bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE TIGER IMAGE IN VIETNAMESE FOLK WOODEN PRINTS AS A REFLECTION OF RELIGIOUS FAITHS OF COUNTRY POPULATION
Authors: Legostaeva Albina S.
Published: May 2023

The aim of research study is a revelation of the multi-layered image of the tiger in the spiritual and religious life of Vietnam, from local totem beliefs to world religions through explanations and illustrations of thematic wood prints of several centers.

Results. An analysis of the symbolic connotations associated with one of the key figures of the country’s zoomorphic pantheon makes it possible to evidentiate the ambivalence of its essence, a vivid embodiment of the contradictory features of which is interpreted in different ways in culture and art.

Scope of the results. The results of this study can heighten the interest in the culture of Vietnam as a whole, as well as to contribute to the representation expansion about popular folk prints as one of the most traditional and original types of Vietnamese fine art and can be applied in its in-depth analysis.

The relevance of the article is determined by the lack of research on this topic in the Russian-language literature.
SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP IN THE FIELD OF PRESERVATION OF HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
Authors: Kataev Dmitry V. , Zubkov Maxim V.
Published: May 2023

The article analyzes the trends and features of mutual relations between state authorities, civil society institutions, and the local population in the field of protection and popularization of cultural heritage objects in Russia as a source of social and cultural identification of society and the basis for the formation of spiritual and moral values.
Technical Note—Optimizing Risk-Balancing Return Under Discrete Choice Models
Authors: Li Hongmin , Webster Scott
Published: May 2023

Similar to individual investors, firms balance revenue or profit risk with the expected return on investment. A stable cash flow is required to satisfy private and public shareholders or to maintain solvency. Product prices impact both the expected demand for the products and the volatility of the demand, and consequently a firm’s revenue or profit risk. This paper presents models and results that demonstrate how risk sensitivity can inform pricing strategy. The authors show that a firm’s distaste for risk not only causes the firm to discount its products in exchange for lower profit volatility, but also reduces the firm’s incentive to price differentiate among the products. The findings also provide insight into how firms with varying degrees of risk aversion may price products of different quality and how this pricing strategy affects product market share.
Status of Ambient Air Pollution in Different States of India during 1990-2015
Authors: M. Patil Radhika , Dinde H T
Published: May 2023

Industrial activity, high vehicle density, and expanding industrial and domestic heating are all contributing to air pollution, which is becoming an increasingly severe issue across the globe as urban population and human activity soar. This is especially true in major cities, where emissions from vehicles on the road expose a substantial portion of the population to harmful levels of air pollution. This research paper focuses on which states or locations of India suffered from ambient air pollution. In this paper, the air pollutants considered are Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide NO2, Particulate Matter (PM2.5), and Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM), and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM). The findings suggest that pollution for all criteria pollutants is more prevalent in industrial areas across India, followed by residential areas. The government of India should take steps to develop pollution control regulations in impacted areas to reduce air pollution and provide people with clean air. Both Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, which are among the most polluted states in the country, have major air pollution problems.
Post Occupancy Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality in Green Rated Commercial Interiors
Authors: Karve Sujata Abhijit , Nachane Rucha
Published: May 2023

Good indoor air quality is crucial for the health, happiness, and satisfaction of the occupants. Since we spend so much time indoors, it is essential to maintain a reasonable level of indoor air quality. One of the elements contributing to the decline in indoor air quality was the interior materials. Having acknowledged this, green building rating systems have incorporated the use of low-emitting materials as a credit that may be gained. A system for assessing commercial interiors with a focus on interior materials exists and has been used by several commercial offices. This study aimed to understand the indoor air quality in green-rated commercial interior spaces that have won points for the use of low-emitting materials and indoor air quality. A post-occupancy review was conducted on an IGBC rated green commercial interior office space, in which various pollutant concentrations were measured and observations were made regarding space usage, cleaning processes, and maintenance. Almost 41.9% of the areas that were studied had CO2 values that exceeded the threshold. Additionally, the concentration of PM 2.5 was elevated in all locations, particularly during partial occupancy. The findings indicate that the use of low-emitting materials and finishes in office interiors helped to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the indoor environment. However, the concentrations of these various pollutants also depended on several other factors, such as the ventilation system, the use of electronic equipment, the frequency of cleaning practises, etc.
Impact of Climate Change on Gravity Flow Drinking Water Resource in the Upper Kosi Watershed, Lesser Himalaya
Authors: Singh Mahendra
Published: May 2023

