bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sgrgan: sketch-guided restoration for traditional Chinese landscape paintings
Authors: Hu Qiyao , Huang Weilu , Luo Yinyin , Cao Rui , Peng Xianlin , Peng Jinye , Fan Jianping
Published: May 2024

Image restoration is a prominent field of research in computer vision. Restoring broken paintings, especially ancient Chinese artworks, is a significant challenge for current restoration models. The difficulty lies in realistically reinstating the intricate and delicate textures inherent in the original pieces. This process requires preserving the unique style and artistic characteristics of the ancient Chinese paintings. To enhance the effectiveness of restoring and preserving traditional Chinese paintings, this paper presents a framework called Sketch-Guided Restoration Generative Adversarial Network, termd SGRGAN. The framework employs sketch images as structural priors, providing essential information for the restoration process. Additionally, a novel Focal block is proposed to enhance the fusion and interaction of textural and structural elements. It is noteworthy that a BiSCCFormer block, incorporating a Bi-level routing attention mechanism, is devised to comprehensively grasp the structural and semantic details of the image, including its contours and layout. Extensive experiments and ablation studies on MaskCLP and Mural datasets demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method over previous state-of-the-art methods. Specifically, the model demonstrates outstanding visual fidelity, particularly in the restoration of landscape paintings. This further underscores its efficacy and universality in the realm of cultural heritage preservation and restoration.
Exploring the potential of nanomaterials (NMs) as diagnostic tools and disease resistance for crop pathogens
Authors: Jabran Muhammad , Ali Muhammad Amjad , Muzammil Saima , Zahoor Adil , Ali Faizan , Hussain Sarfaraz , Muhae-Ud-Din Ghulam , Ijaz Munazza , Gao Li
Published: May 2024

Food crops are attacked by microbial pathogens and insect pests, leading to significant yield reductions and economic losses. Conventional disease diagnosis and management approaches often fail to provide rapid and eco-friendly solutions. In the current situation, nanomaterials (NMs) serve a valuable role in both managing emerging pathogens and monitoring overall plant health. Nanotechnology has transformed the biotechnology industry including agriculture with specific applications such as nano-fungicides, nano-bactericides, and nano-pesticides. This review focuses on the use of various nanomaterials, including inorganic materials such as Ag, ZnO, CuO, and CeO, as well as carbon-based nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, and nano-capsules. The application of NMs holds the potential to address various challenges in food security through novel applications like advanced nano-biosensors for rapid pathogen detection and targeted disease management strategies. This includes the potential to minimize reliance on chemical inputs and contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices. Nanomaterials (NMs) promise to deliver plant hormones and signaling molecules to plants, enhancing resistance inducers against major crop pathogens. NMs against newly arising pathogens through reactive oxygen generation, membrane damage, and biochemical interference are also reviewed. However, challenges regarding the stability, toxicity, and environmental impacts of NMs are discussed, along with recommendations on green synthesis and functionalization approaches. This article aims to investigate the role of nanomaterials (NMs) in managing emerging pathogens and monitoring overall crop health offering an insightful outlook for future generations. Further biosafety aspects and larger-scale validation of NM-based applications could enable their commercialization for improving global food security.

Graphical Abstract
Connexin channels and hemichannels are modulated differently by charge reversal at residues forming the intracellular pocket
Authors: Villanelo Felipe , Minogue Peter J. , Maripillán Jaime , Reyna-Jeldes Mauricio , Jensen-Flores Joaquin , García Isaac E. , Beyer Eric C. , Pérez-Acle Tomás , Berthoud Viviana M. , Martínez Agustín D.
Published: May 2024

Background

Members of the β-subfamily of connexins contain an intracellular pocket surrounded by amino acid residues from the four transmembrane helices. The presence of this pocket has not previously been investigated in members of the α-, γ-, δ-, and ε-subfamilies. We studied connexin50 (Cx50) as a representative of the α-subfamily, because its structure has been determined and mutations of Cx50 are among the most common genetic causes of congenital cataracts.

Methods

To investigate the presence and function of the intracellular pocket in Cx50 we used molecular dynamics simulation, site-directed mutagenesis, gap junction tracer intercellular transfer, and hemichannel activity detected by electrophysiology and by permeation of charged molecules.

Results

Employing molecular dynamics, we determined the presence of the intracellular pocket in Cx50 hemichannels and identified the amino acids participating in its formation. We utilized site-directed mutagenesis to alter a salt-bridge interaction that supports the intracellular pocket and occurs between two residues highly conserved in the connexin family, R33 and E162. Substitution of opposite charges at either position decreased formation of gap junctional plaques and cell–cell communication and modestly reduced hemichannel currents. Simultaneous charge reversal at these positions produced plaque-forming non-functional gap junction channels with highly active hemichannels.

