bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gm527 deficiency in dentate gyrus improves memory through upregulating dopamine D1 receptor pathway
Authors: Jia Jie , Peng Hualing , Tian Rui , Zhou Hong , Zheng Hua , Liu Bo , Lu Yisheng
Published: May 2023

Aims

Dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) hypofunction is associated with negative and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia; therefore, the mechanism of D1R function modulation needs further investigation. Gm527 is the rodent homologous of the schizophrenia‐related gene C14orf28, encoding a predicated D1R‐interacting protein. However, the role of Gm527‐D1R interaction in schizophrenia needs to be clarified.

Methods

Gm527‐floxed mice were generated and crossed with D1‐Cre mice (D1:Gm527−/−) to knockout Gm527 in D1R‐positive neurons. Then behavioral tests were performed to explore the schizophrenia‐related phenotypes. Immunofluorescence, fluorescence in situ hybridization, electrophysiological recording, quantitative real‐time PCR, and western blotting were conducted to investigate the mechanisms.

Results

Working memory, long‐term memories, and adult neurogenesis in the DG were enhanced in D1:Gm527−/− mice. LTP was also increased in the DG in D1:Gm527−/− mice, resulting from the Gm527 knockout‐induced D1R expression enhancement on the plasma membrane and subsequently cAMP signaling and NMDA receptor pathways activation. The requirement of Gm527 knockout in the DG was confirmed by reversing Gm527 expression or knockdown Gm527 in the DG D1R‐positive neurons through AAV‐CAG‐FLEX‐Gm527‐GFP or AAV‐CMV‐FLEX‐EGFP‐Gm527‐RNAi injection.

Conclusions

The DG Gm527 knockout induces D1R hyperfunction in improving schizophrenia cognitive symptoms.
Applications of organoid technology to brain tumors
Authors: Wen Jie , Liu Fangkun , Cheng Quan , Weygant Nathaniel , Liang Xisong , Fan Fan , Li Chuntao , Zhang Liyang , Liu Zhixiong
Published: May 2023

Lacking appropriate model impedes basic and preclinical researches of brain tumors. Organoids technology applying on brain tumors enables great recapitulation of the original tumors. Here, we compared brain tumor organoids (BTOs) with common models including cell lines, tumor spheroids, and patient‐derived xenografts. Different BTOs can be customized to research objectives and particular brain tumor features. We systematically introduce the establishments and strengths of four different BTOs. BTOs derived from patient somatic cells are suitable for mimicking brain tumors caused by germline mutations and abnormal neurodevelopment, such as the tuberous sclerosis complex. BTOs derived from human pluripotent stem cells with genetic manipulations endow for identifying and understanding the roles of oncogenes and processes of oncogenesis. Brain tumoroids are the most clinically applicable BTOs, which could be generated within clinically relevant timescale and applied for drug screening, immunotherapy testing, biobanking, and investigating brain tumor mechanisms, such as cancer stem cells and therapy resistance. Brain organoids co‐cultured with brain tumors (BO‐BTs) own the greatest recapitulation of brain tumors. Tumor invasion and interactions between tumor cells and brain components could be greatly explored in this model. BO‐BTs also offer a humanized platform for testing the therapeutic efficacy and side effects on neurons in preclinical trials. We also introduce the BTOs establishment fused with other advanced techniques, such as 3D bioprinting. So far, over 11 brain tumor types of BTOs have been established, especially for glioblastoma. We conclude BTOs could be a reliable model to understand brain tumors and develop targeted therapies.
Does resveratrol improve cognition in humans? A scientometric study to an in‐depth review
Authors: Tu Wenling , Song Meiying , Fan Xiang
Published: May 2023

Aim

In order to understand the different processes and mechanisms of cognitive function and resveratrol (RES) as an active participant in pathophysiological events that affect cognitive function.

Methods

First, the Web of Science (core collection) was selected as the data source. To ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the search data, the index was selected as “SCI‐EXPANDED”, and the search formula was TS = resveratrol AND TS = (“cognitive” OR “memory” OR “cognition” OR “mood”). Next, details of authors, keywords, journals, countries, institutions, references, and more were analyzed by CiteSpace and VOSviewer software. Finally, we explored the mechanism by which RES could improve cognitive impairment, that involves healthy young adults, healthy elderly, post‐menopausal women, and diseases involving Alzheimer's disease (AD), diabetes‐related cognitive impairment, mental illness, post‐stroke cognitive impairment, and neonatal hypoxic–ischemic injury.

Results

287 valid papers were obtained. The scientometric results demonstrated 287 papers used in this study came from 1601 authors from 443 organizations in 38 countries, published in 169 journals, and cited 13,680 literatures from 2431 journals. Depression, AD, cerebral ischemia, diabetic cognitive impairment, and cognitive function in the elderly are all keywords of the co‐occurrence network.

