bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The H5N6 Virus Containing Internal Genes From H9N2 Exhibits Enhanced Pathogenicity and Transmissibility
Authors: He Manlin , Liu Lina , Hu Jinglei , Wang Zhenjun , Guo Zhendong , Wang Xiaohan , Sun Yongyang , Shi Shaowen , Ren Wenhao , Wang Yuxing , Nie Xiaoxuan , Shang Chao , Liu Zirui , Jiang Qiwei , Ren Zilin , Jin Ningyi , Li Xiao , Zhao Zongzheng
Published: January 2025

The H5N6 avian influenza virus (AIV) is constantly undergoing recombination and evolution with other subtypes of AIV, resulting in various types of recombinant H5N6 viruses. However, the risk to human public health of different recombinant types of H5N6 viruses remains unclear. Recently, two types of different recombinant H5N6 viruses were isolated from chickens. One of the viruses possessed six internal genes originating from H9N2, named A/Chicken/Hubei/112/2020 (H5N6) (abbreviated 112); the other virus possessed PB2, PB1, PA, and NP originating from H5N1, while the M and NS genes were derived from H9N2, named A/Chicken/Hubei/125/2020 (H5N6) (abbreviated 125). Here, we investigated the receptor binding properties, pathogenicity, and transmissibility of the two H5N6 AIVs. The results showed that 112 and 125 could bind α‐2,3‐linked sialic acid receptor (avian‐like receptor) and α‐2,6‐linked sialic acid receptor (human‐like receptor). However, 125 and 112 showed different pathogenicity in mice. Mice infected with 125 lost only a slight body weight and all survived, while mice infected with 112 lost weight rapidly and all died within a week of infection. Furthermore, in the transmission experiment, 125 could only transmit through direct contact, while 112 could transmit not only by direct contact but also by aerosol. The above results indicated that 112 exhibited enhanced pathogenicity and transmissibility compared to 125, suggesting that the H5N6 virus, whose internal genes were derived from H9N2, could pose a greater threat to human health. Therefore, continuous monitoring of different recombinant H5N6 viruses in poultry should be carried out to prevent their transmission to humans.
Lower Bone Mineral Density in Female Elite Athletes With Menstrual Dysfunction From Mixed Sports
Authors: Stangerup Ida , Melin Anna K. , Lichtenstein Mia , Friis-Hansen Lennart , Jørgensen Niklas R. , Schjerling Peter , Kjaer Michael , Mertz Kenneth H.
Published: January 2025

Menstrual dysfunction (MD) in female athletes might be indicative of the syndrome of relative energy deficiency in sports (REDs), associated with, e.g., impaired bone health, an increased risk of injury, and decreased performance. In the present study, we investigated differences in objective indicators of REDs, bone mineral density (BMD), and blood‐based biomarkers in female elite athletes with self‐reported MD or eumenorrhoea (CON) from mixed sport disciplines. Athletes reporting < 9 menstrual bleedings within the last year were recruited in the MD group, whereas eumenorrheic athletes with no symptoms of eating disorders were recruited for CON. Of the 24 athletes included, 19 completed the examinations (9 MD; 10 CON, mean age ± SD: 24.8 ± 5.5 years). Dual‐energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to assess body composition and BMD. Fasted rested blood sampling was performed to assess blood‐based biomarkers of bone and endocrine status. Two MD athletes were excluded from the analysis due to suspected polycystic ovary syndrome. Results showed that MD was associated with lower BMD Z‐scores across several sites compared to CON (between‐group differences ± SE); whole‐body Z‐score: −1.4 ± 0.5, p = 0.03; lumbar spine Z‐score: −1.4 ± 0.6, p = 0.03; proximal femur: −1.6 ± 0.6, p = 0.02). However, no between‐group differences in biomarkers of bone turnover were observed. MD was associated with lower plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (p = 0.02), prolactin (p < 0.001), and free T3 (p = 0.01). In conclusion, the present data indicate impairment in bone health and endocrine homeostasis in female elite athletes with current MD and underline the importance of MD as a potential indicator of REDs in female elite athletes. Furthermore, these findings call for regular screening of symptoms for early identification of athletes at risk in all sport disciplines and more education of athletes, coaches, and medical staff regarding this issue.
Supplementary Data from Cancer-Specific Targeting of Taurine-Upregulated Gene 1 Enhances the Effects of Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Tasaki Yoshihiko , Suzuki Miho , Katsushima Keisuke , Shinjo Keiko , Iijima Kenta , Murofushi Yoshiteru , Naiki-Ito Aya , Hayashi Kazuki , Qiu Chenjie , Takahashi Akiko , Tanaka Yoko , Kawaguchi Tokuichi , Sugawara Minoru , Kataoka Tomoya , Naito Mitsuru , Miyata Kanjiro , Kataoka Kazunori , Noda Tetsuo , Gao Wentao , Kataoka Hiromi , Takahashi Satoru , Kimura Kazunori , Kondo Yutaka
Published: January 2025

