bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact object formation from collapsing magnetized strange quark matter in rainbow gravity
Authors: Tasleem Ukasha , Sheikh Umber , Ali Sarfraz
Published: August 2023

This study focuses on the dynamics of magnetized strange quark matter collapsing near a star in rainbow gravity. The study computes various dynamical variables, including mass density, pressure, and magnetic field strength, to ensure the physical existence of the fluid, and graphically verifies the energy conditions. These variables combine to form a black hole, and the study estimates the time and distance of apparent horizon formation, which are both reduced by the magnetic field. Additionally, the study observes that the energy of probing particles impacts mass density, pressure, magnetic field intensity, distance, and time of horizon creation, which helps to resolve the information paradox. It is also noticed that the magnetic field accelerates the collapse.
Self-Assembly of the Cationic Gemini Surfactant in Water: From Elastic Gels to Viscoelastic Solutions
Authors: Li Qintang , Zhao Chunhua , Zhu Chengya , Wang Ruirui , Zhou Yaochun , Lin Mingyu , Zhuang Wenchang
Published: August 2023

Gemini surfactants, composed of two surfactant monomers, are likely to self-assemble into viscoelastic fluids in water at low concentrations. Here, the aggregation behaviors of quaternary ammonium gemini surfactant with a hydroxyl group on the spacer (16-3OH-16) have been studied in the dilute aqueous system by rheological techniques, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and other characterizations. At room temperature, the samples behave as elastic gels. The structure and morphology of gels were confirmed by SAXS and SEM characterizations. Due to the hydroxyl group on the spacer of 16-3OH-16, the gels are more stable than those formed by 16-3-16. At high temperature, the gels transform into wormlike micelles and behave as viscoelastic fluids. The obtained results would help to construct complexed fluids with structure tailorable gemini surfactants.
Research and Development of Popcorn-Shaped Co3O4@CoCO3 Zinc Ion Battery Composite Cathode Material Prepared by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Li Ling , Zhou Jiyao , Pei Xinbin , Zhang Yanwei
Published: August 2023

Co3O4 and CoCO3 materials have broad development prospects as zinc ion battery materials in water systems. In this paper, Co3O4@CoCO3 composite material for water zinc ion battery cathode was synthesized by hydrothermal method, and the best raw material was selected by screening the cobalt source. Then the temperature and time of hydrothermal reaction were optimized, as well as the temperature and time of calcination, so as to discover the best experimental route for the synthesis of Co3O4@CoCO3 composite materials. The capacity of the Co3O4@CoCO3 composite material rises to 124.89[Formula: see text]mAh/g after 10 cycles of charge and discharge at 50[Formula: see text]mA/g current density, indicating its electrochemical performance is good. The XRD analysis of the material shows that the composite is mainly composed of Co3O4@CoCO3 crystal structure, and no obvious impurity is found. As can be seen from the SEM image of synthesized composite material, the main morphology of the material is a round block structure covered with folds, similar to the popcorn shape. The EDS test and element analysis show that all elements are evenly distributed in microscale. Through the analysis of infrared spectra, it can be seen that Co3O4 and CoCO3 are composited together, forming a stable structure, and enhancing the electrochemical performance of the material.
Study of Hot Issues on the Scientific Foundation and Utilization of Wetland Carbon Sinks
Authors: ZHANG Chengyi , YU Hongmin , LI Guicai , DENG Zhengmiao , XIE Yonghong , CHAO Qingchen , YUAN Jiashuang , WANG Shikun
Published: August 2023

On the scientific basis, the carbon sink estimation of wetland was summarized up, that is stock-difference method and gain–loss method as a fundamental approach. The major issues when those methods were applied in that estimation had been raised up for attention to be paid. Based upon the science achievements, the research approaches and policy foundation for market trading about the wetland carbon sink had been analyzed for that sink sustainability. It was concluded that the decomposition reduction of wetland plant material and rewetting and suitable restoration of wetland are essential for its sink conservation. Nowadays, China has already set the wetland conservation for its carbon sink sustainability as a part of the national goal in the carbon peaking road-map, further elaboration on the policymaking should be taken for the wetland sink conclusive into the voluntary market and as an offset of the partly compulsory reduction of emission.
A Student’s Solution For Infrastructure
Authors: Dempsey Carly
Published: August 2023

The current topic of clean air and water is often left incomplete. When we discuss cleaner cars or more regulations, we forget that none of this can genuinely be sustainable without improving our infrastructure, an objective we are mostly avoidant. With this sprouting age of technology, we have companies interject that their model is “the newest in sustainability.” Still, the systems that support production have fallen rapidly behind due to a lack of funding and push from the public. In this paper, I hope to begin a discussion on the importance of improving our energy infrastructure over the course of my lifetime. Eventually, a sprout of real change might happen to improve the lives of those around me.
Electronic Structure Property and Disposal Efficiency of 2,2-Dichloropropionic Acid Using Metalloid (B, Si and Ge)-Decorated Gallium Nano-clusters (Ga12X12 (X = N, O))
Authors: Asogwa Fredrick C. , Louis Hitler , Gber Terkumbur E. , Isamura Bienfait K. , Adalikwu Stephen A.
Published: August 2023

