bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time since fire shapes plant immaturity risk across fire severity classes
Authors: Plumanns-Pouton Ella S. , Swan Matthew H. , Penman Trent D. , Collins Luke , Kelly Luke T.
Published: April 2023

Background

When fire intervals are shorter than the time required for plants to reproduce, plant populations are threatened by “immaturity risk.” Therefore, understanding how the time between fires influences plants can inform ecosystem management. Quantifying periods of immaturity risk requires investigating the influence of fire intervals across plant life stages, but most studies are indiscriminate of maturity. As fire regimes are multidimensional, it is also important to consider other characteristics of fires such as severity. We conducted a field study in heathy woodland that investigated how fire severity and fire interval influence immaturity risk to serotinous resprouter species, by examining if fire severity interacts with the time since the fire to influence the occurrence of mature individuals and relative abundance of three species: silver banksia (Banksia marginata Cav.), prickly teatree (Leptospermum continentale Joy Thomps), and heath teatree (Leptospermum myrsinoides Schitdl).

Results

Regression modeling revealed a strong, positive influence of time since the last fire on the proportion of quadrats at a site with mature plants, for all three species. We only detected a small and uncertain influence of fire severity on the proportion of quadrats with mature heath and prickly teatree, and did not observe an effect of fire severity on the maturity of silver banksia. Interestingly, no relationships were observed between time since fire and the relative abundance of plants. That is, only when plant life stages were considered did we detect an effect of fire on plants. Populations of the three species were mostly immature in the first 7 years post-fire, suggesting if sites were uniformly burnt in this time frame, there could be increased risk of local extinctions.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the importance of examining population processes, such as reproduction, in addition to plant relative abundance. Surprisingly, we did not detect strong differences in plant maturation across fire severity classes; low occurrence of mature plants in recently burnt areas indicated that immaturity risk was high, regardless of fire severity. Ecological studies that distinguish between plant life stages will help to predict the impacts of fire on populations and enhance decision-making. We recommend fire intervals of ≥ 8 years to protect serotinous resprouter plants in heathy woodland vegetation of southern Australia.
Biochar synthesis from mineral and ash-rich waste biomass, part 2: characterization of biochar and co-pyrolysis mechanism for carbon sequestration
Authors: Nair Rahul Ramesh , Kißling Patrick A. , Marchanka Alexander , Lecinski Jacek , Turcios Ariel E. , Shamsuyeva Madina , Rajendiran Nishanthi , Ganesan Sathish , Srinivasan Shanmugham Venkatachalam , Papenbrock Jutta , Weichgrebe Dirk
Published: April 2023

The increase in mineral and ash-rich waste biomass (MWB) generation in emerging economies poses critical environmental problems and bottlenecks the solid waste and wastewater treatment systems. Transforming these MWB such as sewage sludge from wastewater treatment (SSW) to biochar can be a sustainable method for their disposal and resource recovery. However, such biochar has limited applicability due to the relatively low organic content and possibly contaminated nature of SSW. This may be offset through combined pyrolysis with other MWB, which can also support municipal solid waste management. Studies on this MWB co-pyrolysis are lacking and have not yet seen successful long-term implementation. This work is the second part of authors’ research encompassing an analytical and lab-scale investigation of biochar production from MWB through pyrolysis for the case of Chennai city, India. Here, the physicochemical properties of biochar derived from lab-scale co-pyrolysis of SSW with other MWB such as anaerobic digestate from waste to energy plants of food, kitchen or market waste fermentation, and banana peduncles (BP) collected from vegetable markets and their thermolysis mechanism are comprehensively investigated for purpose of carbon sequestration. Also, a novel preliminary investigation of the effect of sample weight (scaling effect) on the analytical pyrolysis of biomass (BP as model substrate) is undertaken to elucidate its impact on the heat of pyrolysis and carbon distribution in resultant biochar. The maximum carbon sequestration potential of the derived biochar types is 0.22 kg CO2 kg−1 biomass. The co-pyrolysis of MWB is exothermic and governed by the synergetic effects of the components in blends with emission profiles following the order CO2 > CH4 > CO > NH3. Co-pyrolysis reduced the heavy metal enrichment in SSW biochar. The derived biochars can be an immediate source of N, P and S in nutrient-deficient acidic soils. The biochar has only up to 4-ring polyaromatic compounds and a residence time longer than 1 h at 500 °C is necessary to improve carbonization. The heat released during analytical pyrolysis of the model biomass and distribution of carbon in the resultant biochar are significantly influenced by scaling effects, drawing attention to the need for a more detailed scaling investigation of biomass pyrolysis.
Organ preservation strategy: new therapeutic alternative in rectal cancer
Authors: Safini F. , Amaoui B. , Semghouli S. , Aqodad N.
Published: April 2023

Background

The therapeutic modalities for nonmetastatic rectal cancer are presently undergoing major changes. The standard treatment is multidisciplinary, combining radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. The aim of this minireview is to provide an update on the place of organ preservation in the treatment of nonmetastatic rectal cancer in 2022.

Main text

The multimodal strategy based on initial radiochemotherapy followed by radical surgery with excision of the mesorectum has improved oncological results but at the expense of morbidity and sequelae altering life quality. The strategy of rectal preservation has been proposed since the 2000s after the publication of the results of the Brazilian study that proposed a simple surveillance after radiochemotherapy without surgery in good responders. In fact, preoperative radiochemotherapy was able to obtain a complete histological response in 10 to 30% of case. In view of this non-negligible percentage of tumor sterilization, which may well increase with the standardization of total neoadjuvant treatment, a strategy of organ preservation can be proposed in these patients to avoid morbidity and postoperative sequelae.

