bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Degradation of Vanadium-Based Phosphate Framework Electrode Materials in Aqueous Environments
Authors: Tediashvili Davit , Pilipavičius Jurgis , Juodkazytė Jurga , Vilčiauskas Linas
Published: December 2023

Na3V2(PO4)3 and Na3V2(PO4)2F3 are among the most studied and applied positive electrode materials in non-aqueous sodium-ion batteries due to their relatively high capacities and redox potentials. However, the stability of these materials in aqueous environments is relatively low limiting their applications in aqueous batteries or deionization cells. In this study, we provide a comprehensive analysis of Na3V2(PO4)3 and Na3V2(PO4)2F3 degradation in aqueous media using a number of techniques such as standard electrochemical methods, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffractometry, and rotating ring-disc electrode. The latter allows for real time in situ/operando degradation analysis during electrochemical operation. The results show that Na3V2(PO4)3 suffers from chemical vanadium dissolution when immersed even in neutral pH electrolytes, whereas Na3V2(PO4)2F3 is significantly more stable. The results obtained by the rotating ring-disc electrode technique explicitly show that at pH ∼7 Na3V2(PO4)3 and Na3V2(PO4)2F3 generate most of the soluble V(V) species during the electrochemical charging process. Whereas in acidic pH, there is also additional electrochemically-induced generation of soluble V(IV) species during the discharging process. The overall results suggest that fluoride ions significantly increase the structural stability of phosphate materials in aqueous environments. Potentially, a careful electrolyte design with controlled proton and water activity could enable the use of Na3V2(PO4)2F3 in aqueous electrochemical devices.
Fecal dysbiosis and inflammation in intestinal-specific Cftr knockout mice on regimens preventing intestinal obstruction
Authors: Young Sarah M. , Woode Rowena A. , Williams Estela C. , Ericsson Aaron C. , Clarke Lane L.
Published: December 2023

Chronic intestinal inflammation is a manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease caused by loss of the anion channel CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) that is expressed in many tissues. This study shows that intestinal epithelial cell-specific loss of CFTR [inducible Cftr knockout (KO)] in mice is sufficient to induce intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation. Experiments were performed on mice consuming two dietary regimens routinely used to prevent obstruction in CF mice.
Colorectal cancer subtyping and prognostic model construction based on interleukin-related genes
Authors: Song Jintian , Chen Jianbin , Chen Yigui , Wang Yi , Zheng Liang , Yu Hui , Chen Changjiang
Published: December 2023

We identified two clusters with significant survival differences in colorectal cancer (CRC) based on interleukin-related genes, constructed an 11-gene risk score model that can independently predict the prognosis of CRC, and explored some targeted drugs that may improve the prognosis of patients with CRC. The results of this study have important implications for the prognosis and treatment of CRC.
Free Convection Heat Transfer in Composite Enclosures with Porous and Nanofluid Layers
Authors: Alhashash Abeer
Published: December 2023

This work conducts a numerical investigation of convection heat transfer within two composite enclosures. These enclosures consist of porous and nanofluidic layers, where the porous layers are saturated with the same nanofluid. The first enclosure has two porous layers of different sizes and permeabilities, while the second is separated by a single porous layer. As the porous layer thickness approaches zero, both enclosures transition to clear nanofluid enclosures. The study uses the Navier–Stokes equations to govern fluid flow in the nanofluid domain and the Brinkman–Forchheimer extended Darcy model to describe flow within the saturated porous layer. Numerical solutions are obtained using an iterative finite difference method. Key parameters studied include the porous thickness (

0.0
≤
S
≤
1.0

), the nanoparticle volume fraction (

0.0
≤
ϕ
≤
0.05

), the thermal conductivity ratio (

0.5
≤

R
k

≤
10

), and the Darcy number (

10

−
5

≤
D
a
≤

10

−
2

). Key findings include the observation that the highest heat transfer is achieved at the highest concentration, regardless of the porous layer configuration, permeability value, or thermal conductivity ratio. Specifically, an augmentation in values of

N
u

―

I

up to 22% is obtained as concentration is adjusted from 1% to 5%. Similarly, an augmentation in values of

N
u

―

II

up to 25% is obtained as concentration is adjusted from 1% to 5%.
Morphometric and Genetic Characterization of Dominant Fish Species in Progo River, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Mulyasari  , Subaryono  , Utomo Bagus Sediadi Bandol , Taufik Imam , Kusmini Irin Iriana , Yosmaniar
Published: December 2023

