bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tree cover and built-up area regulate the territory size in Eurasian Magpie Pica pica in Ladakh, India
Authors: Khan Iqbal Ali , Kumar Anil , Bhatt Dinesh , Rawal Prakhar
Published: July 2023

Eurasian Magpie Pica pica is one of the well-studied corvids, but the majority of our understanding of this species is from Europe. In India, its distribution is restricted to some valleys of Ladakh such as the northwestern part of the Indus, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass, and Suru. The present study aimed at understanding the territorial behavior of this species in small urban settlements of Ladakh region. Twenty-five pairs were studied in March 2020–April 2021. Territories were outlined for each color-banded individual, and data on habitat variables (namely built-up, agriculture, and green cover) was extracted. Generalized linear mixed models were used to study the effect of the habitat structure on territory size. The territory size (Mean ± SD) was 0.042 ± 0.025 km2, with tree cover comprising the highest proportion (24.36 ± 15.41 %) of area within territories. Built-up area was a feature of all territories, highlighting the affinity of magpies towards human presence. Presence of tree cover and built-up area significantly (~ <0.002) reduced territory size. High adaptability, foraging, and nesting opportunities, and protection from predators have been recognized as the reasons for magpies’ affinity with human habitation. Foraging opportunities are minimal outside human settlements in this region, magpies’ territories are largely shaped by the fulfilment of foraging requirements.
An assessment of the diet of Brown Fish-Owl Ketupa zeylonensis (J.F. Gmelin, 1788) (Aves: Strigiformes: Strigidae) from two localities in the foothills of the Western Ghats of Goa, India
Authors: Stephen Jonah Dias  , Borker Atul Sinai
Published: July 2023

The Brown Fish-Owl Ketupa zeylonensis is a large nocturnal bird of prey that has a vast distribution range. However, there is a significant literature gap on the ecology of this species in the Western Ghats ecoregion, particularly in regard to its food spectrum. In the present study, we assessed the diet composition of this species in the foothills of the Western Ghats of Goa, India. The diet was evaluated by analysing the undigested prey remains in regurgitated pellets obtained from the banks of forest streams and roosting sites. A total of 104 pellets were collected from two localities that exhibited similar landscape characteristics. Our analysis indicated that crabs contributed to a significant proportion of the diet of the species (75.47%), followed by amphibians (frogs, 8.02%), fishes (7.08%), reptiles (snakes, 2.83%), birds (2.36%), scorpions (1.89%), and insects (Odonata, 0.47%). Additionally, 1.89% (n = 4) of the prey items could not be identified due to their disintegrated nature. Furthermore, an assessment of Food Niche Breadth (FNB) indicated that K. zeylonensis exhibited a high degree of specialization in terms of its diet in the study areas.
Proximate nutrients of selected forage and the diet composition of adult elephants in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka, a preliminary study
Authors: I.V. Dinithi Hemachandra  , Wijayarathna C. Dilrukshi , Dayawansa P. Nihal
Published: July 2023

Asian Elephants feed predominantly on grass. The comparative nutritional contribution of grasses and other elephant forage is not known. Therefore, the proximate nutrition of food plants selected by elephants, and the relationship of their diet composition to body condition and gender were examined in this study. Proximate analysis was conducted on 11 plant species recognised upon 66h of opportunistic focal animal sampling. Five species among them were grasses, including the invasive Megathyrsus maximus. The micro-histological composition of freshly collected dung from 26 identified elephants was assessed against their body condition and gender. Associations, comparisons, and hypotheses were tested. Dicots were significantly high in dry matter and low in moisture, while monocots were high in moisture and low in dry matter (p <0.001). The average monocot: dicot ratio was 1: 0.73 in elephant diet. However, it was observed that the monocot composition in the male diet was significantly higher than dicots (p <0.001), while there was no significant difference in the female diet composition. Elephant body condition did not show any correlation with the abundance of monocot or dicot plant tissues. The preliminary study implies that dry matter nutrients in dicots and moisture in monocots influence diet selection of elephants. Their diet composition was associated with gender but did not correlate with body condition. M. maximus was not outstanding in nutrition from the selected plant species.
Status of macrofungal diversity in the wet evergreen forests of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats, India
Authors: Kurunnan Kandy Akshaya  , Arumugam Karthikeyan  , Cheravengat Kunhikannan
Published: July 2023

