bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral cortical thinning in Parkinson’s disease depends on the age of onset
Authors: Seo Kazuhide , Matunari Ichiro , Yamamoto Toshimasa
Published: February 2023

Patients with older-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD) have more severe motor symptoms, faster progression, and a worse prognosis. The thinning of the cerebral cortex is one of the causes of these issues. Patients with older-onset PD manifest more extended neurodegeneration associated with α-synuclein deposition in the cerebral cortex; however, the cortical regions that undergo thinning are unclear. We aimed to identify cortical regions with different thinning depending on the age of onset in patients with PD. Sixty-two patients with PD were included in this study. Patients with PD onset at <63 years old were included in the early or middle-onset PD group, and those with PD onset at >63 years old were included in the late-onset PD (LOPD) group. Brain magnetic resonance imaging data of these patients were processed using FreeSurfer to measure their cortical thickness. The LOPD group displayed less cortical thickness in the superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, temporal pole, paracentral lobule, superior parietal lobule, precuneus, and occipital lobe than the early or middle-onset PD group. Compared with patients with early and middle-onset PD, elderly patients displayed extended cortical thinning with disease progression. Differences in the clinical manifestations of PD according to the age of onset were partly due to variations in the morphological changes in the brain.
A review on the evolution of methods for intestinal in vitro organ culture and its application in veterinary science
Authors: Cortez Barbara Ribeiro de Souza , Guedes Roberto Maurício Carvalho
Published: February 2023

Different techniques have been reported in studies of intestinal in vitro organ culture (IVOC). A robust compilation of all available methods is lacking in the literature, making it difficult to choose a method that corresponds to the study's demands. In this review, readers can assess the most available methods, allowing them to evaluate which is more suitable for their purposes and requirements. A simplified view of culturing intestinal explants is presented, highlighting the approachability of IVOC. Relevant findings from diverse veterinarian studies, where explants played a major role, as well as the technique used in each, are described to illustrate its applications. Finally, the strengths and limitations of the innovative intestinal IVOC methods are discussed. This review provides a collection of methods for intestinal explant culture and their possible applications in veterinary research. In this way, it aims to broaden access to IVOC techniques and aid decision-making regarding the best suited for a study's purposes.
An Extreme Vocal Program to be Enjoyed with the Eyes
Authors: Cantore Attilio
Published: February 2023

In the following pages, I aim to explain the key organizational phases of the 30. Festival Internazionale di Musica Contemporanea ('30th International Festival of Contemporary Music') held in Venice in 1967. The major objective of my report is to highlight the most relevant concert, which was titled »triomphe conjugal« ('marital triumph'). I shall offer an account of Berberian's recital (11 September), retracing the birth and the reception of this one-woman show through official documents, newspaper articles and private correspondence. It was a very revolutionary recital, especially according to the Italian audience.
Die Krise in der Krise
Authors: Ruin Sebastian , Baumgärtner Jana , Kreinbucher-Bekerle Christoph
Published: February 2023

Bewegung, Spiel und Sport werden in der Sportpädagogik als ästhetischer Erfahrungsraum gesehen, der neben einer individuell körperlich-leiblichen Entwicklung Möglichkeiten zur bewussten Irritation des Handlungsvermögens und zudem Potenziale bzgl. sozialer Entwicklung und des Zusammenhalts bietet. Vor dem Hintergrund eingeschränkter Sport- und Bewegungsmöglichkeiten während der Corona-Krise erscheinen diese pädagogischen Werte sportlichen Handelns diskussionswürdig. In der Pandemie gerieten diese Potenziale in den Hintergrund und es rückte eine medizinisch-naturwissenschaftlich ausgerichtete Gesundheitsförderung ins Zentrum. Der Beitrag arbeitet aus einer sozialtheoretisch- pädagogischen Perspektive heraus, dass und wie die produktive krisenhafte Erfahrung gegenwärtig in der Krise ist - in besonderer Weise für Heranwachsende in benachteiligten
Die Resonanzfähigkeit des Wirtschaftssystems für die deutsche Energiewende
Authors: Vermaßen Hannah
Published: February 2023

Angesichts der Klimakrise ist die Frage nach gesellschaftlicher Reaktionsfähigkeit auf ökologische Gefährdungen aktueller denn je. Klar ist: Eine wirksame Entgegnung auf komplexe Bedrohungen kann nur durch Koordination gelingen. Wie aber ist es um die Koordinationsfähigkeit gesellschaftlicher Funktionssysteme bestellt? Im Anschluss an Niklas Luhmann beschreibt Hannah Vermaßen die strukturellen Voraussetzungen, Formen und Folgen gesellschaftlicher Koordination als drei Dimensionen systemischer Resonanz. Anhand der Resonanzfähigkeit des Wirtschaftssystems für die Energiewende zeigt sie, wie sich die Spielräume gesamtgesellschaftlicher Lösungsstrategien zur Klimakrise empirisch ausloten lassen.
Europa im Unfrieden
Authors: Neyer Jürgen
Published: February 2023

