bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of and Associated Risk Factors for Bovine Viral Diarrhea in Dairy Cattle in and Around Nekemte Town, East Wallaga, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Bulcha Begna , Tesfaye Asaminew , Garoma Abebe , Begna Feyisa
Published: January 2025

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important pathogen affecting dairy cattle all over the world by causing significant economic losses due to reproductive and respiratory problems, immunosuppressive effects, increased risk of morbidity, and calf mortality. A cross‐sectional study was conducted from February 2021 to August 2021 to determine the seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) and identify risk factors associated with its occurrence in and around Nekemte Town of Ethiopia. Blood samples were collected from 305 dairy cattle of 41 herds by using cluster‐sampling method. All sampled animals were identified by their age, breeds, origin, parity, pregnancy status, and history of reproductive and respiratory problems. Competitive ELISA was used in the laboratory to detect the presence of antibodies in the serum. At the animal and herd level, descriptive statistics were utilized to assess the amount of BVDV viral antibody circulation, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to detect potential risk variables. The result demonstrates 9.84% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.49–13.18) and 28.52% (95% CI: 23.46–33.59) seroprevalence of BVDV antibody at individual and herd level, respectively. Abortion (odds ratio (OR) = 2.75; p = 0.019), retention of fetal membrane (OR = 3.33; p = 0.011), purchasing of animals (OR = 2.98; p = 0.017), and pregnancy (OR = 3.16; p = 0.019) were variables significantly associated with the seropositivity of BVDV. Herd size was found to be substantially linked with BVDV infection at the herd level (p = 0.009). These moderate seroprevalence of BVDV results indicate that the virus is widely spread among dairy cattle at various farms in and around Nekemte Town, hurting dairy farm production and productivity. To reduce the seroprevalence of this infectious agent, cows with a history of reproductive disorders should be tested, and new animals should be quarantined before being introduced into herds, and more research should be done to assess the impact of reproductive failure and other effects associated with this virus.
FTO Alleviates Hepatic Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Apoptosis and Autophagy
Authors: Wang Pi-Xiao , Zhu Ling , Xiang Mei , Zhang Rixin , Zheng Xiaolin , Zheng Zhi , Li Kai
Published: January 2025

Objective: Despite N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) being closely involved in various pathophysiological processes, its potential role in liver injury is largely unknown. We designed the current research to study the potential role of fat mass and obesity‐associated protein (FTO), an m6A demethylase, on hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI).

Methods: Wild‐type mice injected with an adeno‐associated virus carrying fat mass and obesity‐associated protein (AAV‐FTO) or adeno‐associated virus carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) (AAV‐GFP) were subjected to a hepatic IRI model in vivo. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was performed to observe IRI. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to observe the cell apoptosis. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used to observe the expression of FTO. The protein levels of FTO, apoptosis, or autophagy‐associated signaling proteins were detected by western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined by flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the FTO and LC3‐II expression. For in vitro experiments, cultured hepatocytes were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) stimulation. Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining was used to visualize autophagic vesicles.

Results: In the present study, we showed that FTO was involved in hepatic IRI, apoptosis, and autophagy. Specifically, the expression level of FTO was significantly reduced in the hepatic IRI. Besides, increasing FTO expression (AAV‐FTO) ameliorated the hepatic IRI in animal models, accompanied by decreased apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, the FTO inhibitor (FB23‐2) aggravated autophagy in hepatocytes upon H/R‐induced damage.

Conclusion: FTO could act as a protective effector during hepatic IRI, associated with decreased apoptosis and autophagy. FTO‐mediated m6A demethylation modification may be an important therapeutic target for hepatic IRI.
Study of Printability, Microstructure, and Hardness of Al‐4Mn‐1.3Mg‐0.3Zr Alloy Produced by Powder Bed Fusion–Laser Beam
Authors: Grigoriev Sergey N. , Peretyagin Pavel Yu. , Khmyrov Roman S. , Kurmysheva Alexandra Yu. , Yadroitsev Igor , du Plessis Anton , Podrabinnik Pavel
Published: January 2025

In this study, the microstructure and defects of an Al‐Mn‐Mg‐Zr alloy produced by the Powder Bed Fusion–Laser Beam (PBF‐LB) technology are investigated. The influence of the process parameters on the microstructure and defects is demonstrated. Aluminum alloys are usually prone to cracking during solidification. However, finding the optimal parameters of the PBF‐LB process yielded three‐dimensional specimens of Al‐Mn‐Mg‐Zr alloy with densities reaching 99.6% of the theoretical value, free from cracks. It is shown that manganese not only precipitates as a brittle Al6Mn intermetallic compound after solidification but also forms a supersaturated solid solution of manganese in aluminum. The influence of the process parameters on the surface roughness of the manufactured samples and their microhardness was evaluated. It is also shown that the cooling rate of the melt pool has an effect on the microstructure of the samples obtained at the optimal process parameters.
NI-3201 Is a Bispecific Antibody Mediating PD-L1–Dependent CD28 Co-stimulation on T Cells for Enhanced Tumor Control
Authors: Majocchi Sara , Lloveras Pauline , Nouveau Lise , Legrand Margaux , Viandier Alizee , Malinge Pauline , Charreton Maud , Raymond Cecile , Pace Emily A. , Millard Bjorn L. , Svensson L. Anders , Kelpšas Vinardas , Anceriz Nadia , Salgado-Pires Susana , Daubeuf Bruno , Magistrelli Giovanni , Gueneau Franck , Moine Valéry , Masternak Krzysztof , Shang Limin , Fischer Nicolas , Ferlin Walter G.
Published: January 2025