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is a part of Western Ghats (India), has diverse ecosystems and constitutes an important biogeographical ‘hotspot’ which is well known for its species richness and endemism. Since limited information was available on the mycoflora in this area, a survey was conducted to evaluate the macrofungal diversity in the wet evergreen forests of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. The survey was carried out during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons of 2021–2022 and revealed the existence of 62 macrofungal species belonging to 43 genera, 24 families, and eight orders. Out of the eight orders, seven orders belong to the division Basidiomycota and the other order Xylariales belongs to Ascomycota. The family Polyporaceae was identified as the dominant family. The survey also noted the presence of saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi. Among the identified species, the maximum density was of Panellus pusillus (6.08) followed by Microporus xanthopus (5.38). Microporus xanthopus (82.14%) exhibited the maximum frequency of occurrence and was identified as the most common species. Coprinellus disseminatus was the most abundant species among macrofungi. The assessment of macrofungal diversity using the Shannon biodiversity index resulted in a value of 2.99, indicating a rich and diverse fungal population within the forest. This finding emphasizes the significant role of the forest ecosystem in supporting a wide variety of fungi
Unusual foraging behaviour of the Bengal Slow Loris Nycticebus bengalensis (Lacépède, 1800) (Mammalia: Primates: Lorisidae) in the Shan Highlands, Myanmar
Authors: Sai Sein Lin Oo  , Oo Khun Aung Naing , Bates Paul Jeremy James
Published: July 2023

In April 2022, in northern Shan State, Myanmar, a Bengal Slow Loris Nycticebus bengalensis, an Endangered species, was observed entering a house and feeding on two Eurasian Tree Sparrows Passer montanus. This observation provides new information about the diet of Nycticebus bengalensis and its habituation to a highly disturbed urban environment.
Carbohydrate sulfotransferases
Authors: Debeljak Željko , Begolli Gramos , Marković Ivana , Knežević Jelena
Published: July 2023

Carbohydrate sulfotransferases (CHST) catalyse the biosynthesis of proteoglycans that enable physical interactions and signalling between different neighbouring cells in physiological and pathological states. The study aim was to provide an overview of emerging diagnostic and prognostic applications of CHST. PubMed database search was conducted using the keywords “carbohydrate sulfotransferase” together with appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, whereby 41 publications were selected. Additionally, 40 records on CHST genetic and biochemical properties were hand-picked from UniProt, GeneCards, InterPro, and neXtProt databases. Carbohydrate sulfotransferases have been applied mainly in diagnostics of connective tissue disorders, cancer and inflammations. The lack of CHST activity was found in congenital connective tissue disorders while CHST overexpression was detected in different malignancies. Mutations of CHST3 gene cause skeletal dysplasia, chondrodysplasia, and autosomal recessive multiple joint dislocations while increased tissue expression of CHST11, CHST12 and CHST15 is an unfavourable prognostic factor in ovarian cancer, glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer, respectively. Recently, CHST11 and CHST15 overexpression in the vascular smooth muscle cells was linked to the severe lung pathology in COVID-19 patients. Promising CHST diagnostic and prognostic applications have been described but larger clinical studies and robust analytical procedures are required for the more reliable diagnostic performance estimations.
Expectations over Unspoken Alternatives Predict Pragmatic Inferences
Authors: Hu Jennifer , Levy Roger , Degen Judith , Schuster Sebastian
Published: July 2023

Scalar inferences (SI) are a signature example of how humans interpret language based on unspoken alternatives. While empirical studies have demonstrated that human SI rates are highly variable—both within instances of a single scale, and across different scales—there have been few proposals that quantitatively explain both cross- and within-scale variation. Furthermore, while it is generally assumed that SIs arise through reasoning about unspoken alternatives, it remains debated whether humans reason about alternatives as linguistic forms, or at the level of concepts. Here, we test a shared mechanism explaining SI rates within and across scales: context-driven expectations about the unspoken alternatives. Using neural language models to approximate human predictive distributions, we find that SI rates are captured by the expectedness of the strong scalemate as an alternative. Crucially, however, expectedness robustly predicts cross-scale variation only under a meaning-based view of alternatives. Our results suggest that pragmatic inferences arise from context-driven expectations over alternatives, and these expectations operate at the level of concepts.1
Social buffering reduces hair cortisol content in black-tailed prairie dogs during reproduction
Authors: Kusch Jillian M. , Matzke Colleen Crill , Lane Jeffrey E.
Published: July 2023

Stressors activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis which produces glucocorticoid (GC) hormones. Social buffering, the lowering of glucocorticoid secretion with increased social ties, commonly mitigates the stress response following exposure to a stressor. Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are ground-dwelling sciurids that vary their social behaviour over time, and provide an exciting opportunity to investigate social buffering and GC production. We observed social behaviours and measured GC hormones in prairie dogs during the spring (reproduction) and summer. We expected social buffering would reduce GC production in the summer, following the stressors experienced during the spring. However, we found social integration and GC deposition were inversely correlated during the spring, which suggests social buffering occurs during the highly stressful period of reproduction, instead of after. Our study shows that the relationship between social behaviour and GC production is context-dependent, and social buffering may be an adaptive strategy in this colonially-living species.
Cletocamptus cubaensis n. sp. (Harpacticoida, Canthocamptidae) from Cuba with taxonomic notes on the species
Authors: Apostolov Apostol
Published: July 2023

