bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Neighborhoods kept divided”: Race, roads and rupture in a Baltimore neighbourhood-park corridor
Authors: Schipper Douwe
Published: November 2024

This article presents a history of Druid Park Lake Drive, a multilane road in Baltimore, Maryland that acts as a barrier between Baltimore's Druid Hill Park and the African American neighbourhoods to its south. Lake Drive is often understood by residents and journalists as a racially discriminatory infrastructure, consciously designed to engender segregation. By analysing newspaper articles, interviews with residents and old maps, this article finds that Lake Drive was never intentionally planned to carry out a politics of exclusion. Its racial politics, instead, emerged over time as broader demographic, environmental, cultural and political developments took place in the corridor that surrounds Lake Drive. This argument calls into question the practice of focusing solely on planners’ intentions when analysing the politics of infrastructure. Instead, we should ask what broader factors imbue roads with politics – and how these politics change over time as these roads are encountered and used by different people.
Management of zoonoses in research institutions – lessons learned from a Coxiella burnetii outbreak case
Authors: Ostach Pia KS , Dülsner André , Keil Anne , Nagel-Riedasch Stefan
Published: November 2024

When biomedical research investigates the human surgical situation in the need of a chronic course, it is more often possible to do so using large animal models. The use of farm animals always poses special challenges for the institution conducting the research in terms of infection prevention and occupational safety. Especially for the zoonotic disease coxiellosis it is important to be aware of the constant risk of pathogen introduction by small ruminants and to take appropriate precautions. In this way, personal injury should be avoided or at least be kept to a minimum in the event of infection since then sustainable zoonosis control can be immediately initiated. Using the example of a Q fever outbreak at a research facility, we want to share with this extended case report the importance of central emergency structures, provisions and the inclusion of relevant experts and disciplines in a crisis team. Its primary purpose is to support the affected facility and coordinate the implementation of necessary cleaning, disinfection and decontamination measures in close contact with the responsible local authorities. The aim is to inactivate the pathogen in a systematic and controlled manner in few steps of action only and to keep the interruption of the facility’s operations as short as possible.
Evolution of Master of Public Health Core Curriculum: Trends and Insights
Authors: Pennel Cara L. , Agana-Norman Denny Fe G. , Stalnaker Leslie A. , Wiltz-Beckham Dana , Luna Marisol
Published: November 2024

Objectives:

Revised accreditation criteria from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) in 2016 prompted schools and programs of public health to shift their master of public health (MPH) core curricula. Our objective was to provide data on revisions to MPH core curricula at CEPH-accredited schools and programs of public health and other descriptive statistics on the MPH core curriculum and required courses as of 2023.

Methods:

We analyzed data from 67 accredited schools of public health and 130 accredited public health programs to assess changes from 2016 to 2023 in the MPH core curriculum. We examined the number of courses, the proportion of credit hours in the core curriculum, core curriculum composition, and course types.

Results:

Almost half (49.2%) of schools, but only 16.9% of programs, made extensive changes to their MPH core curricula, an overall increase of 153.6% from 2020 to 2023. Approximately one-fifth of schools and programs made few to no changes to their core curricula and retained core courses in the 5 former core disciplines. On average, core curriculum credit hours comprised 37.8% of total credit hours for schools and 51.7% for programs. Half (50.0%) of all programs in the sample offered single-concentration MPH degrees. Schools and programs were more likely to continue requiring traditional biostatistics (81.7%) and epidemiology (81.2%) courses in the core curriculum compared with environmental health (69.0%), social and behavioral health (61.9%), and health policy and management (42.1%).

Conclusions:

Most schools and programs modified their MPH core curricula, reflecting a departure from traditional public health courses toward innovative approaches to ensure knowledge and skill proficiency of graduates. Future research will determine if these curricular changes improve the knowledge and skill proficiency of public health graduates and the workforce.
A comparison between single and fractionated doses of albumin-bound paclitaxel in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer: A multicenter case–control study
Authors: Ren Jing , Wang Ke , Zhao Jian , Xu Chang , Liu Changqing , Wang Yusheng , Wang Guangyu
Published: November 2024

Purpose

At present, albumin-bound paclitaxel combined with platinum is the standard first-line treatment option for advanced esophageal cancer (EC). However, following a hospitalization surge, clinicians may prefer to use albumin-bound paclitaxel as a single dose. The present study aimed to investigate the survival of patients with advanced EC when treated with single or fractionated doses of albumin-bound paclitaxel.

Methods

We collected survival data of patients with advanced first-line EC who had used albumin-bound paclitaxel with or without other treatment regimens from January 2018 to September 2023 at the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital and the Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups according to the frequency and dose of albumin-bound paclitaxel administration, namely the abraxane fractional administration group (A group, 27 patients) and the abraxane single administration group (B group, 182 patients).

