bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extended State Observer Based Robust Feedback Linearization Control Applied to an Industrial CSTR
Authors: Medjebouri Ali
Published: March 2024

In the chemical and petrochemical industries, the Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) is, without doubt, one of the most popular processes. From a control point of view, the mathematical model describing the temporal evolution of the CSTR has a strongly nonlinear cross-coupled character. Moreover, modeling errors such as external disturbances, neglected dynamics, and parameter variations or uncertainties make its control task a very difficult challenge. This problem has been the subject of a wide number of control strategies. This article attempts to propose a viable, robust nonlinear decoupling control scheme. The idea behind the proposed approach lies in the design of two nested control loops. The inner loop is responsible for the compensation of the nominal model's nonlinear cross-coupled terms via a static nonlinear feedback; while the outer loop, designed around an Extended State Observer (ESO), which the additional state gathers the global effect of modeling errors, is charged with instantaneously estimating and then compensating the ESO extended state. This way, the CSTR complex dynamics are reduced to a series of decoupled linear subsystems easily controllable using a simple Proportional-Integral (PI) linear control to ensure the robust pursuit of reference signals respecting the desired performance. The presented control validation was performed numerically by an objective comparison to a classical PID controller.
De Turkana a Barcelona: una experiencia ApS transformadora
Authors: Martín Carrasquilla Olga , Santaolalla Pascual Elsa
Published: March 2024

Los Trabajos de Fin de Grado (TFG) realizados por dos estudiantes de Educación Primaria en el marco de un proyecto de ApS han ofrecido a ambas la oportunidad de asistir al V Congreso Internacional y XI Nacional de Aprendizaje Servicio Universitario (ApSU). Este Congreso, bajo el lema “Impacta”, analizaba los efectos transformadores del ApS en todos los agentes implicados: entidades y comunidad, estudiantes, profesorado y la institución universitaria en su conjunto. Las alumnas participaron con una comunicación oral conjunta y dos pósteres individuales en los que presentaron las propuestas de innovación que habían implementado durante sus prácticas internacionales en las escuelas de la zona rural de Turkana. Estas consistían en el diseño de un programa de formación docente en el uso de metodologías activas y trabajo cooperativo en el marco de la Educación STEM. Esta buena práctica ha propiciado, en el último año de su formación universitaria, la reflexión acerca de cómo la propuesta de ApS potencia que aprendan a aprender así como el descubrimiento de las posibilidades de enriquecimiento personal y profesional que se generan en los congresos científicos y ha sido un estímulo para intercambiar ideas y experiencias con otros investigadores que como ellas, han utilizado la metodología del ApS en sus proyectos.
La codirección de TFG reflexiva e interdisciplinar: una oportunidad de desarrollo profesional
Authors: Delfino López Gisela Isabel , González del Valle Almudena , Strotmann Birgit
Published: March 2024

Cuando dos profesores codirigen un Trabajo de Fin de Grado (TFG), se requiere una gran inversión en tiempo para asegurar un acompañamiento cercano, coherente y eficiente del alumno en su proceso de aprendizaje. No obstante, si la codirección se diseña siguiendo las buenas prácticas de la codocencia (Cook & Friend, 1995; Custodio Espinar et al., 2022; Dove & Honigsfeld, 2010; Strotmann & Custodio Espinar, 2021), ofrece grandes ventajas al estudiante y también al profesor participante. Esta buena práctica se basa en la experiencia de tres profesoras de los campos de la Comunicación, la Psicología y la Filología, respectivamente, que han codirigido dos TFGs en las áreas de la Comunicación y la Traducción. Los datos preliminares indican que las profesoras, al coordinarse en lo referente a sus criterios de evaluación, han transferido conocimiento y metodologías entre ellas. A la vez, constatan que la negociación entre ambas profesoras les ha forzado a justificar o replantear sus criterios, lo que se ha traducido en una mayor abstracción y claridad en las pautas a dar a las estudiantes. A pesar de la complejidad de la gestión temporal y comunicativa, se destaca el valor de la codirección para el desarrollo profesional de los docentes.
MathEnglish: una propuesta interdisciplinar entre didáctica de las matemáticas y de la lengua inglesa en formación inicial de maestros
Authors: Jechimer Ramírez Eva , López Hernández Alfonso , Santaolalla Pascual Elsa
Published: March 2024

MathEnglish es una experiencia innovadora de trabajo interdisciplinar entre dos asignaturas del Grado de Magisterio de Educación Primaria: Didáctica de las Matemáticas y Didáctica de la Lengua Inglesa. Dicha experiencia tiene como principal objetivo que los futuros maestros, además de mejorar su competencia en ambas didácticas, desarrollen habilidades de docencia colaborativa e interdisciplinar que les capaciten para impartir acciones del mismo tipo en su futura práctica profesional. El eje vertebrador de la propuesta es la explotación didáctica de una colección de libros, publicados en lengua inglesa, que desarrollan conceptos matemáticos en forma de cuentos destinados a un público infantil. Estos cuentos sirven como punto de partida para desarrollar habilidades de análisis matemático y lingüístico de sus contenidos, técnicas de storytelling en inglés, y diseño e impartición de talleres con recursos manipulativos para guiar el aprendizaje por descubrimiento de los contenidos matemáticos.
Impulsando igualdad de género: innovación educativa en turismo y hotelería
Authors: Freund Daniela
Published: March 2024