A new species of harpacticoid copepod, Cletocamptus cubaensis n. sp., from a marine aquarium in Cuba, previously identified with the highly polymorphic Cletocamptus deitersi (Richard, 1897), is described herein. A revision of the Cuban material showed that, despite the morphological similarity to Cletocamptus deitersi, there are significant interspecific differences in several microcharacters that were not taken into account in the previous species determination, such as integumental sensilla and pores, and ornamentation of segments, mouthparts, swimming legs, prosome, and urosome. Additionally, some other differences were observed in the relative length and shape of the apophysis of the endopod of P3 in males, the armature complement of the second segment of endopod P2 in males (with four setae instead of three), the ornamentation and length of the caudal rami in both sexes, and the ornamentation of the anal operculum (with 8 spinules). Similarity to other species is discussed, along with brief comments on the morphological similarities and differences between the new species from Cuba and Cletocamptus nudus Gómez, 2005 recorded from Brazil and Colombia, C. schmidti Mielke, 2000 known from the Galapagos archipelago, and C. samariensis Fuentes-Reinés, Zoppi de Roa & Torres, 2015 from Colombia.
Density, structure, growth, and mortality of the population of Ocypode gaudichaudii H. Milne Edwards & Lucas, 1843 (Brachyura, Ocypodidae) in Salaverry, Peru
Authors: Hualcas Chinchayhuara Dolly S. , Mantilla Alayo Sandy J. , Culquichicón Malpica Zoila G.
Published: July 2023

The northern coast of Peru includes a series of dissipative desert beaches with varying levels of human impact. One endemic species to these beaches is Ocypode gaudichaudii, which has been shown to be an indicator of ecosystem disturbance. We measured population density, sex ratio, and cephalothorax length of O. gaudichaudii on three beaches near Salaverry between September 2021 and February 2022. The average population density was 0.15 burrows/m2. There was a higher proportion of males (56%); and average cephalothorax length was 28.8 ± 5.6 mm. Population, length, and sex variations during the study may be explained by behaviour of O. gaudichaudii and by temperature-dependent breeding. We also calculated the Von Bertalanffy growth parameters (, , ) and estimated the instantaneous mortality rate to be 0.84/year. These data indicate a high level of disturbance in the ecosystem, with few specimens approaching .
“I am an Image of Your Glory”: Exegesis and Theology in a Byzantine Funeral Hymn
Authors: Bucur Bogdan G.
Published: July 2023

Εἰκών εἰμι τῆς ἀρρήτου δόξης σου: the opening of one of the Eulogētaria hymns in the Byzantine funeral service – a highly interesting composition with roots in Late Ancient Jerusalem – invites a connection with Genesis 1:26. However, even though the allusion to the story of creation, Eden, and the Fall is undeniable, this hymn does not speak of the human being as κατ᾿εἰκόνα, but straightforwardly as the εἰκών of God’s glory. A first step in interpreting this line should therefore be the consideration of another set of biblical references, dealing not with “image” but with “glory.” We can then, as a second step, make sense of the resulting interpretation within the larger theological context of Byzantine Christomorphic anthropology, with its rich biblical and extra-biblical sources.
Tachygraphie und Tachygraphen bei Basilius von Caesarea – und darüber hinaus
Authors: Totsche Benedict
Published: July 2023

Starting from Letter 134 of Basil of Caesarea, the question is asked what Basil means when he uses the term ταχυγράφος. For this purpose, exemplary passages from ancient Christian and non-Christian authors are compiled. It is obvious that a shorthand system was used at that time. However, the question remains whether such a system was always used, especially since many passages do not provide a precise description of the activities of a tachygrapher. Letter 135 of Basil, on the other hand, suggests that a tachygrapher probably did not work exclusively with a shorthand system. Thus, the term ταχυγράφος has no unambiguity in its usage. In part, it is used to refer to persons who have mastered a special system of signs with the help of which they can write faster. In part, however, it is also used to refer to people who write quickly, but using the conventional alphabet.
The Didactic Nature of Gregory Nazianzen’s Poemata Arcana and the Theme of Continual, Gradated Progress
Authors: Hosle Paul K.
Published: July 2023

In this essay, I provide a holistic reading of Gregory Nazianzen’s Poemata Arcana, eight poems providing a coherent and systematic account of the elements of Christian theology. I explore in particular the reflexive didactic poetics of the work, arguing that one of the most recurring themes is that of continual and gradated spiritual progress toward God and that Gregory takes care to position himself as an instructor and exemplar for his readers in their own individual, gradual self-perfective journeys. Over the course of this argument, I critically reconsider prior judgements concerning the poem’s theological content (especially on the issue of apophasis and theōsis), literary technique and textual constitution.
What Can Data Tell Us about Publishing?
Authors: Kolman Michiel , Martin Rachel
Published: July 2023

Reliable and accurate data form the basis for driving progress and taking informed decisions. The publishing organizations – national, regional, and international – play a crucial and unique role in this, especially the International Publishers Association (IPA), which has been quite effective through its World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) collaboration. International publishing data show the size of the market and the leading publishing nations, as well as more granular data of formats such as print versus digital. The scarcity of data from the Global South should improve over time. Moreover, we see that high-quality data can help shape policies in the publishing industry on sustainability in general and climate change in particular.
Sustainability
Authors: Charkin Richard
Published: July 2023

