bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case Report of Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis after COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Salehi Amir Mohammad , Salehi Hossain , Hasanzarrini Maryam , Jenabi Ensiyeh , Alizamir Aida
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), which is associated with many systemic inflammatory reactions and high morbidity and mortality rates, became a serious public health problem and led to a rapid epidemic. Fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms of COVID-19. In addition to respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 are increasingly known to progress more rapidly than other symptoms and can occur in cases of mild infection or even after remission of the viral infection. Acute pancreatitis (AP) caused by COVID-19 is one of the rare gastrointestinal symptoms which is an acute inflammatory disease of the pancreas that is associated with high complications. Here, we report acute COVID-19-induced pancreatitis in a 38-year-old man who died.
Anticancer Effect of Puerarin on Ovarian Cancer Progression Contributes to the Tumor Suppressor Gene Expression and Gut Microbiota Modulation
Authors: Ye Yongju , Gao Yang , Fang Yuan , Xu Lixia , He Fule
Published: July 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system due to its late presentation and malignant nature. Although significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of OC over the last decade, chemotherapeutic drug resistance and cancer recurrence remain serious challenges in OC management. In the field of cancer therapy, traditional Chinese herbal medicines and their active compounds have been widely reported to have favorable therapeutic effects on cancer. Recent studies have also revealed the protective effect of puerarin in cancer, but the exact role and underlying mechanism of puerarin in OC remain unclear. Here, we established in vivo and in vitro OC models to evaluate the anticancer effect of puerarin. It was found that puerarin significantly inhibited OC cell viability and proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. In OC model mice, puerarin treatment suppressed tumor formation and modulated the gut microbiome. In addition, the expression of tumor suppressor genes was activated by puerarin in vitro and in vivo. These findings add to the existing knowledge on the usefulness of herbal active ingredients for the prevention and treatment of OC and provide a new perspective regarding the therapeutic potential of puerarin in cancer.
Joint Task Partition and Resource Allocation for Multiuser Cooperative Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Xie Gang , Wang Zhenzhen , Liu Yuanan
Published: July 2022

Exploiting the idle computation resources distributed at wireless devices (WDs) can enhance the mobile edge computing (MEC) computation performance. This paper studies a multiuser cooperative computing system consisting of one local user and multiple helpers, in which the user solicits multiple nearby WDs acting as helpers for cooperative computing. We design an efficient orthogonal frequency-division multiple access- (OFDMA-) aided three-phase transmission protocol, under which the user’s computation-intensive tasks can be executed in parallel by local computing and offloading. Under this setup, we study the energy consumption minimization problem by optimizing the user’s task partition, jointly with the communication and computation resources allocation for task offloading and results downloading, subject to the user’s computation latency constraint. For the nonconvex problem, we first transform the original problem into a convex one and then use the Lagrange duality method to obtain the globally optimal solution. Compared with other benchmark schemes, numerical results validate the effectiveness of the proposed joint task partition and resource allocation (JTPRA) scheme.
The Influence of Artificial Intelligence Technology on Smart Music Teaching Driven by Mobile Internet
Authors: Wang Xin
Published: July 2022

Under the trend of rapid development and popularization of modern computer technology and information technology, the field of music education has also penetrated and integrated advanced computer technology and information technology. As an important branch of computer science, artificial intelligence involves many cross-cutting comprehensive subject content. As an indispensable part of our life, music is an art that reflects the emotions of human real life, and it is an ideology older than language. The rapid development of technology has injected many new elements into music, gradually changing the way people write, perform, produce, and enjoy music. The Internet has injected new elements and content into music education. It has transformed the original methods of writing, performing, producing, and appreciating music education and has had a great impact on music education concepts and teaching models. The future development trend of music education makes music education reach a new height under the application of artificial intelligence technology. Based on the current research results at home and abroad, this thesis closely integrates music theory and computational methods and advocates the comprehensive application of music theory, cognitive psychology, music cognition, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, signal processing, and other theories to solve music problems. Signal analysis identifies problems. In-depth discussion of the possibility and development trend of artificial intelligence technology applied to music education.
Effect of Nano TiO2 Filler Addition on Mechanical Properties of Bamboo/Polyester Hybrid Composites and Parameters Optimized Using Grey Taguchi Method
Authors: Natrayan L. , Kumar P. V. Arul , Baskara Sethupathy S. , Sekar S. , Patil Pravin P. , Velmurugan G. , Thanappan Subash
Published: July 2022