Las empresas del sector turístico y hotelero están lejos de alcanzar los objetivos de sostenibilidad. Para contribuir a la Agenda 2030 de las Naciones Unidas y a los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), las instituciones de educación superior en turismo y hostelería son decisivas. Esta intervención educativa piloto explora los procesos involucrados en el co-diseño e implementación de una intervención educativa aplicando un enfoque de innovación abierta. Analiza las percepciones de los estudiantes y de los facilitadores colaboradores sobre la experiencia de enseñanza y aprendizaje y propone herramientas de evaluación para iteraciones posteriores. La incorporación de una intervención educativa co-creada a un curso existente nos permitió explorar el ODS 5: Igualdad de género. Este enfoque permitió a los estudiantes trasladar los conocimientos adquiridos en el aula a prácticas sostenibles de la vida real. Es asimismo un ejemplo de aplicación de soluciones prácticas que aceleran el cambio a través de asociaciones, como propone el ODS 17: Alianzas para lograr los objetivos.
Investigating the effects of colonialism on the performance of the colonized people by studying a song of ice and fire in and the lord of the rings
Authors: Alishiri Hadiseh , Moradi Hossein
Published: March 2024

In this study, A Song of Ice and Fire in and The Lord of the Rings will be examined by employing Hall’s notion of diaspora and hybridity in an attempt to show how colonialism has affected the colonized people and their sense of place, what their reactions have been, and how colonial and post-colonial identities have been constructed. The most important contribution of this study is to give a new analysis of the series. There have been several readings and analyses on this series from different perspectives including the role of love, linguistic features, narration, morality, magic, cultural value and psychology. However, cultural identity and diaspora on the series from Hall’s theory have been ignored. As a result, this paper can provide influential result on post-colonial criticism and Hall’s theory that are applied to series. Moreover, the use of fantasy genre is significant in this dissertation since the real world is what perceived and observed by human psyche, and later the reality is processed, distorted, and transformed into fantasy genre to amplify the whole effects of the themes that are discussed. The genre of fantasy which is selected here depicts the reality of mentality and conditions of the postmodern world.
The art-technologies use by teachers of foreign languages in the educational environment
Authors: Pospelova Nadezda , Achaeva Marina , Subbotina Natalya
Published: March 2024

Recently there has been an increased interest in the use of cognitive linguistics in the context of teaching foreign languages. The study Purpose is to develop authors’ methods in the field of art technology at an early stage of learning. Qualitative approach is used in developing authors’ methods in the field of art technology: in one-to-one interview, of observation, conversational communication. Given the results, the methods for working with Ch. Burton Barber's picture "Off to school" in the process of learning a foreign language at an early stage of training, aimed at shaping practical skills in forming communication competences, forming skills of intercultural development. A positive dynamic in using art- technologies in the process of learning a foreign language in 2018-2021 years is indicated. The use of art technologies was noted: the creation of motivations for students of a foreign language to actively express themselves and to comprehend new forms of work; formation of the process of perception, attention, thinking, speech, working with creative material, implementation of inter-subject connections; developing students' autonomy with ways of expressing themselves; informal atmosphere.
Personal resilience in the system of additional education of children as a pedagogical phenomenon
Authors: Vinogradov Vladislav , Shatunova Olga , Shakurova Julia
Published: March 2024

The dynamism of modern society, bordering on unpredictability and manifesting itself against the background of increased social and environmental risks, stipulates the importance of building resilience in a person – the ability to effectively resist destructive environmental fluctuations. The purpose of the study is to comprehensively analyze resilience as an integral quality of a person. In accordance with the research hypothesis put forward, we developed a questionnaire consisting of 75 statements. The study sample consisted of 918 students and 85 teachers from seven educational institutions of additional education for children from three municipal districts of the Republic of Tatarstan. Correlation analysis (Pearson's linear correlation method) of the obtained results was carried out. Additional research methods were cluster analysis and peer review method. The study revealed internal relationships in the structure of resilience and external relationships. The ability to adequately meet and overcome adverse circumstances and challenges, while becoming stronger, appears to be an important meta-competence, and, at the same time, the target of education. The relationship of resilience with design abilities allows us to assert the possibility of actively using the design method in the educational process as a system-forming factor in the development of students' personal resilience and, as a result, increasing school resilience in general.
Tipologi Kawasan Kampung Kota yang Terjepit di Tangerang Selatan dalam Perspektif Spasial
Authors: Wihadanto Ake , Cahyadi Ni Made Ayu Krisna , Prima Suci Rahmawati , Permana Mirza , Pamungkas Guntur Bagus
Published: March 2024