Theoretical evaluation of gallium nano-clusters decorated with certain metalloids (B, Si and Ge) ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text], where X = N, O) as proficient adsorbents for 2,4-dichloropropionic acid (Dal) was conducted using the DFT/[Formula: see text]B97X-D functional with a 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. Notably, the [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]-decorated nano-structures demonstrated superior efficiency compared to their [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] counterparts. In the analysis of electronic structure, Ga@Si_Dal (GS2) exhibited a narrow band gap of 3.237 eV between the conduction and valence bands, signifying heightened system conductivity. For the adsorption system, Ga@Si_Dal (GS2) displayed an adsorption distance of 2.45400 Å, with the most stable optimal value of −2159.31 upon Dal adsorption. GaN@B_Dal (B1) exhibited the shortest bond length at 1.267 Å. The computed adsorption energy values for comparative assessment were universally negative, indicating robust interaction between adsorbent and adsorbate. GaO@Ge_Dal (GG2) boasted the most negative adsorption energy at −4.811 kcal/mol when compared with other decorated surfaces. The study underscored GaO@Si_Dal (GS2) as possessing a more potent non-covalent interaction than other adorned surfaces, as substantiated by its higher electron density and Laplacian of electron density. This research offers valuable insights for both researchers and industrialists engaged in combating environmental pollution.
Train Once, Locate Anytime for Anyone: Adversarial Learning-based Wireless Localization
Authors: Li Danyang , Xu Jingao , Yang Zheng , Tang Chengpei
Published: August 2023

Among numerous indoor localization systems, WiFi fingerprint-based localization has been one of the most attractive solutions, which is known to be free of extra infrastructure and specialized hardware. To push forward this approach for wide deployment, three crucial goals on high deployment ubiquity, high localization accuracy, and low maintenance cost are desirable. However, due to severe challenges about signal variation, device heterogeneity, and database degradation root in environmental dynamics, pioneer works usually make a trade-off among them. In this article, we propose iToLoc, a deep learning-based localization system that achieves all three goals simultaneously. Once trained, iToLoc will provide accurate localization service for everyone using different devices and under diverse network conditions, and automatically update itself to maintain reliable performance anytime. iToLoc is purely based on WiFi fingerprints without relying on specific infrastructures. The core components of iToLoc are a domain adversarial neural network and a co-training-based semi-supervised learning framework. Extensive experiments across 7 months with eight different devices demonstrate that iToLoc achieves remarkable performance with an accuracy of 1.92 m and >95% localization success rate. Even 7 months after the original fingerprint database was established, the rate still maintains >90%, which significantly outperforms previous works.
Understanding the Positive Effect of LATP in Polymer Electrolytes in All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Breuer Ortal , Peta Gayathri , Elias Yuval , Alon-Yehezkel Hadas , Weng Yu-Ting , Fayena-Greenstein Miryam , Wu Nae-Lih , Levi Mikhael D. , Aurbach Doron
Published: August 2023

Composite solid electrolytes with ceramic particles dispersed in a polymer matrix are considered a correct choice for all-solid-state batteries. These electrolytes balance the high ionic conductivity of superionic-ceramic conductors and the elasticity of polymers. Here, Li||LiFePO4 batteries with 30 wt% of LATP embedded in PEO20:LiTFSI show superior performance at elevated temperature. After ∼150 cycles, cells retained 84% of their original capacity compared to only 51% for batteries with no additive. At 5 C cells demonstrate 43% higher capacity. In symmetric cells with blocking and non-blocking electrodes and all-solid-state batteries LATP lowers the impedance of the electrode-electrolyte interface ensuring cycling stability. LATP improves performance by stabilization of the cathode-electrolyte interface, apparently the major contributor to the cell impedance.
Evidence of Unrecognized Indoor Exposure to Toxic Chlorophenols and Odorous Chloroanisoles in Denmark, Finland, and Norway
Authors: Lorentzen Johnny C. , Harderup Lars-Erik , Johanson Gunnar
Published: August 2023

