bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REELEIÇÃO E CONSTITUCIONALISMO-ABUSIVO
Authors: Terenzi Gabriel Vieira , Scheidt Gregianin Letícia , De Brito Alves Fernando
Published: September 2023

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a decisão da Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos na Opinião Consultiva nº 28/21, que declarou incompatível com o Sistema Regional o instituto da reeleição indefinida, a fim de responder a seguinte questão: os fundamentos democráticos estabelecidos pela Corte para o julgamento da compatibilidade do instituto com a Convenção Americana são capazes de servir como parâmetros de contenção de práticas de retrocessos constitucionais latino-americanos? Para tanto, adota-se uma metodologia indutiva. Assim, almeja-se, a partir do caso da Opinião Consultiva em análise, extraírem-se os fundamentos potencialmente capazes de serem adotados em outros casos de retrocessos democráticos mediante alterações constitucionais abusivas no cenário latino-americano, sendo a hipótese de que os referidos parâmetros podem ser aplicados a casos similares. A fim de atingir esse objetivo, o desenvolvimento do trabalho aborda, em primeiro lugar, o instituto da reeleição e o caso da opção boliviana por reeleições indefinidas. Em seguida, será analisado o julgamento da OC nº 28/21 e os fundamentos que podem ser extraídos da sua fundamentação. Finalmente, promover-se-á a avaliação da sua aplicabilidade aos casos de constitucionalismo abusivo latino-americano. Conclui-se, finalmente, pelo aproveitamento parcial dos parâmetros, capazes de conter retrocessos constitucionais mais evidentes, mas aparentemente impotentes de serem replicados em termos gerais como forma de contenção a outros casos de abuso democrático.
CASSAÇÃO DE MANDATO E FAKE NEWS
Authors: Ferreira Emanuel Melo
Published: September 2023

O Direito Eleitoral tem ganhado ainda mais proeminência nos últimos anos no Brasil tendo em vista os constantes ataques proferidos pelo bolsonarismo contra a Justiça Eleitoral. Tais condutas auxiliaram na criação do cenário para a tentativa de golpe de Estado efetivada em 08/01/2023, sendo importante estudar um caso emblemático em tal processo difuso a partir da cassação de mandato do então Deputado Estadual Fernando Francischini efetivada pelo Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE). Nesse sentido, é necessário compreender como as normas eleitorais e processuais foram utilizadas pelo bolsonarismo para tentar manter no poder tal autoridade, o qual disseminara diversas informações falsas contra as instituições eleitorais no contexto das eleições de 2018. A metodologia parte da análise das razões proferidas por Ministros indicados pelo então Presidente Jair Bolsonaro para considerar como equivocada a referida decisão do TSE, concluindo-se que a interação entre eles compõe um caso de colaboração interinstitucional autoritária, levada a cabo a partir de estratégias processuais e materiais.
Immersive Pop-Up Books: Enhancing Disaster Awareness in the Merdeka Curriculum
Authors: Prastika Bianca Ayu , Senen Anwar , Cahya Risky Dwi
Published: September 2023

The Understanding by Design (UBD) framework is the preferred instructional model in self-directed learning. The issue addressed in this study pertains to the multitude of disasters occurring in Indonesia, thereby emphasizing the significance of acquiring comprehensive perspectives on disasters and their corresponding management strategies. It remains imperative for students to acquire a comprehensive understanding of disasters and their corresponding management strategies. The research aims to increase students' disaster literacy using the UBD learning model with pop-up book media. The research employed a quantitative methodology. The study population was students from SD N Percobaan in Padang, West Sumatra. A total of 42 students were selected as participants and were divided into two groups: a control class and an experimental class. The outcomes obtained from implementing the UBD model encompass the findings derived from rigorous statistical analysis. The test results indicate a statistically significant impact of the UBD learning model on enhancing students' disaster literacy when combined with pop-up book media. The educator's contribution has yielded practical insights, diverse perspectives, and innovative ideas that enhance the efficacy of utilizing pop-up book media to augment students' disaster literacy. The findings of this study hold significant implications for Indonesia, given its status as a nation characterized by a substantial degree of vulnerability to disasters. The intended outcome is for students to develop improved readiness to respond to disasters and better understand the necessary actions to take during emergencies.
Transcriptional activity of genes regulating T-helpers differentiation in the accidentally exposed population of the Southern Urals
Authors:   Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine of FMBA of Russia, Nikiforov V.S. ,   Chelyabinsk State University, Kotikova A.I. ,   Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine of FMBA of Russia,   Chelyabinsk State University, Blinova E.A. ,   Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine of FMBA of Russia,   Chelyabinsk State University, Akleyev A.V. ,   Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine of FMBA of Russia,   Chelyabinsk State University
Published: September 2023