Pembangunan kota modern skala besar (kota baru) di wilayah Kota Tangerang Selatan secara tidak langsung mengekspansi penggunaan lahan termasuk kawasan kampung yang ada di sekitarnya. Kawasan kampung kota tersebut harus hidup berdampingan dan bertahan menjadi bagian halaman belakang dari permukiman real estate kawasan kota mandiri membentuk kantong-kantong (enclave) yang terjepit (strangulation). Kawasan tersebut tumbuh tersebar dan tidak tertata, dengan keterbatasan infrastruktur sehingga dalam jangka panjang dapat menjadi permukiman kumuh dan tidak layak huni. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengembangan dan merumuskan tipologi Kawasan kampung kota terjepit di Tangerang Selatan dalam pendekatan spasial. Metode penelitian mengunakan pendekatan berbasis keruangan menggunakan aplikasi Sistem Informasi Geografi (SIG). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat 44 kampung terjepit di Kota Tangerang Selatan pada lahan-lahan yang telah diakuisisi oleh pengembangan seperti Alam Sutera, Bintaro Jaya, dan Bumi Serpong Damai. Temuan penelitian ini menunjukkan sebaran kampung terjepit terbanyak berada di lahan pengembangan perumahan ‘Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD)’. Tipologi kampung kota terjepit secara spasial dirumuskan berdasarkan karakteristik pola sebaran, luasan, kepadatan bangunan, aksesibilitas dan dimensi ruang milik jalan (3 meter). Keberadaan kampung kota terjepit menjadi tantangan di masa depan bagi perencana kota.
Sprawa dyscyplinarna woźnego Józefa Książkiewicza jako przyczynek do dziejów Biblioteki Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego w latach międzywojennych
Authors: Bauman Szymon
Published: March 2024

Artykuł dotyczy przewinień służbowych woźnego Biblioteki Uniwersyteckiej w Poznaniu. Przedmiotem analizy jest sprawa dyscyplinarna Józefa Książkiewicza, którą przeprowadziła Komisja Dyscyplinarna Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego w 1938 roku. Szerzej opisany przykład odnosi się do zagadnienia życia codziennego i relacji łączących funkcjonariuszy niższych Drugiej Rzeczypospolitej, a lokalnie wskazuje na konflikty wśród pracowników z powodu niewłaściwego zarządzania poznańską biblioteką.
β-Amyloid peptide modulates peripheral immune responses and neuroinflammation in rats
Authors: Adhikary Krishnendu , Mohanty Satyajit , Bandyopadhyay Bidyut , Maiti Rajkumar , Bhattacharya Koushik , Karak Prithviraj
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by immune system dysregulation, impacting both central and peripheral immune responses. The study aimed to investigate the mechanism behind the neurotoxic effects of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide in the rat brain including the study of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and alterations in peripheral immune responses (PIR). The neuroinflammation brought on by Aβ1–42 and is unknown to influence PIR. Animal models were prepared, after 28 days, control, sham, and treated rats were anaesthetized and inflammatory markers of hippocampus and serum levels (reactive oxygen species, nitrite, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β), and some markers of PIR (splenic mononuclear cells or MNC, cytotoxicity and phagocytic index of the white blood cells leukocyte adhesion inhibition index or LAI), as well as polymorphonuclear cells of the spleen, were assessed. In addition to changes in peripheral immune responses, the present study found that AD rats had higher blood levels of inflammatory markers. Based on the study, the immune system irregularities observed in AD rats in the peripheral regions might be connected to neuroinflammation, which is facilitated by a compromised blood–brain barrier. Hence, it is viable to propose that the neuroinflammatory condition in rats with Aβ-induced AD could modify immune responses in the peripheral areas with significantly higher levels of inflammatory cytokines markers in the hippocampal tissue in Aβ-injected AD rats.
Pain catastrophizing in the elderly: An experimental pain study
Authors: Petrini Laura , Arendt-Nielsen Lars
Published: March 2024

Objectives:

Pain catastrophizing in the aging population has not been studied in great detail. Existing investigations have reported conflicting results on the effects of age on pain catastrophizing in relation to pain responses. This study investigated the relationship between pain catastrophizing, and its individual components (rumination, magnification, and helplessness), and the responses to standardized experimental pain stimuli in old and young, healthy adults.

Methods:

Sixty-six volunteers (32 old: 65–87, 18 females; 34 young: 20–35, 17 females) participated in the study. Pain catastrophizing including the components of rumination, magnification, and helplessness was assessed with the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). Experimental pain was induced by applying predefined pressure stimulations to the trapezius muscle. Pain intensity and unpleasantness were assessed using numerical rating scales. Pain catastrophizing levels and pain responses were statistically compared between the two age groups.

Results:

Elderly individuals reported significantly (p = 0.028) lower scores of pain catastrophizing (Med = 5; interquartile range [IQR] = 14) than younger individuals; this difference was driven by the significantly lower components of rumination (Med = 2; IQR = 4; p = 0.017) and helplessness (Med = 2; IQR = 7; p = 0.049). A larger proportion of young (57.8%) rated pain catastrophizing at high levels, with scores above the 75th percentile (Med = 20). Additionally, elderly reported the lowest pain intensity (Med = 5; p = 0.034) and pain unpleasantness (Med = 4.5; p = 0.011) responses to the experimental pressure stimuli. In the elderly group, pain unpleasantness was positively and significantly associated with pain catastrophizing (r
s = 0.416, p = 0.021), rumination (r
s = 0.42, p = 0.019), and helplessness (r
s = 0.434, p = 0.015), respectively. No associations were found in the young group.