Short conclusion

This nonoperative approach is currently widely studied in certain patients who have a complete response (clinical, endoscopic, and radiological). However, the selection of these patients is not simple and still complex.
HPLC fingerprint of flavonoids, enzyme inhibition and antioxidant activity of Newbouldia laevis stem-bark: an in vitro and in silico study
Authors: Omeje Kingsley O. , Ezema Benjamin O. , Onaebi Chiemeka N. , Onoyima Samson C. , Ezeorba Timothy P. C. , Eze Sabinus O. O.
Published: April 2023

Background

Medicinal plant contains multiple bioactive compounds with therapeutic potentials. Due to their availability, affordability, and minimal known side effects, they are widely practiced. Identification, quantification, and establishment of their interaction with physiological enzymes help in the standardization of plant-based medicinal extracts. In this study, gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC–FID) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis were used to determine the bioactive components in the ethanol extract of Newbouldia laevis stem bark. The antioxidant activity of the extract was determined. Enzyme inhibitory potency of the flavonoids’ components was investigated against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, phospholipase A2, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase.

Results

Analysis of ethanol extract of N. laevis stem-bark revealed alkaloids (0.37%), tannins (1.82 mg/TEq/g), flavonoids (5.85 mg/QEq), steroids (0.11 mg/10 g) and glycosides (0.08 mg/10 g). The HPLC fingerprint of flavonoids showed high concentrations (mg/100 g) of catechin (47.11), apigenin (15.68), luteolin (18.90), kaempferol (41.54), and quercetin (37.64), respectively. In vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability of the extract was exhibited at 150 and 200 mg/mL, respectively. At 300 mg, most in vitro antioxidant potentials (lipid peroxidation, metal chelating ability, hydroxyl, nitric oxide, sulfide oxide radicals scavenging abilities) were obtained. The extract showed varying inhibitory abilities (> 50%) on acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, phospholipase A2, α-glucosidase and α-amylase at 300 mg/mL, IC50 of 129.46, 237.10, 169.50, 251.04 and 243.06 mg/mL, respectively, with inhibition constants (Ki) of 3.92, 1.63, 1.11, 2.95 and 2.11. Results showed an affinity for the targeted enzymes with free energies higher than the standard drugs.

Conclusion

The results revealed that the N. laevis stem bark possesses antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory activity on the physiological enzyme that has been implicated in diabetes. In vitro and in silico inhibition of these physiological enzymes by extract suggests that the stem bark can be effective in ameliorating the complications associated with diabetes mellitus.
Decision analytical methods for assessing the efficacy of agroecology interventions
Authors: Whitney Cory , Biber-Freudenberger Lisa , Luedeling Eike
Published: April 2023

Given the extensive impact of humans on ecosystems and the uncertainty faced by decision-makers when choosing among alternatives, formal support is required for decision-making in complex agroecological systems. While approaches for producing reliable impact projections accounting for system complexity and uncertainty do exist, decision-makers rarely use them to assess the costs, benefits, and risks of agroecology development. Here, we review the literature and provide an overview of decision theory as a methodology for supporting decision-making in agroecology. We also outline the conceptual relationships between decision analysis methods and agroecology, and examine how decision analysis methods can be applied to support decision-making for agroecological transitions. These methods support decisions based on intended outcomes, explicitly accounting for risks and uncertainty, and help decision-makers determine the appropriateness of agroecological interventions for achieving desired outcomes. International frameworks and national government commitments and funding mechanisms, as well as the private sector, would benefit from making use of decision analysis methods to determine the suitability of agroecology interventions and to support and scale them when appropriate.

Graphical Abstract
Hot or not: systematic review and laboratory evaluation of the hot needle test for microplastic identification
Authors: Beckingham Barbara , Apintiloaiei Adriana , Moore Caroline , Brandes Jay
Published: April 2023

Microplastics are small (< 5 mm) synthetic polymers that are a contaminant of emerging concern and can be difficult to identify due to their diversity in size, shape and composition. The hot needle test, or hot point test, helps researchers identify suspected microplastics under optical microscopy by probing their physical melt or deformation behavior, and is a low-cost and practical method for widespread use. However, to our knowledge the accuracy of this test has not been fully evaluated. We noted that articles commonly referenced by researchers for the hot needle method do not have a detailed description nor evaluation of the method accuracy. To address this knowledge gap, we took a mixed methods approach to describe the conditions under which the hot point test performs accurately, including a systematic literature review, reporting of the response of known fibers to a hot point, and evaluation of method performance by researchers in both controlled and environmental samples. In a single-blind trial of researchers applying different hot point conditions to a set of synthetic, semi-synthetic and natural fibers, synthetic and some natural fibers were correctly identified > 70% of the time. While cotton and semi-synthetic fiber results were less consistently identified (< 65% correct), this was improved (82–100% correct) in a second trial when clearer, updated guidance was given regarding the difference between a “pass” and “fail” response, showing the potential for the hot needle test to help analysts avoid false positives. Cellulose acetate from cigarette filters was the most challenging to identify because although this material may melt, response of individual fibers to heat varies and can be difficult to observe for smaller microfibers. Reported confirmation rates by spectroscopy of suspected microplastics that pass the hot needle test vary widely in the literature. Using detailed hot needle test criteria, > 90% of microplastics that we selected from environmental samples (water, sediment) were confirmed by Raman microscopy. It is recommended that researchers assess their hot needle test methods against known standards of both target microplastics and background materials like natural fibers, report the response criteria used in their studies and optimally include spectroscopic verification of results for higher confidence.
Premature mortality in young people accessing early intervention youth mental healthcare: data-linkage cohort study
Authors: McHugh Catherine M. , Iorfino Frank , Zmicerevska Natalia , Song Yun Ju Christine , Skinner Adam , Scott Elizabeth M. , Hickie Ian B.
Published: April 2023

