fang Jinjin , Mamut Reyim , Wang Lidan , Anwar Gulmira
Published: May 2023

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome ofCladonia subulata(L.) FH Wigg was sequenced and assembled and then compared with those of otherCladoniaspecies. The mitogenome ofCladonia subulata, the type species ofCladonia, consisted of a circular DNA molecule of 58,895 bp 44 genes (15 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 27 tRNA genes). The base composition had shown an obvious AT preference, and all 27 tRNA genes formed a typical clover structure. Comparison with other 7Cladoniaspecies indicated that the duplication/loss of tRNAs had occurred during evolution, and introns appeared to explain the variation incox1 genes inCladonia, the mitochondrial genome tends to be generally conservative and local dynamic changes. Repeat sequences were mainly located in gene intervals, which were mainly distributed among intergenic spacers and may cause rearrangement of the mitogenome. The phylogenetic results showed thatCladonia subulataandC.polycarpoideswere assigned to theCladoniaSubclade. The results add to the available mitochondrial genome sequence information ofCladonia subulata, provide basic data for the systematic development, resource protection, and genetic diversity research inCladonia subulata, and also provide theoretical support for further genomic research of lichens.
In silico design and immunoinformatics analysis of a universal multi-epitope vaccine against monkeypox virus
Authors: Sanami Samira , Nazarian Shahin , Ahmad Sajjad , Raeisi Elham , Tahir ul Qamar Muhammad , Tahmasebian Shahram , Pazoki-Toroudi Hamidreza , Fazeli Maryam , Ghatreh Samani Mahdi
Published: May 2023

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreaks have been reported in various countries worldwide; however, there is no specific vaccine against MPXV. In this study, therefore, we employed computational approaches to design a multi-epitope vaccine against MPXV. Initially, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), helper T lymphocyte (HTL), linear B lymphocytes (LBL) epitopes were predicted from the cell surface-binding protein and envelope protein A28 homolog, both of which play essential roles in MPXV pathogenesis. All of the predicted epitopes were evaluated using key parameters. A total of 7 CTL, 4 HTL, and 5 LBL epitopes were chosen and combined with appropriate linkers and adjuvant to construct a multi-epitope vaccine. The CTL and HTL epitopes of the vaccine construct cover 95.57% of the worldwide population. The designed vaccine construct was found to be highly antigenic, non-allergenic, soluble, and to have acceptable physicochemical properties. The 3D structure of the vaccine and its potential interaction with Toll-Like receptor-4 (TLR4) were predicted. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation confirmed the vaccine’s high stability in complex with TLR4. Finally, codon adaptation and in silico cloning confirmed the high expression rate of the vaccine constructs in strain K12 of Escherichia coli (E. coli). These findings are very encouraging; however, in vitro and animal studies are needed to ensure the potency and safety of this vaccine candidate.
Analysis of the effects of dredging on current circulation and salinity of the Itajaí-Açú estuary
Authors: Pavo Fernández Eva , Pereira Filho Jurandir , Ono Horita Cristina , Michelena Andrade Mauro
Published: May 2023

The Itajaí-Açú river is the largest source of drainage in the state of Santa Catarina (Brazil). At the mouth of this river is located the Itajaí-Açú estuary, which is a highly stratified estuary, dominated mainly by river discharge. The port of Itajaí is located at the mouth of this estuary, one of the most important ports in the country's south. Due to the presence of the port, the Itajaí-Açú estuary is constantly dredged. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to analyse the effects of the dredging of 2011, which deepened the channel from 11m to 14m, on the estuary circulation of the Itajaí-Açú river in comparison to the estuary circulation in 2008. Thus, data on river discharge, recorded by a hydrometric station, and current velocity vertical profiles, recorded by an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) anchored in the channel of the estuary were analysed. A salinity analysis was also performed with data recorded by a CTD to compare the salinity stratification of the water column in the study period. Results showed an increase in current velocity in the estuary after the 2011 dredging. In both study periods (2008 and 2011), currents were ebb-directed. Results suggest that the dredging has modified the estuarine circulation as the currents intensified. Salinity results show an increase in values after the dredging (2011), being the water column clearly stratified.
Dieta vegetariana en pediatría, un análisis desde la pediatría y la nutrición
Authors: Aranzazu Ceballos Andrés David , Osorno Gutierrez Adriana Patricia , Ortega Sierra Olga Lucía
Published: May 2023

El número de personas que deciden iniciar una dieta vegetariana ha ido aumentando en los últimos años, debido a diversos factores; culturales, familiares, religiosos e individuales. En pediatría, en la mayoría de los casos, son los padres quienes deciden cambiar la dieta habitual de sus hijos, siendo de suma importancia conocer los beneficios y riesgos de la restricción alimentaria, además de recibir una orientación adecuada sobre un plan de alimentación que sea completo, suficiente, balanceado y variado, con el fin de evitar las complicaciones que podría generar una dieta de estas características en la salud, el estado nutricional y el desarrollo integral del niño cuando no se implementa de manera adecuada. Las dietas vegetarianas pueden realizarse en la población pediátrica siempre y cuando sean planificadas por especialistas en pediatría y nutrición pediátrica, de tal manera que se incluya una amplia variedad de vegetales, alimentos fortificados y la suplementación idónea de micronutrientes según la edad. El objetivo de la siguiente revisión es realizar una actualización de la literatura científica, sobre la implementación de las dietas vegetarianas en la población pediátrica, considerando beneficios, riesgos, seguimiento y suplementación.
Creating room for citizen perspectives in ‘smart city’ Amsterdam through interactive theatre
Authors: Fraaije Aafke , van der Meij Marjoleine , Vermeeren Arnold , Kupper Frank , Broerse Jacqueline
Published: May 2023