In the age of climate change, the hydrological cycle is the most sensitive cycle which is being adversely affected. The natural water sources such as natural springs, rivulets, rivers etc of non-glacial fed watershed in Uttarakhand are drying and dying steadily disturbing society’s economy, and environment and creating threat on livelihood and ecosystem of the region. The basic goal of the current paper is to evaluate the impact of climate change on the gravity flow drinking water resource of the study area, Lesser Himalaya, Uttarakhand. For this objective, the hydrometeorological data is analyzed in this paper. The meteorological data, i.e., mean temperature (y = 0.059x + (-) 102.07) and average annual rainfall (y = 2.759x + (-) 4546.41) shows an increasing trend while the hydrological data shows a decreasing trend over the time. The study shows that in spite of an increasing trend in the annual rainfall pattern, the groundwater resource has been depleted significantly in the study area caused by change in rainfall rhythm which has disturbed the water recharging capacity of soil into the aquifers and the baseflow discharge of the gravity flow sources. Due to all these changes, the baseflow water discharge capacity of gravity flow sources have perturbed badly which is imposing threat on drinking water supply in the villages of the study area. At present, there are 93 gravity flow drinking water schemes in the study area. On an average, the baseflow water discharge of these schemes at their establishment year was recorded 40.11 l/m which has decreased to 23.46 l/m in 2018. Thus, on an average, about 16.65 l/m baseflow water discharge capacity of each scheme has been decreased since their establishment year. These data shows that how alarmingly the baseflow water discharge capacity at the sources of gravity flow schemes is depleting in the study area. Therefore, the study suggests a water source rejuvenation program for the sustenance of water sources, livelihood and ecosystem of the region.
Transmission characteristics of the rough surface scattering channel for wireless ultraviolet communication in a cemented ground scenario
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Lu Tao , Song Peng
Published: May 2023

During non-line-of-sight ultraviolet (UV) communication, as the elevation angle of the transmitter decreases, more UV photons can be scattered by the ground and reach the receiver, and those photons are important components of the received signals. In this paper, a new, to the best of our knowledge, non-line-of-sight noncoplanar UV scattering transmission model taking into account the UV rough surface scattering characteristics is proposed based on the theory of non-line-of-sight multiple scattering UV light transmission and the Monte Carlo method and Kirchhoff’s dwell phase method. The proposed model is validated by experiment. Simulation and experiment show that the energy of UV light is mainly concentrated in the direction of mirror reflection after being scattered by the concrete floor, and the energy gets stronger as it gets closer to the mirror reflection direction. In the case of small elevation angle, the photon energy scattered by the ground and received by the receiver must be considered. The path loss obtained by the improved model better fits with experiment.
Universal wavelength reuse mechanism for optical networks-on-chip based on a cooperative game
Authors: Yang Hongyu , Xie Yiyuan , Song Tingting , Su Ye , Liu Bocheng , Chai Junxiong , Jiang Xiao , Dai Li , Pang Jing
Published: May 2023

Optical networks-on-chip (ONoCs) based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology have lower end-to-end (ETE) delay, larger bandwidth, and higher throughput than NoCs. However, the utilization and parallelism of individual wavelengths are essential since WDM technology would require more optical devices to be integrated with ONoCs, leading to higher on-chip overhead. In this paper, we propose an optimal model of communication node cooperation based on game theory, in which the loss of the optical signal on the transmission path for a specific optical receiver sensitivity establishes the payoff function of each participant. In this cooperative game model, the communication nodes are regarded as the participants of the cooperative game. By analyzing the principle of optical router port occupation, the coordinate-based coalition assignment algorithm is proposed to implement fast construction of coalitions and reach the Nash equilibrium of the cooperative game. In Nash equilibrium, the utilization and parallelism of individual wavelengths are higher, and the network’s performance is optimized and improved. Cooperative-game-based ONoCs have more significant throughput and lower ETE delay. The optical signal loss and minimum output power of the optical transmitter can be further reduced at a given optical receiver sensitivity. By applying the cooperative game to ONoCs, the network’s optimization effect becomes more evident as the network scale increases and the number of communication nodes grows.
Vom „digital divide“ zum „cyber divide“
Authors: Kurpicz-Briki Mascha , Glauser Christoph , Schmid Loris
Published: May 2023

Schweizer Nutzer*innen suchen dreimal häufiger nach Cyberrisiken als die User in den USA. Wir lebten aufgrund der Pandemie plötzlich in einer weitgehend digitalen Schweiz und 8,01 Mio. aktive Menschen nutzten in der Schweiz gemäss ITU die zahllosen Chancen des Internets. Ein Leben ohne Internet ist kaum mehr vorstellbar. Doch welches sind die wichtigsten Chancen und Risiken, welche die Bevölkerung tatsächlich beschäftigen? Wie verbreitet sind beispielsweise die Gefahren der Cyberwelt, wie etwa Hate Speech, Cyberbullying oder Cybergrooming? Welche Kanäle werden verwendet, um Informationen zu diesen Themen zu suchen und zu finden? Haben wir in der Schweiz im Vergleich zu den USA ein zu starkes Risikobewusstsein (Bias) gegenüber den Cyberthemen? Fokussieren sich die Schweizer*innen viel zu wenig auf die zahlreichen Online-Gelegenheiten und -Möglichkeiten währenddem die Amerikaner*innen dieses Potenzial voll ausnutzen? Dieses Thema untersucht die vorliegende Studie. Bis ins Jahr 2000 machte man sich Sorgen um den gleichberechtigten Zugang zum Internet und identifizierte einen digital divide. Heute ist dieses Thema, zumindest in den Industrieländern, vom Tisch. Man müsste heute vielmehr davon sprechen, dass manche Menschen grosse Angst haben vor den neuen Technologien und andere ganz selbstverständlich diese Chancen nutzen. Die Autor*innen identifizieren in dieser Studie einen neuen cyber divide, der heute primär zwischen Risiko-und Chancen-affinen Usern unterscheidet.
Steigerung der Innovationskraft einer Schweizer Stiftung – IdéeSport’s Transformation zu einer agilen Organisation
Authors: Kurz Katja , Leikert-Boehm Ninja , Russ Christian , Sieber Marcel Roland
Published: May 2023