Production and use of chlorophenols (CPs) are being phased out around the globe, but with considerable lag in some highly populated countries. The process could be incentivized by leading countries sharing their experiences on problems that occurred, including the built environment. We previously reported that Swedish industry and authorities promoted CPs, including pentachlorophenol (PCP), as wood preservatives in buildings for decades. Yet, Swedish indoor research did not recognize exposure to the hazardous CPs and their odor potent derivatives, the chloroanisoles (CAs), which smell like mold and still evolve from legacy preservatives in damp building structures. We hypothesized that the toxic CPs and odorous CAs could be key players for health and odor problems not only in Sweden but also in the neighboring Nordic countries. We found no reports in scientific medical literature of CPs being used in buildings in these countries. However, grey literature shows that CPs were indeed used, even during building booms, in house exteriors, constructions, and interiors, from the 1950s up to the late 1970s (Denmark) and even the 1990s (Finland and Norway). One application of CPs was in houses erected on dampness-prone house foundations, conditions ideal for formation of odorous CAs through microbial methylation. Furthermore, our searches suggest that these problematic chemicals played hitherto unrecognized key roles when indoor air research evolved. Thus, odor became an important aspect of the “sick building syndrome” in Denmark and an early warning sign of health risks in Finland, as asthma and allergy were attributed to “dampness and mold.” None of the countries addressed the possible links between odor and health effects and exposure to CAs and CPs. In conclusion, our results suggest that unrecognized indoor exposure to toxic CPs and odorous CAs has mislead Nordic indoor air research for decades.
Personality in Chronic Headache: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bottiroli Sara , Renzi Alessia , Ballante Elena , De Icco Roberto , Sances Grazia , Tanzilli Annalisa , Vecchi Tomaso , Tassorelli Cristina , Galli Federica
Published: August 2023

Background. Chronic headache (CH) is a condition that includes different subtypes of headaches and that can impair different life domains. Personality traits can play a relevant role both in the development and in coping with this medical condition. The first aim of the present study is to realize a systematic review of the personality traits associated with CH compared to healthy controls; the second objective is to carry out a quantitative meta-analysis with the studies using the same instrument to assess personality traits. Method. The literature search encompassed articles published from 1988 until December 2022 on the major databases in the field of health and social sciences: PubMed, Scopus, PsychInfo, and Web of Science. Results. Thirteen studies were included in the systematic review, but only three studies were deeply explored in a meta-analysis since the only ones used a common instrument for personality assessment (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory). According to the meta-analysis, different subtypes of CH patients scored higher than healthy controls on Hypochondriasis and Hysteria Scales. The systematic review showed higher levels of depressive and anxious personality dimensions and pain catastrophizing in CH compared to healthy controls. Moreover, frequent-chronic forms and medication-overuse headache were the most symptomatic and frail categories showing higher levels of dysfunctional personality traits and psychopathological symptoms. Conclusions. These results seem to confirm a “neurotic profile” in patients suffering from CH. The identification of the main personality traits involved in the onset and maintenance of headache disorders represents an important objective for developing psychological interventions.
Supplementary Table 1 from Gemcitabine, Docetaxel, Capecitabine, Cisplatin, Irinotecan as First-line Treatment for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wilbur H. Catherine , Durham Jennifer N. , Lim Su Jin , Purtell Katrina , Bever Katherine M. , Laheru Daniel A. , De Jesus-Acosta Ana , Azad Nilofer S. , Wilt Bradley , Diaz Luis A. , Le Dung T. , Wang Hao
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Table 1: Representativeness
Supplemental Table S1 from Tusamitamab Ravtansine in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: Phase I Study of Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Antitumor Activity Using Alternative Dosing Regimens
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Bedard Philippe L. , Bang Yung-Jue , Vieito Maria , Ryu Min-Hee , Fagniez Nathalie , Chadjaa Mustapha , Soufflet Christine , Masson Nina , Gazzah Anas
Published: August 2023

Reasons for screen failure
Supplementary Figure 1 from Gemcitabine, Docetaxel, Capecitabine, Cisplatin, Irinotecan as First-line Treatment for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wilbur H. Catherine , Durham Jennifer N. , Lim Su Jin , Purtell Katrina , Bever Katherine M. , Laheru Daniel A. , De Jesus-Acosta Ana , Azad Nilofer S. , Wilt Bradley , Diaz Luis A. , Le Dung T. , Wang Hao
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure 1: Consort
FIGURE 2 from Gemcitabine, Docetaxel, Capecitabine, Cisplatin, Irinotecan as First-line Treatment for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wilbur H. Catherine , Durham Jennifer N. , Lim Su Jin , Purtell Katrina , Bever Katherine M. , Laheru Daniel A. , De Jesus-Acosta Ana , Azad Nilofer S. , Wilt Bradley , Diaz Luis A. , Le Dung T. , Wang Hao
Published: August 2023

Maximum CA 19-9 responses in the expansion cohort. Figure shows the CA 19-9 percent change from baseline according to response of progressive disease (PD), SD, PR, CR, or not evaluable (NE).
FIGURE 1 from Gemcitabine, Docetaxel, Capecitabine, Cisplatin, Irinotecan as First-line Treatment for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wilbur H. Catherine , Durham Jennifer N. , Lim Su Jin , Purtell Katrina , Bever Katherine M. , Laheru Daniel A. , De Jesus-Acosta Ana , Azad Nilofer S. , Wilt Bradley , Diaz Luis A. , Le Dung T. , Wang Hao
Published: August 2023

Kaplan–Meier estimates of OS and PFS in the expansion cohort. A, shows OS; the median was 11 months. B, shows PFS; the median was 8.3 months.
Intrauterine Blood Transfusion for Parvo B19-Induced Fetal Anemia: Neuroimaging Findings and Long-Term Neurological Outcomes
Authors: Berezowsky Alexandra , Hochberg Alyssa , Regev Noam , Weisz Boaz , Lipitz Shlomo , Yinon Yoav
Published: August 2023