Results

The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.0 months in both groups ( p = 0.35), and the median overall survival (OS) was 21.0 months in A group and 18.0 months in B group ( p = 0.61). The objective response rate was 37% in A group and 25% in B group ( p = 0.314), and the disease control rate was 89% in A group and 83% in B group ( p = 0.580). The incidence of grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events was 15% in both groups.

Conclusion

Albumin-bound paclitaxel treatments showed no statistically significant differences in the PFS or OS. They were considered safe, whether administered as a single dose or in fractionated doses.
The impact of mobile social media on knowledge sharing among vocational school teachers: A social cognitive career perspective
Authors: Li Haojun , Xu Jun , Luo Yuying
Published: November 2024

In the rapidly evolving field of information systems, the role of mobile-based social media as a platform for knowledge sharing among vocational schoolteachers presents both opportunities and challenges. This study addresses a critical gap in the understanding of how psychological factors (such as self-efficacy) and contextual factors (such as trust environments) influence knowledge-sharing behaviours in information systems. This study includes 332 vocational schoolteachers and employs structural equation modelling to examine how psychological and contextual factors enhance or inhibit sharing intentions. The results revealed that psychological factors significantly impact sharing intentions, whereas contextual factors bolster self-efficacy and behaviours. The findings offer valuable insights into the optimisation of information systems environments to facilitate effective knowledge sharing, thereby contributing to enhanced collaborative practices and technology adoption in educational settings. This research underscores the need to integrate social cognitive career theory into information systems to better understand the complex dynamics of knowledge sharing on mobile platforms.
The association between sibling ambivalence and well-being in older adulthood: The role of sibling gender composition
Authors: Lee Jeenkyoung , Gilligan Megan , Neppl Tricia K. , Stocker Clare M. , Conger Katherine J.
Published: November 2024

Family scholarship has documented negative associations between ambivalence and well-being in the context of parent-adult child relationships. As sibling ties remain salient throughout later life, ambivalence experienced in sibling relationships might also be related to older adult well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between sibling ambivalence and both psychological and physical well-being of older adults, as well as differences in these links by sibling gender composition. Data came from 702 older adults (392 women) who were 64.58 years old on average ( SD = 4.51). Structural equation modeling using FIML revealed that participants who felt more ambivalence toward their siblings reported poorer psychological well-being. However, a multiple group analysis showed that this association was only significant for brother-brother pairs. Findings suggest the need to further investigate the implication of sibling ambivalence for psychological well-being in later life, especially for brothers.
Time and headache: Insights into timing processes in primary headache disorders for diagnosis, underlying pathophysiology and treatment implications
Authors: Gonzalez-Martinez Alicia , Ray Jason C. , Haghdoost Faraidoon , Ashraf Usman , Cerrahoglu Sirin Tuba , Dantes Mia Catherine , Gosalia Helin , Hwang Heewon , Kim Jee Min , Lange Kristin Sophie , Jennysdotter Olofsgård Felicia , Caronna Edoardo , Pozo-Rosich Patricia ,   On behalf of International Headache Academy of the International Headache Society (IHS-iHEAD)
Published: November 2024

Background

Time in headache disorders is crucial for diagnosis and gives insight into headache pathophysiology.

Objective

To summarize published studies which describe timing processes in both attack presentation (onset, duration) and disease characterization (age of onset, evolution over time) in primary headache disorders and link to pathophysiology.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted through Ovid MEDLINE(R) and PubMed, focusing on English-language articles from 1946 to 2023 to write the review. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition provided the framework for the review of primary headache disorders (migraine, tension-type headache and cluster headache).

Results

Attack presentation: Migraine attacks exhibit significant circadian and infradian rhythms, influenced by hormonal levels, light sensitivity, and hypothalamic activation. Tension-type headache lacks clear chronobiological patterns, with limited understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Cluster headache displays a distinct circannual pattern, with attacks often occurring at night and relevant involvement of the hypothalamus. Disease characterization: Age of onset exhibits the earliest peak in migraine; frequency and typical features of primary headache disorders decrease over time.

Conclusion

This comprehensive analysis of time patterns in primary headache disorders underscores their role in phenotyping, understanding and treating primary headache disorders, offering promising avenues for advancing and tailoring headache management.
Test Validity of a Single-Item Food Insecurity Screening Assessment Among College Students
Authors: Jarvis Jocelyn E. , Perez Jacqueline , Himmelgreen David , Dumford Amber D. , Conner Kyaien , Stern Marilyn , DeBate Rita
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Given the high prevalence of food insecurity among college students, there is an interest in identifying whether the use of a single item can adequately screen for food insecurity. The current study aimed to determine the validity of a single-item food insecurity screening question among college students.

Design

Cross-sectional study exploring food insecurity among racial and ethnic undergraduate college students.