Although it is important to set targets for improving the environmental sustainability of a publishing house, it is vital that the management accounting systems reflect the actuality of a book’s cost, including all overhead transactions, in order to measure and motivate appropriately.
Fuzzy Delphi Method Application in Developing Methodology for Integrating Memorised Quranic Verses with Aqli Knowledge Based on Quranic Exegesis
Authors: Hilmi Ahmad Bazli Ahmad , Amir Selamat bin , Saleh Muhammad Hafiz , Sulaiman Adibah
Published: July 2023

Integrating naqli and aqli knowledge is an approach used in the Kolej GENIUS Insan curriculum. However, no specific model for integrating memorised Quranic verses with aqli knowledge has been highlighted for the subject of Hifz al-Quran. This study aims to outline the methodology of integrating memorised Quranic verses with aqli knowledge based on the discipline of Quranic exegesis. The Fuzzy Delphi method was used, involving twelve experts in Quranic exegesis. The findings showed that the consensus of the experts in the methodology of integrating memorised Quranic verses is the interpretation of the Quran based on the Quran, followed by the interpretation based on the opinion (al-raʾy), the hadith, the opinion of the companions, the opinion of the followers, the language, and the opinion of the previously recognised exegetes. For Quranic exegesis based on opinion (al-raʾy), there are eleven methods, ranked in order of priority.
Muqaddima of Ibn al-Ṣalāḥ and the Revival of Hadith Studies in the Mamluk Era
Authors: Noor Umar Muhammad
Published: July 2023

In hadith historiography, the Muqaddima (Introduction) of Ibn al-Ṣalāḥ (d. 643/1245) marked the beginning of a new era in the preservation of hadith sciences. It determined the direction of the discourse of hadith for centuries and inaugurated a cultural revolution in the Mamluk era. This article aims at explaining why and how the phenomenon occurred. Furthermore, associating the publication of the Muqaddima with the state of hadith scholarship in the 7/13 century exposes the primary factors and key people behind the spread of Muqaddima and the changes that followed. The study is qualitative in nature and used both inductive and deductive methods to analyse data acquired from various biographical dictionaries and isnād collections. It discovers that the publication of the Muqaddima has rejuvenated the study of hadith in the Mamluk era after centuries of irreversible decline through the formation of a scholarly network across the Islamic countries which sought to simplify the content of the Muqaddima for hadith students. Their works have indirectly opened the opportunity for more people to discuss hadith criticism, which was originally limited to elite scholars. Damascus and Egypt played a key role in this movement due to their strategic position as the primary center of hadith studies after the destruction of Khurasan and Baghdad by the Mongols. This finding will, to some extent, complete our understanding of the history of pre-modern hadith scholarship that is less highlighted today.
Union Strategies for the Representation of Platform Delivery Workers in Spain
Authors: Arasanz Díaz Juan , Sanz de Miguel Pablo
Published: July 2023

Food-delivery digital labour platforms started to operate in Spain in 2016. As in other national contexts, these platforms have misclassified workers as independent contractors rather than employees, shifting responsibilities and risks onto workers who have been forced to operate under marketized relationships lacking protection. This paper analyses trade unions practices and strategies targeted towards food-delivery platform workers (riders) in Spain. The findings are based on desk research and fieldwork consisting of semi-structured interviews with representatives from different trade unions and self-organized workers’ associations. The article shows how trade unions’ strategies resting on litigation and social dialogue ended up with the first legislation in Europe which introduced a rebuttable presumption of employment in the field of delivery platforms. At the same time, it shows the limitation of those strategies resting on institutional power resources due to the fragmentation of workers’ interests and the newly platforms’ strategies to circumvent labour law.
Society, Culture and the Speech Act of Praise – Observations from Ugandan English vis-à-vis British English
Authors: Meierkord Christiane
Published: July 2023

Whilst there has recently been an upsurge in studies into self-praise on social media, and despite the fact that there exists a vast amount of literature available on speech acts such as requests, apologies and compliments, praise in traditional spoken and written English has largely escaped scholarly attention. However, it seems to form a substantial part of everyday behaviour in various linguacultures, and the Ugandan ones appear to belong to these. This paper aims at describing how praise is performed in Ugandan English. Using data collected for the Uganda component of the International Corpus of English, it examines how praise is performed linguistically, in which genres praise can be found, and which functions it seems to perform in comparison to what is the case in British English data.
Two new species of Hyalella Smith, 1874 (Malacostraca: Amphipoda: Hyalellidae) from the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: REIS GIOVANNA DE OLIVEIRA , BUENO ALESSANDRA ANGÉLICA DE PÁDUA , ARAUJO PAULA BEATRIZ
Published: July 2023