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the neuroimaging findings and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of fetuses and children following intrauterine blood transfusion (IUT) for parvo B19 infection-induced anemia compared to those with RBC alloimmunization. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including women who underwent an IUT due to fetal anemia between 2006 and 2019 in a tertiary, university-affiliated medical center. The cohort was divided into two groups: a study group – fetuses affected by congenital parvo B19 infection; and a control group – fetuses affected by RBC alloimmunization. Retrospective data such as antenatal sonographic evaluations, fetal brain MRI results, and short-term fetal and neonatal outcomes were collected. All children underwent a neurodevelopmental evaluation after birth using a Vineland questionnaire. Primary outcome was defined as the presence or absence of neurodevelopmental delay. Secondary outcome was defined as the presence of abnormal fetal neuroimaging findings such as cerebellar hypoplasia, polymicrogyria, intracranial hemorrhage, or severe ventriculomegaly. Results: Overall, 71 fetuses requiring at least one IUT were included in the study. Of these, 18 were affected by parvo B19 infection and 53 by RBC alloimmunization with various associated antibodies. Fetuses in the parvo B19 group presented at an earlier gestational age (22.91 ± 3.36 weeks vs. 27.37 ± 4.67 weeks, p = 0.002) and were more affected by hydrops (93.33% vs. 16.98%, p < 0.001). Three fetuses out of the 18 (16.67%) fetuses in the parvo B19 group died in utero following the IUT. Abnormal neuroimaging findings were detected in 4/15 (26.7%) of the parvo B19 survivors versus 2/53 (3.8%) of fetuses affected by RBC alloimmunization (p = 0.005). There was no difference in long-term neurodevelopmental delay rates between the children in the study and control groups, as assessed at the average age of 3.65 and 6.53 years, accordingly. Conclusion: Fetal anemia due to parvo B19, treated with IUT, might be associated with increased rates of abnormal neurosonographic findings. The correlation between those findings and long-term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes requires further investigation.
Cerebral Microbleed Patterns and Cortical Amyloid-β: The ARIC-PET Study
Authors: Okine Derrick N. , Knopman David S. , Mosley Thomas H. , Wong Dean F. , Johansen Michelle C. , Walker Keenan A. , Jack Clifford R. , Kantarci Kejal , Pike James R. , Graff-Radford Jonathan , Gottesman Rebecca F.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are associated with cognitive decline, but their importance outside of cerebral amyloid angiopathy and the mechanisms of their impact on cognition are poorly understood. We evaluated the cross-sectional association between CMB patterns and cerebral Aβ (amyloid-β) deposition, by florbetapir positron emission tomography.

METHODS:

The longitudinal ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) recruited individuals from 4 US communities from 1987 to 1989. From 2012 to 2014, the ARIC-PET (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities - Positron Emission Tomography) ancillary recruited 322 nondemented ARIC participants who completed 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging with T2*GRE as part of ARIC visit 5 to undergo florbetapir positron emission tomography imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging images were read for CMBs and superficial siderosis; on positron emission tomography, global cortical standardized uptake value ratio >1.2 was considered a positive Aβ scan. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated CMB characteristics in association with Aβ positivity. Effect modification by sex, race,
APOE
status, and cognition was evaluated.

RESULTS:

CMBs were present in 24% of ARIC-PET participants. No significant associations were found between CMBs and Aβ positivity, but a pattern of isolated lobar CMBs or superficial siderosis was associated with over 4-fold higher odds of elevated Aβ when compared with those with no CMBs (odds ratio, 4.72 [95% CI, 1.16–19.16]). A similar elevated risk was not observed in those with isolated subcortical or mixed subcortical and either lobar CMBs or superficial siderosis. Although no significant interactions were found, effect estimates for elevated Aβ were nonsignificantly lower (
P
>0.10, odds ratio, 0.4–0.6) for a mixed CMB pattern, and odds ratios were nonsignificantly higher for lobar-only CMBs for 4 subgroups: women (versus men); Black participants (versus White participants),
APOE
ε4 noncarriers (versus carriers), and cognitively normal (versus mild cognitive impairment).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this community-based cohort of nondemented adults, lobar-only pattern of CMBs or superficial siderosis is most strongly associated with brain Aβ, with no elevated risk for a mixed CMB pattern. Further studies are needed to understand differences in CMB patterns and their meaning across subgroups.
Robust Human Influence across the Troposphere, Surface, and Ocean: A Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Blackport Russell , Fyfe John C. , Santer Benjamin D.
Published: August 2023