Figure S1-S8 & Table S1-S6
Serially Quantifying TERT Rearrangement Breakpoints in ctDNA Enables Minimal Residual Disease Monitoring in Patients with Neuroblastoma
Authors: Hollander Jan F. , Szymansky Annabell , Wünschel Jasmin , Astrahantseff Kathy , Rosswog Carolina , Thorwarth Anne , Thole-Kliesch Theresa M. , Chamorro González Rocío , Hundsdörfer Patrick , Hauptmann Kathrin , Schmelz Karin , Gürgen Dennis , Rogasch Julian M.M. , Henssen Anton G. , Fischer Matthias , Schulte Johannes H. , Eckert Cornelia , Eggert Angelika , Lodrini Marco , Deubzer Hedwig E.
Published: January 2025

Telomerase is reactivated by genomic TERT rearrangements in ∼30% of diagnosed high-risk neuroblastomas. Dismal patient prognosis results if the RAS/MAPK/ALK signaling transduction network also harbors mutations. We present a liquid biopsy–based monitoring strategy for this particularly vulnerable pediatric patient subgroup for which real-time molecular diagnostic tools are limited to date. Droplet digital PCR assays quantifying patient-individualized TERT rearrangement breakpoint copies, ALK copy numbers, and allelic ALK p.R1275Q mutation frequencies were applied to longitudinally collected liquid biopsies (peripheral blood and bone marrow [BM] plasma, n = 44 biosamples), the mononuclear cell fraction from BM and matched tumor samples. Marker detection was compared with current gold-standard diagnostics. Reanalysis of whole-genome and targeted panel sequencing data from 169 patients identified 64 TERT-rearranged neuroblastoma samples collected at initial and/or relapse diagnosis from 55 patients (254 total TERT rearrangement events). Detection and quantification of unique TERT rearrangement breakpoints in as little as 1 ng of total cell-free DNA in peripheral blood plasma improved therapy response assessment and early relapse detection in individual patients. Proof-of-concept is provided for minimal residual disease detection in the BM niche, from which relapses frequently arise, by analyzing unique TERT rearrangement breakpoints in BM plasma–derived cell-free DNA. TERT rearrangement breakpoints, as a single marker or combined with mutations in the RAS/MAPK/ALK signaling transduction network, can serve as robust and highly sensitive biomarkers for disease activity and spatially and temporally resolve disease better than current gold-standard diagnostics in individual patients with TERT-driven neuroblastoma.

Significance:

Real-time molecular monitoring of TERT-rearranged high-risk neuroblastoma is an unmet clinical need. We tested liquid biopsy-based assays for patient-individualized TERT breakpoint sequences to monitor disease in pediatric patients. Our digital PCR approach provides high resolution of spatial and temporal disease quantification in individual patients and is applicable for clinical routine.
Diagnostic Utility of Low-Dose Cosyntropin Stimulation Test for Central Adrenal Insufficiency
Authors: Morgante Cesare , Bangalore Krishna Kanthi , McCann Erika , Feldman Witchel Selma , Chemaitilly Wassim , Garibaldi Luigi , Tas Emir
Published: January 2025

Introduction:
Consensus regarding the diagnostic cutoff values for cortisol responses to low-dose Cosyntropin testing (LDT) and its specific advantages over standard (high) dose test (HDT) in assessing the pituitary-adrenal axis in children is lacking.
Methods:
In a retrospective study, patients who underwent sequential LDT and HDT were classified into two groups depending on the reason for testing: prolonged systemic glucocorticoid exposure (Group 1) or suspected hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction (Group 2). Sensitivity and specificity analysis of varying cortisol levels during LDT in diagnosing ACTH deficiency (ACTHD) were calculated via the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis against the reference diagnostic test HDT. ACTHD was defined as peak cortisol level <18 mcg/dL (500 nmol/L) in HDT.
Results:
This analysis included 112 patients of whom 20 were diagnosed with ACTHD. There was a strong correlation between peak cortisol levels during LDT and HDT (r=0.93, p<0.001). A cortisol peak of 13.5 mcg/dL (372 nmol/L) during the LDT had the best diagnostic accuracy (Sensitivity 90%, Specificity 90%: area under the curve 0.973 [95%CI: 0.945-1, p<0.001]) in the entire cohort. A higher cortisol level was needed for Group 1 to achieve comparable performance to Group 2 (14.5 vs. 11.5 mcg/dL (317 nmol/L), respectively).
Conclusions:
The strong correlation between cortisol responses in the LDT and HDT suggests that, when appropriately lower cut-off values are applied, the LDT provides results comparable to the HDT.
The Prognostic Significance of Coronary Artery Disease Interventions in Lung Transplant Candidates
Authors: Yerushalmi Eran , Abu Tal , Hasdai David , Aviv Yaron , Kornowski Ran , Skalsky Keren
Published: January 2025