A study on the morphology and genetics of the three species of dominant wader that live in the Progo River has been conducted. This study aimed to identify the three kinds of dominant waders in the Progo River, their morphology, and their genetics to ensure their right identity. Fish characterization was done by morphological analysis using the truss-morphometric method and genetic analysis using molecular markers. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) based on PCR was used for diversity identification for interspecies and between species. Several analyses of water quality parameters (temperature, nitrate, phosphate, and ammonia) were also carried out to determine the habitat’s suitability for the fish’s survival. Based on the results of discriminant function analysis, all wader fish from the Progo River used in this study were classified into three species with the highest differentiation character D4 (distance between the starting point of upper tail fin and the starting point of lower tail fin). Results also show that wader abang fish have similar morphometric characteristics and DNA closer to wader kepe compared to wader pari. The length-weight relationship of wader fish from the Progo River shows that the growth pattern of wader abang and wader kepe is allometric positive, while that of wader pari is allometric negative. The value of the condition factor for wader fish from the Progo River indicates that the environmental habitat of wader fish is good and stable so that it can support the fish growth.
TABLE 2 from Sustained Disease Control in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Responders with Microsatellite Instability-high Colorectal Cancer after Treatment Termination
Authors: Simmons Kristen , Thomas Jane V. , Ludford Kaysia , Willis Jason A. , Higbie Victoria S. , Raghav Kanwal P.S. , Johnson Benny , Dasari Arvind , Kee Bryan K. , Parseghian Christine M. , Lee Michael S. , Le Phat H. , Morelli Maria P. , Shen John Paul , Bent Alisha , Vilar Eduardo , Wolff Robert A. , Kopetz Scott , Overman Michael J. , Morris Van Karlyle
Published: December 2023

Characteristics of postimmunotherapy recurrence/progression
FIGURE 1 from Sustained Disease Control in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Responders with Microsatellite Instability-high Colorectal Cancer after Treatment Termination
Authors: Simmons Kristen , Thomas Jane V. , Ludford Kaysia , Willis Jason A. , Higbie Victoria S. , Raghav Kanwal P.S. , Johnson Benny , Dasari Arvind , Kee Bryan K. , Parseghian Christine M. , Lee Michael S. , Le Phat H. , Morelli Maria P. , Shen John Paul , Bent Alisha , Vilar Eduardo , Wolff Robert A. , Kopetz Scott , Overman Michael J. , Morris Van Karlyle
Published: December 2023

Proportion of patients with disease recurrence (A) and percentage of patients with disease recurrence stratified by reason for immunotherapy cessation (B).
Oxytocin Receptor-Expressing Neurons in the Medial Preoptic Area Are Essential for Lactation, whereas Those in the Lateral Septum Are Not Critical for Maternal Behavior
Authors: Hidema Shizu , Sato Keisuke , Mizukami Hiroaki , Takahashi Yumi , Maejima Yuko , Shimomura Kenju , Nishimori Katsuhiko
Published: December 2023

Introduction: In nurturing systems, the oxytocin (Oxt)-oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) system is important for parturition, and essential for lactation and parental behavior. Among the nerve nuclei that express Oxtr, the lateral septal nucleus (LS) and medial preoptic area (MPOA) are representative regions that control maternal behavior. Methods: We investigated the role of Oxtr- and Oxtr-expressing neurons, located in the LS and MPOA, in regulating maternal behavior by regulating Oxtr expression in a region-specific manner using recombinant mice and adeno-associated viruses. We quantified the prolactin (Prl) concentrations in the pituitary gland and plasma when Oxtr expression in the MPOA was reduced. Results: The endogenous Oxtr gene in the neurons of the LS did not seem to play an essential role in maternal behavior. Conversely, decreased Oxtr expression in the MPOA increased the frequency of pups being left outside the nest and reduced their survival rate. Deletion of Oxtr in MPOA neurons prevented elevation of Prl levels in plasma and pituitary at postpartum day 2. Discussion/Conclusion: Oxtr-expressing neurons in the MPOA are involved in the postpartum production of Prl. We confirmed the essential functions of Oxtr-expressing neurons and the Oxtr gene itself in the MPOA for the sustainability of maternal behavior, which involved Oxtr-dependent induction of Prl.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Depressive Symptoms, Including Clinical and Subthreshold Levels, and Eating Behaviors in First-Year University Students
Authors: Miyake Yoshie , Takagaki Koki , Yoshino Atsuo , Okamoto Yuri
Published: December 2023