Conclusions

These results show that interactions within the intracellular pocket influence both gap junction channel and hemichannel functions. Disruption of these interactions may be responsible for diseases associated with mutations at these positions.
Five new unexpected populations of endangered tuco-tuco Ctenomys rionegrensis (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae) help understanding its distribution and historical biogeography
Authors: Zelada Perrone Virginia D. , Tomasco Ivanna H. , Mac Allister Matias E. , Carnovale Cecilia S. , Carmarán Ariel , Caraballo Diego A. , Merino Mariano L. , Fernández Gabriela P.
Published: May 2024

In this study, we conducted a survey of newly discovered populations of tuco-tuco (subterranean rodents of the genus Ctenomys) in the Entre Ríos province, in an area characterized by its unexplored nature and its climatic and biogeographic complexity within Argentina, which includes two National Parks. We characterize the nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome-b gene, revealing the presence of seven novel haplotypes within Ctenomys rionegrensis, a species known to inhabit both sides of the Uruguay River. Through Bayesian analyses, we estimated the divergence times of the oldest lineages of C. rionegrensis, as well as those of the haplotypes located east of the Uruguay River, dating back approximately 630,000 years before present (ybp) and 526,000 ybp, respectively. These estimates correspond with significant paleogeographic events in the region. Our findings may raise questions regarding the taxonomic classification of the species and suggest potential modifications to its current endangered status as designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Consequently, this research provides valuable insights that may inform future revisions of the species' conservation status and guide the development of informed management strategies/policies.
Economical factitious diet for mass rearing of greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: pyralidae), a promising host for entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Suyal Parul , Pandey Renu
Published: May 2024

Background

Greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is most commonly used for mass multiplication of entomopathogenic nematodes. An investigation on economical modification and comparative analysis of factitious diets of G. mellonella was carried out under laboratory conditions. Different diets were assessed in comparison with standard diet.

Results

Modifications based on quantity change of dietary components (wheat flour, maize flour, dry milk, dry yeast, honey and glycerin), addition of vitamin E and vitamin-B complexes, elimination of dry milk and replacement of glycerin with sorbitol showed reduction in the cost of production and increase in food conversion efficiency in G. mellonella. The weight of larva in diet III (303.40 mg) was highest as compared to the larval weight in control diet (280.00mg). The conversion of ingested and digested food into biomass of G. mellonella was the highest for factitious diet III. Also, the highest number of Steinernema abbasi was produced from G. mellonella larvae reared on diet III (25418.43IJs) followed by diet I (21805.31IJs). The economics of the diets also showed that the percent cost reduction in factitious diet III and diet I was 48.86 and 28.85%, respectively. Overall, the results suggested that factitious diet III was superior to diet I followed by diet II.

Conclusion

Addition of supplements of vitamin E and B-complexes enhances the biological activity of the insect, thereby increasing its food conversion efficiencies. Factitious diet III can be successfully used for mass multiplication of the G. mellonella.
GPi/GPe borderland– a potential sweet spot for deep brain stimulation for chorea in Huntington’s disease?
Authors: Steinhardt Julia , Zittel Simone , Tadic Vera , Tronnier Volker , Moll Christian , Bäumer Tobias , Münchau Alexander , Rasche Dirk , Brüggemann Norbert
Published: May 2024

Background

Pallidal deep brain stimulation (GPi-DBS) has been considered as an effective treatment option for medication-refractory Huntington’s disease (HD).

Objectives

To identify stimulation-dependent effects on motor symptoms and to determine if these alterations are associated with the local impact of DBS on different pallidal parcellations.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated the effects of bilateral GPi-DBS within one year in 5 HD patients. We evaluated the effects of GPi-DBS on choreatic symptoms and UHDRS. Electrode placement in the pallidum was localized, and the local impact of DBS was estimated.

Results

The chorea subscore (p < 0.001) and UHDRS total motor score was significantly reduced postoperatively (p = 0.019). Pallidal DBS did not improve other motor symptoms. Activation of the lateral GPi/GPe was associated with improvement in choreatic symptoms (p = 0.048; r = 0.90).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that stimulation of the lateral GPi has a stable effect on choreatic symptoms. The modulation of the electrical field is relevant for motor outcome.
Exploration of different strategies of nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds and their ensuing approaches
Authors: Chowdhury Sailee , Kar Koyel , Mazumder Rana
Published: May 2024

Background

Nanotechnology has gained rapid popularity in many fields, such as food science. The labile bioactive is enclosed in a shield that protects it from harmful environmental factors. It also allows for targeted delivery to specific areas. Bioactive compounds in foods are slowly degraded or can change due to external or internal factors such as oxidation. Innovative technologies and novel edible packaging materials can be used to reduce bioavailability. One promising technology for overcoming the problems above is encapsulation.

The main body of the abstract

Nanostructure systems enhances a number of properties, including resistance to degradation and improvements of physicochemical functions like solubility, stability, and bioavailability, among others as the nanosize increases surface area and, consequently, activity. A recently emerged nanoencapsulation technologies, including electro spraying, nano-fluidics, complex coacervation, electrospinning, polymerization, etc. have been briefly discussed. Different bioactive molecules can be nano encapsulated by absorbing, incorporating, chemically interacting, or dispersing substances into nanocarriers. There have also been other characterization techniques and different physico chemical parameters investigated to evaluate the characteristics of encapsulated bioactives. The current article highlights numerous bioactive substances utilized for nanoencapsulation using cutting-edge methods.