Human influence has been robustly detected throughout many parts of the climate system. Pattern-based methods have been used extensively to estimate the strength of model-predicted “fingerprints,” both human and natural, in observational data. However, individual studies using different analysis methods and time periods yield inconsistent estimates of the magnitude of the influence of anthropogenic aerosols, depending on whether they examined the troposphere, surface, or ocean. Reducing the uncertainty of the impact of aerosols on the climate system is crucial for understanding past climate change and obtaining more reliable estimates of climate sensitivity. To reconcile divergent estimates of aerosol effects obtained in previous studies, we apply the same regression-based detection and attribution method to three different variables: mid-to-upper-tropospheric temperature, surface temperature, and ocean heat content. We find that quantitative estimates of human influence in observations are consistent across these three independently monitored components of the climate system. Combining the troposphere, surface, and ocean data into a single multivariate fingerprint results in a small (∼10%) reduction of uncertainty of the magnitude of the greenhouse gas fingerprint, but a large (∼40%) reduction for the anthropogenic aerosol fingerprint. This reduction in uncertainty results in a substantially earlier time of detection of the multivariate aerosol fingerprint when compared to aerosol fingerprint detection time in each of the three individual variables. Our results highlight the benefits of analyzing data across the troposphere, surface, and ocean in detection and attribution studies, and motivate future work to further constrain uncertainties in aerosol effects on climate.

Significance Statement

Fingerprints of human influence have been detected separately across the troposphere, surface, and ocean. Previous studies examining the different parts of the climate system are difficult to compare quantitatively, however, because they use different methods and cover differ timespans. Here we find consistent estimates of the human influence on the troposphere, surface, and ocean over recent decades when the same fingerprint method and analysis period is used. When we combine the three variables into a single fingerprint, the uncertainty of the influence of anthropogenic aerosols is substantially reduced and the signal is detectable considerably earlier in the observational record. Our results highlight the benefits of performing analysis across different variables instead of focusing on one variable only.
Gender affirmation and mental health in prison: A critical review of current corrections policy for trans people in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Dalzell Laura G , Pang Sam C , Brömdal Annette
Published: August 2023

Background:

Trans people in prison experience disproportionate rates of harm, including negative mental health outcomes, and thus require special protections. Instead, corrections policies have historically further marginalised them. This critical policy review aimed to compare corrections policies for trans people in Australia and New Zealand with human rights standards and consider their mental health impact.

Methods:

Online searches were conducted on corrections websites for each state/territory in Australia and New Zealand. Drawing on the Nelson Mandela Rules and Yogyakarta Principles, 19 corrections policies relevant to placement, naming, appearance and gender-affirming healthcare for trans people were reviewed. The potential mental health impact of these policies on incarcerated trans people was discussed using the Gender Minority Stress and Resilience framework.

Results:

Australian and New Zealand corrections policies have become more concordant with human rights standards in the past 5 years. However, gender-related discrimination and human rights violations were present in corrections policies of all jurisdictions. New South Wales and Victorian policies had the highest concordance with human rights standards, while Queensland and South Australian policies had the lowest.

Conclusion:

Policies that contribute to discrimination and minority stress may increase risk of mental health problems and suicide for incarcerated trans people. Mental health professionals working in prisons need to be aware of these risks to provide safe and accessible mental healthcare for trans people. Collaborative policy development with trans people is essential to protect the safety and rights of incarcerated trans people and consider models beyond the gender binary on which correctional systems have been founded.
What theories and methods do social workers report using in their practice? A scoping review
Authors: Hannan Katrina , Teater Barbra
Published: August 2023

A scoping review framework was used to explore and synthesize the existing international research surrounding social workers’ application of theory into practice. The results indicated: (a) social workers report employing pragmatic approaches; (b) although some social workers struggle to explicitly identify the theories and methods they utilize, implicit theoretical application is evident; (c) time is the greatest barrier to theoretical application; and (d) some social workers are concerned with individual functioning rather than social justice. There is a need to integrate theory into education and future research to explore the link between theory and practice implemented by social workers internationally.
Leveraging AI to enhance learning
Authors: Volante Louis , DeLuca Christopher , Klinger Don A.
Published: August 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, such as ChatGPT, have ushered in a new digital era that presents formidable challenges related to cheating and plagiarism in the classroom. Although many school systems have reacted by banning AI language models and related applications, these technologies present opportunities to leverage formative assessment practices to enable students to demonstrate more complex and valued learning outcomes. Using the ICE (Ideas, Connections, Extensions) model, Louis Volante, Christopher DeLuca, and Don A. Klinger offer educators a research-informed pathway, based on best practices and policy, to promote critical, creative, and higher order thinking in secondary schools.
Teacher expertise isn’t enough
Authors: Glazer Jeremy
Published: August 2023

In recent research with classroom teachers on their personal pedagogical trajectories, Jeremy Glazer found teachers expressing concerns that their teaching practice was getting worse and they were not able to do the best teaching they knew how to do. The accounts of these teachers suggest that, when thinking about strategies for improving teachers’ practice, education leaders need to expand their focus beyond the knowledge, skills, and experience of teachers themselves and begin to look at the contexts in which teachers do their jobs. Specifically, teacher development initiatives need to include advocacy for sustainable workloads and teacher autonomy.
Thinking critically, acting flexibly: Global forms of religiosity among millennial Muslim women in the UAE
Authors: ALKORANI Joud
Published: August 2023

