bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transición española, violencia y culturas políticas
Authors: Aparicio Rodríguez Víctor
Published: February 2024

El artículo aborda el impacto de la violencia política en determinadas culturas políticas de izquierda que fueron protagonistas de la Transición: el socialismo, el comunismo y la izquierda radical. El objetivo es ahondar en la trascendencia de este fenómeno en el proceso de cambio político, su carácter de centralidad y sus mecanismos de operatividad, tanto a nivel simbólico y mnemónico, como a partir de las manifestaciones concretas producidas en dicho periodo –terrorismos, violencias policiales, golpismo–. El carácter performático de la violencia, que moduló discursos, estrategias y prácticas políticas de los sujetos analizados, condicionó, en consecuencia, el desarrollo mismo del proceso de democratización y se convirtió en un actor político de considerable importancia que ha calibrarse con mayor precisión a la hora de analizar y explicar la Transición.
Annie Ernaux, et le dégel du monde
Authors: Tribotté Julien
Published: February 2024

Résumé: Les livres d’Annie Ernaux s’inscrivent autour de trois dynamiques : son parcours social, sa condition de femme et sa relation avec la ville de Cergy-Pontoise. Loin d’être à penser isolément, nous aimerions suggérer que ces dynamiques s’inscrivent dans un même geste littéraire et existentiel. L’article introduit la notion de «dégel» comme un processus d’affranchissement et de libération à travers l’écriture, permettant de remettre en question les normes sociales et de créer de nouvelles formes de relations. L’œuvre d’Ernaux est alors considérée comme une réflexion sur la possibilité d’un dégel généralisé, offrant une alternative aux logiques répressives et aux assignations identitaires.
Où est le moi? Annie Ernaux’s Relational Narration of Identity in Les Années
Authors: Grenouilleau-Loescher Rebecca
Published: February 2024

Abstract: This article examines Annie Ernaux’s Les Années at the intersection of identity as ipse and as idem . On the one hand, identity is attached to the notion of self ( ipse ): objectifiable and changing, it emerges via the cultural phenomena inscribed into the text. On the other, identity is conceived as permanence over time ( idem ) and is found in the descriptions of photographs, corporeal sensations, and metaphors of identity Ernaux employs (Dorothea Tanning’s Birthday , the Matryoshka doll set). Depicting these two views simultaneously, Ernaux crafts an autobiographical subject as bound to the collective body while also remaining uniquely singular.
Derniers télégrammes de la nuit : le théâtre de Vera Feyder et son double
Authors: Niedokos Judyta
Published: February 2024

Résumé: Le présent article analyse la pièce Derniers télégrammes de la nuit (1984) de Vera Feyder, écrivaine belge d’expression française. L’examen se déroule en trois temps jalonnés de notions clés de la philosophie de théâtre d’Antonin Artaud. La première partie montre les liens entre la fable de l’œuvre et la biographie d’Artaud, quels soient directes ou au biais d’un personnage fictif. L’étape suivante s’occupe à dégager les interférences tissées à plusieurs niveaux entre la pièce de Vera Feyder, la tragédie Ruy Blas de Victor Hugo et les nouvelles de Poe : La chute de la maison Usher et Le Chat noir . Finalement, dans sa dernière partie, l’article dévoile dans quelle mesure et comment toutes références repérées dans l’analyse servent la vision du théâtre et de l’Art que la dramaturge belge partage avec l’homme-théâtre français.
An Unsolved Mystery: Angelica Kauffman's Elusive Self-Portrait
Authors: Maxey David W.
Published: February 2024

Abstract: This article explores the provenance of two portraits of the eighteenth-century Swiss painter Angelica Kauffman. One the original self-portrait and the other evidently a contemporary copy, the paintings have intersecting histories that have led to confusion and some enduring mysteries. The author sifts through documentary sources and consults with experts at the Angelika Kauffmann Research Project to firmly establish which is the original self-portrait and—even more tantalizingly—attempt to reconstruct the paintings' distinct but intertwining histories, speculate on the identity of the copyist, and explain how various misunderstandings (some of which linger into the present day) might have occurred.
Performance enhancement of diffuse fluorescence tomography based on an extended Kalman filtering-long short term memory neural network correction model
Authors: Xing Lingxiu , Zhang Limin , Sun Wenjing , He Zhuanxia , Zhang Yanqi , Gao Feng
Published: February 2024

To alleviate the ill-posedness of diffuse fluorescence tomography (DFT) reconstruction and improve imaging quality and speed, a model-derived deep-learning method is proposed by combining extended Kalman filtering (EKF) with a long short term memory (LSTM) neural network, where the iterative process parameters acquired by implementing semi-iteration EKF (SEKF) served as inputs to the LSTM neural network correction model for predicting the optimal fluorescence distributions. To verify the effectiveness of the SEKF-LSTM algorithm, a series of numerical simulations, phantom and in vivo experiments are conducted, and the experimental results are quantitatively evaluated and compared with the traditional EKF algorithm. The simulation experimental results show that the proposed new algorithm can effectively improve the reconstructed image quality and reconstruction speed. Importantly, the LSTM correction model trained by the simulation data also obtains satisfactory results in the experimental data, suggesting that the SEKF-LSTM algorithm possesses strong generalization ability and great potential for practical applications.
Multiple scattering theory in one dimensional space and time dependent disorder: average field [Invited]
Authors: Selvestrel Alexandre , Rocha Julia , Carminati Rémi , Pierrat Romain
Published: February 2024