Conclusion

This study supports the hypothesis that chronic RES intake may positively affect brain function. But it has become challenging to determine the optimal dose, time and duration of RES and improve the bioavailability of RES, which many researchers need to overcome.
Orchids with scarce occurrence records: The case of the endangered Botany Bay Bearded Greenhood
Authors: Mo Matthew , Wilson Averill , McGowan Alice , Demers Marie‐Claire A. , Steenbeeke Greg L.
Published: May 2023

Poorly studied species are potentially under‐prioritised by conservation programmes due to knowledge gaps presenting barriers to informing effective management strategies. The Botany Bay Bearded Greenhood, Pterostylis sp. Botany Bay, is an example of a poorly studied plant that is listed as endangered under both Commonwealth and New South Wales legislation. This study reports on archival surveys from 1998 to 2005 conducted at up to eight sites known to contain the Botany Bay Bearded Greenhood and follow‐up surveys in 2022. The archival surveys found that the total population count ranged from 83 to 341 individuals. Mean numbers (± standard error) of seedlings, flowering individuals and individuals exhibiting capsule development recorded in the population were 43 ± 14, 33 ± 9 and 2 ± 1 respectively. The 2022 surveys did not detect the species. An area of potential habitat was derived from records in biodiversity databases, which determined a total historical extent of 1.38 ha restricted to the Kurnell Peninsula in Sydney, New South Wales. The priority next step is to gather contemporary data to confirm whether the Botany Bay Bearded Greenhood remains extant, which can be done by applied researchers, students, landholders and land managers, botanical practitioners and/or volunteers. For optimal species detection, we recommend undertaking formal surveys or opportunistic searches in historically known sites and replicating detection efforts across July–September periods to exploit seasonal flowering.
Difference in the responses of male cicada Meimuna opalifera to the two parts of conspecific calling song
Authors: Kodama Takeru , Kasuya Eiiti , Tatsuta Haruki
Published: May 2023

Meimuna opalifera males emit extremely complex calling songs, with the main section comprising two parts. To investigate whether these two parts of the calling song have different meanings for the receivers, we conducted playback experiments. We counted and compared the number of response calls when different types of sound stimuli were presented under laboratory conditions. Meimuna opalifera males emitted significantly greater response calls during the playback of stimuli containing the former part of the songs than those containing the latter part only. This suggests that M. opalifera males tend to respond by detecting characteristics in the former part of the songs. Because the peak frequencies were similar between the former and the latter parts, the temporal patterns of the songs might be important in short‐range communication between males of M. opalifera.
Costs and benefits of trading with stock dealers: The case of systematic internalizers
Authors: Aramian Fatemeh , Nordén Lars L.
Published: May 2023

Systematic internalizers are single‐dealer platforms run by investment firms that trade out of their own inventories by internalizing the trades off exchanges. We analyze the determinants of dealers' market shares and trading costs. We find that dealer trades have lower price impacts than exchange trades, consistent with uninformed traders seeking out dealers. Due to their ability to avoid trading with informed investors, dealers often undercut the exchange bid–ask spread when the spread is wide and the tick size is not binding. Dealers can therefore offer lower trading costs and gain a higher market share relative to exchanges.
Premature depolarisations in horses competing in United States Eventing Association and Fédération Equestre Internationale‐sanctioned 3‐day events
Authors: Durando Mary M. , Slack Joann , Birks Eric , Belcher Carolyn , Kohn Catherine
Published: May 2023

Background

Injuries and sudden death during the cross‐country (XC) phase of eventing have raised interest in the frequency and types of cardiac arrhythmias occurring in these equine athletes.

Objectives

To characterise the frequency and types of rhythm disturbances and examine possible risk factors for premature depolarisations (PDs) occurring during the XC phase of United States Eventing Association (USEA) and Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)‐sanctioned events.

Study design

Prospective, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings were obtained from horses prior to, during and immediately following the XC competition. Physiological rhythms pre‐XC were included in the arrhythmia group for analysis. The frequency of PDs was calculated for all horses, as well as by division. PDs were categorised by complexity (singles, couplets, triplets, complex) and variably grouped for statistical analysis. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for the presence of specific cardiac arrhythmia groupings during XC.

Results

PDs were identified in 42/75 horses (56% [45, 67]) during XC. Horses competing in the upper divisions of eventing had higher odds for having any PD during XC compared to the lower divisions (OR = 17.5 [4.3, 72.01],p = 0.006). The amount of time the heart rate (HR) was greater than 199 beats per minute (BPM) was associated with more complex arrhythmias (triplets, salvos and tachyarrhythmias) (OR = 1.01 [1.0, 1.02],p = 0.005). An arrhythmia at rest (physiological or PD) was associated with arrhythmia in the early recovery period (OR = 3.5 [1.1, 10.8],p = 0.03).

Main limitations

Convenience sampling and technical challenges of continuous ECG recordings under competition settings limited the number of enrollments.