Setting

Large urban U.S. research university.

Sample

Undergraduate students (n = 667) 18 years or older.

Measures

Food Insecurity screening was assessed via a single-item from the USDA Household Food Security Short Form (USDA FSSM-SF). Food security was assessed via the USDA FSSM-SF, a validated six-item scale that assesses food insecurity and hunger.

Analysis

Logistic regression assessed the validity of the single-item food insecurity question tested against the USDA FSSM-SF.

Results

The full model was statistically significant, χ2(1) = 161.44, P < .001 explaining 54.5% of the variance in food insecurity status correctly classifying 95.7% of cases. Sensitivity of the model was found to be 97.6%; specificity was found to be 69.6%. Positive predictive value was calculated to be 97.74%; negative predictive value was computed to be 68.09%.

Conclusion

Results support for the test validity of a single-item screening question that can be used to detect food insecurity among college students and inform secondary prevention programs aimed at food insecurity.
The green seed: The influence of pro-sustainable orientation on social entrepreneurship in higher education students
Authors: Gomes Sofia , Lopes João M. , Trancoso Tiago
Published: November 2024

This study explores the influence of Portuguese higher education students’ pro-sustainable orientations in promoting social entrepreneurship when mediated by perceived feasibility and desirability. The sample was collected through a questionnaire of 391 Portuguese higher education students, and the Partial Least Square (PLS) method was applied to a proposed research model. The pro-sustainable orientation of Portuguese higher education students positively influences the social entrepreneurial intention and the perceived desirability of starting an entrepreneurial activity. Furthermore, the pro-sustainable orientation of these students positively affects the social entrepreneurial intention when mediated by the perceived desirability of starting an entrepreneurial activity. The study fills the gap by relating sustainable development, the general theory of entrepreneurship, and the paradigms of social entrepreneurship. Considering the pro-sustainable orientation of entrepreneurs, perceived viability does not significantly affect social entrepreneurial intention, challenging the core assumptions of the theory of planned behavior and the entrepreneurial event model.
Building towards societal inclusion in the biomanufacturing workforce: A developing model in North Carolina
Authors: Allen Ashley Batts , Smith William G , Navarro Hernán , Onyenwoke Rob U
Published: November 2024

Biomanufacturing is an exciting scientific and industrial venture involving the use of cells to produce important biological products that positively impact human endeavors including healthcare. This industry offers highly regarded and economically lucrative careers that markedly impact their employees’ and their families’ lives. Unfortunately, entry into these careers is not always clear or obtainable. Barriers include issues as simple as misunderstanding required qualifications as well as more substantial barriers such as the lack of access to the hands-on bioprocessing training needed for participation within this high growth industry. Here we report on our ongoing and developing work in the state of North Carolina (NC) to address workforce inequities at their source, that is, developing a coalition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and one Historically American Indian University (HAIU) with the sole purpose of deploying regional biomanufacturing training hubs within the most economically depressed counties within NC. Our program has been directly vetted by and has secured funding from member companies that comprise the biomanufacturing industry such that our current venture has the promise of providing a powerful and sustained socioeconomic effect. Here we report on the conception, development and deployment of this unique program.
Emerging financialization in Brussels: Institutional investment in niche rental housing markets
Authors: Oxenaar Max , Conte Veronica , Aalbers Manuel B.
Published: November 2024

In recent decades, institutional investment in rental housing has expanded into a wider range of localities and rental market segments, thereby further pushing the financialization of rental housing. As investment in single-family homes, multi-family apartments, student housing, (former) social housing, co-living, mobile homes, nursing and care homes, Built-to-Rent developments, and short-term rentals is increasing, niche asset classes are being mainstreamed into the capital flows of global real estate markets. However, there is little research that, on one hand, goes beyond ‘mature’ and ‘primary’ institutional markets where rental housing financialization has emerged under rather exceptional conditions (such as mass-privatization of social housing and severe consequences of the Global Financial Crisis), and on the other hand, attempts to gauge institutional investment across the rental market, including across niche asset classes. Through an in-depth case study of the Brussels Capital Region, we examine how and under which market and policy conditions institutional investment flows into an emerging institutional market where investment primarily takes places in niche asset classes. While recent studies have argued that institutional investment in rental housing is limited and, therefore, financialization still a marginal phenomenon, we argue that an in-depth market-wide analysis of institutional investment strategies is necessary for understanding how and to what extent rental housing financialization takes place. Finally, we argue that the patterns of emerging financialization we observe in Brussels may be applicable to other cities as well.
Unveiling Productivity Dynamics Among Regional Rural Banks in India
Authors: Zaman Aadil Ummar , Rasool Gauhar , Khan Nisar Ahmad
Published: November 2024