We theoretically study the propagation of light in one-dimensional space- and time-dependent disorder. The disorder is described by a fluctuating permittivity ε(x, t) exhibiting short-range correlations in space and time, without cross correlation between them. Depending on the illumination conditions, we show that the intensity of the average field decays exponentially in space or in time, with characteristic length or time defining the scattering mean-free path ℓ
s
and the scattering mean-free time τ
s
. In the weak scattering regime, we provide explicit expressions for ℓ
s
and τ
s
, that are checked against rigorous numerical simulations.
Highly-oriented single-crystalline gold quantum-dot metamaterials as new prospective materials for photonics
Authors: Cusworth Emma , Shermine Ho , Kravets V G , Leong Ong , Rusydi Andrivo , Novoselov Konstantin , Grigorenko Alexander
Published: February 2024

Miniaturization of optical devices is a modern trend essential for optoelectronics, optical sensing, optical computing and other branches of science and technology. To satisfy this trend, optical materials with a small footprint are required. Here we show that extremely thin, flat, nanostructured gold films made of highly-oriented single-crystalline gold quantum-dots can provide elements of topological photonics in visible light and be used as high-index dielectric materials in the infrared part of the spectra. We measure and theoretically confirm the presence of topological darkness and associated phase singularities in studied gold films of thickness of below 10 nm placed on MgO substrates in the red part of the spectrum. At telecom wavelengths, the fabricated gold metasurface behaves as a dielectric with the refractive index of n~2.75 and the absorption coefficient of k~0.005.
Long-term psychological impact of the pandemic COVID-19: Identification of high-risk groups and assessment of precautionary measures five months after the first wave of restrictions was lifted
Authors: Solomou Ioulia , Nikolaou Flora , Michaelides Michalis P. , Constantinidou Fofi
Published: February 2024

Critical facets of our lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak for almost three years. During this time, there has been a lot of clinical and research interest in issues related to mental health. However, few have examined the pandemic’s long-term psychological effects. The aims of the present study were to assess the long-term psychological impact of the pandemic COVID -19, five months after the first wave restriction measures were lifted, to identify high-risk groups and to address the use of precautionary measures (PM). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, coping mechanisms, and compliance with precautionary measures (PM) were all gathered in Cyprus through an anonymous online survey. The poll was completed by 1128 people (73% of whom were female). For the purposes of the present study, descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling were used. 32.3% of participants experienced moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms, where 16.4% and 23% reported moderate-to-severe depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms respectively. Lower levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms as well as greater compliance to PM were linked to higher levels of resilience. Additionally, subgroups of participants, at a higher risk for negative psychological effects were identified, such as women and young adults. Our findings demonstrate the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and provide guidance on how to deal with similar situations. It also raises questions about the concurrent effects on people with the long COVID syndrome.
Osteoporosis and its associated factors among patients attending Manakamana Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Dhakal Shankar , Sharma Kalpana , Adhikari Kishor , Joshi Alisha , Poudyal Sunita
Published: February 2024

Background

Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disorder that weakens bones and increases their susceptibility to fractures. It is becoming an urgent and serious global epidemic. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with it. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of osteoporosis among patients attending at Manakamana Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was adopted and 623 patients attending at orthopaedic outpatients department (OPD) of Manakamana Hospital were selected using non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected from 15th October 2021 to 15th April, 2022, by using interview schedule, chart review and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurement through calcaneal ultrasonography. Ethical approval was obtained from Nepal Health Research Council Ethical Review Board prior to study procedures. Obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Association between the variables were measured using chi-square test.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 43.5 (±14.26) years. Nearly half (44%, n = 274) were middle aged adults, 59.7% were female and 56.0% were involved in agriculture and household chores. Nearly half of the patients (45.7%) were overweight/ obese, 7.9% were smokers and 13.5% had habit of alcohol use. Osteopenia or low bone density was detected in 58.9% patients and 19.4% had osteoporosis. The prevalence of osteoporosis was significantly associated with age group (p = <0.001) and educational status (p = 0.013) of the patients.

Conclusions and recommendations

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are prevalent in patients attending in the hospital. Hence, awareness, early screening, and treatment are necessary for the hospital attended patients to enhance their health and, minimize the risk of osteoporosis and the consequences associated with it.
Asymmetric changes in foot anthropometry with pregnancy may be related to onset of lower limb and low back pain
Authors: Casto Erica M. , Mancinelli Corrie , Meszaros Petronela , McCrory Jean L.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Fifty percent of pregnant females experience pain with 20% reporting long-term pain post-partum. Pregnant females undergo changes in foot anthropometry, lower extremity alignment, and joint laxity. It is unknown if asymmetric alterations may be related to development of pain. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to compare asymmetric alignment in pregnant females with and without pain during pregnancy and in nulliparous controls and 2) to assess the relationship between asymmetric alignment and pain severity in all participants.