Despite advances in cancer immunotherapy, such as targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, a substantial number of patients harbor tumors that are resistant or relapse. Selective engagement of T-cell co-stimulatory molecules with bispecific antibodies may offer novel therapeutic options by enhancing signal 1–driven activation occurring via T-cell receptor engagement. In this study, we report the development and preclinical characterization of NI-3201, a PD-L1×CD28 bispecific antibody generated on the κλ-body platform that was designed to promote T-cell activity and antitumor function through a dual mechanism of action. We confirmed that NI-3201 blocks the PD-L1/PD-1 immune checkpoint pathway and conditionally provides T-cell co-stimulation via CD28 (signal 2) when engaging PD-L1+ tumors or immune cells. In systems with signal 1–primed T cells, NI-3201 enhanced potent effector functionality: in vitro through antigen-specific recall assays with cytomegalovirus-specific T cells and in vivo by inducing tumor regression and immunologic memory in tumor-associated antigen–expressing MC38 syngeneic mouse models. When T-cell engagers were used to provide synthetic signal 1, the combination with NI-3201 resulted in synergistic T cell–dependent cytotoxicity and potent antitumor activity in two humanized mouse tumor models. Nonhuman primate safety assessments showed favorable tolerability and pharmacokinetics at pharmacologically active doses. Quantitative systems pharmacology modeling predicted that NI-3201 exposure results in antitumor activity in patients, but this remains to be investigated. Overall, this study suggests that by combining PD-L1 blockade with safe and effective CD28 co-stimulation, NI-3201 has the potential to improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes, and the clinical development of NI-3201 for PD-L1+ solid tumors is planned.
Effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in treating drug-resistant focal epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Marin-Castañeda Luis A. , Gonzalez-Salido Jimena , Palomera-Garfias Nadia , Flores Brandon , Martínez-Juárez Iris E. , Ángel Alavez Gerson , Pacheco Aispuro Geronimo
Published: January 2025

Introduction
Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder globally, with about 30% of patients developing resistance despite optimal antiseizure drug therapies (ASD). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique and offers a potential therapeutic alternative for drug-resistant focal epilepsy, aiming to reduce seizure frequency and improve patient quality of life.
Methods
Following PRISMA guidelines; a search was performed on MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to June 2024. Included articles were randomized controlled trials reporting seizure frequency, IEDs, and adverse events in patients with focal epilepsy treated with tDCS. Quality assessment was conducted using RoB2, and data were analyzed using a random-effects model.
Results
Nine studies involving 253 patients met the inclusion criteria. transcranial direct current stimulation significantly reduced seizure frequency at one and two months follow-up compared to placebo, with a mean difference (MD) of -2.62, 95% CI [-5.20, -0.04], p=0.05 at one month, and MD of -2.80, 95% CI [-5.08, -0.53], p=0.02 at two months. No significant changes in IEDs were observed. Adverse events were generally mild and consisted of itching, skin rash, and headache being the most common.
Conclusion
tDCS reduces seizure frequency in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy and is associated with minimal adverse effects. However, there was no significant impact on IEDs, and the studies included, exhibited considerable heterogeneity. More standardized research is required to validate these findings and optimize treatment protocols.
Pigmented Malignant Onychopapilloma of the Fingernail: Description of the “String Sign”
Authors: Hill Rachel C. , Magro Cynthia M. , Lipner Shari R.
Published: January 2025

