bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Conditions for Total Orderings in Lexicographic Methods to Rank Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Salas-Molina Francisco , Reig-Mullor Javier , Pla-Santamaria David , Garcia-Bernabeu Ana
Published: February 2024

Lexicographic methods to rank fuzzy numbers present the advantages of simplicity, consistency with human intuition, and power of discrimination. In this paper, we tackle the problem of finding the conditions for these methods to produce a rank in specific steps. Our main results are twofold. First, we prove that a necessary and sufficient condition for a ranking function to be a total order is that this function is either injective, surjective, or bijective. Second, we provide further insight into the required steps for a lexicographic order to rank same-type and different-type fuzzy numbers. A counterexample refutes a conjecture in the literature about the maximum number of steps needed to rank different-type fuzzy numbers.
Highly Porous Yet Transparent Mechanically Flexible Aerogels Realizing Solar-Thermal Regulatory Cooling
Authors: Lian Meng , Ding Wei , Liu Song , Wang Yufeng , Zhu Tianyi , Miao Yue-E. , Zhang Chao , Liu Tianxi
Published: February 2024

The demand for highly porous yet transparent aerogels with mechanical flexibility and solar-thermal dual-regulation for energy-saving windows is significant but challenging. Herein, a delaminated aerogel film (DAF) is fabricated through filtration-induced delaminated gelation and ambient drying. The delaminated gelation process involves the assembly of fluorinated cellulose nanofiber (FCNF) at the solid–liquid interface between the filter and the filtrate during filtration, resulting in the formation of lamellar FCNF hydrogels with strong intra-plane and weak interlayer hydrogen bonding. By exchanging the solvents from water to hexane, the hydrogen bonding in the FCNF hydrogel is further enhanced, enabling the formation of the DAF with intra-layer mesopores upon ambient drying. The resulting aerogel film is lightweight and ultra-flexible, which possesses desirable properties of high visible-light transmittance (91.0%), low thermal conductivity (33 mW m−1 K−1), and high atmospheric-window emissivity (90.1%). Furthermore, the DAF exhibits reduced surface energy and exceptional hydrophobicity due to the presence of fluorine-containing groups, enhancing its durability and UV resistance. Consequently, the DAF has demonstrated its potential as solar-thermal regulatory cooling window materials capable of simultaneously providing indoor lighting, thermal insulation, and daytime radiative cooling under direct sunlight. Significantly, the enclosed space protected by the DAF exhibits a temperature reduction of 2.6 °C compared to that shielded by conventional architectural glass.
Time varying effects in survival analysis: a novel data-driven method for drift identification and variable selection
Authors: Babutsidze Zakaria , Guerzoni Marco , Riso Luigi
Published: February 2024

In this paper we address the problem of survival models when high-dimensional panel data are available. We discuss two related issues: The first one concerns the issue of variable selection and the second one deals with the stability over time of such a selection, since presence of time dimension in survival data requires explicit treatment of evolving socio-economic context. We show how graphical models can serve two purposes. First they serve as the input for a first algorithm to to assess the temporal stability of the data: Secondly, allow the deployment of a second algorithm which partially automates the process of variable selection, while retaining the option to incorporate domain expertise in the process of empirical model-building. To put our proposed methodology to the test, we utilize a dataset comprising Italian firms funded in 2009 and we study the survival of these entities over the period of 10 years. In addition to revealing significant volatility in the set of variables explaining firm exit over the years, our novel methodology enables us to offer a more nuanced perspective than the conventional one regarding the critical roles played by traditional variables such as industrial sector, geographical location, and innovativeness in firm survival.
Where’s the E in OE? A critical analysis of Irish outdoor education
Authors: Pierce John , Beames Simon
Published: February 2024

Very little empirical research has been conducted on Irish outdoor education practice(s). This inquiry aims to critically explore outdoor education practices in public Outdoor Education and Training Centres in the Republic of Ireland. First, an overview of the development of Irish outdoor education from the mid-twentieth century onwards is provided to locate the study within its unique cultural and historical background. Data were generated through document analysis, participant observation, and informal conversation with practitioners and management through multiple field visits. Creative non-fiction was used as a method to organise and present the data in a coherent and anonymised manner. Thematic analysis revealed three principal findings: a lack of engagement with theory, programming by logistics, and ideological dissonance. How these findings affect practice are discussed in terms of a place-based focus to practice as well as a need for more direction for practice to be informed by research and theory.
Preparation, characterization and cooling performance of ZnO based Nanofluids
Authors: Hussain Muzaffar , Ansari M. A. , Mir Feroz A.
Published: February 2024