Methods

Ten pregnant females in their third trimester and nine nulliparous controls participated. Bilateral asymmetry of foot length, width, arch index, arch height index, arch rigidity index, arch drop, rearfoot angle, and pelvic obliquity were determined. Joint laxity and musculoskeletal pain were also assessed. ANOVAs were utilized to compare asymmetries between pregnant females reporting pain (n = 5), those not reporting pain (n = 5), and controls. Spearman’s Rho correlations were used to relate asymmetry to pain magnitude (α = 0.05).

Results

No statistical differences (p>0.05) were found between pregnant females with or without pain and controls for any of the metrics. Negative correlations were found between arch index asymmetry and low back pain (p = 0.005), foot length asymmetry and lower leg pain (p = 0.008), and pelvic obliquity and lower leg pain (p = 0.020). Positive correlations were found between foot width asymmetry and knee pain (p = 0.028), as well as arch drop asymmetry and upper leg (p = 0.024), knee (p = 0.005), and lower leg pain (p = 0.019).

Conclusions

This study was successful in identifying potential targets for prevention and treatment of pain in pregnancy. Furthermore, because pain during pregnancy may be predictive of pain post-partum, it is important to conduct future research to determine both if interventions such as footwear or exercise can prevent or treat these asymmetries and prevent post-partum pain.
Successful expansion and cryopreservation of human natural killer cell line NK-92 for clinical manufacturing
Authors: Lee Seul , Joo Yunjoo , Lee Eun Ji , Byeon Youngseon , Kim Jae-Hwan , Pyo Kyoung-Ho , Kim Young Seob , Lim Sun Min , Kilbride Peter , Iyer Rohin K. , Li Mingming , French Mandy C. , Lee Jung-Yub , Kang Jeeheon , Byun Hyesin , Cho Byoung Chul
Published: February 2024

Natural killer (NK) cells have recently shown renewed promise as therapeutic cells for use in treating hematologic cancer indications. Despite this promise, NK cell manufacturing workflows remain largely manual, open, and disconnected, and depend on feeders, as well as outdated unit operations or processes, often utilizing research-grade reagents. Successful scale-up of NK cells critically depends on the availability and performance of nutrient-rich expansion media and cryopreservation conditions that are conducive to high cell viability and recovery post-thaw. In this paper we used Cytiva hardware and media to expand the NK92 cell line in a model process that is suitable for GMP and clinical manufacturing of NK cells. We tested a range of cryopreservation factors including cooling rate, a range of DMSO-containing and DMSO-free cryoprotectants, ice nucleation, and cell density. Higher post-thaw recovery was seen in cryobags over cryovials cooled in identical conditions, and cooling rates of 1°C/min or 2°C/min optimal for cryopreservation in DMSO-containing and DMSO-free cryoprotectants respectively. Higher cell densities of 5x107 cells/ml gave higher post-thaw viability than those cryopreserved at either 1x106 or 5x106 cells/ml. This enabled us to automate, close and connect unit operations within the workflow while demonstrating superior expansion and cryopreservation of NK92 cells. Cellular outputs and performance were conducive to clinical dosing regimens, serving as a proof-of-concept for future clinical and commercial manufacturing.
MiR-155 promotes compensatory lung growth by inhibiting JARID2 activation of CD34+ endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Zhao Li , Peng Jing , Zhuang Li , Yan Zhiling , Liao Fei , Wang Yifan , Shao Shihao , Wang Weiwei
Published: February 2024

Bone marrow-derived CD34-positive (CD34+) endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has unique functions in the mechanism of compensatory lung growth (CLG). The content of this study is mainly to describe the effect of microRNA (miR)-155 in the mechanisms of EPCs and CLG. Our study found that transfection of miR-155 mimic could promote EPC proliferation, migration and tube formation, while transfection of miR-155 inhibitor had the opposite effect. It was also found that transfection of pc-JARID2 inhibited EPC proliferation, migration and tube formation, while transfection of si-JARID2 had the opposite effect. miR-155 can target and negatively regulate JARID2 expression. Overexpression of JARID2 weakened the promoting effects of miR-155 mimic on EPC proliferation, migration, and tubular formation, while silencing JARID2 weakened the inhibitory effects of miR-155 inhibitors on EPC proliferation, migration, and tubular formation. Transplantation of EPCs transfected with miR-155 mimic into the left lung model effectively increased lung volume, total alveolar number, diaphragm surface area, and lung endothelial cell number, while transplantation of EPCs co-transfected with miR-155 mimic and pc-JARID2 reversed this phenomenon. Overall, we found that miR-155 activates CD34+ EPC by targeting negative regulation of JARID2 and promotes CLG.
Research on the improvement path of grassroots social governance innovation performance in China——Qualitative comparative analysis based on 35 cases
Authors: Song Nana , Xu Longshun , Chen Xiansheng , Xu Huange , Jiang Shuoliang
Published: February 2024

