bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A population-based study exploring phenotypic clusters and clinical outcomes in stroke using unsupervised machine learning approach
Authors: Akyea Ralph K. , Ntaios George , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Georgiopoulos Georgios , Soria Daniele , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Kai Joe , Weng Stephen F. , Qureshi Nadeem
Published: September 2023

Individuals developing stroke have varying clinical characteristics, demographic, and biochemical profiles. This heterogeneity in phenotypic characteristics can impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality outcomes. This study uses a novel clustering approach to stratify individuals with incident stroke into phenotypic clusters and evaluates the differential burden of recurrent stroke and other cardiovascular outcomes. We used linked clinical data from primary care, hospitalisations, and death records in the UK. A data-driven clustering analysis (kamila algorithm) was used in 48,114 patients aged ≥ 18 years with incident stroke, from 1-Jan-1998 to 31-Dec-2017 and no prior history of serious vascular events. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for subsequent adverse outcomes, for each of the generated clusters. Adverse outcomes included coronary heart disease (CHD), recurrent stroke, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), heart failure, CVD-related and all-cause mortality. Four distinct phenotypes with varying underlying clinical characteristics were identified in patients with incident stroke. Compared with cluster 1 (n = 5,201, 10.8%), the risk of composite recurrent stroke and CVD-related mortality was higher in the other 3 clusters (cluster 2 [n = 18,655, 38.8%]: hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02–1.12; cluster 3 [n = 10,244, 21.3%]: HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.14–1.26; and cluster 4 [n = 14,014, 29.1%]: HR, 1.44; 95% CI: 1.37–1.50). Similar trends in risk were observed for composite recurrent stroke and all-cause mortality outcome, and subsequent recurrent stroke outcome. However, results were not consistent for subsequent risk in CHD, PVD, heart failure, CVD-related mortality, and all-cause mortality. In this proof of principle study, we demonstrated how a heterogenous population of patients with incident stroke can be stratified into four relatively homogenous phenotypes with differential risk of recurrent and major cardiovascular outcomes. This offers an opportunity to revisit the stratification of care for patients with incident stroke to improve patient outcomes.
The genomes of the yaws bacterium, Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue, of nonhuman primate and human origin are not genomically distinct
Authors: Janečková Klára , Roos Christian , Fedrová Pavla , Tom Nikola , Čejková Darina , Lueert Simone , Keyyu Julius D. , Chuma Idrissa S. , Knauf Sascha , Šmajs David
Published: September 2023

Background

Treponema pallidumsubsp.pertenue(TPE) is the causative agent of human yaws. Yaws is currently reported in 13 endemic countries in Africa, southern Asia, and the Pacific region. During the mid-20th century, a first yaws eradication effort resulted in a global 95% drop in yaws prevalence. The lack of continued surveillance has led to the resurgence of yaws. The disease was believed to have no animal reservoirs, which supported the development of a currently ongoing second yaws eradication campaign. Concomitantly, genetic evidence started to show thatTPEstrains naturally infect nonhuman primates (NHPs) in sub-Saharan Africa. In our current study we tested hypothesis that NHP- and human-infectingTPEstrains differ in the previously unknown parts of the genomes.

Methodology/Principal findings

In this study, we determined complete (finished) genomes of tenTPEisolates that originated from NHPs and compared them toTPEwhole-genome sequences from human yaws patients. We performed an in-depth analysis ofTPEgenomes to determine if any consistent genomic differences are present betweenTPEgenomes of human and NHP origin. We were able to resolve previously undeterminedTPEchromosomal regions (sequencing gaps) that prevented us from making a conclusion regarding the sequence identity ofTPEgenomes from NHPs and humans. The comparison among finished genome sequences revealed no consistent differences between human and NHPTPEgenomes.

Conclusion/Significance

Our data show that NHPs are infected with strains that are not only similar to the strains infecting humans but are genomically indistinguishable from them. Although interspecies transmission in NHPs is a rare event and evidence for current spillover events is missing, the existence of the yaws bacterium in NHPs is demonstrated. While the low risk of spillover supports the current yaws treatment campaign, it is of importance to continue yaws surveillance in areas where NHPs are naturally infected withTPEeven if yaws is successfully eliminated in humans.
Liver injury in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: An International observational cohort study
Authors: Tirupakuzhi Vijayaraghavan Bharath Kumar , Bishnu Saptarshi , Baruch Joaquin , Citarella Barbara Wanjiru , Kartsonaki Christiana , Meeyai Aronrag , Mohamed Zubair , Ohshimo Shinichiro , Lefèvre Benjamin , Al-Fares Abdulrahman , Calvache Jose A. , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Olliaro Piero , Merson Laura , Adhikari Neill K.J. ,   the ISARIC Clinical Characterisation Group
Published: September 2023

Background

Using a large dataset, we evaluated prevalence and severity of alterations in liver enzymes in COVID-19 and association with patient-centred outcomes.