The objective of this work was to study the expression of the TBX21, RORC, GATA3, MAPK8, and STAT3 genes responsible for the regulation of the differentiation of various T-helper subpopulations in individuals chronically exposed to radiation. The object of the study was peripheral blood cells obtained from 120 people chronically exposed to radiation in a wide range of doses on the Techa River. The mean cumulative absorbed dose to red bone marrow in the examined exposed individuals was 742.7+/-78.6 mGy (dose range: 73.5-3516.1 mGy), in the comparison group – 17.4+/-2.2 mGy (dose range: 0.0-55.5 mGy). The subpopulation composition of T-helpers (Th1, Th2, Th17) was analyzed by flow cytofluorimetry. The relative mRNA content of the TBX21, RORC, GATA3, NFKB1, MAPK8, and STAT3 genes was estimated by RT-PCR. The study made it possible to note a decrease in the relative number of T-helper 2 in the populations of T-helper central memory in the group of chronically exposed people compared to the comparison group. In the population of T-helpers of central memory, a statistically significant increase in the relative number of T-helpers 1 was shown, depending on the accumulated absorbed dose to red bone marrow. No changes in mRNA expression of the studied genes were observed. The analysis of the relationship between the expression of GATA3, MAPK8, STAT3, RORC, TBX21 mRNA and the relative number of cells in subpopulations of T-helper types 1, 2, and 17 in the examined people did not reveal statistically significant patterns.
Study of possible radioprotective properties of deanol aceglumate under the action of ionizing radiation on human cells
Authors:   Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, Vypova E.R. , Kuptsova P.S. ,   Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, Komarova L.N. ,   Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, Berseneva A.A. ,   Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, Baldov D.A. ,   Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering, Kotlyarov A.A. ,   Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering
Published: September 2023

One of the effective methods to mitigate late side effects of radiotherapy is to use radioprotectors that reduce harmful effects of ionizing radiation on living cells. Nowadays there are no ideal and multifunctional radioprotectors. In this connection, the research priority is the search for new radioprotectors able to protect healthy cells from side effects of radiation therapy. A promising compound that can be used as a radioprotector is deanol aceglumate. Deanol aceglumate is known as a low-toxic nootropic drug. In addition, there is evidence of its hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity. The aim of the study is to investigate the potential properties of deanol aceglumate to protect human fibroblasts (hTERT) from gamma-radiation and C-12 ions and to select the optimal time of cell incubation with deanol aceglumate prior to irradiation. The effect of radiation was evaluated by the criteria of the time of cells doubling and cells clonogenic activity. It is shown that deanol aceglumate at a concentration of 1000 mcM has a radioprotective effect on human fibroblasts exposed to gamma radiation. The optimal time of the cells incubation prior to irradiation is 24 hours in order to achieve the highest radioprotective effect. Deanol aceglumate at a concentration of 1000 mcM does not protect normal cells when exposed to C-12 ions beyond Bragg Peak. It has been found that deanol aceglumate radioprotective properties depend significantly on the quality of ionizing radiation. The use of deanol aceglumate can be a promising way to reduce the ionizing radiation-induced diverse effect on normal human cells during radiation therapy of cancer patients.
The content of plutonium isotopes in the environmental objects of the Polesie State Radioecological Reserve
Authors:   Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Edomskaya M.A. , Lukashenko S.N. ,   Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Shupik A.A. ,   Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, Geras'kin S.A. ,   Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology
Published: September 2023

The study was carried out in the territory of the Polesie State Radioecological Reserve. For the study of long-term environmental effects of the Chernobyl accident in the territory of Belarus, the Polesie State Radioecological Reserve was established in 1988. It is located in the Belarus sector of the Chernobyl exclusion zone. The objective of the study was to estimate the content of plutonium isotopes in the environmental samples inside and outside of the Reserve area. Determination of plutonium isotopes was carried out by alpha spectrometry. The method includes complete decomposition of samples, radiochemical purification, preparation of alpha sources, alpha spectrometric analysis. The content of Pu-239+240 and Pu-238 in soil samples is in the range of 1.8-141 and <0.82-55 Bq/kg, respectively. The concentration of Pu-239+240 was at the level of n·10Е+0 Bq/kg in areas of the Kozeluga branch of the Khoiniki forestry, located outside the Reserve. Plutonium isotopes concentration outside the Reserve was an order of magnitude higher than it was in global fallout. The concentration of Pu-239+240 in pine cones in the study areas was <0.001-0.0041 Bq/kg. The Pu-239+240 transfer factor in Scots pine cones grown in the Reserve territory was at the level of n·10-4. The obtained value of the plutonium transfer factors for pine cones was comparable with the plutonium transfer factor for pine needles grown in the Reserve territory.
Exploring the Association Between Structural Racism and Mental Health: Geospatial and Machine Learning Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Mohebbi Fahimeh , Forati Amir Masoud , Torres Lucas , deRoon-Cassini Terri A , Harris Jennifer , Tomas Carissa W , Mantsch John R , Ghose Rina
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Structural racism produces mental health disparities. While studies have examined the impact of individual factors such as poverty and education, the collective contribution of these elements, as manifestations of structural racism, has been less explored. Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, with its racial and socioeconomic diversity, provides a unique context for this multifactorial investigation.

OBJECTIVE

This research aimed to delineate the association between structural racism and mental health disparities in Milwaukee County, using a combination of geospatial and deep learning techniques. We used secondary data sets where all data were aggregated and anonymized before being released by federal agencies.