Die größte Herausforderung politischer Systeme liegt in ihrer Fähigkeit, den inneren sozialen Frieden zu bewahren. Anhand historischer Beispiele zeigt Jürgen Neyer, dass es in der europäischen Geschichte ein wiederkehrendes Muster sozialer Konflikte, übermäßiger Machtkonzentrationen und politischen Verfalls gibt - und dass die Europäische Union auf dem besten Weg ist, dieses Muster zu wiederholen. Mit einer Mischung aus theoretischen Reflexionen, historischen Darlegungen und aktuellen politischen Analysen weisen seine Rekonstruktionen einen Weg zu einem europäischen Neustart.
Design und Transformation
Authors: Caspers Markus
Published: February 2023

Transformation ist ein Schlüsselbegriff unserer Zeit: Die Umwandlung und Umgestaltung vieler Bereiche des Lebens, vor allem des Umgangs mit Ressourcen, sind drängender denn je. Markus Caspers zeigt auf, wie »Transformation Design« sinnhafte Lösungen für diesen Prozess bereitstellen kann. Hierfür zeichnet er die Traditionslinien transformativer Ansätze im Design seit 1920 nach und befragt sie auf potenzielle Anknüpfungspunkte für die Zukunft. Unter Betrachtung von Formen und Bildern entwirft er nebst Schilderung der drängenden existenziellen Probleme auch positive Zukunftsszenarien neuer Lebens- und Konsumstile jenseits von Lifecycle- und Konsumismus-Ideologien.
Bleiben in ländlichen Räumen
Authors: Rühmling Melanie
Published: February 2023

Gehen oder bleiben? Diese scheinbar banale Frage verdeckt die Komplexität von unterschiedlichen Bleibenslebensweisen. Melanie Rühmling untersucht in ihrer Studie das Bleiben in Dörfern Mecklenburg-Vorpommerns und führt dazu Gespräche mit Frauen, die nach der Wende nicht gegangen sind. Anhand von Raumkonstruktionen, einer Bleibenstypologie sowie detaillierten Entscheidungsprozessen macht sie deutlich, dass das Bleiben immer wieder neu verhandelt wird und zwischen einer unausgesprochenen Selbstverständlichkeit und kritischem Hinterfragen changiert. Die verschiedenen Biographien, sozialen Beziehungen und Lebenssituationen zeigen dabei auf, dass von einem passiven Zurückbleiben keine Rede sein kann.
The Existence of Pesantren Based Technology: Digitalization of Learning in Pondok Pesantren Darul Ulum Kudus
Authors: Zafi Ashif Az , Jamaluddin Dindin , Partono Partono , Fuadi Salis Irvan , Chamadi Muhamad Riza
Published: February 2023

This research is motivated by developing technology. Pesantren have the choice to adapt to technology or reject it. Both choices have their respective impacts. This study aims to explain the adaptation to the use of technology in the Darul Ulum Pesantren in Kudus and how the position of the Pesantren Kyai after the use of technology. The research method used is a qualitative research method through the process of data collection, data reduction, data presentation, conclusion, and data verification. Search data using interviews, observation, and documentation. The object of this research is the Pesantren program related to the application of technology and the communication process of Kyai with Pesantren residents. The findings of this study state that Darul Ulum Kudus Pesantren is conducting an adaptation process to technological advances by approaching education, digital literacy, and the virtual Qur’an. Pesantren utilizes Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. This causes the existence of Pesantren outside to be better, meaning that more people know and know about the programs Pesantren. However, it causes a decrease in the sacredness of the Kyai for his santri. Kyai becomes dialogic and democratic rather than authoritarian. This research implies that Islamic boarding schools that choose to adapt to technological developments will change the authority of the Kyai. But the Kyai also has the authority to make his Pesantren adapt to technology or reject technology.
The Prediction of Religiosity on Students’ Academic Dishonesty
Authors: Oktaviyani Devi , Sunawan Sunawan , Khairkhah Khairuddin
Published: February 2023

Purpose – The relationship between students’ level of religiosity with their academic dishonesty in previous research was found inconsistent. The purpose of the present study is to clarify the relationship between religiosity with academic dishonesty.

Design/methods/approach – This study implemented a correlational design that involved 251 (60,6% female) Islamic High School students in Batang District, Central Java, selected by using cluster random sampling. Data on religiosity was collected using the Centrality of Religiosity Scale (TCR), and academic dishonesty data were assessed using the Academic Dishonesty Scale (ADS).

Findings – The results showed that religiosity predicted a decrease in academic dishonesty. Furthermore, this study also confirms that there are three dimensions (out of 5 dimensions of religiosity) that significantly predict academic dishonesty, namely ideology, private practice, and experience, while the other two dimensions, namely intellect and public practice, have no correlation with academic dishonesty.

Research implications/limitations – The implications of these findings are presented for strengthening collaboration between school counselors and religious education teachers to decrease students’ academic dishonesty through strengthening the level of student religiosity in its various dimensions so that religiosity is not seen as just a ritual of worship.