Die agile Transformation kann ein Weg für Unternehmen sein, ihre Innovationskraft zu stärken und dabei ein Gleichgewicht zwischen radikal erneuernden und laufend optimierenden Lösungen für aktuelle Herausforderungen zu finden. So sah auch die Schweizer Non-Profit-Organisation IdéeSport ihre Chance, sich auf agile und selbstorganisierte Weise zu transformieren, um für ihre Zielgruppen attraktiver zu werden. Basierend auf dem HR Pioneers Trafo Model und dem Kreismodell kollegialer Führung wendete IdéeSport eine praxisnahe Transformationsarchitektur mit Handlungsclustern in drei aufeinanderfolgenden Phasen an. Dieser Prozess wurde durch einen Fallstudienansatz mittels Durchführung von Workshops und Interviews wissenschaftlich begleitet. Die Aktionsforschung des Unternehmens zeigte, wie wichtig eine schrittweise Planung und Umsetzung ist, die Kunden, Mitarbeiter und Führungskräfte von Anfang an einbezieht, und wie entscheidend es ist, eine organisch gewachsene Lernkultur zu etablieren. Die vorliegende Arbeit zeigt auf, welche Handlungscluster für die erfolgreiche Transformation von IdéeSport in eine agile Organisation relevant waren, und formuliert praktische Handlungsempfehlungen für eine agile Transformation im öffentlichen Stiftungswesen in der Schweiz.
An evaluation of the introduction of telehealth for remote antenatal and postnatal contacts in Bangladesh and Lao People’s Democratic Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Turkmani Sabera , Smith Rachel M. , Tan Annie , Kamkong Catherine Breen , Anderson Rondi , Sakulku Siriphone , Jat Tej Ram , Biswas Animesh , Homer Caroline S. E.
Published: May 2023

From 2020, COVID-19 spread rapidly around the globe and continues to have a major impact on health system functioning, with a disproportionate impact on low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Reduced service utilisation and coverage of essential childbirth interventions is likely impacting maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. Telehealth has been identified as an important tool in the continued provision of essential healthcare services. The aim of this study was to explore the experience and impact of implementing telehealth services for the provision of remote antenatal (ANC) and postnatal (PNC) contacts in regions of Bangladesh and Lao People’s Democratic Republic through 100 semi-structured interviews with health service leaders and providers, and childbearing women who organised, provided, or were the recipients of ANC and PNC telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic response. The findings showed that a sudden pivot from face-to-face to telehealth services posed both health system and provision of care challenges. Health systems lacked funding to support telehealth and the infrastructure needed for service changes; however, some were able to work with key maternal child health departments within Ministries of Health to find the resources to implement the services. Health providers found telehealth beneficial during the pandemic response but identified a lack of training, guidance, and support as a barrier to changing practice. Childbearing women reported being fearful of accessing care at health services due to COVID-19, and whilst they appreciated the telehealth contacts, many continued to prefer face-to-face delivery of ANC and PNC care. Telehealth, however, was a good alternative in a time when face-to-face care was not possible. Considerations for post-pandemic broader implementation or scale-up of telehealth for routine antenatal and postnatal maternity care provision include the need for further research on issues such as accessibility, acceptability, quality of care, and sustainability of service provision.
Identification of Bulinus forskalii as a potential intermediate host of Schistosoma hæmatobium in Senegal
Authors: Gaye Papa Mouhamadou , Doucouré Souleymane , Sow Doudou , Sokhna Cheikh , Ranque Stéphane
Published: May 2023

Understanding the transmission of Schistosoma hæmatobium in the Senegal River Delta requires knowledge of the snails serving as intermediate hosts. Accurate identification of both the snails and the infecting Schistosoma species is therefore essential. Cercarial emission tests and multi-locus (COX1 and ITS) genetic analysis were performed on Bulinus forskalii snails to confirm their susceptibility to S. hæmatobium infection. A total of 55 Bulinus forskalii, adequately identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, were assessed. Cercarial shedding and RT-PCR assays detected 13 (23.6%) and 17 (31.0%), respectively, Bulinus forskalii snails parasitized by S. hæmatobium complex fluke. Nucleotide sequence analysis identified S. hæmatobium in 6 (11.0%) using COX1 and 3 (5.5%) using ITS2, and S. bovis in 3 (5.5%) using COX1 and 3 (5.5%) using ITS2. This result is the first report of infection of Bulinus forskalii by S. hæmatobium complex parasites in Senegal using innovative and more accurate identification methods to discriminate this snail and characterize its infection by S. hæmatobium.
Once upon a time in Mexico: Holocene biogeography of the spotted bat (Euderma maculatum)
Authors: Sanchez Daniel Enrique , Walker Faith M. , Sobek Colin J. , Lausen Cori , Chambers Carol L.
Published: May 2023