METHODS

We compiled 217 georeferenced explanatory variables across domains, initially deliberately excluding race-based factors to focus on nonracial determinants. This approach was designed to reveal the underlying patterns of risk factors contributing to poor mental health, subsequently reintegrating race to assess the effects of racism quantitatively. The variable selection combined tree-based methods (random forest) and conventional techniques, supported by variance inflation factor and Pearson correlation analysis for multicollinearity mitigation. The geographically weighted random forest model was used to investigate spatial heterogeneity and dependence. Self-organizing maps, combined with K-means clustering, were used to analyze data from Milwaukee communities, focusing on quantifying the impact of structural racism on the prevalence of poor mental health.

RESULTS

While 12 influential factors collectively accounted for 95.11% of the variability in mental health across communities, the top 6 factors—smoking, poverty, insufficient sleep, lack of health insurance, employment, and age—were particularly impactful. Predominantly, African American neighborhoods were disproportionately affected, which is 2.23 times more likely to encounter high-risk clusters for poor mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings demonstrate that structural racism shapes mental health disparities, with Black community members disproportionately impacted. The multifaceted methodological approach underscores the value of integrating geospatial analysis and deep learning to understand complex social determinants of mental health. These insights highlight the need for targeted interventions, addressing both individual and systemic factors to mitigate mental health disparities rooted in structural racism.

CLINICALTRIAL
A Study on the Translation of Four-Character Structure Based on Communicative Translation Theory: Taking the Art of Silk Pattern as an Example
Authors: Xinyi Wei
Published: September 2023

There are many four-character structures in Chinese, which are widely used. Its translation should follow specific rules and also contain many techniques. Taking The Art of Silk Pattern as an example, this article is based on the communicative translation theory, categorizing the four-character structures and exploring the translation strategies to achieve the translation goals. The author hopes to provide a reference for the subsequent translation of the four-character structure.
An Exploration of the Innovative Teaching Mode of Mixed Ideological and Political Course Based on Flipped Classroom and Wisdom Classroom
Authors: Dai Xianying
Published: September 2023

Innovation is the theme of the development of the new era. Ideological and political education should make good use of new ideas, data, digitization, networking and intelligent technology to promote the reform of teaching mode of ideological and political courses in colleges and universities. Flipped classroom realizes the reverse order innovation of the teaching process of ideological and political theory courses. Guided by the concept of wisdom education, smart classroom mainly innovates in three aspects: pre-class interaction, immediacy interaction in class and extended interaction after class, and realizes the secondary reverse innovation of teaching reform.
Qualitative Evaluation Insights Obtained from the Development of the Students’ English Speaking Skills Acquired at University of Bengkulu
Authors: Lin Yun
Published: September 2023

Demonstrated in construction, deconstruction and reconstruction of the evaluation model in educational curriculum pertaining to students’ studies, it can be seen clearly in the evaluation experiences implemented at University of Bengkulu that students’ speaking skills have captured the critical attentions of a good many educational researchers. The concern shown for those students acquired at University of Bengkulu has reminded this researcher of the great necessity for her to take a good look at the static and dynamic status of the unsatisfactory performance of those students based on the analytical findings of this research article Improving English Students’ Speaking Skills through an Action Learning Strategy. To get close to the validity and reliability of the data collected from the participants analyzed in this article, this essay will make an objective and authentic comment on the entire analytical practices and processes of the researchers who have adopted the action learning strategy to make a qualitative analysis of those students’ speaking skills to absorb and to accumulate rich conducive qualitative evaluation experience from the qualitative evaluation virtues dwelled upon in the research background of this article, the true qualitative evaluation values in its problem statement, the qualitative evaluation implications in its evaluation model and the qualitative evaluation insights in its analytical practices respectively. Indebted to the critical insights carried in the action research evaluation model to be applied in this essay, it can be summarized that what has been obtained from this research article has turned out to be valid and reliable for the specific situations of those Indonesian students and the concretization of the action learning strategies to be applied into the learning practices and learning experiences of distinctive and diverse students to help them to improve their learning ability in combination with the particular educational context in which they have been particularized.
International Student Policy in Canada: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Li Xiaobin
Published: September 2023

This study is a critical analysis of Canadian policies on international students and these students’ experiences in Canada. The author has carefully reviewed the relevant literature and has reached a conclusion based on the literature that Canadian international education has developed significantly in the last half century with the annual arriving international students increasing substantially. This increase has served the interests of Canada well and most international students find their experiences of receiving Canadian education positive. They have become an important source of new immigrants. For good reasons Canada is considered one of the favourite destinations for international students. But when they attempt to integrate into the society and when they attempt to join the labour force, particularly in their studied field, there have been challenges. The author also discusses the implications of the Canadian policies on international students. In addition, the author offers a few recommendations on how to improve the policies and the experiences of international students in Canada, particularly for those who decide to remain here after the completion of their study.
Actitud hacia el riesgo de la actividad empresarial: evidencia utilizando modelos logit para dos grupos de países de la OCDE
Authors: Reyes Ruiz Gerardo
Published: September 2023

