bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disguising as I Go
Authors: Tucker Reagan
Published: May 2023

Printmaking, Relief  
My body of work is a reflection of self. I am perceiving myself as a conscious being inside of a fleshy vessel and I explore the sentiments of that experience. I am building a relationship between myself and my perception of self. Striving to evoke malaise as a means to unearth buried emotions. I am investigating the transmutation of the internal self as it is expressed through the external self. Abstracted forms intended to reimagine the body’s physical reality are conceived under the pretense of stripping back the self. Internal dialogues are articulated and their narratives are emphasized through repetitive lines and fluid forms. As the rhythm accumulates, visual phrases are conceived in which the lines answer one another only to divulge into new conversations as they sprawl across the page. Objective and subjective reality come together to see beyond the discomfort and harmonize my mind and body.
Prairie Switch
Authors: Gonzales Gabrielle
Published: May 2023

The Prairie Switch, currently known as El Campo, is located in the coastal plains of Texas. The Prairie Switch was a railroad camp that served as a switching point on the Houston-Victoria Railroad and a shipping point on the New York, Texas, and Mexican Railroad. Ranching and Railroads were the primary industry during the 1880s; the small camp annually shipped an abundance of cattle and crops such as cotton, hay, and corn. 

My ancestors migrated to the Prairie Switch from Mexico, seeking a better life and opportunities for work. After settlement, ranching, railroads, and church was what daily life consisted of as my family quickly grew to occupy the town. I relive my grandma’s past as she describes her endeavors growing up in the Prairie Switch; her fond memories of picking cotton with her siblings and cousins, and Sunday rituals of god, family, and potlucks. As time continued, my family changed and evolved just as the town did. A greater distance has been created between generations, one that I now experience. I have no ties to the migration of countries or the great Vaqueros of Texas. I live in liminality, unattached and unknowing to my past, but perhaps liminality is my history.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF PT BOGOR KOPI INDONESIA IN BOGOR REGENCY, WEST JAVA
Authors: Manalu Doni Sahat Tua , Sebayang Veralita Br , Suharno Suharno , Situmeang Widya Hasian , Adrian Ferdisar
Published: May 2023

PT Bogor Kopi Indonesia is a company engaged in the field of coffee marketing and coaching for coffee farmers in the Bogor Regency area. Currently, the consumption rate of coffee and its derivative products is increasing, causing the demand for coffee agricultural products to also increase. This encourages the coffee industry for upscaling their strategy to capture these opportunities. The purpose of this research is to find out the exact strategy for PT Bogor Kopi Indonesia to develop their. This study uses the IFE and EFE matrices as identification tools related to the company's internal and external factors, the IE matrix indicate the position of the business strategy, and uses SWOT analysis to determine what strategy the company will run. The results obtained show that PT Bogor Kopi Indonesia is in a hold and maintain position with a weighted average IFE of 2.6 and EFE of 2.7. Based on the results of the study, the strategy used is market development in the form of digital marketing applications as a form of PT Bogor Kopi Indonesia's marketing channel. This application is also a form of company adaptation to the current digitalization era. Through this strategy, it is hoped that the market for the company's products will have a wider reach and be increasingly recognized by the public so that the branding of Bogor Kopi Indonesia will also be increasingly recognized by the public.
OPTIMIZATION OF ANNEALING TEMPERATURE FOR COI GENE AMPLIFICATION ON EXTRIMOPHIL FISH USING REAL-TIME PCR
Authors: Kurniawan Ardiansyah , Anjani Tiara Puspa , Lestari Eva , Safitri Alya M , Kurniawan Andri , Syarif Ahmad Fahrul , Apriyani Rina , S Merin , Ichsan Muhamad , Almagribi Siti P N I K
Published: May 2023

Extremophilic fish require genetic characterization to determine the identity of their species, their kinship, and the potential for genetic variation due to extreme environmental adaptation. DNA barcoding using Fish-F2 and Fish-R2 primers at an annealing temperature of 52oC for 15 seconds showed qualitative failure results in most fish species. For this reason, optimizing the annealing temperature in the PCR process is necessary to obtain DNA bands that correlate with successful identification. Fish samples were obtained from Ruai Silip, Bangka Island, Membalong, Belitung Island, and Way Kanan, Lampung, Sumatra Island. The annealing temperature optimization was set at 50, 50.4, 51.1, 52.3, 53.7, 54.8, 55.5, and 56°C. Five species of extremophile fish were tested, namely Brevibora sp, Barbodes binotatus, Rasbora bankanensis, Anabas testudineus, and Aplocheilus panchax. Extremophile fish showed differences in the appearance of DNA bands in PCR with different annealing temperatures. Brevibora sp showed a visualization of DNA bands at 54.8°C, Barbodes binotatus at 53.7, 54.8, 55.5, and 56°C, Anabas testudineus at 50 and 50.4°C, and Aplocheilus panchax produced clearly visible band on annealing temperatures.
Aplikasi Duckweed (Lemna sp) pada Pakan Benih Ikan Lele Mutiara (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Kristiana Indra , Karisma Ari Suci , Astiyani Wahyu Puji , Akbarurrasyid Muhammad , Pietoyo Atiek
Published: May 2023