Holocene-era range expansions are relevant to understanding how a species might respond to the warming and drying climates of today. The harsh conditions of North American deserts have phylogenetically structured desert bat communities but differences in flight capabilities are expected to affect their ability to compete, locate, and use habitat in the face of modern climate change. A highly vagile but data-deficient bat species, the spotted bat (Euderma maculatum), is thought to have expanded its range from central Mexico to western Canada during the Holocene. With specimens spanning this latitudinal extent, we examined historical demography, and used ecological niche modeling (ENM) and phylogeography (mitochondrial DNA), to investigate historic biogeography from the rear to leading edges of the species’ range. The ENM supported the notion that Mexico was largely the Pleistocene-era range, whereas haplotype pattern and Skyline plots indicated that populations expanded from the southwestern US throughout the Holocene. This era provided substantial gains in suitable climate space and likely facilitated access to roosting habitat throughout the US Intermountain West. Incongruent phylogenies among different methods prevented a precise understanding of colonization history. However, isolation at the southern-most margin of the range suggests a population was left behind in Mexico as climate space contracted and are currently of unknown status. The species appears historically suited to follow shifts in climate space but differences in flight behaviors between leading edge and core-range haplogroups suggest range expansions could be influenced by differences in habitat quality or climate (e.g., drought). Although its vagility could facilitate response to environmental change and thereby avoid extinction, anthropogenic pressures at the core range could still threaten the ability for beneficial alleles to expand into the leading edge.
Feasibility of the International Wealth Index and the Gapminder tool as instruments to assess household income and estimate catastrophic expenditure: A prospective patient-level cohort study in India
Authors:   CROCODILE study group
Published: May 2023

Background

Patient income assessment is required to assess healthcare catastrophic expenditure (Sustainable Development Goal) but self-reported income has several biases. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the International Wealth Index (IWI) and the Gapminder tool as indirect instruments to assess household income.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of colorectal cancer patients in five tertiary care hospitals in India (Dec 2020-August 2021). Patient self-reported household income was compared to income estimated from the IWI (twelve questions about household goods) and the Gapminder tool (five pictures of household assets). Agreement between instruments was explored with Bland-Altman methods. Cancer care expenditure from the same cohort was used to illustrate the impact of these tools in catastrophic expenditure rates.

Results

From the 226 patients included, 99.5% completed the IWI and the Gapminder tool. Overall, self-reported incomes were lower than the estimated from the IWI and Gapminder tools (median incomes: 17350₹ for self-reported, 37491₹ for IWI and 51520₹ for Gapminder). The IWI showed better agreement with the self-reported income than the Gapminder tool. For both instruments, the agreement was better for low income earning households. Illustrative catastrophic expenditure rates range from 71% to 56% to 43% when using self-reported, IWI and Gapminder incomes respectively.

Discussion

It is feasible to use the IWI and the Gapminder tools to estimate household income although they might overestimate income, with an impact on catastrophic expenditure rates. Further refinement of these tools could enable global monitoring and modelling of catastrophic expenditure from real-world data, at low burden for patients.
Monitoring plasma nucleosome concentrations to measure disease response and progression in dogs with hematopoietic malignancies
Authors: Wilson-Robles Heather , Warry Emma , Miller Tasha , Jarvis Jill , Matsushita Matthew , Miller Pamela , Herzog Marielle , Turatsinze Jean-Valery , Kelly Theresa K. , Butera S. Thomas , Michel Gaetan
Published: May 2023

Background

Hematopoietic malignancies are extremely common in pet dogs and represent nearly 30% of the malignancies diagnosed in this population each year. Clinicians commonly use existing tools such as physical exam findings, radiographs, ultrasound and baseline blood work to monitor these patients for treatment response and remission. Circulating biomarkers, such as prostate specific antigen or carcinoembryonic antigen, can be useful tools for monitoring treatment response and remission status in human cancer patients. To date, there has a been a lack of useful circulating biomarkers available to veterinary oncology patients.

Methods

Circulating plasma nucleosome concentrations were evaluated at diagnosis, throughout treatment and during remission monitoring for 40 dogs with lymphoma, acute myelogenous leukemia and multiple myeloma. Additionally, C-reactive protein and thymidine kinase-1 levels were recorded.

Results

Plasma nucleosome concentrations were significantly higher at diagnosis and progressive disease than they were when dogs were in remission. All but two dogs had plasma nucleosome concentrations that returned to the low range during treatment. These two dogs had the shortest progression free and overall survival times. Dogs with the highest plasma nucleosome concentrations had a significantly shorter first progression free survival than dogs with lower plasma nucleosome concentrations at diagnosis. Plasma nucleosome concentrations correlated better with disease response and progression than either thymidine kinase or C reactive protein.

Conclusions

Plasma nucleosome concentrations can be a useful tool for treatment monitoring and disease progression in dogs with hematopoietic malignancies.
Effects of tapering on performance in endurance athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Yong “Tai” , Gao Weifeng , Zhong Yaping
Published: May 2023

Objective

To assess the responses to taper in endurance athletes using meta-analysis.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and EMBASE databases. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of outcome measures were calculated as effect sizes.