En este artículo se realiza un acercamiento al tema de la aversión al riesgo de fracasar que enfrenta una persona al tomar la decisión de ser un emprendedor. La información integrada por los reportes del Global Entrepreneurship Monitor sirvió para que, a través de los modelos no lineales de probabilidad logit y cuatro subperiodos comprendidos de 2001 a 2016, se compruebe si los factores educación, experiencia, conocimiento, habilidades, edad, entre otros, influyen directamente y permanecen constantes para que una persona tome la decisión de emprender un negocio. Este análisis se realizó para dos grupos de países miembros de la OCDE: el primer mundo y Latinoamérica. Los resultados obtenidos permitieron detectar y comparar los factores más distintivos en cada uno de estos grupos. Además, en cada grupo se detectaron las odd ratios que incrementan la probabilidad de que una persona sienta aversión al riesgo de fracasar al momento de emprender.
El enfoque curricular por competencias, realidad o utopía
Authors: Jimenez Villasana Juana Marisela , Barrios Gómez Edna Marcela
Published: September 2023

La temática curricular constituye una de las problemáticas de mayor incidencia en la práctica educativa. Dominar este tema y mostrarlo se ha convertido en una de las ocupaciones más importante para la docencia. La práctica educativa es un eje recurrente de las investigaciones actuales, principalmente situado en el manejo que se tiene desde la concepción del currículo. A partir de los planteamientos que hace la UNESCO en 1998 centrando el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje en el estudiante, el aula es la vitrina donde habrán de observarse los cambios que demanda la actual reforma educativa, cuyo enfoque está basado en el desarrollo de competencias. La nueva exigencia que surge a partir de la autonomía escolar y el currículum descentralizado, demanda la aplicación de este nuevo enfoque curricular, que si bien parece aún no ser considerado como uso prioritario en los modelos educativos de las Instituciones de Educación Superior, es pertinente su revisión para encontrar una respuesta a los nuevos desarrollos socio-culturales.
Gestión del Conocimiento en las empresas competitivas e innovadoras: Estado del Arte
Authors: Sánchez Ambriz Gerardo , Pérez Balbuena José de Jesús
Published: September 2023

El presente trabajo sitúa a través de una línea del tiempo el estado del arte sobre el origen y la evolución de la teoría administrativa de gestión del conocimiento, con el fin de describir aspectos sobresalientes de los estudios acerca de una disciplina que, en el contexto actual, constituye un medio para que las organizaciones puedan responder eficientemente a la creciente demanda de innovación en los mercados.
Studying the Performance of Underlap GAA-FET
Authors: Batakala Jeevan Rao
Published: September 2023

Abstract: This paper investigates the performance of underlap Gate-All-Around Field Effect Transistor (GAA FET) of 22nm gate length and evaluates the short channel performance of the device. Underlap GAA FET structure can be utilized to increase the drive current of the nanowire devices. In this work, underlap rectangular GAA FET is designed by extension of underlap regions on source/drain of GAA FET to increase the performance. This underlap device is increasing the capacitances by adding the fringing capacitances to parasitic capacitances which increases the fringing field from gate electrode to underlap regions. In this also investigating the electrical parameters on various performance metrics like threshold voltage (Vth), ON current (ION), OFF current or subthreshold leakage current (IOFF), ON-OFF current ratio (ION/IOFF) and short channel effects such as Subthreshold slope (SS) and DIBL (Drain Induced Barrier Lowering) of underlap GAA FET are systematically evaluated and analysed. In the present study, GAA FET and underlap GAA FET device performances are investigated through ATLAS device simulator from Silvaco.
ANÁLISE DA QUALIDADE DE SONO EM PROFESSORES DO ENSINO BÁSICO E SUPERIOR
Authors: Soares Núbia Mendes , Pereira Saulo Gonçalves , Júnior Gilmar Antoniassi , Soares Melo Hugo Christiano
Published: September 2023

The poor quality of sleep is intrinsically linked to sleep disorders, which arise from changes in physical, occupational, cognitive, and social aspects, culminating in a detrimental impact on quality of life. Notably, extended and intense work hours emerge as factors that trigger such disorders, particularly evident in the context of teachers. This scenario is reflected through the manifestation of a range of symptoms and manifestations in the body, indicative of the impact of stress: physical and mental exhaustion, irritability, anxiety, sadness, difficulties in concentration, indecision, low self-esteem, explosive reactions, among others. In this context, the present study aimed to assess the quality of sleep in teachers, recognizing the significance of the subject. Using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, sleep quality was analyzed in a sample of 52 teachers from elementary and higher education levels. The results revealed that 27% of teachers have unsatisfactory sleep quality, with 15% exhibiting clear symptoms of sleep disorders. Importantly, the findings of this research harmoniously align with previous studies, reinforcing the connection between sleep and teachers' quality of life, contributing to the emergence of stress, sleep disorders, and impairments in concentration and reasoning ability.
A "thoughtful" Local Friendliness no-go theorem: a prospective experiment with new assumptions to suit
Authors: Wiseman Howard M. , Cavalcanti Eric G. , Rieffel Eleanor G.
Published: September 2023