With the rapid development of China’s economy and society, the innovation of grassroots social governance has become increasingly important. This paper constructs 35 grassroots social governance innovation samples. Using the TOE theoretical framework and a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this paper analyzes the joint effects and interactive relationships of multiple factors on grassroots social governance innovation performance from three dimensions: technology, organization, and environment. The research reveals that internal environmental openness is a necessary condition for achieving high innovation performance in grassroots social governance, and proposes four grouping models that affect the performance of grassroots social governance innovation. This paper explores the inner logic of grassroots social governance innovation from a histological perspective, and on this basis proposes an adaptive path to enhance the performance of grassroots social governance innovation.
Prevalence of drifting osteons distinguishes human bone
Authors: French Katherine M. , Mavroudas Sophia R. , Dominguez Victoria M.
Published: February 2024

The histological, or microscopic, appearance of bone tissue has long been studied to identify species-specific traits. There are several known histological characteristics to discriminate animal bone from human, but currently no histological characteristic that has been consistently identified in human bone exclusive to other mammals. The drifting osteon is a rare morphotype found in human long bones and observationally is typically absent from common mammalian domesticates. We surveyed previously prepared undecalcified histological sections from 25 species (human n = 221; nonhuman primate n = 24; nonprimate n = 169) to see if 1) drifting osteons were indeed more common in humans and 2) this could be a discriminating factor to identify human bone histologically. We conclude that drifting osteons are indeed more prevalent in human and nonhuman primate bone relative to nonprimate mammalian bone. Two criteria identify a rib or long bone fragment as human, assuming the fragment is unlikely to be from a nonhuman primate given the archaeological context: 1) at least two drifting osteons are present in the cross-section and 2) a drifting osteon prevalence (or as a percentage of total secondary osteons) of ≥ 1%. We present a quantitative histological method that can positively discriminate human bone from nonprimate mammalian bone in archaeological contexts.
“Are all referrals necessary?” Experiences and perceptions of maternity healthcare providers on emergency intrapartum referrals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Selemani Shekha , Mwakyusa Michael O. , Bashiri Selemani , Ezekiel Mangi J. , Mwakawanga Dorkasi L. , Alwy Al-beity Fadhlun M. , Pembe Andrea B.
Published: February 2024

Background

Intrapartum continuity of care to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality relies heavily on a functional and effective referral system between tiers of care. Capacity building of providers in managing intrapartum referrals is expected to improve the efficiency of the referral system, but this does not always work in practice. This study explored the experiences and perceptions of maternity healthcare providers on emergency intrapartum referrals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted at Amana Regional Referral Hospital and Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam. Maternity healthcare providers were purposively recruited based on cadre, working experience of more than three years in the maternity wards. An in-depth interview guide which involved questions and probes was used to conduct eleven interviews. Data was thematically analyzed.

Results

Three major themes emerged, namely: 1) causes of referrals are beyond medical indications; 2) limited maternity healthcare provider capability at referring facilities; and 3) limited communication between referring and receiving facilities. According to maternity healthcare professionals, referrals were seen as a way to minimize blame and a clinical management tool to prevent difficulties. They advocated for more understanding of the skill set among maternity healthcare providers, but some had negative perceptions towards performing their responsibilities.

Conclusions

Skills gaps among maternity healthcare providers at referring hospitals influenced referral decision-making and service provision. There was hostility between referring and receiving hospitals. Capacity-strengthening strategies such as ongoing skills training and changes in attitudes toward referrals require improvements. The referring hospital should only consider referrals as a last resort after other case management has been completed.
‘I do hope more people can benefit from it.’: The qualitative experience of individuals living with osteoarthritis who participated in the GLA:D™ program in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Kania-Richmond Ania , Beaupre Lauren A. , Jessiman-Perreault Geneviève , Tribo Danika , Martyn Jason , Hart David A. , Robert Jill , Slomp Mel , Jones C. Allyson
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark (GLA:DTM) is an evidence-based program designed for individuals with symptomatic hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). This program has reported improvement in pain, quality of life and self-efficacy, as well as delays in joint replacement surgery for adults with moderate to severe hip or knee OA. Evaluations of GLA:DTM implementation in several countries have focused on effectiveness, training, and feasibility of the program primarily from the provider perspective. Our objective was to examine how the GLA:DTM program was perceived and experienced by individuals with hip and knee OA to inform on-going program refinement and implementation.

Methods

Thirty semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with participants who completed the GLA:DTM program in Alberta. An interpretive description approach was used to frame the study and thematic analysis was used to code the data and identify emergent themes and sub-themes associated with participants’ experience and perception of the GLA:DTM program.

Results

Most participants had a positive experience of the GLA:DTM program and particularly enjoyed the group format, although some participants felt the group format prevented one-on-one support from providers. Three emergent themes related to acceptability were identified: accessible, adaptable, and supportive. Participants found the program to be accessible in terms of location, cost, and scheduling. They also felt the program was adaptable and allowed for individual attention and translatability into other settings. Finally, most participants found the group format to be motivating and fostered connections between participants.