Introduction: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, university students experienced unusual environmental stresses, and the number of university students with depressive symptoms increased. The pandemic had a profoundly negative impact on the mental health of first-year students because they were not prepared to face academic and social stresses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on depressive symptoms, eating behaviors, and stress-coping ability among first-year university students. Methods: A total of 8,424 first-year students, 2,043 males and 1,636 females who entered university in Japan in 2021–2022 (during the pandemic) and 2,912 males and 1,833 females who entered university in Japan in 2018–2019 (before the pandemic), participated. We investigated the differences in depressive symptoms (using Beck Depression Inventory II [BDI-II]), eating behaviors (using Eating Attitudes Test-26 [EAT-26] and Bulimic Inventory Test, Edinburgh [BITE]), and stress coping (using Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations [CISS], which has three subscales) between first-year students before and during the pandemic. We divided the students into three categories (clinical, subthreshold, and nonsymptomatic) according to depressive symptoms and eating behaviors based on BDI-ll and EAT-26 scores and compared the frequencies of the three categories at two time points. Results: First-year students during the pandemic showed a higher percentage of depressive symptoms, including clinical and subthreshold levels, than first-year students before the pandemic but did not show disordered eating behaviors. Additionally, the CISS task-oriented score was significantly lower for students with depressive symptoms, including clinical and subthreshold levels, during the pandemic than before the pandemic in females. Conclusions: This study suggests that it may be important to provide first-year university students with more information about depressive symptom awareness, including clinical and subthreshold levels, and to provide appropriate ways for stress coping from many angles and early support in pandemic conditions.
Peran B Cell Activating Factor (BAFF) pada Penatalaksanaan Sindrom Nefrotik : Sebuah Paradigma Baru
Authors: Kristina Astrid , Subandiyah Krisni
Published: December 2023

Sindrom Nefrotik (SN) adalah penyakit glomerular yang ditandai dengan proteinuria berat (≥3g/24 jam), hipoalbuminemia (≤25g/L), edema anasarka dan hiperlipidemia yang sering ditemukan. Sindrom ini dapat menyerang baik anak-anak maupun dewasa pada semua umur dan dapat disebabkan oleh penyebab idiopatik atau primer, atau penyebab sekunder akibat penyakit infeksi, penyakit sistemik, keganasan, diabetes, dan akibat obat-obatan. Terapi spesifik pada SN ditentukan oleh histopatologi dan penyebab yang mendasari. Sel B atau limfosit B adalah bagian dari kunci dalam respons kekebalan tubuh yang disebut kekebalan humoral pada mamalia. Produksi sel B pada manusia berlangsung seumur hidup, dimulai di hati janin dalam kandungan kemudian di sumsum tulang setelah lahir. Sel B berkembang dari sel induk hematopoietik. Tahapan perkembangan sel B meliputi semua tahap diferensiasi awal, pematangan, interaksi antigen, dan pada akhirnya sintesis antibodi. Selama ini, SN dianggap sebagai penyakit yang dimediasi sel T. Pandangan baru mengarah pada peran potensial sel B dalam patogenesis SN. Salah satu mekanisme yang terjadi adalah sel B menghasilkan antibodi yang mengikat antigen pada permukaan podosit yang merupakan sel khusus di glomerulus dan memainkan peran kunci dalam proses filtrasi. Baik pada Sindrom Nefrotik Sensitif Steroid (SNSS) maupun Sindrom Nefrotik Resisten Steroid (SNRS), mekanisme penyebab keduanya masih belum jelas namun diduga memiliki hubungan erat dengan gangguan sistem imunitas, terutama sel B. Dari banyaknya subpulasi sel B yang berperan, B-cell activating factor (BAFF), yang termasuk dalam golongan tumor necrosis factor (TNF), merupakan sitokin esensial yang memiliki peranan penting pada maturasi, aktivasi, dan survival limfosit B.
Fusion Modeling: Combining Clinical and Imaging Data to Advance Cardiac Care
Authors: van Assen Marly , Tariq Amara , Razavi Alexander C. , Yang Carl , Banerjee Imon , De Cecco Carlo N.
Published: December 2023

In addition to the traditional clinical risk factors, an increasing amount of imaging biomarkers have shown value for cardiovascular risk prediction. Clinical and imaging data are captured from a variety of data sources during multiple patient encounters and are often analyzed independently. Initial studies showed that fusion of both clinical and imaging features results in superior prognostic performance compared with traditional scores. There are different approaches to fusion modeling, combining multiple data resources to optimize predictions, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. However, manual extraction of clinical and imaging data is time and labor intensive and often not feasible in clinical practice. An automated approach for clinical and imaging data extraction is highly desirable. Convolutional neural networks and natural language processing can be utilized for the extraction of electronic medical record data, imaging studies, and free-text data. This review outlines the current status of cardiovascular risk prediction and fusion modeling; and in addition gives an overview of different artificial intelligence approaches to automatically extract data from images and electronic medical records for this purpose.
Redescription of the earthworm Moniligaster gravelyi Stephenson, 1915 (Clitellata, Moniligastridae) based on recent collections from Kerala state, India
Authors: NARAYANAN S. PRASANTH , PALIWAL R. , AHMED SHAKOOR , THOMAS A.P. , JULKA J.M.
Published: December 2023

Earthworms of the genus Moniligaster Perrier, 1872 can be distinguished from other genera of the family Moniligastridae by the presence of spermathecal atrial glands. Moniligaster gravelyi Stephenson, 1915 has so far been known only from a single specimen, and it is the only species with supposed single spermathecal atrial gland in the genus. Hence, this species has been a subject to some taxonomic confusion. Here, M. gravelyi is redescribed from new material collected and illustrated for the first time. The current study expanded its description and provided a more comprehensive taxonomic characterization of the species. Comparison of the species with closely related species are also made. Apart from this detailed information on its habitat and geographical range is also provided.
Observed Relationships between Sea Surface Temperature, Vertical Wind Shear, Tropical Organized Deep Convection, and Radiative Effects
Authors: Hsiao Wei-Ting , Maloney Eric D. , Leitmann-Niimi Nicolas M. , Kummerow Christian D.
Published: December 2023