Methods

We included hospitalized patients with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection from the International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC) database. Key exposure was baseline liver enzymes (AST, ALT, bilirubin). Patients were assigned Liver Injury Classification score based on 3 components of enzymes at admission: Normal; Stage I) Liver injury: any component between 1-3x upper limit of normal (ULN); Stage II) Severe liver injury: any component ≥3x ULN. Outcomes were hospital mortality, utilization of selected resources, complications, and durations of hospital and ICU stay. Analyses used logistic regression with associations expressed as adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Of 17,531 included patients, 46.2% (8099) and 8.2% (1430) of patients had stage 1 and 2 liver injury respectively. Compared to normal, stages 1 and 2 were associated with higher odds of mortality (OR 1.53 [1.37–1.71]; OR 2.50 [2.10–2.96]), ICU admission (OR 1.63 [1.48–1.79]; OR 1.90 [1.62–2.23]), and invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 1.43 [1.27–1.70]; OR 1.95 (1.55–2.45). Stages 1 and 2 were also associated with higher odds of developing sepsis (OR 1.38 [1.27–1.50]; OR 1.46 [1.25–1.70]), acute kidney injury (OR 1.13 [1.00–1.27]; OR 1.59 [1.32–1.91]), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR 1.38 [1.22–1.55]; OR 1.80 [1.49–2.17]).

Conclusions

Liver enzyme abnormalities are common among COVID-19 patients and associated with worse outcomes.
Burden, risk factors and outcomes associated with adequately treated hypothyroidism in a population-based cohort of pregnant women from North India
Authors: Dhabhai Neeta , Chowdhury Ranadip , Virmani Anju , Chaudhary Ritu , Taneja Sunita , Mittal Pratima , Dewan Rupali , Dang Arjun , Kaur Jasmine , Bhandari Nita
Published: September 2023

Hypothyroidism is the commonest endocrine disorder of pregnancy, with known adverse feto-maternal outcomes. There is limited data on population-based prevalence, risk factors and outcomes associated with treatment of hypothyroidism in early pregnancy. We conducted analysis on data from an urban and peri-urban low to mid socioeconomic population-based cohort of pregnant women in North Delhi, India to ascertain the burden, risk factors and impact of treatment, on adverse pregnancy outcomes- low birth weight, prematurity, small for gestational age and stillbirth. This is an observational study embedded within the intervention group of the Women and Infants Integrated Interventions for Growth Study, an individually randomized factorial design trial. Thyroid stimulating hormone was tested in 2317 women in early (9–13 weeks) pregnancy, and thyroxin replacement started hypothyroid (TSH ≥2.5mIU/mL). Univariable and multivariable generalized linear model with binomial family and log link were performed to ascertain risk factors associated with hypothyroidism and association between hypothyroidism and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Of 2317 women, 29.2% (95% CI: 27.4 to 31.1) had hypothyroidism and were started on thyroxin replacement with close monitoring. Overweight or obesity was associated with increased risk (adjusted RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.51), while higher hemoglobin concentration was associated with decreased risk (adjusted RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.98 for each g/dL) for hypothyroidism. Hypothyroid women received appropriate treatment with no increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Almost a third of women from low to mid socio-economic population had hypothyroidism in early pregnancy, more so if anemic and overweight or obese. With early screening and adequate replacement, adverse pregnancy outcomes may be avoided. These findings highlight the need in early pregnancy for universal TSH screening and adequate treatment of hypothyroidism; as well as for attempts to reduce pre and peri-conception overweight, obesity and anemia.

Clinical trial registration: Clinical trial registration of Women and Infants Integrated Interventions for Growth Study Clinical Trial Registry–India, #CTRI/2017/06/008908; Registered on: 23/06/2017, (http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=19339&EncHid=&userName=society%20for%20applied%20studies).
Outcome of 1939 traumatic brain injury patients from road traffic accidents: Findings from specialist medical reports in a low to middle income country (LMIC)
Authors: Teh Justina , Mazlan Mazlina , Danaee Mahmoud , Waran Ria Johanna , Waran Vicknes
Published: September 2023

Objective

Road traffic accident (RTA) is the major cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in developing countries and affects mostly young adult population. This research aimed to describe the factors predicting functional outcome after TBI caused by RTA in a Malaysian setting.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted on specialist medical reports written from 2009 to 2019, involving patients who survived after TBI from RTA. The functional outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE). Factors associated with good outcome were analysed via logistic regression analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to derive the best fitting Prediction Model and split-sample cross-validation was performed to develop a prediction model.

Results

A total of 1939 reports were evaluated. The mean age of the study participants was 32.4 ± 13.7 years. Most patients were male, less than 40, and with average post RTA of two years. Good outcome (GOSE score 7 & 8) was reported in 30.3% of the patients. Factors significantly affecting functional outcome include age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education level, severity of brain injury, neurosurgical intervention, ICU admission, presence of inpatient complications, cognitive impairment, post-traumatic headache, post traumatic seizures, presence of significant behavioural issue; and residence post discharge (p<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, prediction model identified age less than 40, mild TBI, absence of post traumatic seizure, absence of behaviour issue, absence of cognitive impairment and independent living post TBI as significant predictors of good functional outcome post trauma. Discrimination of the model was acceptable (C-statistic, 0.67; p<0.001, 95% CI: 0.62–0.73).