Conclusions:

Elderly reported lower PCSs than young adults. Rumination and helplessness were reduced in the elderly group. The elderly population showed positive correlations between catastrophizing levels and pain unpleasantness to standardized pressure pain stimuli. Results supported the view that elderly possess resilience over specific domains of pain catastrophizing that could counteract pain perception due to physiological decline.
Access to psychological treatment for chronic cancer-related pain in Sweden
Authors: Björkstrand Frida Köhler , Duarte Joana , McCracken Lance M. , Perrin Sean
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Cancer-related pain (CRP) is among the most frequent collateral effects of cancer, with chronic CRP, lasting at least 3 months, affecting >40% of cancer survivors. Evidence-based treatments, including pain-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are available, but it appears that cancer patients/survivors are often poorly informed about CRP or the potential benefits of CBT for such pain. This study examined current experience of Swedish cancer patients/survivors in relation to CRP.

Methods

Participants (N = 276; 83% female; mean age = 55.5 years, SD = 11.9) were recruited to an online survey via cancer websites in Sweden, and they provided information about their history of chronic CRP and whether they received information about or treatment for CRP from a healthcare professional.

Results

Participants had a history of breast (36%), gynecological (12%), lung (10%), colon (8%), and other forms of cancer (36%). A majority (74%) reported a history of chronic CRP and being prescribed analgesic medications (70%). Less than half (47%) received information from their healthcare provider about the risk of CRP and only 13% with chronic CRP received psychological treatment, and of these, only 33% received CBT. Among those receiving psychological treatment for chronic CRP, satisfaction rates were moderate, reported as an average of 6 on a 0–10 scale (standard deviation 2.6).

Conclusions

Greater efforts are needed to raise awareness among cancer patients/survivors and healthcare providers about the risk of CRP and evidence-based interventions, including CBT, the first-line intervention for chronic pain. These efforts will need to be matched with increases in treatment capacity, particularly pain-focused CBT.
Translation, contextual adaptation, and reliability of the Danish Concept of Pain Inventory (COPI-Adult (DK)) – A self-reported outcome measure
Authors: Eiger Bettina , Straszek Christian L. , Pate Joshua W. , Rathleff Michael Skovdal
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Pain is a growing concern globally, and an individual and societal burden. Pain science education (PSE) is a promising avenue for managing chronic pain, but targeted PSE is needed. The Concept of Pain Inventory for Adults (COPI-Adult) is a newly developed self-reported outcome measure aimed at targeting PSE. It is currently unavailable in Danish and has unknown reliability. The aims of this study were (1) to translate and contextually adapt to Danish and (2) to determine reliability in terms of test–retest reliability, internal consistency, and measurement error.

Methods

Step (1) was as follows: a dual panel approach was used to translate, contextually adapt into a Danish version. Step (2) was follows: a heterogenic sample of Danish adults >18 years (n= 150) was included in the test–retest analysis, test interval between 7 and 14 days, both answered via REDCap-link. Based on COSMIN recommendations, the following reliabilities were estimated: the test–retest using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2.1) and internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha level. Measurement error in terms of standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC) were calculated.

Results

Step (1) was as follows: the first panel reached 100% consensus on the wording of the COPI-Adult (DK), with no alterations by the second panel. Step (2) was as follows: good to excellent test–retest reliability was found with ICC2.1value (95% confidence interval) 0.88 (0.84–0.91), excellent internal consistency for the 13-item COPI-Adult (DK) with α = 0.939, SEM of 2.53, and SDC of 7.02.

Discussion

The COPI-Adult (DK) was successfully translated and contextually adapted. It is a reliable questionnaire with excellent internal consistency. The COPI-Adult (DK) shows promise in research and clinical practice.
Cosmetic surgery and associated chronic postsurgical pain: A cross-sectional study from Norway
Authors: Engel Sophia , Jacobsen Henrik Børsting , Reme Silje Endresen
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a common postoperative sequela. Despite the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgeries, there is a notable lack of research on CPSP in this context, with existing studies focusing on breast surgeries only. To address existing gaps in knowledge, the objective of the present study was to investigate the self-reported prevalence of cosmetic surgery and associated CPSP among Norwegian adults.

Methods

An online questionnaire consisting of three questions inquiring prior cosmetic surgeries, associated CPSP, and whether participants had sought for pain management was constructed and distributed among adults residing in Norway.

Results

Between November 30, 2022 and December 16, 2022, 1,746 participants were recruited. 10% of respondents, 73.3% of which were female, affirmed to have undergone cosmetic surgery. About 1 in 4 of these was aged 18–29 years. The prevalence of CPSP was 12.6%. CPSP was five times more common among male, compared to female respondents. While about two thirds of participants indicating to have experienced CPSP were aged 18–29 years, CPSP was much less common among individuals of other ages.

