bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change in pericardial fat volume in postmenopausal women with papillary thyroid cancer undergoing TSH suppressive therapy
Authors: Jeon Yunkyung , Kim Doohwa , Kim Mijin , Kim Bo Hyun , Kim Keunyoung
Published: April 2024

Purpose: We aimed to examine the changes in body composition under TSH suppression in postmenopausal women with DTC.
Methods: The body composition was assessed by the volumes as following; fat tissues of the epicardium and abdominal visceral and subcutaneous areas; bilateral psoas muscle or thigh muscle. Volumetric measurements were performed using computed tomography (CT) scans using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (18F-FDG PET/CT).
Forty-three postmenopausal women with DTC underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for tumor monitoring.
Results: The patients’ median age was 50.0 years, and median body mass index (BMI) was 23.53 (interquartile range[IQR]: 22.19- 24.92) at the initial 18F-FDG PET/CT. The median follow-up period was 19.24 months (IQR: 17.24–21.79). No significant changes in weight or BMI were observed during follow-up. Volumes of fat and muscles did not changed significantly except epicardial fat volume. The epicardial fat volume significantly increased during the follow-up period. The epicardial fat volumes were correlated with visceral fat volume, respectively, however, the changing ratio was only correlated with TSH suppression on multiple regression analysis.
Conclusion: Both skeletal muscle and abdominal fat volumes did not change, whereas epicardial fat volume increased over less than 2 years of observation under TSH suppressive therapy. Further research is needed for the harmonization of benefits or losses with the optimal TSH concentration in postmenopausal women.
Periaqueductal gray subregions connectivity and its association with micturition desire-awakening function
Authors: Zhong Shaogen , Zhang Lichi , Wang Mengxing , Lin Xindi , Mao Yi , Shen Jiayao , Du Xiaoxia , Ma Jun
Published: April 2024

Purpose
Existing literature strongly supports the idea that children with primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) have a delayed brainstem maturation. However, the connection between pre-micturition arousal responses and brain functional connectivities is still not clearly defined. In light of this gap, our study investigated the correlation between the gradations of micturition desire-awakening (MDA) functionality and the functional connectivity of the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG), a pivotal brainstem hub implicated in the neural regulation of micturition in humans.
Materials and methods
Extensive whole-brain correlation analyses were undertaken to elucidate the complex connectivity patterns between the subregions of PAG and the cerebral cortex, with a focus on their correlation to the spectrum of MDA functionality. The analysis incorporated data from 133 patients, each diagnosed with PNE and demonstrating varied levels of MDA functionality, alongside data from 40 healthy children, characterized by optimal MDA function. Neuroimaging data, derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), were subjected to correlational analyses with behavioral data that were obtained through precise clinical observations.
Results
A positive correlation was identified between MDA dysfunction and the resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) between the left ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) and the right temporal pole of the superior temporal gyrus. Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between MDA dysfunction and the RSFC of the right vlPAG with the right superior parietal lobule. Additionally, MDA dysfunction exhibited a negative association with the RSFC between the dorsomedial PAG (dmPAG) and the right inferior parietal lobule. However, no significant correlations were detected in other subregions of the PAG in this study.
Conclusions
Aberrant RSFC between the PAG, particularly the vlPAG and dmPAG subregions, and critical nodes within the dorsal and ventral attention networks, as well as the default mode network, in association with MDA dysfunction, elucidates the neural substrates underpinning the symptomatology of PNE. This revelation underscores potential neural targets for future therapeutic interventions.
New ridge–furrow irrigation system reduces methane emissions and partial global warming potential in rice cultivation
Authors: Timm Pamela , Scivittaro Walkyria , Parfitt Jose , Bayer Cimelio , Soares Alexsandra , Vasconcelos Eduarda , Souza Pablo , Sousa Rogério , Busato Cyrano , Carlos Filipe Selau
Published: April 2024

Flood irrigated rice, in addition to using large volumes of water, is one of the main causes (~30%) of methane (CH4) emissions from agriculture. New cultivation technologies in lowlands, such as ridge-furrow, enable the use of a smaller volume of water in rice cultivation compared to traditional flood irrigation and higher soil oxidation, which can impact the emission of CH4 and nitrous oxide (N2O). The expansion of the use of the ridge-furrow system in southern Brazil occurs because it has been one of the systems responsible for the expansion of alternative crops, such as soybean and corn in rotation with rice. The ridge-furrow promotes adequate drainage of the soil surface and irrigation of crops, minimizing damage from excess and deficit water in lowlands. Thus, the objective of the work was to evaluate the emission of CH4, N2O, partial global warming potential (pGWP) and rice grain yield in a ridge-furrow system in rotation with soybean. The trial was carried under field conditions at the Ricetec Experimental Station, in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 crop seasons in Capão do Leão, Southern Brazil, taking advantage of the infrastructure of ridge-furrow established for soybean in rotation in the previous season. Was used an XP117 RiceTec rice hybrid with a 130-day cycle. The treatments consisted of different portions of the furrow: upper (wet soil); intermediate (saturated soil) and bottom portion (flooded soil). Rice cultivation in the ridge-furrow system reduced CH4 emissions by 34% and partial global warming potential by 30%. Rice grain yield levels remained high in the ridge-furrow system. Thus, the ridge-furrow irrigation contributes to increasing the sustainability of rice production as it enables a significant reduction in CH4 emissions and a more efficient in the use of water.
Capillaroscopic changes in patients with glomerular diseases: a case control study
Authors: Adel Hend , Hamdy Fatma , Eldeeb Ahmed A
Published: April 2024