Pearl Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is a type of freshwater fish that is widely cultivated by many people because of its economic value. Pearl catfish is a new strain of African catfish Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822 superior breeding results of the Sukamandi Fish Breeding Research Agency (BPPI) which has been declared passed in the Type / Variety Release Assessment on October 27, 2014, under the name MUTIARA (Peerless High Quality) catfish. This study aims to determine the effect of the addition of duckweed on feed on the growth and survival of pearl catfish fry. The test fish is a pearl catfish measuring 7-10 cm long and weighing 6 gr that is kept in a sized aquarium (120 cm x 50 cm x 40 cm), as many as 9 aquariums, three aquariums as a control, three aquariums for treatment A, three aquariums for treatment B, with each treatment A(5% dry duckweed), treatment B (10% dry duckweed) and treatment K (control) without treatment. . The results showed that dry dukweed can be used as an addition to fish feed, of the three feeds that provide the best growth, namely in the B treatment (10% dry duckweed) has a daily growth rate (GR) of 0.41 g, Specific Growth Rate 2,57%, absolute weight 19 g, absolute length is 11.31 cm with a survival of 90%.
Characterization of Serotypes and Molecular Drug Resistance Patterns of Haemophilus influenzae in Kunming Children
Authors: Yuan Mei , Ma Mingbiao , Jiang Hongchao , Fan Mao , Sun Ying , Zhou Bailing , Feng Xingxing , Yang Junyi , Su Min , He Xiaoli
Published: May 2023

The present study aimed to determine the capsular serotype distribution and antimicrobial drug resistance patterns of Haemophilus influenzae from children in the Kunming region of China. This information could guide policymakers in clinical treatment. In the present study, H. influenzae isolates were tested for their serotypes, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and presence of β-lactamases. One-hundred forty-eight H. influenzae strains isolated from children 0–2 years old were investigated for capsular types by glass slide agglutination and molecular methods, and biotyped by the biochemical reactions. The drug resistance-encoding genes TEM-1, ROB-1, and the ftsI gene mutations PBP3-3, and PBP3-BLN were detected with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The prevalence of β-lactamase-producing strains (60.3%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than non-enzyme-producing strains. β-Lactamase-producing strains were multidrug resistant to various antibiotics such as ampicillin, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, cefuroxime, and cefaclor. Among β-lactamase-producing strains, the detection rates of the TEM-1, PBP3-BLN, PBP3-s, and ROB-1 were 54.1%, 18.9%, 11.8%, and 6.9%, respectively. The biotyping results show that most H. influenzae strains were of type II and III. Non-typeable H. influenzae (NTHi) accounted for 89.3% of the strains. NTHi strains were the most prevalent in this region; most belonged to biological types II and III. β-Lactamase-positive ampi-cillin-resistant (BLPAR) strains were prevalent among H. influenzae isolates in this region.
Optimización de la compensación reactiva en sistemas eléctricos por el método CRITIC
Authors: Chiguano Velasco Alvaro Napoleón , Castillo Fiallos Jessica Nataly , Quinatoa Caiza Carlos Iván , Guanochanga Collaguazo Edison Fabricio
Published: May 2023

Introducción.  En los sistemas eléctricos AC la inyección de reactivos influye directamente al mejoramiento de parámetros eléctricos como factor de potencia, voltajes, reducción de pérdidas por transporte, cargabilidad de las líneas, etc. En los sistemas eléctricos de potencia los estudios de optimización de la compensación reactiva son llevados a cabo mediante diversos métodos heurísticos que se caracterizan por su complejidad de programación y por contar con un gran componente de criterio humano, los cual influye en gran medida en la evaluación final de los resultados encontrados. Objetivo.  Analizar los resultados de la aplicación del método Critic a la optimización de la compensación reactiva del sistema de subtransmisión de la Empresa Eléctrica Riobamba. Metodología.  Inicialmente se propone un algoritmo para la obtención de la población de escenarios a ser evaluados y la obtención de los criterios de evaluación, finalmente el análisis estadístico es implementado mediante el uso del método Critic para la toma de decisión multicriterio. Los algoritmos propuestos y la posterior evaluación estadística fueron llevados a cabo en el sistema de 69kV de subtransmisión de la EERSA. Resultados.  De los resultados de la aplicación de los métodos propuestos a la red de la EERSA se logra el mejoramiento de los perfiles de voltaje mientras se reducen las pérdidas del sistema, todo esto con los mínimos requerimientos de potencia reactiva inyectada en el sistema. Área de estudio especifica: Sistemas Eléctricos.
La rentabilidad y el comercio electrónico en las PYMES en el Ecuador. Caso emprendimientos en empresas de alimentos y bebidas
Authors: Quispe Fernández Gabith Miriam , Arellano Cepeda Otto Eulogio , Rodríguez Edgar Aníbal , Cruz Parra Jorge Fernando
Published: May 2023