The genus Hyalella Smith, 1874 occurs exclusively in the Americas. In Brazil, the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul have the largest number of records with 20 species. This paper presents two new species for the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The serrate setae with accessory seta, a new type of seta, is registered for the genus and observed on gnathopods 1 and 2. Additionally, microtrichs are reported on articles, a detail that has not been mentioned in previous studies. Hyalella carsone sp. nov. is characterized by gnathopod 1 with comb-scales from the basis to the carpus, gnathopod 2 dactylus with proximal margin strongly serrated and the presence of serrate setae on the articles of gnathopods 1 and 2. Hyalella wangarie sp. nov. is characterized by gnathopod 2 palm not sinuous with margin inconspicuously serrated, peduncle and inner ramus of the pleopod with simple setae, presence of curved seta on uropod 1 of male and gnathopod 1 palm on female slightly serrated. In this work we expand the number of species from Brazil and increase the morphological knowledge of the genus Hyalella.
First descriptions of the females of Cyclogomphus heterostylus Selys, 1854 and Ictinogomphus distinctus Ram, 1985 from India, with comments on the status of Cyclogomphus wilkinsi Fraser, 1926 (Odonata: Gomphidae)
Authors: PAYRA ARAJUSH , TIPLE ASHISH D , KOPARDE PANKAJ
Published: July 2023

The present paper deals with the first descriptions of the females of two endemic Gomphid dragonflies of India, namely Cyclogomphus heterostylus Selys, 1854 and Ictinogomphus distinctus Ram, 1985, based on the specimens collected from Maharashtra, India. Additionally present status of Cyclogomphus wilkinsi Fraser, 1926 in India is also discussed.
Atlantor, a new generic name for Barbus reinii Günther, 1874 from Morocco(Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: BORKENHAGEN KAI , FREYHOF JÖRG
Published: July 2023

Atlantor, new genus, is proposed for Barbus reinii from the Atlantic basin in Morocco. The sole species of the genus is clearly separated from related genera based on its phylogenetic position, and from Carasobarbus, Mesopotamichthys and Pterocapoeta in its morphological characters. Atlantor was previously included in Labeobarbus, making this genus paraphyletic with respect to several genera from Western Asia and North Africa. With the description of Atlantor, all these genera become monophyletic. Within Torinae, Atlantor can be diagnosed by having 5½ branched anal-fin rays, modally 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays, two pairs of long barbels, and by its distinct phylogenetic position.
Improving the CFSv2 Seasonal Precipitation Forecasts across the United States by Combining Weather Regimes and Gaussian Mixture Models
Authors: Ratterman Cody , Zhang Wei , Affram Grace , Vernon Bradley
Published: July 2023

Although seasonal climate forecasts have major socioeconomic impacts, current forecast products, especially those for precipitation, are not yet reliable for forecasters and decision-makers. Here we developed a novel statistical–dynamical hybrid model for precipitation by applying weather regimes (WRs) and Gaussian mixture models (WR-GMM) to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), precipitation forecasts across the continental United States. Instead of directly forecasting precipitation, WR-GMM uses observed precipitation from synoptic patterns similar to the future CFSv2 forecast. Traditionally K-means has been used to classify daily synoptic patterns into individual WRs, but the new GMM approach allows multiple WRs to be represented for the same day. The novel WR-GMM forecast model is trained on daily Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) geopotential height and observed precipitation data during the 1981–2010 period and is verified for 2011–22. Overall, the WR-GMM method outperforms the CFSv2 ensemble forecast precipitation in terms of root-mean-square error and for Pearson correlation coefficient for lead months 1–4. Previous studies have used global climate models to forecast WRs in the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean Sea regions, usually with an emphasis on winter months, but the WR-GMM model is the first of its kind that promises great untapped potential to improve precipitation forecasts produced by CFSv2 across the continental United States.
The Corner, the Crew, and the Digital Street: Multiplex Networks of Gang Online-Offline Conflict Dynamics in the Digital Age
Authors: Hsiao Yuan , Leverso John , Papachristos Andrew V.
Published: July 2023

Social media is increasingly intertwined into people’s lives, spurring questions about the relationships between online behavior and offline actions. We advance knowledge in conflict dynamics by using a multiplex network framework that conceptualizes online and offline gang relationships as co-constitutive networks—online and offline relationships often overlap and entangle in complex ways that influence behavior in both the virtual and real worlds. We propose a mixed-methods abductive approach for digital data that uses qualitative analyses to challenge and corroborate quantitative analyses of online gang conflict. Synthesizing data from Facebook posts by alleged gang members, maps of gang territory, and police records of offline shooting events, we show that online gang conflicts are not random attacks but targeted network relationships, and such online relationships are dependent on offline geographic relationships and shooting history relationships between gangs. Our mixed-methods approach further shows via qualitative analyses that the statistical network associations are based on cultural-specific language surrounding gang names and symbols, neighborhood streets, and prominent gang members. Our approach underscores how mixed-methods and qualitative approaches are essential in unpacking “big data” and computational methods in understanding the multiplex nature of group conflict.
Risk Factors for Treatment Failure in Neonates With Skin and Soft Tissue Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Patel Purva , Foster Catherine E. , Stimes Grant , Lee Su Rin , Wallace Sowdhamini S.
Published: July 2023

