bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An appearance of classical matter from the self-organizing process of quantum systems
Authors: Shushi Tomer
Published: February 2023

We present a quantum effect where matter follows the classical Hamilton-Jacobi equation, which emerges from quantum systems with Riemannian structures, as in standard quantum systems such as semiconductor heterostructures, quantum plasmas, and quantum dots. The proposed effect is derived from solving a standard elliptic partial differential equation of the radial part of the wave function, which is equivalent to a vanished quantum potential of the system. We then analyze such an effect and examine how the classical matter tends to be denser at the boundary region of the system when the quantum system is given in a finite region in space. While the proposed effect is derived from the hydrodynamical formulation of quantum mechanics, the results are free from any interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Plasma Advanced Glycation End Products and Dicarbonyl Compounds Are Not Associated with Coronary Atherosclerosis in Athletes
Authors: BERGE KRISTIAN , AENGEVAEREN VINCENT L. , MOSTERD AREND , VELTHUIS BIRGITTA K. , LYNGBAKKEN MAGNUS N. , OMLAND TORBJØRN , SCHALKWIJK CASPER G. , EIJSVOGELS THIJS M. H.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Coronary atherosclerosis is the leading cause of sudden death among athletes >35 yr old, but current cardiovascular risk prediction algorithms have not been validated for athletes. Advanced glycation end products (AGE) and dicarbonyl compounds have been associated with atherosclerosis and rupture-prone plaques in patients and ex vivo studies. The detection of AGE and dicarbonyl compounds might be a novel screening tool for high-risk coronary atherosclerosis in older athletes.

Methods

Concentrations of three different AGE and the dicarbonyl compounds methylglyoxal, glyoxal, and 3-deoxyglucosone were measured in plasma with ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in athletes from the Measuring Athletes’ Risk of Cardiovascular Events 2 study cohort. Coronary plaques, plaque characteristics (calcified, noncalcified or mixed), and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores were assessed with coronary computed tomography, and potential associations with AGE and dicarbonyl compounds were analyzed using linear and logistic regression.

Results

A total of 289 men were included (60 [quartiles 1–3 = 56–66] yr old, body mass index = 24.5 [22.9–26.6] kg·m−2), with a weekly exercise volume of 41 (25–57) MET-hours. Coronary plaques were detected in 241 participants (83%), with a dominant plaque type of calcified plaques in 42%, noncalcified plaques in 12% and mixed plaques in 21%. No AGE or dicarbonyl compounds were associated with total number of plaques or any of the plaque characteristics in adjusted analyses. Similarly, AGE and dicarbonyl compounds were not associated with CAC score.

Conclusions

Concentrations of plasma AGE and dicarbonyl compounds do not predict the presence of coronary plaques, plaque characteristics or CAC scores, in middle-age and older athletes.
Nonlinear Pricing with Underutilization: A Theory of Multi-part Tariffs
Authors: Corrao Roberto , Flynn Joel P. , Sastry Karthik A.
Published: February 2023

We study the nonlinear pricing of goods whose usage generates revenue for the seller and of which buyers can freely dispose. The optimal price schedule is a multi-part tariff, featuring tiers within which buyers pay a marginal price of zero. We apply our model to digital goods, for which advertising, data generation, and network effects make usage valuable, but monitoring legitimate usage is infeasible. Our results rationalize common pricing schemes including free products, free trials, and unlimited subscriptions. The possibility of free disposal harms producer and consumer welfare and makes both less sensitive to changes in usage-based revenue and demand. (JEL D11, D21, D42, L86, M37)
Acacia mangium: A promising plant for isolating anti-hepatitis C virus agents
Authors: Wahyuni Tutik Sri , Sukma Nida S. , Permanasari Adita A. , Aoki-Utsubo Chie , Widyawaruyanti Aty , Hafid Achmad Fuad
Published: February 2023

Background: Medicinal plants have been demonstrated to possess various pharmacological effects including anti-hepatitis C virus. Acacia  mangium is one of the Acacia genus that contain with  various metabolites. The metaboilites play an  important role for antiviral activities. The current study examined the anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activities of Acacia mangium extracts in solvents with various polarities and further evaluated the mechanism of action of the extracts on the protein virus and combination treatment models.

Methods: Anti-hepatitis C virus activities was conducted by in vitro culture cells of Huh 7it both in a single or combination treatment. Further examined its NS3 protein inhibition was evaluated by western blotting assay.

Results: The results revealed the strong anti-HCV activities of the extracts. The 50% inhibition concentrations (IC50s) of the ethanol, n-hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts were of 4.6 ± 0.3, 2.9 ± 0.2, 0.2 ± 0.3, and 2.8 ± 0.2 μg/mL, respectively, and no cytotoxic effect was detected. These extracts displayed stronger effects than the positive control ribavirin. The mode of action of the ethanol extract was evaluated at 30 µg/mL, revealing that the inhibitory effect was stronger on the post-entry step than on the entry step. Western blotting revealed that the extracts decreased NS3 protein expression, indicating that virus replication was suppressed. Further evaluation illustrated that combined treatment with the ethanol extract enhanced the anti-viral activity of simeprevir.