A recent paper by two of us and co-workers \cite{CQD20}, based on an extended Wigner's friend scenario, demonstrated that certain empirical correlations predicted by quantum theory (QT) violate inequalities derived from a set of metaphysical assumptions we called "Local Friendliness" (LF). These assumptions are strictly weaker than those used for deriving Bell inequalities. Crucial to the theorem was the premise that a quantum system with reversible evolution could be an observer (colloquially, a "friend"). However, that paper was noncommittal on what would constitute an observer for the purpose of an experiment. Here, we present a new LF no-go theorem which takes seriously the idea that a system's having thoughts is a sufficient condition for it to be an observer. Our new derivation of the LF inequalities uses four metaphysical assumptions, three of which are thought-related, including one that is explicitly called "Friendliness". These four assumptions, in conjunction, allow one to derive LF inequalities for experiments involving the type of system that "Friendliness" refers to. In addition to these four metaphysical assumptions, this new no-go theorem requires two assumptions about what is technologically feasible: Human-Level Artificial Intelligence, and Universal Quantum Computing which is fast and large scale. The latter is often motivated by the belief that QT is universal, but this is not an assumption of the theorem. The intent of the new theorem is to give a clear goal for future experimentalists, and a clear motivation for trying to achieve that goal. We review various approaches to QT in light of our theorem. The popular stance that "quantum theory needs no interpretation" does not question any of our assumptions and so is ruled out. Finally, we quantitatively discuss how difficult the experiment we envisage would be, and briefly discuss milestones on the paths towards it.
Análisis de activos financieros en Colombia: cobertura de posiciones con bitcoin
Authors: Escobar Anduquia Christian Daniel , Avella Jiménez Sebastián Darío , Rojas Ormaza Brayan Ricardo
Published: September 2023

Objetivo: inferir los activos financieros del mercado colombiano que pueden ser cubiertos mediante posiciones con bitcoin, determinando el vínculo frente a dicha criptomoneda, así como contribuir al entendimiento de las criptodivisas (en este caso en particular, al bitcoin), en pro de su uso y aplicabilidad como vehículo de inversión.
Diseño/metodología: este estudio usó un modelo de correlación condicional dinámico (DCC), el cual tiene capacidad para recoger las relaciones dinámicas y la variabilidad de las series en el tiempo cuando son volátiles y brinda la flexibilidad propia univariante del modelo autorregresivo generalizado condicional heterocedástico (GARCH), que permite encontrar momentos donde la volatilidad tienda a un equilibro que proporcione coeficientes, el cual, al evaluar pares de variables, favorece la diferenciación e interpretación entre diversificación, refugio seguro y cobertura financiera.
Resultados: los hallazgos evidenciaron que los coeficientes proporcionados por el modelo permiten concretar las propiedades del bitcoin como mecanismo de cobertura de riesgo frente a algunos instrumentos de renta fija y variable del mercado nacional, así como la inhabilidad de su uso como refugio seguro para todos los activos estudiados, por lo que contribuye para que los inversionistas cuenten con más bases para la toma de decisiones.
Conclusiones: esta investigación soporta que el bitcoin es apto para ser utilizado como un innovador producto de inversión en la economía nacional, dado que posee características que lo convierten en activo financiero, con enfoque hacia la construcción de portafolios y generación de coberturas frente a riesgos financieros.
Originalidad: a través de la aplicación del modelo econométrico y el análisis de sus salidas, surge la necesidad de comenzar a difundir educación en activos digitales, debido a que en el largo plazo desarrollan solidez y rentabilidad, lo que genera la oportunidad de lograr beneficios bajo un adecuado nivel de riesgo, siendo materia de interés para inversionistas.
Puttybot - A sensorized robot for autonomous putty plastering
Authors: Liu Zhao , Chen Dayuan , Eldosoky Mahmoud A. , Ye Zefeng , Jiang Xin , Liu Yun-Hui , Ge Shuzhi Sam
Published: September 2023

Plastering is dominated manually, exhibiting low levels of automation
and inconsistent finished quality. A comprehensive review of literature
indicates that extant plastering robots demonstrate a subpar performance
when tasked with rectifying defects in transition area. The limitations
encompass a lack of capacity to independently evaluate the quality of
work or perform remedial plastering procedures. To address this issue,
this research describes the system design of the Puttybot and a paradigm
of plastering to solve the stated problems. The Puttybot consists of a
mobile chassis, lift platform, and a macro/micro manipulator. The
force-controlled scraper parameters have been calibrated to dynamically
modify their rigidity in response to the applied putty. This strategy
utilizes Convolutional Neural Networks to identify plastering defects
and executes the plastering operation with force feedback. This
paradigm’s effectiveness was validated during an autonomous plastering
trial wherein a large-scale wall was processed without human
involvement.
Patterns of genomic variation reveal a single evolutionary origin of the wild allotetraploid Mimulus sookensis
Authors: Whitener Makenzie , Mangelson Hayley , Sweigart Andrea
Published: September 2023