Results

14 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Significant improvements were found between pre- and post-tapering in time–trial (TT) performance (SMD = −0.45; P < 0.05) and time to exhaustion (TTE) performance (SMD = 1.28; P < 0.05). However, There were no improvements in maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) and economy of movement (EM) (P > 0.05) between pre- and post-tapering. Further subgroup analysis showed that tapering combined with pre-taper overload training had a more significant effect on TT performance than conventional tapering (P < 0.05). A tapering strategy that reduced training volume by 41–60%, maintained training intensity and frequency, lasted ≤7 days, 8–14 days, or 15–21 days, used a progressive or step taper could significantly improve TT performance (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The tapering applied in conjunction with pre-taper overload training seems to be more conducive to maximize performance gains. Current evidence suggests that a ≤21-day taper, in which training volume is progressively reduced by 41–60% without changing training intensity or frequency, is an effective tapering strategy.
Inhibition of ERK signaling for treatment of ERRα positive TNBC
Authors: Musheyev David , Miller Esther , Birnbaum Natania , Miller Elisheva , Erblich Shoshana , Schuck Alyssa , Alayev Anya
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), in particular, is an aggressive and highly metastatic type of breast cancer that does not respond to established targeted therapies and is associated with poor prognosis and worse survival. Previous studies identified a subgroup of triple-negative breast cancer patients with high expression of estrogen related receptor alpha (ERRα) that has better prognosis when treated with tamoxifen. We therefore set out to identify common targets of tamoxifen and ERRα in the context of TNBC using phosphoproteomic analysis. In this study, we discovered that phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) is regulated by tamoxifen as well as ERRα. Additionally, we showed that inhibition of MAPK signaling together with the use of a selective ERRα inverse agonist, XCT-790, leads to a significant upregulation of apoptosis and paves way for the therapeutic use of MAPK inhibitors for treatment of ERRα expressing TNBC.
Ecological rules for global species distribution also predict performance variation in Ironman triathletes
Authors: Calsbeek Ryan
Published: May 2023

Bergmann’s and Allen’s rules predict changes in body size and appendage length across temperature gradients for species with broad geographic distributions. Larger bodies and longer limbs facilitate cooling whereas smaller bodies and compact limbs limit heat loss. Although these patterns are highly repeatable (hence “rules” of ecology) the patterns and underlying mechanisms are less-well understood in humans. Here I show that variation in running performance among human male triathletes is consistent with both Bergmann’s and Allen’s rules. Males (but not females) with relatively larger body size and longer limbs performed better at hot compared to cold race venues and vice-versa. Consistent with results in other taxa, sex-specificity may reflect selection for sexual dimorphism. Results suggest that ecological patterns detected over large-spatial scales may arise from fine-scale variation in locomotor performance.
Influence of agent’s self-disclosure on human empathy
Authors: Tsumura Takahiro , Yamada Seiji
Published: May 2023

As AI technologies progress, social acceptance of AI agents, including intelligent virtual agents and robots, is becoming even more important for more applications of AI in human society. One way to improve the relationship between humans and anthropomorphic agents is to have humans empathize with the agents. By empathizing, humans act positively and kindly toward agents, which makes it easier for them to accept the agents. In this study, we focus on self-disclosure from agents to humans in order to increase empathy felt by humans toward anthropomorphic agents. We experimentally investigate the possibility that self-disclosure from an agent facilitates human empathy. We formulate hypotheses and experimentally analyze and discuss the conditions in which humans have more empathy toward agents. Experiments were conducted with a three-way mixed plan, and the factors were the agents’ appearance (human, robot), self-disclosure (high-relevance self-disclosure, low-relevance self-disclosure, no self-disclosure), and empathy before/after a video stimulus. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using data from 918 participants. We found that the appearance factor did not have a main effect, and self-disclosure that was highly relevant to the scenario used facilitated more human empathy with a statistically significant difference. We also found that no self-disclosure suppressed empathy. These results support our hypotheses. This study reveals that self-disclosure represents an important characteristic of anthropomorphic agents which helps humans to accept them.
The impact of national culture, altruism, and risk preference on salaries: The case of the Major League Baseball
Authors: Jane Wen-Jhan , Yu Yi-Jie , Wang Jye-Shyan
Published: May 2023