Conclusion

Good functional outcome following TBI due to RTA in this study population is comparable to other low to middle income countries but lower than high income countries. Factors influencing outcome such as seizure, cognitive and behavioural issues, and independent living post injury should be addressed early to achieve favourable long-term outcomes.
Associations between tobacco and cannabis use and anxiety and depression among adults in the United States: Findings from the COVID-19 citizen science study
Authors: Nguyen Nhung , Peyser Noah D. , Olgin Jeffrey E. , Pletcher Mark J. , Beatty Alexis L. , Modrow Madelaine F. , Carton Thomas W. , Khatib Rasha , Djibo Djeneba Audrey , Ling Pamela M. , Marcus Gregory M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Little is known about whether people who use both tobacco and cannabis (co-use) are more or less likely to have mental health disorders than single substance users or non-users. We aimed to examine associations between use of tobacco and/or cannabis with anxiety and depression.

Methods

We analyzed data from the COVID-19 Citizen Science Study, a digital cohort study, collected via online surveys during 2020–2022 from a convenience sample of 53,843 US adults (≥ 18 years old) nationwide. Past 30-day use of tobacco and cannabis was self-reported at baseline and categorized into four exclusive patterns: tobacco-only use, cannabis-only use, co-use of both substances, and non-use. Anxiety and depression were repeatedly measured in monthly surveys. To account for multiple assessments of mental health outcomes within a participant, we used Generalized Estimating Equations to examine associations between the patterns of tobacco and cannabis use with each outcome.

Results

In the total sample (mean age 51.0 years old, 67.9% female), 4.9% reported tobacco-only use, 6.9% cannabis-only use, 1.6% co-use, and 86.6% non-use. Proportions of reporting anxiety and depression were highest for the co-use group (26.5% and 28.3%, respectively) and lowest for the non-use group (10.6% and 11.2%, respectively). Compared to non-use, the adjusted odds of mental health disorders were highest for co-use (Anxiety: OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.64–2.18; Depression: OR = 1.77, 95%CI = 1.46–2.16), followed by cannabis-only use, and tobacco-only use. Compared to tobacco-only use, co-use (OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.08–1.69) and cannabis-only use (OR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.00–1.37) were associated with higher adjusted odds for anxiety, but not for depression. Daily use (vs. non-daily use) of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis were associated with higher adjusted odds for anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

Use of tobacco and/or cannabis, particularly co-use of both substances, were associated with poor mental health. Integrating mental health support with tobacco and cannabis cessation may address this co-morbidity.
Nanoplastics released from daily used silicone and latex products during mechanical breakdown
Authors: Ekvall Mikael T. , Gimskog Isabella , Kelpsiene Egle , Mellring Alice , Månsson Alma , Lundqvist Martin , Cedervall Tommy
Published: September 2023

Waste of polymer products, especially plastics, in nature has become a problem that caught the awareness of the general public during the last decade. The macro- and micro polymers in nature will be broken down by naturally occurring events such as mechanical wear and ultra-violet (UV) radiation which will result in the generation of polymeric particles in the nano-size range. We have recently shown that polystyrene and high-density polyethylene macroplastic can be broken down into nano-sized particles by applying mechanical force from an immersion blender. In this article, we show that particles in the nano-size range are released from silicone and latex pacifiers after the same treatment. Additionally, boiling the pacifiers prior to the mechanical breakdown process results in an increased number of particles released from the silicone but not the latex pacifier. Particles from the latex pacifier are acutely toxic to the freshwater filter feeding zooplankter Daphnia magna.
Animal tracks and human footprints in prehistoric hunter-gatherer rock art of the Doro! nawas mountains (Namibia), analysed by present-day indigenous tracking experts
Authors: Lenssen-Erz Tilman , Pastoors Andreas , Uthmeier Thorsten , Ciqae Tsamgao , Kxunta /Ui , Thao Thui
Published: September 2023

Namibia is rich in hunter-gatherer rock art from the Later Stone Age (LSA); this is a tradition of which well-executed engravings of animal tracks in large numbers are characteristic. Research into rock art usually groups these motifs together with geometric signs; at best, therefore, it may provide summary lists of them. To date, the field has completely disregarded the fact that tracks and trackways are a rich medium of information for hunter-gatherers, alongside their deeper, culture-specific connotations. A recent research project, from which this article has emerged, has attempted to fill this research gap; it entailed indigenous tracking experts from the Kalahari analysing engraved animal tracks and human footprints in a rock art region in central Western Namibia, the Doro! nawas Mountains, which is the site of recently discovered rock art. The experts were able to define the species, sex, age group and exact leg of the specific animal or human depicted in more than 90% of the engravings they analysed (N = 513). Their work further demonstrates that the variety of fauna is much richer in engraved tracks than in depictions of animals in the same engraving tradition. The analyses reveal patterns that evidently arise from culturally determined preferences. The study represents further confirmation that indigenous knowledge, with its profound insights into a range of particular fields, has the capacity to considerably advance archaeological research.
Temperature affects predation of schistosome-competent snails by a novel invader, the marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis
Authors: Faiad Sara M. , Williams Maureen A. , Goodman Maurice , Sokolow Susanne , Olden Julian D. , Mitchell Kaitlyn , Andriantsoa Ranja , Gordon Jones Julia Patricia , Andriamaro Luciano , Ravoniarimbinina Pascaline , Rasamy Jeanne , Ravelomanana Tsilavina , Ravelotafita Salohy , Ravo Ranaivosolo , Rabinowitz Peter , De Leo Giulio A. , Wood Chelsea L.
Published: September 2023