Exploration has shifted from traditional materials and alloys to composite materials in recent years to develop lightweight, high-effective materials for specific purposes. Natural fibres are less costly, biodegradable, and nonflammable than glass fibres. This study explores how titanium oxide affects woven polyester reinforced composite’s mechanical and physical characteristics. Nanocomposites were created by hand utilizing the following terms: (i) TiO2 nanoparticle filler weight ratio, (ii) fibre content, and (iii) fibre diameter, all at three unique levels. Using the L9 (33) orthogonal design, nine composite samples are generated and tested according to the ASTM standard. According to the research, hybrid composites containing 4% titanium oxide powder and 15 mm length of bamboo fibre with 0.24 mm of bamboo fibre diameter have high mechanical strength. Adding fibre to pristine polyester increased its mechanical properties. As the fibre and filler percentages grew, more effort was required to break the fragments between the matrix and its resin. The verification test, which uses the optimal processing value and grey relational analysis, outperforms the real test results by a wide margin. Tensile strength increased by 14.76%, flexural strength increased by 14.07%, and hardness increased by 25.55%.
A Comprehensive Study on the Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2 Nanoparticles Using Aloe vera Plant Extract and Their Photocatalytic Activity against MB Dye
Authors: Srujana S. , Anjamma M. , Alimuddin  , Singh Bharat , Dhakar Ram C. , Natarajan Shanthi , Hechhu Ramana
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the use of A. vera extract as a natural capping agent for TiO2 nanoparticles as well as a reducing agent for TiO2 nanoparticles. XRD, ultraviolet diffuse reflectance (UV-DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) were used to characterize the material. In their X-ray diffraction patterns, the titanium dioxide nanoparticles were found to have a high degree of crystallinity, indicating that they were synthesized. Infrared (FT-IR) spectra were used to determine the chemical composition of the plant extract. The DRS spectra in the UV-visible range reveal a high absorption peak at 356 nm, which indicates the existence of TiO2 nanoparticles in the sample. Shape of nanoparticles was revealed by SEM and TEM morphological investigations, which revealed their irregular and somewhat spherical nature. Only titanium and oxygen compounds were found in the EDX spectrum, indicating that they were present. This demonstrates that the NPs that were produced are devoid of contaminants. Using the produced nanoparticles as catalyst, we presented a photocatalytic degradation method for the dye methylene blue in this paper. The findings showed that 94 percent of the damage occurred within 120 minutes of being exposed to UV radiation.
miR-494-3p Promotes Erastin-Induced Ferroptosis by Targeting REST to Activate the Interplay between SP1 and ACSL4 in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ma Jianjun , Li Xiaohuan , Fan Yongyan , Yang Dawei , Gu Qi , Li Dongsheng , Chen Siyuan , Wu Shaopu , Zheng Jinhua , Yang Hongqi , Li Xue
Published: July 2022

Background. Ferroptosis is a type of iron-dependent programmed cell death. Ferroptosis has been shown to be a significant factor for the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the mechanism involved in ferroptosis has not been fully elucidated in PD. Methods. Repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) and specificity protein 1 (SP1) expressions were monitored by qRT-PCR. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial injury were validated by CCK-8, flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscope. The levels of neurons-related proteins and ferroptosis-associated proteins were identified by western blot and immunofluorescence assays. The interaction between miR-494-3p and REST or SP1 and ACSL4 was analyzed by luciferase, chromatin immunoprecipitation, or EMSA assay. Results. Erastin could dose-dependently induce neuron injury and ferroptosis of LUHMES cells. miR-494-3p overexpression induced ROS production, mitochondrial damage, ferroptosis, and neuron injury in erastin-induced LUHMES cells. Likewise, miR-494-3p inhibition had the opposite effects. We also showed that REST was a target gene of miR-494-3p and could repress erastin-induced ferroptosis, neuron injury, ROS, and mitochondrial injury via SP1 in LUHMES cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that SP1 could interact with ACSL4. We also confirmed that miR-494-3p could aggravate the pathological changes of substantia nigra and corpus striatum in the MPTP-induced PD mouse model. Conclusion. miR-494-3p significantly promotes ferroptosis by regulating the REST/SP1/ACSL4 axis in PD. Thus, our results open potential therapeutic targets for PD.
Fractal Art Pattern Information System Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Chen MengLin
Published: July 2022

In order to solve the problem of fractal art pattern innovative design in specific fields, this paper proposes a new method of fractal technology and visualization technology based on genetic algorithm to support art pattern innovative design. In these models, the function of the fractal structure is represented by the binary structure, while the main function represented by the wooden structure is the function of creating new offspring. Provide high-quality services to meet customer needs faster and better. The experimental results show that after 14 generations, the force curve appears to be more stable, the weight scale is studied, and a new model is developed. At the same time, the pattern elements of interest to users are retained for genetic algorithm. Conclusion. This method can help designers quickly design fractal art patterns appreciated by users.
¿Brotes verdes de normalización del mercado laboral?
Authors: Tejada Mauricio
Published: July 2022

El Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas publicó las cifras más recientes del mercado laboral (trimestre móvil terminado en mayo 2022) y el panorama, posterior a los peores momentos de la pandemia del COVID 19, pareciera ser auspicioso cuando uno observa la tasa de desempleo.