Organized deep convective activity has been routinely monitored by satellite precipitation radar from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and Global Precipitation Mission (GPM). Organized deep convective activity is found to increase not only with sea surface temperature (SST) above 27°C, but also with low-level wind shear. Precipitation shows a similar increasing relationship with both SST and low-level wind shear, except for the highest low-level wind shear. These observations suggest that the threshold for organized deep convection and precipitation in the tropics should consider not only SST, but also vertical wind shear. The longwave cloud radiative feedback, measured as the tropospheric longwave cloud radiative heating per amount of precipitation, is found to generally increase with stronger organized deep convective activity as SST and low-level wind shear increase. Organized deep convective activity, the longwave cloud radiative feedback, and cirrus ice cloud cover per amount of precipitation also appear to be controlled more strongly by SST than by the deviation of SST from its tropical mean. This study hints at the importance of non-thermodynamic factors such as vertical wind shear for impacting tropical convective structure, cloud properties, and associated radiative energy budget of the tropics.

Significance Statement

This study uses tropical satellite observations to demonstrate that vertical wind shear affects the relationship between sea surface temperature and tropical organized deep convection and precipitation. Shear also affects associated cloud properties and how clouds affect the flow of radiation in the atmosphere. Although how vertical wind shear affects convective organization has long been studied in the mesoscale community, the study attempts to apply mesoscale theory to explain the large-scale mean organization of tropical deep convection, cloud properties, and radiative feedbacks. The study also provides a quantitative observational baseline of how vertical wind shear modifies cloud radiative effects and convective organization, which can be compared to numerical simulations.
State Capacity and Elite Enrichment in Uganda's Northeastern Periphery
Authors: Czuba Karol
Published: December 2023

In the mid-2000s, Uganda's authoritarian National Resistance Movement (NRM) regime set out to extend state control over Karamoja, a long-neglected region in the northeast of the country. This effort has involved large-scale deployment of security personnel, investment in an expansive administrative system used to subdue the local population, and construction of physical infrastructure that connects Karamoja with the rest of Uganda and facilitates the exploitation of the region's natural resources by members of the political elite. Government bodies in Karamoja capably perform functions that benefit the NRM elite and regime; other government responsibilities, notably for public service provision, have been assumed by non-state organisations. This article shows that the unevenness of state capacity in the region is the result of a coherent strategy that the regime has implemented across Uganda; developments in Karamoja illuminate this strategy and, thereby, help to account for the apparent incongruity of the country's political system.
A Comparison of Inventory Management Models in Automated Dispensing Cabinets at a Large Academic Medical Center
Authors: Walczyk Thomas , Hill John D. , Gill Carla , Hurowitz Lisa , Stimler David , Flax Gary , Boreen Christopher , Lau Edward
Published: December 2023

Purpose: To compare and evaluate 2 methods of inventory management in automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs). Methods: Ten profiled ADCs had 2 inventory management models implemented over 2 months. Implementation of the models on each ADC involved adjustment of par levels (desired accessible quantities of medication) and removal of medications not used in the past 90 days or more. The par levels of 5 ADCs were adjusted using a formula developed based on the economic order quantity model. The par levels of the other 5 ADCs were adjusted using a formula based on historical average daily usage. The study endpoints include stock out rate, vend:fill ratio, quantity of expired medications, and inventory carrying cost. Results: The total of number of medications stocked in the 10 ADCs was reduced from 3035 in a 2-month pre-implementation period to 2932 in a 2-month post-implementation period yielding a reduction of inventory carrying cost by $11 011. The mean stock out rate in both study groups increased and vend:fill ratio decreased after implementation. The quantity of expired medications increased in the modified economic order quantity formula inventory management model and decreased in the average daily usage inventory management model. Conclusion: The implementation of 2 inventory management models on ADCs had a negative impact on stock out rate and vend:fill ratio, a mixed impact on quantity of expired medications, and a positive impact on inventory carrying cost reduction.
Crop Residue as Sustainable Energy Option: Case of Amritsar District, Punjab, India
Authors: Kaur Ritu Raj , Luthra Ashwani
Published: December 2023