Background

Understanding premature mortality risk from suicide and other causes in youth mental health cohorts is essential for delivering effective clinical interventions and secondary prevention strategies.

Aims

To establish premature mortality risk in young people accessing early intervention mental health services and identify predictors of mortality.

Method

State-wide data registers of emergency departments, hospital admissions and mortality were linked to the Brain and Mind Research Register, a longitudinal cohort of 7081 young people accessing early intervention care, between 2008 and 2020. Outcomes were mortality rates and age-standardised mortality ratios (SMR). Cox regression was used to identify predictors of all-cause mortality and deaths due to suicide or accident.

Results

There were 60 deaths (male 63.3%) during the study period, 25 (42%) due to suicide, 19 (32%) from accident or injury and eight (13.3%) where cause was under investigation. All-cause SMR was 2.0 (95% CI 1.6–2.6) but higher for males (5.3, 95% CI 3.8–7.0). The mortality rate from suicide and accidental deaths was 101.56 per 100 000 person-years. Poisoning, whether intentional or accidental, was the single greatest primary cause of death (26.7%). Prior emergency department presentation for poisoning (hazard ratio (HR) 4.40, 95% CI 2.13–9.09) and psychiatric admission (HR 4.01, 95% CI 1.81–8.88) were the strongest predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

Premature mortality in young people accessing early intervention mental health services is greatly increased relative to population. Prior health service use and method of self-harm are useful predictors of future mortality. Enhanced care pathways following emergency department presentations should not be limited to those reporting suicidal ideation or intent.
Clinical impact of reducing the frequency of clozapine monitoring: controlled mirror-image cohort study
Authors: Oloyede Ebenezer , Dzahini Olubanke , Abolou Zadro , Gee Siobhan , Whiskey Eromona , Malhotra Diksha , Hussain Masuma , Osborne Ian , Casetta Cecilia , McGuire Philip , MacCabe James H. , Taylor David
Published: April 2023

Background

To minimise infection during COVID-19, the clozapine haematological monitoring interval was extended from 4-weekly to 12-weekly intervals in South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

Aims

To investigate the impact of this temporary policy change on clinical and safety outcomes.

Method

All patients who received clozapine treatment with extended (12-weekly) monitoring in a large London National Health Service trust were included in a 1-year mirror-image study. A comparison group was selected with standard monitoring. The proportion of participants with mild to severe neutropenia and the proportion of participants attending the emergency department for clozapine-induced severe neutropenia treatment during the follow-up period were compared. Psychiatric hospital admission rates, clozapine dose and concomitant psychotropic medication in the 1 year before and the 1 year after extended monitoring were compared. All-cause clozapine discontinuation at 1-year follow-up was examined.

Results

Of 569 participants, 459 received clozapine with extended monitoring and 110 controls continued as normal. The total person-years were 458 in the intervention group and 109 in the control group, with a median follow-up time of 1 year in both groups. During follow-up, two participants (0.4%) recorded mild to moderate neutropenia in the intervention group and one (0.9%) in the control group. There was no difference in the incidence of haematological events between the two groups (IRR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.02–28.15, P = 0.29). All neutropenia cases in the intervention group were mild, co-occurring during COVID-19 infection. The median number of admissions per patient during the pre-mirror period remained unchanged (0, IQR = 0) during the post-mirror period. There was one death in the control group, secondary to COVID-19 infection.

Conclusions

There was no evidence that the incidence of severe neutropenia was increased in those receiving extended monitoring.
The Goldwater Rule at 50 and its relevance in Europe: Examining the positions of National Psychiatric Association Members of the European Psychiatric Association
Authors: Smith Alexander , Hachen Stefanie , van Wijnkoop Moritz , Schiltz Kolja , Falkai Peter , Liebrenz Michael
Published: April 2023

Background

Fifty years after its introduction, the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Goldwater Rule remains contentious, prohibiting member-psychiatrists from providing mental health commentary on individuals they have not treated and where they lack consent. Whilst its resonance extends beyond the United States, there is limited awareness about the Goldwater Rule’s applicability elsewhere, notably within Europe.

Methods

In 2022, we investigated whether the European Psychiatric Association’s (EPA) forty-four National Psychiatric Association Members (NPAs) had similar guidelines to the Goldwater Rule or comparable ethical positions around media and public commentary. We initially searched NPA websites and subsequently contacted NPAs via email and phone. Findings were coded to four categories: “NPA-level rules or position”, “No NPA-level rules orposition but noted country-level rules”, “No NPA-level rules or position and did not note country-level rules”, and “No response”.

Results

n=27 NPAs had relevant web materials or replied to our correspondence (61.3% of total NPAs). From these 27, based on our interpretation, n=6 (22.2%) had rules or positions, n=6 (22.2%) indicated that country-level rules existed, and n=15 (55.5%) did not have applicable NPA-level or country-level regulations.