Conclusion

Consistent with international trends, there appears to be a young and growing population of cosmetic surgery consumers in Norway. According to our results, about 1 in 8 of these might be affected by CPSP, a condition that is notoriously hard to treat and weighting heavily on public healthcare and social welfare systems. Large-scale longitudinal studies further investigating the topic are thus urgently needed.
Validation of the Danish version of the knowledge and attitudes survey regarding pain
Authors: Jørgensen Jacob Brauner , Clement Sanne Lund
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Pain management is critical for nurses; therefore, knowledge assessment is also critical. The Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP), designed for testing pain management knowledge among nurses, finds widespread use internationally; yet, key validity evidence according to American Psychological Association standards is missing. Therefore, this study aimed to translate and test the psychometric traits of KASRP based on an item response theory model.

Methods

Cronbach’s α was included to assess internal consistency, and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was included to assess the total score normal distribution goodness of fit. KASRP was tested using the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test for sphericity to examine its suitability for factor analysis and exploratory factor analysis to examine construct evidence. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was used to assess discriminant evidence. The correlation between KASRP and the Brockopp–Warden Pain Knowledge Questionnaire (BWPKQ) was included as a measure of convergent validity evidence, and correlation with self-assessed knowledge was tested as a divergent validity measure.

Results

The questionnaire was translated using back-forth and parallel translation. The KMO test for sphericity was 0.49 for all items and 0.53 for the adjusted scale without items 30, 33, and 36, with factor analysis explaining 70.42% of the variation suggesting unacceptable construct validity evidence. Cronbach’s α was 0.75, suggesting acceptable reliability evidence; the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test revealed an insignificant skewness of −0.195 and a kurtosis of 0.001, while the Kruskal–Wallis H test revealed a significance of p < 0.001. The correlation between KASRP and the BWPKQ was 0.69 (p = 0.0001), suggesting acceptable convergent validity evidence. A correlation between KASRP and self-assessed knowledge of −0.59 was also found, which suggests acceptable divergent validity evidence.

Conclusions

The translated KASRP passed six out of seven tests based on the given sample.
The geography of eco-innovations and sustainability transitions: A systematic comparison
Authors: Hansmeier Hendrik , Kroll Henning
Published: March 2024

The need to address environmental challenges through innovation-based transformative change has become more urgent than ever and the spatial dimension of pathways towards sustainability has attracted increasing scholarly interest. Over the last decade, research on environmentally oriented innovation has entered the geographical discourse from different directions. This paper starts with the premise that, among other contributions, two main directions of research can be identified within the current geographical discourse that do not yet interface much – a broad, yet conceptually more traditional debate on eco-innovation and a newer discourse around socio-technical transitions that adds a further perspective. Having justified this assumption by a short literature review, we perform a keyword-based literature search, which confirms that there are indeed two distinct bodies of literature and few studies to date that integrate features from both fields. Following this, an in-depth review of the sources clarifies the differences in perspective and the common object of analysis of the basic systemic elements of actors, institutions and technologies. While this juxtaposition illustrates why the two fields of research have hardly cross-fertilised each other so far, it also shows that they are in substance far from irreconcilable. On the contrary, the nuanced synthesis of research findings reveals numerous complementarities that constitute promising avenues for future geographical research. These are considered necessary to improve the understanding of the geography of innovation-based transitions towards sustainability.
Insula→Amygdala and Insula→Thalamus Pathways Are Involved in Comorbid Chronic Pain and Depression-Like Behavior in Mice
Authors: Chen Jing , Gao Yuan , Bao Shu-Ting , Wang Ying-Di , Jia Tao , Yin Cui , Xiao Cheng , Zhou Chunyi
Published: March 2024

The comorbidity of chronic pain and depression poses tremendous challenges for the treatment of either one because they exacerbate each other with unknown mechanisms. As the posterior insular cortex (PIC) integrates multiple somatosensory and emotional information and is implicated in either chronic pain or depression, we hypothesize that the PIC and its projections may contribute to the pathophysiology of comorbid chronic pain and depression. We show that PIC neurons were readily activated by mechanical, thermal, aversive, and stressful and appetitive stimulation in naive and neuropathic pain male mice subjected to spared nerve injury (SNI). Optogenetic activation of PIC neurons induced hyperalgesia and conditioned place aversion in naive mice, whereas inhibition of these neurons led to analgesia, conditioned place preference (CPP), and antidepressant effect in both naive and SNI mice. Combining neuronal tracing, optogenetics, and electrophysiological techniques, we found that the monosynaptic glutamatergic projections from the PIC to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the ventromedial nucleus (VM) of the thalamus mimicked PIC neurons in pain modulation in naive mice; in SNI mice, both projections were enhanced accompanied by hyperactivity of PIC, BLA, and VM neurons and inhibition of these projections led to analgesia, CPP, and antidepressant-like effect. The present study suggests that potentiation of the PIC→BLA and PIC→VM projections may be important pathophysiological bases for hyperalgesia and depression-like behavior in neuropathic pain and reversing the potentiation may be a promising therapeutic strategy for comorbid chronic pain and depression.
Affective Authenticity
Authors: Gazit Ofer , Belkind Nili
Published: March 2024