Historically, biomass energy is the oldest form of energy, for domestic purposes. Amongst biomass, crop-residue resources are abundant, especially in agriculture-dominated areas. Worldwide, of the total renewable energy potential, one-fourth of total renewable energy is being produced by biomass and waste. Within biomass, co-generation plants using process-based agricultural wastes are used for power generation. However, a major proportion of crop residues, that is, non-processed residues, are burnt in the open fields themselves, resulting in air pollution, greenhouse gases and climate change, deterioration of soil health due to loss of nutrients, moisture, etc. The present article assesses crop-residue generation, utilisation, and surplus-availability for energy generation in Amritsar district. Amritsar district is the second most populated among 22 districts of Punjab state. Agriculture is the main economic activity in the district, covering 82.2% of its geographical area. It has been estimated that a total of 2.5 million tonnes of crop residues are being generated annually within the Amritsar district. Out of the total residues, almost two-thirds of residues remain unutilised. The residues are being burnt, resulting in deteriorating air-quality, which could be used as a sustainable renewable energy source. The total surplus residue has the potential for 721 MW of power generation.
From Theory to Practice: Dos of Culturally Responsive Teaching in Teacher Education Programs
Authors: Tanase Madalina , Kayaalp Dilek
Published: December 2023

The problem the study addresses is how teacher candidates acquire knowledge, skills, and techniques regarding cultural competence over time. We conducted interviews with three teachers, three teacher educators, and six university professors in Florida over a 12-month period. After coding the data, we generated 26 categories. Data indicate that teacher candidates increase their understanding of CRE when they are explicitly taught about the cultural contexts of society. The findings suggest that conducting assignments on diverse school cultures can enhance teacher candidates’ cultural responsiveness. Our study contributes to the literature by providing concrete examples of what CRE looks like in practice.
Medical School Civic Engagement During COVID-19: Activating Institutions for Equitable Community Response
Authors: Franco Zeno , Davis Christopher S. , Kalet Adina , Hooyer Katinka , Nelson David , Amin Que El , Stevenson Michael , Cox Kathryn , Yaspan Andrew , Perkins Heather , Kryshak Thad , Kryshak Mike , Spellecy Ryan , Abdullah Aziz , Lord Mara , O’Connor Sarah , Ahmed Syed M.
Published: December 2023

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) serves the Milwaukee metro area, one of the most diverse and segregated urban areas in the United States. In the acute crisis phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, MCW’s Civic and Community Engagement (C/CE) efforts were leveraged to address community concerns around four key initiatives: (a) availability of personal protective equipment in community; (b) food and housing issues for homeless individuals; (c) the need for multi-lingual, culturally tailored public health information around infection control through work with artists, influencers, and community health workers; and (d) later, addressing vaccination disparities and fears in an equitable way. These efforts were undertaken in collaboration with the City of Milwaukee Health Department, the Milwaukee County Office of African American Affairs, and other external partners. A multi-actor case study approach examined the intersection of Institutions of Higher Education, government, and community—with a particular emphasis on how Schools of Medicine can serve a unique role in bridging these domains to create a more robust framework for equitable, humanistically informed community crisis response. Implications for future public health disasters, as well as institutional civic engagement in response to pervasive, day-to-day problems around upstream determinants of health are explored.
Fatalism and Suicidal Behaviors Among Chinese College Students: The Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms and the Moderating Role of Coping Strategies
Authors: Wu Caizhi , Bai Xin , Peng Xueyu , Huang Tingting , Zhu Xu
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between fatalism and suicidal behaviors, the mediating role of depressive symptoms, and the moderating effect of coping strategies on the mediating process. A total of 519 participants completed the Multidimensional Fatalism Scale for General Life Events, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale, the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised. Results suggest that depressive symptoms partially mediated the relationship between fatalism and suicidal behaviors. Active coping moderated the mediating effect of depressive symptoms. The higher the active coping level, the weaker the mediating effect. The findings revealed that the mechanism of fatalism affecting suicidal behaviors, and had theoretical and empirical value for the prevention and intervention of suicide among college students.
Dealing with Zeros: Adolescent Drug Use, Perceived Disapproval, and Perceived Harm
Authors: LaChausse Robert G. , Lee Esther , Ducsay Jessica
Published: December 2023

Because studies examining youth drug use often have data with a high proportion of zeros, they often do not meet the assumptions for univariate or linear regression analyses that are typically used. We demonstrate the use of zero-inflated negative binomial regression models to address excessive zeros in drug use frequency on perceptions of disapproval and perceived harm among middle and high school students ( N = 522). We found that perceptions of parent disapproval were a better predictor of marijuana use ( p = .01) than peer disapproval. Perceived harm was related to marijuana use ( p = .04). Researchers should consider using zero-inflated negative binomial regression models when examining youth drug use.
Clinical and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of typhoid fever in children in the era of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Kithan Hachumlo M , Tyagi Vernika , Singh Nupur , Bhakhri Bhanu Kiran , Singh Dharmendra Kumar
Published: December 2023

Enteric fever remains a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries with further challenges from emerging antimicrobial resistance. Our prospective study evaluated the current clinical and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of enteric fever in 88 children and compared it to previously established literature. Enteric fever usually presents with nonspecific signs and symptoms, with predominant respiratory complaints. A paradigm shift in the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern has been noted, with increasing resistance for first-line antibiotics and older antibiotics such as ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, and chloramphenicol showing good sensitivity. Thus, the introduction of the latter merits consideration.
Doers of Torah: Lights from the Targumim and Their Implication for Jas 1.22
Authors: Hirschi Vincent
Published: December 2023