Conclusions

A sizeable proportion of NPAs included in our study have not yet formally developed or considered ethical issues addressed by the Goldwater Rule and psychiatric commentary on an individual’s psychopathology. Accordingly, the EPA could consider broader discussions about this, accounting for national traditions and sociocultural aspects of clinical practice. These could integrate the advantages and disadvantages of the APA’s rubric towards an evolved ethical debate.
Histories of the Channel of Sicily: Architecture, Colonization, and Migrations across the Mediterranean Shores (1932–43)
Authors: Palumbo MariaLuisa
Published: April 2023

Histories of modern and Fascist Italy have usually given little space to Italian colonialism, and histories of colonialism rarely mention the Italian South. This paper considers the agrarian colonization of Libya and Sicily together, reading them as key components of Italy’s nation-building and of the Fascist population politics. After the violent reconquest of Libya (1922–32) and the appropriation of all its fertile land, the Fascist regime turned to the rich and restless social fabric of the Italian South, which became the target for a new politics of space and population control. In a complex process of multiple exchanges, the agrarian colonization of Libya (1932–39) became the model for the agrarian colonization of Sicily (1939–43). By bringing together archives that have mostly been kept separate, this paper argues for a more nuanced notion of the South and colonialism. It does so by examining the ways colonialism was theorized and practiced, first by the Italian Liberal governments (1861–22) as a response to the nation’s southern question, and second by the Fascist regime (1922–43) as part of a wider project of reclamation of land and people in Italy and abroad. In particular, the paper compares the uncanny similarities between Fascist architecture and urbanism produced at the height of Fascist rule by the Ente di Colonizzazione della Libia and the Ente di Colonizzazione del Latifondo Siciliano. The paper asks, what links the politics of land, grain, and displacement in Libya and Southern Italy?
Eccentric Exercise as a Potent Prescription for Muscle Weakness After Joint Injury
Authors: Lepley Lindsey K. , Stoneback Luke , Macpherson Peter C.D. , Butterfield Timothy A.
Published: April 2023

Lengthening contractions (i.e., eccentric contractions) are capable of uniquely triggering the nervous system and signaling pathways to promote tissue health/growth. This mode of exercise may be particularly potent for patients suffering from muscle weakness after joint injury. Here we provide a novel framework for eccentric exercise as a safe, effective mode of exercise prescription for muscle recovery.
Η επιδημία πανώλης στο χωριό Eyam (1665-1666):
Authors: Χατζοπούλου Στέλλα
Published: April 2023

Η περίπτωση του χωρίου Eyam θεωρείται σημαντικό επεισόδιο της ιστορίας της πανώλης στην πρώιμη νεότερη Αγγλία. Ο σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι αφενός η εξέταση της συγκεκριμένης περίπτωσης λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τις διαθέσιμες πρωτογενείς πηγές καθώς και τη δευτερογενή έρευνα μέχρι σήμερα· αφετέρου η διερεύνηση των σχετικών αφηγήσεων και προσλήψεων από την εποχή των γεγονότων έως και τις μέρες μας. Αρχικά, μέσα από την ανασκόπηση των μεταγενέστερων ερευνών υποδεικνύεται η αναθεώρηση του δραματικού αριθμού των θυμάτων και προβάλλονται οι παράγοντες που διαδραμάτησαν σημαντικό ρόλο στην εξάπλωση της επιδημίας. Στη συνέχεια, η «ηρωική» απομόνωση του Eyam εξετάζεται υπό το πρίσμα των σύγχρονων σχετικών κυρίαρχων αντιλήψεων. Τέλος, μέσα από τη σύντομη ανασκόπηση των σχετικών αφηγήσεων και προσλήψεων αναδεικνύεται ο μετασχηματισμός της ιστορικής μνήμης καθώς και η εργαλειοποίηση και εκμετάλλευση της επιδημίας στο Eyam.
Στοιχεία για την ιατρική περίθαλψη κατά τη διάρκεια της γερμανικής κατοχής στην Ουκρανία (1941-1944))
Authors: Hey Svitlana
Published: April 2023

Το παρακάτω άρθρο πραγματεύεται την οργάνωση της ιατροφαρμακευτικής μέριμνας και περίθαλψης στην Ουκρανία κατά την περίοδο της γερμανικής κατοχής. Αξιοποιεί αρχειακό υλικό, σύγχρονα περιοδικά και εφημερίδες, καθώς και αυτοβιογραφικά κείμενα, ενώ εστιάζεται στην περίοδο 1941-1943. Οι πολιτικές που εφαρμόστηκαν διαμορφώθηκαν τόσο από τις επιδιώξεις των κατοχικών αρχών όσο και από τις δράσεις τοπικών οργανώσεων και ιατρικού προσωπικού, που κλήθηκαν να αντιμετωπίσουν τις δύσκολες υγειονομικές συνθήκες που δημιούργησε ο πόλεμος και η κατοχή. Η παρακμή του παλαιού σοβιετικού συστήματος περίθαλψης επέβαλε την συγκρότηση τμημάτων προστασίας της υγείας και υγειονομικών υποτμημάτων σε τοπικό επίπεδο -αρχικά σε επίπεδο νομού και έπειτα σε επίπεδο πόλης- μέσω των, λεγόμενων, τοπικών διοικήσεων δεύτερου βαθμού, καθώς και την επαναλειτουργία τοπικών νοσοκομείων με περιορισμένο προσωπικό και υλικοτεχνικά μέσα. Οι πρωτοβουλίες όμως αυτές σύντομα απέτυχαν και, στη θέση τους, εφαρμόστηκαν από τη γερμανική διοίκηση μέτρα μόνο για την πρόληψη και την αποφυγή διευρυμένης μετάδοσης ασθενειών, προκειμένου να διατηρηθεί το αξιόμαχο των γερμανικών στρατευμάτων.
Botanische Makroreste aus der spätlatènezeitlichen Siedlung Basel-Gasfabrik, Grabung 1989/5
Authors: Kühn Marlu , Iseli Marco
Published: April 2023