En efecto, luego que por un año, entre mayo de 2020 y mayo de 2021, la tasa de desempleo se situara en cifras de dos dígitos (con un máximo de 13%), el levantamiento de las medidas de confinamientos más estrictas y la paulatina normalización de varias actividades económicas generó un rápido retroceso hasta que esta fluctúe por varios meses consecutivos alrededor de niveles similares a los observados antes del inicio de la pandemia. Continuar leyendo...
Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Incidence of Melanoma in the United States Radiologic Technologists Study
Authors: Mai Jim Z. , Kitahara Cari M. , Sargen Michael R. , Little Mark P. , Alexander Bruce H. , Linet Martha S. , Tucker Margaret A. , Cahoon Elizabeth K.
Published: July 2022

Although NSAIDs have been associated with both reduced and increased cutaneous melanoma risk, few studies have examined these associations by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) or personal sun-sensitivity. We examined the associations between NSAID use and first primary invasive cutaneous melanoma among 58,227 non-Hispanic white participants in the United States Radiologic Technologists cohort study. Poisson regression was used to calculate rate ratios (RR) and 95% likelihood-based confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for attained age, birth cohort, and ambient UVR. No significant association of melanoma was observed for any use of NSAIDs (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.71–1.09). The relative risks of melanoma for the highest categories of aspirin and other NSAID use (≥5 times per month vs. none) were 0.93 (95% CI, 0.74–1.16) and 1.02 (95% CI, 0.83–1.25), respectively. Further analyses did not reveal dose–response for trends in frequency of NSAID use or interactions with sex, UVR, eye and hair color, and skin complexion. In this large nationwide study, NSAID use was not associated with melanoma risk.

Prevention Relevance:

NSAIDs have been associated with both reduced and increased melanoma risk. However, few studies have examined the role of UVR or personal sun-sensitivity on these associations. Our findings strengthen the evidence that NSAID use is not associated with melanoma risk, even in sun-sensitive subgroups.
Emergent Constructivism: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations
Authors: Allen Jedediah W.P. , Bickhard Mark H.
Published: July 2022