Polyploidy occurs across the tree of life and is especially common in
plants. Because newly formed cytotypes are often incompatible with their
progenitors, polyploidy is also said to trigger “instantaneous”
speciation. If a polyploid can self-fertilize or reproduce asexually, it
is even possible for one individual to produce an entirely new lineage.
How often this extreme scenario occurs is unclear, with most studies of
wild polyploids reporting multiple origins. Here, we explore the
evolutionary history of the wild allotetraploid Mimulus sookensis, which
was formed through hybridization between self-compatible, diploid
species in the Mimulus guttatus complex. We generate a chromosome-scale
reference assembly for M. sookensis and define its distinct subgenomes.
Despite previous reports suggesting multiple origins of this highly
selfing polyploid, we discover patterns of population genomic variation
that provide unambiguous support for a single origin, which we estimate
occurred ~71,000 years ago. One M. sookensis subgenome
is clearly derived from the selfer M. nasutus, which, based on
organellar variation, also appears to be the maternal progenitor. The
ancestor of the other subgenome is less certain, but it shares variation
with both M. decorus and M. guttatus, two outcrossing diploids that
overlap broadly with M. sookensis. Whatever its precise ancestry, this
study establishes M. sookensis as an example of instantaneous
speciation, likely facilitated by the polyploid’s predisposition to
self-fertilize. With a reference genome for M. sookensis now available
and its origin clarified, this wild tetraploid is poised to become a
model for understanding the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms of
polyploid persistence.
Plant-derived galactolipids enhance specific antibody production and induce class-switch as vaccine adjuvant
Authors: Lin Han-Huei , Wu Yi-Shin , Chang Meng-Ting , Shyur Lie-Fen , Lin Yu-Ling
Published: September 2023

Background and Purpose: Various plant-derived compounds can activate
immune responses against bacterial infections, and this property
contributes to them being developed as effective and safe adjuvants for
vaccines. In this study, the potential adjuvant effects of a
galactolipid-enriched fraction generated from the medicinal plant
Crassocephalum rabens (designated CRA) were evaluated. Experimental
Approaches: Heat shock protein 60 of periodontal disease pathogen
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (AaHSP60) was taken as an antigen
and mixed with CRA. The AaHSP60/CRA mixture was then injected
subcutaneously into the BALB/c mice. Titers and affinity of specific
antibodies were measured by ELISA. Cytokine profiles in mouse serum or
culture media of AaHSP60/CRA-treated splenocytes were analyzed by
cytokine multiplex assay and ELISA kits. B cell differentiation and
macrophage activation were determined by phenotyping. Key Results: CRA
dramatically enhanced specific antibody titers and induced Ig class
switch as shown by increases in the IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 proportions of
total Ig in mouse serum. Furthermore, CRA-induced anti-AaHSP60
antibodies had cross-reactivity to other bacterial HSP60s. Cell based
and animal results showed that CRA triggered IL-21 and B cell activating
factor (BAFF) release that led to B cell differentiation. CRA also
enhanced cell proliferation, uptake ability, and antigen presentation in
mouse phagocytes. Conclusion and Implications: CRA served as a vaccine
adjuvant that enhance mouse immunity against pathogenic antigens. CRA
strengthened the activation and capabilities of phagocytes and B cells.
Therefore, CRA may be a promising adjuvant for bacterial vaccines
including periodontal disease.
Effects of resource availability and interspecific interactions on Arctic and red foxes' winter use of ungulate carrion in the Fennoscandian low-Arctic tundra
Authors: Lacombe Simon , Ims Rolf , Yoccoz Nigel , Kleiven Eivind , Nicolau Pedro , Ehrich Dorothee
Published: September 2023