The ‘smart city’ vision is popular, but it lacks citizen perspectives. The aim of this study was to gain insight into whether and how art-based citizen engagement can create more room for citizen perspectives in smart cities by developing and testing an art-based citizen engagement project in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. To that end, a combination of interactive theatre, interaction design and social research methods was used to bring together diverse publics and innovation professionals for joint exploration of increased dataveillance in cities. The events were studied through observations, and through interviews with participants and organisers. Data analysis was guided by the outcomes, processes and challenges of the responsible innovation dimensions: inclusion, reflexivity, anticipation and responsiveness (Stilgoe et al., 2013). The most important achievements of art-based citizen engagement were: engaging people who would not have engaged with the topic otherwise, encouraging participants to question common phrases and assumptions, exploring future social implications of technologies, and staging meaningful interactions between citizens and professionals. The most significant challenge was to involve citizens in a way that could influence innovation trajectories.
Tout le monde ne s’en sortira pas vivant
Authors: Schmitt Yann
Published: May 2023

Résumé : Dean Zimmerman défend l’affirmation œcuménique selon laquelle il est possible que toutes les personnes humaines survivent à la mort biologique du corps quelle que soit la théorie plausible de l’identité personnelle adoptée. Dans cet article, je présente certains principes à propos de la survie qui sont pertinents pour n’importe quelle théorie plausible de l’identité personnelle et pertinents pour une survie qui nous intéresserait. Appliqués à certains cas particuliers d’êtres humains, ces principes rendent l’affirmation œcuménique soit fausse, soit difficile à croire rationnellement.
Mots-clés : Dean Zimmerman, Identité personnelle, Survie
 
Not Everyone Will Get Out Alive:
On Dean Zimmerman's “Personal Identity and the Survival of Death”
Abstract: Dean Zimmerman defends the ecumenical claim that it is possible for all human persons to survive the biological death of the body regardless of the plausible theory of personal identity adopted. In this paper, I present some principles about survival that are relevant to any plausible theory of personal identity and relevant to any survival of interest. When applied to some particular cases of human beings, these principles make the ecumenical claim either false or difficult to believe rationally.
Keywords: Dean Zimmerman, Personal Identity, Survival
Postpartum Detection of Diastolic Dysfunction and Nondipping Blood Pressure Profile in Women With Preeclampsia
Authors: Sayed Marwa , Rashed Mariam , Abbas Ahmed M. , Youssef Amr , Abdel Ghany Mohamed
Published: May 2023

Background

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and nocturnal “nondipping” of blood pressure detected via ambulatory blood pressure monitoring are predictors of increased cardiovascular morbidity.

Methods

A prospective cohort study including normotensive women with a history of preeclampsia in their current pregnancy was conducted. All cases were subjected to 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography 3 months after delivery.

Results

This study included 128 women with a mean (SD) age of 28.6 (5.1) years and a mean (SD) basal blood pressure of 123.1 (6.4)/74.6 (5.9) mm Hg. Among the participants, 90 (70.3%) exhibited an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring profile illustrating nocturnal blood pressure “dipping” (the mean night to day time blood pressure ratio ≤ 0.9), whereas 38 (29.7%) were nondippers. Diastolic dysfunction (impaired left ventricular relaxation) was present in 28 nondippers (73.7%), whereas none of the dippers exhibited diastolic dysfunction. Women with severe preeclampsia were more frequently nondippers (35.5% vs 24.2%; P = .02) and experienced diastolic dysfunction (29% vs 15%; P = .01) than were those with mild preeclampsia. Severe preeclampsia (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05–10.56; P < .001) and history of recurrent preeclampsia (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.3–4.26; P ≤ .001) were significant predictors for nondipping status and diastolic dysfunction (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.1–2.2; and OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.2–2.2, respectively; P < .05).