Conclusion

The GLA:DTM program was perceived as acceptable by most participants, yet the group format may not be useful for all individuals living with OA. Recommended improvements included adapting screening to identify those suited for the group format, providing program access earlier in the disease progression trajectory, modifying educational content based on participants’ knowledge of OA and finally, providing refresher sessions after program completion.
Effect of online intervention based on life skills for mental health, self-efficacy and coping skills among Arab adolescents in the Klang Valley, Malaysia: A cluster randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Sherif Yosra , Fattah Azman Ahmad Zaid , Said Salmiah Md , Siddiqah Alimuddin Aishah , Awang Hamidin , Mohammadzadeh Marjan
Published: February 2024

Background

Migrant children and adolescents face a significantly increased risk of mental health issues. Focusing on this population’s mental health issues is fundamental and requires more attention to detect and reduce these burdens in adulthood. Nevertheless, life skills intervention can improve mental health. Its effects on Arab migrant adolescents have not been tested. Here, an evaluation protocol of the effect of an online life skills-based intervention for improving depression, anxiety, stress, self-efficacy, and coping skills among Arab adolescents in Malaysia will be examined.

Material and methods

This cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) will involve 207 Arab students (14–18 years old) from 12 Arabic schools in the Klang Valley. The schools will be assigned randomly to an intervention (online life skills programme) or control group at a 1:1 ratio. The researcher will deliver eight one-hour sessions to the intervention group weekly. The control group will receive the intervention at the evaluation end. Both groups will complete assessments at baseline, and immediately and three months after the intervention. The primary outcome is anxiety, depression, and stress [Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21)]. The secondary outcomes are self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale) and coping skills (Brief COPE Inventory). Data analysis will involve the Generalised Estimation Equation with a 95% confidence interval. P < .05 will indicate significant inter- and intra-group differences.

Discussion

This will be the first cluster RCT of an online life skills education programme involving Arab adolescent migrants in Malaysia. The results could support programme effectiveness for improving the participants’ mental health problems (depression, anxiety, stress), increasing their self-efficacy, and enhancing their coping skills. The evidence could transform approaches for ameliorating migrant children and adolescents’ mental well-being.

Trial registration

The study is registered with the Clinical Trial Registry (Identifier: NCT05370443).
Estimates of 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications after gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures: A retrospective cohort analysis of a health system population
Authors: Carr Zyad J. , Li Judy , Agarkov Daniel , Gazura Makenzie , Karamchandani Kunal
Published: February 2024

The incidence of 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures (GIEP) are not well characterized in the literature. The primary aim of this study was to identify the incidence of 30-day PPC after GIEP within a large healthcare system. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 5377 patients presenting for GIEP between January 2013 and January 2022. Our primary outcome was the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality PPC composite (AHRQ-PPC). Secondary outcomes were sub-composites derived from the AHRQ-PPC; including pneumonia (AHRQ-PNA), respiratory failure (AHRQ-RF), aspiration pneumonia/ pneumonitis (AHRQ-ASP) and pulmonary emboli (AHRQ-PE). We performed propensity score matching (PSM) followed by multivariable logistic regression to analyze primary and secondary outcomes. Inpatients had higher 30-day AHRQ-PPC (6.0 vs. 1.2%, p<0.001), as well as sub-composite AHRQ-PNA (3.2 vs. 0.7%, p<0.001), AHRQ-RF (2.4 vs. 0.5%, p<0.001), and AHRQ-ASP (1.9 vs. 0.4%, p<0.001). After PSM adjustment, pre-procedural comorbidities of electrolyte disorder [57.9 vs. 31.1%, ORadj: 2.26, 95%CI (1.48, 3.45), p<0.001], alcohol abuse disorder [16.7 vs. 6.8%, ORadj: 2.66 95%CI (1.29, 5.49), p = 0.01], congestive heart failure (CHF) [22.3 vs. 8.7%, ORadj: 2.2 95%CI (1.17, 4.15), p = 0.02] and pulmonary circulatory disorders [21 vs. 16.9%, ORadj: 2.95, 95%CI (1.36, 6.39), p = 0.01] were associated with 30-day AHRQ-PPC. After covariate adjustment, AHRQ-PPC was associated with upper endoscopy more than lower endoscopy [5.9 vs. 1.0%, ORadj: 3.76, 95%CI (1.85, 7.66), p<0.001]. When compared to gastroenterologist-guided conscious sedation, anesthesia care team presence was protective against AHRQ-PPC [3.7 vs. 8.4%, ORadj: 0.032, 95%CI (0.01, 0.22), p<0.001] and AHRQ-ASP [1.0 vs. 3.37%, ORadj: 0.002, 95%CI (0.00, 0.55), p<0.001]. In conclusion, we report estimates of 30-day PPC after GIEP across inpatient and outpatient settings. Upper endoscopic procedures confer a higher risk, while the presence of an anesthesia care team may be protective against 30-day PPC.
We have always been social: Comparing social expressiveness between single-player and multiplayer gamers
Authors: Bergstrom Kelly , Poor Nathaniel
Published: February 2024