This article develops the concept of “affective authenticity” to explore the experiences and reception of US-based African migrant musicians in the 1960s and 1970s. Based on interviews, archival sources and musical analysis, we trace the migration stories of South African singer Letta Mbulu and the ways in which she negotiated conflicting demands for “authenticity” in her musical performances on the American stage. Affective authenticity represents a heterogenous, explorative sound, reflecting pan-African politics and aesthetics that created the very conditions for African and African American musical collaborations. This aesthetic was countered with expectations for “scientific authenticity:” an ethno-linguistically circumscribed performance that catered to colonial ears and conceptualized African musics as insular, ancient and unchanging – an aesthetic held and policed primarily by (white) music critics. Through analysis of the Yoruba hymn Ise Oluwa (1927) and its “translations” in Mbulu’s performance on the soundtrack for the television show Roots (1977), we show the careful balance of voices, texts, instruments, and rhythms African migrant musicians perform in order to adhere to conflicting demands for authenticity, and the rebuke they experience when they transgress them. We also place conceptualizations of affective and scientific authenticity applied to popular music in broader discourses occurring during the height of the civil rights movement in the United States, the decolonization of Africa, and the entrenchment of the apartheid regime in South Africa.
Impaired fertility in adenomyosis: a murine model reveals endometrial receptivity and progesterone resistance imbalances
Authors: Squatrito Marlyne , Vervier Julie , Bindels Jules , Bernet Laëtitia , Blacher Silvia , Nisolle Michelle , Munaut Carine
Published: March 2024

In brief

The impact of adenomyosis on reproductive health needs to be fully understood. By using a murine model, this study provides novel insights into the nuanced mechanisms associated with fertility challenges and offers a foundation for targeted interventions.

This study investigates the intricate relationship between adenomyosis and reproductive health using a murine model, offering novel insights into this prevalent gynecological disorder. Adenomyosis, characterized by the invasive growth of endometrial tissue into the myometrium, is believed to negatively impact fertility. However, the challenge lies in disentangling this influence, as adenomyosis often coexists with other gynecological diseases. A tamoxifen-induced mice model presents a significant advantage by enabling the specific study of adenomyosis, devoid of confounding influences of concurrent gynecological diseases such as endometriosis. Focusing exclusively on adenomyosis, our study aims to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms underlying fertility issues, focusing on estrous cyclicity, ovarian follicle development, and overall fertility. Our findings uncover disruptions in estrous cyclicity, characterized by an increased duration of time spent in the estrus phase in adenomyosis-induced mice. These disturbances are potentially linked to observed compromised folliculogenesis and the remarkable reduction in litter number and size in mice affected by adenomyosis. Moreover, this study unveils potential drivers of subfertility such as progesterone resistance and altered endometrial receptivity. Within the uteri of mice with adenomyosis, reduced expression of the progesterone receptor and a decreased expression of two implantation-related markers (HoxA10 and integrin β3) were observed. This comprehensive examination sheds light on the nuanced complexities of adenomyosis-associated reproductive challenges, providing a foundation for targeted interventions in addressing fertility issues related to this disease.
Factors Influencing on Retention of Alkylketene Dimer
Authors:   Department of Biomaterial Sciences Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Isogai Akira
Published: March 2024

Mechanisms of retention of AKD are studied in terms of effects of cationic polymer additions, and roles of fines and carboxyl groups of pulp fibers. Handsheets were prepared from normal pulp and fines-free pulp under various conditions, and AKD contents in the handsheets were determined by pyrolysis-gas chromatography (PY-GC). The addition of cationic polymer (PAE) to pulp suspension was clearly effective in promoting AKD sizing for both cured and noncured handsheets, resulting from higher retention of AKD in the sheet by cationic PAE molecules. Potential measurement indicated that the originally cationic AKD emulsions come to have amphoteric surface charges in pulp suspension. The effective AKD retention by PAE may, therefore, be due to ionic bond formation between anionic sites of AKD emulsion surfaces and anionic pulp fibers or fines through cationic PAE molecules. The experiments using fines-free pulp showed that most of the added AKD was adsorbed on fines of beaten pulp. Blocking of carboxyl groups in pulp with nonionic methylamide groups resulted in nearly no sizing degrees and quite low AKD contents. Therefore, it is clear that dissociated carboxyl groups in pulp fibers and fines are the actual retention sites of AKD emulsion particles at the usual addition levels of AM Among chitosan salts and PAE used at 0.1-0.4 addition levels, chitosan AcOH salt gave the highest effect on AKD retention as well as sizing degrees. Good correlation between AKD contents and sizing degrees was obtained ; sizing behavior of AKD-sized handsheets was explainable in terms of their AKD contents determined by PY-GC, and thus retention of AKD is the significant first step for AKD sizing. Solid-state ,3C-NMR analysis of cellulase-treated residues of 13C-labelled AKD-sized handsheets showed that size components were present in papersheet as structures of either the original AKD or ketones, hydrolyzed AKD, without forming ß-ketoesters. SEM observations of AKD-sized handsheets indicated that the effect of curing on AKD sizing is explained in terms of melting of size molecules and their spreading over pulp fiber surfaces.
Novel Non-ionic Polymeric Flocculants for Mechanical Pulps: An Overview
Authors:   Paper Science Department, UMIST, Manchester, UK, Xiao Huining , Pelton Robert ,   McMaster Centre for Pulp and Paper Research, Department of Chemical Engineering McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Hamielec Archie ,   McMaster Centre for Pulp and Paper Research, Department of Chemical Engineering McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Published: March 2024