Background:
Glomerulonephritis is a heterogenous group of diseases which is diagnosed mainly by renal biopsy. This study aims to assess nailfold capillaroscopic changes in patients with glomerular diseases.
Patients and methods:
This study was conducted on 50 patients with glomerular disease confirmed by renal biopsy and 50 age and sex matched healthy controls. Clinical, laboratory evaluation and nailfold capillaroscopic examination were done for all participants. Statistical analysis was done andT test and one way ANOVA test were used for normally distributed variables, while Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used for non-normally distributed variables. Association between 2 continuous variables was done by Pearson’s correlation or spearman’s rank correlation.
Results:
Lupus nephritis was the most common pathological type among glomerulonephritis group (34%, n=17), followed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (18%, n= 9). Tortuous capillaries were significantly higher in patients with glomerular diseases (94%, n=47) (P<0.001). The diameter was significantly lower in patients with glomerular diseases (18.68 µm, 16.83 µm, P=0.021). Subpapillary venous plexus (22%, 6%, P 0.021) and capillary microhemorrhage (42%, P <0.001) were significantly more frequent in patients with glomerular diseases compared to the control group. Patients with lupus nephritis had higher capillary diameter (19.5, 15.6 µm, P 0.02), width (55.6, 44 µm, P 0.003) and microhemorrhage (64.7%, 32%, P 0.03) compared to patients with primary glomerulonephritis. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with different types of primary glomerulonephritis. There was a statistically significant difference as regard diameter (P=0.005) and length (P=0.02) between different classes of lupus nephritis.
Conclusion:
Nailfold capillaroscopy showed more tortious capillaries and lower capillary diameter in patients with glomerular disease compared to healthy persons. Lupus nephritis patients showed more dilated capillaries and more capillary microhemorrhage compared to primary glomerulonephritis patients.
Comparison of United States Consumers’ Perceptions and Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Environmental Practices in the Retail Floral Industry Based on Geographical Regions
Authors: Etheredge Coleman L. , Waliczek Tina M. , DelPrince James
Published: April 2024

With an increase in social awareness of environmental degradation and the need to conserve resources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, consumers have become increasingly concerned about the environmental standards of the industries from which they purchase products. This has motivated industries to restructure their business model to one that is more environmentally sustainable. Research of consumers’ floral purchasing habits based on geographic regions found that these habits varied depending on the region where they lived. The main purpose of this study was to investigate US consumers’ perceptions and willingness to pay as they relate to retail floral providers’ environmentally sustainable practices based on the geographical region where the consumer lives within the United States. The results indicated differences in the way respondents answered questions based on the geographical region where they live. However, regardless of the US region where the respondents live, from the list of sustainable attributes covered in this study, respondents indicated the use of locally sourced flowers and composting of floral waste as the two sustainable attributes with the most perceived value to consumers. The findings of this study indicate that floral providers that have incorporated any type of sustainable attribute into their businesses should be promoting this to the public. Floral providers located in the West and Northeast regions of the United States should especially consider emphasizing sustainable attributes within their business because consumers in these regions indicated that they were most willing to pay premiums for sustainable practices. Additionally, floral providers in the West should consider sourcing and promoting the use of fair-trade materials to their customers.
Crossed product algebras and generalized entropy for subregions
Authors: Ali Ahmad Shadi , Jefferson Ro
Published: April 2024

An early result of algebraic quantum field theory is that the algebra of any subregion in a QFT is a von Neumann factor of type III_{1}1, in which entropy cannot be well-defined because such algebras do not admit a trace or density states. However, associated to the algebra is a modular group of automorphisms characterizing the local dynamics of degrees of freedom in the region, and the crossed product of the algebra with its modular group yields a type II_∞∞ factor, in which traces and hence von Neumann entropy can be well-defined. In this work, we generalize recent constructions of the crossed product algebra for the TFD to, in principle, arbitrary spacetime regions in arbitrary QFTs, formally paving the way to the study of entanglement entropy without UV divergences. In contrast to previous works, we emphasize that this construction is independent of gravity. In this sense, the crossed product construction represents a refinement of Haag’s assignment of nets of observable algebras to spacetime regions by providing a natural construction of a type II factor. We present several concrete examples: a QFT in Rindler space, a CFT in an open ball of Minkowski space, and arbitrary boundary subregions in AdS/CFT. In the holographic setting, we provide a novel argument for why the bulk dual must be the entanglement wedge, and discuss the distinction arising from boundary modular flow between causal and entanglement wedges for excited states and disjoint regions.
Assessing future changes in flood frequencies under CMIP6 climate projections using SWAT modeling: a case study of Bitlis Creek, Turkey
Authors: Yalcin Emrah
Published: April 2024