The human burden of environmentally transmitted infectious diseases can depend strongly on ecological factors, including the presence or absence of natural enemies. The marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) is a novel invasive species that can tolerate a wide range of ecological conditions and colonize diverse habitats. Marbled crayfish first appeared in Madagascar in 2005 and quickly spread across the country, overlapping with the distribution of freshwater snails that serve as the intermediate host of schistosomiasis–a parasitic disease of poverty with human prevalence ranging up to 94% in Madagascar. It has been hypothesized that the marbled crayfish may serve as a predator of schistosome-competent snails in areas where native predators cannot and yet no systematic study to date has been conducted to estimate its predation rate on snails. Here, we experimentally assessed marbled crayfish consumption of uninfected and infected schistosome-competent snails (Biomphalaria glabrata and Bulinus truncatus) across a range of temperatures, reflective of the habitat range of the marbled crayfish in Madagascar. We found that the relationship between crayfish consumption and temperature is unimodal with a peak at ~27.5°C. Per-capita consumption increased with body size and was not affected either by snail species or their infectious status. We detected a possible satiation effect, i.e., a small but significant reduction in per-capita consumption rate over the 72-hour duration of the predation experiment. Our results suggest that ecological parameters, such as temperature and crayfish weight, influence rates of consumption and, in turn, the potential impact of the marbled crayfish invasion on snail host populations.
Identification, proteolytic activity quantification and biofilm-forming characterization of Gram-positive, proteolytic, psychrotrophic bacteria isolated from cold raw milk
Authors: Zarei Mehdi , Elmi Anvari Sahar , Maktabi Siavash , Saris Per Erik Joakim , Yousefvand Amin
Published: September 2023

Psychrotrophic bacteria of raw milk face the dairy industry with significant spoilage and technological problems due to their ability to produce heat-resistant enzymes and biofilms. Despite extensive information about Gram-negative psychrotrophic bacteria in milk, little is known about Gram-positive psychrotrophic bacteria in milk, and their proteolytic activity and biofilm-forming characteristics. In the present study, Gram-positive, proteolytic, psychrotrophic bacteria of cold raw milk were identified, and their proteolytic activity and biofilm-forming capacity were quantified. In total, 12 genera and 22 species were represented among the bacterial isolates, however 50% belonged to three genera, namely Staphylococcus (19.4%), Bacillus (16.7%), and Enterococcus (13.9%). Different levels of proteolytic activity were detected in the identified isolates, even among the strains belonging to the same species. In addition, proteolytic activity was significantly higher at 25°C than at 7°C for all isolates. The crystal violet staining assay in polystyrene microtitre plates revealed a high level of variation in the biofilm-forming capacity at 7°C. After 72 hours of incubation, 11.1% of the strains did not produce a biofilm, while 27.8%, 52.8%, and 8.3% produced low, moderate, and high amounts of biofilm on polystyrene, respectively. The psychrotrophic bacteria were also able to produce biofilms on the surface of stainless steel coupons in ultra-high temperature milk after 72 h of incubation at 7°C; the number of attached cells ranged from 1.34 to 5.11 log cfu/cm2. These results expand the knowledge related to the proteolytic activity and biofilm-forming capacity of Gram-positive psychrotrophic milk bacteria.
The future of global river health monitoring
Authors: Kuehne Lauren M. , Dickens Chris , Tickner David , Messager Mathis L. , Olden Julian D. , O’Brien Gordon , Lehner Bernhard , Eriyagama Nishadi
Published: September 2023

Rivers are the arteries of human civilisation and culture, providing essential goods and services that underpin water and food security, socio-economic development and climate resilience. They also support an extraordinary diversity of biological life. Human appropriation of land and water together with changes in climate have jointly driven rapid declines in river health and biodiversity worldwide, stimulating calls for an Emergency Recovery Plan for freshwater ecosystems. Yet freshwater ecosystems like rivers have been consistently under-represented within global agreements such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Even where such agreements acknowledge that river health is important, implementation is hampered by inadequate global-scale indicators and a lack of coherent monitoring efforts. Consequently, there is no reliable basis for tracking global trends in river health, assessing the impacts of international agreements on river ecosystems and guiding global investments in river management to priority issues or regions. We reviewed national and regional approaches for river health monitoring to develop a comprehensive set of scalable indicators that can support “top-down” global surveillance while also facilitating standardised “bottom-up” local monitoring efforts. We evaluate readiness of these indicators for implementation at a global scale, based on their current status and emerging improvements in underlying data sources and methodologies. We chart a road map that identifies data and technical priorities and opportunities to advance global river health monitoring such that an adequate monitoring framework could be in place and implemented by 2030, with the potential for substantial enhancement by 2050. Lastly, we present recommendations for coordinated action and investment by policy makers, research funders and scientists to develop and implement the framework to support conservation and restoration of river health globally.
Harry Potter and cancel culture: Responding to fallen heroes
Authors: Schott Christine
Published: September 2023

In the wake of the ongoing turmoil caused by J. K. Rowling’s tweets expressing transphobic prejudice, hurt fans must decide what, if any, future relationship they will have with the Harry Potter series. This article argues that the books provide a training ground for young people learning to grapple with difficult issues like problematic heroes, and that engaging in two kinds of fan activities can enable fans to continue to find value in Harry Potter while simultaneously registering their objections to prejudice and bias. These two activities are literary analysis and fan fiction, and both empower fans to articulate the problems of social justice in sustained, thoughtful ways that other short-form mediums like social media do not.
The collectors of celebrity memorabilia: A qualitative re-evaluation of celebrity worship levels
Authors: Schutta Richard A. , Davies Annette , Powers Jonathan D.
Published: September 2023