Onychopapilloma is a benign nail tumor of the nail bed and distal matrix that typically presents as isolated longitudinal erythronychia on clinical examination. In 2021, Haneke et. al described the first case of a malignant variant of onychopapilloma. We present the case of a 34-year-old female patient, Fitzpatrick type V, who presented to our specialty outpatient nail clinic with a 10-year history of a pigmented growth on the lateral nail fold of the left third fingernail that resembled a string. On histopathology, the patient’s biopsy showed significant onycholemmal squamous dysplasia with intracytoplasmic melanin pigment deposition in a background of onychopapilloma; concurrent abnormal suprabasilar nuclear staining amidst keratinocytes for Ki67 was observed. The proportion of onychopapilloma cases that develop malignant potential is currently unknown, as onychopapillomas were believed to be entirely benign until 2021. Malignant onychopapilloma often presents with longitudinal melanonychia in skin of color patients and with longitudinal erythronychia in patients with lighter phototypes. Our case highlights the importance of performing a biopsy in patients who present with atypical features of onychopapilloma, including changes in pigmentation and growth, the latter potentially presenting with the “string sign.”
AMETIS Preplanned Ancillary Study: Impact of Agitation During Mechanical Thrombectomy Under Sedation
Authors: Tabillon Caroline , Bernard Rémy , Jacquens Alice , Pommier Maxime , Begard Marc , Balança Baptiste , Rapido Francesca , Tavernier Benoit , Molliex Serge , Velly Lionel , Verdonk Franck , Lukaszewicz Anne-Claire , Perrigault Pierre-François , Albucher Jean-François , Cognard Christophe , Guyot Adrien , Fernandez Charlotte , Masgrau Aurélie , Moreno Ricardo , Ferrier Anna , Jaber Samir , Pereira Bruno , Futier Emmanuel , Chabanne Russel , Degos Vincent
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Mechanical thrombectomy is the treatment of choice for ischemic strokes of the anterior circulation with proximal occlusion. Mechanical thrombectomy can be performed under sedation, which can lead to episodes of periprocedural agitation. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of agitation and determine the consequences during and after mechanical thrombectomy.

METHODS:

This is an ancillary study to the AMETIS study (Anesthesia Management in Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke). We evaluated the patients from the sedation group of this randomized trial; some patients presented at least 1 episode of agitation during the procedure (determined by a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale score >1) prospectively collected. We explored the association between agitation and a composite outcome (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score <2b and/or arterial perforation) through univariate and multivariate analyses, accounting for confounders (agitation, age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, local thrombus) identified a priori by the acyclic diagram method.

RESULTS:

Among the 138 participants (average age, 71±14 years; 72 [52%] male; average National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 15±6), 53 (38%) experienced at least 1 agitation episode. Agitation was neither a risk factor of Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score <2b and/or arterial perforation in univariate and multivariate analyses (adjusted odds ratio, 1.29 [0.57–2.92];
P
=0.5), nor a risk of unfavorable outcome (adjusted OR, 0.7 [0.18–2.56];
P
=0.56). Although, agitated patients had a higher incidence of conversion with intubation (21% versus 5%; OR, 5.3 [1.7–20];
P
<0.01) and significantly worse radiological image quality (62% versus 17%; OR, 8.37 [3.9–19.1];
P
<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study found a high frequency of agitation during mechanical thrombectomy under sedation. Despite the absence of any significant link with prognosis, Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score, and perforations, there is more conversion to general anesthesia with intubation and poorer quality images.
Novel Vascular Territory Mapping Algorithm as a Predictive Tool for Identification of Antegrade Flow in Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Valente Michael , Bivard Andrew , Yan Bernard , Chen Chushuang , Visser Milanka , Ma Henry , Lin Longting , Parsons Mark
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Vascular territory mapping (VTM) software estimates which intracerebral vessel provides predominant arterial flow to a brain voxel. The presence of antegrade flow in the setting of acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion is associated with improved outcomes. We identify whether VTM software is a determinant of antegrade flow in patients with proximal MCA occlusion.

METHODS:

Consecutive patients with the first branch of MCA (M1) occlusion were analyzed from the International Stroke Perfusion Imaging Registry with their computed tomography perfusion reprocessed through VTM software. Authors reviewed dynamic 4-dimensional computed tomography angiography for the presence of an acute M1 thrombus and also for the presence of residual antegrade flow. The VTM software assigned regions of the brain to an estimated feeding vessel (anterior cerebral artery, MCA, and posterior cerebral artery). A binomial logistic regression was performed to determine the effects of VTM, ischemic core (cerebral blood flow <30), and perfusion lesion (delay time >3) on the likelihood that patients had the presence of any antegrade flow in the MCA territory. A secondary analysis was performed to assess the relationship between imaging variables and 3-month modified Rankin Scale outcomes.

RESULTS:

The final data set included 130 patients with M1 occlusion. The median age of participants was 74 years (interquartile range, 62–81) with an onset-to-scan time of 2.1 hours (interquartile range, 1.4–3.8) and a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 15 (interquartile range, 12–20). Eighteen patients were identified with antegrade flow on 4-dimensional digital subtraction angiography. Patients with antegrade flow had significantly larger VTM volume normal side MCA, 101 (72–180) mL, compared with those with complete occlusion, 41 (21–71) mL. VTM volume normal side MCA volume significantly predicted antegrade flow and outcome, and 1 mL VTM volume normal side MCA volume increased odds of antegrade flow by 1.024 (95% CI, 1.013–1.036). Ischemic core and the perfusion lesion volumes did not predict antegrade flow.