Conclusions: These results indicated that A. mangium leaves could represent sources of anti-HCV agents.
Implementing patient-centred outcome measures in palliative care clinical practice for adults (IMPCOM): Protocol for an update systematic review of facilitators and barriers
Authors: Antunes Bárbara , Barclay Stephen , Kuhn Isla , Eagar Kathy , Bausewein Claudia , Murtagh Fliss , Etkind Simon , Bowers Ben , Dixon Sarah , Lovick Roberta , Harding Richard , Higginson Irene , Shokraneh Dr Farhad
Published: February 2023

Background: Despite the development of patient-centred or patient-reported outcome measures (PCOMs or PROMs) in palliative and end-of-life care over recent years, their routine use in practice faces continuing challenges.

Objective: To update a highly cited literature review, identify and synthesise new evidence on facilitators, barriers, lessons learned, PCOMs used, models of implementation, implementation outcomes, costs, and consequences of implementing PCOMs in palliative care clinical practice.

Methods: We will search MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, SCI-Expanded, SSCI, ESCI, and BNI. The database search will be supplemented by a list of studies from the expert advisory committee, hand-searching of reference lists for included articles, and citations of the original review. We will include primary studies using a PCOM during clinical care of adult patients with advanced disease in palliative care settings and extract data on reported models of implementation, PCOMs, facilitators, barriers, lessons learned, costs, and implementation outcomes. Gough’s Weight of Evidence Framework will be used to assess the robustness and relevance of the studies. We will narratively synthesise and tabulate the findings. This review will follow PRISMA, PRISMA-Abstract, PRISMA-P, and PRISMA-Search as the reporting guidelines.

Source of funding: Marie Curie. The funder is not involved in designing or conducting this study.

Protocol registration: CRD42023398653 (13/02/2023)
On the design of linked datasets mapping networks of collaboration in the genomic sequencing of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Homo sapiens, and Sus scrofa
Authors: Wong Mark , Leng Rhodri
Published: February 2023

This data note describes a unique two-step methodology to construct six linked datasets covering the sequencing ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae,Homo sapiens, andSus scrofagenomes. The datasets were used as evidence in a project that investigated the history of genomic science. To design the datasets, we first retrieved all sequence submission data from the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA), including accession numbers associated with each of our three species. Second, we used these accession numbers to construct queries to retrieve peer-reviewed scientific publications that first described these sequence submissions in the scientific literature. For each species, this resulted in two associated datasets: 1) A .csv file documenting the PMID of each article describing new sequences, all paper authors, all institutional affiliations of each author, countries of institution, year of first submission to the ENA (when available), and the year of article publication, and 2) A .csv file documenting all institutions submitting to the ENA, number of nucleotides sequenced and years of submission to the database. We utilised these datasets to understand how institutional collaboration shaped sequencing efforts, and to systematically identify important institutions and changes in the structure of research communities throughout the history of genomics and across our three target species. This data note, therefore, should aid researchers who would like to use these data for future analyses by making the methodology that underpins it transparent. Further, by detailing our methodology, researchers may be able to utilise our approach to construct similar datasets in the future.
Problem tolerancji w edukacji międzykulturowej
Authors: Górniewicz Józef
Published: February 2023

W artykule omówiono znaczenie tolerancji w procesie edukacji międzykulturowej. Tolerancja jest wartością moralną i postawą. Jej kształtowanie stanowi zasadniczy cel w procesie wychowania formalnego i pozaformalnego. Zagadnienie tolerancji omówiono w odniesieniu do założeń ideowych edukacji międzykulturowej.
Motyw Dobrego Łotra w staropolskich apokryfach Nowego Testamentu i jego ślady w narracjach ludowych
Authors: Kotlarska Izabela , Stelmach Wojciech
Published: February 2023

Celem artykułu jest pokazanie, jak w staropolskich narracjach biblijno-apokryficznych rozwijany był biblijny motyw Dobrego Łotra. Interesuje nas odpowiedź na pytanie, w jakim kontekście przywoływano ten wątek i czemu służył. Ze względu na łączenie się (para)biblijnego motywu Dobrego Łotra z ludowym motywem Madeja w centrum zainteresowania postawiliśmy zarówno wzajemne relacje między analizowanymi fragmentami apokryfów, jak i między tymi fragmentami a późniejszymi tekstami folkloru. Główny jednak nacisk położono na materiał staropolski.
Tworzenie systemu władzy terytorialnej w Drugiej i w Trzeciej Rzeczypospolitej. Analiza porównawcza
Authors: Jakubiak Marek
Published: February 2023

Artykuł dotyczy problematyki budowy systemu samorządu terytorialnego w II i III RP. Przedstawiono zarys rozwoju władzy lokalnej jako formy administracji publicznej w Europie końca XIX w. i początku XX w. Na tym tle omówiono pokrótce sytuację w tym zakresie na ziemiach polskich pod zaborami przed odzyskaniem niepodległości. Następnie opisano proces legislacyjny prowadzący do ukonstytuowania administracji samorządowej II i III RP, z uwzględnieniem uwarunkowań politycznych i społecznych obydwu okresów. Na koniec podsumowano przebieg tworzenia systemu władzy terytorialnej w obu przypadkach w ujęciu komparatywnym.
Leptospirosis and liver abscess: an unusual association
Authors: Ribeirinho Soares Pedro , Souto Miguel , Almeida Jorge
Published: February 2023