In the Arctic tundra, recurrent periods of food scarcity force predators
to rely on a wide variety of resources. In particular most predators use
ungulate carcasses as an alternative food supply, especially in winters
when live preys are scarce. As important and localized resource patches,
carrion promotes co-occurrence of different individuals, and its use by
predators is likely to be affected by interspecific competition. Here,
we studied how interspecific competition and resource availability
impact winter use of carrion by Arctic and red foxes in low Arctic
Fennoscandia. We predicted that presence of red foxes limits Arctic
foxes’ use of carrion, and that the outcome of competition for carrion
depends on the availability of alternative food resources, such as
rodents. We monitored Arctic and red fox presence at experimentally
supplied carrion using camera traps, between 2006 and 2021 in late
winter. Using a multi-species dynamic occupancy model at a week-to-week
scale, we evaluated use of carrion by foxes, while accounting for the
presence of competitors, rodent availability and supplemental feeding
provided to Arctic foxes. Competition primarily affected carrion use by
increasing both species’ probability to leave occupied carcasses to a
similar extent, suggesting a symmetrical avoidance. Rodent abundance was
associated with an increase in the probability of colonizing carrion for
both species. For Arctic foxes, however, this increase was only observed
in carcasses unoccupied by red foxes, showing greater avoidance when
alternative preys are available. Contrary to expectations, we did not
find strong signs of asymmetric competition for carrion in winter. Our
results suggest that interactions for resources at a short time scale
are not necessarily aligned with interactions at the scale of the
population. In addition, we found that competition for carcasses depends
on the availability of other resources, suggesting that interactions
between predators depend on the ecological context.
“SERUM PLACENTAL GROWTH FACTOR LEVELS AND UTERINE ARTERY DOPPLER PULSATILITY INDEX AT 11-13 WEEKS 6 DAYS GESTATION AS EARLY PREDICTIVE MARKERS OF PRE-ECLAMPSIA AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY”
Authors: bohra deepika , Sinchana N. , M.S DR SUJATHA
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVE: To detect serum
placental growth factor levels and uterine artery doppler pulsatility
index for predicting pre-eclampsia and assess their association with the
severity of pre-eclampsia. DESIGN: Prospective observational
study SETTING: Tertiary care centre POPULATION: All
antenatal women from 11 to 13+6weeks gestation attending antenatal
clinic during study period. METHODS: This involved 160
antenatal women, from 11-13+6 weeks gestation. Serum PlGF levels and UA
doppler mean P.I measured and patients were followed up upto delivery
and observed for the development of pre-eclampsia and its severity.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PIGF Value cut-off was 40.33pg/ml with
the sensitivity of 97.5 % and Specificity was 98.3%. For the PI Value
of 1.85 the sensitivity was found to be 74.4% and Specificity was found
to be 92.5%. RESULTS: Mean serum PlGF levels for pre-eclampsia
patients was 25.09pg/ml and for normotensive patients mean PlGF level
was 65.05pg/ml. Mean UA doppler P.I for pre-eclampsia patients was 2.02
and for normotensive patients was 1.39. Mean PI value increased with
increasing severity of preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: Early
recognition of women will help initiation of prophylactic measures and
enhanced surveillance. First trimester UA Doppler with serum PlGF
together with maternal characteristics can be used as a reliable
screening test for preeclampsia prediction and to reduce feto-maternal
morbidity KEYWORDS: uterine artery (UA) doppler pulsality index
(P.I), placental growth factor levels(PlGF), pre-eclampsia, eclampsia
Reduced-Order Probabilistic Emulation of Physics-Based Ring Current Models: Application to RAM-SCB Particle Flux
Authors: Cruz Alfredo A , Mehta Piyush M , Morley Steven K. , Godinez Humberto C , Jordanova Vania K.
Published: September 2023

We present a proof of concept for the probabilistic emulation of the
Ring current-Atmosphere interactions Model with Self-Consistent magnetic
field (RAM-SCB) particle flux. We extend the workflow developed by
Licata and Mehta (2023) by applying it to the ring current and further
developing its uncertainty quantification methodology. We introduce a
novel approach for sampling over 20 years of solar and geomagnetic
activity to identify 30 simulation periods, each one week long, to
generate the training, validation, and test datasets. Large-scale
physics-based simulation models for the ring current can be
computationally expensive. This work aims at creating an emulator that
is more efficient, capable of forecasting, and provides an estimate on
the uncertainty of its predictions, all without requiring large
computational resources. We demonstrate the emulation process on a
subset of particle flux: a single energy channel of omnidirectional
flux. A principal component analysis (PCA) is used for the
dimensionality reduction into the reduced-space, and the dynamic
modeling is performed with a recurrent neural network. A hierarchical
ensemble of Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks provides the
statistics needed to produce a probabilistic output, resulting in a
reduced-order probabilistic emulator (ROPE) that performs time-series
forecasting of the ring current’s particle flux with an estimate on its
uncertainty distribution. The resulting ROPE from this smaller subset of
RAM-SCB particle flux provides dynamic predictions with errors less than
11% and calibration scores under 10%, demonstrating that this workflow
can provide a probabilistic emulator with a robust and reliable
uncertainty estimate when applied to the ring current.
Comparative toxicity of spinetoram to Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood and its parasitoid Eencarsia formosa Gahan
Authors: Drobnjakovic Tanja , Prijovic Mirjana , Porcu Emanuele , Ricupero Michele , Siscaro Gaetano , Zappala Lucia , Biondi Antonio
Published: September 2023