Novel comb copolymer with long polyacrylamide backbones bearing very short polyethylene glycol (PEG) pendant chains were prepared by the free-radical copolymerisation of acrylamide (AM) and PEG acrylate macromonomers. The copolymers are effective retention aids for mechanical pulps in retaining fines and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). The optimum copolymer stricture had a molecular weight greater than 3 million and contained 0.5 – 1 .0 % of PEG pendant chains with 9 to 23 polyether repeat units. The retention of fines induced by copolymer/phenolic resin (PFR) dual-polymer system follows the mechanism called “complex bridging flocculation” . According to this mechanism, the copolymer molecules aggregate in the presence of PFR to form a colloidal dispersed polymer complex which hetero-flocculates with fine particles. The interpolymer complex formation were experimentally observed through precipitate isotherms measurement, dynamic viscosity measurement and fluorescent microscopy.
A Model for the Retention of Particles in Evolving Fibre Networks
Authors:   Department of Paper Science, UMIST, PO Box 88, Manchester, UK, Dodson C.T.J. , Sampson W. W. ,   Department of Paper Science, UMIST, PO Box 88, Manchester, UK
Published: March 2024

A model is presented for the entrapment of a distribution of particles by a distribution of pores. The fraction of particles retained and their distribution of sizes can be calculated for evolving and static porous structures. For evolving structures the change in distribution and fractional retention through the structure can be calculated. Also, the variance in these parameters between zones in the plane of the sheet can be calculated. The agreement between the theory and experimental data is good . The theory has relevance to the retention of fillers and fines in the papermaking process and to more general problems of stochastic porous media.
Local Orientation of Flocs in Paper
Authors:   Technische Hochschule Darmstadt, Institut fur Papierfabrikation, Praast Hermarin , Göttsching Lothar ,   Technische Hochschule Darmstadt, Institut fur Papierfabrikation
Published: March 2024

So far little attention has been paid to the orientation of flocs in paper sheets. It can be measured by means of an image analyser and the two-dimensional Fourier transform. The principal direction in the power spectrum of a paper in transmitted light is a measure of the floc orientation. It can be shown that the coefficient of correlation between fibre orientation (Lippke – Tester) and floc orientation amounts on average to 0.7, when profiles across the web are taken into account. Papers, particularly those which are made on hybrid formers, show a two-sidedness concerning floc orientation and anisotropy . The orientation has no significant effect on the uniformity of formation but determines the orientation of cockles. The power spectrum of the local orientation of a paper seems to be very useful in the detection of deterministic variations in orientation, which are invisible in light transmission images.
Challenges of the modernization and industrialization of the manufacture of Ndop fabric from Cameroon
Authors: Appolinaire Kaji
Published: March 2024

The Ndop fabric is part of the material witnesses of Cameroonian living culture like the Faso Dan Fani of Burkina Faso, like the shuka of the Massai of Kenya and Tanzania. These symbolic fabrics have a highly significant cultural and heritage dimension in their community. The promotion of these traditional African garments and the modernization of ancestral manufacturing techniques have for several decades contributed to the development of the continent's textile industry. The proliferation of ancient and modern traditional styles testifies the impact of the industrialization of the sector on the economy and on local cultures. These transformations certainly bring added value to the economy, but they have a strong impact on the value and cultural dimension of the fabric. In a global context where it is necessary to develop this sector of the local African textile industry, it is necessary to find means and possibilities which promote the emergence of African fashion by giving pride of place to the conservation and preservation of originality of these fabrics which are elements of the national cultural heritage. The decline in the symbolic and cultural value of these fabrics prompts profound reflections on the manner and means of its production and of its current use.
Trend forecasting and its prospects in Bangladesh RMG industry
Authors: Alam Mohammed Shamsul , Himel Adnan Arifin , Rahman Nabinur , Nayem Nafi Uz Zaman , Resvy Md Yeasin Ullah , Shovon Salman Sakib , Hasan Mohammad Mainul
Published: March 2024