To explore how celebrity memorabilia collectors use their memorabilia collections to engage with a media persona(e), we draw from two distinct concepts. The first concept is Brown’s definition of celebrity worship. This serves as the lens to explore how audiences engage in this process of worship. Specific attention is given to three key anchor points within this definition: commitment, love and devotion. The second concept is Maltby’s three levels of celebrity worship. This provides a framework to explain the ways in which the memorabilia collectors use their collections to conform or disconform to various levels of celebrity worship. A total of 21 in-depth interviews were conducted with collectors of celebrity memorabilia. Findings support a need for a total reconceptualization of celebrity worship levels and an introduction of a newly conceptualized level to adequately explain celebrity memorabilia collectors. Furthermore, findings also suggest a conceptual unity between the two concepts. Overall, our study provides a more diverse way of understanding celebrity memorabilia collectors.
Képelméleti, fotográfiai és politikai ikonográfiai töprengések
Authors: Medgyesi Konstantin
Published: September 2023

Segítik-e a képek a történeti megismerést? Mennyire legitim forrás a fotó tudományos diskurzusokban? A valóságot ábrázolják-e a fotográfiák? Hazudnak-e a fotók? A valóság mása vagy társadalmi konstrukció a fénykép? A különböző világmagyarázatok, ideológiák mennyire képesek használni a képeket? Az ideológiai dimenzió vagy az esztétikum a markánsabb megközelítés a fotóelméleti gondolkodásban? Kérdések, amelyekre nincs egyértelmű válasz, nincsenek fekete-fehér megoldások. Akkor jutunk előrébb, ha töprengünk mindezekről és számba vesszük, hogy milyen gondolatok fogalmazódtak már meg e témakört érintően.
„Erosz nélkül nincs alkotás.” Erósz alakjának reprezentációja Márai Sándor műveiben
Authors: Kolumbán Adrienn
Published: September 2023

Jelen kutatás Márai Sándor egyes műveinek mitológiai és filozófiai megközelítésű interpretációját tűzi ki célul az életműben többször felbukkanó Erósz alakjának értelmezésén keresztül. Az elemzés három – A Béke Ithakában, A gyertyák csonkig égnek és A nővér című – regényre tér ki részletesen, utalva az író Naplóiban és egyéb kisepikai műveiben foglaltakra. A művekben megjelenő Erósz-reprezentációk elemzéséhez a főbb szempontokat az Erószhoz kapcsolódó ókori filozófiai hagyomány, a platóni szerelemfilozófia és Freud mitológiai elemeket magában foglaló elméletének tömör áttekintése biztosítja.
A szemiotikai szintaktikai elemzés lehetőségeiről és jelentőségéről
Authors: Szívós Mihály
Published: September 2023

Jelen tanulmányban elsősorban a szemiotikai szintaktikával szeretnék foglalkozni, amely, mint részdiszciplína, jelenleg erősen elhanyagolt és ezért nagyon sok félreértés övezi. E félreértések egyike abból ered, hogy nincs tisztázva az, milyen kapcsolat van közte és főleg a nyelvtudományban honos szintaktika között.
Szimbólumszövő
Authors: Urbanik Tímea
Published: September 2023

Szimbólumok szövik át az életünket, olvasmányainkat, kultúránkat, gondolkodásmódunkat, mégsem értjük, tudjuk pontosan egyik-másik szimbólum jelentését. Meg lehet fejteni és újra meg újra lehet tanulni a szimbólumokat. Ehhez nyújt segítséget egyfajta szótárként, tárként a Szimbólumtár. Újvári Edit több művelődéstörténeti kézikönyv szerkesztője, szerzője, többféle tudományos közösség tagja. A szimbólumok jelentéseit felgöngyölítő munkája a szövés tevékenységét idézi fel szimbolikus formában.
Szentek és céhek
Authors: Gráfik Imre
Published: September 2023