:
Introduction: Lung transplantation (LT) is a lifesaving procedure in patients with end stage lung failure. The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with lung disease is comparably high, and coronary angiography is widely used for coronary anatomy assessment prior to LT. Detection of significant CAD usually results in revascularization to minimize post-transplant cardiovascular events. We aim to examine the prognostic significance of CAD interventions on LT candidates pre- and post-LT.
Methods: From a retrospective registry of 450 LT candidates undergoing cardiac catheterization during 2014-2019, patients were assessed for the presence of significant CAD and percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary outcome was defined as occurrence of major advance cardiac events (MACE) in LT candidates while on the waiting list. MACE comprising of cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), target-vessel revascularization, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)]. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of MACE post-transplant according to the coronary intervention status.
Results: MACE was recorded in 22 LT candidates, with a higher incidence in the intervention group compared to the non-intervention group (8.3% vs 4.4%, p=0.007). 28.6% of MACE events in the intervention group occurred in the first month after intervention. Cardiovascular mortality accounted for 8.6% of all deaths, without significant difference between the intervention and non-intervention group (16.0% vs 7.2%, p=0.155). The rates of MACE post-LT were mildly and non-significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the non-intervention group (11.1% vs 4.5%, p=0.18).
Conclusion: Pre-LT routine coronary intervention does not necessarily protect patients from experiencing MACE while on the waiting list or post-LT.
Recombinant Human Tissue Kallikrein-1 for Treating Acute Ischemic Stroke and Preventing Recurrence
Authors: Kasner Scott E. , Bath Philip M. , Hill Michael D. , Volpi John J. , Giuffre Michael , Masuoka Lorianne , Wambeke David , Madeddu Paolo R.
Published: January 2025

Novel strategies are needed for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke when revascularization therapies are not clinically appropriate or are unsuccessful. rKLK1 (recombinant human tissue kallikrein-1), a bradykinin-producing enzyme, offers a promising potential solution. In animal studies of acute stroke, there is a marked 36-fold increase in bradykinin B2 receptor on brain endothelial cells of the ischemic region. Due to this environment, rKLK1-generated bradykinin will exert a potent local vasodilation and increase brain perfusion via 3 synergistic signaling pathways downstream to the B2 receptor. Because of its preferential effect on ischemic tissue, systemic adverse effects such as hypotension are avoided with proper dosing. In addition, with initial vasodilation through recruitment of preexisting collaterals, rKLK1 promotes long-term benefit of brain perfusion by promoting new collateral formation. With an extended course of therapy for weeks after acute ischemic stroke, these multifaceted effects may also reduce the risk of stroke recurrence. A prior phase II trial demonstrated a favorable impact on clinical outcomes and recurrent strokes, particularly among patients who were not eligible for mechanical thrombectomy. A phase II/III trial has launched in this population, though opportunities for combination revascularization therapies deserve further investigation.
Situating Muslims' trust in parliament from a cross-national
perspective: Islamic religiosity's impact in Western Europe
Authors: Geurts Nella , Spierings Niels
Published: January 2025

Across Western Europe, politicians and media express concerns about whether Muslims feel part of liberal democracies and trust national parliament. Although often assumed, research is actually inconclusive on whether Islamic religiosity hampers such political trust. Current study dives into this complex association by studying over 5000 Muslims across 17 Western European countries. It makes two core contributions. First, instead of comparing Muslims to non-Muslims, we address Muslims in specific to gain understanding in how various religiosity dimensions – mosque attendance, religious identification and praying - relate to trust in national parliament. Second, we theorize and test how exclusionary conditions buffer or aggravate Islamic religiosity's impact on political trust. We theorize how formal boundaries (e.g. restrictive citizenship policies) and informal boundaries (e.g. hostile public attitudes) affect Muslims' political trust and the role of Islamic religiosity herein. After uniquely harmonizing ESS, EVS and WVS data, multilevel analyses show that Islamic religiosity can relate negatively to political trust, yet its importance is gendered and contextualized. For example, Muslim men who more often attend a mosque experience less trust, and more so in exclusionary societies, whereas we find indications that mosque attendance among women stimulates such trust in the least hostile environments. Moreover, Muslims' political trust is in general lower in societies with more hostile public attitudes towards migrants and where political participation is restricted for some. Our study has thus illustrated that Islamic religiosity matters for Muslims' political trust in Western Europe but neither in clear-cut simple ways nor being all explanatory.
Perceived Societal Discrimination among Immigrants across 17 European Countries: Extending the Integration Paradox?
Authors: van Tubergen Frank
Published: January 2025

This study contributes to the literature on immigrants' perceived discrimination in two ways. First, while earlier work focused on personal or group-level discrimination, this paper develops and tests a theory of perceived societal discrimination, i.e., immigrants' perceptions of how prevalent different types of discrimination are in their society. Importantly, immigrants’ views of societal discrimination encompass ‘out-group empathy’, i.e., beliefs about the frequency with which out-groups experience discrimination. Second, whereas existing literature relied on single-country designs, this study provides a cross-national examination, offering insights into the effects of country-level conditions on perceived discrimination. Based on survey data from 12,000 first- and second-generation immigrants in 17 European countries, results show differences between minority groups, with Muslim immigrants perceiving higher religious discrimination and black immigrants being more attuned to skin color discrimination in society. The study further reveals a positive association between immigrant integration and perceived societal discrimination. Evidence suggests that this ‘integration paradox’ holds for both Muslim and non-Muslim immigrants, black and non-black immigrants, and also for Muslim immigrants who wear traditional religious clothing and those who don't. Finally, the study supports the ‘Tocqueville paradox,’ indicating that in countries with more extensive anti-discrimination laws, the relationship between integration and perceived societal discrimination is amplified.
Disability, gender and hiring discrimination - a field experiment
Authors: Bjørnshagen Vegar , Rooth Dan-Olof , Ugreninov Elisabeth
Published: January 2025