Organizing games by categories based on playstyle (e.g. single-player vs. multiplayer) makes sense from a marketing perspective, but when it comes to organizing players into such categories, things get tricky. To illustrate that categorizing players based on preferences for single-player vs. multiplayer games may be problematic, we analysed millions of posts in Reddit for single-player and multiplayer games to see which players use more extroversion (pro-social) words, citing research suggesting that those who prefer multiplayer games should use more extroversion words. We found no noticeable differences between the two groups, although unexpectedly single-player gamers did use more extroversion words in a statistically significant manner. Ultimately, we offer caution that categorization of games and gamers – although useful at times – can oversimplify assumed preferences and, when not critically examined, may lead to the reification of misleading and exclusionary categories of both games and the people who play them.
Popular pleasures: Sharpening the tools for a popular aesthetic in video game criticism
Authors: Lukman Christopher
Published: February 2024

What is the purpose of popular aesthetics in video game criticism? This overarching question will serve as a starting point in this article, which is an attempt to bring the focus of game studies back to popular aesthetics in general and the aesthetic category of ‘cuteness’ in particular. As popular media pose problems for established aesthetic theories, I want to explore the most classical of all aesthetic theories, Immanuel Kant’s Critique of the Power of Judgment, in order to point towards the possibility of a popular aesthetic. The aesthetic judgement of cuteness, more concretely Yoshi’s Crafted World’s cuteness, guides us through this reflection. Cuteness finds its place as ‘impure’ beauty, characterized by a specific constellation between the agreeable, useful and beautiful. By interrogating the strengths and weaknesses of Kant’s aesthetics, I identify three points to carve out a popular video game criticism in the future: (1) the role of the body for sensory cognition, (2) the question of aesthetic form and (3) the emphasis on popular pleasures.
Intercooperación universitaria entre Cuba y España: investigaciones sobre cooperativismo y feminismo
Authors: Ortiz-Pérez Samuel , Pérez González Mirell , Romera Tébar Cristina
Published: February 2024

Desde el Departamento de Geografía Humana de la Universidad de Alicante se han venido desarrollando una serie de trabajos y proyectos de cooperación con otras universidades, centrados en diversas temáticas de actualidad y con una especial transcendencia científica como son el cooperativismo y el feminismo. A partir del año 2020 se han ido consolidando diversas relaciones de estrecha colaboración académica e investigadora con el objetivo de generar unas redes interuniversitarias de trabajo con países latinoamericanos que permiten intercambiar experiencias y procesos en este ámbito. Entre ellas destaca las relaciones establecidas entre Universidades y organismos institucionales de Cuba y España para compartir dinámicas socioeconómicas y territoriales vinculadas al cooperativismo, pero sobre todo por aquellas protagonizadas por mujeres. Este número de la revista GeoGraphos incorpora diversas publicaciones que abordan estas temáticas y que han sido financiadas por el proyecto en concurrencia pública concedido por el área de Cooperación Universitaria para el Desarrollo (de la Universidad de Alicante a través de las ayudas económicas para la investigación orientadas al desarrollo humano, a la divulgación y consecución de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible ODS). Pero, además, este número está compuesto por otras aportaciones científicas que incluyen miradas desde España y América Latina, contando con diferentes trabajos realizados por investigadoras del ámbito de las ciencias sociales vinculadas a universidades y otras instituciones científicas en Cuba, México, Argentina, y España, particularmente.
La construcción colectiva de los Paradigmas Emancipatorios: saberes, prácticas y miradas feministas
Authors: Rodríguez Alomar Yaima Elena , León del Río Yohanka
Published: February 2024

La experiencia de los Talleres Internacionales sobre Paradigmas Emancipatorios en Cuba, representa un espacio esencial de debate e intercambio. Desde el año 1995 se han alternado diferentes encuentros en La Habana que aglutinan a numerosas organizaciones de América Latina, el Caribe y otras regiones para la construcción colectiva de una sociedad desde una mirada emancipatoria. El diálogo entre experiencias y saberes diversos de diferentes organizaciones del mundo proyecta numerosas posibilidades de actuación transformadora que parten de colectivos organizados en diferentes territorios. Estos encuentros han generado un espacio común para pensar y transformar relaciones de dominación, patriarcales, capitalistas, depredadoras, desde alternativas y apuestas emancipatorias. Por consiguiente, estos talleres se han convertido en sitio de convergencia, denuncia social y política, construcción de pensamiento crítico y acción transformadora.
Dinamización sociocultural en la comunidad de Blanca Rosa (Cuba): alternativa de desarrollo y empoderamiento femenino
Authors: Padrón de la Rosa Rosmery Felicia , Juliá Méndez Hilda Esther
Published: February 2024