A céhek tagjainak a vallásos élettel kapcsolatos kötelezettségeiről az ország legkülönbözőbb területeiről több és különböző időszakokból származó híradásunk is van. A céhjelvények köréből többes vallási vonatkozásukkal kiemelhető értéket képviselnek a változatos céhzászlók, melyek a céhek legszentebb jelvényei voltak, s amelyeken gyakori a védőszentek ábrázolása. A céhek zászlókészítési kötelezettségét a XVIII. század közepétől szinte minden kiváltságlevél előírta. A céhzászlók többnyire nem tartoztak a művészi alkotások csúcsteljesítményei közé. Vallásos képek, jelek, szimbólumok más céhes tárgyakon is találhatók, úgymint: gyertyatartók, céhpecsétek, céhládák, szállásjelvények, céhiratok. Ezekre hoz példákat a tanulmány.
Challenge to the Supremacy of the Nervous System: An Invitation to a New Integrative Perspective
Authors: Orquiza João Carlos
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes a reconceptualization of the hierarchical understanding of the human organism, challenging the conventional idea of the supremacy of the nervous system. We argue that symbiotic coexistence and functional interdependence among all systems provide the human body with remarkable resistance to the universal tendency of entropy. We first examine the basis of cellular life, referring to ATP and DNA, essential substances that resist the entropic tendency through complex energy mechanisms. Next, we analyze the collaboration between the body's systems, highlighting the critical role of erythrocytes, which constitute 83.9% of the total cells (24.9 trillion), in the context of energy maintenance and homeostasis. We challenge the conventional view that the nervous system, composed of neurons and glial cells, which together make up 0.6% of the total cells (0.17 trillion), occupies the apex of a biological hierarchy, arguing that the nervous system is merely a component of a broader, interdependent mechanism. Finally, we provide a detailed description of human cellular composition, emphasizing the importance of each cell type in the functional context, thus contributing to the totality of the organism. With this, we present a vigorous appeal for the realization of critical reassessments of fundamental premises in human biology.
Associations of thyroid status and thyroperoxidase antibodies with serum trace elements
Authors: Serikbayeva A. A. , Tauesheva Z. B. , Shcherbakova L. V. , Rymar O. D.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND: Studies on the relationship between thyroid autoimmunity and serum trace elements (TE) are ongoing in different parts of the world, however, the data obtained are often contradictory, which determines the relevance of this study.AIM: The aim of the study was to identify associations between thyroid status and Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) with serum TE among young women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study participants were 859 women aged 18–45, whose Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) was in the reference range or above 3.4 µIU/ml and with free Thyroxine (fT4) in the reference range. The exclusion criteria were the presence of menopause and decompensation of chronic diseases. The participants were subdivided into 2 groups: a group of women with TPOAb less than 30 U/ml, designated as TPOAb(-), and a group of women with TPOAb more than 30 U/m, designated as TPOAb (+). The detection of TSH, fT4, and TPOAb in serum was provided by enzyme immunoassay on the Evolis Robotized System using “Thyroid — ELISA- TSH, 0.23–3.4 µIU/ml”, “Thyroid — ELISA free T4, 10–23.2 pmol/l”, “Thyroid ELISA — TPOAb<30 U/ml” test systems. The reference values were taken from the instructions of the manufacturer Alkor Bio group (Russia). Logistic regression analysis was applied to adjudge associations between TPOAb status and serum trace elements.RESULTS: The level of fT4 was lower in the AT-TPO (+) group compared to the AT-TPO (-), p=0.006; Triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase was higher in the AT-TPO (+) group compared to the AT-TPO (-). There were more smoking women in the AT-TPO group (-) 4.1% versus 1.3% in AT-TPO (+). It was found that, after adjusting for likely cofounding factors, participants with antibody positivity had significantly lower concentrations of selenium; zinc, iodine, iron. When serum trace elements levels were analyzed in tertiles, the odds ratios TPOAb positivity of tertile 1 were higher that of tertile 3.CONCLUSION: The associations between TPOAb and microelements demonstrate their involvement in autoimmune processes in the thyroid gland.
Fantastic and associative filters in pseudo quasi-ordered residuated systems
Authors: Romano Daniel A.
Published: September 2023

An interesting generalization of hoop-algebras and commutative residuated lattices is the concept of quasi-ordered residuated systems (shortly QRS) introduced in 2018 by Bonzio and Chajda. Quasi-ordered residuated system is an integral commutative monoid with two internal binary operations interconnected by a residuation connection. This specificity is the reason for the complexity of this algebraic structure and the existence of a significant number of substructures in it, such as various types of filters. The notion of pseudo quasi-ordered residuated systems was introduced and developed in 2022 by this author, omitting the commutativity requirement in QRSs, discussing, additionally, filters in it. Concept of pseudo QRSs is a generalization of the notion of QRSs. In this report, as a continuation of previous research, in addition to the introduction of concepts of fantastic and associative filters in a pseudo quasi-ordered residuated system, their mutual connection between them is discussed, and some examples are presented.
Teaching Entrepreneurship Education (EE) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Nigeria
Authors: Mezieobi Kelechi Chinemerem , Agulanna Ginikanwa Genevieve , Okobia Ayodele Onyeatoelu
Published: September 2023

Entrepreneurship education (EE) has been viewed as a crucial tool for a country's economic growth. Every country in the world attempts to develop and strengthen its economy by considering all available options. Nations are attempting to or have already implemented the teaching and learning of EE in schools in response to the discovery of EE as a tool for economic development. In higher education institutions (HEIs) in Nigeria, entrepreneurial education has been offered as a field of study, discipline, or area of expertise. Researchers currently criticise the way EE is learned at colleges and universities for a variety of reasons, such as the use of generalist teachers, the dearth of adequate teaching materials, the inadequate financing of EE programmes, the low rate of graduates choosing entrepreneurship as a career, and more. Additionally, higher education students in Nigeria have not received appropriate orientation towards the value of EE for their present, future, families, and general well-being. Additionally, it has been noted that the context-free methodology used in Nigeria's colleges and universities to teach EE makes it challenging for students to comprehend. The scope of this paper is mainly on pedagogy and not necessarily on policy. Therefore, this paper examines a definition of EE that is focused on Nigeria, the objectives of EE with a focus on its learning and teaching in HEIs, the environment for EE teaching and learning in HEIs, how EE teaching and learning can be improved, and EE teaching and learning. Some suggestions and recommendations are equally flagged.
OTONOMI DAERAH DAN KAPABILITAS ORGANISASI MENUJU KEBERHASILAN PEMBANGUNAN DESA
Authors: Mulyani Sri
Published: September 2023