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infection infrequently reported in non-tropical regions. Although classically described as a biphasic illness, unusual clinical manifestations have been reported, including a previous case of a lung abscess associated with this causative agent. We present the case of a 49-year-old man with a new diagnosis of two liver abscesses associated with leptospirosis.
An 84-year-old patient with Caroli syndrome: what is the prognosis of this condition?
Authors: Emidio Fabio , Pereira Rafaela , Blanco Rosário , Santos Pedro , Abegão Teresa , Fitas Claudia
Published: February 2023

Caroli disease is a rare congenital pathology caused by mutation of the PKHD1 gene (polycystic kidney and hepatic disease 1), also responsible for autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. Characterized by segmental and multifocal dilatation of the large intrahepatic bile ducts, classic disease involves only malformation of the biliary tract. The association with congenital hepatic fibrosis is called Caroli syndrome. We describe the case of an 84-year-old man with Caroli syndrome diagnosed in 1997 by liver biopsy. The CT scan revealed massive hepatomegaly, extending to the pelvic region, and almost total replacement of the parenchyma by numerous cystic formations, no evidence of bile duct dilatation, and no ascites or splenomegaly suggestive of portal hypertension. The atypical clinical presentation, with no reported complications, resembles that of a space-occupying lesion with an indolent course, previously misdiagnosed as metastatic neoplasm.
Bowel care at end of life
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: February 2023

Most people, given a choice prefer to die at home. As death approaches the dying person may say “please let me die at home, in my own bed”. Many relatives promise their loved ones that they can remain at home until the end. One issue that can cause great distress and at times lead to unnecessary hospital admission is poorly managed bowel care. This article will examine how ageing, illness and medication can affect bowel function and quality of life.
Ghost of the Future
Authors: Stone Tom
Published: February 2023

As Rolls-Royce announces its first ever BEV, its CEO points to the fact that, far from being a radical change of direction, the Spectre has been over a century in the making
Pole Position
Authors: Challen John
Published: February 2023

Volvo's all-electric brand now boasts an SUV in its ranks, joining the two-door Polestar 1 and four-door Polestar 2
Unleashing Unmanned Flight
Authors: Hughes David
Published: February 2023

A coastal region of Virginia has become a major testbed for unmanned and autonomous flight management
Waterman Arrowbile
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: February 2023

The development of flying cars has a long and inglorious history
The Race To Hypersonic Supremacy
Authors: Tegler Eric
Published: February 2023

A push to develop hypersonic weapons has kick-started new investment in wind tunnels
Lightning Strikes
Authors: Williams Abigail
Published: February 2023

Lightning testing is innovating to meet the needs of changing aircraft designs and advances in materials
911 GT3 RS
Authors: Fortune Kyle
Published: February 2023

How can a masterpiece be improved? Vehicle Dynamics International got the inside track from Björn Racky, Porsche's suspension and vehicle dynamics expert for GT models, at the launch of the 911 GT3 RS
Engineering the Way to Lower Energy Bills
Authors: March Alan
Published: February 2023

As energy prices begin to bite manufacturers' bottom line, how can business leaders plan ahead? The answer comes in using data to better understand trends
Radio Rules
Authors: Pessinger JÜrgen
Published: February 2023

The wireless technology that smart devices rely on for functionality is subject to special regulations globally. CSA Group unpacks what manufacturers need to know about certifying products containing radio components.
The impact of Baumol’s disease on government size, taxation and redistribution
Authors: Mann Christopher , Pecorino Paul
Published: February 2023

This article investigates the implications of Baumol’s cost disease for a publicly provided good in the presence of distortionary taxation. A model is presented in which the publicly provided good experiences low labour productivity growth relative to the private good. The public sector will grow monotonically with the productivity differential between sectors and the tax rate will be pushed to the top of the Laffer curve over time. This article also finds that the desire for redistribution will be crowded out by the impact of unbalanced growth and Baumol’s cost disease.
Facilitated practice-based research: a model of empowerment to reduce research anxiety in social work practitioner researchers and reframe cultural capital
Authors: Deacon Lesley
Published: February 2023

This article presents initial findings from an ongoing participatory action research project and aims to understand the problem of why, despite attempts to address this through, for example, social work practice research, practitioners still experience research anxiety. One way to understand this is through Bourdieu’s field theory: social work students, practitioners and educators have essential research skills and knowledge but do not possess the symbolic capital to reframe these in the field of social work research and are habituated into research anxiety. The participatory action research approach taken asked the question: how can we bridge the gap between social work research and practice? Through collaboration with a local charity, an empowerment model was developed and tested as a potential solution: facilitated practice-based research. This is a research programme conducted in practice, about practice and using practice terminology. Findings from two focus groups participating in this approach suggest that practitioners do habituate research anxiety: they can conduct research but name it differently, and their research confidence needs development through recognising it and beginning to name their work as research. It is concluded that if research anxiety in practitioners is not addressed by reframing their capital, opportunities could be missed for embedding research into social work practice.
Generation of triple-entanglement in second-order optical topological kagome structure
Authors: Liao Ming-Jie , Wei Mei-Song , Lin Zijian , Zhu Chengjie , Xu Jingping , Yang Yaping
Published: February 2023