Originality/value – This study has clarified and confirmed the relationship between religiosity and academic dishonesty, particularly the three dimensions of religiosity that contribute to explaining academic dishonesty.
The Relationship between Religious Attitudes and Perseverance in Learning in Islamic Religious Education Lessons in Junior High Schools
Authors: Alimni Alimni , Amin Alfauzan , Kurniawan Dwi Agus , Perdana Rahmat , Pratama Wahyu Adi , Triani Elza
Published: February 2023

Purpose – This study aims to determine the relationship between religious attitudes and learning perseverance of students of SMP 1 Bengkulu City and SMP 1 Jambi City on the subject of Islamic Religious Education.

Design/methods/approach – The research design is an associative quantitative research method with a correlational research design. The number of samples of junior high school students studied amounted to 140.

Findings – It was found that the results of the T-test and the correlation test showed a significant comparison and there was a relationship between Attitude and Perseverance in Student Learning of SMP 1 Bengkulu City and SMP 1 Jambi City on Islamic Religious Education Subjects.

Research implications/limitations – The implication of this research is that it can be used as a reference in taking follow-up actions in solving problems regarding the religious character of students and students' perseverance in learning. The author realizes that this study still has shortcomings, such as the sample used is only 2 schools and 2 different cities. The variables studied in this study were only variables of Religious Attitude and Student Learning Diligence in Islamic Religious Education subjects. In addition, there are many other indicators that have not been used.

Originality/value – This research is expected to be used by educators as a reference regarding the relationship between religious attitudes and students' persistence in learning, especially in the subject of Islamic Religious Education.
Resegregation will not happen on our watch: The political and social context surrounding voluntary integration in Wake County Public School System
Authors: Ayscue Jennifer B. , Barriga Daniela , Uzzell Elizabeth M.
Published: February 2023

As resegregation occurs across the country, some school districts are pursuing voluntary integration. This qualitative case study uses critical policy analysis to explore the political and social contexts surrounding the early stages of developing a voluntary integration plan in Wake County Public School System, North Carolina. Through analysis of interviews with school board and community members as well as a range of documents, findings indicate that population growth and residential development, the proliferation of unregulated school choice, varied perspectives of community stakeholders, inequitable distribution of power and resources, and school board politics largely shape the process of developing a voluntary integration plan. Recommendations are provided for school district policies, cross-sector collaboration, and state-level policies that could strengthen the potential success of voluntary integration plans.
Machbarkeit und Chancen digitaler Angebote in der Versorgung chronisch neurologischer Erkrankungen am Beispiel einer telemedizinisch gestützten Tagesklinik für Parkinson und Bewegungsstörungen
Authors: Kirchner A. , Grotherr J. , Hauptmann B.
Published: February 2023

Chronic diseases are steadily increasing as a result of demographic change and medical progress. Non-drug therapies and the provision of remedies are highly relevant in this context, but face an insufficient quantitative and qualitative supply situation. The digitalization of the healthcare industry is currently experiencing an upswing, driven by the Hospital Future Act [4] as well as by the relaxation of the ban on remote treatment by the 2018 Physicians' Congress [24],and most recently by the COVID-19 pandemic. Digitalization enables a redesign of treatment and care processes through telemedicine, digital health applications (DiGAS), the electronic prescription, tele-monitoring and patient portals. The present paper aims to work out opportunities, challenges of digital offers as well as necessities for the supporting use from the previous experiences of a telemedicine-supported day clinic for Parkinson's disease and movement disorders. These experiences and conceptual approaches give rise to new future-oriented treatment concepts that have enormous potential for complementing conventional therapy with digital offers in an interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral and patient-centered way individually and symptom-specifically. Keywords: blended therapy, telemedicine, neurorehabilitation
Waffle
Authors: Moti Moin Hussain , Simatis Panagiotis , Papadias Dimitris
Published: February 2023

Although several spatial indexes achieve fast query processing, they are ineffective for highly dynamic data sets because of costly updates. On the other hand, simple structures that enable efficient updates are slow for spatial queries. In this paper, we propose
Waffle
, a workload-aware, query-sensitive spatial index, that effectively accommodates both update- and query-intensive workloads. Waffle combines concepts of the space and data partitioning frameworks, and constitutes a complete indexing solution. In addition to query processing algorithms, it includes: (i) a novel bulk loading method that guarantees optimal disk page utilization on static data, (ii) algorithms for dynamic updates that guarantee zero overlapping of nodes, and (iii) a maintenance mechanism that adjusts the tradeoff between query and update speed, based on the workload and query distribution. An extensive experimental evaluation confirms the superiority of Waffle against state of the art space and data partitioning indexes on update and query efficiency.
Scalable Graph Convolutional Network Training on Distributed-Memory Systems
Authors: Demirci Gunduz Vehbi , Haldar Aparajita , Ferhatosmanoglu Hakan
Published: February 2023

Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs) are extensively utilized for deep learning on graphs. The large data sizes of graphs and their vertex features make scalable training algorithms and distributed memory systems necessary. Since the convolution operation on graphs induces irregular memory access patterns, designing a memory- and communication-efficient parallel algorithm for GCN training poses unique challenges. We propose a highly parallel training algorithm that scales to large processor counts. In our solution, the large adjacency and vertex-feature matrices are partitioned among processors. We exploit the vertex-partitioning of the graph to use non-blocking point-to-point communication operations between processors for better scalability. To further minimize the parallelization overheads, we introduce a sparse matrix partitioning scheme based on a hypergraph partitioning model for full-batch training. We also propose a novel stochastic hypergraph model to encode the expected communication volume in mini-batch training. We show the merits of the hypergraph model, previously unexplored for GCN training, over the standard graph partitioning model which does not accurately encode the communication costs. Experiments performed on real-world graph datasets demonstrate that the proposed algorithms achieve considerable speedups over alternative solutions. The optimizations achieved on communication costs become even more pronounced at high scalability with many processors. The performance benefits are preserved in deeper GCNs having more layers as well as on billion-scale graphs.
SubStrat
Authors: Lazebnik Teddy , Somech Amit , Weinberg Abraham Itzhak
Published: February 2023

Automated machine learning (AutoML) frameworks have become important tools in the data scientist's arsenal, as they dramatically reduce the manual work devoted to the construction of ML pipelines. Such frameworks intelligently search among millions of possible ML pipelines - typically containing feature engineering, model selection, and hyper parameters tuning steps - and finally output an optimal pipeline in terms of predictive accuracy.

However, when the dataset is large, each individual configuration takes longer to execute, therefore the overall AutoML running times become increasingly high.

To this end, we present SubStrat, an AutoML optimization strategy that tackles the data size, rather than configuration space. It wraps existing AutoML tools, and instead of executing them directly on the entire dataset, SubStrat uses a genetic-based algorithm to find a small yet representative data
subset
that preserves a particular characteristic of the full data. It then employs the AutoML tool on the small subset, and finally, it refines the resulting pipeline by executing a restricted, much shorter, AutoML process on the large dataset. Our experimental results, performed on three popular AutoML frameworks, Auto-Sklearn, TPOT, and H2O show that SubStrat reduces their running times by 76.3% (on average), with only a 4.15% average decrease in the accuracy of the resulting ML pipeline.
Multi-Analyst Differential Privacy for Online Query Answering
Authors: Pujol David , Sun Albert , Fain Brandon , Machanavajjhala Ashwin
Published: February 2023

Most differentially private mechanisms are designed for the use of a single analyst. In reality, however, there are often multiple stakeholders with different and possibly conflicting priorities that must share the same privacy loss budget. This motivates the problem of equitable budget-sharing for multi-analyst differential privacy. Our previous work defined desiderata that any mechanism in this space should satisfy and introduced methods for budget-sharing in the offline case where queries are known in advance.

We extend our previous work on multi-analyst differentially private query answering to the case of online query answering, where queries come in one at a time and must be answered without knowledge of the following queries. We demonstrate that the unknown ordering of queries in the online case results in a fundamental limit in the number of queries that can be answered while satisfying the desiderata. In response, we develop two mechanisms, one which satisfies the desiderata in all cases but is subject to the fundamental limitations, and another that randomizes the input order ensuring that existing online query answering mechanisms can satisfy the desiderata.
Excalibur
Authors: Gubner Tim , Boncz Peter
Published: February 2023

In recent years, hardware has become increasingly diverse, in terms of features as well as performance. This poses a problem for complex software in general and database systems in particular. To achieve top-notch performance, we need to exploit hardware features, but do not fully know which behave best on the current, and more-so future, machines. Specializing query execution methods for many diverse hardware platforms will significantly increase database software complexity and also poses a physical query optimization problem that cannot be solved robustly with static cost models.

In this paper, we propose a new query execution architecture addressing these problems. Based on the flexible domain-specific language VOILA, it can generate thousands of different flavors from a single code-base. As an abstraction, a virtual machine (VM) allows hiding physical execution details, such that the VM can transparently switch between different execution tactics within each query, applied at a fine granularity. We show rules to describe a search space for good tactics, and describe efficient search strategies, that limit the overhead of adaptive JIT code generation and compilation. The VM starts executing each query in full vectorized code style, but adaptively replaces (parts of) query pipelines by code fragments compiled using different execution flavors, exploring this search space and exploiting the best tactics found, casting adaptive query execution into a Multi-Armed Bandit (MAB) problem. Excalibur, our prototype, outperforms open-source systems by up to 28X and the state-of-the-art system Umbra by up to 1.8X. In specific queries Excalibur performs up to 2X faster than static flavors.
Clay minerals and other hydrous alteration products in the Kaba meteorite: Review of the literature and new XRD investigations
Authors: Viczián István , Kristály Ferenc
Published: February 2023