Climate change is altering flood risk globally, with local variations prompting the necessity for regional assessments to guide the planning and management of water-related infrastructures. This study details an integrated framework for assessing future changes in flood frequencies, using the case of Bitlis Creek (Turkey). The precipitation and temperature simulations of 21 global circulation models (GCMs) from the coupled model intercomparison project phase 6 (CMIP6) are used to drive the developed soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model in generating daily streamflow projections under the CMIP6 historical experiment and the shared socio-economic pathway (SSP) scenarios of SSP245 and SSP585. Five probability distribution functions are considered to calculate the 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, 100-, and 500-year flood discharges for the historical period 1955–2010 and the future periods 2025–2074 and 2025–2099. The quantification of climate change impacts on the design discharges is based on the medians of the flood discharges obtained for the climate data of each GCM, using the best-fitted distribution functions. The findings illustrate significant increases in discharge rates, ranging from 21.1 to 31.7% for the 2025–2099 period under the SSP585 scenario, highlighting the necessity of considering changing climate conditions in designing water-related infrastructures.
Solidariteit en zorg in neoliberale universiteiten
Authors: Hall Sarah Mary , Ackerley Elizabeth , Briggs Alison , Fenton Laura , del Rio Santiago Levya
Published: April 2024

Het neoliberalisme heeft een alomtegenwoordige invloed op praktijken, structuren en ideologieën binnen moderne universiteiten. Als reactie hierop, richten we met dit artikel de aandacht op het bevorderen van solidariteit en zorg binnen de neoliberale universiteit door middel van relaties, ideeën en praktijken.
Knowledge-Making from a Postgraduate Writers' Circle
Authors: Thesen Lucia
Published: April 2024

This book seeks to disrupt the narrative about the process of academic writing and the written products which are currently valued in the university. The author uses writing as both a subject and a method of enquiry in an ethnographic deep dive into her long-term engagement with a postgraduate writers' circle in an elite South African university.
Examining the Effectiveness of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes in People With Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Perry Melissa Betty , Taylor Sally , Khatoon Binish , Vercell Amy , Faivre-Finn Corinne , Velikova Galina , Marsden Antonia , Heal Calvin , Yorke Janelle
Published: April 2024

Background

Electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) are commonly used in oncology clinical practice and have shown benefits for patients and health resource use.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the isolated effect of administering ePROs to patients with cancer versus a control condition.

Methods

The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. Randomized controlled trials evaluating ePRO interventions that aimed to improve health-related outcomes among patients with cancer were included. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and the secondary outcomes were symptoms, hospital admissions, unplanned visits, chemotherapy completion, survival, and satisfaction with care. The effect sizes of ePROs on health-related outcomes were analyzed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs using a random effects model.

Results

The search identified 10,965 papers, of which 19 (0.17%) from 15 studies were included. The meta-analysis showed an improvement in HRQOL at 3 months, measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (SMD 0.28, 95% CI –1.22 to 1.78), and at 6 months, assessed using various HRQOL measures (SMD 0.07, 95% CI –1.24 to 1.39). The results should be interpreted with caution, given the wide 95% CIs. Of the 15 studies, 9 (60%) reported a positive signal on HRQOL, with two-thirds of the studies (n=6, 67%) including tailored patient advice and two-thirds (n=6, 67%) using clinician alert systems.

Conclusions

The meta-analysis showed a potential improvement in HRQOL at 6 months and in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General scores at 3 months for studies that included tailored advice and clinician alerts, suggesting that these elements may improve ePRO effectiveness. The findings will provide guidance for future use and help health care professionals choose the most suitable ePRO features for their patients.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42020175007; https://tinyurl.com/5cwmy3j6
Chronic Disease Patterns and Their Relationship With Health-Related Quality of Life in South Korean Older Adults With the 2021 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Lee Mi-Sun , Lee Hooyeon
Published: April 2024

Background

Improved life expectancy has increased the prevalence of older adults living with multimorbidities, which likely deteriorates their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Understanding which chronic conditions frequently co-occur can facilitate person-centered care tailored to the needs of individuals with specific multimorbidity profiles.

Objective

The study objectives were to (1) examine the prevalence of multimorbidity among Korean older adults (ie, those aged 65 years and older), (2) investigate chronic disease patterns using latent class analysis, and (3) assess which chronic disease patterns are more strongly associated with HRQoL.

Methods

A sample of 1806 individuals aged 65 years and older from the 2021 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analyzed. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify the clustering pattern of chronic diseases. HRQoL was assessed by an 8-item health-related quality of life scale (HINT-8). Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the association with the total score of the HINT-8. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the odds ratio of having problems according to the HINT-8 items.