Nativist and empiricist approaches require foundationalism because they cannot account for the emergence of representation. Foundationalism is the assumption of an innate representational base. In turn, foundationalism places limits on the nature of learning as a constructivist process. In contrast, action-based approaches can account for the emergence of representation through (inter)action. In so doing, action-based approaches can pursue an emergent constructivism for learning and development. Despite the theoretical symmetry between nativism and empiricism with respect to foundationalism, there is an asymmetry in nativist and empiricist research programs. Nativism generally ignores constructivist complexity that non-nativist approaches assume needs to be investigated empirically. In practice, this means that the plethora of nativist looking-time studies do not provide adequate control conditions for the rich interpretations drawn from such research. Instead, it is the a priori assumptions of nativism doing the justification. Without such assumptions, the meaning of the data is unclear at best. Importantly, the problem of a priori assumptions driving rich interpretations is not specific to nativism or looking methodologies. Mindreading as a research program also engages in rich interpretations for studies that concern social-cognition from infancy through preschool. Similarly, these studies do not include the types of control conditions motivated by more constructivist thinking. To the extent that empiricist research programs incorporate constructivist thinking into research, they converge with action-based approaches. This creates a sort of methodological bridge between lean-empiricist research programs and action-based approaches. However, this bridge has limitations that we illustrate through an example concerning maternal mental-state discourse and theory of mind development. The ultimate conclusions are threefold: (a) Action-based approaches are the best theoretical framework for understanding learning and development; (b) constructivist methodology is multiply motivated; (c) there are varying degrees of methodological commensurability between empiricism and action-based approaches.
Acidic Skin Care Promotes Cutaneous Microbiome Recovery and Skin Physiology in an Acute Stratum Corneum Stress Model
Authors: Fluhr Joachim W. , Menzel Peter , Schwarzer Rolf , Kaestle Benjamin , Arens-Corell Michaela , Praefke Lina , Tsankov Nikolai K. , Nikolaeva Dessyslava G. , Misery Laurent , Darlenski Razvigor
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Skin microbiome and skin physiology are important indicators of the epidermal homeostasis status. Stress models can reveal pathological conditions and modulating effects. Here we investigated the cutaneous microbiome in relation to skin physiology after mild tape stripping (TS) without treatment compared to two cosmetic leave-on lotions (pH 5.5 vs. pH 9.3) in 25 healthy volunteers. Methods: The microbiome was analyzed by 16S-rRNA-gene amplicon sequencing and put in relation to the following skin physiology parameter: epidermal barrier function (TEWA-Meter TM300), stratum corneum hydration (Corneometer CM 825), surface pH (pH-Meter), and skin erythema (Mexameter). Results: TS reduced the alpha diversity with a recovery over 7 days without treatment. Both lotions significantly accelerated the recovery of the alpha diversity already after 2 days with a slightly higher rate for the acidic lotion. After TS, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was increased, whereas Actinobacteria were reduced. The relative abundances of typical skin-associated genera were reduced after TS. Taxa compositions returned to normal levels after 7 days in all treatment groups. An accelerated normalization could be observed with both lotions already after 2 days. A significant difference in skin pH was observed on day 2 and day 7 with an increased pH for the alkaline lotion. Both lotions induced an increase in stratum corneum hydration. Conclusion: The study proved the suitability of an experimental stress model in the assessment of skin surface microbiome in relation to skin physiology. Stratum corneum hydration increased significantly with both lotions already at day 2. Microbiome parameters (alpha diversity, mean relative taxa, abundance of selected genera) normalized over 2–7 days. The following mechanisms could be responsible for the accelerated normalization of the microbiome: (a) optimized hydration during the recovery phase, (b) the composition of the lotion, (c) the induced repair mechanism. Thus, the formulation has a positive effect on the stratum corneum hydration and subsequently on cutaneous microbiome and skin physiology. Furthermore, this eventually has implications on the modulation of exogenous stress-induced epidermal alterations.
Systemic Ghrelin Treatment Induces Rapid, Transient, and Asymmetric Changes in the Metabolic Activity of the Mouse Brain
Authors: De Francesco Pablo Nicolás , Fernandez Gimena , Uriarte Maia , Urrutia Leandro , Ponce de León Magdalena , Fehrentz Jean-Alain , Falasco German , Perello Mario
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Ghrelin regulates a variety of functions by acting in the brain. The targets of ghrelin in the mouse brain have been mainly mapped using immunolabeling against c-Fos, a transcription factor used as a marker of cellular activation, but such analysis has several limitations. Here, we used positron emission tomography in mice to investigate the brain areas responsive to ghrelin. Methods: We analyzed in male mice the brain areas responsive to systemically injected ghrelin using positron emission tomography imaging of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake, an indicator of metabolic rate. Additionally, we studied if systemic administration of fluorescent ghrelin or native ghrelin displays symmetric accessibility or induction of c-Fos, respectively, in the brain of male mice. Results: Ghrelin increased 18F-FDG uptake in few specific areas of the isocortex, striatum, pallidum, thalamus, and midbrain at 0–10-min posttreatment. At the 10–20 and 20–30 min posttreatment, ghrelin induced mixed changes in 18F-FDG uptake in specific areas of the isocortex, striatum, pallidum, thalamus, and midbrain, as well as in areas of the olfactory areas, hippocampal and retrohippocampal regions, hypothalamus, pons, medulla, and even the cerebellum. Ghrelin-induced changes in 18F-FDG uptake were transient and asymmetric. Systemically administrated fluorescent-ghrelin-labeled midline brain areas known to contain fenestrated capillaries and the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, where a symmetric labeling was observed. Ghrelin treatment also induced a symmetric increased c-Fos labeling in the arcuate nucleus. Discussion/Conclusion: Systemically injected ghrelin transiently and asymmetrically affects the metabolic activity of the brain of male mice in a wide range of areas, in a food intake-independent manner. The neurobiological bases of such asymmetry seem to be independent of the accessibility of ghrelin into the brain.
Association of Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels with More than 20‐Year Risk of Cardiovascular and All‐Cause Mortality in the General Population
Authors: Rong Shuang , Li Benchao , Chen Liangkai , Sun Yangbo , Du Yang , Liu Buyun , Robinson Jennifer G. , Bao Wei
Published: July 2022

Background

Current cholesterol guidelines have recommended very low low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) treatment targets for people at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, recent observational studies indicated that very low LDL‐C levels may be associated with increased mortality and other adverse outcomes. The association between LDL‐C levels and long‐term risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality among the U.S. general population remains to be determined.

Methods and Results

This prospective cohort study included a nationally representative sample of 14 035 adults aged 18 years or older, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III 1988–1994. LDL‐C levels were divided into 6 categories: <70, 70–99.9, 100–129.9, 130–159.9, 160–189.9 and ≥190 mg/dL. Deaths and underlying causes of deaths were ascertained by linkage to death records through December 31, 2015. Weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) of mortality outcomes and its 95% CIs. During 304 025 person‐years of follow up (median follow‐up 23.2 years), 4458 deaths occurred including 1243 deaths from CVD. At baseline, mean age was 41.5 years and 51.9% were women. Very low and very high levels of LDL‐C were associated with increased mortality. After adjustment for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, C‐reactive protein, body mass index, and other cardiovascular risk factors, individuals with LDL‐C<70 mg/dL, compared to those with LDL‐C 100–129.9 mg/dL, had HRs of 1.45 (95% CI, 1.10–1.93) for all‐cause mortality, 1.60 (95% CI, 1.01–2.54) for CVD mortality, and 4.04 (95% CI, 1.83–8.89) for stroke‐specific mortality, but no increased risk of coronary heart disease mortality. Compared with those with LDL‐C 100–129.9 mg/dL, individuals with LDL‐C≥190 mg/dL had HRs of 1.49 (95% CI, 1.09–2.02) for CVD mortality, and 1.63 (95% CI, 1.12–2.39) for coronary heart disease mortality, but no increased risk of stroke mortality.