In this article, I argue that the phrase ‘doers of the word’ in Jas 1.22 is derived from the Hebrew expression הרותה ישוע‎ or the Aramaic one אתירוא ידבע‎. Both phrases possess an identical meaning that remained stable over time, functioning almost as technical terms. The first one is found in some Pesharim from Qumran while the second appears in the Targumim. In both corpora, the phrase is consistently found in contexts of judgment (often implying a division within the elect people between those who remained faithful to God and those who did not) and bears strong ethical overtones. Most of these passages are eschatologically oriented and present the ‘doers of the law’ as closely related to the Messiah. I suggest that the expression found in James still carries the overtones of the original phrase it translates.
Primary Thyroid Lymphoma: Clinical Factors Predicting the Possibility of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Kariya Akifumi , Tachibana Tomoyasu , Hiramatsu Yasushi , Wani Yoji , Matsumoto Jun-ya , Furukawa Chieko , Sato Asuka , Naoi Yuto , Orita Yorihisa , Sato Yasuharu , Ando Mizuo
Published: December 2023

Aims: Among primary thyroid lymphomas (PTLs), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has a poorer prognosis than other indolent lymphomas such as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) or follicular lymphoma (FL). However, the clinical differences between DLBCL and indolent lymphoma remain unclear. Therefore, this retrospective study on PTL was aimed at investigating the clinical differences between DLBCL and indolent lymphomas and identifying the factors differentiating DLBCL from indolent lymphomas. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 28 patients diagnosed with PTL and treated at our institution between 2005 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Data on the following clinical variables were extracted: sex, age, symptoms (pain and dysphagia), ultrasonographic appearance patterns, the presence of airway stenosis on computed tomography and laryngeal endoscopy, blood test results, disease stage, and pathological diagnosis. Results: In all, 13 patients were histologically diagnosed with DLBCL, 12 with MALT lymphoma, and 3 with FL. Significant differences in disease-specific survival rates were evident between the DLBCL and indolent lymphoma groups (68.2 vs 100%, P = .043). High lactate dehydrogenase levels (>230 U/mL) and airway stenosis were observed only in patients with DLBCL. Multivariate analysis identified that the presence of a linear echoic strand pattern and the absence of an echoic nodular pattern on ultrasound were independently associated with DLBCL ( P = .0497 and .012, respectively). Conclusion: DLBCL can cause airway stenosis. The linear echogenic strand pattern and the absence of a nodular pattern should be recognized as predictive factors of DLBCL.
Transnational Labour Migration and the Renegotiation of Masculinity by Left-Behind Men in Kerala
Authors: Ajay Anamika
Published: December 2023

This article explores an understudied aspect of women’s transnational labour migration, namely how left-behind men negotiate the changes in their status in the domestic and public spheres when their daughters or wives migrate for work and become primary earners in the family. A case study of Syrian Christians in a village in Central Kerala with a long history of women’s transnational labour migration demonstrates how left-behind men refashion their masculine identities by reasserting their role as family protectors when they lose their traditional role as family providers. The article illustrates how left-behind men employ diverse social and discursive practices in domestic and community spheres to reconstruct their gendered sense of self and resist the social stigma of failed masculinity. It also demonstrates how the Church, which continues to be a dominant institution influencing the personal and political lives of Syrian Christians, has become an arena for left-behind men to reassert their patriarchal status at home and in the community.
Climate Migration in Humayun Kabir’s Men and Rivers: the Padma and Faridpur
Authors: Hasan Md. Mahmudul
Published: December 2023

The intensely precarious integration in many parts of Bangladesh between life, rivers and water has been reflected in the country’s river novels that describe the experiences of fishermen and riparian peasants. Among river systems in Bangladesh, the Padma (the Ganges in India) has inspired the greatest number of artists and their writing. Humayun Kabir’s Men and Rivers (1945) stands out as a climate document on the life of the peasantry, whose survival and livelihoods are entwined with this river. However, this novel has remained inadequately known and has not garnered sufficient critical attention in recent years. Filling a lacuna in South Asian literary studies, and combining such studies with climate change discourses, this article discusses Kabir’s novel as a document depicting the environmental challenges faced in Bangladesh, exploring why this literary work has not received prominent coverage.
Safety Evaluation of the Combined Effect of Offset Left-Turn Lanes and Flashing-Yellow-Arrow Signals at Signalized Intersections on Multilane Divided Highways in Alabama Using the Empirical Bayes Method
Authors: Biswas Pranesh , Kang Min-Wook , Rahman Moynur
Published: December 2023