This study employs the non-parametric Malmquist productivity index to evaluate the total factor productivity (TFP) change among the regional rural banks (RRBs) in India from 2016 to 2023. The analysis of productivity change among the RRBs holds intrinsic significance due to its potential impact on overall performance and to the delivery of quality services among the rural population. To evaluate the productivity change under varying combinations of input and output selections, two distinct approaches were used: the intermediation approach and the production approach. The empirical results reveal substantial variation in average TEP estimates across the RRBs under consideration throughout the sample period. Furthermore, the observed productivity changes predominantly emanated from technological change (TC) rather than efficiency improvements. Additionally, we found that the smaller RRBs were performing better than their larger counterparts. These empirical findings bear noteworthy policy implications, offering valuable insights for policymakers and regulators to formulate effective strategies to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of RRBs in India.
Does Structural Transformation Foster Economic Growth? Empirical Evidence from Indian States with Reference to Assam
Authors: Bhattacharjee Saurish , Chakraborty Deb Kumar
Published: November 2024

This study examines the association between structural transformation and economic growth for a panel of 19 states and UTs focusing on Assam. Employing dynamic panel econometric models from 1977–1978 to 2017–2018, the study indicated that the association between economic growth and structural transformation among the 19 states/UTs panel seems to be random. However, parametric techniques such as DOLS suggest a significant long-term relationship between structural change in output and economic growth across Indian states. Assam, being a key player in north-east India’s economy, holds particular importance in India–South Asia trade dynamics. However, the state has been experiencing a simultaneous structural economic shift and adverse economic situation, evident from the existing literature. Thus, it is pertinent to examine the structural change-economic growth linkage for Assam, which will be helpful for policy-making to ensure sustained economic growth. For Assam, the vector auto regression and Granger causality test reveal significant results, showing a bi-directional causality between structural change and economic growth, supporting the Kaldor–Verdoorn’s law.
How Specialized Are Special Needs Plans? Evidence From Provider Networks
Authors: McCormack Grace , Wu Rachel , Meiselbach Mark
Published: November 2024

Enrollment in Medicare Advantage (MA) Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) among individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid has more than tripled over the past decade. Little is known about whether D-SNP plan design differs from standard MA plan design nor whether this design reflects the needs of dual-eligible enrollees. We characterize the degree to which D-SNPs specialize in an important plan design dimension—provider networks. We find that in 2022, 46% of D-SNPs offer networks that are distinct from the insurer’s standard MA plan networks. Compared with D-SNP networks that are shared with standard MA plans, specialized D-SNP networks include more psychiatrists, Ob/Gyn’s, and neurologists, providers that specialize in treating conditions more common among dually eligible enrollees. Network specialization is more common among insurers participating in the local Medicaid market and less common in provider shortage areas, suggesting investment in Medicaid and reduced provider negotiation costs may facilitate specialization.
Enteral tube administration of extemporaneously compounded suspensions of venetoclax according to an institutional medication use process
Authors: Haque Sakib T. , Bubalo Joseph S.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Venetoclax is a potent oral oncology drug (OOD) frequently used to treat hematologic cancers due to its convenience and high efficacy. However, some patients cannot tolerate solid oral formulations, requiring a reformulated version of venetoclax for effective administration. Currently, there is limited information in the literature regarding the extemporaneous compounding of venetoclax.

Methods

We present our institution's medication use process (MUP) for preparing compounded suspensions of venetoclax for patients with dysphagia who cannot tolerate solid oral formulations. This report has two main aims: to review our MUP from design to implementation, illustrated with real patient cases, and to present it as a strategy for administering venetoclax-based therapies to patients with dysphagia or feeding tubes. From February 2020 to January 2024, 17 patients received venetoclax through the standard MUP, with four developing tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). This study describes their clinical courses and evaluates their responses to the compounded suspensions, considering the uncertain effects of venetoclax prepared through this method.

Results

The four patients received venetoclax suspensions during hospitalization due to swallowing difficulties or nutritional support needs. We prepared extemporaneous venetoclax suspensions to ensure continuous therapy, thus avoiding treatment interruptions. TLS was managed using rasburicase and prophylactic allopurinol.