Conclusions

Both very low and very high LDL‐C levels were associated with increased risks of CVD mortality. Very low LDL‐C levels was also associated with the high risks of all‐cause and stroke mortality. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the optimal range of LDL‐C levels for CVD health in the general population.
A novel approach for more precise quantification of M-protein using variables derived from immunosubtraction electropherogram and associated biochemistry analytes
Authors: Rogić Dunja , Barišić Karmela , Matišić Danica , Šegulja Dragana
Published: July 2022

IntroductionDue to limitations in currently used methodologies, the widely acknowledged approach for quantifying M-protein (MP) is not available. If employed as a source of quantitative data, the immunosubtraction electropherogram (IS-EPG), a qualitative analysis of MP, has the potential to overcome known analytical issues. The aim of this study is to explore measured and derived variables obtained from immunosubtraction electropherogram as a tool for quantifying MP and to compare the derived results to currently available methods.
Materials and methodsMeasurands were amplitudes of MP and albumin fractions. Assessed derived variables included also immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, IgM and total protein data. Capillary electrophoresis was used for determination of MP (in % of total protein concentration, or concentration of MP in g/L) by perpendicular drop and tangent skimming method.
ResultsPassing-Bablok analysis showed the most comparable results in D1Ig and D1nIg variables, and the largest discrepancies in AD1nIg and AD2nIg variables. The background presence had greater impact on D1nIg comparison results than did on D1Ig results. The contribution of albumin fraction data did not improve the comparability of the results. The coefficients of variation of derived variables were lower (maximum 3.1%) than those obtained by densitometric measurements, regardless of MP concentration, polyclonal background, or migration pattern (2.3-37.7%).
ConclusionThe amplitude of MP spike in IS-EPG is an valuable measurand to compute derived variables for quantifying MP. The most comparable results were achieved with the D1Ig variable. Patients with monoclonal gammopathy can benefit from increased precision employing an objective and background independent measurand, especially during longitudinal follow-up.
“I Have Made an Engraving of You …” (Isa 49:16a): An Echo of an ANE Adoption Practice in Deutero-Isaiah
Authors: Kozlova Ekaterina E.
Published: July 2022

This essay considers Isa 49:16, where the image of Zion appears to be inscribed on YHWH’s hands. Since the formulation על־כפים חקתיך is missing the suffix “my” on כפים in the MT and given the specifics of Zion’s lament in v. 14 (i.e., YHWH, Zion’s parent, abandons her in infancy), it will be suggested that the word כפים could refer not to the palms of YHWH’s hands but to the soles of Zion’s feet (with the unusual form כפים underscoring Zion’s age—i.e., she is a young child still crawling on “its fours”; cf. Lev 11:27). Read as “around the soles [of your, namely Zion’s, feet], I have made an engraving of you,” v. 16 echoes a symbolic ANE gesture: that is, the foot-printing of foundlings for adoption. Thus, Isa 49:16 models YHWH’s reestablishment of Zion as daughter on ANE adoption contracts, which in turn is part of Deutero-Isaiah’s wider theology of restoration after the exile.
Labeling-Driven Identity Construction in Nigerian Media Framing of Farmer-Herder Conflict
Authors: Kolawole Ridwan Abiola
Published: July 2022

This article examines the Nigerian media framing of the perennial conflict between herdsmen and farmers in North Central of Nigeria. Content analysis of two national dailies – Nigerian Tribune and Vanguard – was conducted while farmers and herdsmen were interviewed. Findings reveal that the media adopted name-calling using the instrumentality of framing to construct identities for the conflict actors. Findings also reflect the paradox of the stakeholders’ views of the construction of identity for the conflict actors by the media. The article ultimately reflects the Nigerian social issues vis-à-vis the role of the mass media on society. It recommends an emphasis on peace journalism as a panacea to conflict de-escalation which war journalism promotes to achieve harmonious inter-group social relations.
Dialectics of Silence for a Time of Crisis: Rethinking the Visionary Insights of Michel Serres and Simone Weil
Authors: Oele Marjolein
Published: July 2022

This paper examines the figure of silence in the works of Michel Serres and Simone Weil. It argues that, in the spirit of Serres and Weil, our time of crisis calls not for a short-term response, but for long-term engagement in a dialectics of silence: the dialogical movement between the silencing of institutions and the attentive silence of visionary insights. Such dialectics can revalidate the value of institutional silencing if based on solid rational proof (rebutting so-called visionary ideas that are baseless) while simultaneously showing the value of visionary ideas that rightfully combat problematic institutional silencing. Especially in this current moment, in which science and scientific propositions are relentlessly questioned, there is a need to lean into silence so as to promote a productive dialogue that regains trust in proven scientific ideas and institutions while allowing visionary insights their place as well, provided that we are willing to test them.
Etruscan Bucchero Pottery in the Northern Black Sea Littoral
Authors: Buiskikh Alla V. , Naso Alessandro
Published: July 2022