Short conclusion

This review examines how different encapsulating bioactive materials can improve encapsulating films or coatings. The advent of nanotechnology has opened up a wide range of possibilities for the development, design, and formulation of innovative pharmaceuticals. The food and pharmaceutical industry can focus its attention on products that have added value through the various enhancements offered by nanoencapsulation.
Serum sclerostin as a biomarker of disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis in correlation with radiographic imaging
Authors: Sakrana Nouran Medhat Abd El Samad , Badr Nevine Mohamed ElSayed , Hassan Manar Ahmed Azab , Hassan Marwa Ahmed Kamel
Published: May 2024

Background

The wingless signaling pathway of bone development is inhibited by sclerostin, which may contribute to the etiology of ankylosing spondylitis.

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate serum sclerostin levels in ankylosing spondylitis patients and investigate how it correlated with radiographic damage using the Spondylo-arthritis Research Consortium of Canada index (SPARCC), disease activity, and functional impairment.

Results

This cross-sectional case–control study revealed a significantly lower mean serum sclerostin (11.28 ng/ml) in AS patients compared with controls (101.25 ng/ml). Serum sclerostin levels showed a significant negative correlation with each of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) (p = 0.043), sacroiliac joints SPARCC, spine SPARCC, and overall SPARCC scores (p = 0.012, p = 0.036, and p = 0.007). The detection of AS, serum sclerostin levels ≤ 20 ng/ml showed 100% sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion

Serum sclerostin had good discriminating power between ankylosing spondylitis cases and healthy control individuals and was correlated with subclinical activity status on magnetic resonance imaging.
Recovering 3D salt dome by gravity data inversion using ResU-Net++
Authors: Xian Minghao , Xu Zhengwei , Zhdanov Michael S. , Ding Yaming , Wang Rui , Wang Xuben , Li Jun , Zhao Guangdong
Published: May 2024

In geophysical research, gravity-based inversion is essential for identifying geologic anomalies, mapping rock structures, and extracting resources such as oil and minerals. However, traditional gravity inversion methods face challenges, such as the volumetric effects of gravity fields and the management of large complex matrices. Unsupervised learning techniques often struggle with overfitting and interpreting gravity data. This study explores the application of various U-Net-based network architectures in gravity inversion, each offering distinct challenges and advantages. Nested U-Net, although effective, requires a high parameter count, leading to extended training periods. The recurrent residual U-Net’s implicit attention mechanism restricts its dynamic adaptability, whereas the attention U-Net’s lack of residual connections raises concerns about gradient issues. This research comprehensively analyzes the training processes, core functionalities, and module distribution of these networks, including the residual U-Net++. Our synthetic studies compare these networks with traditional focused regularized gravity inversion for reconstructing density anomalies. The results demonstrate that the nested U-Net closely approximates the actual model despite some redundancy. The recurrent residual U-Net indicates an improved alignment with minimal redundancies, and the attention U-Net is effective in density prediction but encounters difficulties in areas of low density. Notably, the residual U-Net++ excels in inversion modeling, achieving the lowest misfit percentage and accurately replicating density values. In practical applications, the residual U-Net++ impressively reconstructs the F2 salt diapir in the Nordkapp Basin with well-defined boundaries that closely match seismic data interpretations. These results underscore the capabilities of the residual U-Net++ in geophysical data analysis, structural reconstruction, and inversion, demonstrating its effectiveness in simulated settings and real-world scenarios.
Reflection, transmission, and AVO response of inhomogeneous plane waves in thermoporoelastic media with two-temperature equations of heat conduction
Authors: Hou Wanting , Fu Li-Yun , Carcione José M.
Published: May 2024

We develop a modified fluid-saturated thermoporoelastic model by introducing two temperature equations to account for the temperature differences between the solid skeleton and the pore filling. The modified two-temperature generalized thermoporoelastic (TTG) equation is an extension of the classical single-temperature Lord-Shulman (LS), Green-Lindsay, and generalized LS theories. It predicts four compressional waves and one shear wave based on the analysis of inhomogeneous plane waves. We study the exact reflection and transmission (R/T) coefficients at the interface separating two thermoporoelastic half-spaces and develop an amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) approximation. Comparison with the Biot poroelastic case of the water/oil contact shows that the TTG model reproduces the exact R/T results. The AVO response of oil, gas, and real CO2 geosequestration reservoirs illustrates the practical applicability of our model and provides the theoretical basis for the exploration of high-temperature resources.
Robust seismic data denoising via self-supervised deep learning
Authors: Li Ji , Trad Daniel , Liu Dawei
Published: May 2024