Introducción: El comercio electrónico se ha convertido en una herramienta fundamental que mueve una gran parte de la economía mundial, estando presente en gestión de todo tipo de empresas. Objetivos: El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar el efecto del comercio electrónico en la rentabilidad de la Pymes en el Ecuador. Metodología: Se utilizó el método deductivo con un enfoque cuantitativo y un nivel de investigación descriptivo. Se aplicó como instrumento de recogida de información el cuestionario e información documental de los estados financieros de una población de 81 Pymes ubicadas en la provincia de Tungurahua cantón Ambato. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que las empresas utilizan siempre el comercio electrónico; las empresas obtuvieron un incremento en las ventas al utilizar el comercio electrónico; las Pymes del sector de alimentos y bebidas incrementaron sus ventas durante la pandemia Covid-19. Conclusiones: Se concluye que el comercio electrónico incide en la rentabilidad de las empresas de alimentos y bebidas de las Pymes en épocas de pandemia y que la probabilidad de mantener esta situación es alta. Área de estudio: Gestión Socioeconómica, Contable, Tributaria y Laboral.
Ảnh hưởng của thận trọng kế toán đến tỷ suất sinh lời của tài sản tại các doanh nghiệp xây dựng và bất động sản niêm yết
Authors: Nguyễn Thị Xuân Hồng , Nguyễn Thị Hồng , Phạm Đức Cường
Published: May 2023

Nghiên cứu này được thực hiện để xem xét mối quan hệ giữa thận trọng kế toán và lợi nhuận trên tổng tài sản (ROA) của các doanh nghiệp xây dựng và bất động sản niêm yết trên thị trường chứng khoán Việt Nam giai đoạn 2011-2020. Biến độc lập là thận trọng kế toán được đo lường theo cơ sở dồn tích, biến phụ thuộc là ROA, ngoài ra các biến kiểm soát bao gồm quy mô công ty và đòn bẩy tài chính. Bằng phương pháp phân tích Pearson và hồi quy trên phần mềm SPPS, kết quả thu được thận trọng kế toán có mối quan hệ ngược chiều với ROA, quy mô công ty, tỷ lệ đòn bầy tài chính có mối quan hệ thuận chiều với ROA. Qua nghiên cứu này, bài viết đã đưa ra một số thảo luận và từ đó đưa một số khuyến nghị cho các bên liên quan để các đối tượng sử dụng thông tin có thể biết được mức độ thận trọng doanh nghiệp đang sử dụng khi lập báo cáo tài chính.
Heikki Paunonen Monikon genetiivin muodostus suomen kielessä I
Authors: Leskinen Heikki
Published: May 2023

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Experiências agroflorestais e transição agroecológica: do convencional ao orgânico na Fazenda Vale das Palmeiras Orgânicos - RJ
Authors: Sousa Roberta Vieira de , Santos Saint Clair Lira
Published: May 2023

Este estudo pretende discutir e analisar o processo de Transição Agroecológica (TA) para a sustentabilidade a partir da sistematização da experiência da Fazenda Vale das Palmeiras Orgânicos (FVPO), no município de Teresópolis - RJ. O conhecimento agroflorestal se dá por meio de espaços de trocas que se formam pela experimentação; solidariamente, interagindo e experimentando através de reflexões do diálogo de vivências e práticas agroecológicas contribuindo para o seu reconhecimento, fortalecimento e consolidação. Desde o ano de 1997, a FVPO tornou-se um espaço promotor e fomentador da proposta agroflorestal que atende desde agricultores, técnicos e estudantes até o público em geral. As experiências adquiridas na nesse espaço proporcionam formações teóricas e práticas trazendo conhecimento em diversas áreas, destacando-se as áreas pedagógicas, técnicas, produtivas e econômicas. As experiências de uma agrofloresta com vinte e seis anos de manejo e a TA tornaram a fazenda uma referência para a difusão agroflorestal. A metodologia desta pesquisa se apresentou em uma pesquisa descritiva e qualitativa de revisão que foi estudo de revisão. Para obter sucesso no processo de TA são necessárias ações combinadas que requerem iniciativas entre grupos da sociedade civil e instituições como o poder público de modo que essas intervenções influenciem nos processos de produção social e desenvolvimento sustentável, e a colaboração com outros processos de TA em andamento nos níveis local e regional. A melhoria na produção pode auxiliar em estratégias inovadoras como o desenvolvimento de produtos sem agrotóxicos, proporcionando substanciais benefícios à população.
Uma revisão sistemática da prevalência e dos tipos da violência obstétrica na saúde e bem-estar das mulheres no Brasil
Authors: Silva Júlia Carla Oliveira , Brito Letícia Maria Cavalcanti , Alves Eloisa Simões , Medeiros Neto José Bandeira de , Santos Junior José Ledesvan Pereira dos , Marques Nielson Mendes , Lopes Thalisson Max de Oliveira , Alexandre José de Almeida , Santos Luciano Jose Ramos Pimentel
Published: May 2023