Lahirnya Undang-Undang Nomor 6 Tahun 2004 tentang Desa merupakan langkah besarbagi desa karena telah memiliki otonomi untuk memajukan dirinya sendiri. Pemerintahdesa harus tanggap dalam merespon Undang-Undang tersebut untuk mensejahterakanmasyarakat melalui pembangunan desa. Namun demikian, pemerintah desa terkadanggagal dalam menjalankan tugasnya sehingga melahirkan lembaga-lembaga lain yangberbeda fungsi namun memiliki kinerja dan manfaat yang lebih baik. Salah satukeunggulan pemerintah desa yaitu menggunakan Undang-Undang Nomor 6 Tahun 2004.Langkah yang harus dilakukan adalah memperhatikan kapabilitas dan kapasitasorganisasi dengan memanfaatkan otonomi yang dimiliki oleh desa dalammenyelenggarakan pemerintahannya.
ANALISIS KINERJA PROGRAM PENDAMPING DESA DI BANTAN AIR KABUPATEN BENGKALIS
Authors: Yuslaini Nina , Adni Dita Fisdian
Published: September 2023

Lahirnya Undang-Undang Nomor 6 Tahun 2014 tentang Desa mengembangkan paradigma dan konsep kebijakan tata kelola desa secara nasional.Undang-Undang Desa ini tidak lagi menempatkan Desa sebagai latar belakang Indonesia, tetapi halaman depan Indonesia. Konsepsi pendampingan desa ini lebih lanjut dijabarkan dalam Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 43 tahun 2014 tentang Peraturan Pelaksanaan Undang-Undang Desa. Pendampingan desa mempunyai peran penting dalam meningkatkan peran serta masyarakat dan kelembagaan desa dalam kegiatan pembangunan desa. Program Pendamping Desa di Desa Bantan Air Kabupaten Bengkalis sudah dilaksanakan sejak tahun 2011 yang lalu dan dianggarkan dalam Anggaran Pendapatan dan Belanja daerah Kabupaten Bengkalis, hal ini disebabkan karena kondisi pembangunan yang belum terlaksana dengan baik dan belum merata di setiap desa sehingga menimbulkan kesenjangan antar desa. Disamping itu, jumlah anggaran atau dana yang dikelola oleh desa-desa yang ada di Kabupaten Bengkalis sangat banyak, mulai dari Alokasi Dana Desa, Dana Itruksi Bupati tentang Penguatan Pembangunan Infrastruktur Perdesaan (INBUP PPIP) sampai dengan Dana desa yang berasal dari Anggaran Pendapatan Belanja Negara. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kualitatif dengan tipe deskriptif. Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dampak program pendamping desa di Kabupaten Bengkalis. Pelaksanaan Program Pendamping Desa di Kabupaten Bengakalis pada dasarnya belum berjalan dengan sebagaimana mestinya dan belum memberikan dampak yang signifikan terhadap kemampuan aparatur desa dan pembangunan desa di Bengkalis.
Theoretical study of a double-slope solar still with solar air heater condenser
Authors: Ghazy Ahmed
Published: September 2023

Despite their limited water production and efficiency, double-slope solar stills are an appropriate solution for water scarcity in hot arid regions. Numerous studies have focused on enhancing the effectiveness of double-slope solar stills. In this context, this study introduces a double-slope solar with a solar air heater condenser (DSSS-SAHC). The back cover of a conventional double-slope solar still was replaced by a glass air heater in order to recover the still’s thermal losses in heating air. The transient performance of the DSSS-SAHC was investigated numerically under real weather conditions and compared to the performance of a conventional double-slope solar still (CDSSS) with the same aspects. The impact of various weather and operation factors on the DSSS-SAHC performance was investigated at air flows of 0.01 and 0.1 kg/s to account for both natural and forced air circulation, respectively. The results revealed an increase of about 15% and 6% in the thermal efficiency of the DSSS-SAHC over that of the CDSSS, respectively, at air flows of 0.1 and 0.01 kg/s despite the DSSS-SAHC distillate was insignificantly greater than that of the CDSSS at both air flows. In addition, the water distillate of the DSSS-SAHC increased as the solar irradiance increased, the ambient wind and ambient temperature had contrary effects on the efficiency, and the initial saline water level had a negligible impact on the overall performance
When women’s empowerment meets health communication: a critical discourse analysis of the WeChat official account “Health China”
Authors: Zhao Xin , Mao Yansheng
Published: September 2023