Seismic data denoising is a critical component of seismic data processing, yet effectively removing erratic noise, characterized by its non-Gaussian distribution and high amplitude, remains a substantial challenge for conventional methods and deep-learning (DL) algorithms. Supervised learning frameworks typically outperform others, but they require pairs of noisy data sets alongside corresponding clean ground truth, which is impractical for real-world seismic data sets. In contrast, unsupervised learning (UL) methods, which do not rely on ground truth during training, often fall short in performance when compared with their supervised or traditional denoising counterparts. Moreover, current unsupervised DL methods fail to address the specific challenges posed by erratic seismic noise adequately. This paper introduces a novel zero-shot unsupervised DL framework designed specifically to mitigate random and erratic noise, with a particular emphasis on blended noise. Drawing inspiration from Noise2Noise (N2N) and data augmentation principles, we develop a robust self-supervised denoising network called robust Noiser2Noiser. Our approach eliminates the need for paired noisy and clean data sets as required by supervised methods or paired noisy data sets as in N2N. Instead, our framework relies solely on the original noisy seismic data set. Our methodology generates two independent recorrupted data sets from the original noisy data set, using one as the input and the other as the training target. Subsequently, we use a DL-based denoiser, denoising convolutional neural network, for training purposes. To address various types of random and erratic noise, the original noisy data set is recorrupted with the same noise type. Detailed explanations for generating training input and target data for blended data are provided. We apply our network to synthetic and real marine data examples, demonstrating significantly improved noise attenuation performance compared with traditional denoising methods and state-of-the-art UL Codes are available on https://github.com/Ji-seismic/N2N_deblending .
The management of patients with predominant negative symptoms in Slovakia: A 1-year longitudinal, prospective, multicentric cohort study
Authors: Dragasek Jozef , Dombi Zsofia Borbala , Acsai Károly , Dzurilla Viktor , Barabássy Ágota
Published: May 2024

Background

Predominant negative symptoms (PNSs) in schizophrenia can affect the patients’ psychosocial functioning immensely and are less responsive to treatment than positive symptoms.

Aims

The aim of the study was to observe negative symptoms and psychosocial functioning in PNS schizophrenia patients and to understand whether PNS can be improved and with what treatment strategies.

Methods

This was a 1-year, prospective, multicentric cohort study conducted in Slovakia. Adult outpatients with diagnosis of schizophrenia according to ICD-10 and PNS evaluated using the criteria by the European Psychiatric Association’s (EPA) guidance were included. Change in negative symptoms, functionality, and treatment patterns were observed. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated using the modified Short Assessment of Negative Domain (m-SAND), the Self-evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS) scale, the Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale, and the Clinical Global Impression – Severity (CGI-S) and the Clinical Global Impression – Improvement (CGI-I) scales. Least-squares (LS) means were calculated for the change from baseline to final visit for the outcomes.

Results

The study included 188 patients. Functionality improved as, by the end of the study, fewer patients were unemployed (53%) and more worked occasionally (21%). PNS improved significantly according to both physicians and patients (LS mean change from baseline in m-SAND total score: -10.0 (p-value <0.0001)). Most patients received polytherapy throughout the study. Cariprazine was utilized most (20% monotherapy and 76% polytherapy). Only a few patients discontinued treatment due to adverse drug reactions.

Conclusions

With the right treatment strategy, it is possible to achieve improvement in PNS and everyday functioning in schizophrenia outpatients.
Navigating the Complexities of Brain Metastases Management
Authors: Amouzegar Afsaneh , Haig Shannon , Kahn Adriana M. , Tawbi Hussein A. , Jones Joshua A. , Goldberg Sarah B.
Published: May 2024

The management of brain metastases, a potentially devastating complication of advanced cancers, has become increasingly complex with advancements in local and systemic therapies. Improved outcomes and extended survival for patients with metastatic solid tumors have led to a surge in the prevalence and possibly incidence of brain metastases, affecting up to 40% of individuals with solid tumors. Enhanced imaging technologies contribute to more accurate and early detection, shaping the understanding of the intricate landscape of this condition. Traditionally, surgery and radiation stood as the mainstays of treatment because of the limited efficacy of systemic therapies within the brain. However, emerging clinical data, particularly in melanoma, lung, and breast cancers, reveal promising results with novel systemic treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Despite the historical exclusion of patients with active brain metastases from clinical trials, a shift is occurring toward a more inclusive approach. This chapter delves into the multifaceted challenges associated with managing brain metastases, with a focus on the evolving landscape of systemic approaches as well as the intricacies of shared decision making, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions in navigating the complexities of brain metastases management.
Soluble CD14 and Incident Diabetes Risk: The REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study
Authors: Cruden Kaileen , Wilkinson Katherine , Mukaz Debora Kamin , Plante Timothy B , Zakai Neil A , Long D Leann , Cushman Mary , Olson Nels C
Published: May 2024

Context

Soluble CD14 (sCD14) is an inflammation biomarker with higher concentrations in White than Black adults. Higher sCD14 is seen in insulin resistance and diabetes. There are limited data on the relationship between sCD14 and incident diabetes.

Objective

To determine the association of sCD14 with incident diabetes risk in a large biracial US cohort and evaluate whether relationships differ by race.

Design

This study included 3401 Black and White participants from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study without baseline diabetes who completed baseline and follow-up in-home visits. Modified Poisson regression models estimated risk ratios (RR) of incident diabetes per 1-SD increment sCD14, with adjustment for risk factors. A sCD14-by-race interaction evaluated whether associations differed by race.

Results

There were 460 cases of incident diabetes over a mean 9.5 years of follow-up. The association of sCD14 with diabetes differed by race (P for interaction < .09). Stratifying by race, adjusting for age, sex, and region, higher sCD14 was associated with incident diabetes in White (RR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.33) but not Black participants (RR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.08). In models adjusted for clinical and sociodemographic diabetes risk factors, the association was attenuated among White participants (RR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.28) and remained null among Black participants (RR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.80, 1.01).