A violência obstétrica é uma questão alarmante que afeta inúmeras mulheres durante a gravidez e o parto, constituindo um tipo de violência de gênero que gera consequências negativas significativas na saúde física e mental das mulheres. Ademais, pode acarretar graves complicações tanto durante quanto após o parto, impactando negativamente a autoestima e a confiança da mulher em relação a todo o processo gestacional. Com o intuito de levantar os principais tipos de violência obstétrica no Brasil, este trabalho se propôs a realizar uma revisão sistemática com base em buscas nas bases de dados Pubmed e Scopus, utilizando os termos "Obstetric violence", "Brazil", "obstetric care" e suas combinações. A análise de 12 artigos permitiu a identificação de uma situação preocupante: a violência obstétrica é um problema generalizado e disseminado no país. Os tipos de violência mais comuns incluem intervenções médicas desnecessárias, maus-tratos, desrespeito à autonomia da mulher durante o parto, tratamento desumano e negligência. Nesse sentido, é fundamental adotar medidas para prevenir e combater a violência obstétrica, tais como conscientizar a sociedade sobre os direitos das mulheres durante a gestação e o parto, promover a formação adequada dos profissionais de saúde e implementar políticas públicas para proteger a saúde e o bem-estar das mulheres.
THE RADICAL FEMINISM IN NO EXIT'S PLAY BY JEAN PAUL SARTRE
Authors: Girsang Martina , Manalu Mega Patrisia , Cecilia Prity , Agnes Rainy Agria , Sinambela Rifkha
Published: May 2023

This study analyses the non-normative feminism performed by the characters in a play entitled No Exit by Jean Paul Sartre. The concept of feminism is linked to the liberation of women from the control and dominance of men. On the other hand, non-stereotypical principles are the development of individuals. In this non-normative discussion, the author relates it to the realm of feminism and lesbianism which is part of radical feminist theory. The objective of the study is to identify the tendency of non-normative of the characters named Inès, and Estelle in the play. This study is a literary criticism using qualitative descriptive method. The results of the study showed that the two main female characters show non-normative feminism attitudes, including having a sexual orientation that slightly deviate from French society at that time, not wanting to be in a relationship with men, and also not wanting to give birth and become a mother. As the title No Exit reminds us, Inès and Estelle exhibit their true identities only in a world closed to the rest of society; even in this space they are always reprimanded. Thus, Sartre criticizes the lack of options for non-stereotypical women in French society, as well as the tendency to view these women as inherently ‘immoral’.
COVID vaccine evaluation of barriers and resources among families of children with diagnosed allergies
Authors: Gooding Gregory D. , Protudjer Jennifer L. , Gabrielli Sofianne , Mulé Pasquale , Shand Greg , Zhang Xun , McCusker Christine , Noya Francisco J. , Harvey Maria , Chalifour Mélodie , Sicard Catherine , Abrams Elissa , Amiel Jacques-Alexandre , Ngo Thanh-Thao , Bonnici Andre , MacDonald Noni , Ben-Shoshan Moshe
Published: May 2023

Background

We aimed to determine vaccine hesitancy and the main barriers associated with the 2019 novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccination among families of children diagnosed with food/drug/environmental allergies.

Methods

Between May and June 2021, we approached 146 families seen at the outpatient allergy clinic at the Montreal Children's Hospital and a community allergy practice were invited to complete an anonymous online survey on COVID-19 and vaccination attitudes and behaviour. Uni and multivariable logistic regressions were compared to estimate factors associated with vaccine hesitancy.

Results

Among all patients, 24.1% reported vaccine hesitancy. The large majority of parents (95.2%) believed that vaccines work. The most common barrier to vaccination was fear of adverse side effects (57.0%). One-third of participants (31.5%) reported that a history of food, venom and drug allergy was a contraindication for COVID-19 vaccination. Fifty-nine (60.8%) participants stated that the dissemination of additional information would increase their willingness to be vaccinated. Most (96.9%) parents reported that their children's vaccinations were up to date. Hesitant families were more likely to be parents of children aged 6–10 years, be of Asian descent, report that mRNA vaccines are riskier than traditional vaccines, and report that the vaccine should not be given if the child has a history of allergic reaction to vaccines.

Conclusion

Vaccine hesitancy exists mainly among certain ethnic groups and families with young children. Allergies to food, venom and drug allergy are commonly perceived as contraindications for COVID-19 vaccination. Knowledge translation activities addressing parental concerns will help increase vaccination rates.
Biomechanical evaluation of pedicle screw stability after 360-degree turnback from full insertion: effects of screw shape, pilot hole profile and bone density
Authors: Li Yun-Da , Hsieh Ming-Kai , Chen Weng-Pin , Lee De-Mei , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Lai Po-Liang , Tai Ching-Lung
Published: May 2023