The present study is a review of publications regarding special aspects of the mineralogy of the Kaba meteorite, clay minerals, hydrous phases, and organic matter. In Section 1, the history of fall and finding of the meteorite and the first classical mineralogical description in the Year 1961 are mentioned. The most frequent alteration product of primary silicates and the glassy matrix is Fe-bearing saponite. By modelling of hydrothermal alteration of Allende-type meteorites, artificial saponite could be produced. The thermodynamic study proved the possibility of hydrous neoformation of silicates and magnetite at low temperatures, mostly below 100°C. The formation of Fe-rich external rims in forsterite grains by hydrothermal action was demonstrated by electron probe microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy-cathodo-luminescence methods. Foliation in CV3 carbonaceous chondrites indicates that the Kaba meteorite is derived from the external, shallow zone of the parent body. A combination of X-ray power diffraction (XRD) and Mössbauer spectroscopy made the exact modal analysis of CV3 chondrites possible, including Kaba. The study of alteration by in situ determination of stable oxygen isotope contents may provide constraints regarding the oxygen isotopic composition of the aqueous fluid on the CV parent asteroid. The degree of thermal metamorphism of the organic matter was determined by using Raman spectroscopy. The presence of aromatic and aliphatic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, and various amino acids was demonstrated. The non-biogenic origin is more probable; however, there are textural and mineralogical observations that may indicate also the biogenic origin of organic matter. In addition to the review of the literature above, as an appendix, shortly new XRD investigations of the authors are reported that indicated smectite-like phases in a thin section made of the meteorite.
Testing for explosive bubbles: a review
Authors: Skrobotov Anton
Published: February 2023

This review discusses methods of testing for explosive bubbles in time series. A large number of recently developed testing methods under various assumptions about innovation of errors are covered. The review also considers the methods for dating explosive (bubble) regimes. Special attention is devoted to time-varying volatility in the errors. Moreover, the modelling of possible relationships between time series with explosive regimes is discussed.
Ukrainians in French Holocaust Literature: Piotr Rawicz’sBlood from the Skyand Jonathan Littell’sThe Kindly Ones
Authors: Duffy Helena
Published: February 2023

This article compares and contrasts the representational strategies used by Piotr Rawicz and Jonathan Littell in their Holocaust novels. Separated by 40 years,Le Sang du ciel(1961) (Blood from the Sky) andLes Bienveillantes(2006) (The Kindly Ones) differ in terms of structure, style, and point of view. The article examines the import of these strategies for the way Rawicz’s and Littell’s narratives portray Ukrainians. Its main contention is that, while casting Ukrainians primarily as complicitous in the Holocaust, the two novels frame their complicity with Ukraine’s wartime hopes for sovereignty which it hoped to achieve through collaboration with Hitler’s Germany. By foregrounding Ukraine’s protracted statelessness, oppression by Russia (and later the Soviet Union), and exploitation by Polish landowning gentry, the two novels succeed at offering a nuanced view of Ukrainians without, however, redeeming them.
Analysis of hygrothermal recovery of tension wood induced by boiling at 50–80 °C
Authors: Matsuo-Ueda Miyuki , Yoshida Masato , Yamamoto Hiroyuki
Published: February 2023

Hygrothermal recovery (HTR) is an irreversible dimensional change that occurs when green wood is heated under wet conditions. Reaction wood presents a substantial dimensional change owing to HTR. In this study, the HTR of reaction wood was examined to understand the mechanisms of HTR. This study aimed to elucidate the HTR of tension wood, and particularly its temperature dependency. Two types of analyses were applied to the data measured, namely the two-phase exponential model and the time-temperature superposition analysis. The two-phase model was well fitted to the data and showed that the evolution of HTR could be divided into initial recovery and subsequent continuum contraction. The intensity of the initial recovery increased with increasing temperature. Continuum contraction was not well characterized in this study. Time–temperature superposition analysis provided an apparent activation energy of 326 kJ/mol, which suggests that HTR is a lignin-related phenomenon. A simulation based on the analysis also simulated HTR behavior at ambient temperature in a standing tree.
Structural color generation: from layered thin films to optical metasurfaces
Authors: Wang Danyan , Liu Zeyang , Wang Haozhu , Li Moxin , Guo L. Jay , Zhang Cheng
Published: February 2023

Recent years have witnessed a rapid development in the field of structural coloration, colors generated from the interaction of nanostructures with light. Compared to conventional color generation based on pigments and dyes, structural color generation exhibits unique advantages in terms of spatial resolution, operational stability, environmental friendliness, and multiple functionality. Here, we discuss recent development in structural coloration based on layered thin films and optical metasurfaces. This review first presents fundamentals of color science and introduces a few popular color spaces used for color evaluation. Then, it elaborates on representative physical mechanisms for structural color generation, including Fabry–Pérot resonance, photonic crystal resonance, guided mode resonance, plasmon resonance, and Mie resonance. Optimization methods for efficient structure parameter searching, fabrication techniques for large-scale and low-cost manufacturing, as well as device designs for dynamic displaying are discussed subsequently. In the end, the review surveys diverse applications of structural colors in various areas such as printing, sensing, and advanced photovoltaics.
Self-optimization examination system based on improved particle swarm optimization
Authors: Du Xiangran , Zhang Min , He Yulin
Published: February 2023

Artificial intelligence has been applied to many fields successfully and saved many human and material resources. The intelligent examination system is a typical application case, which makes teachers can not only master the study situation of every candidate at any time but also design further study plans with the help of the examination system. A self-optimization examination system is shown in this paper, which is carried out by an improved particle swarm optimization. The intelligent examination system can surmount two difficulties shown in the construction of the traditional examining system, one is the setting of the attributes of the examination questions, and another is the maintenance of the database of the examination questions. The experiment shows that the novel method can not only optimize the attributes of the questions in the examination database intelligently but also maintain the examination database effectively through massive training.
Formulation of a herbal topical cream against Tinea capitis using flavonoids glycosides from Dicerocaryum senecioides and Diospyros mespiliformis
Authors: Zhou Rudo , Dzomba Pamhidzai , Gwatidzo Luke
Published: February 2023