Conclusion

sCD14 was associated with incident diabetes risk in White but not Black adults, but this association was explained by diabetes risk factors.
Estimating 1a0 and 4a1 in a Life Table: A Model Approach Based on Newly Collected Data
Authors: Romero-Prieto Julio , Verhulst Andrea , Guillot Michel
Published: May 2024

The average age of infant deaths, a10, and the average number of years lived—in the age interval—by those dying between ages 1 and 5, a41, are important quantities allowing the construction of any life table including these ages. In many applications, the direct calculation of these parameters is not possible, so they are estimated using the infant mortality rate—or the death rate from 0 to 1—as a predictor. Existing methods are general approximations that do not consider the full variability in the age patterns of mortality below the age of 5. However, at the same level of mortality, under-five deaths can be more or less concentrated during the first weeks and months of life, thus resulting in very different values of a10 and a41. This article proposes an indirect estimation of these parameters by using a recently developed model of under-five mortality and taking advantage of a new, comprehensive database by detailed age—which is used for validation. The model adapts to a variety of inputs (e.g., rates, probabilities, or the proportion of deaths by sex or for both sexes combined), providing more flexibility for the users and increasing the precision of the estimates. This fresh perspective consolidates a new method that outperforms all previous approaches.
Flow Diversion Effect in a Saphenous Vein Graft Aneurysm Using a Double-Layer Micromesh Stent: A Case Report
Authors: Dobashi Kazumasa , Akamatsu Yosuke , Yoshida Jun , Chida Kohei , Koji Takahiro , Mori Futoshi , Yoshida Kenji , Kubo Yoshitaka , Sasaki Makoto , Ogasawara Kuniaki
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

A double-layer micromesh stent is designed for the treatment of carotid artery stenosis that has been reported to potentially provide a flow diversion effect. However, the actual flow diversion effect of stents remains unclear. Here, we present a case of a growing saphenous vein graft (SVG) aneurysm treated with the placement of the double-layer micromesh stent using its flow diversion effect.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 66-year-old woman, who underwent high-flow bypass using a SVG for a blister-like internal carotid artery aneurysm 13 years earlier at our institute, was referred to our hospital with a pulsatile cervical mass. Magnetic resonance angiography showed a 9-mm aneurysm on the left SVG, although the aneurysm was a small pouch 4 years earlier. Digital subtracted angiography demonstrated a 9.4 × 8.3-mm aneurysm from the SVG at the auricular level. Because the diameter of the graft was larger than that of the available flow diverter stents in Japan, we decided to place the double-layer micromesh stent (CASPER RX, 7 × 25 mm MicroVention) using its flow diversion effect. Computational fluid dynamics analysis before and after stent deployment showed a significant reduction in the average flow velocity and wall shear stress in the aneurysm, indicating actual flow diversion. An angiogram 2 months postoperatively showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm.

CONCLUSION:

Obliteration of the saphenous vein aneurysm was achieved because of the flow diversion effect of the double-layer micromesh stent. The stents might be a feasible alternative for treating cervical carotid aneurysms.
The Gender Wage Gap: Skills, Sorting, and Returns
Authors: Humphries John Eric , Joensen Juanna Schrøter , Veramendi Gregory F.
Published: May 2024

There is a large gender wage gap among college graduates. This gender gap could be partially driven by differences in college major and prior skills. We use Swedish register data to study how much of the gender gap can be explained by differences in majors, skills, and skill prices. College majors explain 60 percent of the gender wage gap, but large gaps remain within majors. We find that within-major wage gaps are driven by neither differences in multidimensional skills nor returns to these skills. In fact, women are positively selected in terms of college preparation and skills in almost every major.
LGBTQ+ Homeownership in the United States
Authors: Kent Ana H. , Scott Sophia C.
Published: May 2024

LGBTQ+ adults had a lower homeownership rate (53 percent) than non-LGBTQ+ adults (72.5 percent). Looking at LGBTQ+ subgroups by sexual orientation and gender identity revealed important nuances. Transgender people and bisexual people had the lowest homeownership rates. Lesbian cis women had a higher rate of homeownership than gay cis men, whereas in other sexual orientation groups cis men had higher rates than cis women. Transgender people of all sexual orientations, except straight, were between 6 and 12 percentage points less likely to own a home than straight cis men, and lesbian cis women were 4 percentage points less likely.
Affordability of Owner-Occupied Housing across US Cities
Authors: Diamond Rebecca , Diamond William
Published: May 2024

This paper compares the affordability of owner-occupied housing across US cities. We apply a new method for imputing the rental value of owner-occupied housing developed in Diamond and Diamond (2024) that accounts for unobserved house quality. On average, the rental value of owner-occupied housing is 3.2 percent above that implied by standard hedonic methods. Hedonic methods overestimate rental value of owner-occupied housing in the most regulated cities and sharply underestimate it in the least regulated cities. We provide suggestive evidence that this heterogeneity reflects misallocation, where high-quality housing stock cannot be built in the most desirable parts of regulated cities.
Will Wealth Weaken Weather Wars?
Authors: Burke Marshall , Ferguson Joel , Hsiang Solomon , Miguel Edward
Published: May 2024