Conclusions

PDs were seen in a high percentage of horses during the XC competition. Upper levels and time the HR was greater than 199 BPM were related to PD presence and complexity.
Exogenous GalR2‐specific peptide agonist as a tool for treating myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Serebryakova Larisa , Veselova Oksana , Studneva Irina , Dobrokhotov Igor , Palkeeva Marina , Avdeev Dmitry , Molokoedov Alexander , Ovchinnikov Michael , Sidorova Maria , Pisarenko Oleg
Published: May 2023

Objectives:The aim of this work was to elucidate the role of GalR2 receptor activation in protecting the rat heart in vivo from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage by a pharmacological peptide agonist WTLNSAGYLLGPβAH‐OH (G1) and full‐length rat galanin GWTLNSAGYLLGPHAIDNHRSFSDKHGLT‐NH2 (G2) using M871, a selective inhibitor of GalR2.Methods:The peptides were prepared by the automatic solid‐phase synthesis using the Fmoc‐strategy and purified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A 40‐min left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery occlusion followed by a 60‐min reperfusion was performed. The criteria for damage/protection of the heart were the infarct size (IS) and plasma activity of creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) at the end of reperfusion.Results:Intravenous injection of G1 or G2 at an optimal dose of 1 mg/kg at the fifth minute of reperfusion significantly reduced the IS (by 35% and 32%, respectively) and activity of CK‐MB at the end of reperfusion (by 43% and 38%, respectively) compared with the control. Administration of M871 (8 mg/kg) 5 min before the onset of reperfusion abolished the effects of G1 on IS and CK‐MB activity, returning them to control values. Co‐administration of M871 (8 mg/kg) with G2 attenuated protective effect of G2 on both IS and plasma СK‐MB activity. However, differences in these parameters between the M871+G2 and G2 groups did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.139 andP = 0.121, respectively).Conclusion:Thus, GalR2 is the principal receptor subtype that transduces the protective effects of galanin and ligand G1 in myocardial I/R injury. This suggests that GalR2‐specific peptide agonists could be used as drug candidates for treating ischemic heart disease.
Canopy leaf area and leaf mass in the upper stratum of Urochloa hybrid ‘Mavuno’ grass subjected to nitrogen fertilisation
Authors: de Mattos Raíne Fonseca , Matuo Caroline Megumi , Herling Valdo Rodrigues , Tech Adriano Rogério Bruno , Pereira Lilian Elgalise Techio
Published: May 2023

Nitrogen (N) inputs are recognised to maximise herbage mass (HM) in tropical perennial grasses, whereas less is clear on their impact on HM distribution and the effects on leaf mass (LM) and leaf area index (LAI) in the upper stratum. This 2 year study, carried out in Pirassununga, Brazil, assessed the HM distribution in the upper (>20 cm) and lower (<20 cm) strata in Urochloa hybrid ‘Mavuno’ grass maintained under similar pre‐ and post‐cutting canopy heights with contrasting N fertilisation rates applied after each cutting (no‐nitrogen, 15, 30, and 45 kg N ha−1). The relevance of specific leaf area (SLA), leaf N concentration (NLeaf), tiller weight (TW) and population density to the LM and LAI of the upper stratum were also examined. Mavuno grass expressed a stable HM < 20 cm (59%–71% during Year I and 66%–80% for Year II), and apparent N fertilisation impacts on HM > 20 cm were verified at specific regrowth cycles during Year II. Mavuno grass pastures expressed plasticity for adjustments on leaf, tiller and population attributes, which were modulated by both climatic conditions and N fertilisation. Under favourable growth conditions during Year I, fertilised pastures were able to sustain higher NLeaf and SLA but associated with lower TW, resulting in maximisation of LAI but not in LM in the upper stratum. During Year II, fertilised pastures expressed higher NLeaf, SLA, number of basal tillers, despite the lowest TW, which resulted in higher LAI and LM in the upper stratum compared with non‐fertilised pastures. Our results highlighted that adjustments on leaf and population attributes within the canopy were driven to maximise the upper stratum LAI, being positively affected by N fertilisation.
Transcriptional regulation of adipogenin expression in liver steatosis by hepatic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma
Authors: Aibara Daisuke , Sakaguchi Ai , Matsusue Kimihiko
Published: May 2023

The nuclear receptors peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and adipogenin (ADIG) play vital roles in lipid metabolism. However, the interaction between PPARγ and ADIG during liver steatosis remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of PPARγ in the transcriptional regulation of hepatic ADIG expression. Adig was found to be highly expressed in various fatty liver mouse models. Although hepatic Adig was expressed at high levels in the fatty liver of type 2 diabetic ob/ob mice and was upregulated by PPARγ agonist treatment, it was expressed at significantly low levels in liver‐specific Pparg‐knockout mice. Moreover, hepatic Adig expression was observed in other mouse models of liver steatosis, such as the leptin receptor mutant db/db and alcohol‐fed mice. Adig was also highly expressed in the white and brown adipose tissues, skeletal muscles, and heart of ob/ob mice. Reporter and electromobility shift assays showed that PPARγ positively regulates Adig transcriptional activity by directly binding to a functional PPARγ‐responsive element in the promoter region. Our results indicate that Adig is a novel target gene of hepatic PPARγ in liver steatosis.
The science of talismans today
Authors: Anderson Benjamin
Published: May 2023

The science of talismans was cultivated in Arabic, Greek, and Latin in the first millennium AD and entered European vernaculars in the seventeenth century. Its primary concern is the ability of images to produce effects in the world, even at a distance. In the eighteenth century, European intellectual discourse rejected the talisman on physical, moral, and aesthetic grounds. Today, it has returned and forms the object of distinctive and mutually complementary programs of study in art history, anthropology, and media studies. Its primary interest lies in its account of visual form as an intelligible cause and thereby as a mediator between distinct domains of experience.
Transitional care of older ethnic minority patients: An integrative review
Authors: Dolu İlknur , Hayter Mark , Serrant Laura
Published: May 2023

Aims

To critically synthesize the empirical literature on practice in transitional care and how to meet the care needs of older ethnic minority populations who discharged from hospital to community.