Conclusions

The clinical outcomes indicate that the current MUP provides a practical approach to administering venetoclax for dysphagic patients. However, additional research is needed to determine if there are pharmacokinetic differences in the bioavailability of venetoclax between oral and enterally delivered formulations. Further studies will help inform best practices for patient care.
Human Communication Elements of the Continuity of Midwife Carer Newsletter: A Descriptive Case Report
Authors: Kuipers Yvonne J. , Greig Yvonne , Norris Gail
Published: November 2024

Background: The Continuity of Midwife Care (CMC) model is an evidence-based care model that positively influences the health and well-being of women, their families, and midwives. Although effective communication strategies have not been determined, online resources are known to reach a wider audience and make CMC research more visible. The All-you-need-to-know-about-continuity-of-carer newsletter, distributed by the authors, is a strategy to communicate valuable and credible CMC content from knowledge producers to users. Purpose: To explore the newsletter's functional elements and the connection between it as a communication strategy and the individuals interacting with it and to present a case demonstration of a newsletter example. Methods: A descriptive case report with a theory-driven approach using 10 elements of human communication theories. Conclusions: The following elements of human communication contribute to understanding the functioning of the newsletter: Grounded Theoretical Theory, the Practical-Action Theory and goal-oriented communication (communication theory), the Syntactic Theory of Visual Communication and the rhetorical tradition of communication (tradition of communication), Elaboration Likelihood and the socio-cultural model of communication (communicator), implied compliance-gaining, parole, semiosis, narrative paradigm and rhetoric logic (message), social organisation communication, co-cultural communication and invitational rhetoric (conversation), the orientation and exploratory affective exchange stages of social exchange (relationship), Structuration Theory (group), the Theory of Bureaucracy (organisation), the Cultivation Theory (media), and the Diffusion of Innovation and Ethnography of Communication (culture and society). Implications: The newsletter succeeds in managing CMC information and reaching an interested audience. Further evaluation is required to explore if or how the newsletter affects information use.
Preservation of strawberries using jellyfish gelatin-based biodegradable films and coatings under refrigerated storage
Authors: Ranasinghe RASN , Wijesekara WLI , Senanayake SA , Perera PRD , Pathmalal MM , Marapana RAUJ
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the applicability of the biodegradable films and coatings prepared from gelatin extracted from jellyfish Acromitus flagellatus using two extraction methods; conventional hot water extraction and microwave-assisted extraction, for the preservation of strawberries under refrigerated storage (4 °C), compared to biodegradable films and coatings prepared from analytical grade cold water fish skin gelatin and porcine skin gelatin. After 21 days of storage, uncoated strawberries (control group) exhibited visual decay and fungal attacks while coated or film-wrapped strawberries exhibited a better appearance. Coating or wrapping with gelatin films significantly reduced the weight loss of strawberries and the changes in color, hardness, moisture content, pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids of coated/film-wrapped fruits during storage were minimal compared to the uncoated fruits. Of the treated groups, the weight loss of gelatin-coated strawberries was significantly lower compared to the fruits wrapped with corresponding gelatin films, in all gelatin types. Furthermore, strawberries coated or wrapped with jellyfish gelatin-based films exhibited comparable properties to the fruits that were coated or wrapped with other two types of gelatin films, indicating the potential use of gelatin extracted from jellyfish in biodegradable films or coating applications in the food industry.
Portable, heterogeneous ensemble workflows at scale using libEnsemble
Authors: Hudson Stephen , Larson Jeffrey , Navarro John-Luke , Wild Stefan M
Published: November 2024

libEnsemble is a Python-based toolkit for running dynamic ensembles, developed as part of the DOE Exascale Computing Project. The toolkit utilizes a unique generator–simulator–allocator paradigm, where generators produce input for simulators, simulators evaluate those inputs, and allocators decide whether and when a simulator or generator should be called. The generator steers the ensemble based on simulation results. Generators may, for example, apply methods for numerical optimization, machine learning, or statistical calibration. libEnsemble communicates between a manager and workers. Flexibility is provided through multiple manager–worker communication substrates each of which has different benefits. These include Python’s multiprocessing, mpi4py, and TCP. Multisite ensembles are supported using Balsam or Globus Compute. We overview the unique characteristics of libEnsemble as well as current and potential interoperability with other packages in the workflow ecosystem. We highlight libEnsemble’s dynamic resource features: libEnsemble can detect system resources, such as available nodes, cores, and GPUs, and assign these in a portable way. These features allow users to specify the number of processors and GPUs required for each simulation; and resources will be automatically assigned on a wide range of systems, including Frontier, Aurora, and Perlmutter. Such ensembles can include multiple simulation types, some using GPUs and others using only CPUs, sharing nodes for maximum efficiency. We also describe the benefits of libEnsemble’s generator–simulator coupling, which easily exposes to the user the ability to cancel, and portably kill, running simulations based on models that are updated with intermediate simulation output. We demonstrate libEnsemble’s capabilities, scalability, and scientific impact via a Gaussian process surrogate training problem for the longitudinal density profile at the exit of a plasma accelerator stage. The study uses gpCAM for the surrogate model and employs either Wake-T or WarpX simulations, highlighting efficient use of resources that can easily extend to exascale.
Unlocking Benzosampangine’s Potential: A Computational Approach to Investigating, Its Role as a PD-L1 Inhibitor in Tumor Immune Evasion via Molecular Docking, Dynamic Simulation, and ADMET Profiling
Authors: Ouchaoui Abderrahim Ait , Hadad Salah Eddine El , Aherkou Marouane , Fadoua Elkamili , Mouad Mkamel , Ramli Youssef , Kettani Anass , Bourais Ilhame
Published: November 2024