Nanoparticles (NPs) of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) were synthesized by the sol–gel method. These NPs were characterized for structural vibrational, morphological, optical, and electrical properties by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV–Visible optical absorption spectroscopy, and dielectric spectroscopy. Structural analysis confirms that all the NPs have a single-phase rutile tetragonal structure. Also from the Scherer formula, the average particle size for this compound was found to be around 10.25 nm. From SEM images, the observed NPs are spherical in shape, with an average size ranging from 10 to 100 nm. FT-IR data indicates a Zn–O vibrational bond and confirms the ZnO structure. Further, according to the optical data analysis, these NPs show an optical band gap of around 3.27 eV and follow an indirect transition. The dielectric constant (εr) and loss constant (ε) show good dispersion with the applied frequency. Also using these NPs, a nanofluid in transformer oil (mineral oil) was prepared. Further εr & εi shows good variation with the contents of NPs in the mineral oil. This nanofluid was tested for the cooling of transformers and shows some encouraging results. Based on these results, this material seems like a good candidate for transformer insulation and cooling applications.
Impact of CSR disclosure on profitability and firm performance of Malaysian halal food companies
Authors: Ahmad Zaki , Hidthiir Mohammad Helmi Bin , Rahman Md Mahfujur
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure on the profitability and firm performance of Halal food companies in Malaysia. Applying a quintitative method, the study utilised a dynamic GMM-based statistical technique for analysing the data from 75 public-listed Halal food companies in Malaysia from 2012 to 2021.The findings highlight a substantial relationship between CSR disclosure and profitability (ROA) as well as firm performance (TBQ) of Halal food companies in Malaysia. The result showed economic, environmental, and social CSR disclosures have a significant effects on ROA and TBQ in dynamic models. The outcome of the study implies that actively engaging in economic, environmental, and social CSR practices provides with a competitive advantage, contributes to long-term viability, and attracts socially conscious investors. It also emphasises the strategic importance of comprehensive CSR strategies for encouraging positive stakeholder relationships, managing diverse aspects of sustainability, and enhancing overall business success, including employee engagement and motivation.
Managing the race to the moon: Global policy and governance in Artificial Intelligence regulation—A contemporary overview and an analysis of socioeconomic consequences
Authors: Walter Yoshija
Published: February 2024

This paper delves into the complexities of global AI regulation and governance, emphasizing the socio-economic repercussions of rapid AI development. It scrutinizes the challenges in creating effective governance structures amidst the AI race, considering diverse global perspectives and policies. The discourse moves beyond specific corporate examples, addressing broader implications and sector-wide impacts of AI on employment, truth discernment, and democratic stability. The analysis focuses on contrasting regulatory approaches across key regions—the United States, European Union, Asia, Africa, and the Americas and thus highlighting the variations and commonalities in strategies and implementations. This comparative study reveals the intricacies and hurdles in formulating a cohesive global policy for AI regulation. Central to the paper is the examination of the dynamic between rapid AI innovation and the slower pace of regulatory and ethical standard-setting. It critically evaluates the advantages and drawbacks of shifting regulatory responsibilities between government bodies and the private sector. In response to these challenges, the discussion proposes an innovative and integrated regulatory model. The model advocates for a collaborative network that blends governmental authority with industry expertise, aiming to establish adaptive, responsive regulations (called “dynamic laws”) that can evolve with technological advancements. The novel approach aims to bridge the gap between rapid AI advancements in the industry and the essential democratic processes of law-making.
Nonlinear Stochastic Operators and Associated Inhomogeneous Entangled Quantum Markov Chains
Authors: Souissi Abdessatar , Mukhamedov Farrukh
Published: February 2024

In the present paper, we introduce a class of F-stochastic operators on a finite-dimensional simplex, each of which is regular, ascertaining that the species distribution in the succeeding generation corresponds to the species distribution in the previous one in the long run. It is proposed a new scheme to define non-homogeneous Markov chains contingent on the F-stochastic operators and given initial data. By means of the uniform ergodicity of the non-homogeneous Markov chain, we define a non-homogeneous (quantum) entangled Markov chain. Furthermore, it is established that the non-homogeneous entangled Markov chain enables

$$\psi$$

ψ

-mixing property.
Treatment for social media addiction with hypnotic-oriented counseling
Authors: Sugara Gian Sugiana , Fadhilah Rikza
Published: February 2024

Background

Research has identified social media addiction as a new and often unrecognized clinical disorder that impacts users' ability to control social media use which can lead to relational, work, and social problems. Adolescent who experiences addiction to social media will be very dependent and willing to spend a long time accessing social media so that they experience addiction to social media. This paper reports the findings of a study that used an A-B-A single-case research design to investigate the effect of hypnotherapy to reduce social media addiction in adolescents. Participants consisted of two high school students (N = 2) who had social media addiction behavior in the severe category. Hypnotic-oriented counseling interventions in reducing social media addiction was provided in 5 sessions. Treatment focused on enhancing motivation, emotional release, conflict resolution and empowerment using direct suggestion, parts therapy, circle of excellence technique and anchor. Participants completed the Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescent. Data was collected before, during, and after the hypnotic-oriented counseling intervention.

Result

Students who took part in hypnosis-oriented counseling sessions experienced a significant reduction in social media addiction symptoms during and after the intervention. They report becoming increasingly able to manage social media use healthily.