CONCLUSIONS:

VTM software was more effective than traditional perfusion parameters in the detection of antegrade flow. The results demonstrate a potential clinical utility for VTM; however, larger cohorts will be required to detect whether VTM can predict clinical outcome after reperfusion treatment.
The residential patterns of Swiss urban elites. Continuity and change
across elite categories (1890-2000)
Authors: Benz Pierre , Di Capua Roberto , Mach André , Michael A. Strebel
Published: January 2025

Numerous studies have focused on wealth elites' housing, including their spatial and social exclusiveness. The insertion of the power elite in urban space has, however, largely been left unexplored. By combining positional and residential information on over 7,400 urban elites, we study how academic, economic, and political elites' residential patterns have evolved from 1890 to 2000 in the three largest Swiss cities (Basel, Geneva, Zurich). First, we uncover a long-term dynamic of suburbanization, which however does not result in even spatial dispersion: while gradually abandoning center cities, elites do not randomly disperse in the surrounding municipalities. Rather, they tend to settle in very specific areas. Second, we find that spatial differentiation of urban elites' residences varies across elite categories: economic elites tend to geographically segregate from both academic and political elites over the course of the twentieth century and settle in more privileged areas. At the same time, academic and left political elites, while historically living in distinct neighborhoods, tend to converge at the end of the century, echoing new similarities in their profile. This highlights the importance of studying the urban power elites' residential patterns in a long-term perspective.
Symbolic Boundary Work among Syrian Refugees: Perceived Stigmas, Responses, and Cultural Repertoires
Authors: Çelik Çetin
Published: January 2025

While the Turkish public initially welcomed Syrian refugees, signs of hardening boundaries have emerged over time. This study, based on in-depth interviews with Syrian refugees in Istanbul, examines their perceptions of symbolic boundaries drawn against them by the majority Turkish society and their responses. The Syrian refugees in this study perceive three main stigmas: “uncultured,” “traitor,” and “freeloader.” They respond to these stigmas situationally by assuming individual responsibility, managing their self-presentation, and sometimes choosing not to respond. They also engage in discursive boundary drawing, emphasizing a strong work ethic as a defining characteristic of their group compared to Turkish workers. I argue that the historical cultural repertoire of anti-Arabism inherent in the conception of Turkish nationhood feed these stigmas, especially in the context of the current economic crisis and political polarization. Meanwhile, the precarious position and fragile status of Syrian refugees constrain their situational responses. Their moral boundary work helps them reassert their dignity and legitimize their presence, but it also hinders potential solidarity with Turkish workers against a governing strategy that systematically exploits both groups.
A long arm of adversity? Financial hardship during the life course and income in retirement
Authors: Riekhoff Aart-Jan , Kuitto Kati , Möhring Katja , Palomäki Liisa-Maria
Published: January 2025

This study investigates whether and when financial hardship during the life course is related to pension income levels in 27 European countries and whether relations between hardship and pension income differ across gender and welfare regimes. Data from the Survey for Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) are used, combining retrospective information on respondents' experienced financial hardship and their current pension income (N = 38,574). We apply two-part regression models with country-fixed effects to estimate the associations of pension income with hardship that starts in one's youth (age < 20), the transition to adulthood (age 20-29), mid-career (age 30-44) and late career (age > 44), as well as with the duration of hardship. The results show that financial hardship during the life course does not always have negative consequences for income in old age. We find positive associations of pension income with financial hardship in youth (among men) and in early adulthood (among women). These results suggest that short spells of financial hardship are often related to crucial life-course transitions that allow subsequent career development and pension accrual. In contrast, financial hardship in late career is negatively associated with pension income, especially among men in Continental and Southern European countries.
Whose Gender Ideology Matters? A Dyadic Analysis of Gender Ideology and Housework Time in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wang Senhu , Hu Yang
Published: January 2025

Research on gender ideology and housework tends to treat gender ideology as an individual characteristic but has paid less attention to the interactional process in which both spouses' gender ideologies jointly shape their housework time. Analysing longitudinal dyadic data from the United Kingdom (1993–2020) using the actor-partner interdependence model, we examine the relationship between both spouses' gender ideologies and their housework time and how the relationship varies with the spouses' relative income. The results show that traditional gender ideology is associated with longer housework time for wives but shorter housework time for husbands. While wives' gender ideologies are more closely associated with their own housework time, husbands' ideologies are more closely associated with their wives' housework time. Moreover, compared with the husband's housework time, the wife's housework time is more susceptible to both spouses' ideologies, especially when both spouses align in traditional ideology and when the husband's relative income is high. Our findings highlight the value of a relational perspective and provide new insights into how interactional dimensions of gender ideology intersect with relative resources to shape spouses' gendered housework time in different-sex couples.
Temporal variability of brain–behavior relationships in fine-scale dynamics of edge time series
Authors: Cutts Sarah A. , Chumin Evgeny J. , Betzel Richard F. , Sporns Olaf
Published: January 2025