El Centro de Intercambio y Referencia Iniciativa Comunitaria (CIERIC), vinculado a la Unión de Artistas y Escritores de Cuba (UNEAC), se ha vinculado desde sus inicios al trabajo comunitario promoviendo la participación, la visión integral y articulación de actores. Se promueve la dimensión cultural de desarrollo a nivel local y comunitario mediante una metodología para la gestión de proyectos y de los procesos de desarrollo territorial, promoviendo un cambio cultural en sujetos individuales y colectivos que contribuye a la construcción de una sociedad con bienestar, inclusiva, con equidad, sostenible y ambientalmente responsable. En la comunidad de Santa Rosa, una comunidad tunera del municipio de Majibacoa, en la región oriental de Cuba, se están acompañan do precisamente procesos de desarrollo basados en una concepción cultural, con el objetivo proponer una estrategia de dinamización sociocultural que desarrolle la comunidad y favorezca el empoderamiento de las mujeres. El estudio combina la utilización de métodos de investigación teóricos, prácticos y empíricos; así como de técnicas e instrumentos para la búsqueda de información. Las acciones propuestas favorecen un desarrollo integral de Blanca Rosa y un mejoramiento del escenario social, económico y político donde el centro de atención son las mujeres.
Mecanismos de intervención participativa y la gesta de redes multihélice, México
Authors: Alvarado Méndez Ma. Concepción , Cárcamo Solís María de Lourdes
Published: February 2024

El objetivo del artículo consistió en analizar mecanismos de tipo multihélice para la incubación de redes entre productores, académicos y gobiernos locales bajo herramientas de gestión participativa, como una propuesta de fortalecimiento económico del tejido productivo local. Para ello, a través de una metodología de gestión participativa tipo multihélice que contempló vinculación entre Gobierno, Universidad, Productores y Organizaciones, se describe el formato de intervención en 329 micro emprendimientos en el municipio de Valle de Santiago, Guanajuato. Los resultados indicaron que en el periodo estudiado de los años 2021 al 2022, las redes de tipo multihélice incidieron en procesos de participación directa de productores, académicos y gobiernos locales. Además, la colaboración de redes garantizó la gestión de política pública por parte de gobierno local hacia micro emprendimientos, fortaleciendo sus relaciones. Un hallazgo que cabe resaltar fue la identificación de carga factorial que impacta en la innovación territorial, en gran medida auspiciada por las redes y autogestión de las unidades productivas familiares.
Levedi két szálláshelye
Authors: Polgár Szabolcs
Published: February 2024

Levedi (Lebedias) was a leader of the Proto-Hungarians and his story was preserved in the De administrando imperio (DAI). According to the 38th chapter of the DAI, Levedi and his people dwelled in the vicinity of Khazaria. This territory was called Levedia (after the name of Levedi). The river of Levedia was the Khidmas which was also called Khingilus (in reality these are two different rivers). The Hungarians were allies of the Khazars and the Khazar kaghan married a Khazar princess to Levedi. A few years later the Pechenegs expelled the Hungarians and conquered their territory. A part of the Hungarians under the leadership of Levedi moved to Etelköz (Atelkuzu), the Dnieper – Seret (Lower Danube) region. The localization of Levedia, the earlier homeland of the Proto-Hungarians is questionable and debated since the 18th century. There are many suggestions: the Volga–Ural region, the Don–Donets region, the Kuma–Kuban region, the Don– Dnieper region, the Southern Bug region. The problem of the localisation is the contradiction found in the DAI. On the basis of the two rivers, the Kodyma and the Inhul, the place was the region of the Southern Bug river, but considering the Pecheneg–Hungarian conflict Levedia might have been in the Volga region (east of the Volga), as the Pechenegs did not conquer territories west of the Volga until 894–895. It is also an important result of the research that Levedia was not the whole country of the Proto-Hungarians, but only the dwelling area of Levedi and his people. We can resolve the contradiction of the DAI by supposing that the two dwelling areas of Levedi were used in different times: an earlier in the Volga region and a latter in the Southern Bug region (within Atelkuzu). It means that DAI made a mistake, as the text confused the information on Atelkuzu and the earlier homeland. It seems probable because the reconstruction of the events of the 9th century also confirms this hypothesis. This means that the Proto-Hungarians moved from the Volga region to the Dnieper region at the beginning or in the first part of the 9 th century. Both of regions were on the periphery of the Khazar Kaghanate and the Hungarians remained the vassals of the Kaghanate.
Két evangélikus lelkész véleménye a szabadkőművességről az 1870-es és 1880-as évek Magyarországán
Authors: Giczi Zsolt
Published: February 2024

The period of dualism was a golden age for Freemasonry in Hungary. In addition to ordinary citizens, influential politicians and public figures, as well as famous artists and scientists got acquainted in growing number with the “royal art” of Masonic lodges. There were also Protestant ministers among the Freemasons, although there were often contradictory opinions about the organization in their congregations. Through the example of two Lutheran ministers, the study presents the conflicting views on Freemasonry in the ecclesiastical circles of the era. One of them was Gusztáv Poszvék, a minister from Sopron, who popularized the ideas of Freemasonry in his work published in 1877. The other opinion came from Ferenc Gyurátz. He was the minister of the Lutheran congregation in Pápa when he published his thoughts on Freemasonry in 1886. Gyurátz, unlike Poszvék, wrote in a critical, though objective tone about the society of Freemasons. The analysis of the views of the two respectable ministers provides interesting insights into and a better understanding of the so far neglected part of the history of the Protestant church in Hungary – the relationship between the Reformed churches and Freemasonry.
Meta-analysis: On average, undergraduate students' intelligence is merely average
Authors: Uttl Bob , Violo Victoria , Gibson Lacey
Published: February 2024