Conclusion

Hypnotic-oriented counseling intervention was effective in reducing social media addiction symptoms in students.
A prior knowledge guided deep learning method for building extraction from high-resolution remote sensing images
Authors: Hao Ming , Chen Shilin , Lin Huijing , Zhang Hua , Zheng Nanshan
Published: February 2024

There are problems such as poor interpretability and insufficient generalization ability when extracting buildings from high-resolution remote sensing images based on deep learning. This paper proposes a building extraction model called BPKG-SegFormer (Building Prior Knowledge Guided SegFormer) that combines prior knowledge of buildings with data-driven methods. This model constructs a building feature attention module and utilizes the multi-task loss function to optimize the extraction of buildings. Experimental results show that on the WHU building dataset, the proposed model outperforms UNet, Deeplabv3 + , and SegFormer models with OA, P, R, and MIoU of 96.63%, 95.94%, 94.76%, and 90.6%, respectively. The BPKG-SegFormer model extracts buildings with more regular shapes and flatter edges, reducing internal voids and increasing the number of correctly detected buildings.
Heavy metal concentrations and water quality assessment of different types of drinking water wells in the Erdenet Cu–Mo mining area
Authors: Munkhsuld Enkhuur , Murayama Takehiko , Fukushi Keisuke , Nishikizawa Shigeo , Gankhurel Baasansuren , Batbold Tserenkhand , Ochir Altansukh
Published: February 2024

The Erdenet mine (Erdenet, Mongolia) is a copper–molybdenum open pit mine with a huge tailing pond and is located next to a residential area. As the sources of drinking water in this area rely on groundwater and can be categorized into public or private wells, we aimed to assess the groundwater quality of the different types of drinking water wells. To accomplish our goal, we analyzed 18 trace metals (As, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Ga, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Th, U, V, Zn) and 8 major metals (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Si) samples using ICP-MS and ICP-OES, and the heavy metal pollution index, heavy metal evaluation index, and degree of contamination were calculated. The most concerning point is that the Mo concentration of waste water in the Erdenet mine tailing pond and at a natural spring located 300 m from the tailing pond was 1100 μg/L, which greatly exceeds the WHO permissible concentration for Mo of 70 μg/L. Furthermore, high Ca and Mg concentrations at all private wells indicated that consumers of these wells are more vulnerable to any type of water pollution, as these wells are not built with any disinfection or treatment system. A modified categorization of the water quality indices showed that the public and private wells have low–medium contamination and that the tailing pond seepage water, along with its nearest spring, have a high degree of contamination. Because many private wells are located along the tailing pond and used directly without any treatment, we suggest a continuous evaluation and monitoring of the groundwater quality in this area.
Comparable outcomes with low-dose and standard-dose horse anti-thymocyte globulin in the treatment of severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Jain Arihant , Jandial Aditya , Mani Thenmozhi , Kishore Kamal , Singh Charanpreet , Lad Deepesh , Prakash Gaurav , Khadwal Alka , Das Reena , Varma Neelam , Varma Subhash , Malhotra Pankaj
Published: February 2024

Background

The standard dose (SD) of horse anti-thymocyte globulin (hATG) ATGAM (Pfizer, USA) or its biosimilar thymogam (Bharat Serum, India) for the treatment of Aplastic Anemia (AA) is 40 mg/kg/day for 4 days in combination with cyclosporine. Data on the impact of hATG dose on long-term outcomes are limited. Here, we describe our comparative experience using 25 mg/kg/day (low-dose [LD]) hATG for 4 days with SD for the treatment of AA.

Methods

We retrospectively studied patients with AA (age > 12 years) who received two doses of hATG combined with cyclosporine. Among 93 AA patients who received hATG, 62 (66.7%) and 31 (33.3%) patients received LD and SD hATG with cyclosporine, respectively. Among these,seventeen(18.2%) patients also received eltrombopag with hATG and cyclosporine. Overall response rates [complete response (CR) and partial response (PR)] of LD and SD hATG groups at 3 months (50% vs. 48.4%; p = 0.88), 6 months (63.8% vs. 71.4%; p = 0.67), and 12 months (69.6% vs. 79.2%; p = 0.167) were comparable. The mean (Standard Deviation) 5-year Kaplan–Meier estimate of overall survival and event-free survival was 82.1 (4.6)% and 70.9 (5.5)% for the study population. The mean (standard deviation) 5-year Kaplan–Meier estimate of overall survival and event-free survival of those who received LD hATG versus SD hATG dose was 82.9 (5·3)% versus 74.8 (10·3)% (P = 0·439), and 75.2 (6.2)% versus 61.4(11.2)% (P = 0·441).

Conclusion

Our study revealed that the response rates of patients with AA and LD were similar to those of patients with SD to hATG combined with cyclosporine in a real-world setting.
Developing a model for measuring fear of pain in Norwegian samples: The Fear of Pain Questionnaire Norway
Authors: Vambheim Sara M. , Lyby Peter Solvoll , Aslaksen Per M. , Flaten Magne Arve , Åsli Ole , Bjørkedal Espen , Martinussen Laila M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Fear of pain is highly correlated with pain report and physiological measures of arousal when pain is inflicted. The Fear of Pain Questionnaire III (FPQ-III) and The Fear of Pain Questionnaire Short Form (FPQ-SF) are self-report inventories developed for assessment of fear of pain (FOP). A previous study assessed the fit of the FPQ-III and the FPQ-SF in a Norwegian non-clinical sample and proved poor fit of both models. This inspired the idea of testing the possibility of a Norwegian FOP-model.