Three Etruscan bucchero kantharoi have recently been found in the North Pontic settlements at modern-day Berezan island (ancient Borysthenes), and Taganrog (ancient Kremnoi), both Milesian foundations of the 7th century BC. Both centres yielded several vessels of Greek pottery dated from the early 7th century onwards. As the only finds of Etruscan bucchero in the Northern Black Sea area, the kantharoi are noteworthy. Miletus founded several colonies in the Black Sea and yielded the largest collection of Etruscan bucchero pottery in the eastern Mediterranean, suggesting it may have played the role of a distribution centre for these goods to the North Pontic area.
German Idealism after Kant: Nineteenth-Century Foundations of International Law
Authors: Schütze Robert
Published: July 2022

What are the legal principles of German idealism in the long nineteenth century; and what conception(s) of international law do they offer? Opposing Kantian rationalism and its formalist law, two idealist reactions do emerge in the early decades of the nineteenth century. The first is offered by Hegel whose conception of state law will make him the principal representative of the future deniers of an objective international law. The second reaction comes from the German Historical School, whose moral and legal understanding of the people(s) does – on the contrary – develop a positive conception of international law based on a ‘society’ of nations. How, and to what extent, were these two idealistic approaches reflected in the international law textbooks of the age? This article investigates this question and finds that it is unquestionably the Historical School that came to dominate international law thinking in the long nineteenth century – and that not just in Germany but also in Italy and Great Britain. The nineteenth century is thus decidedly, under the influence of Savigny and the Historical School, a metaphysical century centred on an intrinsic connection between morality and law.
Serious Play
Authors: Silk Jonathan A.
Published: July 2022

The Lalitavistara is one of the most influential hagiographies of the Buddha. It has been known in Sanskrit since the early days of modern studies of Buddhism, but was long available only in inadequate editions. That has now changed with the publication of the edition of K. Hokazono, now complete in three volumes. The present paper discusses something of the history of the study of the text, Hokazono’s edition, and another recent book by G. Ducoeur that deals with the text, as well as touching on a contribution by Xi He on the poetics of the text. It includes a concordance of a recent translation from Tibetan published by the 84000 project, aligning its sections with the Sanskrit editions of Lefmann and Hokazono.
Die Herausforderung historisch kontingenter Begriffe für die analytische Philosophie am Beispiel der Menschenwürde
Authors: Neuhaus Nils
Published: July 2022

Historically contingent concepts like human dignity do not allow for the exclusion of historical considerations from their analysis. In order to demonstrate this, the present essay compares the positions of Hans-Johann Glock and Hans Blumenberg. While Glock deals with the convergence of analytic philosophy and historical approaches, Blumenberg highlights the importance of historical constants. Glock argues for a pragmatic historicism according to which historical inquiry is useful but not indispensable. Through comparison with Blumenberg’s position, it is shown that this assessment is incomplete. It is then argued that there is a more fitting position, according to which historical inquiry is essential for some, though not all, concepts. This position is illustrated by the concept of human dignity, which cannot be adequately grasped without reference to its genesis. Blumenberg’s approach can thus help precisely where the connection between analytical philosophy and historical investigation in Glock’s sense falters.
Emperor Hirohito’s Post-Surrender Reflections
Authors: Mauch Peter
Published: July 2022

This essay introduces readers to the recent discovery of the personal papers of Grand Steward Tajima Michiji. These documents capture the post-surrender reflections of Hirohito, Japan’s Shōwa Emperor, and record him speaking on such issues as his war responsibility, as well as the culpability of prewar politicians such as Konoe Fumimaro and General Tōjō Hideki. In August 2019, Nippon Hoso Kyokai (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) (nhk) announced that it had gained privileged access to the papers. Acting on advice from scholars, it then released extracts from Tajima’s audience records. Drawing not on the Tajima papers themselves, but on what the nhk has made available, the documents demonstrate that Hirohito, after Japan’s surrender, experienced anguish and over the war and its outcome. He continued as emperor because he accepted “moral responsibility” for the war that required him to help his nation and its people endure occupation and reconstruction. This article also describes Hirohito’s postwar reflections on several issues, such as Japanese field officers and subordinates in the 1930s initiating without authorization acts of aggression, the Rape of Nanjing, and Japan’s postwar rearmament. While the Tajima papers will not resolve the ongoing debate over the emperor’s responsibility for Japan’s path of aggression before 1945, they do provide valuable insights about his role in and reaction to events before, during, and after World War ii.
Nominal Agreement Class Assignment in Tikuna (Isolate, Western Amazonia): a Dynamic Process Conditioned by Both Lexicon and Context
Authors: Bertet Denis
Published: July 2022