Results

The prevalence of multimorbidity in the sample was 54.8%. Three chronic disease patterns were identified: relatively healthy, cardiometabolic condition, arthritis, allergy, or asthma. The total scores of the HINT-8 were the highest in participants characterized as arthritis, allergy, or asthma group, indicating the lowest quality of life.

Conclusions

Current health care models are disease-oriented, meaning that the management of chronic conditions applies to a single condition and may not be relevant to those with multimorbidities. Identifying chronic disease patterns and their impact on overall health and well-being is critical for guiding integrated care.
Three Perspectives on Older Adults’ Daily Performance, Health, and Technology Use During COVID-19: Focus Group Study
Authors: Cohen Elimelech Ortal , Rosenblum Sara , Tsadok-Cohen Michal , Meyer Sonya , Ferrante Simona , Demeter Naor
Published: April 2024

Background

During COVID-19 lockdowns, older adults’ engagement in daily activities was severely affected, causing negative physical and mental health implications. Technology flourished as a means of performing daily activities in this complex situation; however, older adults often struggled to effectively use these opportunities. Despite the important role of older adults’ social environments—including their families and health professionals—in influencing their technology use, research into their unique perspectives is lacking.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the daily activity performance, health, and technology use experiences of healthy independent Israeli adults (aged ≥65 years) during COVID-19 from a 3-dimensional perspective: older adults, older adults’ family members, and health professionals.

Methods

Nine online focus groups, averaging 6-7 participants per group, were conducted with older adults, family members, and health professionals (N=59). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and constant comparative methods.

Results

The intertwining of daily activity performance and health emerged as a central theme, with differences between the groups. Older adults prioritized their self-fulfilling routines based on motivation and choice, especially in social-familial activities. In contrast, family members and health professionals focused on serious physical and mental health COVID-19–related consequences. A consensus among all three groups revealed the meaningful role of technology use during this period in bridging functional limitations. Participants delved into technology’s transformative power, focusing on the need for technology to get engaged in daily activities.

Conclusions

This study illustrates the profound interplay between daily activity performances, physical and mental health, and technology use, using a 3-dimensional approach. Its focus on technology’s uses and benefits sheds light on what older adults need to increase their technology use. Interventions for improving digital activity performance can be tailored to meet older adults’ needs and preferences by focusing on motivational and preference-related activities.
Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence Algorithms for Diabetic Retinopathy Detection: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sesgundo III Jaime Angeles , Maeng David Collin , Tukay Jumelle Aubrey , Ascano Maria Patricia , Suba-Cohen Justine , Sampang Virginia
Published: April 2024

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. The global burden is immense with a worldwide prevalence of 8.5%. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have demonstrated the potential to transform the landscape of ophthalmology with earlier detection and management of DR.

Objective

This study seeks to provide an update and evaluate the accuracy and current diagnostic ability of AI in detecting DR versus ophthalmologists. Additionally, this review will highlight the potential of AI integration to enhance DR screening, management, and disease progression.

Methods

A systematic review of the current landscape of AI’s role in DR will be undertaken, guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) model. Relevant peer-reviewed papers published in English will be identified by searching 4 international databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible studies will include randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and cohort studies published on or after 2022 that evaluate AI’s performance in retinal imaging detection of DR in diverse adult populations. Studies that focus on specific comorbid conditions, nonimage-based applications of AI, or those lacking a direct comparison group or clear methodology will be excluded. Selected papers will be independently assessed for bias by 2 review authors (JS and DM) using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool for systematic reviews. Upon systematic review completion, if it is determined that there are sufficient data, a meta-analysis will be performed. Data synthesis will use a quantitative model. Statistical software such as RevMan and STATA will be used to produce a random-effects meta-regression model to pool data from selected studies.

Results

Using selected search queries across multiple databases, we accumulated 3494 studies regarding our topic of interest, of which 1588 were duplicates, leaving 1906 unique research papers to review and analyze.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol outlines a comprehensive evaluation of AI for DR detection. This active study is anticipated to assess the current accuracy of AI methods in detecting DR.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/57292
TYPES OF DAMAGES UNDER THE CISG
Authors: Ay Yunus Emre
Published: April 2024

The breach of a contract of sale may cause damage. Naturally, the aggrieved party may claim damages as a result of the breach of the contract of sale. Therefore, the Vienna Convention on International Sale of Goods (CISG, 1980) regulates damages in Articles 74 -78 of the CISG. Article 74 provides foreseeability and full compensation principles as general principles for determining damages resulting from all types of breaches. Articles 75 and 76 regulate damages resulting from the fundamental breach caused by the avoidance of a contract of sale. Article 77 puts the injured party under the obligation to mitigate damage. Article 78 regulates the issue of determining interest rates. Although these provisions seem comprehensive at first glance, they do not cover some important issues. Case law, legal doctrine, and gap-filling rules are very important for the interpretation of these provisions. The purpose of this paper is to draw a line in the interpretation of these provisions on damages for breach of contract. The doctrinal research methodology shall be employed in this paper.
SACRILEGE IN SERBIAN MEDIEVAL LAW
Authors: Đorđević Aleksandar
Published: April 2024