Aims and methods

A Norwegian FOP-model was examined by Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) in a sample of 1112 healthy volunteers. Then, the model fit of the FPQ-III, FPQ-SF and the Norwegian FOP-model (FPQ-NOR) were compared by Confirmatory Factor Analysis ( CFA). Sex neutrality was explored by examining model fit, validity and reliability of the 3 models amongst male and female subgroups.

Results

The EFA suggested either a 4-, a 5- or a 6-factor Norwegian FOP model. The eigenvalue criterion supported the suggested 6-factor model, which also explained most of the variance and was most interpretable. A CFA confirmed that the 6-factor model was better than the two 4- and 5-factor models. Furthermore, the CFA used to test the fit of the FPQ-NOR, the FPQ-III and the FPQ-SF showed that the FPQ-NOR had the best fit of the 3 models, both in the whole sample and in sex sub-groups.

Conclusions

A 6-factor model for explaining and measuring FOP in Norwegian samples was identified and termed the FPQ-NOR. This new model constituted six factors and 27 items, conceptualized as Minor, Severe, Injection, Fracture, Dental, and Cut Pain. The FPQ-NOR had the best fit overall and in male- and female subgroups, probably due to cross-cultural differences in FOP.

Implications

This study highlights the importance on exploratory analysis of FOP-instruments when applied to different countries or cultures. As the FPQ-III is widely used in both research and clinical settings, it is important to ensure that the models construct validity is high. Country specific validation of FOP in both clinical and non-clinical samples is recommended.
Extended Reality Shakespeare
Authors: Mancewicz Aneta
Published: February 2024

This Element argues for the importance of extended reality as an innovative force that changes the understanding of theatre and Shakespeare. It shows how the inclusion of augmented and virtual realities in performance can reconfigure the senses of the experiencers, enabling them to engage with technology actively. Such engagements can, in turn, result in new forms of presence, embodiment, eventfulness, and interaction. In drawing on Shakespeare's dramas as source material, this Element recognises the growing practice of staging them in an extended reality mode, and their potential to advance the development of extended reality. Given Shakespeare's emphasis on metatheatre, his works can inspire the layering of environments and the experiences of transition between the environments both features that distinguish extended reality. The author's examination of selected works in this Element unveils creative convergences between Shakespeare's dramaturgy and digital technology.
Eye movements as a tool to investigate exemplar retrieval in judgments
Authors: Rosner Agnes , Brändli Fabienne , von Helversen Bettina
Published: February 2024

The retrieval of past instances stored in memory can guide inferential choices and judgments. Yet, little process-level evidence exists that would allow a similar conclusion for preferential judgments. Recent research suggests that eye movements can trace information search in memory. During retrieval, people gaze at spatial locations associated with relevant information, even if the information is no longer present (the so-called ‘looking-at-nothing’ behavior). We examined eye movements based on the looking-at-nothing behavior to explore memory retrieval in inferential and preferential judgments. In Experiment 1, participants assessed their preference for smoothies with different ingredients, while the other half gauged another person’s preference. In Experiment 2, all participants made preferential judgments with or without instructions to respond as consistently as possible. People looked at exemplar locations in both inferential and preferential judgments, and both with and without consistency instructions. Eye movements to similar training exemplars predicted test judgments but not eye movements to dissimilar exemplars. These results suggest that people retrieve exemplar information in preferential judgments but that retrieval processes are not the sole determinant of judgments.
Average Jaccard index of random graphs
Authors: Feng Qunqiang , Guo Shuai , Hu Zhishui
Published: February 2024

The asymptotic behavior of the Jaccard index in G(n, p), the classical Erdös–Rényi random graph model, is studied as n goes to infinity. We first derive the asymptotic distribution of the Jaccard index of any pair of distinct vertices, as well as the first two moments of this index. Then the average of the Jaccard indices over all vertex pairs in G(n, p) is shown to be asymptotically normal under an additional mild condition that
$np\to\infty$
and
$n^2(1-p)\to\infty$
.
A collision result for both non-Newtonian and heat conducting Newtonian compressible fluids
Authors: Nečasová Šárka , Oschmann Florian
Published: February 2024

We generalize the known collision results for a solid in a 3D compressible Newtonian fluid to compressible non-Newtonian ones, and to Newtonian fluids with temperature-depending viscosities.
The Pleistocene ice-sheet dynamics in north-central Poland based on magnetic fabrics of tills and landform analysis
Authors: Teodorski Artur
Published: February 2024