Prior studies have widely investigated women’s empowerment in Chinese social media, but women’s empowerment in new media-based health communication has gained insufficient attention. With an aim to empower female health in a new media-based context of China, this study employs a critical discourse analytic approach to study female empowerment in health communication by focusing on 48 articles in Health China. The results of text analysis demonstrate Health China releases an array of themes, including “female genital organs”, “pregnancy”, “women’s mental health”, “cosmetology”, and “general disease”. The findings also indicate that power, intertextuality, and coherence are employed as discursive practices embedded in Chinese women’s empowerment. The study also sketches out the social-cultural factors, like benevolent sexism, the plummet national birth rate, and the traditional Chinese cultural values, as the primary facilitators of Chinese women’s empowerment in health communication. This study contributes to better empowering health discursive strategies for female-related health communication in China and beyond.
Development and multi-center validation of a fully automated digital immunoassay for neurofilament light chain: toward a clinical blood test for neuronal injury
Authors: Wilson David , Chan Dandan , Chang Lei , Mathis Robert , Verberk Inge , Montalban Xavier , Comabella Manuel , Fissolo Nicolas , Bielekova Bibi , Masvekar Ruturaj , Chitnis Tanuja , Ziemssen Tjalf , Akgün Katja , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Brück Wolfgang , Giovannoni Gavin , Gnanapavan Sharmilee , Bittner Stefan , Zipp Frauke , Comi Giancarlo , Furlan Roberto , Lehmann Sylvain , Thebault Simon , Freedman Mark , Bar-Or Amit , Kramer Marty , Otto Markus , Halbgebauer Steffen , Hrusovsky Kevin , Plavina Tatiana , Khalil Michael , Piehl Fredrik , Wiendl Heinz , Kappos Ludwig , Maceski Aleksandra , Willemse Eline , Leppert David , Teunissen Charlotte , Kuhle Jens
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) has emerged as a promising biomarker for detecting and monitoring axonal injury. Until recently, NfL could only be reliably measured in cerebrospinal fluid, but digital single molecule array (Simoa) technology has enabled its precise measurement in blood samples where it is typically 50–100 times less abundant. We report development and multi-center validation of a novel fully automated digital immunoassay for NfL in serum for informing axonal injury status.

Methods

A 45-min immunoassay for serum NfL was developed for use on an automated digital analyzer based on Simoa technology. The analytical performance (sensitivity, precision, reproducibility, linearity, sample type) was characterized and then cross validated across 17 laboratories in 10 countries. Analytical performance for clinical NfL measurement was examined in individual patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) after 3 months of disease modifying treatment (DMT) with fingolimod.

Results

The assay exhibited a lower limit of detection (LLoD) of 0.05 ng/L, a lower limit of quantification (LLoQ) of 0.8 ng/L, and between-laboratory imprecision <10 % across 17 validation sites. All tested samples had measurable NfL concentrations well above the LLoQ. In matched pre–post treatment samples, decreases in NfL were observed in 26/29 RRMS patients three months after DMT start, with significant decreases detected in a majority of patients.

Conclusions

The sensitivity characteristics and reproducible performance across laboratories combined with full automation make this assay suitable for clinical use for NfL assessment, monitoring in individual patients, and cross-comparisons of results across multiple sites.
A novel mechatronic absorber of vibration energy in the chimney
Authors: Salman Waleed , Kwad Ayad M. , Abdulwasea Al-othmani , Abdulghafour Ahmed S.
Published: September 2023

The importance of diversified energy production lies in addressing the fuel shortage resulting from high prices, high temperatures, and environmental pollution associated with its production and consumption. Vibrational energy plays a crucial role in generating electrical power. This paper introduces a new concept based on utilizing the vibration forces of chimneys caused by wind and earthquakes. A mechatronic energy-absorbing system was designed, analyzed, and the output power was calculated using SolidWorks and Matlab programs. The design of the Regenerative Damping Chimney (RDC) primarily focuses on converting vibrations into rotational movement of the chimney, which is generated by wind forces. This is achieved by using a metal rope and pulleys to transmit motion to a set of gears. The opposite direction rotation is facilitated by bevel gears and clutches, and a planetary gearbox is employed to increase the rotation of the DC 24 V 400 W generator. The use of a high-watt generator aims to enhance energy production and the damping factor, ensuring the stability of the chimney during storms and vortex winds. The results show the efficiency of 35 % may reach 45 % watts under test to verify that the proposed system is effective and suitable for chimneys and renewable energy applications in factories and companies.
Mach–Zehnder interferometer–based optical Gold sequence generator
Authors: Kumar Rajiv
Published: September 2023

Optical wireless technology has a great potential in realizing high speed secure communication. In this paper, Gold sequence generator is proposed and investigated. The sequence is generated by modulo-2 addition of maximum length sequences. Furthermore, cross talk and extinction ratio at varying switching voltage is analyzed. The outcome successfully demonstrates the feasibility of optical Gold sequence using Mach–Zehnder interferometer as a compact solution.
Study on the performance of injection-locked single-loop optoelectronic oscillators in presence of additive white Gaussian noise
Authors: Banerjee Abhijit , Silva Gabrieli Tavares , Pacheco Gefeson Mendes
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a detailed study on the synchronization characteristics of a single-loop optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) under the influence of radiofrequency (RF) signal, which is contaminated with additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The influence of the AWGN on the performance of the injection-locked optoelectronic oscillator (IL-OEO) is investigated in terms of the probability of losing lock, average beat frequency, and frequency of skipping cycles. Fokker–Planck technique is utilized to derive the expression for the probability density function (PDF) of the phase difference between the injection RF signal and the OEO output signal. The probability of losing lock on the two sides of the IL-OEO oscillation frequency and the frequency of skipping cycles are calculated in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). An expression for the phase noise spectrum of the IL-OEO is also presented. The analytical model predicts the phase noise of the IL-OEO at very low offset frequencies with the accuracy rate of 75 %, in the presence of AWGN. Experimental verifications are carried out to prove the validity of the proposed analytical model.