The combination of topological photonics and quantum optics has promising applications. In previous works, the role of the edge states of conventional topological optical structure in the coherent coupling between atoms has been discussed. Besides the optimistic results, we find that if the coupling coefficient between the atom and element-cavity exceeds the coupling coefficient between cavities in the array, atoms cannot be effectively coupled with each other through the edge states. Here, we generalize to higher-order structures and explore the dynamics of three atoms interacting with the cavity array based on the kagome-type optically coupled-cavity array with topologically protected corner states. Three atoms are theoretically coupled in three corner cavities, and various quantum behaviors can be displayed in different parameters. It is shown that three atoms mediated by the corner state can be coherently coupled with each other, without the constraint of the coupling coefficient, and can induce entanglement, which shows that the high-order topological optical structure has more advantages than the conventional topological optical structure in coherent coupling among qubits. In addition, we also studied atoms mediated by edge states. The results show that the atoms mediated by edge states can be coherently coupled only in the weak coupling regime, and the entanglement effect induced by the edge states is not as good as that of the corner state. It indicates that the corner state is more useful than the edge state in the second-order optical topological structure. Our results can offer references for applying optical topological structure in quantum computing and quantum communication.
Sparse interleaved sampling for high resolution focal construct geometry X-ray tomography
Authors: Evans J. P. O. , Elarnaut F. , Downes D. , Lee W. K. , Arnold E. L. , Rogers K.
Published: February 2023

We demonstrate interleaved sampling by multiplexing conical subshells within the tomosynthesis and raster scanning a phantom through a 150 kV shell X-ray beam. Each view comprises pixels sampled on a regular 1 mm grid, which is then upscaled by padding with null pixels before tomosynthesis. We show that upscaled views comprising 1% sample pixels and 99% null pixels increase the contrast transfer function (CTF) computed from constructed optical sections from approximately 0.6 line pairs/mm to 3 line pairs/mm. The driver of our method is to complement work concerning the application of conical shell beams to the measurement of diffracted photons for materials identification. Our approach is relevant to time-critical, and dose-sensitive analytical scanning applications in security screening, process control and medical imaging.
High-efficiency terahertz single-pixel imaging based on a physics-enhanced network
Authors: Deng Youquan , She Rongbin , Liu Wenquan , Lu Yuanfu , Li Guangyuan
Published: February 2023

As an alternative solution to the lack of cost-effective multipixel terahertz cameras, terahertz single-pixel imaging that is free from pixel-by-pixel mechanical scanning has been attracting increasing attention. Such a technique relies on illuminating the object with a series of spatial light patterns and recording with a single-pixel detector for each one of them. This leads to a trade-off between the acquisition time and the image quality, hindering practical applications. Here, we tackle this challenge and demonstrate high-efficiency terahertz single-pixel imaging based on physically enhanced deep learning networks for both pattern generation and image reconstruction. Simulation and experimental results show that this strategy is much more efficient than the classical terahertz single-pixel imaging methods based on Hadamard or Fourier patterns, and can reconstruct high-quality terahertz images with a significantly reduced number of measurements, corresponding to an ultra-low sampling ratio down to 1.56%. The efficiency, robustness and generalization of the developed approach are also experimentally validated using different types of objects and different image resolutions, and clear image reconstruction with a low sampling ratio of 3.12% is demonstrated. The developed method speeds up the terahertz single-pixel imaging while reserving high image quality, and advances its real-time applications in security, industry, and scientific research.
Partnership preferences, economic drivers, and health consequences of Gambian men’s interactions with foreign tourists: A mixed methods study
Authors: Quaife Matthew , Diallo Mareme , Jaye Assan , Martinez-Alvarez Melisa
Published: February 2023

The Gambia has a thriving tourist industry, but in recent decades has developed a reputation as a destination for older, female tourists to seek sexual relationships with young Gambian men. During partnerships or in return for sex, Gambian men may receive financial support or in some cases the opportunity to travel to Europe with a partner. There has been little previous research among these men on sexual risk behaviours, physical and mental health, and health service utilisation. This study describes the economic drivers and health implications of interactions between Gambian men and foreign tourists near tourist resorts in The Gambia. We conducted simultaneous mixed method data collection among Gambian men who regularly interact with tourists: a cross-sectional quantitative survey and discrete choice experiment (DCE) with 242 respondents, three focus group discussions, and 17 in-depth interviews. The survey asked questions on demographic characteristics, sexual history and health-seeking, the DCE elicited trade-offs between partnership characteristics, and qualitative data explored individual and group experiences in depth. We found that sexual activity between Gambian men and tourists was prevalent with 50% of the sample reporting ever having sex with a tourist. Condom use at last sex was significantly higher with tourist (63%) than with Gambian partners (40%, p<0.01). Condom use, money, and opportunity to travel to Europe were most important to respondents in the DCE. Qualitative data validated and explained quantitative findings, notably pressures to engage in unprotected sex and potential travel to Europe. Although men’s physical health needs were broadly met, mental health, substance use and sexual health needs were not. Young men working on the beaches of The Gambia face substantial health risks, including from STIs and mental health issues. The health system needs to understand barriers to existing health services, and how they can meet the needs of these vulnerable men.
Analyzing referencing patterns in grey literature produced by influential global management consulting firms and international organizations
Authors: Saleem Sumayya , Dhuey Elizabeth , White Linda , Waese Jamie , Perlman Michal
Published: February 2023