We aimed to describe the frequency of treatment failure and associated risk factors for treatment failure amongst neonates with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of neonates 0 to 28 days old with uncomplicated SSTIs presenting to the emergency department of a quaternary care children’s hospital from 2009 to 2017. Data were collected via chart review. Skin and soft tissue infections included the following: cellulitis, abscess, mastitis, perirectal SSTI, carbuncle, and furuncle. Of the 202 neonates in the study, most were term, afebrile with mastitis, or perirectal SSTI. Treatment failure occurred in 8% (17/202) of neonates receiving oral antibiotics; 10 of these neonates had perirectal SSTIs and 2 had clindamycin and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Neonates with treatment failure had increased odds of having perirectal SSTIs (odds ratio [OR] = 4.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46-11.31). Further studies are needed to identify strategies to prevent treatment failure in neonates with perirectal SSTIs.
Stab and yarn pull-out resistance of shear thickening fluids (STFs)/E-glass based on PEG modification and modeling yarn pull-out behavior with artificial intelligence
Authors: Hai Tao , Mohammed Alhomayani Fahad , Ajam Hussein , Metwally Ahmed S M
Published: July 2023

Impregnating fabrics with shear thickening fluid (STF) improves impact resistance. In this study modification of polyethylene glycol (PEG 200) was carried out to enhance the thickening behavior of STF. The rheological analysis shows tunned STFs by PEG modification with glutaric acid and oxalic acid increase the maximum viscosity by about 10.33 and 3.28 folds with respect to unmodified STF. Additionally, the alternations of a liquid dispersion medium (PEG) led to higher chain length in STFs, representing superior interaction between media and particles by profuse H-bonding. The results confirmed that increasing the molecular length of PEG-based on STF caused a significant improvement in the knife and spike stabbing impact resistance, quasi-static, and yarn pull-out performance of the neat fabric. In addition, it was realized, by increasing impact velocity the energy absorption ability of STF-treated fabric composite increases. Additionally, a regression analysis using artificial intelligence was applied to study the effect of the pull-out rate on the mechanical response of different materials. Using a third-order polynomial for AI regression model, it turned out that while the pull-out rate has the least influence on untreated E-glass fabrics (UEG) response, for other materials, the behavior changes significantly by increasing the rate from 100 to 400 mm/min.
Applicability of the Suchey–Brooks method for age estimation in an Indian population: A computed tomography-based exploration using Bayesian analysis and machine learning
Authors: Warrier Varsha , Shedge Rutwik , Garg Pawan Kumar , Dixit Shilpi Gupta , Krishan Kewal , Kanchan Tanuj
Published: July 2023

Age estimation occupies a prominent niche in the identification process. In cases where skeletal remains present for examination, age is often estimated from markers distributed throughout the skeletal framework. Within the pelvis, the pubic symphysis constitutes one of the more commonly utilized skeletal markers for age estimation, with the Suchey–Brooks method comprising one of the more commonly employed methods for pubic symphyseal age estimation. The present study was targeted towards assessing the applicability of the Suchey–Brooks method for pubic symphyseal age estimation, an aspect largely unreported for an Indian population. In order to do so, clinically undertaken pelvic computed tomography scans of individuals were evaluated using the Suchey–Brooks method, and the error associated with the method was established using Bayesian analysis and different machine learning regression models. Amongst different supervised machine learning models, support vector regression and random forest furnished lowest error computations in both sexes. Using both Bayesian analysis and machine learning, lower error computations were observed in females, suggesting that the method demonstrates greater applicability for this sex. Inaccuracy and root mean square error obtained with Bayesian analysis and machine learning illustrates that both statistical modalities furnish comparable error computations for pubic symphyseal age estimation using the Suchey–Brooks method. However, given the numerous advantages associated with machine learning, it is recommended to use the same within medicolegal settings. Error computations obtained with the Suchey–Brooks method, regardless of the statistical modality utilized, indicate that the method should be used in amalgamation with additional markers to garner accurate estimates of age.
Carrying Death: A Qualitative Study of Women’s Bodily Perceptions After Their Baby Died in Utero
Authors: Damm Maiken F. , Jørgensen Mathilde L. , Eklund Mette V. , Hvidtjørn Dorte , Prinds Christina
Published: July 2023

When a child dies in utero death becomes an integrated part of the mothers living body and this complex experience places a heavy existential and bodily burden on a woman experiencing stillbirth. This study uses a phenomenological approach with focus groups and individual interviews and data is discussed within a theoretical existential framework. Interviews of six women who experienced stillbirth within a range of 5 years were performed in Denmark. The participants experienced the dissonance of carrying death in their living body, expressed heightened existential considerations, a sense of transgression and of feeling trapped in an unbearable situation, and an experience of both dislocation from their body and an extreme bodily awareness. The study generates new knowledge and understanding of the how stillbirth is experienced as incomprehensible and as a violent bodily invasion of death with deep existential impact.
Becoming a Nationalist Activist: Exploring Biographical Paths of Polish Football Fans
Authors: Grodecki Mateusz , Rura Przemysław
Published: July 2023

