bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging transfer learning with deep learning for crime prediction
Authors: Butt Umair Muneer , Letchmunan Sukumar , Hassan Fadratul Hafinaz , Koh Tieng Wei
Published: April 2024

Crime remains a crucial concern regarding ensuring a safe and secure environment for the public. Numerous efforts have been made to predict crime, emphasizing the importance of employing deep learning approaches for precise predictions. However, sufficient crime data and resources for training state-of-the-art deep learning-based crime prediction systems pose a challenge. To address this issue, this study adopts the transfer learning paradigm. Moreover, this study fine-tunes state-of-the-art statistical and deep learning methods, including Simple Moving Averages (SMA), Weighted Moving Averages (WMA), Exponential Moving Averages (EMA), Long Short Term Memory (LSTM), Bi-directional Long Short Term Memory (BiLSTMs), and Convolutional Neural Networks and Long Short Term Memory (CNN-LSTM) for crime prediction. Primarily, this study proposed a BiLSTM based transfer learning architecture due to its high accuracy in predicting weekly and monthly crime trends. The transfer learning paradigm leverages the fine-tuned BiLSTM model to transfer crime knowledge from one neighbourhood to another. The proposed method is evaluated on Chicago, New York, and Lahore crime datasets. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of transfer learning with BiLSTM, achieving low error values and reduced execution time. These prediction results can significantly enhance the efficiency of law enforcement agencies in controlling and preventing crime.
Research on the impact of digital economy on labor resource allocation: Evidence from China
Authors: Junfeng Li
Published: April 2024

This paper establishes a coherent framework for delineating the nexus between the digital economy and the subjective efficacy of labor resource allocation. It elucidates the theoretical underpinnings of the digital economy’s impact and its channel effects on the efficiency of labor allocation. Within the digital economy landscape, the phenomena of survivorship bias, digital divide, and algorithmic hegemony wield substantial sway over the efficiency of labor market allocation. Empirical analysis, conducted through a cross-sectional data model, validates the theoretical framework. The findings demonstrate that the digital economy markedly diminishes the subjective efficiency of labor allocation. Notably, this inhibitory effect is more pronounced among female workers, households with multiple residences, the non-unmarried demographic, and individuals over the age of 40, with the most pronounced effect observed among those aged over 60. In the examination of the causative mechanisms, it is discerned that the digital economy attenuates the subjective efficiency of labor allocation by workers through three conduits: alterations in social and economic status, shifts in living standards, and modifications in workplace comfort.
Afriplex GRTTM extract attenuates hepatic steatosis in an in vitro model of NAFLD
Authors: Gabuza Kwazi , Mabuda Thendo I. , Patel Oelfah , Khuboni Noxolo , van Aarde Ruzayda , Riedel Sylvia , Sangweni Nonhlakanipho F. , Windvogel Shantal , Johnson Rabia , Muller Christo J. F.
Published: April 2024

Background

Currently, it is acknowledged that vitamin E, insulin sensitizers and anti-diabetic drugs are used to manage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), however, these therapeutic interventions harbour adverse side effects. Pioglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug, is currently the most effective therapy to manage NAFLD. The use of natural medicines is widely embraced due to the lack of evidence of their negative side effects. Rooibos has been previously shown to decrease inflammation and oxidative stress in experimental models of diabetes, however, this is yet to be explored in a setting of NAFLD. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of an aspalathin-rich green rooibos extract (Afriplex GRTTM) against markers of hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in anin vitromodel of NAFLD.

Methods

Oleic acid [1 mM] was used to induce hepatic steatosis in C3A liver cells. Thereafter, the therapeutic effect of Afriplex GRTTM, with or without pioglitazone, was determined by assessing its impact on cell viability, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular lipid accumulation and the expression of genes and proteins (ChREBP,SREBF1,FASN,IRS1,SOD2, Caspase-3, GSTZ1, IRS1 and TNF-α) that are associated with the development of NAFLD.

Results

Key findings showed that Afriplex GRTTMadded to the medium alone or combined with pioglitazone, could effectively block hepatic lipid accumulation without inducing cytotoxicity in C3A liver cells exposed oleic acid. This positive outcome was consistent with effective regulation of genes involved in insulin signaling, as well as carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (IRS1,SREBF1andChREBP). Interestingly, in addition to reducing protein levels of an inflammatory marker (TNF-α), the Afriplex GRTTMcould ameliorate oleic acid-induced hepatic steatotic damage by decreasing the protein expression of oxidative stress and apoptosis related markers such as GSTZ1 and caspase-3.