Topical fungal infections including, Tinea capitis with escalating resistance to conventional therapies are a rising concern globally. Studies have shown substantial in vitro efficacy of plant compounds against fungal pathogens. This study utilized flavonoid glycosides from Dicerocaryum senecioides and Diospyros mespiliformis as active compounds to formulate a topical cream against Tinea capitis. The in vitro test utilized disc diffusion assay prepared from fungal isolates obtained from individuals showing resistance to topical miconazole. Clinical trials were performed using volunteers. Both isolated strains exhibited substantial in vitro susceptibility to the cream formulation with inhibition zones ranging between 10 and 18 mm. MIC values for both test organisms ranged between 85 mg/ml and 120 mg/ml. The cream showed stability both physico-chemically and against microbial contamination. Physicochemical parameters evaluated include colour, pH, appearance, particle size, phase separation, phase inversion, creaming, spread-ability, electrical conductivity and in vitro occlusivity test and were within the accepted range. In limited clinical trials using volunteers, Tinea capitis started disappearing as from day 5 by topically applying the cream twice per day. All the patients were completely healed by the 7th day. The results of the study showed that flavonoid glycosides from D. senecioides and D. mespiliformis are good candidates to be utilized as active natural compounds against Tinea capitis resistant strains. Therefore more clinical trials and structural elucidations are recommended.
Increase of Claudin-5, ICAM-1 and eNOS expressions in human brain endothelial cells by ammonium chloride
Authors: Jufri Nurul Farhana , Salyam Tharshini , Ibrahim Farah Wahida , Yoganathan Dharrshine , Hamid Asmah , Abdul Latif Mazlyzam , Mohd Saleh Siti Nurdiyana , Juhari Nor Atikah Safirah
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Lysosomal dysfunction could lead to a failure in the degradation process of waste materials, especially for the elimination of aggregated, misfolded and senescence proteins or organelles. Human brain endothelial cells (HBECs) are a part of the blood-brain barrier and any disruption of lysosomal functions could affect the cellular functions of the HBECs. Protein expression studies on the cells could give an insight to associate lysosomal dysfunction on HBECs homeostasis. The aim of this study was to measure the cellular changes via the expression of several proteins such as Claudin-5, which is a tight junction protein; intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), an inflammatory marker and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which provides nitric oxide (NO) for vasodilation. These components are important in maintaining homeostasis as the imbalance could lead to endothelial impairment linked brain related disorders such as neurodegenerative disease.

Methods

HBECs were treated with 10 mM ammonium chloride, which is a lysosome inhibitor for 1 h. The protein lysates were collected and subjected for ICAM-1 and Claudin-5 measurement by capillary immunoassay instrument, while eNOS by ELISA.

Results

Claudin-5 and ICAM-1 expression significantly increased (p<0.05). The ELISA results showed eNOS increment (p<0.001) compared to control. Lysosome inhibitor could be associated with accumulation of organelles that can stimulates inflammation and initial cellular responses.

Conclusions

Inhibition of lysosome by the inhibitor increases protein expressions related with endothelial function.
The effect of different anti-inflammatory treatment strategies on process of atherosclerosis in ankylosing spondylitis patients
Authors: Bozdayi Mehmet Akif , Ulusal Hasan , Turan Neytullah , Altindag Ozlem , Orkmez Mustafa , Taysi Seyithan , Tarakcioglu Mehmet
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Our aim in this study was to examine the effects of different anti-inflammatory treatment strategies on the process of atherosclerosis, which is an important cause of mortality in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, by examining the possible effect of treatments on inflammation, lipid profile and oxidative stress parameters in patients with AS.

Methods

In this study, 32 healthy volunteers served as the control group in addition to a total of 76 AS patients who were divided into two groups according to whether they were receiving anti-TNF medications or not. We assessed the levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid profile parameters, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), non-HDL cholesterol levels, BASDAI, and BASFI scores were also calculated.

Results

AS patient groups and the control group had similar lipid profile parameters, thiol-disulfide homeostasis metrics, non-HDL cholesterol, oxLDL, and AIP levels (p>0.05). In contrast to AS patients receiving non-anti-TNF treatment, the BASDAI and BASFI scores, ESR, and CRP levels were lower in AS patients receiving anti-TNF treatment (p<0.05). In contrast to the controls, AS patients demonstrated high TOS and OSI values (p<0.05).