Aus der Schweiz liegen erst wenige archäobotanisch bearbeitete eisenzeitliche Fundstellen vor. Unter ihnen kann die spätlatènezeitliche Siedlung Basel-Gasfabrik zu recht als die bislang am dichtesten beprobte und somit als die am besten untersuchte Fundstelle gelten. Im Rahmen der Dissertation von Peter Jud bestand erstmals die Möglichkeit, einen Teil der entnommenen Proben auszuwerten und Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Umwelt der spätlatènezeitlichen Siedlung Basel-Gasfabrik zu beleuchten.
Basler Münsterhügel am Übergang von spätkeltischer zu römischer Zeit (Katalog)
Authors: Deschler-Erb Eckhard
Published: April 2023

Befund und Funde
Befundkatalog, Fundkatalog, Münzkatalog, Sonderkataloge, Gesteinsbestimmungen, Chemische Analysen ausgewählter Campana-Scherben, petrografische und chemische Analysen einer Stichprobe Amphoren.
Band A: Text
Band B: Katalog
Folgende Teile dieser Arbeit sind aussschliesslich online publiziert:
- Register 1-6 zum Fundkatalog- Tabelle 1-27 zum Beitrag von Barbara Stopp
Chemische Analysen ausgewählter Campana-Scherben
Authors: Thirion -Merle Valerie
Published: April 2023

Bericht zu chemischen Analysen an ausgewählten Keramikgruppen (Campana) des Fundmaterials aus den Leitungsgrabungen. Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen fanden fanden im auswertenden Text bei der jeweiligen Fundbesprechung ihre Berücksichtigung, siehe Band A.

Die abgedruckte Fassung des Beitrages von Valerie Thirion- Merle stellt eine leicht gekürzte Version dar. Der vollständige Bericht kann bei der Archäologischen Bodenforschung Basel-Stadt eingesehen werden.
Grabfunde des 12. bis 19. Jahrhunderts aus dem Basler Münster
Authors: Meier Hans-Rudolf , Schwarz Peter-Andrew , Ochsner Christine
Published: April 2023

unter Mitarbeit von Anja Bayer und Regula Schorta sowie Hans-Rudolf Courvoisier, Caroline Heitz und Bruno Kaufmannmit Beiträgen von Thomas Meier sowie Serge und Marquita Volken
Nach über einem Jahrzehnt akribischer Forschungsarbeit durch die Autorinnen und Autoren – allen voran Christine Ochsner – liegt nun ein weiteres Standardwerk zum Basler Münster vor. Die Publikation widmet sich nicht nur der wissenschaftlichen Aufarbeitung der Grabfunde in und um die Hauptkirche Basels, sondern gibt auch einen Überblick über die hiesige Bestattungsgeschichte im Mittelalter und der frühen Neuzeit. Selbstverständlich stehen primär die Münstergräber im Vordergrund der Arbeit; die Leserinnen und Leser finden aber auch eine Fülle von Informationen über vergleichbare Grabfunde in Basel und ganz Europa.
Zusammenstellung der Grabkonstruktionen im Basler Münster
Authors: Ochsner Christine
Published: April 2023

Anhang 3 umfasst eine Zusammenstellung der Grabkonstruktionen im Basler Münster.
Modelling host-Trypanosoma brucei gambiense interactions in vitro using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical brain organoids
Authors: Chandrasegaran Praveena , Nabilla Lestari Agatha , Sinton Matthew C. , Gopalakrishnan Jay , Quintana Juan F.
Published: April 2023

Background: Sleeping sickness is caused by the extracellular parasite Trypanosoma brucei and is associated with neuroinflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders, including disruption of sleep/wake patterns, and is now recognised as a circadian disorder. Sleeping sickness is traditionally studied using murine models of infection due to the lack of alternative in vitro systems that fully recapitulate the cellular diversity and functionality of the human brain. The aim of this study is to develop a much-needed in vitro system that reduces and replaces live animals for the study of infections in the central nervous system, using sleeping sickness as a model infection.

Methods: We developed a co-culture system using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical human brain organoids and the human pathogen T. b. gambiense to model host-pathogen interactions in vitro. Upon co-culture, we analysed the transcriptional responses of the brain organoids to T. b. gambiense over two time points.

Results: We detected broad transcriptional changes in brain organoids exposed to T. b. gambiense, mainly associated with innate immune responses, chemotaxis, and blood vessel differentiation compared to untreated organoids.