This article examines disability discrimination in the hiring process and explores variation in how the intersection of disability and gender shapes employers' hiring behavior. We use data from a field experiment in which 2,048 job applications with randomly assigned information about disability were sent to Swedish employers with vacancies. Nondisabled applicants receive 33 percent more callbacks than similarly qualified wheelchair users despite applying for jobs where the impairment should not interfere with performance. The results indicate no heterogeneity in disability discrimination against men and women on average across occupations or by occupational gender segregation. However, discrimination rates differ considerably among occupations, varying from no evidence of disability discrimination to discrimination against both disabled men and disabled women as well as cases where disability discrimination is found only against women or only against men. The results indicate that discrimination based on disability, and the intersection between disability and gender, is highly occupation-specific.
Intra-couple gaps in retirees’ financial resources: Their extent and predictors across Eastern and Western Germany
Authors: Kapelle Nicole , Weiland Andreas P.
Published: January 2025

Intra-couple disparities in economic resources are often downplayed, yet they substantially affect power dynamics, marital satisfaction, and financial well-being during the marriage and have lasting economic consequences in the event of separation. With the growing privatization of old-age security amidst population aging and welfare cuts, understanding economic intra-couple disparities among retired couples and their life-course drivers is increasingly important. Expanding on previous research that predominantly focused on either singular economic resources or life-course contexts, we use data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (2002-2017) to examine intra-couple gaps in both pension wealth and personal net wealth between older spouses in Eastern (n=846) and Western Germany (n=2331). We find pronounced regional disparities: Pension wealth gaps of 12% in Eastern and 53% in Western Germany, contrasted with net wealth gaps of 21% and 8%, respectively. Regression analyses reveal that differences in spouses' employment histories primarily account for pension wealth disparities within couples, but do not explain net wealth inequalities. This suggests that couples may view net wealth, particularly housing wealth, as a shared asset. Our findings underscore the need for continued monitoring of intra-couple economic inequalities, especially as evolving marital norms and increasing individualization may reshape financial dynamics within marriages.
Reference Group Effects and Parental Educational Expectations: Can Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effects Explain Immigrant Parents’ High Expectations?
Authors: Huth-Stöckle Nora , Schunck Reinhard , Zschirnt Eva
Published: January 2025

Taking the well-documented high educational expectations among immigrant parents as a point of departure, we explore how average achievement in a class influences parental educational expectations. Specifically, we investigate whether reference group (i.e., big-fish-little-pond) effects can account for immigrant parents' higher educational expectations for their children compared to nonimmigrant parents. We address this question by applying a multilevel (mediation) analysis to a representative sample of German fourth graders and their parents. To test how robust our findings are to our data-analytical decisions, we additionally conduct a multiverse analysis. We find consistent evidence across 4,608 model specifications that parents' educational expectations are higher when their child attends a low-achieving class compared to a high-achieving class, even after controlling for students' individual school performance, socioeconomic background, and a variety of performance related confounders. Furthermore, (average) class achievement partially mediates the relationship between immigrant status and parental expectations. Students with immigrant parents are more likely to attend low-achieving classes, which is positively related to higher parental expectations. Our results suggest that big-fish-little-pond effects also operate in parents' evaluation processes of their children's educational attainment.
Overeducation among EU and Third-Country Immigrants in Europe: The role of Institutions, Policies and Culture
Authors: Broschinski Sven , Heidenreich Martin
Published: January 2025

Faced with the demographic shift to a smaller and older labour force, the recruitment of migrants and their successful integration into the labour force is an essential challenge for all European countries. This article discusses the immigrant-native gap regarding the risk of overeducation for 28 European countries on the basis of the EU-LFS 2021 ad hoc module. Immigrants' higher overeducation risks are interpreted as the result of processes of legal closure as well as statistical and taste-based discrimination. Higher overeducation rates of third country nationals (TCN) in contrast to EU migrants indicate that EU citizenship reduces discrimination and facilitates the recognition of educational certificates - they are skill-preserving devices for EU citizens but not for TCN. The large overeducation rates in particular in Southern Europe can be explained by segmented labour markets with higher unemployment and lower skill requirements increase overeducation risks, in particular for TCN. Moreover, it can be shown that EU citizenship, a higher educational level of the population, and more inclusive labour markets facilitate the occupational integration of immigrants.
Complementary benefits of multivariate and hierarchical models for identifying individual differences in cognitive control
Authors: Freund Michael C. , Chen Ruiqi , Chen Gang , Braver Todd S.
Published: January 2025