Conclusions

AS patients face increased oxidative stress that does not correlate with inflammatory status and disease activation level. Anti-TNF alpha treatment may reduce some risk factors of atherosclerotic CVD in AS patients.
Ischemia – modified albumin by albumin cobalt binding test: a false myth or reality
Authors: Yücel Doğan
Published: February 2023

Scientific knowledge should be based on evidence. However, some scientific studies can be carried out without sufficient evidence. And these studies may mislead subsequent studies. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a relatively newly proposed biomarker. It is used not only for myocardial ischemia but also used for other pathological conditions in the body. IMA is commonly measured by albumin cobalt binding (ACB) assay. ACB is a simple colorimetric assay performed in patients’ sera. It is claimed that because of the ischemia or ischemia-reperfusion, the molecular structure of the N-terminus of human serum albumin is changed and therefore it cannot bind metal ions and cobalt ions added into the reaction mixture react with dithiothreitol to give a brown color. The clinical performance of the ACB assay is poor and it has not a strong correlation with other ischemia biomarkers. There are many analytical uncertainties in ACB assay and IMA as well. Despite the uncertainties, the ACB assay is still commonly used for many research studies. Therefore the theory of the ACB assay should be questioned. In this opinion paper, we discussed these uncertainties. In conclusion, there is insufficient evidence for the existence of IMA as a biomarker. The ACB assay essentially measures serum albumin concentration. There are many other interfering factors with the ACB assay. Therefore, the measurement of IMA in any pathological condition is a useless effort.
Crotofoligandrin, a new endoperoxide crotofolane-type diterpenoid from the twigs of Croton oligandrus Pierre ex. Hutch (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Tatsinda Tsapi Vanneck Bedel , Fotsing Fongang Yannick Stéphane , Awantu Angelbert Fusi , Kezetas Bankeu Jean Jules , Lateef Mehreen , Chouna Jean Rodolphe , Nkeng-Efouet-Alango Pépin , Ali Muhammad Shaiq , Lenta Bruno Ndjakou
Published: February 2023

Crotofoligandrin (1), a new endoperoxide crotofolane-type diterpenoid was isolated from the dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) extract of the twigs of Croton oligandrus Pierre Ex Hutch along with thirteen known secondary metabolites including 1-nonacosanol (2), lupenone (3), friedelin (4), β-sitosterol (5), taraxerol (6), (−)-hardwickiic acid (7), apigenin (8), acetyl aleuritolic acid (9), betulinic acid (10), fokihodgin C 3-acetate (11), D-mannitol (12), scopoletin (13) and quercetin (14). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined based on their spectroscopic data. The crude extract and the isolated compounds were assessed in vitro for their antioxidant, lipoxygenase, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), urease and glucosidase inhibitory potentials. Compounds 1–3, and 10 displayed activities on all the performed bioassays. All the tested samples showed strong to significant antioxidant activity with compound 1 being the most potent (IC50 39.4 μM).
Magical practices? A non-normative Roman imperial cremation at Sagalassos
Authors: Claeys Johan , Van de Vijver Katrien , Marinova Elena , Cleymans Sam , Degryse Patrick , Poblome Jeroen
Published: February 2023

Many thousands of burials have been excavated from across the Roman world, documenting a variety of funerary practices and rites. Individual burials, however, sometimes stand out for their atypical characteristics. The authors report the discovery of a cremation burial from ancient Sagalassos that differs from contemporaneous funerary deposits. In this specific context, the cremated human remains were not retrieved but buried in situ, surrounded by a scattering of intentionally bent nails, and carefully sealed beneath a raft of tiles and a layer of lime. For each of these practices, textual and archaeological parallels can be found elsewhere in the ancient Mediterranean world, collectively suggesting that magical beliefs were at work.
A systematic approach for studying the persistence of settlements in the past
Authors: Crawford Katherine A. , Huster Angela C. , Peeples Matthew A. , Gauthier Nicolas , Smith Michael E. , Lobo José , York Abigail M. , Lawrence Dan
Published: February 2023

Some human settlements endure for millennia, while others are founded and abandoned within a few decades or centuries. The reasons for variation in the duration of site occupation, however, are rarely addressed. Here, the authors introduce a new approach for the analysis of settlement longevity or persistence. Using seven regional case studies comprising both survey and excavation data, they demonstrate how the median persistence of individual settlements varies widely within and among regions. In turn, this variability is linked to the effects of environmental potential. In seeking to identify the drivers of settlement persistence in the past, it is suggested that archaeologists can contribute to understanding of the sustainability and resilience of contemporary cities.
RESOURCE-SAVING TECHNOLOGY OF PRODUCING TEXTILE MATERIALS WITH ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES
Authors: MARTIROSYAN IRINA , PAKHOLIUK OLENA , DZIUBYNSKYI ANDRII , NIKOLAICHUK LARISA , LUTSKOVA VIKTORIA , LUBENETS VIRA , PEREDRIY OKSANA
Published: February 2023

This work is devoted to the study of antimicrobial properties of cellulose-containing textile materials treated with new safe biocidal products of thiosulfonate structure. A resource-saving method of providing antimicrobial properties to cellulose-containing textile materials is presented. High antimicrobial activity of biocidal products after washing was established. The duration of action and expediency of their use in the textile industry are proved. It is shown that after 10 washes the treated tissues lose only 14-15% of antimicrobial properties.
DETERMINATION OF PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY FOR THE SYSTEM: CdS CHEMICAL BATH DEPOSITED THIN FILMS COATED WITH TiO2 NPs
Authors:   Institute of Engineering and Technology, Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez. Cd. Juárez Chihuahua. CP 32310, México, PALMA-SOTO E. , DE LA LUZ MOTA-GONZÁLEZ M. ,   Institute of Engineering and Technology, Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez. Cd. Juárez Chihuahua. CP 32310, México,   CONACYT- Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez. Cd. Juárez Chihuahua. CP 32310, México, LUQUE-MORALES P. A. ,   Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Design, Autonomous University of Baja California, Ensenada Baja California. C.P. 22860, México, CARRILLO- CASTILLO AMANDA ,   Institute of Engineering and Technology, Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez. Cd. Juárez Chihuahua. CP 32310, México
Published: February 2023