Tikuna (isolate, western Amazonia) features a system of five nominal agreement classes: Feminine, Masculine, Neuter, Salientive, and Non-Salientive. Like in well-known Indo-European gender languages, the targets of class agreement (nominal modifiers and pronominal morphemes, essentially) obligatorily agree in class with the participant they relate to. Tikuna, however, usually offers several options of class assignment to given participants in discourse, and even allows participants to change class over the course of a single discourse performance. A participant designated by means of the noun kŏwǘ ‘deer’ may thus be assigned to any class except Neuter, suggesting that lexical properties of nouns cannot fully account for class assignment. I argue that the primary factor underlying class assignment (and reassignment) in Tikuna are the inherent semantic and pragmatic values of each class. Lexical properties and, occasionally, the class assignment of other participants in the immediate context, do come into play, but as secondary factors. Flexibility and secondary reliance on lexical information are the most visibly divergent characteristics of class assignment in Tikuna relative to typical Indo-European gender systems.
Overview and Evaluation of Certification Standards for Sustainable Production of Food and Cosmetic Oil from Native West African Trees
Authors: Bjørnkjær-Nielsen Anders , Bjørnkjær-Nielsen Kari-Anne , Lykke Anne Mette
Published: July 2022

A range of seed oils are sourced from West Africa. We present an overview of the certification standards for tree-based oil applied for food and cosmetics and an evaluation of sustainability gains. Certification standards were identified via the International Trade Centre’s listings and internet search, guided by interviews with certification bodies. Eleven certification standards were identified in 15 ecowas countries; five standards are applied in five or more countries, six in one to three countries. The largest numbers of standards were found in Ghana (nine) and Burkina Faso (seven), while five countries had none. The most widespread certification standards focused on organic production. In addition, two standards with a wide range of use were identified. The use of certification standards is still limited in West Africa, despite the fact that standards could promote high-value products and the attainment of sustainable-development goals.
Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Divorce Judgments in India and Nepal: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Jolly Stellina , Malla Prakriti
Published: July 2022

The increased presence of diaspora has resulted in many South Asian women marrying and migrating to the West. Such cross-border/transnational marriages have also resulted in copious judicial disputes presented in Western jurisdictions. The definitive resolution of marital disputes necessitates a well-defined mechanism for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. Clear legal provisions dealing with recognition and enforcement of foreign divorce judgments are significant in determining a person’s legal status, which has instantaneous and future legal implications concerning property and succession. Despite the codification attempt at the international level by the Hague Conference on Private International Law, India and Nepal have not become parties to the Convention on the Recognition of Divorces and Legal Separations. Both countries have adopted different approaches and principles to deal with recognising foreign divorces. This article examines the legal position of recognising and enforcing foreign divorce judgments under the Indian and Nepalese Legal frameworks and contextualising its position in the global context.
Late Gothic Altarpieces as Sources of Information on Medieval Wood Use: A Dendrochronological and Art Historical Survey
Authors: Haneca Kristof , De Boodt Ria , Herremans Valérie , De Pauw Hilde , Van Acker Joris , Van de Velde Carl , Beeckman Hans
Published: July 2022

Wooden altarpieces are important features of European medieval material culture, especially of the Late Gothic Fine Arts from the 15th and 16th century. Many of them were carved in the Brabantine towns of Antwerp, Brussels and Mechelen in present-day Belgium. Although they were highly esteemed and exported all over Europe, little is known about their production process. In order to understand the context of the creation of the altarpieces, a detailed analysis of the wood has been completed to supplement and test historical documentation and art historical approaches. Tree-ring patterns and anatomical features of 209 wooden sculptures from collections of different museums were analyzed. Tree-ring analysis proved the 15th –16th century origin of the sculptures but also allowed a detailed technical characterization of the carversʼ basic material. The striking uniformity of the grain and the sawing pattern revealed that medieval woodcarvers preferred quarter sawn oak lumber, imported from the Baltic area. Stylistic and iconographic hypotheses concerning the current setting of several altarpieces could be founded, based on the wood anatomical and dendrochronological observations.

Intensive collaboration between wood biologists and art historians proved to be essential in order to reconstruct the creation process of carved wooden altarpieces.
Influence of Structure and Chemical Composition on Thermal Softening of Palasan Canes (Calamus Merrillii)
Authors: Abasolo Willie P. , Yoshida Masato , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Okuyama Takashi
Published: July 2022

The influence of structure on the thermal softening of Palasan canes was evaluated using the creep compliance test. The canes revealed compliance curves similar to wood. Correlating the average compliance per temperature to ground parenchyma and fiber area percentage showed that the former promoted thermal softening while the latter inhibited it. This thermal response was highly affected by the ratio between the heat resistant cellulose and heat sensitive hemicellulose components of the cell wall. Ground parenchyma cells with high hemicellulose content favored thermal softening, while fibers with high cellulose content inhibited it. Therefore, the degree of thermal softening is dependent on the proportion of ground parenchyma present within the region. If the ground parenchyma percentage is high it is expected that the amount of softening will be large and vice versa.
Citation of Han Fu in Shijing Exegetical Works
Authors: Wang Sihao
Published: July 2022