Design

An integrative literature review integrating empirical studies using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines.

Data Sources

PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, EBSCO (including CINAHL and MEDLINE) and Scopus were searched for papers published between 2012 and September 2022.

Review Methods

Full‐text papers were screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria subsequent to screening titles and abstracts. All included papers were evaluated for methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklists. After extracting findings, themes were created by critically examining and synthesizing of findings.

Results

The search yielded a total of 1180 studies, 1153 after removing duplicates and 27 papers meeting the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria were included in the review. The main findings were categorized into four themes: (i) intervention‐related outcomes; (ii) unmet needs of older minority people; (iii) transitional care–related characteristics of older minority people and (iv) challenges for healthcare providers. Findings indicated that the transitional care experience of ethnic minority older populations differed from natives to some extent which revealed unmet needs addressing how to provide culturally appropriate transitional care for this population.

Conclusion

This review gave insight into facilitators in the transitional care of ethnic minority older adults. Future transitional care interventions should incorporate needs of ethnic minority population.

Impact

This review highlighted the defined gaps between existing transitional care programmes and transitional care needs of older ethnic minority. Increasing follow‐up completion, evidence defining deeply of ethnic phenomenon in the transitional care process, developing interventions that meet transitional care needs and increasing healthcare providers' cultural competency were featured headlines.

No Patient or Public Contribution.
The links of subjective and psychological well‐being with the Dark Triad traits: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Blasco‐Belled Ana , Tejada‐Gallardo Claudia , Alsinet Carles , Rogoza Radosław
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the specific links that the Dark Triad traits have with subjective and psychological well‐being through a meta‐analysis of the existing literature.

Background

Over the past few years, associations between the Dark Triad traits and well‐being have been a stimulating but understudied topic in personality research. Method: Cross‐sectional, correlational studies examining these relationships were searched in the PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Meta‐analyses were performed at the dimension‐ and facet‐level to account for the multidimensional structure of the Dark Triad traits.

Results

A total of 55 studies were included (n = 26,252). In general, grandiose narcissism and boldness/dominance related to higher well‐being, while vulnerable narcissism, antagonism, disinhibition, and Machiavellianism related to lower levels of well‐being. Age and gender moderated few of these associations.

Conclusions

We recommend including multidimensional measures of the Dark Triad traits as an essential step to move the field forward.
Effects of cell morphology on the textural attributes of fruit cubes in freeze‐drying: Apples, strawberries, and mangoes as examples
Authors: Feng Shuhan , Yi Jianyong , Wu Xinye , Ma Youchuan , Bi Jinfeng
Published: May 2023

The influence of cell morphology on the textural characteristic of freeze‐dried apple, strawberry, and mango cubes was evaluated. Corresponding restructured cube samples without intact cell morphology were prepared as controls. Results indicated that the presence of cell morphology strengthened the shrinkage and collapse of samples during freeze‐drying, especially in mangoes due to the high content of sugar. Intact cell morphology was found in natural fruit cubes after freeze‐drying by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, making them exhibit a more regular microporous structure, further resulting in higher hardness than the restructured cubes. However, the intact cell morphology negatively affected the crispness of freeze‐dried cubes since it enhanced structural collapse. The freeze‐dried samples without cell morphology would destroy the cellulose structure and form a continuous open‐pore structure under the concentration effect of ice crystals during freezing, which accelerates the escape of water molecules, increases the drying rate, and avoid collapse. Sensory experiments found that restructured cubes without intact cell morphology exhibited greater comprehensive acceptance, suggesting the potential application of cell morphology disruption in the future freeze‐drying industry.
Impact of longevity and wettability of fern leaves on epiphyll colonization in a Mexican lowland rainforest
Authors: Cerón‐Carpio Amparo Bélgica , Pérez‐García Blanca , Guerrero‐Analco José Antonio , Pérez‐Pérez Rosa Emilia , Sánchez‐Coronado María Esther , Colín Paola Martínez , Mehltreter Klaus
Published: May 2023

Questions

Leaf traits play an important role in the epiphyll colonization of leaves. Although ferns are common in forest understories, they have been widely ignored as possible host plants. We asked: How does epiphyll colonization (cover, richness, and composition) differ among fern species depending on their leaf longevity and surface wettability?

Location

Tropical Biological Station of “Los Tuxtlas”, Veracruz (Mexico).

Methods

Epiphyll cover was monitored on leaves of six individuals per species after 2, 5, 12, 16.5, and 26 months. Leaf longevity was calculated from leaf turnover rates over 24 months. Leaf wettability was determined through the contact angle technique.

Results

All studied fern species had hydrophilic leaf surfaces. Fern species with shorter leaf longevity (14.4–17.8 months) were colonized faster by epiphylls than species with longer leaf life spans (33.9–38.8 months). The area of the oldest leaves was covered to 1.2%–26.1% by foliicolous lichens and to 0.3%–2.2% by green algae. Foliicolous lichens were more species‐rich on Danaea nodosa (27 spp.) than on the other fern species (1–9 lichen spp.). Foliose liverworts thrived on the only riparian fern (3.57%). Only 0.04%–1.1% of the area of plastic substrates was colonized by epiphylls.