This study estimates the moderating impact of economic development on climate-conflict linkages during 1989-2019 in Africa, the world region that in recent decades has experienced the most armed conflict. We build a spatially disaggregated dataset that merges multiple decades of georeferenced data on climate shocks and conflict events with both local- and national-level measures of economic development to help shed light on the relative importance of local opportunity costs versus state capacity. We find that higher national GDP per capita greatly dampens the conflict risk associated with higher temperatures, suggesting that enhanced state capacity is a key factor.
Air Pollution and Mental Health: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Shuai , Oliva Paulina , Zhang Peng
Published: May 2024

We estimate the short-run effect of air pollution on mental illness. Using the China Family Panel Studies covering 12,615 urban residents during 2014-2015, we find a significantly positive effect of air pollution-instrumented by thermal inversions—on mental illness measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Specifically, a 1 SD (18.04 mu-g/m3) increase in PM2.5 concentrations over a month increases the probability of having a score value associated with severe mental illness by 7.58 percentage points, or 0.37 SD. We find suggestive evidence that indirect channels—like reduced exercise and physical health—play a role in the effect.
A Simple Model of Corporate Tax Incidence
Authors: Swonder Dustin , Vergara Damián
Published: May 2024

We analyze the incidence of a linear corporate tax using a simple and portable competitive general equilibrium model in which capital owners choose to invest either in domestic production or a foreign investment opportunity and workers make extensive margin labor supply decisions. Our analysis explores the effect of corporate taxation on wages, employment, domestic profits, and domestic investment. Analytical results and numerical simulations generate insights in line with recent empirical evidence on corporate tax incidence: the burden of the corporate tax is shared between workers and firms, with larger responses among more capital-intensive firms.
Solar retinopathy related to antidepressant use in a patient with major depressive disorder: a case report
Authors: Cheon Eun-Jin
Published: May 2024

This case report is a unique case of solar retinopathy following antidepressant-induced mydriasis and highlights the need for comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation in patients treated with medications having mydriatic effects. A 49-year-old female patient who had received long-term antidepressant therapy presented with bilateral visual impairment after prolonged sun exposure. Fundoscopy confirmed solar retinopathy, which was attributed to drug-induced mydriasis. Medication adjustments and sun protection strategies led to full visual recovery, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary awareness. This case emphasizes the challenges associated with the simultaneous management of psychiatric and ophthalmic conditions and highlights the need for routine ophthalmic evaluation of patients prescribed antidepressants with reported ocular side effects.
Ultraviolet-Protective Clothing and Sunscreen: Sun-Protection for Healthy Skin
Authors: Sieniawska Daria , Proszowska Patrycja , Madoń Magda , Kotowicz Zuzanna , Orzeł Adrianna , Pich-Czekierda Aleksandra , Sieniawska Julia
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun poses numerous risks to the skin, ranging from premature aging to serious health conditions such as skin cancer. UV radiation can penetrate the skin's surface, causing damage to its cells and DNA, which can lead to the formation of wrinkles, sunspots, and other signs of aging. Therefore, consistent and effective sun protection is essential for maintaining the health and vitality of the skin, as well as reducing the risk of sun-related skin damage and diseases.
Aim of the study
The objective of the study is to conduct a thorough investigation into different aspects of photoprotection and its effects on the skin. This entails assessing the effectiveness and safety of sunscreens, as well as evaluating the impact of sun-protection clothing on skin health.
Materials and methods
The purpose of this review is to assess the current literature of the effectiveness of the various sun protection measures. The literature was reviewed in the Pubmed, Google Scholar data base.
Results
Prolonged UV exposure incites photoaging, carcinogenesis, and immunosuppression, amplifying the risk of skin malignancies. Sun-protective clothing, with adequate UPF ratings, emerges as a pivotal element in mitigating UV-induced skin damage, notably reducing the development of pigmented moles and melanoma. Furthermore, effective sunscreen usage, coupled with broad-spectrum protection, is essential in averting UV-induced skin damage and curbing the incidence of skin cancer. These findings emphasize the imperative of comprehensive photoprotection strategies, integrating sunscreen application, sun-protective clothing, and individual risk assessment, to safeguard against solar-induced skin damage and mitigate the prevalence of skin cancer.
Marchar y militar: vínculos sociales en el Frente Amplio chileno en contexto latinoamericano (2017-2023)
Authors: Orrego Juan Pablo
Published: May 2024