The role of selective new generation bioisecticides, beside their
effectiveness against key pests, relies on their safety to beneficial
arthropods. Spinetoram, a semi-synthetic analogue of the microbial-derived
bioinsecticide spinosad is registered worldwide for application in numerous
crops, but assessment of its ecotoxicological risk to beneficial arthropods
has scarcely been documented. Moreover, this is the first report on toxic
effects of spinetoram on a pest, the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes
vaporariorum Westwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and/or its successful
biocontrol agent, the parasitoid Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymenoptera:
Aphelinidae). Under laboratory conditions, we assessed the acute toxicity of
spinetoram insecticide (25% a.i.) to adults, nymphs and eggs of the
greenhouse whitefly, as well as to parasitoid adults and pupae. In all
concentration-response bioassays, the spinetoram insecticide was applied to
tobacco leaves settled onto 1% agar layer in ventilated Petri dishes using a
Potter spray tower. The parameters of spinetoram acute toxicity to adults of
both the pest and the parasitoid were evaluated in residual contact
bioassays, while whitefly eggs and nymphs, and parasitoid pupae were
topically treated with a series of spinetoram concentrations, covering a
range of 10-90% mortality. Lethal spinetoram effects on the parasitoid E.
formosa were assessed through selectivity ratio (SR) estimations, showing
the ratios beetween median lethal concentrations (LC50s) estimated for the
parasitoid, and LC50s estimated for the pest. The following LC50 values were
obtained: 4.593, 15.027 and 11.73 mg a.i./l for whitefly adults, nymphs and
eggs, respectively, and 0.686 and 1.715 mg a.i./l for parasitoid adults and
pupae, respectively. The calculated SR estimations were below 1, indicating
that spinetoram insecticide is non-selective to both tested stages of the
parasitoid E. formosa. A more detailed understanding of spinetoram impact on
E. formosa in whitefly integrated management requires further evaluation of
sublethal effects and greenhouse trials, with an emphasis on
population-level responses.
Family Typology for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Longitudinal Stability and Validity for Diabetes Management and Well-being
Authors: Mayberry Lindsay S. , Zhao Shilin , Roddy McKenzie K. , Spieker Andrew J. , Berg Cynthia A. , Nelson Lyndsay A. , Greevy Robert A.
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVE

We validated longitudinally a typology of diabetes-specific family functioning (named Collaborative and Helpful, Satisfied with Low Involvement, Want More Involvement, and Critically Involved) in adults with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted k-means cluster analyses with nine dimensions to determine if the typology replicated in a diverse sample and if type assignment was robust to variations in sampling and included dimensions. In a subsample with repeated assessments over 9 months, we examined the stability and validity of the typology. We also applied a multinomial logistic regression approach to make the typology usable at the individual level, like a diagnostic tool.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 717) were 51% male, more than one-third reported minority race or ethnicity, mean age was 57 years, and mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 7.9% (63 mmol/mol; 8.7% [72 mmol/mol] for the longitudinal subsample). The typology was replicated with respect to the number of types and dimension patterns. Type assignment was robust to sampling variations (97% consistent across simulations). Type had an average 52% stability over time within participants; instability was not explained by measurement error. Over 9 months, type was independently associated with HbA1c, diabetes self-efficacy, diabetes medication adherence, diabetes distress, and depressive symptoms (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The typology of diabetes-specific family functioning was replicated, and longitudinal analyses suggest type is more of a dynamic state than a stable trait. However, type varies with diabetes self-management and well-being over time as a consistent independent indicator of outcomes. The typology is ready to be applied to further precision medicine approaches to behavioral and psychosocial diabetes research and care.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Self-esteem in Adolescents and Young Adults with Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Tros Benjamin G. , Kemperman Patrick M.J.H. , Kuckulus Jade , Hoekzema Rick , Vulink Nienke C.C.
Published: September 2023

Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by a preoccupation with a perceived flaw, which is commonly seen among dermatology patients. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of body dysmorphic disorder and assess self-esteem among a clinical sample of adolescents and young adults being managed for acne vulgaris. A total of 105 patients, age range 13–24 years, receiving acne treatment at 1 of 2 dermatology outpatient clinic were included. A self-report questionnaire was used, which included a body dysmorphic disorder screening tool (based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Acne was graded with the Cook’s acne grading scale. Out of 105 adolescents and young adults visiting a dermatologist due to acne, 13 (12.4%) screened positive for body dysmorphic disorder (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 6.8–20.2%). Patients with body dysmorphic disorder were more likely to have female gender (p = 0.020) and had lower self-esteem (RSES 15.8 vs 20.5, respectively, p = 0.013) compared with patients without body dysmorphic disorder. No differences were found in the frequency of body dysmorphic disorder with DSM-IV or DSM-5 criteria. This is the first study to report on the frequency of body dysmorphic disorder and self-esteem in adolescents and young adults with acne. Ultimately, more awareness of body dysmorphic disorder among adolescents and young adults presenting with dermatological disorders could lead to more rapid recognition and referral to psychiatric units.
Prolonged Sick Leave Before and After Diagnosis of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: A Swedish Population-based Register Study
Authors: Löfvendahl Sofia , Norlin Jenny M. , Ericson Oskar , Hanno Malin , Schmitt-Egenolf Marcus
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to analyse sick leave in generalized pustular psoriasis, the most severe form of pustular psoriasis. Prolonged sick leave of >14 days was analysed for 502 patients with generalized pustular psoriasis compared with controls with psoriasis vulgaris and matched controls from the general population. Using data from the Swedish National Patient Register, and the Longitudinal integrated database for health insurance and labour market studies, the study estimated the mean number of sick leave days in the year of first diagnosis of generalized pustular psoriasis (index year) and for 2 years before and after the index year. Patients with generalized pustular psoriasis were on sick leave to a larger extent than both control populations for all study years. The number of sick leave days peaked in the index year and then reduced. Compared with the control populations, sick leave in generalized pustular psoriasis was already higher prior to diagnosis, indicating delayed diagnosis and/or a comorbidity burden.