The article explores the biographical process of becoming a nationalist activist in the environment of Polish football supporters. Analysing the issue in focus, it also aims to show how the biographical approach can be a useful method to study the processes of reproduction of bottom–up nationalism in general. To this end, we use the classic theoretical approach of Thomas and Znaniecki to explore autobiographical narratives from interviews with 35 nationalist activists from supporter groups of Polish football clubs. The analysis identifies three patterns of the process of becoming a nationalist activist, which are described as patterns typical of keepers, the awakened and followers. The study indicates that the national-martyrological attitude is the foundation of the distinguished paths, and shows how the supporter environment develops the national-martyrological attitude into nationalist activism.
Fast three-dimensional simulation based on data constraints and methods to improve the realism of knitted sweaters
Authors: Li Yuxian , Cong Honglian
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this research is to use the methods of data constraints for parametric design and three-dimensional simulation of knitted sweaters to achieve the purpose of enhancing the simulation effect. First, based on the basic plates of knitted sweaters as a reference, the parameters of the curve parts of the plates were constrained, and the constraint relationships were applied to build the parametric design models. After entering the user parameters, the changed plates can be obtained. On this basis, the transformation of flat plates to three-dimensional surfaces was carried out. The triangular grid mapping relationships between two-dimensional plates and three-dimensional surfaces were constructed, and the physical properties were further specified for the mesh particles. When the surface texture parameters of the two-dimensional plane are designed, the three-dimensional surface will change accordingly. In addition, this research put forward the stitching and matching methods of the seams of knitted sweaters. The joint size was equally divided, and the number of coils was converted into the number of triangular mesh. Point-to-point mesh was used to realize the accurate counterpoint fusion of coils. The feasibility of parametric and virtual design methods was verified by taking an example, which provides ideas for the computer-aided design of knitted sweaters and promotes the improvement of production efficiency without wasting raw materials.
Suppurative Temporomandibular Arthritis Caused by Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: A Case Report
Authors: Cai Mingjing , Wu Ting , Li Guangfei , Qian Bo , Ji Hongbo , Lu Zhiqin , Yang Jianrong , Zhang Qingxiang , He Shuangba , Meng Wei
Published: July 2023

The clinical diagnosis and treatment, including information such as age, history, clinical symptoms, signs, audiology, imaging examination, mode of operation, and postoperative follow-up, of a patient with suppurative temporomandibular arthritis caused by chronic suppurative otitis media were analyzed. As conservative drug treatment and drainage surgery were ineffective, the patient was treated with microscopic open radical mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty, the plasty of the cavity of auricular concha, facial nerve decompression, coarctation of the mastoid cavity combined with otoendoscpic resection of the lower temporomandibular lesions, and standard anti-inflammatory treatment after surgery. The patient appeared to be cured at the 3-month follow-up. The ear canal was dry, without any preauricular swelling, purulent ear discharge, otalgia, limitation of mouth opening, or other symptoms. A clear diagnosis by defining the scope of the lesions, analysis of the transmission route of the lesions, and standard conservative treatment, local drainage, and surgical resection, if necessary, are recommended for patients with suppurative temporomandibular arthritis.
Weaponising time in the war on welfare: Slow violence and deaths of disabled people within the UK's social security system
Authors: Mills China , Pring John
Published: July 2023

In 2014, a long continuing battle began to find out more about Government record-keeping on the deaths of disabled people claiming benefits. Drawing on a timeline of evidence co-produced with disabled people, we analyse how deaths related to the benefits system are an outcome of slow violence, where both the delay between policies and their harmful effects, as well as the more active use of delay tactics, are central to how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) weaponise time as a strategy to avoid accountability and deny justice. DWP reviews into deaths are an under-researched yet significant focus because they are (supposedly) tools through which the DWP investigates the harms of its own policies, and yet, they are designed and carried out in a way that systemically invisibilise state accountability.
School Connectedness: Examining Measurement Invariance by Gender and Grade
Authors: Peng Anqi , Patterson Meagan M. , Fite Paula J.
Published: July 2023

School connectedness plays a critical role in multiple aspects of child development. The purpose of this study was to operationalize school connectedness as a multidimensional construct and further assess whether this construct was measured similarly across gender and grade level among a sample of upper elementary school children (age M = 9.57; N = 361) in the United States. Based on prior scholarship, we identified and validated three key elements of school connectedness: school attachment, teacher attachment, and school safety. The results of multigroup confirmatory factor analysis showed that these three elements were measured comparably across gender and grade (Grades 3, 4, and 5). As measurement invariances by gender and grade were supported, we further examined differences in latent means among these groups and found that there were no differences in the three elements of school connectedness by gender; fourth graders had lower school attachment than third graders.
An artificial silk elastin-like protein modifies the polarization of human macrophages line THP-1
Authors: Unzai Tomo , Washisaka Taichi , Tabata Yasuhiko
Published: July 2023