This article analyzes how liberal, American-curriculum universities and neoliberal entrepreneurship centers play a role in shaping the religious subjectivities of millennial Muslim women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is grounded in 2 years of fieldwork and interviews conducted with middle-class, migrant Muslim women living in the UAE, a highly cosmopolitan urban setting shaped deeply by processes of globalization. Examining how ‘global forms’ materialize in local contexts, the article scrutinizes how the ‘assemblages’ emerging in educational and entrepreneurial contexts play a vital role in shaping women’s practices and sensibilities, conceptualizations of God, and relationships to others. Tracing one woman’s intellectual and religious trajectory through her self-narrative, the article intervenes in debates on the global reach and resonance of American educational ‘imperialism’; the entanglement of religious and entrepreneurial subjectivity; and the contemporary forms of Islamic religiosity in the Middle East.
Researching Lay Perceptions of Inequality through Images of Society: Compliance, Inversion and Subversion of Power Hierarchies
Authors: Vanke Alexandrina
Published: August 2023

Increased inequalities around the globe have led social researchers to invent innovative methodologies to study how people subjectively perceive inequality and imagine society. This article presents the development of an arts-informed method, ‘drawing of society’, applied to a multi-sited ethnography of everyday inequalities in two major post-industrial cities of Russia. It contributes to the debate on lay perceptions of social structure by looking at moral and symbolic signifiers of inequality. Building on multi-sensory data, I argue that workers and professionals tend to imagine Russian society as divided between a small group of the rich and a large group of the poor and as consisting of social classes. Ordinary people self-identify with the poor and perceive their position as being at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Depending on their lived experiences, research participants express their sense of inequality through the narrative strategies of compliance, inversion and subversion of power hierarchies.
Resource Mobilization and Power Redistribution: The Role of Local Governments in Shaping Residents’ Pro-Environmental Behavior in Rural Tourism Destinations
Authors: Wu Jianxing , Wang Xiongzhi , Ramkissoon Haywantee , Wu Mao-Ying , Guo Yingzhi , Morrison Alastair M.
Published: August 2023

This research investigates residents’ pro-environmental behavior from the unique perspective of government-resident interactions. Guided by social movement theory, how local governments regulate residents’ waste-sorting behavior in Chinese rural tourism destinations is assessed. This longitudinal study (lasting from 2016 to 2022) uses participant observation, in-depth interviews ( N = 25), and secondary data as the key research techniques. The dual roles of local governments (i.e., resource mobilization and power redistribution) jointly shape residents’ pro-environmental behavior in the waste-sorting campaign. Resource mobilization enhances knowledge of waste-sorting and raises individuals’ environmental consciousness. Power redistribution within groups activates social networks in rural communities and changes groups’ social capital to influence residents’ collective behavior. Results are discussed in relation to how the organizational-level resource mobilization and power redistribution influence the individual-level environmental psychological and sociological factors in shaping residents’ waste-sorting behavior. Practical recommendations are offered for sustainable tourism management from a social interaction perspective.
Travelers’ Coping Strategies in the Backdrop of Revenge Tourism
Authors: Meenakshi N. , Dhir Amandeep , Mahto Raj V. , Nicolau Juan Luis , Kaur Puneet
Published: August 2023

The recent COVID-19 pandemic was a large-scale, prolonged crisis for the tourism industry. However, there has been an unprecedented surge in travel in the post-pandemic period. This study explores the motivation and coping strategies employed by travelers in the post-pandemic period. A multi-stage qualitative study was undertaken using three waves of data collection with travelers who engaged in revenge tourism in the post-pandemic period. Findings revealed that disengagement was the main motivation to travel during this period. Three coping strategies were employed by travelers to overcome the crisis—engaging in growth, seeking strength, and hope and cautious optimism. Coping strategies employed by travelers enabled them to overcome the tensions experienced during the pandemic lockdown. These findings present a clear delineation of how travelers recover from the adversities of a pandemic crisis to travel again in its aftermath, thus contributing significantly to the tourism literature.
Economic Sanctions and Civil–Military Relations in Target Countries
Authors: Kiyani Ghashia , Yu-Lin Liou Ryan , Murdie Amanda , Peksen Dursun
Published: August 2023