The paper analyzes the crime of sacrilege in Serbian medieval law. The author provides a legal-historical analysis of church and secular rules on this criminal offence, which was envisaged in the most important sources of Serbian medieval law: Saint Sava’s Nomocanon, monastery charters, as well as the landmark legal documents that make up the so-called Dušan’s legislation: Matthias Blastares’ Syntagma, Emperor Justinian’s Law, and Dušan’s Code. In particular, the significance of the reception of the Byzantine law in medieval Serbia was emphasized on the example of the criminal offence of sacrilege.
Spatial and temporal distribution of palaeoclimatic records in the Maya Area
Authors: Martinez-Dyrzo Haydar
Published: April 2024

Palaeoclimatic research has been performed in the Maya Area (MA), using mainly lake sediment cores and speleothems. Most of the studies have been performed in the lowlands, leaving the highlands unexplored. Lake sediments records contain a diversity of proxies (e.g. Mineralogy, isotopes, pollen, charcoal, diatoms, chemicals, magnetic susceptibility, among others) and temporal resolution, making them frequently not easy to compare and leaving numerous gaps of information. Practically all stalagmites are focused on using δ18O as a proxy of effective rainfall during the Maya periods, having only some explored the role of palaeostorms and hurricanes as well as the paleoclimatology of the pre-Maya and modern periods. In this review paper, the location and temporal frame of palaeoenvironmental records of the MA and their proxies are presented, showing the zones and periods that possess environmental information and assessing their resolution. The comparison shows that more high-resolution records with a multi-proxy approach covering most of the Holocene are needed to understand the climate change in different zones of the MA. Finally, the geographic distribution of the diverse recorded hydroclimate responses based on the records is presented for three critical moments in the Maya History that have been associated with dry periods in the Great Maya Droughts hypothesis. This geographic perspective shows that dry events were not presented in all the MA during these moments although they were vastly recorded in both high- and lowlands. The geographic perspective also shows a negligible drought effect in the central lowlands for the Maya Hiatus period, where this cultural phenomenon was identified first. But signals of droughts are presented in other zones of the MA for this period. The distribution of the drought signal also shows that sites that thrived during the Maya Collapse period were in the regions that suffered the strongest droughts, whilst many sites that were abandoned were in regions rich in hydric resources. Explanations are reviewed for these contradictions. Finally, the works towards the development of mathematical models of the environmental variables are briefly reviewed, pointing out the lack of a proper computational model that has been fed by the palaeoclimatic data developed by the records in the MA.
Pleitos y negociaciones por el territorio: aymaras y Estado en el espacio surperuano 1820-1870
Authors: Guerrero Oñate Pablo Andrés
Published: April 2024

el artículo analiza cómo en un espacio inhóspito para el Estado peruano, el uso de la retórica republicana, la instrumentalización de la condición de contribuyentes y la apelación a las costumbres ancestrales, constituyeron los medios para que los aymaras de las comunidades altoandinas se hicieran escuchar. Esta capacidad negociadora y adaptativa les permitió pleitear por la defensa de sus tierras, bienes y especificidad cultural, insertándose en el largo proceso de construcción nacional peruano como sujetos activos en lo político y socioterritorial. A partir del análisis de fuentes documentales judiciales y notariales, visualizaremos la diversidad de medios usados por éstos para la defensa de sus derechos comunales y cómo a partir de ellos desplegaron y desarrollaron una praxis política alternativa, que les permitió reconocer y fortalecer la institucionalidad liberal del Estado-nación y adaptarse a un contexto que no era de Antiguo Régimen.
El campo de la ecología política latinoamericana: teorías, actores y procesos
Authors: Hincapié Jiménez Sandra Miled
Published: April 2024

este artículo analiza el proceso de constitución y consolidación del campo de la ecología política en América Latina como espacio interdisciplinar en las ciencias sociales. Afirmo que la configuración del campo de estudios surge de la intersección entre dinámicas sociopolíticas y académicas en dos momentos fundamentales: en un primer momento, se decantan las principales líneas de análisis, donde las proposiciones teórico-empíricas se imbrican al activismo y compromiso político de sus principales representantes con procesos específicos; en un segundo momento, se produce la formalización académica y el ensanchamiento del campo de estudios, con nuevas preguntas que se inscriben en el contexto geopolítico global de cambio climático y transición energética, donde desatacan nuevas agendas de investigación transversales en su aporte a la discusión internacional. El artículo aporta una mirada original a los debates interdisciplinares de las ciencias sociales, así como a las discusiones en la relación academia/sociedad.
La novela en el umbral: El Periquillo Sarniento y el quiebre de la representación
Authors: García de la Sienra Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