This research was carried out in north-central Poland, which was occupied by the ice sheet of the Saalian (Marine Isotope Stage [MIS] 6) and Upper Stadial of the Weichselian (MIS 2) glaciation. The application of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) method supported by a digital elevation model (DEM) analysis of the orientation of glacial landforms allowed for the reconstruction of ice-sheet extent and ice movement directions of these two Pleistocene glaciations. The research used an innovative method of collecting AMS till samples from the glacial plateau areas. Based on the research, it was found that during the general recession of the ice sheet of the Saalian glaciation, a previously undescribed glacial transgression occurred, characterized by a different direction of ice-sheet movement. On the basis of detailed geomorphological studies of the area of terminal moraines, previously described in fragments, the maximum extent of the ice sheet during the Weichselian glaciation was clarified. The recession of the ice sheet of the Weichselian glaciation from the area of north-central Poland took place in four regressive or transgressive–regressive stages with variable directions of ice-sheet movement. The results obtained indicate the great potential of the AMS method in paleoenvironmental studies of glaciated areas.
LEGAL DEATH AND ODYSSEUS’ KINGSHIP
Authors: Levin Itamar
Published: February 2024

The paper proposes a solution to the problem with Odysseus’ kingship in the Odyssey by maintaining that Odysseus is not officially considered dead. Consequently, Telemachus cannot inherit the position of king and Penelope must leave Odysseus’ household before remarrying. After discussing the modern concept of legal death and previous interpretations of the Ithacan situation, the paper focusses on Athena's speech at 1.275–92. A close reading demonstrates that erecting a cenotaph to Odysseus would be tantamount to a modern declaration of death in absentia, since it will render Penelope a widow and Telemachus the head of the household. This legal convention chimes with the Homeric depiction of Hades.
“Without Solidarity, No People”: International Solidarity in the East German People's Solidarity
Authors: Hachmeister Maren
Published: February 2024

People's Solidarity (Volkssolidarität) is an East German organization founded in Dresden, Saxony, in 1945. It is primarily known for its activities dedicated to the care of older people. However, in the early 1950s, members of People's Solidarity were also involved in international solidarity campaigns for Greece, North Korea, and Vietnam. This article examines this little-known chapter of the organization's past. It reveals an unusual willingness among older East Germans both to donate money for the benefit of people in distant countries, and to relate to their suffering regardless of the (post-war) hardships faced at home. As the example of People's Solidarity shows, internationalism to some extent informed the roots of everyday, voluntary care practices under socialist rule in East Germany.
“Solidarity Is a Matter of the Heart”: Anti-Imperialist Solidarity Donations in GDR Children's Magazines
Authors: Dalljo Jessica
Published: February 2024

The article examines the role of children's magazines in promoting internationalism and solidarity in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Analysing the magazines ABC-Zeitung, Bummi, and Frösi, it sheds light on their contribution to the GDR's system for collecting and distributing charitable donations and to cultivating children's commitment to countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The article uncovers multifaceted layers of meaning associated with internationalism and emphasizes the significance of the connection between the state-ideological and the everyday levels. Its analysis of primary sources, including articles from the children's magazines, files from the Federal Archives, and historical publications, reveals that the magazines played a crucial role in fostering international solidarity and shaping the political consciousness of young readers. The use of techniques such as suggestion, competition, and renunciation in the magazines not only evoked a sense of collective responsibility, but also positioned children as active contributors to shaping an international socialist future. The children's magazine Bummi is particularly significant in the GDR's charitable donations system as it shows the involvement of other parts of society and thus raises issues of transgenerational education through the medium of children's magazines. By shifting away from the narrative of indoctrination, this article highlights the broader understanding of internationalism in the GDR and its integration into everyday life. It therefore underscores the vital role of children's magazines not only in fostering a stance of anti-imperialist solidarity among young readers, but also in shaping the GDR's vision of an international socialist future.
Solidarity and the Aesthetics of Pain: Soviet Documentary Film and the Vietnam War
Authors: Roth-Ey Kristin
Published: February 2024

The Soviet campaign in support of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in the Vietnam War saturated Soviet public culture in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was the longest solidarity action in Soviet history and the first to reach mass television audiences. This article examines the production and reception of a televised documentary film about the Vietnam War made by Konstantin Simonov – a celebrity writer who played a crucial role in Soviet culture during World War II, and then, in the post-war period, in the struggle to come to terms with terrible truths about Stalinism and the chaos and trauma that war had rendered. Simonov's film presented the Vietnam War in lyrical rather than analytical terms, calling upon viewers to draw connections between the suffering of the Vietnamese and the Soviet wartime experience and to enact their solidarity with the Vietnamese in terms of feeling. The film proposes a solidarity of pain and an understanding of war and wartime suffering as elemental and overwhelming. In dozens of letters to Simonov, we find an understanding and appreciation of this vision, which decentres Vietnam and instead sends viewers on a journey back to Soviet history and trauma.
Performing Womanhood and Carefare in Hungary
Authors: DERES KORNÉLIA
Published: February 2024

In the present article,1 I will examine how topics of domestic work, care and family values were critically addressed by female performers in 2022 on various Hungarian stages. Two short analyses will show that the notion of womanhood is deconstructed through questioning superficial and populist images of traditional female roles. While Baby Bumm – Propinquity Effect, a community theatre production highlights the actual toll of becoming a mother, a one-woman-show titled God, Home, Kitchen detects the numerous and often contradicting roles assigned to an average Hungarian female citizen by politicians. Both productions build on the physical limits of the performers’ bodies, the actual burden of taking care of children, as well as fulfilling duties in and outside the household, to show the unreal nature of politicized ideas on women. This is a public topic that further emerged in post-pandemic times, especially in the light of the government's determination of acceptable social participation for women.
Shedding and exclusion from childcare in children with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, 2018–2022
Authors: Vusirikala Amoolya , Rowell Sam , Dabke Girija , Fox Georgina , Bell Jade , Manuel Rohini , Jenkins Claire , Love Nicola , McCarthy Noel , Sumilo Dana , Balasegaram Sooria
Published: February 2024