Conclusion

Women with a history of preeclampsia were at higher risk for developing late cardiovascular events. The severity and recurrence of preeclampsia were significant predictors of both nondipping profile and diastolic dysfunction.
Amino acid solution mitigates hypothermia response and intestinal damage following exertional heat stroke in male mice
Authors: King Michelle A. , Grosche Astrid , Ward Shauna M. , Ward Jermaine A. , Sasidharan Anusree , Mayer Thomas A. , Plamper Mark L. , Xu Xiaodong , Ward Matthew D. , Clanton Thomas L. , Vidyasagar Sadasivan
Published: May 2023

Increased gut permeability is implicated in the initiation and extent of the cytokine inflammatory response associated with exertional heat stroke (EHS). The primary objective of this study was to determine if a five amino acid oral rehydration solution (5AAS), specifically designed for the protection of the gastrointestinal lining, would prolong time to EHS, maintain gut function and dampen the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) measured during EHS recovery. Male C57/BL6J mice instrumented with radiotelemetry were gavaged with 150 μL of 5AAS or H2O, and ≈12 h later were either exposed to an EHS protocol where mice exercised in a 37.5°C environmental chamber to a self‐limiting maximum core temperature (Tc,max) or performed the exercise control (EXC) protocol (25°C). 5AAS pretreatment attenuated hypothermia depth and length (p < 0.005), which are indicators of EHS severity during recovery, without any effect on physical performance or thermoregulatory responses in the heat as determined by percent body weight lost (≈9%), max speed (≈6 m/min), distance (≈700 m), time to Tc,max (≈160 min), thermal area (≈550°C∙min), and Tc,max (42.2°C). EHS groups treated with 5AAS showed a significant decrease in gut transepithelial conductance, decreased paracellular permeability, increased villus height, increased electrolyte absorption and changes in tight junction protein expression pattern suggestive of improved barrier integrity (p < 0.05). No differences were witnessed between EHS groups in acute phase response markers of liver, circulating SIR markers, or indicators of organ damage during recovery. These results suggest that a 5AAS improves Tc regulation during EHS recovery through maintaining mucosal function and integrity.
Shear wave ultrasound elastography of the biceps brachii can be used as a precise proxy for passive elbow torque in individuals with hemiparetic stroke
Authors: Ellis Michael D. , Gurari Netta , Gerritsen Ninette T. A. , Lee Sabrina M. , Wang Amy , Dewald Julius P. A.
Published: May 2023

Muscle tissue is prone to changes in composition and architecture following stroke. Changes in muscle tissue of the extremities are thought to increase resistance to muscle elongation or joint torque under passive conditions. These effects likely compound neuromuscular impairments, exacerbating movement function. Unfortunately, conventional rehabilitation is devoid of precise measures and relies on subjective assessments of passive joint torques. Shear wave ultrasound elastography, a tool to measure muscle mechanical properties, may be readily available for use in the rehabilitation setting as a precise measure, albeit at the muscle‐tissue level. To support this postulation, we evaluated the criterion validity of shear wave ultrasound elastography of the biceps brachii; we investigated its relationship with a laboratory‐based criterion measure for quantifying elbow joint torque in individuals with moderate to severe chronic stroke. Additionally, we evaluated construct validity, with the specific sub‐type of hypothesis testing of known groups, by testing the difference between arms. Measurements were performed under passive conditions at seven positions spanning the arc of elbow joint flexion‐extension in both arms of nine individuals with hemiparetic stroke. Surface electromyography was utilized for threshold‐based confirmation of muscle quiescence. A moderate relationship between the shear wave velocity and elbow joint torque was identified, and both metrics were greater in the paretic arm. Data supports the progression toward a clinical application of shear wave ultrasound elastography in evaluating altered muscle mechanical properties in stroke, while acknowledging that undetectable muscle activation or hypertonicity may contribute to the measurement. Shear wave ultrasound elastography may augment the conventional method of manually testing joint mobility by providing a high‐resolution precise value. Tissue‐level measurement may also assist in identifying new therapeutic targets for patient‐specific impairment‐based interventions.
Double machine learning and automated confounder selection: A cautionary tale
Authors: Hünermund Paul , Louw Beyers , Caspi Itamar
Published: May 2023

Double machine learning (DML) has become an increasingly popular tool for automated variable selection in high-dimensional settings. Even though the ability to deal with a large number of potential covariates can render selection-on-observables assumptions more plausible, there is at the same time a growing risk that endogenous variables are included, which would lead to the violation of conditional independence. This article demonstrates that DML is very sensitive to the inclusion of only a few “bad controls” in the covariate space. The resulting bias varies with the nature of the theoretical causal model, which raises concerns about the feasibility of selecting control variables in a data-driven way.
Predicting elite NBA lineups using individual player order statistics
Authors: Martonosi Susan E. , Gonzalez Martin , Oshiro Nicolas
Published: May 2023

NBA team managers and owners try to acquire high-performing players. An important consideration in these decisions is how well the new players will perform in combination with their teammates. Our objective is to identify elite five-person lineups, which we define as those having a positive plus-minus per minute (PMM). Using individual player order statistics, our model can identify an elite lineup even if the five players in the lineup have never played together, which can inform player acquisition decisions, salary negotiations, and real-time coaching decisions. We combine seven classification tools into a unanimous consent classifier (all-or-nothing classifier, or ANC) in which a lineup is predicted to be elite only if all seven classifiers predict it to be elite. In this way, we achieve high positive predictive value (i.e., precision), the likelihood that a lineup classified as elite will indeed have a positive PMM. We train and test the model on individual player and lineup data from the 2017–18 season and use the model to predict the performance of lineups drawn from all 30 NBA teams’ 2018–19 regular season rosters. Although the ANC is conservative and misses some high-performing lineups, it achieves high precision and recommends positionally balanced lineups.