Conclusions

The hydrophilic leaf surfaces of ferns facilitated the colonization of epiphylls, especially of foliicolous lichens. The speed of epiphyll colonization was faster in ferns with shorter leaf longevity but increased in all species with leaf age. However, the relatively low epiphyll cover on fern leaves and artificial substrates in our study might be related to unfavorable microclimatic parameters.
Language as a proxy for race: Language and literacy and the nursing profession
Authors: Mitchell Kim M.
Published: May 2023

Defining a nurse as literate is disciplinary and contextual, linked to professional identity formation, and an issue impacting patient safety. Literacy and language proficiency are concepts assessed through examining skills in four pillars: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This article explores how literacy is not only a practice issue but inextricably intertwined with issues of race, equity, diversity, and inclusiveness in our profession—both in regulatory policy and classroom pedagogy. In making the argument that language is a proxy for race, three cases of language and literacy will be presented. First, the deficit discourse of multilingual student struggle is stereotyped to the presence or absence of an accent, with multilingual student needs often treated homogeneously in disregard of population heterogenous abilities. Second, regulatory policies for language testing internationally educated nurses are discriminatory with testing context bearing little relationship to the language needs of nursing practice. Third, that the myth of “one standard English” results in racist evaluation practices of student academic performance. Recommendations are made for reframing how language and literacy are viewed in nursing education and regulation of practice with a focus on acknowledgment of one's personal relationship to racial issues and emphasizing the need for a change in mindset toward racialized multilingual students and writers.
Responsiveness to long days for flowering is reduced in Arabidopsis by yearly variation in growing season temperatures
Authors: Kinmonth‐Schultz Hannah , Sønstebø Jørn H. , Croneberger Andrew J. , Johnsen Sylvia S. , Leder Erica , Lewandowska‐Sabat Anna , Imaizumi Takato , Rognli Odd Arne , Vinje Hilde , Ward Joy K. , Fjellheim Siri
Published: May 2023

Conservative flowering behaviours, such as flowering during long days in summer or late flowering at a high leaf number, are often proposed to protect against variable winter and spring temperatures which lead to frost damage if premature flowering occurs. Yet, due the many factors in natural environments relative to the number of individuals compared, assessing which climate characteristics drive these flowering traits has been difficult. We applied a multidisciplinary approach to 10 winter‐annual Arabidopsis thaliana populations from a wide climactic gradient in Norway. We used a variable reduction strategy to assess which of 100 climate descriptors from their home sites correlated most to their flowering behaviours when tested for responsiveness to photoperiod after saturation of vernalization; then, assessed sequence variation of 19 known environmental‐response flowering genes. Photoperiod responsiveness inversely correlated with interannual variation in timing of growing season onset. Time to flowering appeared driven by growing season length, curtailed by cold fall temperatures. The distribution of FLM, TFL2 and HOS1 haplotypes, genes involved in ambient temperature response, correlated with growing‐season climate. We show that long‐day responsiveness and late flowering may be driven not by risk of spring frosts, but by growing season temperature and length, perhaps to opportunistically maximize growth.
The role of freedom of communication in modulating the effect of political participation on electoral outcome in Africa
Authors: Kouladoum Jean‐Claude
Published: May 2023

This study assesses the role of freedom of communication in modulating the effect of political participation on electoral outcomes in Africa since the turn of the 21st century. The freedom of communication is proxied in terms of freedom of academics and cultural expression, freedom of speech, the freedom to express one's opinion, and men's and women's freedom of communication. After adopting robust cross‐sectional dependence estimates of the Driscoll/Kraay strategy, the findings reveal that freedom of communication is essential for a free and fair electoral process. Similarly, the findings depict that political participation increases the probability of a fair election process and outcomes in Africa. The study recommends that African countries' design platforms in their respective legislations that ensure freedom of speech and expression, and political inclusion with the open debate concerning governance to promote free and fair consistent elections that respect human rights and ensure political stability.

Related Articles

Kim, Eun Kyung. 2019. “Issue Ownership and Strategic Policy Choice in Multiparty Africa.” Politics & Policy 47(5): 956–83. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12327.

Nchofoung, Tii, Simplice Asongu, Vanessa Tchamyou, and Ofeh Edoh. 2022. “Gender, Political Inclusion, and Democracy in Africa: Some Empirical Evidence.” Politics & Policy 51(1): 137–55. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12505.

Stockemer, Daniel, and Stephanie Parent. 2014. “The Inequality Turnout Nexus: New Evidence from Presidential Elections.” Politics & Policy 42(2): 221–45. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12067.
On the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model of electron transport: Low‐temperature optical conductivity by the Mellin transform
Authors: Margetis Dionisios , Watson Alexander B. , Luskin Mitchell
Published: May 2023