Este ensayo está conformado por seis apartados, en los que se explica en qué sentido esta novela de Fernández de Lizardi da cuenta de un cambio de régimen general de representación. Para ello, los diferentes registros de la palabra “representación” aparecen organizados en torno a una acepción histórica y política específica, con base en la cual es factible describir el papel que jugó el género novelesco dentro del contexto de cambio profundo del que este autor fue testigo privilegiado.
Representación y alteridades. ¿Puede el diseño aportar a la conformación de una cultura visual descolonizada?
Authors: Garcidueñas Huerta Lenny
Published: April 2024

Mi preocupación por reivindicar el poder político y emancipador del diseño está ligada a la convicción de que la diversidad y la interculturalidad son parte esencial de nuestra sociedad, y el diseño puede y debe sumar estrategias para descentralizar los procesos comunicacionales que impulsen la libertad de expresión, los derechos humanos y el acceso a una vida digna con perspectiva de género.
Manual de etnografía culinaria. Un enfoque antropológico
Authors:   Institución Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Ramírez Vidal Luis A.
Published: April 2024

El Manual tiene como propósito presentar los métodos de la antropología, aplicados a la investigación, en el campo de la alimentación. Como antesala, el autor aborda temas que por décadas han llamado la atención como la importancia del fuego o la polémica que plantea el origen de la domesticación en clave de género. Luego, realiza una aproximación histórica de cómo surge el campo de la alimentación en la disciplina antropológica. El tercer momento es propiamente el desarrollo del Manual, seguido de la propuesta de una agenda de futuros trabajos en el campo de la antropología de la alimentación; finalmente, se presenta un glosario de palabras clave para facilitar la lectura del libro. Un elemento que se destaca en la obra es la labor pedagógica del autor que poco a poco introduce al lector en la disciplina antropológica hasta ubicarlo en problemas actuales de la alimentación. Presenta, además, una bibliografía donde se percibe el diálogo entre teorías y autores, y donde el lector podría, por su cuenta, continuar enriqueciendo su acervo académico. Con la obra se suple, además, un vacío en el campo de la formación académica de gastrónomos y culinarios, una profesión y oficio que viene ganando adeptos y tomando fuerza en nuestro entorno.
LA CONFIANZA Y CERCANÍA ENTRE DOCENTE Y ALUMNADO: ¿DETERIORA LA JERARQUÍA DENTRO DE LA ESCUELA?
Authors: Saldía Cataldo Matías
Published: April 2024

La sociedad chilena actualmente está sometida a una problemática referente a la falta de confianza con su entorno y contexto. Esta crisis social no está ajena a los establecimientos educacionales, lugar donde los niños, niñas y adolescentes se forman no solo en conocimientos teóricos, sino también en valores y habilidades para la vida. El objetivo de este ensayo es reflexionar en torno a la confianza y cercanía entre el profesor y el alumnado. Para fines del ensayo el concepto de confianza, se explica desde la óptica de la escuela. Además, se discute la relación que se genera entre el profesorado-alumnado desde una perspectiva teórica, llegando a la conclusión que la jerarquía vertical en el cual, el docente es el centro de la clase, perjudica al desarrollo de este valor fundamental para generar un ambiente óptimo y que ayudará a mejorar el rendimiento académico y las relaciones interpersonales de la comunidad educativa en general.
EL ESTADO Y LA EDUCACIÓN: PODER Y GESTIÓN EN LA IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE POLÍTICAS EDUCATIVAS
Authors: Agreda Sigindioy Teresa Marinelly
Published: April 2024

Se argumenta que la educación es apoyada por el estado, pues es esta entidad quien, apoyada por organismos internacionales, establece políticas educativas que son implementadas por administradores de la educación. El proceso de implementación de cada una de las políticas se realiza por medio de la gestión educativa, mediante la utilización de estrategias y herramientas del enfoque clásico de la administración, pero adaptadas al ámbito educativo para alcanzar las metas establecidas. Para fundamentar lo anterior, en este trabajo se analizan cuatro aspectos: el primero concerniente a la interrelación entre política, políticas públicas y política educativa, el segundo, referido al origen y la evolución de la gestión en las organizaciones, el tercero, relacionado con los significados de la gestión educativa y el cuarto, con el impacto de la gestión educativa para el sector formativo. La reflexión en torno al análisis realizado es la escasa autonomía que existe en el sistema educativo, ya que los docentes solo les queda acatar las órdenes de una ideología política, así como también la nula injerencia que tienen en la toma de decisiones.
Continuously evolving to bridge significant gaps in our understanding of complexity
Authors:   Argonne National Laboratory, LePoire David
Published: April 2024

Although complexity plays a significant role in big history, substantial gaps persist in our comprehension. While the papers in this issue do not provide definitive answers to these gaps, they contribute to the ongoing discussion on how to address these issues and propose potential pathways for resolution. These gaps encompass measurement, focus, organization, relevance, consistency, and interpretation. While there may not be unanimous agreement on the specific direction to take, the academic discussions evident in these papers aim to elucidate the issues and foster understanding within the expansive and diverse scientific community.
Complexity growth patterns in the Big History: Preliminary results of a quantitative analysis
Authors:   Eurasian Center for Big History & System Forecasting at Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Korotayev Andrey
Published: April 2024