Given the growing influence of non-academic organizations in the policy sphere, it is important to investigate the evidence both produced by and relied on by these organizations. Using citation analysis, a methodology primarily used in academic literature, we investigated the evidence base supporting the grey literature published by leading global management consulting firms (GMCFs) and international organizations (IOs). With the topic of the skills needed for the future of work as a case study, we collected 234 reports published by influential GMCFs and IOs over twenty years. By extracting references from the bibliographies of these reports we: 1) analyzed referencing patterns by measuring citation counts, institutional self-referencing and utilization of scholarly sources; 2) compared reference patterns across GMCFs and IOs; and 3) described the most influential sources. Overall, both GMCFs and IOs showed increasing reliance on grey literature, demonstrated high levels of self-referencing, and had considerable variation in the number of sources referred to. Across type of publishing organization, we found that IOs had better referencing practices than GMCFs. Our findings call into question the evidence-base behind the reports published by these policy actors. We emphasize the need to rely on strong academic literature to inform policy decisions around the future of work.
Understanding the relationship between income and mental health among 16- to 24-year-olds: Analysis of 10 waves (2009–2020) of Understanding Society to enable modelling of income interventions
Authors: Parra-Mujica Fiorella , Johnson Elliott , Reed Howard , Cookson Richard , Johnson Matthew
Published: February 2023

A substantial body of evidence suggests that young people, including those at the crucial transition points between 16 and 24, now face severe mental health challenges. In this article, we analyse data from 10 waves of a major UK longitudinal household cohort study, Understanding Society, to examine the relationship between income and anxiety and depression among 16- to 24-year-olds. Using random effects logistic regression (Model 1) allowing for whether the individual was depressed in the previous period as well as sex, age, ethnicity, whether the individual was born in the UK, region, rurality, highest qualification, marital status, employment status and attrition, we find a significant and inversely monotonic adjusted association between average net equivalised household income quintiles and clinical threshold levels of depressive symptoms SF-12 Mental Component Summary (MCS score ≤45.6). This means that being in a higher income group is associated with a reduced likelihood of clinically significant depressive symptoms, allowing for observable confounding variables. Using a ‘within-between’ model (Model 2), we find that apart from among those with the very highest incomes, increases in average net equivalised household income over the course of childhood and adolescence are significantly associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression as measured by a higher SF-12 MCS score. Compared with previous reviews, the data presented here provides an estimate of the magnitude of effect that helps facilitate microsimulation modelling of impact on anxiety and depression from changes in socioeconomic circumstances. This enables a more detailed and complete understanding of the types of socioeconomic intervention that might begin to address some of the causes of youth mental health problems.
Solid lipid-based nanoparticulate system for sustained release and enhanced in-vitro cytotoxic effect of 5-fluorouracil on skin Melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ali Ahsan , Madni Asadullah , Shah Hassan , Jamshaid Talha , Jan Nasrullah , Khan Safiullah , Khan Muhammad Muzamil , Mahmood Muhammad Ahmad
Published: February 2023

The present study aimed to prepare solid lipid-based nanoparticles (SLNs) using Precirol® ATO 5 as solid lipid and Poloxamer 188 and Tween 80 as surfactant and co-surfactant respectively, and SLNs-derived gel for sustained delivery, enhanced in-vitro cytotoxicity, enhanced cellular uptake of 5-FU and enhanced permeation of 5-FU across the skin. The 5-FU-loaded SLNs were prepared by the hot melt encapsulation method and converted into SLN-derived gel using a gelling agent (Carbopol 940). The 5-FU-loaded SLNs had a particle size in the range of 76.82±1.48 to 327±4.46 nm, zeta potential between -11.3±2.11 and -28.4±2.40 mV, and entrapment efficiency (%) in range of 63.46±1.13 and 76.08±2.42. The FTIR analysis depicted that there was no chemical interaction between 5-FU and formulation components. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis showed thermal stability of 5-FU in the nanoparticles and powdered X-ray diffraction analysis revealed successful incorporation of 5-FU in nanoparticles. The in-vitro release study of 5-FU-loaded SLNs showed biphasic release behavior with initial burst release followed by sustained release over 48 hr. The 5-FU-loaded SLNs showed a greater cytotoxic effect on skin melanoma (B16F10 cells) and squamous cell carcinoma (A-431 cells) as compared to free 5-FU drug solution after 48 hr. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy displayed enhanced quantitative and qualitative cellular uptake of SLNs. The SLNs formulation showed acceptable safety and biocompatible profile after an acute toxicity study in Wistar rats. Moreover, ex-vivo permeation studies depicted 2.13±0.076 folds enhanced flux of 5-FU-loaded SLN derived gel compared to 5-FU plain gel, and skin retention studies revealed target efficiency (%) 2.54±0.03 of 5-FU-loaded SLN derived gel compared to 5-FU plain gel.
Exploring the experiences of people who had a stroke and therapists who managed people with stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic: An exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Sahely Ahmad , Kai Ning Hew Shara , Ka Chan Yik , Soundy Andrew , Rosewilliam Sheeba
Published: February 2023