A silk elastin-like protein (SELP) is an artificial compound with silk fibroin-like and elastin-like tandem repeats. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of SELP on the polarization of human monocytoma cell line (THP-1)-derived macrophages. When the macrophages of inflammation-type (M1) were cultured with different concentrations of SELP solution, the secretion of a pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrotizing factor (TNF) -α was significantly suppressed at the higher concentrations. In addition, the secretion of an anti-inflammation cytokine, interleukin (IL)-10, was significantly enhanced from the macrophage of M0-, M1-, and M2-types. By the incubation with soluble SELP, the morphology of M2-type macrophages changed to be of an extended shape. Following incubation with the sponge of SELP, M0-type macrophages secreted IL-10 with time. It is concluded that the SELP itself in solution has an ability to induce the anti-inflammation of M2-type macrophages.
Vico and the conspiracy of the sciences
Authors: Alonso-Rocafort Víctor
Published: July 2023

On 18 October 1708, Giambattista Vico (1668–1744) gave his seventh inaugural oration, De nostri temporis studiorum ratione (De ratione) at the University of Naples. There, he used the term conspirare to propose collaboration among the sciences. An initial study of the historical context, specifically the scholar’s involvement with the Conspiracy of the Prince of Macchia (1701) and the debates on university reform, makes it possible to formulate a hypothesis regarding Vico’s intent and word choice that enriches our understanding of the preserved text. On a personal level, the Neapolitan professor was looking for a modicum of protection from the new authorities, especially the recently named viceroy in audience that day, Cardinal Vicenzo Grimani. On the political plane, along with a surreptitious argument against tyranny, Vico sought to dissuade the new governors from subscribing to the divisive approach embodied in the university policy of the Cartesian and Bourbonic reformers. Direct analysis of the text of De ratione enabled theoretical scrutiny of the frame from which Vico called for more than mere encyclopaedic knowledge. He was setting forth a vision for a conspiratorial project among the sciences based on a broad understanding of rhetoric. His original proposal for inter- and trans-disciplinarity can inform current debates on the same topic.
Nonhematopoietic Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Administration Improves Long-term Neurodevelopment After Periventricular-Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Rao Raghavendra B. , Shiao Maple L. , Ennis-Czerniak Kathleen M. , Low Walter C.
Published: July 2023

Periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) is common in extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGAN) and leads to motor and behavioral impairments. Currently there is no effective treatment for PIVH. Whether human nonhematopoietic umbilical cord blood-derived stem cell (nh-UCBSC) administration reduces the severity of brain injury and improves long-term motor and behavioral function was tested in an ELGAN-equivalent neonatal rat model of PIVH. In a collagenase-induced unilateral PIVH on postnatal day (P) 2 model, rat pups received a single dose of nh-UCBSCs at a dose of 1 × 106 cells i.p. on P6 (PIVH + UCBSC group) or were left untreated (Untreated PIVH group). Motor deficit was determined using forelimb placement, edge-push, and elevated body swing tests at 2 months ( N = 5–8). Behavior was evaluated using open field exploration and rearing tests at 4 months ( N =10–12). Cavity volume and hemispheric volume loss on the PIVH side were determined at 7 months ( N = 6–7). Outcomes were compared between the Untreated PIVH and PIVH + UCBSC groups and a Control group. Unilateral motor deficits were present in 60%–100% of rats in the Untreated PIVH group and 12.5% rats in the PIVH + UCBSC group ( P = 0.02). Untreated PIVH group exhibited a higher number of quadrant crossings in open field exploration, indicating low emotionality and poor habituation, and had a cavitary lesion and hemispheric volume loss on the PIVH side. Performance in open field exploration correlated with cavity volume ( r2 = 0.25; P < 0.05). Compared with the Untreated PIVH group, performance in open field exploration was better ( P = 0.0025) and hemispheric volume loss was lower (19.9 ± 4.4% vs 6.1 ± 2.6%, P = 0.018) in the PIVH + UCBSC group. These results suggest that a single dose of nh-UCBSCs administered in the subacute period after PIVH reduces the severity of injury and improves neurodevelopment in neonatal rats.
Bridging public and private health services to best meet the cardiometabolic needs of people with severe mental illness: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Esh Nicole , Michael Sarah , Paetzholdt Jonathan , Samaras Katherine
Published: July 2023

Objective

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature mortality in people with severe mental illness (SMI). Despite this, there lacks consensus regarding the most appropriate platform to monitor and treat cardiometabolic risk factors in this cohort. The current study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tailored cardiometabolic healthcare in a private, GP-led clinic for people with SMI.

Method

A total of 63 adults with SMI were referred to a private GP-led cardiometabolic clinic from a neighbouring inner-city mental health service, where they received individualised cardiometabolic healthcare free-of-charge between 2014 and 2020. Paired t test was used to measure change in cardiometabolic data over the course of treatment. Chi-squared and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to examine differences in demographic data and client engagement.

Results

Over a mean period of 9 months, there was a significant mean reduction of weight (2.1 kg), BMI (0.72 kg/m2) and waist circumference (6 cm). Engagement over a longer period was associated with stable accommodation and improved cardiometabolic outcomes.

Conclusions

Targeted referral for individualised cardiometabolic interventions can lead to clinically significant improvement in cardiometabolic outcomes, providing a cause for therapeutic optimism when approaching physical health in people with SMI.