The present study conducted an empirical Bayes (EB) before–after analysis to investigate the combined effects of the offset left-turn lanes and flashing-yellow-arrow (FYA) signals implemented at signalized intersections on multilane, divided highways in Alabama. A total of 35 signalized intersections were selected for the EB safety analysis. Among them, 30 intersections were classified as a reference group and five were classified as a treatment group. The reference group includes intersections which have not undergone any left-turn treatments from the period of 2010 to 2020, while the treatment group includes those improved with offset left-turn lanes and FYA signal implementation concurrently during years in that period. Safety performance functions were developed with data collected at reference-group intersections to predict crashes at such intersections under a no-treatment scenario. A study focus was then given to understanding the change in crash frequency before and after the combined treatments for the treatment-group intersections, using the EB method. Results show that the combined left-turn treatments (i.e., implementing offset left-turn lanes coupled with FYA signals) could reduce different types of crashes effectively. There was a substantial reduction of 27% in total crashes (crash modification factor [CMF] = 0.73), a 43% decrease in left-turn crashes (CMF = 0.57), and a 36% reduction in total injury crashes (CMF = 0.64) after the treatments. These findings were supported by their respective standard errors, which are 0.060, 0.101, and 0.106 for total, left-turn, and total injury crashes, respectively, and all the CMFs are statistically significant at 95% confidence intervals.
Ensuring Educational Continuity in the Midst of Crisis: Policy and Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hurtt Alexandria , Reed Sherrie , Dykeman Kramer , Luu Justin
Published: December 2023

As the COVID-19 crisis disrupted schooling, recovery efforts in California included the adoption of Senate Bill (SB) 98, which mandated local educational agencies to complete Learning Continuity and Attendance Plans (LCPs). These plans act as critical snapshots of sensemaking and local policy implementation during crisis; however, their details have yet to be explored statewide. Through a multiphase, mixed methods approach, this study examines the legislative requirements of a state-level policy that orchestrated large-scale local planning. Results reveal that SB-98 recombined prior educational routines to fit the pandemic context. Moreover, district plans generally adhered to policy guidance and described a range of resources to support students. However, the limited details contained in most plans—particularly about the actions and services for students that may need additional supports—proffer suggestive evidence of local capacity and will during the global pandemic and the implications for those seeking to implement similar policy measures.
Optimization of the octagonal origami tube energy absorption using the artificial neural network and heuristic method
Authors: Aghamirzaie Mojtaba , Ghasemi-Ghalebahman Ahmad , Najibi Amir
Published: December 2023

This article presents a hybrid optimization approach for improving the crashworthiness characteristics of thin-walled metallic tubes using a unique multilayered origami pattern. In the quasi-static axial loading condition, a total of 120 thin-walled tube samples were simulated using the full factorial design method to assess the impact of geometric parameters on their crashworthiness behavior, including the dihedral angle, module number, and outer layer height. Additionally, based on the input parameters, an artificial neural network was implemented to estimate the mechanical response of the tubes. Then, to determine the ideal design parameters, a hybrid multi-objective optimization approach was used. The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution technique was utilized to extract the optimal design to balance the objectives of energy absorption and initial peak force. The specific energy absorption of the optimal tube was discovered to be 68% higher than that of the base tube. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed multilayered origami pattern provides a unique structure that improves the crashworthiness properties of the thin-walled metallic tubes.
Development of membrane structures in China
Authors: Xue Suduo
Published: December 2023

This paper presents the development of membrane structures in China. It begins with a historical review of the early applications of membrane structures in the country, highlighting pivotal events and engineering endeavors that contributed to the development. Subsequently, recent advancements in the realm of membrane structures in China are succinctly summarized. The past decade has witnessed notable progress in the implementation of membrane structures, particularly within expansive stadiums and indoor sports arenas. Additionally, cases exemplifying the diverse applications of membrane structures in various projects are presented. Noteworthy among these are the incorporation of membrane structures in building facades, suspended ceilings for indoor spaces, and the utilization of ETFT membrane structures. Furthermore, applications of air-supported membrane structures are explored, especially in the areas of sports facilities and environmental protections. Technical standards and specifications that have played an important guiding role in the development of membrane structures in China are introduced in the last. Finally, 8 issues for the future research and development of membrane structures are pointed out in the conclusion part. It is expected that this paper can serve as a catalyst for further advancement and practical implementation of membrane structures in China.
Towards a greener future: Assessing the impact of carbon emission trading on urban carbon efficiency in China
Authors: Liu Lulu , Lv Yanyin , Gao Da , Mo Xinlin
Published: December 2023