Intraoperative pedicle screw depth adjustment after initial insertion, including both forward and backward adjustments, is sometimes necessary to facilitate rod application and ensure that the screw is in the correct position, which is determined by intraoperative fluoroscopy. Adjusting the screw with forward turns has no negative influence on the screw fixation stability; however, screw turnback may weaken the fixation stability. The aim of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical properties of screw turnback and demonstrate the reduction in the fixation stability after the screw is turned 360° from its full insertion position. Commercially available synthetic closed-cell polyurethane foams with three different densities simulating various degrees of bone density were utilized as substitutes for human bone. Two different screw shapes (cylindrical and conical) together with two different pilot hole profiles (cylindrical and conical) were tested. Following specimen preparation, screw pullout tests were conducted using a material test machine. The mean maximal pullout strength between full insertion and 360-degree turnback from full insertion in each setting was statistically analyzed. The mean maximal pullout strength after 360-degree turnback from full insertion was generally lower than that at full insertion. The reduced mean maximal pullout strength after turnback increased with decreasing bone density. Conical screws had significantly lower pullout strength after 360-degree turnback than cylindrical screws. The mean maximal pullout strength was reduced by up to approximately 27% after 360-degree turnback when using a conical screw in a low bone density specimen. Additionally, specimens treated with a conical pilot hole presented a less reduction in pullout strength after screw turnback as compared to those with a cylindrical pilot hole. The strength of our study was that we systematically investigated the effects of various bone densities and screw shapes on screw stability after turnback, which has rarely been reported in the literature. Our study suggests that pedicle screw turnback after full insertion should be reduced in spinal surgeries, particularly procedures that use conical screws in osteoporotic bone. Pedicle screw secured with a conical pilot hole might be beneficial for screw adjustment.
A pH-responsive liposomal nanoplatform for co-delivery of a Pt(IV) prodrug and cinnamaldehyde for effective tumor therapy
Authors: Tang Ting , Gong Yufang , Gao Yuan , Pang Xinlong , Liu Shuangqing , Xia Yulan , Liu Dongsheng , Zhu Lin , Fan Qing , Sun Xiao
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The tumor microenvironment (TME) is mainly characterized by abnormally elevated intracellular redox levels and excessive oxidative stress. However, the balance of the TME is also very fragile and susceptible to be disturbed by external factors. Therefore, several researchers are now focusing on intervening in redox processes as a therapeutic strategy to treat tumors. Here, we have developed a liposomal drug delivery platform that can load a Pt(IV) prodrug (DSCP) and cinnamaldehyde (CA) into a pH-responsive liposome to enrich more drugs in the tumor region for better therapeutic efficacy through enhanced permeability and retention effect.

Methods: Using the glutathione-depleting properties of DSCP together with the ROS-generating properties of cisplatin and CA, we synergistically altered ROS levels in the tumor microenvironment to damage tumor cells and achieve anti-tumor effects in vitro.

Results: A liposome loaded with DSCP and CA was successfully established, and this liposome effectively increased the level of ROS in the tumor microenvironment and achieved effective killing of tumor cells in vitro.

Conclusion: In this study, novel liposomal nanodrugs loaded with DSCP and CA provided a synergistic strategy between conventional chemotherapy and disruption of TME redox homeostasis, leading to a significant increase in antitumor effects in vitro.
Angiotensin-II stimulating vs. inhibiting antihypertensive drugs and the risk of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia in a large cohort of older patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Du Xianglin L. , Li Zhuoyun , Schulz Paul E.
Published: May 2023

Background

Several previous studies showed that patients who received angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensive medications had a lower incident dementia rate than those angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensive users, but no study has been conducted in long-term cancer survivors.

Objectives

To determine the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementia (ADRD) associated with the types of antihypertensive medications in a large cohort of survivors with colorectal cancer in 2007–2015 with follow-up from 2007 to 2016.

Methods

We identified 58,699 men and women with colorectal cancer aged 65 or older from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)—Medicare linked database in 17 SEER areas in 2007–2015 with follow-up to 2016, who were free of any diagnosed ADRD at the baseline (within 12 months prior to and 12 months after the date of diagnosis for colorectal cancer). All patients who were defined as having hypertension by ICD diagnosis code or received antihypertensive drugs during this baseline 2-year period were classified into 6 groups based on whether they received angiotensin-II stimulating or inhibiting antihypertensive drugs.

Results

Crude cumulative incidence rates of AD and ADRD were similar between those who received angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensive medications (4.3% and 21.7%) and those receiving angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensive medications (4.2% and 23.5%). As compared to patients who received angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensive drugs, those who received angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensives were significantly more likely to develop AD (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01–1.32), vascular dementias (1.27, 1.06–1.53), and total ADRD (1.21, 1.14–1.28) after adjusting for potential confounders. These results remained similar after adjusting for medication adherence and considering death as a competing risk.

Conclusions

The risk of AD and ADRD in patients with hypertension who received angiotensin II–inhibiting antihypertensive medications was higher than in those receiving angiotensin II–stimulating antihypertensive drugs in patients with colorectal cancer.
A comparison between the apical and subcostal view for three-dimensional echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular volumes in pediatric patients
Authors: Ferraro Alessandra M. , Bonello Kristin , Sleeper Lynn A. , Lu Minmin , Shea Melinda , Marx Gerald R. , Powell Andrew J. , Geva Tal , Harrild David M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Accurate measurement of ventricular volumes is an important clinical imaging goal. Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DEcho) is used increasingly as it is more available and less costly than cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). For the right ventricle (RV), the current practice is to acquire 3DEcho volumes from the apical view. However, in some patients the RV may be better seen from the subcostal view. Therefore, this study compared RV volume measurements from the apical vs. the subcostal view, using CMR as a reference standard.