Excluding children with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) from childcare until microbiologically clear of the pathogen, disrupts families, education, and earnings. Since PCR introduction, non-O157 STEC serotype detections in England have increased. We examined shedding duration by serotype and transmission risk, to guide exclusion advice. We investigated STEC cases aged <6 years, residing in England and attending childcare, with diarrhoea onset or sample date from 31 March 2018 to 30 March 2022. Duration of shedding was the interval between date of onset or date first positive specimen and earliest available negative specimen date. Transmission risk was estimated from proportions with secondary cases in settings attended by infectious cases. There were 367 cases (STEC O157 n = 243, 66.2%; STEC non-O157 n = 124, 33.8%). Median shedding duration was 32 days (IQR 20–44) with no significant difference between O157 and non-O157; 2% (n = 6) of cases shed for ≥100 days. Duration of shedding was reduced by 17% (95% CI 4–29) among cases reporting bloody diarrhoea. Sixteen settings underwent screening; four had secondary cases (close contacts’ secondary transmission rate = 13%). Shedding duration estimates were consistent with previous studies (median 31 days, IQR 17–41). Findings do not warrant guidance changes regarding exclusion and supervised return of prolonged shedders, despite serotype changes.
Steering signification for sustainability
Authors: Lahsen Myanna
Published: February 2024

Non-Technical Summary

Powerful influences on societal knowledge, values, and behavior, artificial intelligence-infused media systems, new and old, currently reinforce the interlinked problems of inequality and unsustainable consumption. This problem is rarely discussed in environmental research and policy, and even less so how it might be overcome. Discussing this consequential blind spot and the power structures that underpin it, this article argues that sustainability researchers should centrally explore the need and possibilities for democratic reconfiguration of the political economies and charters of media systems to achieve sustainability and other broad, inclusive public goals.

Technical Summary

Powerful influences on societal knowledge, values and behavior, artificial intelligence-infused media systems, new and old, currently tend to reinforce the interlinked problems of inequality and unsustainable consumption. This problem is rarely discussed in environmental research and policy, and even less so how it might be overcome. Discussing this consequential blind spot and the power structures that underpin it, this article argues that sustainability researchers should centrally explore the possibilities for democratic governance and reconfiguration of the political economies of media systems to foster human wellbeing and just transformations toward sustainability.

Social Media Summary

Sustainability transformations require ‘signification steering’ and interventions in media systems' configurations.
Exploring Observational Heliophysics Across All Scales: Reflections and Insights From the 2023 NASA Heliophysics Summer School
Authors: Shaver S. R. , Smith A. R. , Babu S. S. , Baruah Y. , Bauer M. , Chaturmutha V. , Chen H. , Dalal B. , Dias da Silva G. B. , Eddy T. , González G. , Gu S. , Gülay E. , Hoffmann A. P. , Idolor O. R. , Khan R. , Liou Y. , Liu N. , Lyu X. , Maharana A. , Radhakrishnan D. K. V. , Romeo O. M. , Silva P. O. C. , Salah H. M. , Thibeault C. , Weiss A.
Published: February 2024

The field of heliophysics encompasses a diverse range of research areas and rich plasma environments, from the solar dynamo and solar wind turbulence, to the complex terrestrial thermosphere‐ionosphere‐magnetosphere (TIM) system, to investigations of both induced and intrinsic magnetospheres across the solar system. This perspective paper delves into the experiences and outcomes of a summer school held in person in Boulder, Colorado, USA, from 7–11 August, which offered a platform for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. The event, supported by NASA's Living with a Star program and hosted by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science, assembled a cohort of 26 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from around the world, all engaged in heliophysics research. The summer school included a series of lectures, interactive activities, and a culminating capstone project. The participants' diverse backgrounds enriched discussions and encouraged novel approaches to traditional problems. The capstone projects spanned an array of topics, including investigating the origins of solar wind switchbacks, dissecting the sequence of events from solar eruptions and their corresponding terrestrial consequences, investigating the energy transfer from solar coronal mass ejections to Earth's magnetosphere, and advocating for the exploration of Coulomb collisions in understanding large‐scale global systems. Through this perspective, we shed light on the value of international and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing heliophysics research. This perspective paper encapsulates the ethos of the summer school, serving as a testament to the continuing and collective pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of the heliosphere.
Digital pathology-based artificial intelligence models for differential diagnosis and prognosis of sporadic odontogenic keratocysts
Authors: Cai Xinjia , Zhang Heyu , Wang Yanjin , Zhang Jianyun , Li Tiejun
Published: February 2024

Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a common jaw cyst with a high recurrence rate. OKC combined with basal cell carcinoma as well as skeletal and other developmental abnormalities is thought to be associated with Gorlin syndrome. Moreover, OKC needs to be differentiated from orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst and other jaw cysts. Because of the different prognosis, differential diagnosis of several cysts can contribute to clinical management. We collected 519 cases, comprising a total of 2 157 hematoxylin and eosin-stained images, to develop digital pathology-based artificial intelligence (AI) models for the diagnosis and prognosis of OKC. The Inception_v3 neural network was utilized to train and test models developed from patch-level images. Finally, whole slide image-level AI models were developed by integrating deep learning-generated pathology features with several machine learning algorithms. The AI models showed great performance in the diagnosis (AUC = 0.935, 95% CI: 0.898–0.973) and prognosis (AUC = 0.840, 95%CI: 0.751–0.930) of OKC. The advantages of multiple slides model for integrating of histopathological information are demonstrated through a comparison with the single slide model. Furthermore, the study investigates the correlation between AI features generated by deep learning and pathological findings, highlighting the interpretative potential of AI models in the pathology. Here, we have developed the robust diagnostic and prognostic models for OKC. The AI model that is based on digital pathology shows promise potential for applications in odontogenic diseases of the jaw.
Recent progress of CDK4/6 inhibitors’ current practice in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Xueqing , Zhao Shanshan , Xin Qinghan , Zhang Yunkun , Wang Kainan , Li Man
Published: February 2024

Dysregulated cellular proliferation represents a hallmark feature across all cancers. Aberrant activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) pathway, independent of mitogenic signaling, engenders uncontrolled breast cancer cell proliferation. Consequently, the advent of CDK4/6 inhibition has constituted a pivotal milestone in the realm of targeted breast cancer therapy. The combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) with endocrine therapy (ET) has emerged as the foremost therapeutic modality for patients afflicted with hormone receptor-positive (HR + )/HER2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer. At present, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sanctioned various CDK4/6i for employment as the primary treatment regimen in HR + /HER2- breast cancer. This therapeutic approach has demonstrated a substantial extension of progression-free survival (PFS), often amounting to several months, when administered alongside endocrine therapy. Within this comprehensive review, we systematically evaluate the utilization strategies of CDK4/6i across various subpopulations of breast cancer and explore potential therapeutic avenues following disease progression during application of CDK4/6i therapy.
miR-184 represses β-catenin and behaves as a skin tumor suppressor
Authors: Turovsky Lubov , Kheshaiboun Ghazal , Yassen Gharam , Nagosa Sara , Boyango Ilanit , Amitai-Lange Aya , Bhattacharya Swarnabh , Ilan Neta , Vlodavsky Israel , Aberdam Daniel , Shalom-Feuerstein Ruby , Avitan-Hersh Emily
Published: February 2024

miR-184-knockout mice display perturbed epidermal stem cell differentiation. However, the potential role of miR-184 in skin pathology is unclear. Here, we report that miR-184 controls epidermal stem cell dynamics and that miR-184 ablation enhances skin carcinogenesis in mice. In agreement, repression of miR-184 in human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) enhances neoplastic hallmarks of human SCC cells in vitro and tumor development in vivo. Characterization of miR-184-regulatory network, suggests that miR-184 inhibits pro-oncogenic pathways, cell proliferation, and epithelial to mesenchymal transformation. Of note, depletion of miR-184 enhances the levels of β-catenin under homeostasis and following experimental skin carcinogenesis. Finally, the repression of β-catenin by miR-184, inhibits the neoplastic phenotype of SCC cells. Taken together, miR-184 behaves as an epidermal tumor suppressor, and may provide a potentially useful target for skin SCC therapy.
SPOP point mutations regulate substrate preference and affect its function
Authors: Deng Yanran , Ding Wenhao , Ma Kaize , Zhan Meixiao , Sun Li , Zhou Zizhang , Lu Ligong
Published: February 2024

The adaptor SPOP recruits substrates to CUL3 E3 ligase for ubiquitination and degradation. Structurally, SPOP harbors a MATH domain for substrate recognition, and a BTB domain responsible for binding CUL3. Reported point mutations always occur in SPOP’s MATH domain and are through to disrupt affinities of SPOP to substrates, thereby leading to tumorigenesis. In this study, we identify the tumor suppressor IRF2BP2 as a novel substrate of SPOP. SPOP enables to attenuate IRF2BP2-inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis in HCC cells. However, overexpression of wild-type SPOP alone suppresses HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. In addition, a HCC-derived mutant, SPOP-M35L, shows an increased affinity to IRF2BP2 in comparison with wild-type SPOP. SPOP-M35L promotes HCC cell proliferation and metastasis, suggesting that M35L mutation possibly reprograms SPOP from a tumor suppressor to an oncoprotein. Taken together, this study uncovers mutations in SPOP’s MATH lead to distinct functional consequences in context-dependent manners, rather than simply disrupting its interactions with substrates, raising a noteworthy concern that we should be prudent to select SPOP as therapeutic target for cancers.
Amorphous alloys surpass E/10 strength limit at extreme strain rates
Authors: Zhu Wenqing , Li Zhi , Shu Hua , Gao Huajian , Wei Xiaoding
Published: February 2024