Objective

To explore experiences, needs and rehabilitation priorities of patients who had their stroke and the experiences of therapists managing stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Exploratory qualitative study.

Setting

Acute, sub-acute and community stroke facilities.

Subjects

Twenty-two participants. Twelve therapists (all female, mean age 38.5 years) and ten patients (9 female, mean age 51.1 years) who were involved in stroke rehabilitation during the pandemic were interviewed.

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded and transcribed before being analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.

Results

Four main themes demonstrate the modifications in the care system as a result of COVID-19, impact on the stroke patients at different stage, needs and priorities of stroke rehabilitation, and management strategies that have been used in stroke rehabilitation. Remote rehabilitation and self-management strategies were recommended to deliver care for stroke patients. However, therapists seemed unsatisfied with the quality of care delivered and patients suggested face to face delivery of care with proper personal protection equipment to better address their physical and mental health needs.

Conclusion

The findings of this study explored the impact of the pandemic on stroke care from the perspective of the patients and therapists and provides suggestions for improved delivery of care in similar situations. Future research is warranted to examine the long-term effects on people who had inadequate post-stroke rehabilitation during covid pandemic and urgent measures taken to reduce the impact the pandemic has had on the physical and mental issues for these patients.
Treatment patterns and out-of-hospital healthcare resource utilisation by patients with advanced cancer living with pain: An analysis from the Stop Cancer PAIN trial
Authors: McCaffrey Nikki , Cheah Seong Leang , Luckett Tim , Phillips Jane L. , Agar Meera , Davidson Patricia M. , Boyle Frances , Shaw Tim , Currow David C. , Lovell Melanie
Published: February 2023

Background

About 70% of patients with advanced cancer experience pain. Few studies have investigated the use of healthcare in this population and the relationship between pain intensity and costs.

Methods

Adults with advanced cancer and scored worst pain ≥ 2/10 on a numeric rating scale (NRS) were recruited from 6 Australian oncology/palliative care outpatient services to the Stop Cancer PAIN trial (08/15-06/19). Out-of-hospital, publicly funded services, prescriptions and costs were estimated for the three months before pain screening. Descriptive statistics summarize the clinico-demographic variables, health services and costs, treatments and pain scores. Relationships with costs were explored using Spearman correlations, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and a gamma log-link generalized linear model.

Results

Overall, 212 participants had median worst pain scores of five (inter-quartile range 4). The most frequently prescribed medications were opioids (60.1%) and peptic ulcer/gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) drugs (51.6%). The total average healthcare cost in the three months before the census date was A$6,742 (95% CI $5,637, $7,847), approximately $27,000 annually. Men had higher mean healthcare costs than women, adjusting for age, cancer type and pain levels (men $7,872, women $4,493, p<0.01) and higher expenditure on prescriptions (men $5,559, women $2,034, p<0.01).

Conclusions

In this population with pain and cancer, there was no clear relationship between healthcare costs and pain severity. These treatment patterns requiring further exploration including the prevalence of peptic ulcer/GORD drugs, and lipid lowering agents and the higher healthcare costs for men.

Trial registration

ACTRN12615000064505. World Health Organisation unique trial numberU1111–1164–4649. Registered 23 January 2015.
Art, sustainability and partnerships
Authors: Pavlou Victoria , Vella Raphael
Published: February 2023

Viewing sustainability as a process rather than a goal places artists, designers and art educators in a key position to contribute to sustainability. Following Anthony Giddens’s theories of structuration and socialization, we can see that established values, world-views, structures, rules and norms influence human behaviour. However, as individuals begin to recognize the potential of reflexivity and ask themselves how change is possible, they learn to modify their behaviour. Art education needs to promote reflexivity in order to contribute to a sustainable process of change. Artistic practices and art education stress the value of shaping the self and our relations with others, and can lead learners to transcend common boundaries through creative thinking and imagining alternative realities. Partnerships forged by art educators amongst themselves and with other stakeholders can create new spaces of experience and empower individuals to achieve change. This Special Issue explores how art educators, activists and artists engage with processes of educational, cultural and political change and embrace sustainability inside and outside school.
Art activism: Art of dissent
Authors: Vella Mary Grace
Published: February 2023