Background. According to a widespread belief, the average IQ of university students is 115 to 130 IQ points, that is, substantially higher than the average IQ of the general population (
M = 100,
SD =15). We traced the origin of this belief to obsolete intelligence data collected in 1940s and 1950s when university education was the privilege of a few. Examination of more recent IQ data indicate that IQ of university students and university graduates dropped to the average of the general population. The decline in students’ IQ is a necessary consequence of increasing educational attainment over the last 80 years. Today, graduating from university is more common than completing high school in the 1940s.

Method. We conducted a meta-analysis of the mean IQ scores of college and university students samples tested with Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale between 1939 and 2022.

Results. The results show that the average IQ of undergraduate students today is a mere 102 IQ points and declined by approximately 0.2 IQ points per year. The students’ IQ also varies substantially across universities and is correlated with the selectivity of universities (measured by average SAT scores of admitted students).

Discussion. These findings have wide-ranging implications. First, universities and professors need to realize that students are no longer extraordinary but merely average, and have to adjust curricula and academic standards. Second, employers can no longer rely on applicants with university degrees to be more capable or smarter than those without degrees. Third, students need to realize that acceptance into university is no longer an invitation to join an elite group. Fourth, the myth of brilliant undergraduate students in scientific and popular literature needs to be dispelled. Fifth, estimating premorbid IQ based on educational attainment is vastly inaccurate, obsolete, not evidence based, and mere speculations. Sixth, obsolete IQ data or tests ought not to be used to make high-stakes decisions about individuals, for example, by clinical psychologists to opine about intelligence and cognitive abilities of their clients.
Acinar Cystic Transformation of the Pancreas With Main Pancreatic Duct Dilation and Distal Pancreatic Atrophy
Authors: Ahmed Nehaal , Cao Troy , Chen Wei , Krishna Somashekar G.
Published: February 2024

We report a rare case of a large, slowly progressive acinar cystic transformation (ACT) of the pancreas with main duct dilation and atrophy of the upstream pancreas. The diagnosis was made through endoscopic ultrasound-guided through-the-needle biopsy and histological identification of cuboidal acinar epithelium and characteristic immunohistochemistry findings. Distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed because of elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels, atypical cells on biopsy, and an increase in cyst size. Owing to the benign nature of this case, postresection surveillance was not necessary.
Inflammatory and neutrophil activation markers in Behcet's disease
Authors: Nurbaeva K. S. , Reshetnyak T. M. , Goloeva R. G. , Lila A. M. , Nasonov E. L.
Published: February 2024

Behcet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation with aphthous stomatitis, genital ulcers, skin, joint and internal organ involvement. Currently, there are no reliable laboratory markers that can be used to monitor BD activity. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have low sensitivity, so the search for new biomarkers continues. Neutrophil reactivity intensity (NEUT-RI), neutrophil granularity intensity (NEUT-GI), immature granulocytes (IG), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII) are new inflammatory indicators whose role in BD is not well studied.

Objective: to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the determination of NEUT-RI, NEUT-GI, IG, SII, NLR, ESR and CRP in the diagnosis of active BD.

Material and methods. 84 patients with a reliable diagnosis of BD and 38 healthy controls were included in the study. BD activity was assessed using the Behcet’s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF). Patients with BD were divided into two groups according to activity: Group I included 41 patients with high activity (BDCAF >5) and Group II included 43 patients with low activity (BDCAF ≤5). A complete blood count with determination of NEUT-RI, NEUT-GI, IG, SII and NLR was performed in all patients and healthy donors using the Sysmex XN 1000 automated haematology analyzer (Sysmex Сorp, Japan). ESR was determined using the Westergren method. High-sensitivity serum CRP level was determined in all patients with BD (normal range ≤5) by immunonephelometric method.

Results and discussion. Patients with active BD had significantly higher levels of neutrophils, SII, NLR, NEUT-RI, IG, ESR and CRP compared to patients with low disease activity. ROC analysis was performed to compare the significance of these inflammatory markers in the assessment of BD activity. The SII had the largest area under the ROC curve (AUC =0.816). The sensitivity and specificity of the SII at a value of 509.75 or higher for determining the active form of BD were 79.4% and 71.8%, respectively.

Conclusion. The new inflammatory parameters (SII, NLR, NEUT-RI and IG) and the traditional inflammatory parameters (ESR, CRP, neutrophils) can serve as laboratory markers for BD activity. SII is the most informative parameter to determine BD activity with optimal sensitivity and specificity.