We describe the low‐temperature optical conductivity as a function of frequency for a quantum‐mechanical system of electrons that hop along a polymer chain. To this end, we invoke the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger tight‐binding Hamiltonian for noninteracting spinless electrons on a one‐dimensional (1D) lattice. Our goal is to show via asymptotics how the interband conductivity of this system behaves as the smallest energy bandgap tends to close. Our analytical approach includes: (i) the Kubo‐type formulation for the optical conductivity with a nonzero damping due to microscopic collisions, (ii) reduction of this formulation to a 1D momentum integral over the Brillouin zone, and (iii) evaluation of this integral in terms of elementary functions via the three‐dimensional Mellin transform with respect to key physical parameters and subsequent inversion in a region of the respective complex space. Our approach reveals an intimate connection of the behavior of the conductivity to particular singularities of its Mellin transform. The analytical results are found in good agreement with direct numerical computations.
Pedi‐IKDC exhibits questionable measurement properties in a cohort of pediatric patients with ACL rupture
Authors: Hansen Christian Fugl , Madsen Maria Østergaard , Warming Susan , Lind Martin , Faunø Peter , Rathcke Martin Wyman , Krogsgaard Michael Rindom , Christensen Karl Bang
Published: May 2023

Background

Pedi‐IKDC is commonly used to evaluate anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency in children. However, its construct validity has not been thoroughly assessed. The aim was to examine the measurement properties of the Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi‐IKDC) by modern test theory (MTT) models, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and item response theory (IRT).

Methods

The cohort consisted of all children and adolescents in Denmark (n = 535, age 9–16) treated with physeal‐sparing ACL reconstruction 2011–2020. Patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) data were collected before surgery and at 1 year follow‐up. Structural validity of Pedi‐IKDC was assessed with MTT models. Reliability was reported as McDonalds coefficient omega. Responsiveness was evaluated with standardized response means.

Results

Sufficient PROM data were available for 372 patients. The original unidimensional construct did not fit CFA model expectations neither before surgery (χ2 = 462.0, df = 163, p < 0.0001; RMSEA: 0.109, CFI: 0.910, TFI: 0.895) nor at follow‐up. Neither did a two‐factor CFA model with “Symptoms” and “Sports activities” as individual subscales (χ2 = 455.6, df = 162, p < 0.0001) nor a bifactor model (χ2 = 338.9, df = 143, p < 0.0001), although fit indices improved with the latter (RMSEA: 0.094, CFI: 0.941, TFI: 0.922). The IRT models confirmed this pattern. The scale was responsive (SRM 1.66 (95% CI: 1.46–1.88)). Coefficient omega values were 0.866 before surgery and 0.919 at follow‐up.

Conclusions

The Pedi‐IKDC exhibited inadequate structural validity. Neither the original construct, a two‐factor model, nor bifactor models fitted data well. We advise that data obtained by Pedi‐IKDC are interpreted with caution.
Early effects of conservation agriculture on soil organic carbon dynamics of Mollisols in Cambodia
Authors: Koun Pengly , Vernet Pierre‐Antoine , Filloux Titouan , Sar Veng , Seng Vang , Srimongkol Porntip , Tantachasatid Phakphoom , Sen Reaksmey , Pheap Sambo , Tivet Florent , Thoumazeau Alexis
Published: May 2023

Cambodia has faced drastic agrarian changes over the last twenty years with a rapid and massive transformation of the uplands from forest into arable land. Soil quality depletion is one of the main drivers of the resulting decline in crop productivity and increasing production costs in the uplands of Battambang province. The objective of the study was to assess the early effects of conventional plough‐based (20 cm) management (CT) and two conservation agriculture‐based (CA) cropping systems (the use of a single—CAS vs. multiple cover crop species—CAM) on a maize monocropping system using three soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions on Mollisols in Battambang province. SOC content, permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) and soil CO2 basal respiration through SituResp® were recorded at a depth of 0–10 cm. Twelve sampling periods were used over the growth period of the cover crops and during the maize cycle. POXC and SituResp® were highly sensitive to management practices with, across the 12 sampling periods, higher values (p < .05) under CA than CT, with an average increase of 6% and from 20% to 23%, respectively. No difference was observed in SOC content between the practices in our sampling periods. Seasonal variations were observed in both POXC and SituResp®. POXC underwent larger fluctuations following critical weather events than SituResp®. This study showed that POXC and SituResp® were rapidly sensitive to changes in agricultural management practices. POXC and SituResp® are largely influenced by seasonality and could help clarify the impact of weather patterns on soil C dynamics.
Innovation, Competitive Advantage and Export Performance: A Study of Pakistani Manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Ayaz Muhammad Sohail , Chelliah Shankar
Published: May 2023

This study examines the innovation practice as a key component to gain a competitive advantage to pursue export performance. Data were collected through questionnaires from 364 Pakistani manufacturing SMEs. Structural equation modeling (SEM) by operating Smart PLS-4 was used for data analysis. The findings showed that both directly and indirectly, innovation has a positive and significant impact on the export performance of SMEs in Pakistan. Additionally, competitive advantage has also been found as a mediator between innovation and export performance. The results signify an improvement in the firm’s innovation as well as sustaining competitive benefit so one can boost the export overall performance of Pakistani SMEs. This study is important to generate beneficial knowledge and insight regarding the appropriate and specific explanation for a firm’s CEOs/managers to enhance innovation along with maintaining a competitive advantage for the enhancement of the company's export performance particularly in the context of Pakistan. Consequently, this has a look at suggests a particular and beneficial avenue for companies to effectively improve innovation that is very important to gain a competitive edge for firms around the globe.
Segurança Pública
Authors: De Paula Joice Cristina , Fonseca Viegas Selma Maria , Araújo da Silveira Edilene Aparecida , Junqueira Oliveira Virginia
Published: May 2023