The paper presents preliminary results of a quantitative analysis of two patterns of complexity growth in the Big History – decelerating universal (cosmic) evolutionary development evidenced in the Universe for a few billions of years after the Big Bang (around 13.8 billion BP) and accelerating global (biosocial) evolutionary development observed for about 4 billion years on the planet Earth since the emergence of life on it and until the early 1970s. It is shown that the first pattern can be described with an astonishing accuracy (R2 = 0.999996) by the following equation: y = C1/(t-t1*), where y is the rate of the universal complexity growth (measured as a number of phase transitions [accompanied by the growth of complexity] per a unit of time), C1 is a constant, and t-t1* is the time since the Big Bang Singularity (t1*~13.8 billion years BP). In the meantime, it was earlier shown that the second pattern could be described with an almost as high accuracy (R2 = 0.9989 to 0.9991) by the following equation: y = C2/(t2*-t), where y is the rate of accelerating global (biosocial) evolutionary development, C2 is another constant, and t2*-t is the time till the 21st century Singularity (t2*, estimated to be around 2027, or 2029 CE). Thus, the post-Big-Bang hyperbolic decrease of universal complexity growth rate and the hyperbolic increase of the growth rate of global complexity in the last 4 billion years proceeded following the same law. We are dealing here with a perfect symmetry: (1) the rate of the universal (cosmic) complexity growth decreases when we move from the Big Bang Singularity, whereas the rate of the global complexity growth increase when we approach the 21st century Singularity; (2) more specifically, as the time since the Big Bang Singularity increases n times, the universal (cosmic) complexity growth rate decreases the same n times, whereas when the time till the 21st century Singularity decreased n times, the global complexity growth rate increased the same n times. A somehow more complex symmetry is observed as regards the interaction between energy dynamics and complexity growth within both processes. The implications of the symmetry of both patterns are discussed.
Selection and Increasing Complexity in Evolution
Authors:   Uppsala University, Ekstig Börje
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the concept of complexity in the evolution of life and human culture, proposing that the overarching increase in complexity is driven by the fundamental mechanism of selection. From the origin of life to contemporary human culture, selection plays a pivotal role in favoring complexity in reproductive processes and cultural expressions. The paper distinguishes two main phases of life on Earth: the emergence and evolution of life and animals, and the subsequent emergence of the human species with its complex cultural expressions. Despite apparent differences, both phases are argued to be guided by the same fundamental mechanism—selection, taking various forms such as adaptive natural selection, non-adaptive selection, sexual selection, and memetic selection. The paper identifies the acquisition of language as a crucial development, influenced by imitation and sexual selection, and suggests that the strong selective pressure for language has driven the rapid growth of the human brain and intelligence. This enhanced intelligence, in turn, has played a pivotal role in cultural, scientific, and technological achievements marked by unprecedented levels of complexity. The role of memetic selection is explored in the dissemination of religion across human societies, and the unintended consequences of Martin Luther's introduction of literacy and schooling for Western culture are examined. By integrating evolutionary principles with cultural and linguistic insights, this paper offers a comprehensive perspective on the unifying force of selection in the evolution of complexity in life and human culture.
Complexity: A Rationale for the University
Authors:   Villanova University, Gustafson Lowell
Published: April 2024

Complexity provides a unifying theme that responds to fundamental questions about the emergent structure of the universe as well as human nature. It offers an intellectual framework for disciplines throughout universities. It structures a universe of knowledge across natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities – from quarks to global societies and human fascination with inter-galactic relations. Ideas of complexity begin with its unidirectional emergence from the big bang to us now. The idea is developed by its multidirectional emergence that includes narratives from the big bang to planets, galaxies, and life forms other than our own. Furthermore, complexity often entails stasis, with levels of complexity remaining as they are, reversing to simpler levels, or all or parts of nature ending altogether. Speculations about multiple universes lead to an idea of infinite complexity.
SOME BATS ARE HERE: REDUCING THE WALLACEAN SHORTFALL OF BATS IN THE AMAZON
Authors: Vieira Thiago Bernardi , Alexandre Rafaela , Pena Simone , Correia Letícia , Brasil Ariane , Aguiar Ludmilla , Júnior Paulo De Marco , Ditchfield Albert
Published: April 2024