Este artículo busca explicar por qué el Frente Amplio chileno no ha logrado consolidar vínculos establescon los principales movimientos sociales del país, a pesar de haber emergido en un contexto de movilización social. Secundariamente, se busca contextualizar el caso del Frente Amplio en el marco latinoamericano a través de casos paradigmáticos de partidos que han logrado desarrollar y mantener vínculos con organizaciones sociales. El artículo aborda cuatro posibles explicaciones: el carácter autónomo y apartidista de la movilización social; el rápido y costoso acceso de la coalición a la institucionalidad; la consolidación de una estructura organizacional menos abierta a la influencia deorganizaciones sociales; y, de manera transversal, la disposición adoptada por el conglomerado en momentos clave de su trayectoria hacia la sociedad civil organizada. El artículo concluye destacando la importancia tanto de factores contextuales como de explicaciones asociadas a la agencia de los partidos.
Ciberseguridad empresarial: parte esencial del ADN de la transformación digital de las organizaciones
Authors: Cano M. Jeimy J. , Saucedo Meza Gabriela María
Published: May 2024

este capítulo explora los retos de la ciberseguridad empresarial articulados desde el proceso de transformación digital de las empresas como una parte esencial de su ADN digital. Se inicia con un análisis de los conceptos asociados con la densidad digital y los ciberriesgos, para luego entrar, en detalle, en los fundamentos de la ciberseguridad empresarial, con lo cual se busca concretar una nueva distinción corporativa clave para las organizaciones, como la confianza digital. En relación con esta última distinción (confianza digital), la ciberseguridad empresarial y la transformación digital encuentran un camino convergente, donde los beneficios de esta conjunción se ven reflejados en la protección de la promesa de valor del cliente y la consolidación estratégica de la empresa en el contexto digital.
O papel social da pessoa idosa:
Authors: Feitosa de Carvalho Pedrozo Gonçalves Monica , Barreto Moraes Mário César , Betencourt da Câmara Stella Margarida
Published: May 2024

O presente estudo tem como objetivo compreender como a teoria crítica do envelhecimento pode contribuir para as reflexões sobre o papel social da pessoa idosa. A abordagem metodológica utilizada na pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e descritiva. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi desenvolvida por meio de uma revisão de literatura integrativa. O estudo possibilitou algumas reflexões sob as lentes da teoria crítica do envelhecimento e o papel social da pessoa idosa, a partir da ancoragem na subjetivação e no olhar direcionado aos processos individuais e históricos lançados sobre o fenômeno. Em que pese a subjetivação que a teoria crítica do envelhecimento apresenta, é possível concluir que a contribuição principal da referida teoria para os estudos sobre envelhecimento e velhice está pautada na proposição de uma abordagem humanística, voltada para a heterogeneidade e as particularidades que toda e qualquer pessoa possui e de igual forma, a pessoa idosa.
A Agenda 2030 para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável (2015) e o Marco de Ação de Marraquexe (2022):
Authors: Teixeira de Oliveira Rogerio , Rodrigues Cova Marcia Cristina
Published: May 2024

A pesquisa buscou realizar uma análise sobre a política internacional de educação de jovens e adultos, a partir da Agenda 2030 para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável da ONU elaborado em 2015, que teve a Unesco como organismo responsável no âmbito da educação. O outro documento analisado foi Marco de Ação de Marraquexe, produto final da Conferência Internacional de Educação de Adultos (Confintea VII) realizada em 2022 no Marrocos. Para tanto, a pesquisa foi estruturada de modo qualitativo e utilizou revisão bibliográfica e análise documental. O estudo demonstrou que a política internacional de educação de jovens e adultos apresenta contradições, intenções de avanços, estagnações, propõe consensos, não aponta para ruptura do modo de produção capitalista, mas insiste em equacionar desigualdades, inerentes ao próprio capitalismo, que atravessam os sujeitos por ela atendidos. Ainda assim, entendemos serem as Confinteas espaços políticos fundamentais para avançarmos na efetivação da educação de jovens e adultos como direito de todas e todos.
A presença da (de)colonialidade na educação de pessoas jovens, adultas e idosas
Authors: Zanon Alonso Ana Luísa , Eiterer Carmem Lúcia
Published: May 2024

O artigo apresenta parte dos dados de uma pesquisa de mestrado de natureza qualitativa, que teve como metodologia o desenvolvimento de oficinas de narrativas orais e escritas autobiográficas. Discute-se a relação entre os saberes de si e do mundo construídos ao longo da vida por educandos da educação de jovens e adultos (EJA) e suas experiências e aprendizagens escolares. Demonstra-se como esse campo da educação básica pode se revelar uma consequência do projeto colonial que, nos tempos atuais, ainda se mantém presente. A fim de desenvolver a pesquisa, coletaram-se e analisaram-se narrativas orais e escritas de um grupo de estudantes adultos e idosos em processo de escolarização. Seus relatos deixaram ver manifestas interseções entre colonialidade e raça, classe, gênero e educação escolar. A pesquisa reforçou a urgência de considerar caminhos alternativos para a educação de pessoas jovens, adultas e idosas em perspectiva intercultural e emancipatória.
Aprender ao longo da vida —
Authors: Paiva Jane , Del Carmen Lorenzatti María , Gasse Stéphanie
Published: May 2024