É relevante que o exercício da segurança pública esteja alinhado à preservação dos direitos humanos e às necessidades sociais. Utilizou-se como método a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados e o Interacionismo Simbólico com 25 participantes, profissionais da área jurídica, em um município de grande porte populacional de Minas Gerais. As fontes de evidências foram: entrevista aberta individual e memorandos. Os resultados demonstraram a necessidade de melhorias na segurança pública, que é falha, além da influência do déficit na educação e na infraestrutura da polícia. Afirma-se que o Estatuto do Desarmamento veio para contribuir com a legislação, armar a população, com restrições difíceis de serem controladas, transfere o papel do Estado para o cidadão. Há necessidade de desenvolvimento social e pessoal da população, a arma não resolve a questão da segurança. Segurança pública é direito fundamental estabelecido constitucionalmente e dever do Estado, é essencial a garantia para redução da violência e da criminalidade. A liberação do armamento não se constitui uma solução, relevante será o desenvolvimento social de políticas públicas efetivas, especialmente no âmbito educacional de formação do cidadão.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Segurança; Arma de Fogo; Educação; Mudança Social.
Reforma Curricular do Ensino Médio e Educação em Direitos Humanos
Authors: Giareta Paulo Fioravante , Garcia Fabiola Xavier  Vieira , Quadros Sheila Fabiana de
Published: May 2023

Este artigo tem por objeto as reformas curriculares para a etapa do Ensino Médio, no sistema educacional brasileiro, e sua relação com a proposta da educação em direitos humanos. Estrutura-se a partir da problemática central de compreensão do alcance da reforma curricular do Ensino Médio, normatizada pela Lei nº 13.415 de 2017 (Novo Ensino Médio) e pela Resolução CNE CP nº 4 de 2018 (BNCC – Ensino Médio), para uma educação na perspectiva dos direitos humanos. Responde pelo objetivo de analisar os desafios e contradições das reformas educacionais centradas no currículo, tendo em vista o princípio da educação em direitos humanos. Metodologicamente, o texto responde por um exercício crítico-analítico a partir da análise dialética, aportada na lógica de apropriação das mediações que possibilitam a compreensão do fato social analisado no conjunto de suas determinações concretas, enquanto exercício constante de pesquisa, no sentido de conferir potência à leitura de um objeto de forma posicionada ao contexto material, social e histórico em que ele ocorre (PAULO NETTO, 2011). A pesquisa indica a necessidade de considerar o debate sobre a relação das reformas curriculares em curso e a educação em direitos humanos de forma posicionada aos desafios e contradições inerentes às demandas do modelo de sociabilidade em curso neste início de século XXI. A afirmação da educação como direito e em direitos humanos assentada nos princípios da promoção cultural, democracia e formação integral dos sujeitos é amplamente reconhecida, mas profundamente impactada pelos arranjos de poder, visando à gestão das atuais contradições sociais e socioeconômicas.
A Implementação dos Direitos Humanos no Ambiente Escolar como Instrumento Necessário à Educação de Qualidade
Authors: Maximino Lellis Lelio
Published: May 2023

Aborda-se a necessária implementação dos direitos humanos no ambiente escolar para que haja o padrão de qualidade da educação constitucionalmente exigido. O problema indaga se a concretização dos direitos humanos é indispensável à efetivação de educação escolar de qualidade segundo a expectativa da Constituição Federal e dos tratados internacionais. A hipótese é que os direitos humanos são necessários à configuração dos conteúdos da educação desde o processo de ensino e aprendizagem norteado pelos princípios do artigo 206 e objetivos do artigo 205, da Lei Fundamental. Vale-se do método hipotético-dedutivo e utiliza-se a técnica de pesquisa bibliográfica, com verificação da doutrina e a comparação do posicionamento de Legislativo, Executivo e Judiciário sobre o tema desde a interpretação necessária à elaboração das leis, regulamentos e à aprovação dos tratados internacionais de direitos humanos, bem como à redação dos acórdãos. O objetivo é verificar se os conteúdos e fins da educação vinculam-se aos direitos humanos. Constatou-se que, embora tenha havido avanços na implementação dos direitos humanos no contexto escolar, há resistências ideológicas do grupo populacional majoritário demonstradas na atuação do Legislativo e Executivo estaduais e municipais ao se elaborar leis e atos normativos, cabendo ao judiciário atuar para a proteção dos grupos populacionais vulneráveis.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Educação escolar de qualidade; direitos humanos; população vulnerável.
Educação em Direitos Humanos para Grupos Vulnerabilizados e Defensoria Pública
Authors: Ferreira Fernandes Brazileiro Jhoane , Passon Picoretti Francischetto Gilsilene
Published: May 2023