Understanding individual differences in cognitive control is a central goal in psychology and neuroscience. Reliably measuring these differences, however, has proven extremely challenging, at least when using standard measures in cognitive neuroscience such as response times or task-based fMRI activity. While prior work has pinpointed the source of the issue—the vast amount of cross-trial variability within these measures—solutions remain elusive. Here, we propose one potential way forward: an analytic framework that combines hierarchical Bayesian modeling with multivariate decoding of trial-level fMRI data. Using this framework and longitudinal data from the Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control project, we estimated individuals’ neural responses associated with cognitive control within a color-word Stroop task, then assessed the reliability of these individuals’ responses across a time interval of several months. We show that in many prefrontal and parietal brain regions, test–retest reliability was near maximal, and that only hierarchical models were able to reveal this state of affairs. Further, when compared to traditional univariate contrasts, multivariate decoding enabled individual-level correlations to be estimated with significantly greater precision. We specifically link these improvements in precision to the optimized suppression of cross-trial variability in decoding. Together, these findings not only indicate that cognitive control-related neural responses individuate people in a highly stable manner across time, but also suggest that integrating hierarchical and multivariate models provides a powerful approach for investigating individual differences in cognitive control, one that can effectively address the issue of high-variability measures.
An atlas of wing photographs and a key to species of the genus Culicoides Latreille from Mexico (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), including new records, new synonymy, two new species and new status of Culicoides neghmei Vargas and C. propinquus Macfie
Authors: HUERTA HERÓN , SPINELLI GUSTAVO R. , JR WILLIAM L. GROGAN
Published: January 2025

An atlas of wing photographs and a key to 91 species of biting midges in the genus Culicoides from Mexico. Culicoides (Diphaomyia) evansi Wirth & Blanton from Morelos and C. (Drymodesmyia) pilosus Wirth & Blanton from Hidalgo are recorded from Mexico. Two new species from Chiapas are described and illustrated, Culicoides ostotlae sp. nov. in the Daedalus group and Culicoides tzotzil sp. nov. in the subgenus Diphaomyia. We proposed a new status for Culicoides neghmei Vargas in the Limai group, which is closely related to C. luglani Jones & Wirth, and C. propinquus Macfie to be included in the subgenus Drymodesmyia. Culicoides wirthomyia Vargas is now a junior synonym of C. jamaicensis Edwards.
Taxonomy, distribution patterns and ecological and geographic modelling of Clinotettix ussuriensis Bey-Bienko, 1933 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae)
Authors: SERGEEV MICHAEL G. , MOLODTSOV VLADIMIR V. , LAPTEVA SVETLANA V. , STOROZHENKO SERGEY YU.
Published: January 2025

Clinotettix Bey-Bienko, 1933 is the small genus similar to Tetrix Latreille, 1802 but easy recognizable from the latter in the shape of a head. Two species of Clinotettex are distributed in the Russian Far East, North-East China, and Korean Peninsula. The type species of this genus is Clinotettix ussuriensis Bey-Bienko, 1933, not Acrydium sibiricum ussurianum Bey-Bienko, 1929 as erroneously considered by some researches. We also confirm that Clinotettix chanbaishanensis Wang, Wang et Ren, 2004 is a junior objective synonym of Clinotettix ussuriensis. The data on distribution of C. ussuriensis are summarized. It is the endemic of the temperate deciduous and mixed forest life subzones of the Far East. Its populations are widely distributed, but look like insular. The species abundance is usually low. Hence, C. ussuriensis can be qualified as an endangered species. In any case, a few populations of C. ussuriensies are protected in several Russian nature reserves (zapovedniks), namely Kedrovaya Pad, Ussuriisky, and Sikhote-Alinsky. The species distribution models based on two different approaches (maximum entropy and multidimensional ellipsoid) generated for the contemporary climatic conditions fit well the distribution of the species known localities, but show there are some areas suitable for the species outside its modern range. The models generated for the future climatic conditions demonstrate possible increase of condition suitability over the whole modern species range. Besides, almost all favorable areas outside the actual species range may remain beneficial for the species as well.
Introduction
Authors: Belluigi Dina Zoe
Published: January 2025

This introduction to Being in Shadow and Light: Academics in Post/ Conflict Higher education foregrounds the ways in which this edited collection evokes both sense and perception of living as an academic between liminal states, sites, types and legacies of conflict. The editorial impulse is firstly situated within particular encounters, experiences and responses to “weighing…. wanting… waiting” in scholarly and artistic representation. The chapter is then structured in three parts, as it inter-weaves the ten chapters’ contrasting threads “on being”, “on conflict” and “on the academic”.
4. Being a Woman and a Researcher between Exile and Social Reconfiguration
Authors: López Franco Guillermo , Torres Soto Nissa Yaing , Aray Roa María Alejandra , Joseph Paulette
Published: January 2025

This chapter presents the analysis of an interview with the Latin American cultural anthropologist, Dr Hebe Vessuri. An account of Vessuri’s biography is offered, with insights into her experiences and her analyses of the roles she embodied as woman, mother, wife, migrant and scientist during times of political, social and economic disturbances in the countries she lived in the second half of 20th century. A particular focus was on the impact of living and working as an academic in Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil and Mexico.