At this research, it is proof the degradation of methylene blue colorant, as photocatalytic activity, which result from the interaction between a CdS thin film surface, coated by TiO2 NPs, and the molecules of an aqueous solution of methylene blue colorant. This heterogeneous device, TiO2 NPs/CdS thin film/Glass substrate, pump by solar radiation; can be used to wastewater treatment. CdS thin films, are deposited by chemical bath deposition, while the TiO2 nanoparticles (Nps) were obtained by a microwave-assisted solgel process method and deposited on CdS layer by spin coating technique. The main syntheses used techniques for these materials, are parts of the soft chemistry. The optical characterization of, TiO2 NPs/CdS thin films/Glass substrate, was evaluated by UV-vis spectroscopy, and the calculated band gap for the films was 2.8 eV. Agglomerations of TiO2 nanoparticles were observed on the homogeneous surface of polycrystalline hexagonal structure of the CdS thin films. The degradation of methylene blue colorant is carry out by three replicates of TiO2/NPs/CdS thin films/Glass substrate, exposed to sunlight for 60 minutes, resulting in a degradation of 43%.
Narratives of Tradition and Transcendence: A Nuanced Examination of the Magnolia Phenomenon
Authors: Carroll Libby
Published: February 2023

Two instantly recognizable structures grace the skyline of Waco, Texas. Rounded, looming, and rusted, the Silos form a geographical indicator of the presence of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ home-centric empire — Magnolia. A brief drive through Waco soon reveals that Magnolia and its distinctive subculture are unlike any other entity within the city. Magnolia is not Waco, yet it defines Waco. Within this project, I seek to better understand the unique subculture of Magnolia juxtaposed against the drastically different environment of Waco. To fully understand the inner workings of this subculture, I compile details from frequent visits to Magnolia occurring over a period of three months, noting everything from the layout of the grounds to the products sold to the people who enter Magnolia’s gates and their tendencies in a field notebook. My studies help me to assemble a comprehensive picture of Magnolia’s unique subculture and its effects, both positive and negative, upon the city it inhabits. In doing so, I hope to contribute to scholarly understandings of the inequitable outcomes resulting from gentrification within Waco, addressing the lack of knowledge within existing literature about Magnolia’s role in this process.
The Influence of Internalized Homophobia on Vietnamese Gays’ Partnering Processes
Authors: Bao Huynh Tan Gia
Published: February 2023

This research examines the connection between internalized homophobia and the partnering process among gay people in Vietnam. It explores their criteria for finding a committed partner, which is based on perceptions of gender roles, gender expression, and sex roles. It shows that their concepts of an ideal type of partner and relationship are rooted in what they have learned and internalized in a heteronormative environment, which devalues androgynous gender expression and gender nonconformity. It also explores the use of dating applications among Vietnamese gays and how this partnering method can lead to internalized homophobia and discrimination within the LGBTQ+ community. This study expands upon current understandings of LGBTQ+ people in Vietnam and their relationships with each other and contributes to the library of queer studies in Asian, Confucian regions.
Frequency of complications in intramedullary nailing of open tibial shaft fractures: a systematic review
Authors: Turley Luke , Barry Ian , Sheehan Eoin
Published: February 2023

Background

Open tibial shaft fractures comprise almost 45% of all open fractures and are frequently the result of high-energy trauma. Due to contamination, limited soft tissue coverage of the tibial shaft and poor tibial blood supply, open tibial shaft fractures are associated with high rates of complication including malunion, non-union and infection. Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is a mainstay of treatment. This study aims to determine the frequency of the various complications in this cohort.

Methods

A systematic review of papers published on Embase, PubMed and Cochrane databases pertaining to the use of IMN to fix open tibial shaft fractures were included. The available evidence was collated in regard to the incidence of union, malunion, non-union and infection seen in this cohort.

Results

A total of 2767 citations were reviewed, and 17 studies comprising 1850 patients were included in the analysis. There was a delayed union rate of 22.4%, malunion rate of 8.3%, non-union rate of 9.7% and infection rate of 8.1% (95% CI: 5.7%–10.8%) in this patient cohort. Subgroup analysis showed a 3-fold increase in non-union and a 2-fold increase in deep infection among Gustilo III injuries compared to Gustilo I and II.

Conclusions

IMN for open tibial shaft fractures results in high rates of union and low rates of infection, comparable to figures seen in closed injuries and superior to those seen with alternative methods of fixation. There is a substantially increased risk of complication associated with Gustilo III injuries, reinforcing the significance of the soft tissue injury in these patients.