Based on the longitudinal data of 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) teams over seasons from 2017 to 2020, we used random effect (RE) models to conduct regression analyses on the detailed data of pitchers and fielders. Cultural distance (CD) was measured in terms of Hofstede’s cultural indicators and Global Preference Survey (GPS) data. The results showed that salary premiums for foreign MLB players existed and CD was significantly positively correlated with salaries. Further, the risk preference (/altruism) difference between foreign pitchers and American pitchers was significantly positively (/negatively) correlated with the salaries of foreign pitchers. Salary estimation data showed that the salary premium was nearly 20% for players from South Korea and Panama, the lowest (only 0.11%) for players from Australia, and only 6.13% for players from Dominican Republic (accounting for the largest proportion of foreign MLB players), indicating that the MLB’s foreign player recruitment policy is correct.
Bridges-Round 2: A study protocol to examine the longitudinal HIV risk prevention and care continuum outcomes among orphaned youth transitioning to young adulthood
Authors: Nabunya Proscovia , Sensoy Bahar Ozge , Neilands Torsten B. , Nakasujja Noeline , Namatovu Phionah , Namuwonge Flavia , Mwebembezi Abel , Ssewamala Fred M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Youth orphaned by HIV in sub–Saharan Africa experience immense hardships including social disadvantage, adverse childhood events and limited economic prospects. These adversities disrupt the normative developmental milestones and can gravely compromise their health and emotional wellbeing. The Bridges to the Future study (2012–2018) prospectively followed 1,383 adolescents, between 10–16 years, to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a family-based economic empowerment intervention comprising of child development accounts, financial literacy training, family income generating activities and peer mentorship. Study findings show efficacy of this contextually-driven intervention significantly improving mental health, school retention and performance and sexual health. However, critical questions, such as those related to the longitudinal impact of economic empowerment on HIV prevention and engagement in care remain. This paper presents a protocol for the follow-up phase titled, Bridges Round 2.

Methods

The Original Bridges study participants will be tracked for an additional four years (2022–2026) to examine the longitudinal developmental and behavioral health outcomes and potential mechanisms of the effect of protective health behaviors of the Bridges cohort. The study will include a new qualitative component to examine participants’ experiences with the intervention, the use of biomedical data to provide the most precise results of the highly relevant, but currently unknown sexual health outcomes among study participants, as well as a cost-benefit analysis to inform policy and scale-up.

Discussion

Study findings may contribute to the scientific knowledge for low-resource communities on the potential value of providing modest economic resources to vulnerable boys and girls during childhood and early adolescence and how these resources may offer long-term protection against known HIV risks, poor mental health functioning and improve treatment among the HIV treatment care continuum.
Association between lipid profile changes and risk of in-stent restenosis in ischemic stroke patients with intracranial stenosis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ryu Jae-Chan , Bae Jae-Han , Ha Sang Hee , Kwon Boseong , Song Yunsun , Lee Deok Hee , Kim Bum Joon , Kang Dong-Wha , Kwon Sun U. , Kim Jong S. , Chang Jun Young
Published: May 2023

Objective

The risk of ischemic stroke with intracranial stenosis is associated with various serum lipid levels. However, the effects of changes in the lipid profile on the risk of in-stent restenosis have not been verified. Therefore, we investigated the association between the occurrence of in-stent restenosis at 12-month follow-up and changes in various lipid profiles.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we included ischemic stroke patients who had undergone intracranial stenting for symptomatic intracranial stenosis between February 2010 and May 2020. We collected data about serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels, and calculated the TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios at baseline and after 12 months. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to verify the association between various lipid profile changes and in-stent restenosis at 12 months.

Results

Among the 100 patients included in the study (mean age, 60.8 ± 10.0 years; male: 80 [80.0%]), in-stent restenosis was found in 13 (13.0%) patients. The risk of in-stent restenosis of more than 50% was significantly decreased when TC/HDL-C ratio (odds ratio [OR] 0.22, [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05–0.87]) and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (OR 0.23, [95% CI 0.06–0.93]) decreased or when HDL-C levels (OR 0.10, [95% CI 0.02–0.63]) were increased at 12 months compared with baseline measurements.

Conclusions

Improvement of HDL-C levels, TC/HDL-C ratio, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were associated with decreased risk of in-stent restenosis at 12-month follow-up. Management and careful monitoring of various lipid profiles including HDL-C levels, TC/HDL-C ratio, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio may be important to prevent in-stent restenosis in patients with intracranial stenting.
Production of Sitobion avenae-resistant Triticum aestivum cvs using laccase as RNAi target and its systemic movement in wheat post dsRNA spray
Authors: Rafique Asma , Afroz Amber , Zeeshan Nadia , Rashid Umer , Khan Muhammad Azmat Ullah , Irfan Muhammad , Chatha Waheed , Khan Muhammad Ramzan , Rehman Nazia
Published: May 2023