Moviment Graffitti has, for the last 25 years, been active against the oppression and exploitation of people, animals and the environment with a vision of freedom, justice and radical democracy. Traversing different media, genres and styles, Moviment Graffitti has a dynamic, symbiotic and powerful relationship with art. This article will look at Graffitti’s passionate use of art as a pedagogical tool to create awareness and bring forth social change through the aesthetics of activism and the art of dissent. It explores the role, meaning and paradox of political art through the movement’s artistic sub-groups and the main artistic initiatives embarked upon. Deliberately eschewing the elitism of the art establishment, the commodification of education and culture and depoliticized notions of sustainability and development through art edu/activism (eduvism), Graffitti reappropriates art to agitate educators in revolutionary pedagogy to become pivotal actors in the promotion of progressive social change.
Building, becoming, believing: Participatory land art for empathy and meliorism
Authors: Luostarinen Nina
Published: February 2023

In this participatory land art workshop, nature was used as a play material to represent the motif of metamorphosis while participants role-played herrings for empathy. The aim was to shift the perspective from our materials – which are agentic in co-constituting conditions evocative of empathy – to observing the outcome from a bird’s-eye view. The workshop sought to demonstrate the power of collaboration, by presenting an allegory of the collaboration of herd species such as herrings. Alone they/we are nothing but, with determination and a clear goal, we can create visible change in the environment and in emotions and attitudes like environmental empathy. Earlier research and this case demonstrate how ecological paradigms can be stimulated with the use of place-based art.
Visualizing climate change: Here we come to save the day!
Authors: Smilan Cathy
Published: February 2023

Art educators teach visual literacy, criticism, multiple art media and technical skills representing many pupils’ only exposure to visual communication in school. Given curricular flexibility, art teachers redesign lessons to include important conceptual learning to accommodate department of education guidance addressing potentially controversial issues. Authentic art-integrative approaches provide opportunities for students and communities to interrogate serious issues like global warming and the impact of anthropogenic climate change. While not all teachers embrace this and other difficult conceptual learning, professional development and a supportive community of stakeholders are key for those who do. The following article presents a theoretical framework supporting a unit on an art-based inquiry into environmental justice from a recent course on social justice art education. Graduate student artist inspirations, art exemplars and learning activities are shared to inspire others towards art actionism.
Quantifying the remake: A historical survey
Authors: Stelmach Miłosz , Hołobut Agata , Rybicki Jan
Published: February 2023

American film remakes have enjoyed growing academic attention over the past 50 years. Together with prequels, sequels, reboots and spin-offs, they have been often viewed as exponents of contemporary recycling culture, symptomatic of Hollywood’s recent creative exhaustion and commercial risk aversion. In our article, we adopt a diachronic quantitative perspective to analyse and interpret the available metadata on 986 Hollywood remakes produced between 1915 and 2020. Our quantitative research shows the number of American remakes produced every year, their ratio in the total number of feature films produced annually, the percentage of remakes in the top most watched movies among the users of IMDb, as well as remake recency and percentage of remakes with titles recognizably linked to the original over the years. We find that popular convictions concerning the remarkable derivativity of contemporary American cinema stem from availability bias (accessibility of statistics concerning recent productions and relative neglect of historical data) and systemic differences in the function and prestige ascribed to feature film remakes by Old and New Hollywood filmmakers.
Viral Shakespeare: Performance in the Time of Pandemic, Pascale Aebischer (2021)
Authors: Forlini Francesca
Published: February 2023

Review of: Viral Shakespeare: Performance in the Time of Pandemic, Pascale Aebischer (2021)

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 75 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-10894-796-1, p/bk, £15.00
Princípios de Microeconomia - Questões e Exercícios
Authors: Martins Rita , Antunes Micaela , Silva Jorge Nuno , Silva Nuno , Andrade João Sousa
Published: February 2023

Este livro desafia os(as) leitores(as) a compreenderem e a aplicarem conteúdos teóricos correspondentes a um programa alargado de Princípios de Microeconomia, para entenderem e interpretarem a realidade económica. Para o efeito, oferece um leque de 364 questões e exercícios, organizados em secções temáticas, que incluem 237 questões para discussão e exercícios propostos e 90 questões de escolha múltipla. Disponibiliza ainda 37 grupos de questões e exercícios para resolver com recurso ao software R®, através da adaptação de códigos de programação fornecidos, que ilustram as potencialidades do software para o tratamento matemático/estatístico e a representação gráfica de informação e teoria económica.
Merleau-Ponty y el cuestionamiento de la metafísica del Sujeto
Authors: Daturi Davide Eugenio
Published: February 2023

¿En qué sentido las primeras obras de Merleau-Ponty representan un parteaguas en la historia de la filosofía de los últimos trecientos años? Para contestar a esta pregunta, el autor nos introduce al paradigma de la “Metafísica del Sujeto” que modernamente queda disfrazado detrás y debajo de aquella “filosofía de la reflexión” que desde el pensamiento de Descartes caracteriza tanto el intelectualismo como el empirismo. Dentro de esta perspectiva, la propuesta contenida en las primeras obras del filósofo francés, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, representará una clara tentativa de cuestionar las explicaciones epistemológicas que vinculan a una suerte de ojo trascendental (un Yo, una subjetividad) con todo tipo de experiencia, real y posible, y contemporáneamente pondrán las bases para una ampliación ontofenomenológica del horizonte filosófico, más allá de la tradición y en directa conexión con la revolución que viven el arte y la ciencia del siglo XX.
Pengelolaan Program Tahfidz Melalui Strategi Sutil Hama Jumur Tutor di Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri 2 Bantul
Authors: Musa Surahman
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Purpose – This study aims to describe the management of the tahfidz program in MTsN 2 Bantul using the Sutil Hama Jumur Tutor strategy

Design/methods – This research is field research with a qualitative approach. Data collection in this study used interview techniques, documentation, and observation. Data analysis is carried out using 3 stages: data collection,  data reduction, and drawing conclusions.