The pursuit of a low-carbon transition is central to achieving green development worldwide, and China has embraced carbon emissions trading (CET) with the aim of achieving high-quality economic development. Despite its critical policy importance, the question of whether and how CET promotes carbon efficiency remains unclear. Using unique panel data covering prefecture-level cities in China from 2007 to 2020, this study first fills this gap by constructing the Global-EBM model and taking carbon dioxide as an undesirable output to innovatively evaluate the total factor carbon emission efficiency (TFCEE) of China's cities. Second, as an extension of the existing provincial evidence, we treat the carbon trading scheme in urban China as a quasi-natural experiment and confirm the boosting effect of CET on TFCEE in the pilot cities. Third, the mediating roles of both green technology innovation and industrial structure upgrading in the process of promoting carbon efficiency are identified, further demonstrating the channel influences. Finally, the heterogeneous impact of the CET policy is further investigated and found to be stronger in eastern and developed cities. Our findings have important policy implications for China's green transition.
Efficacy of Telitacicept in a systemic lupus erythematosus patient with suboptimal response to Belimumab: A case report
Authors: Huang Li , Qian Gangzhen , Zhang Huhai , Li Qixuan , Chen Liping , Tang Xiaopeng , Zhao Hongwen
Published: December 2023

As a therapeutic treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Belimumab reduces disease relapses and minimizes organ damage. Clinical practice, however, shows that the treatment is ineffective for a number of patients. Treatments for such cases are still lacking. As a biologic agent that targets both BLys and APRIL, Telitacicept inhibits both B cells and plasma cells. This case report describes a 35-year-old female with lupus nephritis (LN) who had previously undergone 10 cycles of Belimumab treatment but remained poorly controlled. Despite this, her condition improved significantly after switching to Telitacicept. This is the first report on the efficacy of Telitacicept in an SLE patient with suboptimal response to Belimumab. Telitacicept’s role in this scenario needs more investigation and attention.
Female Directors and Investment Efficiency: New Evidence from an Emerging Market
Authors: Dao Thi Huong , Tran Quoc Trung , Vuong Thi Bich Nga , Le Son Dai
Published: December 2023

Prior studies show that the effect of female directors on corporate investment efficiency is mixed. This article investigates this relationship in a weak corporate governance setting. With a data of 4,653 firm-years from 582 firms listed in Vietnam during the period 2009–2020, we find that female directors decrease corporate investment efficiency through increasing underinvestment and they have no significant effect on overinvestment. Moreover, the negative relationship between female directors and investment efficiency is stronger in state-owned firms.
The EU and non-recognized territorial entities – the CJEU's judgment in Case C-632/20 P Spain v. Commission (Kosovo)
Authors: Kassoti Eva
Published: December 2023

The coming of age of the EU as a global actor and the proliferation of its activities on the international plane entail that its courts are increasingly faced with complex and politically laden questions pertaining to territorial entities whose international legal status is far from clear. The EU's engagement with Kosovo is a salient example. Due to strong opposition by some Member States, the EU has not recognized Kosovo as an independent State, but it has developed a policy of engagement therewith. However, this pragmatic approach does not resolve the underlying political tensions and legal questions arising from the EU's dealings with non-recognized territorial entities, as Case C-632/20 P Spain v. Commission (Kosovo) attests to. The judgment is significant: (a) for the EU's growing engagement with non-recognized territorial entities since it clarifies the meaning of the concept of ‘third country’ and confirms that such entities may participate in EU agencies; (b) for the EU's engagement with Kosovo – particularly in the light of Kosovo's 2022 bid for EU membership; and (c) more broadly, for answering institutional questions pertaining to third-country participation in EU agencies.
Structure, nutritional composition, and functionality of xylanase/microwave radiation-pretreated tiger nut
Authors: Adedeji Olajide Emmanuel , Gambo Ediben , Adedeji Omotayo Gloria , Akise Joshua , Okehie Ikenna David , Yohanna Kingsley Musa , Agbu Wakeji , Chinma Chiemela Enyinnaya
Published: December 2023

In this study, tiger nut was pretreated with xylanase (Xyl), microwave radiation (MW), and a combination of both (MW + Xyl). The structure, nutritional composition, technofunctional, and antioxidant properties of the pretreated and untreated (control) tiger nut flour (TNF) were investigated. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and X-ray diffractrometric spectra of the control and the pretreated samples are similar; however, there was a slight change in some peaks in the pretreated samples, indicating structural re-organization of macromolecules. Scanning electron microscopic images show reductions of surface erosion and formation of clusters in the MW + Xyl-treated TNF compared to the other pretreated samples. Pretreatment increased the protein, Ca, total phenolic content, and swelling capacity of TNF by 3.71–7.31%, 29.41–32.35%, 4.39–9.65%, and 1.59–6.75%, respectively. Meanwhile, 45.52–58.78% and 11.54–15.38% reductions in fat content and water absorption capacity, respectively, were recorded. Pretreatment of TNF with Xyl and MW + Xyl increased its soluble dietary fiber by 26.84% and 64.34%, respectively; however, a 3.31% reduction was recorded following MW treatment. The highest 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity (53.20%) was recorded in the MW + Xyl-treated TNF. These findings proved that pretreating TNF with microwave radiation and Xyl could improve its technological and nutritional qualities, enhancing its applicability in food systems.