The interaction between programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 plays a crucial role in tumor immune evasion, presenting a critical target for cancer immunotherapy. Despite being effective, current monoclonal antibodies present some drawbacks such as high costs, toxicity, and resistance development. Therefore, the development of small-molecule inhibitors is necessary, especially those derived from natural sources. In this study, benzosampangine is predicted as a promising PD-L1 inhibitor, with potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. Utilizing the high-resolution crystal structure of human PD-L1 (PDB ID: 5O45), we screened 511 natural compounds, identifying benzosampangine as a top candidate with exceptional inhibitory properties. Molecular docking predicted that benzosampangine exhibits a strong binding affinity for PD-L1 (−9.4 kcal/mol) compared with established controls such as CA-170 (−6.5 kcal/mol), BMS-202 (−8.6 kcal/mol), and pyrvinium (−8.9 kcal/mol). The compound’s predicted binding efficacy is highlighted by robust interactions with key amino acids (ILE54, TYR56, GLN66, MET115, ILE116, SER117, ALA121, ASP122) within the active site, notably forming 3 Pi-sulfur interactions with MET115—an interaction absents in control inhibitors. In addition, ADMET profiling suggests that over the control molecules, benzosampangine has several key advantages, including favorable solubility, permeability, metabolic stability, and low toxicity, while adhering to Lipinski’s rule of five. Molecular dynamic simulations predict the stability of the benzosampangine-PD-L1 complex, reinforcing its potential to sustain inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. MMGBSA analysis calculated a binding free energy (ΔGbind) of −39.39 kcal/mol for the benzosampangine-PD-L1 complex, with significant contributions from Coulombic, lipophilic, and Van der Waals interactions, validating the predicted docking results. This study investigates in silico benzosampangine, predicting its better molecular interactions and pharmacokinetic profile compared with several already known PD-L1 inhibitors.
The Ocean of Green: Hogweed Against Russian World
Authors: Sazonov Nikita
Published: November 2024

Heracleum sosnowskyi (Sosnowsky’s hogweed, or just Hogweed) is considered a growing ecological problem in Russia at least since the 2010s. The plant’s feral invasion creates a predicament interpreted by some scientists and civil activists as an “emergency” or even “apocalypse.” However, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this apocalyptic rhetoric has been supplemented by ideological stamps from Russian propaganda: Hogweed is a “biological weapon” and a “brotherly help from America” that “Mother Russia” must be protected from. Given all these facts, it is hard to see any Russian environmental security measures just as “measures”; rather, a new—ideological and military—front is opening up, this time in the name of a fight against the nonhuman. By focusing in this article on the ideo-logical rather than biological aspect of Hogweed trouble, I want to show how the anti-Hogweed civil war transforms into a special plant operation; and in which way nature and culture, material and ideal, Soviet Union and the Russian world are involved in both the ecological and ideological formation of contemporary Putinism.
Popular support for a universal basic income – still sensitive to playing the immigration card?
Authors: Bay Ann-Helén , Hellevik Tale , Pedersen Axel West
Published: November 2024

This article aims to investigate the persuasive power of immigration on people's attitudes towards a universal basic income (UBI). We use a survey experiment in which respondents, after being asked about their immediate reaction to the idea of introducing an unconditional basic income, are confronted with a counterargument referring to immigration. The experiment was undertaken in November 2021 as part of the Norwegian Citizen Panel, a representative research-purpose internet panel, and replicates a similar survey experiment carried out among Norwegian voters in 2003. In the previous study, a large share of the respondents abandoned their initial position when exposed to counterarguments referring to immigration. The results of the present experiment confirm that immigration has substantial persuasive power as a counterargument among initial supporters of a UBI, also in the contemporary Norwegian context. Contrary to the previous study, we find a strong negative relationship between scepticism about immigration and the propensity to initially support a UBI proposal, but – as in the previous study – we find that having negative attitudes towards immigration is strongly associated with a tendency to abandon an initially supportive stance. Our findings give support to the core of the so-called ‘progressive's dilemma’: that immigration may erode support for ambitious welfare policies, particularly among traditionally pro-welfare state segments of the electorate.
Nominal construction of epistemological positions and power relations in journalistic stance taking: Variation across British and Chinese media discourse in English
Authors: Dong Min , Xu Linyao , Fang Alex Chengyu
Published: November 2024