How do economic sanctions affect civil–military relations in targeted states? Though much research has focused on how external military threats affect civil–military relations, no study to date has offered a thorough assessment of the degree to which non-military threats, particularly sanctions, alter civil–military dynamics. We posit that sanctions alter civil–military bargaining in ways that increase the military’s role in political decision-making, ultimately lessening civilian control. However, we also posit that targeted regime leaders want to fulfill as many of the military’s demands as possible with their restricted pot of resources, ultimately leading to sanctions’ limited role in observed coup attempts. We substantiate our theoretical claims using time-series, cross-national data on economic sanctions, civilian control, and coup attempts.
USTC FLICAR: A sensors fusion dataset of LiDAR-inertial-camera for heavy-duty autonomous aerial work robots
Authors: Wang Ziming , Liu Yujiang , Duan Yifan , Li Xingchen , Zhang Xinran , Ji Jianmin , Dong Erbao , Zhang Yanyong
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we present the USTC FLICAR Dataset, which is dedicated to the development of simultaneous localization and mapping and precise 3D reconstruction of the workspace for heavy-duty autonomous aerial work robots. In recent years, numerous public datasets have played significant roles in the advancement of autonomous cars and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). However, these two platforms differ from aerial work robots: UAVs are limited in their payload capacity, while cars are restricted to two-dimensional movements. To fill this gap, we create the “Giraffe” mapping robot based on a bucket truck, which is equipped with a variety of well-calibrated and synchronized sensors: four 3D LiDARs, two stereo cameras, two monocular cameras, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), and a GNSS/INS system. A laser tracker is used to record the millimeter-level ground truth positions. We also make its ground twin, the “Okapi” mapping robot, to gather data for comparison. The proposed dataset extends the typical autonomous driving sensing suite to aerial scenes, demonstrating the potential of combining autonomous driving perception systems with bucket trucks to create a versatile autonomous aerial working platform. Moreover, based on the Segment Anything Model (SAM), we produce the Semantic FLICAR dataset, which provides fine-grained semantic segmentation annotations for multimodal continuous data in both temporal and spatial dimensions. The dataset is available for download at: https://ustc-flicar.github.io/ .
Histological and immunohistochemical features of carcinomas with pulmonary involvement in cattle
Authors: Vielmo Andréia , Santos Igor Ribeiro , Piva Manoela Marchezan , Bandinelli Marcele Bettim , Pavarini Saulo Petinatti , Panziera Welden , Driemeier David
Published: August 2023

Primary pulmonary neoplasms in cattle are rare. There are few studies on the pathological findings of these neoplasms in this species. This study aimed to describe the histological and immunohistochemical findings of primary and metastatic pulmonary carcinomas in cattle. We conducted a retrospective study of 19 cases of epithelial neoplasms with pulmonary involvement. Histologically, most of the neoplasms were classified as primary pulmonary neoplasms, including different adenocarcinoma subtypes (4/19, 21%) and adenosquamous carcinomas (3/19, 16%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (6/19, 32%), metastatic uterine adenocarcinoma (4/19, 21%), metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (1/19, 5%), and metastatic cholangiocarcinoma (1/19, 5%). By immunohistochemistry, all neoplasms were positive for pancytokeratin, and 4/19 (21%) were positive for vimentin. Primary pulmonary neoplasms had immunoreactivity for thyroid transcription factor-1 (6/7), while only 2 of these cases were positive for napsin A. All cases with squamous differentiation (9/9) had immunoreactivity for cytokeratin (CK) 5/6, while only 7 of these cases were positive for p40. CK20, CK7, and CK8/18 showed varied immunoreactivity in the primary and metastatic pulmonary carcinomas but were important markers to confirm the diagnosis of primary mucinous adenocarcinoma and metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. HepPar-1 was only positive in the metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. The limited number of cases of metastatic uterine adenocarcinomas in this study precluded identification of a specific immunophenotype for this tumor. Immunohistochemistry proved to be an important tool to confirm the proper classification of these neoplasms.
Stratified pathways into platform work: Migration trajectories and skills in Berlin’s gig economy
Authors: Orth Barbara
Published: August 2023

Platform labour scholars have noted the prevalence of migrant workers in the gig economy. This paper builds on this research but interrogates the broad concept of ‘migrant labour’. The study draws on biographical interviews with platform workers in grocery delivery and domestic work platforms in Berlin, Germany as well as expert interviews with union representatives, migrant organisations and white-collar platform company employees. Through an examination of the mobility strategies of platform workers in this subset of the platform economy, the study reveals a stratification of migrant trajectories and of skills needed to engage in platform work across different types of labour platforms. The study finds that platform companies draw on a workforce that consists of recently arrived young migrants with comparatively high education, language skills and digital literacy. Through close analysis of an understudied section of the gig economy, the paper contributes to the ongoing theorisation of the nexus of migration regimes and platform-mediated labour regimes. The findings complicate the notion of ‘accessibility’ of platform work and call for the inclusion of visa regimes, immigration categories and particular skill sets in future research on platform labour.
Digitally Mediated Racial-Ethnic Socialization Among Black/African American Emerging Adults and Their Caregivers
Authors: Jensen Michaeline , Martin Romero Michelle Y. , Brown Morgan T. , Weinstein Mariani , Chan Michele , Stein Gabriela Livas
Published: August 2023