Among the wheat biotic stresses,Sitobion avenaeis one of the main factors devastating the wheat yield per hectare. The study’s objective was to find out the laccase (lac) efficacy; as a potential RNAi target against grain aphids. TheSitobion avenaelac (Salac) was confirmed by Reverse Transcriptase-PCR. Gene was sequenced and accession number “ON703252” was allotted by GenBank. ERNAi tool was used to design 143 siRNA and one dsRNA target. 69% mortality and 61% reduction in lac expression were observed 8D-post lac DsRNA feeding. Phylogenetic analysis displayed the homology of grain aphid lac gene with peach potato, pea, and Russian wheat aphids. While Salac protein was found similar to the Russian grain, soybean, pea, and cedar bark aphid lac protein multi-copper oxidase. The dsRNAlac spray-induced silencing shows systematic translocation from leaf to root; with maximum lac expression found in the root, followed by stem and leaf 9-13D post-spray; comparison to control. RNAi-GG provides the Golden Gate cloning strategy with a single restriction ligation reaction used to achieve lac silencing.Agrobacterium tumefaciensmediatedin plantaandin-vitrotransformation was used in the study.In vitrotransformation, Galaxy 2012 yielded a maximum transformation efficiency (1.5%), followed by Anaj 2017 (0.8%), and Punjab (0.2%).In plantatransformation provides better transformation efficiencies with a maximum in Galaxy 2012 (16%), and a minimum for Punjab (5%). Maximum transformation efficiency was achieved for all cultivars with 250 μM acetosyringone and 3h co-cultivation. Galaxy 2012 exhibited maximum transformation efficiency, and aphid mortality post-feeding transgenic wheat.
Trigeminal electrical stimulation with ULFTENS of the dorsal anterior mucosal surface of the tongue: Effects on Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Authors: Monaco A. , Cattaneo R. , Smurra P. , Di Nicolantonio S. , Cipriano F. , Pietropaoli D. , Ortu E.
Published: May 2023

Background

Trigeminal electrical stimulation of the dorsal anterior mucosal surface of the tongue has demonstrated its efficacy in a variety of neurological disorders in which anatomical or functional alterations are present. The pathogenesis of such disorders is often linked to altered arousal circuits, and the benefits of tongue stimulation are attributed to the rebalancing of this system. Dental ULFTENS shows efficacy in acting on the muscular, autonomic system and control of the descending pathways that modulate pain. It is administered at the skin level in the area anterior to the tragus and not on the mucosal surface of the tongue. The use of this stimulation technique at the tongue level could have new applications and clinical results if it were able to reduce the activity of arousal circuits.

Material and method

A new intraoral device allowed electrical stimulation of the dorsal anterior mucosa of the tongue in 32 healthy young women. The effects on HRV were monitored by photoplethysmographic wave (PPG) and compared with a control group. The HRV parameters studied were RMSSD, HF, LF, LF/HF, REC, DET.

Results

The group of stimulated subjects showed a significant change in some of the HRV parameters that was maintained even in the epoch after the end of electrical stimulation. This effect can be considered as a vagal activation and a change of HRV trend. The control group of unstimulated subjects showed an opposite trend. There were no undesirable or annoying effects of stimulation.

Conclusion

Stimulation of the dorsal anterior (trigeminal) mucosal surface of the tongue with ULFTENS applied with an intraoral device was shown to be able to increase HRV.
Genotype and environment interaction study shows fungal diseases and heat stress are detrimental to spring wheat production in Sweden
Authors: Nehe Ajit , Martinsson Ulrika Dyrlund , Johansson Eva , Chawade Aakash
Published: May 2023

Spring wheat is an economically important crop for Scandinavia and its cultivation is likely to be affected by climate change. The current study focused on wheat yield in recent years, during which climate change-related yield fluctuations have been more pronounced than previously observed. Here, effects of the environment, together with the genotype and fungicide treatment was evaluated. Spring wheat multi-location trials conducted at five locations between 2016 and 2020 were used to understand effects of the climate and fungicides on wheat yield. The results showed that the environment has a strong effect on grain yield, followed by the genotype effect. Moreover, temperature has a stronger (negative) impact than rainfall on grain yield and crop growing duration. Despite a low rainfall in the South compared to the North, the southern production region (PR) 2 had the highest yield performance, indicating the optimal environment for spring wheat production. The fungicide treatment effect was significant in 2016, 2017 and 2020. Overall, yield reduction due to fungal diseases ranged from 0.98 (2018) to 13.3% (2017) and this reduction was higher with a higher yield. Overall yield reduction due to fungal diseases was greater in the South (8.9%) than the North zone (5.3%). The genotypes with higher tolerance to diseases included G4 (KWS Alderon), G14 (WPB 09SW025-11), and G23 (SW 11360) in 2016; G24 (SW 11360), G25 (Millie), and G19 (SEC 526-07-2) in 2017; and G19 (WPB 13SW976-01), G12 (Levels), and G18 (SW 141011) in 2020. The combined best performing genotypes for disease tolerance and stable and higher yield in different locations were KWS Alderon, SEC 526-07-2, and WPB 13SW976-01 with fungicide treatment and WPB Avonmore, SEC 526-07-2, SW 131323 without fungicide treatment. We conclude that the best performing genotypes could be recommended for Scandinavian climatic conditions with or without fungicide application and that developing heat-tolerant varieties for Scandinavian countries should be prioritized.
Dynamic modulation of pulsatile activities of oxytocin neurons in lactating wild-type mice
Authors: Yaguchi Kasane , Hagihara Mitsue , Konno Ayumu , Hirai Hirokazu , Yukinaga Hiroko , Miyamichi Kazunari
Published: May 2023