Aim: The Amazon rainforest has approximately 23% of its
sampled area dedicated to bats, making it one of the least sampled and
most diverse regions for bats in Brazil. The lack of sampling results in
a lack of knowledge regarding the accurate geographical distribution of
bat species. This lack is referred to as the Wallacean shortfall, which
should be addressed with primary data obtained from in situ collections.
However, the use of Species Distribution Models (SDMs) can help
alleviate this gap. Location: The states of Pará and Acre are
located in the Brazilian Amazon. Methods: So, our objective is
to decrease the Wallacean shortfall concerning Amazonian bat species. To
achieve this, we provide (i) a list of bat species sampled in the states
of Pará and Acre in the last five years (2017 to 2022); (ii) the
potential distribution of species considered as new occurrences for the
region; and (iii) the potential distribution of species classified as
Data Deficient (DD) and Near Threatened (NT) according to the IUCN
classification. Results: With 96 nights of collection and
129,600 m h of mist netting, we obtained 75 bat
species, with an estimated total of 94.78 species. Additionally, 21
species were considered as range extensions. Main conclusions:
The Brazilian Amazon region has a vast geographic expanse and few
established research centers, resulting in a limited sampling of bats
and other biological groups. Furthermore, we draw attention to the
significant number of bat species with expanded geographical
distributions, with 21 out of the 75 sampled species. This should be a
reminder that primary biogeographic data is still necessary for the
neotropical region.
Insight into Brain Sex Differences of Typically Developed In-fants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Saker Zahraa , Rizk Mahdi , Merie Diana , Nabha Rami , Pariseau Nicole , Nabha Sanaa , Makki Malek
Published: April 2024

The human brain encodes gender differences. This fact has been gradually
expanded from the realm of the hypothalamus and sexual behavior to the
whole brain with its different lobes, structures, and functions, by the
influence of the constantly advancing neuroscientific and imag-ing
research. However, less is known about sex differences in the brains of
neonates and infants, despite their relevance to various sex-linked
diseases that develop early in life. In this review, we provide a
synopsis of the literature evidence on sex differences in the brains of
neonates and infants at the morphological, structural, and network
levels. We also briefly overview the pre-sent evidence on the sex bias
in some brain disorders affecting infants and neonates.
Creencias culturales asociadas a la maternidad en mujeres jóvenes de Yucatán, México
Authors: Aragón-Luna Eduardo , Herrera-Fernández Mayra , Cortés-Ayala Lourdes
Published: April 2024

Las creencias hegemónicas sobre la maternidad establecen que esta es el destino natural y supremo de toda mujer para su realización plena, creencia que impacta a muchas mujeres que no desean o no pueden ser madres, lo cual contribuye a su discriminación y promueve el sexismo y el machismo. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la relación entre las creencias culturales (sexismo, machismo, marianismo y emancipación) y su relación con las creencias asociadas a la maternidad en mujeres jóvenes. Se utilizó un diseño no experimental transversal descriptivo y correlacional con un corte cuantitativo. Participaron 303 mujeres residentes en el estado de Yucatán, México, seleccionadas mediante un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, con un rango de edad de 20 a 30 años, de las cuales 60.7% (N = 184) responden que quieren ser madres y 39.3% (N = 119) no lo desean.Las participantes respondieron, por medio de la plataforma digital Google Forms, a la Escala de Creencias de la Maternidad y la Escala de Creencias Culturales. Los resultados evidencian poco apoyo a las premisas socioculturales tradicionales sobre la maternidad como una norma social impuesta, y a las creencias sexistas y machistas, sobre todo en quienes no desean ser madres. Se obtiene que un mayor apego a las premisas de sexismo y machismo se asocia positivamente con las creencias de la maternidad como exigencia social y sentido de vida, sobre todo en quienes apoyan la maternidad hegemónica. Se concluye que las creencias sobre la maternidad están en deconstrucción en numerosas mujeres de este estudio.
Numerical analysis of thermal storage and release performance of mechanical thermal storage based on 2-D thermal conductivity differential equation
Authors: Li Hao
Published: April 2024

In order to understand the numerical analysis of the thermal storage and
release performance of mechanical heat storage materials, the author
proposes a study on the numerical analysis of the thermal storage and
release performance of mechanical heat storage materials based on 2-D
thermal conductivity differential equations. The author first studied the
phenomenon of iron resistance in the sleeve on the overall heat storage
performance of the magnesium brick, and made two conclusions about the
number of magnets in the sleeve brick. Second, ANSYS is used to model the
exothermic process of mechanical heat storage, analyze the temperature
distribution, flow field distribution, heat transfer coefficient of heat
storage under different conditions, and compare the experimental results.
Finally, the experiment shows that the addition of the sleeve does not
affect the overall heat storage performance of the magnetic brick, which can
extend the service life of the resistance metal and provides some support
for the expansion of the use of the heat storage material of the magnetic
brick. By using the numerical calculation method to calculate the error, it
can be seen that the error between the numerical simulation and experimental
results is less than 16, and the experimental results are consistent with
the experimental results. The ability to store and release heat of a heat
storage facility depends largely on its size structure, and the heat storage
and release ability of a small heat storage facility is better than that of
a large heat storage facility. For heat storage materials with high thermal
conductivity, their heat transfer coefficient will increase with increasing
temperature, but the increase is not significant. For thermal accumulators
with low thermal conductivity, their heat transfer coefficient will decrease
with increasing temperature.