La Dra. Hebe Vessuri es una de las figuras más importantes en la antropología cultural latinoamericana. Con más de cuatro décadas de trayectoria como investigadora, ella ha contribuido a la consolidación y desarrollo de varias instituciones de educación superior y diversas redes de investigación, formando a muchas generaciones de académicos e investigadores. Sin embargo, su destacada carrera como investigadora social no puede ser vista sólo como una historia de éxito, sino también como una historia de conflicto, sorteando diversos obstáculos impuestos por la estructura política y social de los países donde trabajó, incluyendo la guerra y la dictadura. Como académicos noveles originarios de México y Venezuela, decidimos entablar una conversación con la Dra. Vessuri en 2022 para conocer más sobre vasta experiencia intelectual. En nuestro estudio, analizamos las percepciones de la Dra. Vessuri sobre su propia historia. La estructura de este capítulo sigue un orden cronológico para ilustrar episodios específicos en la vida de la Dra. Vessuri. Se utilizó el enfoque fenomenológico interpretativo para hacer el recuento de las vivencias de la Dra. Vessuri y realizar la interpretación de las mismas bajo los conceptos de condición migrante, condición de mujer y profesión académica. Nos interesaron los hechos y elementos contextuales de su biografía, junto con la interpretación que hizo nuestra entrevistada sobre su propia experiencia. Encontramos como los elementos de ser mujer, ser migrante y ser científica en América Latina en la segunda mitad del siglo XX implicó una serie de retos que marcaron el desarrollo de la Dra. Vessuri como profesional, pero también ilustran su labor como agente del cambio en diferentes sociedades.
5. Hidden Legacies of the Troubles
Authors: Johnston Jenny , Corrigan Mairead , Reid Helen
Published: January 2025

The dialectics raised, by the delivery of centralised medical education curricula within contemporary Northern Ireland, are considered for their situatedness within that post-conflict society. Critical sociocultural lenses are used to explore questions of identity and the capacity for change inherent in education. Residual colonialist perspectives are explored together with prominent contemporary discourses of medical education, including the overarching influence of positivism. A proposal is made for post-conflict medical pedagogy which engages learners and educators in transformational critical consciousness and trauma-informed curricula practice.
6. ‘A Virtual Target Painted on my Back…’
Authors: Harvey Colin
Published: January 2025

This chapter is a personalised narrative of my own experience of living and working as an academic in Northern Ireland while also engaging in public debates around constitutional change. It documents a podcast recorded during a particularly difficult moment of post-Brexit discussions. Context is provided to explain the language of the title and why it remains appropriate for understanding how academics become targets in post-conflict societies. The blend of interview and reflection is intended to assist the ongoing project of lesson learning. The argument is that it continues to be essential for those in universities to engage proactively in wider societal debates after the cessation of violent conflict.
8. Home and Abroad
Authors: Jobran-Alsawayfa Fadel
Published: January 2025

This reflexive account of the challenges I faced in opening new possibilities of methodological responsibility, demonstrates how nonconventional creative methods enable researcher reflexivity and participant agency. I situate these in selected occurrences shaping my academic life history as a Palestinian. The first is my doctoral journey as a migrant in the different cultural and political context of England, while creating the War on Language project and participating in the Breaking the Occupation of the Mind: Arts & Culture in Palestine event. The second part is my everyday reality of restriction, oppression, humiliation and resilience as an academic based in contemporary Palestine.

حاولت في هذه المقاربة الشخية إظهار إمكانيات استخدام المنهجيات البحثية الإبداعية غير التقليدية وما تقدًمه للباحث والمبحوث من تأمل ومرونة ومشاركة. ولتوضيح ذلك، اعتمدت على مجموعة من المواقف والأحداث التي شكًلت هويتي كأكاديمي فلسطيني، والصعوبات التي واجهتها في استخدام تلك المقاربات الإبداعية. الموقف الأول الذي اخترته هو رحلة الدكتوراة الخاصة بي كمهاجر في السياقين السياسي والثقافي المختلف للملكة المتحدة من خلال العمل على مشروع: الحرب على اللغة، والمشاركة في فعالية: اختراق الاحتلال الفكري: الفنون والثقافة في فلسطين. يلخص الجزء الثاني من الفصل واقع حياتي اليومية المتمثًل في تقييد الحريات، والقهر، والقمع، والإذلال والصمود كفلسطيني مقيم في فلسطين.
10. The Conflict of the Faculties, Again
Authors: Hudson-Miles Richard
Published: January 2025

Scenes of the history of conflict within the university, and also the university’s conflictual history and present, shape this chapter. Short textual essays are combined with original composite images made by combining artists’ representations of the university with conflict photography taken by members of the University and College Union, the main trade union of British university workers, during recent demonstrations. The essays touch on critical university studies from Kant to Derrida to Readings, via discussions of university protests such as the Harvard Butter Rebellion, May ‘68 in Paris and Rhodes Must Fall.
Assessing Indicators of Social Vulnerability in Tanzania: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Hamisi Salum
Published: January 2025