Theoretical predictions of the ideal strength of materials range from E/30 to E/10 (E is Young’s modulus). However, despite intense interest over the last decade, the value of the ideal strength achievable through experiments for metals remains a mystery. This study showcases the remarkable spall strength of Cu50Zr50 amorphous alloy that exceeds the E/10 limit at strain rates greater than 107 s−1 through laser-induced shock experiments. The material exhibits a spall strength of 11.5 GPa, approximately E/6 or 1/13 of its P-wave modulus, which sets a record for the elastic limit of metals. Electron microscopy and large-scale molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the primary failure mechanism at extreme strain rates is void nucleation and growth, rather than shear-banding. The rate dependence of material strength is explained by a void kinetic model controlled by surface energy. These findings help advance our understanding on the mechanical behavior of amorphous alloys under extreme strain rates.
In situ combinatorial synthesis of degradable branched lipidoids for systemic delivery of mRNA therapeutics and gene editors
Authors: Han Xuexiang , Xu Junchao , Xu Ying , Alameh Mohamad-Gabriel , Xue Lulu , Gong Ningqiang , El-Mayta Rakan , Palanki Rohan , Warzecha Claude C. , Zhao Gan , Vaughan Andrew E. , Wilson James M. , Weissman Drew , Mitchell Michael J.
Published: February 2024

The ionizable lipidoid is a key component of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Degradable lipidoids containing extended alkyl branches have received tremendous attention, yet their optimization and investigation are underappreciated. Here, we devise an in situ construction method for the combinatorial synthesis of degradable branched (DB) lipidoids. We find that appending branch tails to inefficacious lipidoids via degradable linkers boosts mRNA delivery efficiency up to three orders of magnitude. Combinatorial screening and systematic investigation of two libraries of DB-lipidoids reveal important structural criteria that govern their in vivo potency. The lead DB-LNP demonstrates robust delivery of mRNA therapeutics and gene editors into the liver. In a diet-induced obese mouse model, we show that repeated administration of DB-LNP encapsulating mRNA encoding human fibroblast growth factor 21 alleviates obesity and fatty liver. Together, we offer a construction strategy for high-throughput and cost-efficient synthesis of DB-lipidoids. This study provides insights into branched lipidoids for efficient mRNA delivery.
Human cytomegalovirus exploits STING signaling and counteracts IFN/ISG induction to facilitate infection of dendritic cells
Authors: Costa Bibiana , Becker Jennifer , Krammer Tobias , Mulenge Felix , Durán Verónica , Pavlou Andreas , Gern Olivia Luise , Chu Xiaojing , Li Yang , Čičin-Šain Luka , Eiz-Vesper Britta , Messerle Martin , Dölken Lars , Saliba Antoine-Emmanuel , Erhard Florian , Kalinke Ulrich
Published: February 2024

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen that in immunocompromised hosts can cause life-threatening disease. Studying HCMV-exposed monocyte-derived dendritic cells by single-cell RNA sequencing, we observe that most cells are entered by the virus, whereas less than 30% of them initiate viral gene expression. Increased viral gene expression is associated with activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) that usually induces anti-viral interferon responses, and with the induction of several pro- (RHOB, HSP1A1, DNAJB1) and anti-viral (RNF213, TNFSF10, IFI16) genes. Upon progression of infection, interferon-beta but not interferon-lambda transcription is inhibited. Similarly, interferon-stimulated gene expression is initially induced and then shut off, thus further promoting productive infection. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells are composed of 3 subsets, with one being especially susceptible to HCMV. In conclusion, HCMV permissiveness of monocyte-derived dendritic cells depends on complex interactions between virus sensing, regulation of the interferon response, and viral gene expression.
Dual-site segmentally synergistic catalysis mechanism: boosting CoFeSx nanocluster for sustainable water oxidation
Authors: Xu Siran , Feng Sihua , Yu Yue , Xue Dongping , Liu Mengli , Wang Chao , Zhao Kaiyue , Xu Bingjun , Zhang Jia-Nan
Published: February 2024

Efficient oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts are essential for sustainable clean energy conversion. However, catalytic materials followed the conventional adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM) with the inherent scaling relationship between key oxygen intermediates *OOH and *OH, or the lattice-oxygen-mediated mechanism (LOM) with the possible lattice oxygen migration and structural reconstruction, which are not favorable to the balance between high activity and stability. Herein, we propose an unconventional Co-Fe dual-site segmentally synergistic mechanism (DSSM) for single-domain ferromagnetic catalyst CoFeSx nanoclusters on carbon nanotubes (CNT) (CFS-ACs/CNT), which can effectively break the scaling relationship without sacrificing stability. Co3+ (L.S, t2g6eg0) supplies the strongest OH* adsorption energy, while Fe3+ (M.S, t2g4eg1) exposes strong O* adsorption. These dual-sites synergistically produce of Co-O-O-Fe intermediates, thereby accelerating the release of triplet-state oxygen ( ↑ O = O ↑ ). As predicted, the prepared CFS-ACs/CNT catalyst exhibits less overpotential than that of commercial IrO2, as well as approximately 633 h of stability without significant potential loss.