O que pode significar, na contemporaneidade, o direito à educação de jovens, adultos e idosos? É direito de todos? Qual a relação entre educação como direito social, político, subjetivo e educação como direito humano fundamental? Como se constituem (inter)faces do aprender em processos educativos? O que significa direito à educação diante de questões / problemáticas de responsabilidade social e ambiental: educação no pluralismo e na diversidade; respeito a diferenças — de gênero, etárias, étnico-raciais; educação intercultural; educação e desenvolvimento sustentável; educação, conhecimento local e saberes endógenos; educação inclusiva? Fundamentos para pensar políticas de educação interseccionais para jovens, adultos e idosos — de gênero, antirracistas, sem etarismo, não transfóbicas, não xenofóbicas, de não violência etc. — interculturais, saudáveis, humanizadoras voltadas a pessoas com conhecimentos e saberes e que aprendem ao longo da vida. Formação cultural, política, humana e educação. Direito à educação em contextos plurais e currículos emancipatórios.
Avaliação da aprendizagem de alunos com deficiência intelectual:
Authors: Corrêa Márcia de Fátima Barbosa , Oliveira Anna Augusta Sampaio de
Published: May 2024

A avaliação da aprendizagem, embora bastante discutida conceitualmente, não tem se apresentado como forma de superação de seus significados relacionados à classificação, seleção ou geração de dados estatísticos, mesmo diante da perspectiva inclusiva e, de forma particular, em relação à aprendizagem de alunos com deficiência intelectual. Neste artigo, tem-se como objetivo analisar a organização educacional e pedagógica de Porto Velho e Cacoal, em Rondônia, prevista ou não para a avaliação da aprendizagem de alunos com deficiência intelectual, a partir do exame dos documentos disponíveis. Para tanto, fez-se uso de pesquisa documental de fontes primárias. Os resultados apontaram que não há arranjos educacionais, em nível municipal, no que concerne à orientação da processualidade da avaliação da aprendizagem de alunos com deficiência intelectual. Estes municípios seguem a legislação nacional e documentos orientadores da política educacional no âmbito da educação especial, sem diretrizes mais objetivas, apenas apontando que esta deve ser contínua e cumulativa. Considerando a legislação que prevê a descentralização da gestão pública municipal relativa ao seu sistema educacional, para que as ações intersetoriais possam atender à necessidade local de maneira efetiva e democrática, constatou-se que a política municipal não evidencia em seus documentos a autonomia prevista na legislação nacional para atuação local.
O ensino de ciências no Bloco Inicial de Alfabetização:
Authors: Maria Clara Chagas  , Nunes Guilherme da Silveira , Pedreira Ana Júlia Lemos Alves
Published: May 2024

Os anos iniciais do ensino fundamental marcam o primeiro contato que os estudantes possuem com conteúdos específicos de Ciências e o primeiro passo para o letramento científico definido pela Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC). Alguns professores apresentam inseguranças relativas à abordagem dos conteúdos científicos que afetam o desenvolvimento de sua prática, podendo essa insegurança estar relacionada a sua formação generalista. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a visão de professores do Bloco Inicial de Alfabetização sobre a importância do ensino de Ciências de uma escola do Distrito Federal. Um questionário foi respondido por nove professoras, sendo as respostas analisadas a partir da metodologia de análise temática. Encontramos que uma parte das professoras consideraram ter uma certa dificuldade em abordar conteúdos de Ciências, mas relataram uma boa frequência de atividades práticas e de métodos relevantes para proporcionar a aprendizagem efetiva discutida em documentos como a BNCC e o Currículo em Movimento do Distrito Federal. Ademais, as professoras consideraram o ensino de Ciências importante no Bloco Inicial de Alfabetização, principalmente na formação de um cidadão crítico e no desenvolvimento da relação eu-ambiente, além de apresentarem uma atividade pedagógica em concordância com o que é discutido na literatura como importante para o ensino de Ciências.
Projeto Plenarinha na educação infantil:
Authors: Hunh Isabel Cristina Gonzaga de Oliveira , Voltarelli Monique Aparecida
Published: May 2024

Geralmente, projetos desenvolvidos junto às crianças da educação infantil partem do planejamento da própria instituição educativa, fruto do seu projeto político-pedagógico e/ou reuniões pedagógicas. Neste artigo, o projeto em questão, Projeto Plenarinha, é proposto pela Secretaria de Estado de Educação do Distrito Federal (SEEDF) às instituições de educação infantil do Distrito Federal e, o que apresentaremos é fruto de uma pesquisa cujos objetivos eram analisar a participação das crianças, bem como os desafios e as possibilidades que permeavam esta prática pedagógica; verificar a compreensão docente acerca do Projeto; investigar a ação pedagógica relacionada ao desenvolvimento do Projeto e, ainda,  identificar se as possibilidades participativas das crianças relacionadas ao Projeto Plenarinha durante sua execução eram efetivas em uma instituição de educação infantil do Distrito Federal. Utilizou-se como instrumento de coleta de dados observação participante, registro em diário de campo, desenhos, fotos, gravação de voz e análise documental. Com base na análise dos dados que surgiram durante a pesquisa, refletiu-se a participação infantil a partir de três eixos: atividades relacionadas à Plenarinha; a roda de conversa e a escuta da criança; sendo que para este artigo o recorte para análise refere-se ao eixo “a roda de conversa”.
Investment in nursing reaps rewards
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: May 2024

Sam Foster, Executive Director of Professional Practice, Nursing and Midwifery Council, considers the potential of nurses to improve their local health systems and, through those, the societies in which they live