Pursuing new ways of understanding the norm of objectivity and journalistic authority in the analysis of contemporary journalistic discourse has been a focal point of interest. Latest developments in the study of journalistic discourse have extended beyond the more traditional critical discourse analysis to methodologies that involve large corpora of texts and in-depth linguistic analysis to capture attitudinal expressions. We aim to study epistemological positions and power relations in journalistic stance taking focused on noun + that-complement clause constructions based on a comparable corpus of British and Chinese media discourse and the application of a functionally based taxonomy of stance nouns. Through the empirical observation about the deployment of different types of stance nouns, our study revealed important similarities between the two discourse types in that they both rely heavily on stance nouns showing beliefs, attitudes and cognitive grounding in addition to those of actions, processes and states of affairs specific to events. More significantly, the study pinpointed important differences by unveiling a preference for verbal propositions and speech acts in British media discourse and a contrasting preference in Chinese media discourse for propositional truth judgements deploying stance nouns designating epistemic status. Most importantly, the current study has suggested a corpus-based approach to stance taking in journalistic discourse by way of functional classification of nouns as a linguistic analytical procedure that has proven to be particularly suited for this purpose.
Developing a high-fidelity reduced chemical kinetic mechanism for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
Authors: Tekin Ozan , Barzegar Ramin , Söylemez Mehmet Sait
Published: November 2024

The current study aimed at developing an optimal and highly accurate reduced chemical kinetic mechanism for the Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). A three-stage reduction process including pre-processing, the main body reduction, and post-processing was utilized. In the main body reduction, a five-step reduction schematic was applied to the detailed mechanism including 980 species and 4972 reactions released by LLNL utilizing the Direct Relation Graph Error Propagation (DRGEP) method coupled with the isomer lumping and sensitivity analysis. Four different reduced mechanisms including 88, 73, 67, and 44 species were developed and compared with the experimental data. The laminar flame speed/equivalence ratio, ignition delay/temperature curves of the LPG combustion as well as 3D combustion parameters including in-cylinder pressure, mean temperature, heat release rate, and fuel consumption rate for an LPG-fueled opposed-piston engine were considered. It was seen that the 73 species mechanism results for the ignition delay/temperature and laminar flame speed/equivalence ratio matched with the experimental data with discrepancies of 3% and 5%, respectively. The 88 species and 73 species mechanisms showed good agreement in 3D modeling for all the considered parameters in comparison with the detailed mechanism with error values less than 2%. However, the 67 and 44 mechanisms results were not in accordance with the experimental data. Consequently, the developed 73-species mechanism was considered the optimal mechanism for LPG fuel.
A chloride deposition model for predicting the categories of atmospheric corrosivity in coastal areas
Authors: Panchenko Yulia M. , Marshakov Andrei I. , Kudryavtseva Lyudmila A. , Kovtanyuk Victoria V. , Nenasheva Tatyana A.
Published: November 2024

Background: Marine atmospheres are the most corrosive, primarily because they contain sea salts. To assess the category of atmospheric corrosivity, the deposition rate of chloride ions should be measured by experimental methods for at least 1 year, which requires significant expenses and is not always feasible due to the time frame required for the design and erection of structures. Methods: In this study, a fairly simple model for predicting the chloride deposition rate in the coastal zone depending on the wind pattern of the test site, namely wind direction, average speed, and duration in each wind speed range, the distance from the coastline, and the magnitude of marine aerosol generation for each wind speed range, has been developed. The results of comparing the calculated chloride deposition rates with experimental data obtained by the ‘wet candle’ method are presented. Significant findings: The applicability of the model for predicting the categories of atmospheric corrosivity toward typical metals (carbon steel, zinc, copper and aluminum) using dose-response functions has been demonstrated.
Operational and Workforce Capacity Improvements for Supporting Public Health Emergency Management: Lessons Learned for Preparing for and Responding to 2014–2022 Ebola Outbreaks in Africa
Authors: Greiner Ashley L. , Brown Christopher K. , Kirschenman Jenna , Singh Tushar , Dopson Stephanie
Published: November 2024

The first Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases in the 2021 Ebola outbreak were reported by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Ministry of Health in February. However, 1 week later, the Guinea Ministry of Health reported its first EVD outbreak since April 2016. U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in-country operational and workforce capacity were built during the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak response in West Africa and leveraged during the 2021 EVD outbreaks. During the 2014–2016 West Africa response and the 2021 EVD outbreaks, capacity and capability improvements in laboratory systems, risk communication, surveillance, epidemiology, infection prevention, and control were needed for a successful response. The overarching goal of CDC’s operational and workforce capacity improvements was to strengthen countries’ abilities to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks quickly. The Ebola outbreaks are examples of enhanced public health interventions where CDC has contributed as a partner with in-country ministries of health to save lives and control disease outbreaks. Lessons learned from the recent Ebola outbreaks indicate that a capacity-building approach has the potential application to other public health emergencies and contributes to strengthening global health security.
Confluency: Development of an Interactive Mobile Art Exhibit and Resource on Water Justice in South Africa and Canada
Authors: Logie Carmen H. , Van Borek Sarah , Gittings Lesley , Abrams Amber , Carden Kirsty , Black Gillian F. , MacKenzie Frannie , Mpofu-Mketwa Tsitsi J. , Abazeed Abeer
Published: November 2024