The present study explores the ways Black/African American emerging adult college students (ages 18–20) and their caregivers engage in racial-ethnic socialization via mobile communication technologies, within the context of a minority-serving 4 year university in the Southeastern US. Qualitative integrative analysis of focus groups ( N = 12 Black/African American emerging adults, 67% female, 33% male) and text message content analysis ( N = 11 emerging adults and their 12 caregivers; 82% female, 9% male; 9% undisclosed gender identity) enabled us to understand emerging adults’ subjective experiences of digital RES alongside objective observation of digital RES within the content of all caregiver-emerging adult text messages exchanged over the course of 3 months. Findings suggest that digital racial-ethnic socialization messages are infrequent and largely implicit, that caregivers and emerging adults flexibly cross between social networks and digital platforms to communicate, and that one unique affordance of digital communication is the ability for caregivers and emerging adults to engage in support seeking and provision in real-time. The present study informs future research on how cultural transmission can continue across distance and development with the use of modern communication technologies.
Modulation of Autophagy and Nitric Oxide Signaling via Glycyrrhizic Acid and 7-Nitroindazole in MPTP-induced Parkinson’s Disease Model
Authors: Kartik Shipra , Pal Rishi , Chaudhary Manju J. , Nath Rajendra , Kumar Madhu
Published: August 2023

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by dopaminergic (DA) neuron loss, Lewy body build-up, and motor dysfunction. One of the primary pathogenic mechanisms of PD development is autophagy dysfunction and nitric oxide-mediated neurotoxicity.

Purpose

The current study focuses on autophagy and nitric oxide (NO) signaling roles in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-intoxicated PD mice and their protection by their modulators.

Method

BALB/c mice were administered MPTP (30 mg/kg/i.p/day) for five consecutive days in order to create a PD model. Following MPTP poisoning, the doses of GA (16.8 mg/kg/day/i.p.), 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) (10 mg/kg/day/i.p.), and their combination were administered once daily for 14 days. Animals were observed for behavioral and locomotor changes, biochemical examination, inflammatory mediators, and analysis of molecular markers.

Results

GA, 7-NI alone significantly reduced MPTP-induced locomotor, behavioral, and oxidative damage. Additionally, in MPTP-intoxicated animals, 7-NI and GA had protective effects on dopamine levels, TH positive DA neurons, inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) concentration. Furthermore, GA increases LC3BII expression, which in turn increases autophagy. It also decreases total NO content, and a significant response of 7-NI demonstrates their interaction, which is neuroprotective.

Conclusion

Present research suggests that dysregulation of autophagy and NO-mediated neuroinflammation are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of MPTP-induced PD. The use of two pharmacotherapeutics, GA and 7-NI, respectively, significantly reduces MPTP-induced PD distortions and their interaction enhances the overall protective effect, suggesting that these pharmacological agents may be used for the treatment of PD.
Book review: Bhaswati Bhattacharya and Henrike Donner (Eds.), Globalising Everyday Consumption in India: History and Ethnography
Authors: Chattopadhyay Suchismita
Published: August 2023

Bhaswati Bhattacharya and Henrike Donner (Eds.), Globalising Everyday Consumption in India: History and Ethnography (London and New York: Routledge, 2020), 246 pp., ₹36.99, ISBN: 9781032024356 (Hardbound).
Health Experiences of Women University Students of Color and Women International Students in the United States During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From a Transnational, Virtual Photovoice Study
Authors: McMorrow Shannon
Published: August 2023

Women university students in the United States who are students of color and international students consistently experience health disparities. These were exacerbated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and racial upheaval following the murder of George Floyd. Within that context, this study aimed to explore the health and well-being experiences of women students of color and international women students at a university in the Midwestern United States in 2020–2021. This participatory, transnational study utilized a virtual adaptation of Photovoice with 14 participants who joined the study from five different countries. Participatory elements included participant co-researchers co-leading development of the photo “mission,” icebreakers, naming of the project, design of the project logo, choosing photos for discussion and exhibits, initial analysis of emergent themes, and approval and editing of photos for exhibit. Inductive thematic analysis revealed three themes: (1) grief and loss, (2) barriers and facilitators to social health, and (3) fear and stress from simultaneous social stressors. Data was not mutually exclusive with some photos and narratives illustrating more than one theme. The women experienced grief and loss while negotiating effects of social isolation and adapting to maintain social health. Negative mental and emotional health experiences were amplified as the social context of police brutality and anti-immigrant sentiments overlaid the stress of the pandemic. Study results demonstrate need for increased and tailored health and social service support for women students of color and international women university students.
Toward an attention-based view of crises
Authors: Kudesia Ravi S , Lang Tingting
Published: August 2023

This article develops the attention-based view of crises. Crises implicate the failure of structures that shape attention throughout a system and initiate attempts to transform these structures. As crises are so influential, case studies of crisis provide rich details from which to build theory. Synthesizing insights from 80 qualitative case studies of crises, we build a theoretical framework that revitalizes scholarly understanding of how structure and attention relate in today’s complex systems. This framework reveals how everyday social practices instantiate structure, compose systems, and shape the quality of attention, such that practices constitute both a source and solution to crises. Understanding the systemic nature of attention through practices might therefore advance our collective capacity to face crises. It also contributes more broadly to ongoing conversations about how to apply the attention-based view in today’s world, where important organizations look less and less like traditional big businesses, notions of structure implied by formal organization charts are diminishingly relevant, and the quality of attention matters more than its quantity.