To predict the future of RMG business in Bangladesh, trend forecasting analyzes both previous and current fashion trends as well as consumer behavior. Manufacturers and designers can use this data to learn important information about the types of designs, colors and materials that customers will want in the coming months. This information can be used to inform strategic manufacturing and design choices that can increase sales and profitability. The trend forecast outlook in RMG industry in Bangladesh is positive. Attractive clothing is in great demand due to the size and ever-increasing number of fashion-conscious consumers. Additionally, it is the second largest RMG industry worldwide and is still growing rapidly; consequently. To be competitive and meet client expectations, producers and designers must be able to accurately predict trends. Sustainability is an important issue for RMG sector in Bangladesh. To address this, trend forecasting identifies eco-friendly products, processes and designs that may become popular in the near future. Using sustainable techniques minimizes both their social duties and environmental damage. Excellent potential exists in the RMG sector of Bangladesh for trend forecasting. It can help manufacturers and designers stay competitive, meet their consumers' expectations, and move toward more eco-friendly practices by providing analytical insights into purchasing patterns and recent trends.
Altered Mental Status and Cardiac Failure Due to Thiamine Deficiency in an Overweight Teen
Authors: Slagle Brittany M. , Meece Trevor , Foster Claire , Campbell Andrew , Tong Lauren , Drake Paul
Published: March 2024

We describe an overweight but otherwise previously healthy 17-year-old female who presented with altered mental status and rapidly progressive weakness. She was ultimately diagnosed with Wernicke encephalopathy and wet beriberi resulting from severe thiamine deficiency. She required admission to the pediatric ICU because of hypoventilation with progressive weakness and worsening encephalopathy and was found to have impaired cardiac function as assessed by echocardiography. Her heart function and encephalopathy improved on initiation of thiamine repletion. She remained in inpatient rehabilitation for 10 months but still remained weak at discharge. Thiamine deficiency is not commonly considered in the United States as a diagnosis other than in patients with severe alcohol use disorder. However, thiamine may be depleted in as little as 2 weeks if nutrition is inadequate. In such a setting, thiamine deficiency is an important etiology to consider early in the pediatric patient with altered mentation especially because it can be readily and safely treated.
Initiation and Up-titration of Guideline-directed Medical Therapy for Patients with Heart Failure: Better, Faster, Stronger!
Authors: Carrizales-Sepúlveda Edgar Francisco , Ordaz-Farías Alejandro , Vargas-Mendoza José Arturo , Vera-Pineda Raymundo , Flores-Ramírez Ramiro
Published: March 2024

Treatment for heart failure has experienced a major revolution in recent years, and current evidence shows that a combination of four medications (angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors + β-blockers + mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists + sodium−glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors) offer the greatest benefit to our patients with significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality, heart failure hospitalisations and all-cause mortality. Unfortunately, despite their proven benefits, the implementation of these therapies is still low. Clinical inertia, and unfounded fear of using these drugs might contribute to this. Recently, evidence from randomised clinical trials has shown that intensive implementation of these therapies in patients with heart failure is safe and effective. In this review, we attempt to tackle some of these misconceptions/fears regarding medical therapy for heart failure and discuss the available evidence showing the best strategies for implementation of these therapies.
Формування Системи індикаторів оцінки потенціалу майбутнього відновлення України
Authors: KOZYR Serhiy
Published: March 2024

Статтю присвячено узагальненню підходів до вимірювання чинників, що формують конкурентоспроможність територій, та виокремлення у загальній системі індикаторів тих, які дають можливість оцінити потенціал майбутнього відновлення України. Автором визначено, що конкурентоспроможність територій як категорія характеризується такими ознаками, як порівнянність, комплексність, інтегрованість, відносність. В роботі порівнюються складові розрахунку інтегральних показників конкурентоспроможності країн, міст та територій, зокрема Індексу глобальної конкурентоспроможності; Міжнародного рейтингу глобальних міст, Індексу економічної свободи, Індексу людського розвитку. Автором зроблено висновок, що для методологій вимірювання проаналізованих індексів характерними є спільні сфери аналізу базових показників, що характеризують стан чинників формування конкурентоспроможності – це показники якості інститутів врядування; макроекономічної стабільності; розвитку людського потенціалу; ефективності ринків; фінансового та інноваційного потенціалу. В той же час новітні підходи міжнародних організацій та рейтингових агентств до оцінки майбутнього потенціалу країн, готовності їх до відродження після криз, трансформацій до нової економіки, прогнозу майбутнього потенціалу місту враховують показники довіри громадян до інститутів врядування, довгострокове бачення і готовність інститутів врядування до гнучких змін в умовах Четвертої промислової революції; оновлення змісту освіти і довгострокові інвестиції в освіту і науку, готовність до впровадження цифрових технологій, циркулярної економіки, альтернативної енергетики, забезпечення гендерної рівності, різноманіття та інклюзивної. Проведений аналіз, позиції України в міжнародних рейтингах оцінки конкурентоспроможності країн та міст значно знизилися на тлі війни. Автором виокремлено у загальній системі індикаторів оцінки конкурентоспроможності тих, які дають можливість сформувати потенціал майбутнього відновлення України на основі принципів сталого розвитку та забезпечення конкурентного лідерства в Індустрії 4.0. та 5.0.