Methods

Patients <18 years old undergoing a clinical CMR examination were prospectively enrolled. 3DEcho was performed on the day of the CMR. 3DEcho images were acquired with Philips Epic 7 ultrasound system from apical and subcostal views. Offline analysis was performed with TomTec 4DRV Function for 3DEcho images and cvi42 for CMR ones. RV end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume were collected. Agreement between 3DEcho and CMR was assessed with Bland-Altman analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Percentage (%) error was calculated using CMR as the reference standard.

Results

Forty-seven patients were included in the analysis (age range 10 months to 16 years). The ICC was moderate to excellent for all volume comparisons to CMR (subcostal vs. CMR: end-diastolic volume 0.93, end-systolic volume 0.81; apical vs. CMR: end-diastolic volume 0.94, end-systolic volume 0.74).The 3DEcho mean % error vs. CMR for end-systolic volume was 25% for subcostal and 31% for apical; for end-diastolic volume it was 15% for subcostal and 16% for apical. The % error was not significantly different between apical vs. subcostal views for end-systolic and end-diastolic volume measurements.

Conclusions

For apical and subcostal views, 3DEcho-derived ventricular volumes agree well with CMR. Neither echo view has a consistently smaller error when compared to CMR volumes. Accordingly, the subcostal view can be used as an alternative to the apical view when acquiring 3DEcho volumes in pediatric patients, particularly when the image quality from this window is superior.
Sustainable energy policies from a complexity perspective
Authors: Acevedo-Rueda Rubén Alexander , Ramírez-Pisco Rodrigo , Vásquez Stanescu Carmen Luisa , Torres Cruz Ennodio José , Gómez-Caicedo Melva Inés , Gaitán-Angulo Mercedes
Published: May 2023

The energy policies of the countries have become a key aspect of development. They must be formulated to guarantee economic and social development, state security and compliance with the objectives of sustainable development. In this framework, generation technologies must be considered not only in terms of available natural resources but also in terms of possible contingency scenarios. The purpose of this article is to prioritize technologies by applying a fuzzy inference model and uncertainty model and to address the principles of complex thinking to a case study. The methodology considers the integral vision of the dimensions under the systemic, feedback, autonomy/dependence, holographic and recursive principles, the assignment of weights for the dimension of sustainable development and, finally, the formulation of contingent scenarios. These scenarios consider: exhaustion of a primary source and change of technology with negative or positive impact. As a result, priority is given to the development of wind technology among renewable sources, followed by hydropower and geothermal. In the field of conventional energy, natural gas remains in the first place, since it also reinforces the security and fairness of the system. It is concluded that the process of formulating energy policies based on economic variables and the incorporation of sustainability, in terms of restrictions and linearity in the study models. This must be complemented with the adaptation of the legal and institutional framework that allows the fulfillment of the objectives that are expected to be achieved. Finally, it is necessary to keep constantly updated on changes and improvements in technology, which can modify the variables under study, in order to adapt strategies to new conditions.
Of forests and grasslands: human, primate, and ungulate palaeoecology in Late Pleistocene-Holocene Sri Lanka
Authors: Amano Noel , Wedage Oshan , Ilgner Jana , Boivin Nicole , Petraglia Michael , Roberts Patrick
Published: May 2023

The Wet Zone region of Sri Lanka has provided some of the earliest direct evidence of human utilization of rainforest resources anywhere in the world. Stable isotope analysis of human and animal remains, alongside detailed zooarchaeological analyses, have demonstrated reliance on rainforest resources as far back as 48,000 years ago. However, changes in human adaptations and the varying niches of exploited fauna, through major periods of climatic change such as during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition, remain relatively under-explored. Here, we present the results of stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope analyses of dental enamel from 311 animal and eight human teeth recovered from recent excavations at Fa-Hien Lena and Kitulgala Beli-lena from contexts spanning the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. Our data for human teeth from the Terminal Pleistocene and Holocene layers of Fa-Hien Lena and the Holocene layers of Kitulgala Beli-lena show little departure from rainforest resource reliance between the Pleistocene and Holocene. Meanwhile, the most dominant faunal taxa, including cercopithecid monkeys, show a similar stability in canopied forest habitation across the different species. However, δ13C data from ungulates found at Fa-Hien Lena indicate human populations did have access to forest edge and grassland habitats, suggesting either specific foraging trips or long-distance trade with other communities. In addition, our reporting of an Early Holocene presence of rhinoceros in the Wet Zone forest of Sri Lanka, the last fossil occurrence of this now regionally-extirpated taxon, highlights ongoing human interactions with large mammal communities on the island. We argue that our data demonstrate the benefits of detailed isotopic and zooarchaeological studies for detailed insights into the nature of tropical human adaptations through time.
Plant exploitation and subsistence patterns of the Mesolithic in arid China: New evidence of plant macro-remains from the Pigeon Mountain site
Authors: Zheng Xuefang , Peng Fei , Wang Shuzhi , Guo Jialong , Wang Huiming , Gao Xing , Zhao Zhijun
Published: May 2023