Most work on functional connectivity (FC) in neuroimaging data prefers longer scan sessions or greater subject count to improve reliability of brain–behavior relationships or predictive models. Here, we investigate whether systematically isolating moments in time can improve brain–behavior relationships and outperform full scan data. We assess how behavioral relationships vary over time points that are less visible in full FC based on co-fluctuation amplitude. Additionally, we perform optimizations using a temporal filtering strategy to identify time points that improve brain–behavior relationships. Analyses were performed on resting-state fMRI data of 352 healthy subjects from the Human Connectome Project and across 58 different behavioral measures. Templates were created to select time points with similar patterns of brain activity and optimized for each behavior to maximize brain–behavior relationships from reconstructed functional networks. With 10% of scan data, optimized templates of select behavioral measures achieved greater strength of brain–behavior correlations and greater transfer of behavioral associations between groups of subjects than full FC across multiple cross-validation splits of the dataset. Therefore, selectively filtering time points may allow for development of more targeted FC analyses and increased understanding of how specific moments in time contribute to behavioral prediction.
Arterial spin labelling perfusion MRI analysis for the Human Connectome Project Lifespan Ageing and Development studies
Authors: Kirk Thomas F. , McConnell Flora A. Kennedy , Toner Jack , Craig Martin S. , Carone Davide , Li Xiufeng , Suzuki Yuriko , Coalson Timothy S. , Harms Michael P. , Glasser Matthew F. , Chappell Michael A.
Published: January 2025

The Human Connectome Project Lifespan studies cover the development (5–21) and ageing (36–100+) phases of life. Arterial spin labelling (ASL) was included in the imaging protocol, resulting in one of the largest datasets collected to date of high spatial resolution multiple delay ASL covering 3,000 subjects. The human connectome project (HCP)-ASL minimal processing pipeline was developed specifically for this dataset to pre-process the image data and produce perfusion estimates in both volumetric and surface template space, though quality control is not performed. Applied to the whole dataset, the outputs of the pipeline revealed significant and expected differences in perfusion between the development and ageing cohorts. Visual inspection of the group average surface maps showed that cortical perfusion often followed cortical areal boundaries, suggesting differential regulation of cerebral perfusion within brain areas at rest. Group average maps of arterial transit time also showed differential transit times in core and watershed areas of the cerebral cortex, which are useful for interpreting haemodynamics of functional MRI images. The pre-processed dataset will provide a valuable resource for understanding haemodynamics across the human lifespan.
Identifying and characterizing scene representations relevant for categorization behavior
Authors: Singer Johannes J.D. , Karapetian Agnessa , Hebart Martin N. , Cichy Radoslaw M.
Published: January 2025

Scene recognition is a core sensory capacity that enables humans to adaptively interact with their environment. Despite substantial progress in the understanding of the neural representations underlying scene recognition, the relevance of these representations for behavior given varying task demands remains unknown. To address this, we aimed to identify behaviorally relevant scene representations, to characterize them in terms of their underlying visual features, and to reveal how they vary across different tasks. We recorded fMRI data while human participants viewed scenes and linked brain responses to behavior in three tasks acquired in separate sessions: man-made/natural categorization, basic-level categorization, and fixation color discrimination. We found correlations between categorization response times and scene-specific brain responses, quantified as the distance to a hyperplane derived from a multivariate classifier. Across tasks, these effects were found in largely distinct parts of the ventral visual stream. This suggests that different scene representations are relevant for behavior depending on the task. Next, using deep neural networks as a proxy for visual feature representations, we found that intermediate layers mediated the relationship between scene representations and behavior for both categorization tasks, indicating a contribution of mid-level visual features to these representations. Finally, we observed opposite patterns of brain-behavior correlations in the man-made/natural and the fixation task, indicating interference of representations with behavior for task demands that do not align with the content of representations. Together, these results reveal the spatial extent, content, and task-dependence of the visual representations that mediate behavior in complex scenes.
Characterizing the temporal dynamics and maturation of brain activity during sleep: An EEG microstate study in preterm and full-term infants
Authors: Adibpour Parvaneh , Nasser Hala , Pedoux Amandine , Devisscher Laurie , Elbaz Nicolas , Ghozland Chloé , Hinnekens Elodie , Neumane Sara , Kabdebon Claire , Lefebvre Aline , Kaminska Anna , Hertz-Pannier Lucie , Heneau Alice , Sibony Olivier , Alison Marianne , Delanoë Catherine , Delorme Richard , Barbu-Roth Marianne , Biran Valérie , Dubois Jessica
Published: January 2025