The various rhapsodies or poetic expositions of the Han dynasty known as Han fu are replete with passages from the classic Chinese poetry collection the Shijing, or Book of Poetry. The reverse is also true: Shijing scholarship has likewise cited Han fu in many of its exegetical works. As a result, the various editions of the Han fu are important sources in the study of the Confucian classics, a discipline commonly known in Chinese as jingxue. The classical citations of the Shijing throughout the Han fu can be placed into one of two categories: “language citation” and “meaning citation”, while the “ironic citation” of Han fu in exegeses of the Shijing that is prevalent in the interpretative system of the Confucian classics can be further broken down into three types: “meaning and principle”, “verification and justification” and “language and exposition”. In the meaning-based citations of the Shijing by the Han fu – especially those of “persuasive remonstrance” and “hymns and eulogies” – the conveyed messages were ironically cited by later generations of interpreters of Confucian classics, which helped form new meanings and principles. The main themes, subject matter, emotional expression and language style of Han fu are lifted heavily from the Shijing. Later generations of Confucian scholars then cited text from the Han fu, thereby constructing new forms of language and exposition. The unique characteristics of fu to “describe things and express themselves clearly” and reference a wide range of “names and things” were used by later Confucian scholars who sought to better understand a whole host of signifiers referred to in the classic texts, from herbs, trees and birds, to beasts, insects and fish. Meanwhile, the perception of fu as knowledge-laden texts inspired Confucian scholars to carry out textual research on them. Scholarly comparisons in premodern China between the Shijing as a Confucian classic, the Shijing as a literary corpus, and Han fu developed during a process of ordinary citation and ironic citation. This resulted in the practice of “complementary citations” of meaning and principle, verification and justification, and language and exposition. A scholarship cycle was thus formed in which the classics were used to revere the fu, then the classics were used to enrich the fu, and interpretations of the fu started to be used to transmit canonical messages. It was a cycle that was imbued with a cross-permeation of neo-Confucian, historical and literary dimensions, eventually resulting in the construction of a new interpretative system for premodern Chinese scholarship of classic texts.
Something Lost, Something Gained: Changes in China’s Procuratorate in Response to the Reform of the National Supervision System
Authors: Lin Xifen , Wu Wanqiang
Published: July 2022

China’s significant reform of the national supervision system in 2016 eliminated the general power to investigate professional misconduct by the members of the procuratorate. It resulted in serious challenges to the performance of China’s procuratorial functions in terms of criminal litigation and the ability to supervise criminal litigation. To counter the potential impact and strengthen the procuratorate’s procuratorial functions, in response the Supreme People’s Procuratorate carried out three main reforms: (1) it restructured the procuratorate’s internal institutions and established four specialized criminal procuratorial departments; (2) it empowered one prosecutor with the authority to arrest and prosecute suspected criminals; and (3) it encouraged a system of detailed procuratorial sentencing recommendations. At the same time, the procuratorate developed internal and external supporting measures to ensure steady progress in procuratorial reform. To protect against potential external interference, the procuratorate promotes a more centralized management system. Internally, it has engaged in personnel reforms and made procuratorial recommendations.
Connective Collaboration Around Alex – A Constant Searching Around Inclusive Education
Authors: Daelman Silke , De Schauwer Elisabeth , Van Hove Geert
Published: July 2022

Hand in hand with policy developments, educational practices are constantly looking for how teachers can be (better) supported and professionalized in dealing with pupils with specific educational needs in regular education. Supporting and strengthening the competences of teachers in dealing with diverse needs is closely related to the question of connective collaboration within inclusive learning environments. But when is collaboration connective?

In this ethnographic study, we set out using research material that succeeds in giving form and substance to connective collaboration within Alex’s inclusion process. By means of a diffractive analysis, four helpful and necessary developments emerge: four doing words that emphasize a process that is never complete. ‘Purposefully encountering’, ‘exchanging’, ‘negotiating’ and ‘affirming’ encourage a continuous development towards connection in the interaction between Alex, his individually adapted curriculum (iac), the classroom environment, his family and all education and welfare actors involved.
International Student Revenue and International Rankings Success: A Case Study of Australian University Research Strategies
Authors: Babones Salvatore
Published: July 2022

The publication of the first major international university rankings in 2003 opened up a new era in the internationalization of higher education, with universities around the world reorienting their research efforts toward securing success in international (as opposed to domestic) ranking systems. This has generated a potential principal-agency problem, as nationally-funded universities increasingly seek international validation. This opens up the possibility that a focus on rankings success might actually lead universities to implement policies that undermine their educational missions. This paper examines Australian universities’ pursuit of international rankings over the first two decades of the twenty-first century as a case study in the internationalization of higher education, with a focus on the behavior of Australia’s Group of Eight (Go8) research-intensive universities. Two major findings emerge. First, many Australian universities seem to have excessively expanded their international student enrolments as a way to generate the funds needed to compete in the ‘rankings game’. Second, many Australian universities seem to have prioritized research in fields that yield higher returns in rankings outcomes. These findings provide circumstantial evidence that Go8 universities may have compromised their educational missions in the pursuit of rankings success.