Social vulnerability indicators are critical understanding and addressing differences in experience and recovery from environmental hazards. In Tanzania, these indicators are particularly relevant because the country faces various natural and socioeconomic challenges. The aim of this manuscript is to outline the key measures of social vulnerability in the Tanzanian context based on the literature and studies. Introduction: Similar to many developing countries, Tanzania faces a variety of challenges that exacerbate the social vulnerability of its population. Factors such as poverty, limited access to education and inadequate health systems contribute to the country's vulnerability to environmental shocks and extreme events. Understanding and measuring social vulnerability is critical for effective policymaking and risk reduction efforts. Methodology: The methodology includes a review of the literature on indicators of social vulnerability, with a focus on those applicable to the Tanzanian context. Criteria are established for evaluating these indicators to ensure that they are consistent with the theoretical framework and have internal consistency. Results: The Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI) is a widely used measure, although its application is limited to specific contexts such as Tanzania. Other studies emphasize the connection between government-identified indicators of child vulnerability and access to education and provide insights into additional factors that predict educational vulnerability. In addition, social protection programs in Tanzania provide a range of potential indicators of vulnerability that can be used to help monitor the progress of poverty reduction strategies. Discussion: This discussion addresses the implications of these findings for Tanzania's policy and planning. This emphasizes the need for context-specific measures that accurately reflect the country's unique socioeconomic and cultural landscape. Conclusion: This manuscript highlights the importance of developing reliable and contextually relevant indicators of social vulnerability for Tanzania. Such measures are crucial for developing targeted interventions and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable populations to environmental and socioeconomic threats.
Trait Correlations and Path Analysis for Kernel Yield Improvement in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes
Authors: Gedifew Sintayehu
Published: January 2025

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), or peanut, is a self-pollinating legume valued for its oil-rich kernels and nitrogen-fixing roots. Given the limited availability of enriched germplasm in Ethiopia, indirect selection through association studies is pivotal for identifying traits linked to high kernel yield. This study evaluated fifteen groundnut genotypes using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications to analyze correlations and path coefficients for yield improvement. Significant differences among genotypes were observed for key traits, including days to flowering and maturity, number of mature pods per plant, 100-kernel weight, and kernel yield, indicating the presence of variability among the genotypes in terms of these traits. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative phenotypic correlation between kernel yield and days to maturity, but positive correlations with number of mature pods per plant and number of kernels per pod. The result revealed that late maturing genotypes produce high number of pods in turn exhibit higher kernel yield than early maturing ones. Genotypic correlations reinforced these findings, highlighting number of mature pods per plant as a critical determinant of yield. Path coefficient analysis indicated that the number of mature pods per plant had the highest direct positive effect on kernel yield, suggesting that enhancing this trait could significantly boost productivity. These results underscore the importance of selecting for high number of mature pods per plant in groundnut breeding programs to enhance kernel yield.
Effect of Cleaning Milk Equipment with Plant Material on Microbial Load, Quality and Organoleptic Character of Milk
Authors: Edao Abdela , Aredo Tesfaye , Arega Alemayehu , Nigatu Yadeta , Ishetu Sisay
Published: January 2025

Ensuring the safety and quality of milk requires effective sanitation of milk-handling equipment to minimize microbial contamination. This study examined the antimicrobial effectiveness of Eucalyptus globulus and Ruta chalepensis as natural cleaning agents compared to conventional synthetic detergents. Equipment cleaned with plant-based solutions significantly reduced microbial loads, including total bacterial count (TBC), coliforms, and lactic acid bacteria (TLAB), with reductions exceeding those observed with conventional detergents (p < 0.05). Lower titratable acidity in milk processed using plant-treated equipment indicated delayed spoilage and extended shelf life. Sensory evaluation by trained panelists revealed improved flavor, texture, and overall acceptability in milk cleaned with plant-based agents, outperforming detergent-cleaned samples (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial properties of Eucalyptus globulus stem from its phytochemicals, such as eucalyptol and α-pinene, which disrupt bacterial cell membranes, effectively targeting gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Ruta chalepensis owes its antibacterial activity to phenolics and flavonoids, which inhibit bacterial growth through oxidative stress and enzyme disruption. These bioactive compounds contribute not only to reduced microbial loads but also to enhanced sensory qualities of milk, making the plant-based agents promising alternatives to chemical cleaners. The findings suggest that Eucalyptus globulus and Ruta chalepensis offer sustainable, eco-friendly solutions for dairy sanitation, effectively reducing microbial contamination while enhancing milk quality. These natural agents align with the growing consumer preference for environmentally sustainable practices in food production. Further research is recommended to optimize their application methods, evaluate residue safety, and investigate their long-term impact on milk-handling equipment and microbial resistance patterns. By integrating these plant-based solutions into dairy sanitation practices, producers can achieve safer, higher-quality milk while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.
Fabrication and Evaluation of Polyhouse Type Solar Dryer for Drying Wet Coffee and Hot Pepper
Authors: Tibesso Adem , Aliyi Abduselam , Tesfaye Teka , Assefa Ephrem
Published: January 2025