By interfering with the normal sequence of mechanisms serving the brain maturation, premature birth and related stress can alter perinatal experiences, with potential long-term consequences on a child’s neurodevelopment. The early characterization of brain functioning and maturational changes is thus of critical interest in premature infants who are at high risk of atypical outcomes and could benefit from early diagnosis and dedicated interventions. Using high-density electroencephalography (HD-EEG), we recorded brain activity in extreme and very preterm infants at the equivalent age of pregnancy term (n = 43), and longitudinally 2 months later (n = 33), compared with full-term born infants (n = 14). We characterized the maturation of brain activity by using a dedicated microstate analysis to quantify the spatio-temporal dynamics of the spontaneous transient network activity while controlling for vigilance states. The comparison of premature and full-term infants first showed slower dynamics as well as altered spatio-temporal properties of brain activity in preterm infants. Maturation of functional networks between term-equivalent age and 2 months later in preterms was linked to the emergence of faster dynamics, manifested in part by shorter duration of microstates, as well as an evolution in the spatial organization of the dominant microstates. The inter-individual differences in the temporal dynamics of brain activity at term-equivalent age were further impacted by sex (with slower microstate dynamics in boys) and by gestational age at birth for some microstate dynamics but not by other considered risk factors. This study highlights the potential of the microstate approach to reveal maturational properties of the emerging brain network activity in premature infants.
Towards a revision of Taraxacum sect. Borealia (Compositae, Crepidinae) in Siberia and the continental Far East, with special reference to the dandelions of the Altai and Kamchatka
Authors: KIRSCHNER JAN , ŠTĚPÁNEK JAN , BURYY VLADIMIR V.
Published: January 2025

The genus Taraxacum (Asteraceae, Crepidinae) is rather underexplored in the Asiatic part of Russia, and many published names require a revision. This particularly concerns T. sect. Borealia, a circumpolar Arcto-Alpidic group. We revised all the published names referable to T. sect. Borealia from the continental Asiatic Russia. On the basis of our material from the Altai and Central Siberia, a new collection from Kamchatka and older herbarium collections, we recognize 62 species, including 20 new species, 13 from the Russian part of the Altai, four new species from Irkutsk Region, Siberia, and another two from Kamchatka. A rich cultivated collection from the Altai in Kazakhstan yielded another new species. With two exceptions, all the species are agamospermous, which was estimated on the basis of indirect indicators. Many of the previously published names are difficult to evaluate because of a scanty original material, imperfectly preserved type specimens, unknown achenes etc. The oldest name in T. sect. Borealia, T. ceratophorum (Ledeb.) DC., was frequently used in a very broad sense for the whole group of species. We examined the original material of Leontodon ceratophorus Ledeb. and compared it with other members of this section; we consider it as conspecific with T. trigonolobum Dahlst., and the name T. ceratophorum s. str. is therefore used for the latter taxon. A brief comparison of Taraxacum in northern Asia and the northernmost North America is provided; both floras share at least five dandelion species.
Three new blind species of the genus Nesamblyops Jeannel, 1937 (Anillini: Carabidae: Coleoptera) from New Zealand
Authors: SOKOLOV IGOR M.
Published: January 2025

Three new species of blind subterranean ground beetles of the tribe Anillini, genus Nesamblyops, are described from New Zealand: N. nunni sp. nov. (type locality: New Zealand, South Island, Central Otago, Old Man Range), N. larochellei sp. nov. (type locality: New Zealand, South Island, Lewis Pass), and N. pygmaeus sp. nov. (type locality: New Zealand, North Island, Tararua Range, Kāpiti Coastal District). All species are illustrated with digital images of habitus, body parts, and drawings of genitalia. Distribution maps for all species are also provided.
A new species of Odontobdella Oka, 1923 (Erpobdelliformes: Salifidae), a macrophagous terrestrial leech from Central China
Authors: YIN ZIHAN , LIAO JINPING , LI LINBEI , XIANG HAIYANG , XIANG DONGQIN , LIU ZHIXIAO , NAKANO TAKAFUMI
Published: January 2025

This paper describes a new species of macrophagous terrestrial leech distributed in Wuling Mountain area in Central China. On the basis of morphological and structural observation, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence analysis and phylogenetic tree inference, this leech was identified as a new species of the genus Odontobdella in the family Salifidae, and named Odontobdella gaowangjiensis sp. nov. The main distinguishing features are: mid-body somites decem-annulate, c1 = c2 = c3 = c4 < b3 = b4 < c9 = c10 > c11 = c12 in adults, while in juvenile specimens, quinquannulate, b1 = b2 = a2 < b5 (c9 = c10) > b6; post-anal annuli present; eyespots in six pairs on somites II, III, IV and V; second pair on somite II largest; each of three myognaths bearing two conical stylets arranged in tandem, parallel to body axis; male gonopore in somite XI c11/c12 (slightly posterior to middle of somite XI b6), female gonopore in somite XII c11/c12 (slightly posterior to middle of somite XII b6), gonopores separated by ten annuli (= one full somite); atrial cornua heart-shaped, curved laterad; ovisacs tubular, extending to somite XVII. Type specimens were deposited in the Animal Collection, College of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Hunan, China.
3. Academics of Post-war Sri Lanka
Authors: Pradeepkumar Hemalatha
Published: January 2025