A pesquisa busca analisar de que maneira os grupos vulnerabilizados podem ter acesso a uma educação em direitos humanos que contribua para a sua emancipação social e para a efetivação de seus direitos, com o auxílio da Defensoria Pública. Para tanto, analisa-se os conceitos de estigma, vulnerabilidade e exclusão social, as funções institucionais da Defensoria Pública e de que modo ela pode ampliar os canais de diálogo com as comunidades periféricas, de forma que possam contribuir para a redução da desigualdade social. Propõe-se o desenvolvimento do presente estudo por meio de uma pesquisa teórico-bibliográfica, isto é, a partir do exame dos referenciais teóricos, propondo-se a descrição e a compreensão do fenômeno analisado, ampliando-se a perspectiva acerca do mesmo, e utilizando-se do método dedutivo para o desenvolvimento das ideias expostas. Assim, busca-se questionar: De que forma a Defensoria Pública poderia auxiliar os grupos vulnerabilizados a ter acesso a uma educação em direitos humanos? Conclui-se que a Defensoria Pública, mediante a elaboração de atividades de educação em direitos e práticas locais que contribuam para o fortalecimento dos vínculos comunitários, pode auxiliar no desenvolvimento de uma educação emancipatória em direitos humanos para grupos vulnerabilizados.
Desafios da Dimensão Técnico Operativa do Serviço Social na Luta Contra a Desumanização das Classes Subalternas na Política Educacional do CAP-UFPE
Authors: Pereira da Silva Uchôa Renata , De Barros Ana Maria , Da Silva Clemente Flávia
Published: May 2023

Este trabalho se fundamenta no método teórico-metodológico do materialismo histórico dialético, é caracterizado como uma pesquisa qualitativa e de campo, desenvolvida no Colégio de Aplicação da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (CAp-UFPE), a partir de um levantamento documental e bibliográfico, baseado em relatórios institucionais do Serviço Social e também de informações no Portal da Transparência. A análise de conteúdo permitiu reflexões sobre as condições da oferta de educação pública vigente no (des) governo Bolsonaro entre 2018-2021, evidenciando o projeto de desumanização das classes subalternas, o desmonte e o desfinanciamento da política educacional. Os desafios enfrentados na política pública educacional, trouxe prejuízos à formação do cidadão, violação do direito à educação, agravados Pandemia de Covid-19 no estado de Pernambuco, diante do contexto de crise e do aumento da desigualdade educacional e social, com o propósito escancarado de ampliar e naturalizar a segregação social e o processo de reprodução das relações sociais, de exploração de uma classe sobre a outra.  Buscou-se evidenciar os desafios enfrentados na dimensão técnico-operativa do Serviço Social e as estratégias de enfrentamento adotadas diante da precarização do trabalho, para atribui respostas às questões sociais, agravadas no marco temporal pesquisado, além de combater conservadorismo, o autoritarismo e a desumanização.
A Right-Hand Side Function Surrogate Model-Based Method for the Black-Box Dynamic Optimization Problem
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wu Yizhong , Qiao Ping , Lu Li , Xia Zhehao
Published: May 2023

When solving the black-box dynamic optimization problem (BDOP) in the sophisticated dynamic system, the finite difference technique requires significant computational efforts on numerous expensive system simulations to provide approximate numerical Jacobian information for the gradient-based optimizer. To save computational budget, this work introduces a BDOP solving framework based on the right-hand side (RHS) function surrogate model (RHSFSM), in which the RHS derivative functions of the state equation are approximated by the surrogate models, and the Jacobian information is provided by inexpensive estimations of RHSFSM rather than the original time-consuming system evaluations. Meanwhile, the sampling strategies applicable to the construction of RHSFSM are classified into three categories: direct, indirect, and hybrid sampling strategy, and the properties of these strategies are analyzed and compared. Furthermore, to assist the RHSFSM-based BDOP solving framework search for the optimum efficiently, a novel dynamic hybrid sampling strategy is proposed to update RHSFSM sequentially. Finally, two dynamic optimization examples and a co-design example of a horizontal axis wind turbine illustrate that the RHSFSM-based BDOP solving framework integrated with the proposed dynamic hybrid sampling strategy not only solves the BDOP efficiently but also achieves the optimal solution robustly and reliably compared to other sampling strategies.
Conceptual Design of a Novel Particle-Based Soft Grasping Gripper
Authors: Chen Qianyi , Schott Dingena , Jovanova Jovana
Published: May 2023

Soft grippers show adaptability and flexibility in grasping irregularly shaped and fragile objects. However, the low loading capacity and less deformation limit the soft gripper for developing large-scale applications. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new concept of a soft actuator with engineered smart particles. The proposed soft actuator is a dual-chamber programmable structure made from an elastic membrane filled with different particles, which can be driven by expanding particle volume or flexible membrane shrinking. Compared to traditional pneumatic or particle-jamming actuators, we use a combination of granular materials and smart materials, which delivers better active performances of large-scale deformation and variable stiffness. The coupled numerical model of the discrete element method and the finite element method is used to demonstrate the concept. The results indicated that the proposed soft gripper achieves the functionality of large deformation by a shrinking membrane or expanding particles. By controlling different design parameters, the actuator bends up to 138 deg, and the stiffness is up to a maximum of nine times of the pneumatic actuator. Additionally, the bending angle and deflections of the gripper actuator first increase and then drop down with increasing particle diameter ratio, actuator length, and elastic modulus of membrane material. Hence, the choice of different parameters must be in a specific range to achieve the required deformation. In conclusion, the soft-grasping gripper actuator can realize large bending deformation and shows potential for developing soft grippers in multi-scale physical scenarios.