One of the crucial post-harvest processes that contribute to the unique color, flavor, and taste of a coffee drink is drying technique. Solar drying refers to a technique that utilizes incident solar radiation to convert it into thermal energy required for drying purposes. A polyhouse solar dryer is a unique and cost-efficient method of drying agricultural products on a small as well as commercial scale. The fabricated dryer has three major units: a solar collector unit, a drying unit, and chimney unit components. The aim of this study was to manufacture and evaluate a 5-meter length and 2-meter width half-circled tunnel polyhouse type solar dryer using parchment coffee and hot pepper. The experimental results showed that the developed dryer has the capacity to dry averagely about 150 kg of hot pepper and 50 kg of wet coffee per batch. The obtained data were analyzed using software such as simple descriptive statistics and Origin Pro 2019 according to their suitability. Hot pepper was dried from an initial moisture content of about 82.95% to 10.42% in a polyhouse-type solar dryer within 6 days, while conventional sun drying took around 9 days. Using hot pepper, the average temperature inside the dryer was 53.90 °C to 62.57 °C in the full load condition, which was greater than the ambient temperature in all six days of the experiment. While the ambient relative humidity varies between 34.5% and 43.5%, the dryer's relative humidity using hot pepper was altered between 21.07% and 24.69%. In all six days of the experimental period, the relative humidity of the dryer was found to be less than that of ambient relative humidity due to the polyhouse effect. The wet coffee bean was dried from an initial moisture content of about 51.89% to 11.10% in a polyhouse-type solar dryer within 3 days, while by open-sun drying it took around 6 days. Using wet coffee, the temperature inside the dryer chamber were 50.08 °C to 54.08 °C at full load condition, which was greater than the ambient temperature in all three days of a tests. Whereas the ambient humidity in the air ranges from 39.77% to 42.22%, the dryer's relative humidity using wet coffee ranged between 22.22% and 23.46%. The average dryer thermal efficiencies of a polyhouse dryer use wet coffee beans and hot pepper were 64.48% and 86.87%, respectively.
Organic Farming in Ancient Egypt
Authors: Salama Mahmoud , Kandil Hoda , Mohamed Amany
Published: January 2025

Organic farming in ancient Egypt was a system that relied on ecosystem management rather than external agricultural inputs. The ancient Egyptians used natural resources, such as the Nile River, to cultivate their crops using organic methods. They relied on manures for food production and horses and oxen for farm power. The agricultural way of life in ancient Egypt was influenced by religious beliefs and the use of simple farming tools like hoes, pitchforks, sieves, sickles, shadufs, and hand plows. Ancient Egyptian religious beliefs emphasized the role of deities in life and the afterlife, particularly in agriculture. Deities such as Hapy, Osiris, Isis, Nipri, and Min were connected to agriculture and were used to guard and celebrate crops. Hapy, the god of the flood, connected the myth of Osiris' resurrection to the idea of plenty, flooding, and the energy of rivers. Ancient Egyptians used various methods for farming, including plowing, hoeing, sowing, and irrigating the land. They used oxen and cows to plough and break up silt blocks, and used animal dung for organic fertilization. Manure, rich in nutrients and heat, was used to improve the soil's fertility. A special nitrogen fertilizer was also used to increase the land's fertility. Farmers hoed the land with an ax or light hoe if flood waters remained. Sowing involved workers carrying seed pods and releasing them, with sheep trampled and left in the earth's folds. The Nile flood transformed the lands into fertile soil, making agriculture the first resource for Egypt's eternal civilization. The spiritual and religious side of ancient Egyptians involved prayers and protection of deities related to fertility, growth, and protection. Simple farming tools like hoes, pitchforks, sieves, sickles, hand plows, and shaduf were used for these tasks.
Transformative Learning and the Development of Young Peoples' Intercultural Competencies
Authors: Stewart Tomm , Seauve Hillamaria
Published: January 2025

We evaluated the effects of transformative learning and intercultural shared experiences with Russian university students. Specifically, we studied their perspectives and attitudes toward others (those with different ethnic backgrounds, world views, and attitudes) for an intervention group of 47 students and a comparison group of 51 students. Methods: Ten intercultural seminars were conducted over six years in this mixed methods study; participation in the seminars was the independent variable. The same pre-/post- self-assessment questionnaire was analyzed to measure perceptions of the students participating and not participating. Students in the comparison groups received neither instruction, intervention, nor interaction. Test scores were the dependent variable. Qualitative data were collected as ethnographic action data for the emergence of themes, patterns, and corroboration. Findings: The seminars resulted in statistically significant differences in perceptions of others among and between intervention and comparison groups. Intervention group members showed measurable growth of intercultural competencies and positive perceptions of others as indicated by quantitative data, discussions, and interviews. Qualitative data provided explanation and elaborative meaning for the quantitative data. Conclusions: This study supports the hypothesis that student informants participating in transformative learning and language and culture seminars experience increases in their development of intercultural competencies. Qualitative and quantitative data support the proposed theory. True education, whatever that may be, will have the greatest tendency to civilize and humanize people in their relations to one another. Plato