This chapter explores the significance of acknowledging the hidden narratives of violence in conflict-affected contexts. It focuses on the impact of ethnic-based armed conflict on Sri Lanka's higher education (HE) institutions until 2009. There is limited analysis of this period and its post-conflict legacies in grey literature and academic publications spanning from 1960 to 2022. The author examines available information to gain insights into academics' experiences within Sri Lankan universities and reflects on the struggles faced by hegemonic and counter-hegemonic powers post-conflict. The text explores Sri Lankan academics as consciousness-raisers and peacebuilders amidst trauma and constraints during the conflict, supported by interventions aimed at rebuilding universities after violence ceased. Concerns are raised regarding fragile conditions that impede academia's contribution to war-torn societies due to numerous adverse challenges impacting academics’ personal and professional lives.
9. The Lone Voice in the Academic Wildernes
Authors: Obinna Ugbo Gregory , Chigozie Duru Henry
Published: January 2025

Conflicts undermine and confront quality teaching and learning in universities. This chapter explores related discourses emerging from industrial conflicts in the Nigerian Higher Education System and, particularly, its public universities. These have arisen from unmet needs situated in a context of structural and economic conflicts between public universities, expressed by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and the Nigerian Federal Government. Newspaper reports were reviewed from January to October 2022 to ascertain how the government, media, and other stakeholders understand and represent the underlying causes of the conflict espoused by the academic union. The outcome of this curation contributes a Nigerian perspective to the cognate lived experiences of many university academics internationally who are increasingly entrapped and victimized in vicious webs of conspiracies and silences.
International Management Strategy of Small and Medium Enterprises in Thailand: Challenges and Strategic Adaptation in a Globalized Economy
Authors: Zhang Chuanling , U-on Vichit
Published: January 2025

In the context of global economic integration, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand face considerable challenges in their internationalization efforts, which are crucial for sustained growth and competitiveness in the global market. These challenges include technological limitations, insufficient knowledge of international markets, structural inefficiencies, talent shortages, and inadequate risk management practices. Overcoming these barriers is essential for Thai SMEs to successfully adapt to the demands of international competition and seize opportunities in foreign markets. This study aims to investigate the international management strategies employed by Thai SMEs to address these challenges, with a particular focus on the role of government policy support in facilitating their global expansion. The research examines the effectiveness of various approaches, such as innovation adoption, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic alliances, in enhancing SME competitiveness and resilience. By analyzing these strategies, the study provides actionable insights into how Thai SMEs can leverage their unique strengths and external support to achieve sustainable international growth. The findings also offer valuable implications for policymakers, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to foster SME development in a globalized economy. The paper concludes by presenting recommendations for enhancing SME internationalization and identifying areas for future research to address persistent gaps in knowledge and practice.
Creation of Fake Identities on Social Media for Pleasure Seeking: An Analysis of Facebook
Authors: Taj Sohail , Khan Zaheer
Published: January 2025

The study examined the relationship between creating fake identities on Facebook and the pursuit of pleasurable experiences. A total of 603 participants, consisting of 252 males and 351 females, were surveyed to gather insights. The results, analyzed using an independent samples t-test, indicated a significant difference in the number of fake identities created by each gender. Females reported a higher average number of fictitious identities as a means of seeking pleasure. Additionally, correlation analysis revealed a weak relationship between the creation of fake identities and the desire for pleasurable experiences, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.127. These findings suggested that although the pursuit of pleasure may influence the creation of counterfeit identities, it is not the primary motivation. The results also indicate that females tend to be more active than males in generating these false personas on the Facebook. The research highlighted notable gender differences in social media behavior and provided insights into the underlying motivations for users crafting fake identities on Facebook. This understanding could have implications for grasping user dynamics on social media and the psychological factors that drive engagement with digital identities. Future research could expand on these findings to explore the long-term impacts of such behaviors on individuals' online experiences and interactions.
The Question of Evil in Philosophy: A Critical Reading of Leibniz’s Thinking
Authors: Kuate Herve
Published: January 2025