Findings – The findings from this study are that with this strategy, at least the target of weekly memorization can be achieved by around 78.5% of students. As for the target of memorizing 1 juz for class IX, in the 2021/2022 academic year, it will reach 96.80%. The impact resulting from implementing this strategy is the creation of a higher tahfidz madrasah atmosphere due to the involvement of many parties in its implementation, namely teachers and staff other than tahfidz administrators and parents of students.

ABSTRAK

Tujuan – Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pengelolaan program tahfidz di MTsN 2 Bantul dengan menggunakan strategi Sutil Hama Jumur Tutor.

Metode– Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian lapangan dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Pengumpulan  data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan teknik wawancara, dokumentasi, observasi. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan 3 tahapan yaitu pengumpulan data, reduksi data, dan penarikan kesimpulan.

Hasil – Temuan dari penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa dengan adanya strategi Sutil Hama Jumur Tutor target hafalan perpekan dapat dicapai oleh siswa sebesar 78,5%. Sedangkan untuk target hafalan 1 juz bagi kelas IX, pada tahun ajaran 2021/2022 ini mencapai 96,80%. Dampak yang dihasilkan dari pelaksanaan strategi ini adalah terciptanya atmosfer madrasah tahfidz yang lebih tinggi karena keterlibatan banyak pihak dalam implementasinya, yaitu para guru dan pegawai selain pengampu tahfidz, dan orang tua siswa.
Snowball Throwing Untuk Meningkatkan Keaktifan dan Hasil Belajar PPKn di Kelas IV MI Negeri 1 Yogyakarta
Authors: Yuliati Erni
Published: February 2023

Tujuan – Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keaktifan dan hasil belajar dengan penerapan model pembelajaran Snowball Throwing pada peserta didik MI Negeri 1 Yogyakarta.

Metode – Jenis Penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK) yang menggunakan model penelitian Kemis dan Mc Taggart. Model Mc Taggart ini terdiri dari empat komponen yang berurutan yaitu perencanaan, tindakan, pengamatan dan refleksi, yang dalam pelaksanaan dan pengamatannya dilakukan secara bersamaan, artinya pengamatan dilakukan pada saat proses pembelajaran. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa-siswi kelas IV-C MI Negeri 1 Yogyakarta, yang berjumlah 30 orang siswa, yang terdiri dari 12 orang siswa perempuan dan 18 orang siswa laki-laki. Untuk memperoleh data keaktifan dan hasil  belajar PPKn penelitian ini menggunakan lembar angket keaktifan dan hasil belajar peserta didik  dan tes evaluasi yang diberikan di setiap siklusnya.

Hasil – Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diperoleh rata- rata 76,0 dengan persentase ketuntasan 67% pada siklus I menjadi rata-rata 90,7 dengan persentase ketuntasan 90% pada siklus II. Berdasarkan data tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran menggunakan model pembelajaran Snowball Throwing dapat meningkatan keaktifan dan hasil belajar peserta didik.
Penguatan Kompetensi Guru Melalui Peran Role Model di MTsN 10 Sleman
Authors: Majid Busyroni
Published: February 2023

ABSTRAK

Tujuan – Capaian Nilai Kinerja Guru Pemula (NKGP) oleh guru pembimbing, kepala madrasah dan pengawas pada 4 kompetensi guru CPNS yang berasal dari non-kependidikan di MTsN 10 Sleman sebesar 69,24 dengan predikat kurang. Predikat kurang menunjukkan ada masalah yang perlu diselesaiakan. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui pengaruh peran role model dalam meningkatkan kompetensi guru di MTsN 10 Sleman.

Metode – Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian survei dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini berupa dokumentasi, observasi dan tes. Teknik analisis data yaitu dengann menggunakan analisis statistik deskriptif.

Hasil – Temuan dari penelitian ini yaitu capaian Nilai Kinerja Guru Pemula (NKGP) adalah sebagai berikut, dari guru pembimbing untuk 4 kompetensi guru CPNS diperoleh hasil sebesar 83,93 dengan predikat baik, dari kepala madrasah sebesar 75,00 dengan predikat cukup dan dari pengawas madrasah sebesar 75,00 dengan predikat kurang. Rerata ketiga penilai diperoleh 77,98 dengan predikat cukup, dengan nilai acuan standar sebesar 75. Jumlah skor maksimal untuk 4 kompetensi adalah 56 dari 14 item. Persepsi terhadap nilai tersebut untuk 4 kompetensi dinyatakan telah memenuhi persyaratan untuk menjadi guru.