Conclusions: Our co-culture system provides novel, more ethical avenues to study host-pathogen interactions in the brain as alternative models to experimental infections in mice. Future work is required to increase the complexity of the organoids (e.g., addition of microglia and vasculature). We envision that the adoption of organoid systems will be beneficial to researchers studying mechanisms of brain infection by protozoan parasites. Furthermore, organoid systems have the potential to be used to study other parasites that affect the brain, including neurocysticercosis, significantly reducing the number of animals undergoing moderate and/or severe protocols associated with the study of neuroinflammation and brain infections.
The challenging reality of the clinical learning environment at Damascus University Faculty of Dental Medicine in Syria: a qualitative study
Authors: Alfakhry Ghaith , Mustafa Khattab , Jazayerli Bashar , Alhomsi Khaled , Jamous Issam
Published: April 2023

Introduction: In Syria, specialist dentists undergo five years of undergraduate education and four years of postgraduate education. In the latter, students engage in treating complex cases as part of their professional training. This study aimed to obtain in-depth qualitative understanding of the clinical learning environment at Damascus University Faculty of Dental Medicine, Syria.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were held with eight postgraduate dental students at Damascus University Faculty of Dental Medicine. The faculty has eight clinical departments; therefore, a single participant was purposively sampled from each department. The male-female ratio of the eight interviewed participants was 1:1. Data was analyzed inductively using reflective thematic analysis. Pragmatic saturation was discussed during the analysis and the authors made an interpretative judgement to stop data collection at the eighth interview.

Results: Major themes which emerged covered different aspects of the clinical learning environment such as clinical training, social interaction and assessment procedures. Faculty’s negligence of their teaching duties was one of the most recurrent themes. In clinical training and due to faculty inaccessibility, students had to rely on themselves or their senior peers in training. The social climate was perceived negatively and assessment was described as unfair and biased.

Discussion: The findings of this study showcased the continuing deterioration of the clinical learning environment at Damascus University. It is hoped that these findings will encourage decision makers to introduce a comprehensive reform that addresses the curriculum, teaching practices and assessment procedures in clinical professional training.
Rzeczpospolita Tłumacka: Od ruskiej osady do zagłady polskiego miasteczka Tłumacz
Authors: Nespiak Danuta , Niewolska Elżbieta
Published: April 2023

Tłumacz – jedno z wielu miasteczek, które zrodziła kultura dawnych Kresów – dynamiczna, wieloetniczna, owocna, intrygująca nas dziś, choć kiedyś tak często tragiczna w swym przebiegu. Wciąż czeka ona na historyków, którzy potrafiliby oddać jej rzeczywisty, to jest wielobarwny i wielowymiarowy obraz. I podobnie, miasteczka takie jak Tłumacz czekają na swoje mikrohistorie. Niniejsza książka prowadzi nas ku takiej właśnie historiografii dawnych Kresów, jakiej potrzebujemy. Uwzględniającej współtworzenie dziejów tamtych miejsc przez ludzi różnych tożsamości – Rusinów, Polaków, Ormian, Żydów, Niemców, Austriaków, Ukraińców. Ukazującej przemienność i przemijanie faz historycznych, wykreowanych przez państwowości kolejno Rusi, Królestwa Polskiego, Austrii (w postaci jej prowincji Galicji, złączonej z mityczną Lodomerią), nowoczesnej Polski (lat międzywojennych), aż po dramatyczną zagładę doby drugiej wojny światowej.
Los Acuerdos sobre el Estatuto de las Fuerzas Armadas Extranjeras como límite a la actividad jurisdiccional de la Corte Penal Internacional
Authors: Radoslavov Yordanov Yoveslav
Published: April 2023

El presente trabajo examina algunas de las limitaciones jurisdiccionales que impiden a la Corte Penal Internacional ejercer de modo efectivo su competencia sobre los nacionales de Estados terceros, aun cuando el crimen se haya cometido en el territorio de un Estado Parte en el Estatuto de Roma. En su primera parte, el artículo profundiza en la inmunidad de jurisdicción penal de los agentes militares como funcionarios del Estado de la nacionalidad. En segundo lugar, analizamos la conformidad de los acuerdos del artículo 98.2 del Estatuto, también denominados Acuerdos sobre el Estatuto de las Fuerzas Armadas Extranjeras, con las disposiciones de éste, al originarse en estos casos una especie de inmunidad procesal ad hoc que condiciona la operatividad de la Corte.
Proceso de constitucionalización del sistema internacional: discusión teórica sobre sus avances y conclusiones
Authors: Méndez Michael
Published: April 2023

El presente artículo pretende comprender el proceso de constitucionalización del Sistema Internacional a la luz de la discusión teórica suscitada por algunos autores en torno al tema. Para tal efecto, se tendrá en cuenta cómo diversos autores han planteado el desarrollo de este proceso a partir de la evaluación de conceptos como constitucionalismo globalizado o similares frente a otros autores que han estado insertos en la postura de negar la existencia de este proceso, todo en virtud del análisis de la forma en la cual los actores del Sistema Internacional han adoptado criterios comunes de regulación, mediación y sanción. Esta discusión contribuye al debate entre los planteamientos de los paradigmas clásicos de la teoría de las relaciones internacionales, sobre todo el realismo vs el liberalismo político. Se concluye que la constitucionalización del Sistema Internacional no es un nuevo paradigma teórico, sino un punto más de la discusión, no solo entre los paradigmas clásicos, sino de carácter interdisciplinar entre las Relaciones Internacionales, el Derecho Internacional y la Ciencia Política.
La limitada aplicación de la responsabilidad del superior jerárquico y sus consecuencias al derecho a la verdad en Colombia
Authors: Pabon Acevedo Maria Alejandra
Published: April 2023