Water justice—equitable, reliable access to clean, sufficient water, and the knowledge and mechanisms related to its management—is a key global social justice and environmental issue. Cape Town, South Africa, is an important context to explore water justice due to its 2018 water crisis. Water scarcity intersects with other issues, including health disparities, food insecurity, and gender inequity, in turn requiring citizen engagement in water-related issues and knowledge sharing to produce sustainable, contextually relevant solutions. The arts are powerful tools for citizen engagement and knowledge sharing and translation in research, as well as social and environmental action. In this Resources, Frameworks, and Perspectives article, we outline the methods and lessons learned from developing Confluency, an arts-based exhibit and resource that aimed to generate and share knowledge on water justice issues between academics, practitioners, artists, and activists in Canada and South Africa. We detail the methods used to develop the Confluency exhibit and resource, including preparing the art exhibit framework, facilitating art workshops, designing interactive stations, and implementing the interactive art exhibit. Lessons learned are shared from implementing Confluency in diverse South African and Canadian settings. These case studies signal that the methodological approaches used in designing and implementing this exhibit and resource hold promise for providing opportunities to reflect on, and learn about, global and local water justice issues. This resource could be expanded to engage communities in research, policy, and practices regarding water justice in other diverse global settings to advance health, equity, and rights.
Beyond Survival: Transformative Impacts of Integrating Mental Health and Livelihood Support in Conflict Zones
Authors: Duman Yasin , Meier Julie , Marzouk Hatem
Published: November 2024

This article presents a case study of an integrated humanitarian intervention that combines mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) with livelihood assistance to enhance the psychosocial well-being, interpersonal relations, and social cohesion of internally displaced persons. Focusing on International Organization for Migration's MHPSS and Livelihood Integration project in Iraq, this paper critically assesses its outcomes and limitations in a protracted conflict and displacement context. Key findings reveal that MHPSS and Livelihood Integration project participants, compared to those in non-integrated programs, reported improved emotional well-being, new life skills and social skills, enhanced problem-solving and stress management abilities, as well as greater adaptability and motivation. Integration of MHPSS and livelihood activities also facilitated social network development and a sense of connectedness. These results show the effectiveness of integrated interventions in supporting the mental health and well-being of internally displaced persons, returnees, and vulnerable community members while promoting a sense of belonging and community cohesion, contributing indirectly to intracommunal peace and positive social transformation. Offering valuable empirical insights, this study contributes to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding research by demonstrating how structured MHPSS activities can be integrated into livelihood programs to support the mental health and emotional well-being of affected populations in a protracted conflict setting.
Long-term results of endovascular versus open retroperitoneal repair associated with ERAS protocol for abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Ciofani Lorenzo , Acciarri Pierfilippo , Ricci Roberta , Tagliabracci Francesca , Pederzani Emma , Azzolina Danila , Traina Luca
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Although the endovascular management of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is widely performed, many studies have shown better long-term results with open graft repairing, mostly focusing on the classical open repair with midline access. This study aims to evaluate long-term results comparing EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) and surgical open repair with retroperitoneal access associated with ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 156 patients treated for AAA between 2015 and 2018 was conducted. Clinical and demographic characteristics of the two groups were homogeneous except for age, which was significantly higher in patients belonging to the EVAR one, and for previous laparotomies. A total of 100 patients (58.7%) underwent open retroperitoneal repair (ORR group), and 56 (42.3%) underwent EVAR. A mean of 51 ± 28 months of follow-up was conducted. This study aims to evaluate long-term survival by comparing EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) and surgical open repair with retroperitoneal access associated with ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. Secondary aims evaluate differences between the two techniques regarding late complications, need for re-interventions, and perioperative results.

Results

Freedom from all-cause mortality, calculated with Kaplan–Meier survival curves equalizing the two population with a Covariate Propensity Score, showed significant better survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years in ORRs then in EVARs. Late complications (>30 days) and need for late re-intervention rates were greater in the EVAR group (6 late re-interventions needed vs 0 in the ORR group). Perioperative results show longer mean length of hospital stay in patients belonging to the ORR group (5 days vs 2) and significantly higher in-hospital-complication rate.

Conclusions

The long-term comparison between EVAR and open retroperitoneal repair shows significantly better late outcomes in the ORR group. The perioperative course appears significantly better in EVARs but anyway good in ORRs when a perioperative protocol as ERAS is applied. In a selected population of young patients fit for surgery, the retroperitoneal surgical approach should be highly taken into account in the therapeutical choice.