The nature of the Mesolithic in China has not been studied much due to the few well-context sites discovered and excavated during this period. The situation also restricts the understanding of human subsistence in the Mesolithic period in China, especially in the arid region. The present paper reports the flotation results at Locality 10 of the Pigeon Mountain site in Northwest China. Ten species of plants belonging to six families were identified, dominated by Agriophyllum squarrosum and Artemisia sieversiana. No firm evidence proves the domestication. Combined with the lithic artefacts in QG10, ancient people could utilize plant resources by constructing or expanding the food spectrum. It is the first systematic archaeobotany work in the Paleolithic site of Northwest China. The result reminds us that the enhanced utilization of wild plant resources is a vital subsistence for Mesolithic people in arid regions.
Mapping structural lineaments using the edge filters of the potential field: a case study of the Rizhao–Lianyungang area, East China
Authors: Sun Yanyun , Zeng Xiangzhi , Yang Wencai , Li Xiao , Zhang Wan , Zhang Xuanjie
Published: May 2023

Background: Edge enhancement plays an important role in potential field data processing and interpretation, which facilitate regional tectonic studies, mineral and energy exploration. This is because edges on potential field often indicate linear geological structures such as fractures, edges of geological bodies and so on. With the development of meticulous edge enhancement on potential field, the phenomenon of false edges caused by the associated anomalies when detect ing edges from magnetic field cannot be ignored.

Methods: Aiming at this problem, we proposes a modified magnetic edge detection method (SP Mag) based on the second order spectral moment. This method has been tested on both synthetic and field data. The synthetic test show that SP Mag cannot only balanced edges no matter from strong or weak anomalies, but also eliminates those false edges caused by the associated anomalies in magnetic field, which provide more effective information for subsequent interpretation.

Results: We apply this new method to the RTP aero magnetic field and gravity field of Rizhao Lianyungang area. The lineaments recognized by the SP Mag method correspond well with geologic structures through comparing with geological maps.

Discussion: The results illustrate the usefulness of the method for potential field interpretation. Furthermore, more geological and geophysical data should be still combined for comprehensive interpretation in the actual interpretation, though the SP Mag method can recognize lineaments effectively.
“Being safe means you can feel uncomfortable”: a case study of female students’ participation in a higher education, online improvisation course
Authors: MacGlone Una M.
Published: May 2023

In higher music education (HME), improvisation is a developing area of practice and research interest across different genres and courses. However, professional jazz and improvised performance contexts, which have strong connections with HME, have been conceptualised as ‘masculine’ spaces. As an important pathway towards the music profession, HME may provide a place where hegemonic discourses can be challenged. The pandemic necessitated HME’s shift online and thus provided new environments for learning group improvisation. A qualitative study with four female students was undertaken to investigate their experiences and views about an online free improvisation course. Research questions considered (1) how female students understood their learning space in an online free improvisation module and (2) what possibilities were available for creative and musical actions. A focus group and individual interviews were held after the course. Two themes were identified: the deep end and new materials, new space. Students used a common metaphor of being ‘in the deep end’. However, they framed this positively, either as feeling safe to experiment musically or in overcoming feelings of discomfort, perceiving an increase in self-efficacy. Findings also demonstrated that students were able to exercise agency and customize their online space by using filters, changing backgrounds, and choosing when to turn their cameras on and off. Appreciating female students’ perspectives and trajectories of participation can inform teachers’ priorities for creating an optimal and inclusive space for learning improvisation.
Test engagement and rapid guessing: Evidence from a large-scale state assessment
Authors: Svetina Valdivia Dubravka , Rutkowski Leslie , Rutkowski David , Canbolat Yusuf , Underhill Stephanie
Published: May 2023

A recent increase in studies related to testing behavior reignited the decades long conversation regarding score validity from assessments that have minimal stakes for students but which may have high stakes for schools or educational systems as a whole. Using data from a large-scale state assessment (with over 80 thousand students per grade), we examined rapid-guessing behavior via normative threshold (NT) approaches. We found that the response time effort (RTE) was 0.991 and 0.980 in grade 3 and grade 8, respectively, based on the maximum threshold of 10% (NT10). Similar rates were found based on methods that used 20 and 30%. Percentages of RTEs below 0.90, which indicated meaningful disengagement, were smaller in grade 3 than grade 8 in all normative threshold approaches. Overall, our results suggested that students had high levels of engagement on the assessment, although descriptive differences were found across various demographic subgroups.
Cuproptosis-a potential target for the treatment of osteoporosis
Authors: Li Dinglin , Gao Zhonghua , Li Qian , Liu Xiangjie , Liu Hao
Published: May 2023

Osteoporosis is an age-related disease of bone metabolism marked by reduced bone mineral density and impaired bone strength. The disease causes the bones to weaken and break more easily. Osteoclasts participate in bone resorption more than osteoblasts participate in bone formation, disrupting bone homeostasis and leading to osteoporosis. Currently, drug therapy for osteoporosis includes calcium supplements, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, estrogen, calcitonin, bisphosphates, and other medications. These medications are effective in treating osteoporosis but have side effects. Copper is a necessary trace element in the human body, and studies have shown that it links to the development of osteoporosis. Cuproptosis is a recently proposed new type of cell death. Copper-induced cell death regulates by lipoylated components mediated via mitochondrial ferredoxin 1; that is, copper binds directly to the lipoylated components of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, resulting in lipoylated protein accumulation and subsequent loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins, leading to proteotoxic stress and eventually cell death. Therapeutic options for tumor disorders include targeting the intracellular toxicity of copper and cuproptosis. The hypoxic environment in bone and the metabolic pathway of glycolysis to provide energy in cells can inhibit cuproptosis, which may promote the survival and proliferation of various cells, including osteoblasts, osteoclasts, effector T cells, and macrophages, thereby mediating the osteoporosis process. As a result, our group tried to explain the relationship between the role of cuproptosis and its essential regulatory genes, as well as the pathological mechanism of osteoporosis and its effects on various cells. This study intends to investigate a new treatment approach for the clinical treatment of osteoporosis that is beneficial to the treatment of osteoporosis.
Foraging proportion of the Formosan subterranean termite workers and soldiers in relation to soil type
Authors: Lee Sang-Bin , Su Nan-Yao
Published: May 2023