Breastfeeding, which is essential for the survival of mammalian infants, is critically mediated by pulsatile secretion of the pituitary hormone oxytocin from the central oxytocin neurons located in the paraventricular and supraoptic hypothalamic nuclei of mothers. Despite its importance, the molecular and neural circuit mechanisms of the milk ejection reflex remain poorly understood, in part because a mouse model to study lactation was only recently established. In our previous study, we successfully introduced fiber photometry-based chronic imaging of the pulsatile activities of oxytocin neurons during lactation. However, the necessity of Cre recombinase-based double knock-in mice substantially compromised the use of various Cre-dependent neuroscience toolkits. To overcome this obstacle, we developed a simple Cre-free method for monitoring oxytocin neurons by an adeno-associated virus vector driving GCaMP6s under a 2.6 kb mouse oxytocin mini-promoter. Using this method, we monitored calcium ion transients of oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus in wild-type C57BL/6N and ICR mothers without genetic crossing. By combining this method with video recordings of mothers and pups, we found that the pulsatile activities of oxytocin neurons require physical mother–pup contact for the milk ejection reflex. Notably, the frequencies of photometric signals were dynamically modulated by mother–pup reunions after isolation and during natural weaning stages. Collectively, the present study illuminates the temporal dynamics of pulsatile activities of oxytocin neurons in wild-type mice and provides a tool to characterize maternal oxytocin functions.
Early and late-onset cell migration from peripheral corneal endothelium
Authors: Miron Alina , Ní Dhubhghaill Sorcha , Kocaba Viridiana , Jager Martine J. , Melles Gerrit R. J. , Oellerich Silke
Published: May 2023

In this study we describe peripheral corneal endothelial cell migrationin vitroin the absence and presence of a ROCK-inhibitor. For this study, 21 corneal endothelial graft rims, with attached trabecular meshwork (TM), were prepared from Descemet membrane-endothelial cell sheets by 6.5 mm trepanation. For the initial proof-of-concept, 7 outer graft rims were cultured in a thermo-reversible hydrogel matrix for up to 47 days. To assess the effect of a ROCK-inhibitor, 14 paired outer rims were cultured either with or without ROCK-inhibitor for up to 46 days. At the end of culture, tissue was retrieved from the hydrogel matrix and examined for cell viability and expression of different endothelial cell markers (ZO-1, Na+/K+-ATPase, NCAM, glypican, and vimentin). All cultured rims remained viable and displayed either single regions (n = 5/21) or collective areas (n = 16/21) of cell migration, regardless of the presence or absence of ROCK-inhibition. Migration started after 4±2 days and continued for at least 29 days. The presence of ROCK-inhibitor seemed to contribute to a more regular cell morphology of migrating cells. In addition, 7 outer rims demonstrated a phenotypically distinct late-onset but fast-growing cell population emerging from the area close to the limbus. These cells emerged after 3 weeks of culture and appeared less differentiated compared to other areas of migration. Immunostaining showed that migrated cells maintained the expression patterns of endothelial cell markers. In conclusion, we observed 2 morphologically distinct migrating cell populations with the first type being triggered by a broken physical barrier, which disrupted contact inhibition and the second, late-onset type showing a higher proliferative capacity though appearing less differentiated. This cell subpopulation appeared to be mediated by stimuli other than loss of contact inhibition and ROCK-inhibitor presence. Further exploration of the differences between these cell types may assist in optimizing regenerative treatment options for endothelial diseases.
Collective Capability in Urban Community Empowerment: Analysis of Kelompok Usaha Bersama in Yogyakarta City
Authors: Pratiyudha Pinurba Parama , Kafaa Kafa Abdallah , Farransahat Matahari , Suyatna Hempri
Published: May 2023

Community empowerment in the urban context has become a public discourse in the urban development perspective. Participation, inclusiveness, and collaboration encourage community empowerment in achieving equal urban welfare. This paper focuses on Kelompok Usaha Bersama or Joint Business Group (KUBE) community empowerment program, an initiative of the central government in collaboration with local stakeholders. The implementation of the KUBE program, which was specifically assigned, was examined in the Yogyakarta city area. By using the collective capability approach as a research lens, two findings were raised. First, the implementation of KUBE in Yogyakarta is an illustration of community empowerment policies in translating collective capabilities. Second, in realizing collective capability, an agency is required in the form of collective awareness and strong leadership.
Genealogy of Power in Sustainable Tourism Development in Mina Wisata Technopark Sleman
Authors: Albizzia Oktarina , Sakina Aulia Widya , Pangestu Mulyoto , Wedadjati Ratna Sesotya
Published: May 2023

This study aims to analyze the parties involved in program innovation and their interests, identifies the parties who benefit and lose, and determine the sustainability of the development of Mina Wisata Technopark Sleman. This research used qualitative methods with Foucaultian's framework of genealogy of power or knowledge. The construction of the dynamics of relations and power relations can be seen from the discourse on the power of the actors involved in the management, such as the central and local governments as planners at the executive and driving levels; the company as the main key in the tourism industry; local communities in the development area as program objects; as well as the Lurah and the Village Apparatus as implementation and supervisors of development. The dynamics of developing a mina wisata  technopark resulted in the construction that the existence of a management agency was the result of communicative action through a long dialogue process. So, that power or authority can side with the weakest parties to build productive spaces and their networks in order to improve their welfare.  Mina wisata technopark must be developed through the active role of the community in making development decisions in an open, democratic, and responsible manner (bottom up planning), trought synergy with all stakeholders.
innovation programme