En el Acuerdo Final para la Terminación del Conflicto y la Construcción de una Paz Estable y Duradera (2016) se fijaron beneficios para los actores del conflicto con el fin de esclarecer los hechos de violencia y cumplir con los derechos de las víctimas a la verdad, justicia, reparación y no repetición. La confesión de crímenes busca facilitar el establecimiento de una verdad histórica y judicial dentro del marco Transicional. Sin embargo, ni el Acuerdo de Paz, ni el resto del ordenamiento jurídico colombiano siguen los estándares internacionales relacionados con la figura de la Responsabilidad del Superior Jerárquico. Esta figura es relevante para esclarecer la organización y funcionamiento de las estructuras jerárquicas involucradas en la comisión de crímenes internacionales y la participación de los superiores en los hechos de violencia cometidos materialmente por sus subordinados.
ann sharp’s concept of personhood and the spiritual dimension of the community of philosophical inquiry
Authors: Al-rayes Hamad
Published: April 2023

In this paper, I critically explore Ann Sharp’s conception of personhood as it figures in the theory and practice of the community of philosophical inquiry (CPI). Through surveying Sharp’s rich and varied philosophical output, it will be shown how Sharp’s conception of personhood as a trilateral relationship (between self, other(s), and community) maps onto “the Three C’s” of critical, creative, and caring thinking that make up the practice of Philosophy for Children. After thus presenting Sharp’s conception of personhood, the paper brings into view an aspect of said conception which could benefit from further development. This potential shortfall in Sharp’s thought is identified as “the problem of closure”. In highlighting the problem of closure, I will indicate how Sharp marshals the concept of faith in her conception of CPI as a spiritual community, a relationship that is coincident with personhood itself, as it stands for the bond that ties together the individual (self and other(s)) and the collective (community) dimensions of CPI. I argue that faith serves, among other things, as an agent of closure between the individual and the collective in Sharp’s thought. In considering the function of faith in CPI, I will suggest an avenue of possible resolution to the problem of closure in Leonard Nelson’s conception of “the Socratic spirit” as the embodiment of “reason’s self-confidence”. Finally, the paper looks ahead to David Kennedy’s writings on the intentionality structure that governs the relationship between the individual and the collective in CPI as a resource that promises to offer a more rigorous and systematic treatment of the problem of closure.
Effect of Notching on Three-Ply Southern Pine Cross-Laminated Timber Panel Stiffness and Strength
Authors: Spinelli Correa Laurice Mara , Shmulsky Rubin , Ross Robert J.
Published: April 2023

Considering the high demand for housing and the ongoing environmental issues our society faces, it's crucial to opt for more ecofriendly materials for building purposes. In that scenario, engineered wood products play an important role as they are not only based on a sustainable material but also can reduce the carbon footprint from construction. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is one of the products that could expand wood products use while keeping up with low and mid-rise building needs. Although CLT use has been expanding in the United States for the last few years, there is still a high necessity for understanding this composite behavior. One of those needs is assessing the effect of notching on the panels and measuring strength reduction as well as possible reinforcement methods. The goal of this project was to evaluate the performance of CLT panels focusing on strength and stiffness properties. Mechanical bending testing of three-ply southern pine CLT samples was performed to evaluate the influence of notches and stitching reinforcement on panels. The strength reduction caused by notching was successfully measured. Control samples supported significantly higher loads than notched samples. However, it was found that the deeper the notch, the more effective the stitching can be regarding strength. Control samples presented cross-grain tension and splintering tension failure modes, whereas notched samples presented simple tension failure mode. The findings of this work are of great value toward updating manufacturing, design, and use criteria for notched CLT panels and can be potentially used in future building codes.
Influence of Local Density on Concentrated Static Load Performance of Oriented Strandboard
Authors: Chen Siguo , Knudson Robert
Published: April 2023

Fourteen 1,220 by 2,440 by 11.1-mm commercial Oriented Strandboard (OSB) panels were X-ray scanned to obtain horizontal density matrices. Localized densities around the concentrated static load (CSL) testing points of the panels were calculated prior to the CSL test. A linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the impact of the localized density on CSL performance. The results indicated that both deflection and ultimate load were highly correlated with the local density. Deflection and ultimate load were somewhat correlated (R2 = 0.52). The CSL deflection decreased and ultimate load increased significantly with increasing local density. The impact of local density on ultimate load was greater than on deflection. Horizontal density variation is inherent in OSB manufacturing processes, especially in the mat forming process. A number of factors, including evenness of strands in the metering bin, condition of picker rolls and dissolving rolls, and strand and fines surging, can affect horizontal density distribution. OSB panels with a high degree of variation in horizontal panel density may cause low density spots that increase the chance of failure in CSL test. It is therefore crucial to minimize the occurrence of very low density areas in order to reduce the odds of ultimate load failure. Reducing density variability allows OSB companies to increase the CSL properties of their products, which would otherwise need to be done by making the panel denser. Improving horizontal density uniformity allows for lowering of the average panel density, which reduces the manufacturing cost and helps improve the company's bottom line.
Resistència i transgressió cultural a la literatura infantil: Prietita i la llorona, de Gloria Anzaldua
Authors: Puchmüller Andrea
Published: April 2023