A colony of subterranean termites contains different castes such as workers and soldiers that perform various tasks. Foraging activity is vital among many tasks of a colony and ~20% of the worker population in a colony of Coptotermes formosanus engage in foraging. Although flexibility in task allocation plays a crucial role in maintaining colony function in fluctuating environments, such flexibility is barely understood in subterranean termites. Here, we investigated regulations of foraging task allocation in response to different soil types at the nest and the foraging site. At the nest and foraging site, either nitrogen-rich organic soil or nitrogen-poor sand, which differed in carbon and nitrogen ratio, was provided and the proportions of workers and soldiers at the foraging site were determined. Our results showed that the foraging worker proportion and per-capita wood consumption significantly differed depending on the soil type at the nest but not the soil type at the foraging site. When the colony had access to organic soil at the nest, the proportion of workers at the foraging site and per-capita wood consumption was much smaller than those with sand at the nest. Conversely, the proportion of soldiers at the foraging site remained the same regardless of the soil type at the nest and the foraging site. In brief, the current study showed flexible regulation of foraging task allocation in C. formosanus and demonstrated that perturbation of soil type alters the allocation of workers, but not soldiers, in the colony.
Kin selection in interactions between gametes: Gamete competition, gamete limitation, and sex allocation
Authors: Myllymaa Lauri , Lehtonen Jussi
Published: May 2023

Kin selection on one hand, and gamete interactions in post-ejaculatory sexual selection on the other are two major research themes that have risen to prominence over the past half century and have simultaneously developed into central fields of research in evolutionary biology. There is a natural connection between the two: when gametes interact with each other, very commonly many of them originate from the same parent and are thus siblings. For example, sperm competition will almost always involve competition between sibling gametes even if the interacting parents are not related to each other. If parents are related to each other, the relatedness between gametes increases further. Here we discuss the relation between kin selection on one hand, and gamete competition, gamete limitation, local gamete competition, and the evolution of sex allocation on the other. To illustrate these topics, we present a novel model on sex allocation in simultaneous hermaphrodites under sperm limitation and limited, costly dispersal. We find that sperm limitation can significantly increase allocation into male function, but limited dispersal (and thus increased relatedness) does not alter sex allocation regardless of the presence of sperm limitation.
Fine-grained water availability drives divergent trait selection in Amazonian trees
Authors: Costa Flávia R. C. , Lang Carla , Sousa Thaiane R. , Emilio Thaise , Esquivel-Muelbert Adriane , Schietti Juliana
Published: May 2023

Water availability is an important driver of plant functional biogeography. Most studies focus on the effects of precipitation, and neglect the contribution of groundwater as a source when the water table depth (WTD) is accessible to roots. Previous studies suggested that shallow water tables select for acquisitive traits. These studies have mostly contrasted shallow vs. deep water tables, without considering a more fine-grained perspective within shallow water tables or the temporal WTD behavior. Here we tested whether the degree of variation in WTD translates into divergent modes of trait selection. We expect constantly shallow WTD leading to the selection of acquisitive traits, whilst high fluctuation of WTD would lead to tree communities with more conservative traits. We used community and trait data (wood density and leaf traits) from 25 1-ha forest monitoring plots spread over 600 km in central Amazonia, covering a gradient of shallow to intermediate (0–8 m deep) WTD along the Purus-Madeira interfluve. Wood density was measured directly in trunk cores (498 trees) and leaf traits (Specific Leaf Area, Leaf Dry Mass Content, Leaf Thickness) of >6,000 individuals were estimated with FT-NIR (Fourier-Transformed Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) spectral models calibrated with cross-Amazonian data. We observed a turnover of families, genera, and species along the gradient of temporal WTD fluctuation range. This taxonomic turnover was accompanied by a change in wood traits, with higher wood density associated to higher WTD fluctuation and higher climatic water deficit. Leaf traits, however, varied in the opposite direction than initially hypothesized, i.e., trees had more acquisitive traits toward intermediate WTD with higher fluctuation. Based on those results, we propose that the effect of WTD selection should be conceptualized in a quadratic form, going from water excess in very shallow WTD (<2 m, limiting condition due to anoxia, selecting conservative traits), to moist in intermediate WTD (between 2 and 5 m deep, favorable condition with constant water supply, selecting acquisitive traits), to water deficit in deep WTD (>5 m, limiting condition, with conservative traits again).