Among the major themes that govern, the question of evil is one of the most troubling issues that many theologians and philosophers have been confronted with. Many thinkers have clearly admitted their dismay and uncertainties in the face of this problem, and others have complained of their inability to provide a satisfactory answer. Many atheists have tried to take advantage of this difficulty. They have then used this question to try to call into question the existence of God and thus arouse doubt in believers. More than a theme, it is a guiding idea although it changes value during the journey. Thus, the question of evil, which raises different types of questions, interests mythology, theology and philosophy. Evil is this transhistorical and inescapable pandemic, to which it is useless to add, is universal. It is indifferent to no one and the adiaphoras of the Stoics only concern what does not depend on us. In the very extension of the concept, several possible approaches must be taken into account: does evil come from our physical suffering, from the sensible; or is it moral in the sense that it touches on sin? Or finally, is it simply a metaphysical evil, this anguish of man in the face of his imperfection? Some philosophers, including Leibniz, have looked into the question. This article presents some reflections of philosophers and especially a critical reflection of the thought of the illustrious man of science Leibniz, on the subject.
The Relationship Between Moral Values and Food Wasting Behavior Among Consumers at All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
Authors: Purnawan Andi , Shinta Arundati , Adib Amin
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between moral values and the behavior of wasting food that is still fit for consumption. Two hypotheses were proposed. Hypothesis I suggests a negative relationship between moral values and the frequency of discarding edible food. Hypothesis II suggests a negative relationship between moral values and the amount of food waste produced. The research instrument used to measure food waste behavior was the Food Waste Behavior Scale (FWBS), which consists of 5 statements. The validity of the scale was tested using three professional judgments, resulting in a Content Validity Ratio (CVR) between 0.6 and 1.0. The reliability of the FWBS is 0.84. The instrument used to measure the amount of food waste produced involved creating a list of food waste categories along with their weights. These categories included carbohydrates, meat, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and snacks. The responses were categorized into five ranges, from 1 to 4 tablespoons. The instrument used to measure moral judgment was the Moral Judgments of Food Wasting Behavior Scale, consisting of 6 items. The validity of this scale was tested with 38 students enrolled in an Environmental Psychology course. The validity coefficient ranged from 0.316 to 0.618, with a reliability coefficient of 0.738. The study involved 100 all-you-can-eat restaurant customers. Hypothesis testing results showed that for Hypothesis I, rho = -0.281, p = 0.002, and for Hypothesis II, rho = -0.333, p = 0.000. The discussion highlights several limitations of the study.
The Major Challenges Faced in the Education 3.0 Era and Evidence-Based Solutions
Authors: Ding Xiaoliang
Published: January 2025

This paper analyzes the history of educational development using the organizational approach, teaching methods, educational purposes, and target audiences as a coordinate system. It distills the three stages of educational development and their main characteristics. Based on the teaching resource allocation model, talent supply and demand analysis, and extensive field investigations, the paper identifies the three major challenges that contemporary education must address: promoting individualized talent development, bridging the significant gap between educational content and practical work, and providing not only professional education but also holistic education. In response to these challenges, the paper proposes an Education 3.0 solution based on teaching reform and experimentation: implementing the combined credit system at the resource allocation level, allowing students to choose courses according to their own interests; applying the five principles of instructional design, the PDCA iterative improvement pedagogy, and peer instruction at the classroom teaching level; establishing the comprehensive education and teaching organizational system that includes the "research-teaching-study nexus," grade-based residential colleges, and student learning societies at the organizational structure aspect; creating a project-based learning curriculum system; and implementing internationalization education at home that benefits all students to enhance international competitiveness. Evidence suggests that this solution is universally significant for addressing the aforementioned challenges and for enhancing the competitiveness of students and higher education institutions.
Assessing Legal Independence of the National Bank of Ethiopia: An Analytical Framework Using Advanced Metrics
Authors: Kiyar Hamza
Published: January 2025

Ethiopia is recognized as the first African country to establish an independently owned central bank. This article evaluates the legal independence of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), tracing its evolution from inception to the present day. Various studies provide robust evidence that an independent central bank is crucial for maintaining price stability without adversely affecting economic growth. The primary objective of this article is to analyze the extent to which the NBE maintains legal autonomy and effectively executes its monetary policy mandate amidst governmental influences. Utilizing contemporary metrics developed by Tobias Adrian, Ashraf Khan, and Lev Menand in 2024, the analysis is anchored in ten indicators of central bank independence, including institutional autonomy, policy-making authority, budgetary independence, and financial independence. A critical examination of the legislative frameworks governing the NBE assesses both existing laws and the proposed Draft National Bank Proclamation. Findings indicate that while the NBE has made significant strides in enhancing its legal independence, such as emphasizing price stability as its primary objective and allowing the board to set remuneration, substantial challenges remain. Persistent governmental control over appointments and financial resource allocation continues to undermine its operational effectiveness. This research underscores the necessity of a robust regulatory framework to enhance the NBE’s autonomy and promote economic stability and growth. By integrating historical insights with contemporary assessment metrics, this study advocates for targeted reforms that strengthen the NBE’s mandate in an increasingly complex economic landscape.
Study of the Relationship Between Social Health and Couples' Adjustment (Field Research of Married Women in Sari)
Authors: Khorsandi Jafar , Jelodar Shahram , Jamali Maryam , Khani Alireza , Atshbari Saeed
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Social health is one of the most important criteria of social welfare that can play a role in family life. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between social health and adaptation of married women in Sari. Method: The research method was descriptive-survey and the statistical population includes all married women in Sari in 1399 that by cluster sampling and then simple random sampling, 384 people were selected according to Cochran's formula and data were collected. The research tool is questionnaire which was used in the independent variable section of Keyes standard questionnaire (2004) and the dependent variable part of the researcher-made questionnaire. Pearson test and path analysis in structural equations were used to evaluate the relationships between variables. Findings: The results of Pearson test showed that the five dimensions of social health had a positive and significant relationship with the dependent variable of the study. Conclusion: The results of path analysis showed that the three dimensions of social health (social participation, social acceptance and social adaptation), they were able to explain approximately half (0.48) of the variance of the dependent variable of the research, which includes a significant amount of explanation.