Aquest treball parteix de la hipòtesi hermenèutica que Prietita i la plorona (1996), conte infantil de l’escriptora xicana Gloria Anzaldúa, es configura com una manera de resistència i transgressió dels discursos totalitzadors de la societat dominant dels Estats Units, alhora que desconstrueix pràctiques culturals d’arrel colonial provinents de la cultura mexicana. La nostra anàlisi s´emmarca en quatre eixos teòrics centrals: la noció sociocrítica de literatura, el concepte de literatura de frontera, la funció sociocultural del mite i el constructe d´identitat cultural. Es conclou que el conte textualitza la resistència i la transgressió xicanes a partir de dues estratègies discursives: a) la valoració d’una visió de món i un ordre cultural xicans, i b) la transgressió de la mitologia mexicana colonial i patriarcal.
Llengua per a la comunitat o comunitat per a la llengua: experiència de treball amb la diàspora en la metodologia de l'ensenyament del rus com a llengua estrangeria
Authors: Burvikova Ekaterina , Pearce Anna
Published: April 2023

L’ensenyament del rus a estrangers als Estats Units té lloc fora de l’entorn lingüístic. No obstant això, se sap que la comunitat de parla russa als Estats Units supera els 3 milions de persones. A les classes de rus, la diàspora pot ser una manera eficaç de practicar la llengua i familiaritzar-se amb la cultura. Els professors comparteixen la seva experiència en l’aplicació del model d’aprenentatge basat en la comunitat, l’aprenentatge basat en projectes i l’aprenentatge transformador per treballar amb la diàspora de parla russa.
Una Experiencia Interdisciplinaria en el Derecho Usando la Instrucción entre Pares Modificada y el e-portafolio
Authors: Becerra Valdivia Katherine
Published: April 2023

Este trabajo explica el uso de la instrucción entre pares modificada y el e-portafolio en una asignatura interdisciplinaria de la carrera de Derecho, de la Universidad Católica del Norte, Sede Coquimbo, Chile, denominada “Construcción Socio Jurídica de las Instituciones”. La interdisciplinariedad en el Derecho requiere actividades didácticas que inviten a los estudiantes a comprender y reflexionar desde diversos paradigmas. En este caso desde la historia, el derecho y la sociología. A través de distintas evidencias que los estudiantes recopilaron en un portafolio digital es posible determinar a través de estadísticas descriptivas y análisis cualitativo la importancia de la innovación en aspectos valóricos y procedimentales en el estudio de las instituciones, pero también elementos metodológicos como una alta motivación, mejor comprensión de los contenidos, que encontraron un método de estudio y el desarrollo de habilidades blandas.
El Estado Social de Derecho en una nueva constitución para Chile: Experiencia europea hacia la Justicia Social
Authors: Enciso-Santocildes Dra. Marta , Gómez Urquijo Dra. Laura , Arriola Echaniz Dra. Naiara , Mugarra-Elorriaga Dra. Aitziber
Published: April 2023

El Estado social es un tipo histórico de Estado que ha profundizado y ampliado la vertiente social de los Estados liberales, y su eficacia y profundidad dependen de la regulación constitucional y los valores y principios de la estrategia económica. Así, desde la crisis financiera de 2008, la UE ha intensificado la presencia y relevancia de los objetivos sociales en su estrategia económica, presentándolos como necesarios para el éxito económico y político del proyecto europeo. Entre las lecciones aprendidas destaca el cambio de paradigma fiscal y la movilización de instrumentos para corregir las desigualdades, aunque se necesita una mayor coordinación de los Estados miembros. En este sentido, se propone el refuerzo de la gobernanza social y la implementación del Pilar Europeo de Derechos Sociales y la reforma del Semestre Europeo. A la hora de medir, en los últimos 30 años se han creado índices para medir el bienestar, el desarrollo humano, la felicidad y la calidad de vida de las personas, y se ha propuesto una medición de la justicia social en base a la prevención de la pobreza, el acceso a la educación y al mercado laboral, la inclusión social y no discriminación, la salud y la justicia intergeneracional. Chile se incorporó a esta medición en 2019 y tiene margen de mejora en algunas dimensiones. Estos datos pueden ayudar a sustentar una legislación adecuada y una buena acción de gobierno, ante una futura reforma constitucional en el país.
Comparison of whole blood and serum samples of breast cancer based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with machine learning
Authors: Idrees Bushra Sana , Teng Geer , Israr Ayesha , Zaib Huma , Jamil Yasir , Bilal Muhammad , Bashir Sajid , Khan M. Nouman , Wang Qianqian
Published: April 2023

To identify cancer from non-cancer is one of the most challenging issues nowadays in the early diagnosis of cancer. The primary issue of early detection is to choose a suitable type of sample collection to diagnose cancer. A comparison of whole blood and serum samples of breast cancer was studied using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with machine learning methods. For LIBS spectra measurement, blood samples were dropped on a substrate of boric acid. For the discrimination of breast cancer and non-cancer samples, eight machine learning models were applied to LIBS spectral data, including decision tree, discrimination analysis, logistic regression, naïve byes, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, ensemble and neural networks classifiers. Discrimination between whole blood samples showed that narrow neural networks and trilayer neural networks both provided 91.7% highest prediction accuracy and serum samples showed that all the decision tree models provided 89.7% highest prediction accuracy. However, using whole blood as sample achieved the strong emission lines of spectra, better discrimination results of PCA and maximum prediction accuracy of machine learning models as compared to using serum samples. These merits concluded that whole blood samples could be a good option for the rapid detection of breast cancer. This preliminary research may provide the complementary method for early detection of breast cancer.