Conclusion

Afriplex GRTTMreduced hepatic steatosis in oleic acid induced C3A liver cells by modulatingSREBF1,ChREBPandIRS-1gene expression. The extract may also play a role in alleviating inflammation by reducing TNF-α expression, suggesting that additional experiments are required for its development as a suitable therapeutic option against NAFLD. Importantly, further research is needed to explore its antioxidant role in this model.
An effective hotspot mitigation system for Wireless Sensor Networks using hybridized prairie dog with Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Aalsalem Mohammed Y.
Published: April 2024

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) consist of small, multifunctional nodes distributed across various locations to monitor and record parameters. These nodes store data and transmit signals for further processing, forming a crucial topic of study. Monitoring the network’s status in WSN applications using clustering systems is essential. Collaboration among sensors from various domains enhances the precision of localised information reporting. However, nodes closer to the data sink consume more energy, leading to hotspot challenges. To address these challenges, this research employs clustering and optimised routing techniques. The aggregation of information involves creating clusters, further divided into sub-clusters. Each cluster includes a Cluster Head (CH) or Sensor Nodes (SN) without a CH. Clustering inherently optimises CHs’ capabilities, enhances network activity, and establishes a systematic network topology. This model accommodates both multi-hop and single-hop systems. This research focuses on selecting CHs using a Genetic Algorithm (GA), considering various factors. While GA possesses strong exploration capabilities, it requires effective management. This research uses Prairie Dog Optimization (PDO) to overcome this challenge. The proposed Hotspot Mitigated Prairie with Genetic Algorithm (HM-PGA) significantly improves WSN performance, particularly in hotspot avoidance. With HM-PGA, it achieves a network lifetime of20913 millisecondsand310 joulesof remaining energy. Comparative analysis with existing techniques demonstrates the superiority of the proposed approach.
Long-term disgust habituation with limited generalisation in care home workers
Authors: Edgar Charlotte , Chan Faye , Armstrong Thomas , Dalmaijer Edwin S.
Published: April 2024

Countless workers handle bodily effluvia and body envelope violations every working day, and consequentially face deeply unpleasant levels of disgust. Understanding if and how they adapt can help inform policies to improve worker satisfaction and reduce staff turnover. So far, limited evidence exist that self-reported disgust is reduced (or lower to begin with) among those employed in high-disgust environments. However, it is unclear if this is due to demand effects or translates into real behavioural changes. Here, we tested healthcare assistants (N = 32) employed in UK care homes and a control sample (N = 50). We replicated reduced self-reported pathogen disgust sensitivity in healthcare workers compared to controls. We also found it negatively correlated with career duration, suggesting long-term habituation. Furthermore, we found that healthcare assistants showed no behavioural disgust avoidance on a web-based preferential looking task (equivalent to eye tracking). Surprisingly, this extended to disgust elicitors found outside care homes, suggesting generalisation of disgust habituation. While we found no difference between bodily effluvia (core disgust) and body envelope violations (gore disgust), generalisation did not extend to other domains: self-reported sexual and moral disgust sensitivity were not different between healthcare assistants and the control group, nor was there a correlation with career duration. In sum, our work confirms that people in high-frequency disgust employment are less sensitive to pathogen disgust. Crucially, we provide preliminary evidence that this is due to a process of long-term habituation with generalisation to disgust-elicitors within the pathogen domain, but not beyond it.
Equity in practice: Assigning competence to shape STEM student participation
Authors: Reinholz Daniel Lee , Moschetti Mariah Gabriella , Camacho Jan Tracy , Fuentes-Lopez Eva , Wilkes II Charles , Shah Niral
Published: April 2024

Improving equity in undergraduate STEM is a national imperative. Although there is a rapidly growing body of research in this area, there is still a need to generate empirical evidence for equitable teaching techniques. We ground our work in Complex Instruction, an extensively researched pedagogical approach based on sociological theories and the malleability of status. This approach has been applied primarily in K-12 classrooms. In this manuscript, we explore the application of one strategy from Complex Instruction—assigning competence—to undergraduate STEM classrooms. We provide an analysis of three instructors’ implementation of assigning competence and track the impact on student participation. This work makes a unique contribution to the field, as the first study that directly documents changes in student participation resulting from assigning competence in undergraduate STEM.
Exploring preconception health in adolescents and young adults: Identifying risk factors and interventions to prevent adverse maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes–A scoping review
Authors: Padhani Zahra Ali , Rahim Komal Abdul , Tessema Gizachew A. , Avery Jodie C. , Damabi Negin Mirzaei , Castleton Patience , Salam Rehana A. , Meherali Salima , Lassi Zohra S.
Published: April 2024

Background

Preconception health provides an opportunity to examine a woman’s health status and address modifiable risk factors that can impact both a woman’s and her child’s health once pregnant. In this review, we aimed to investigate the preconception risk factors and interventions of early pregnancy and its impact on adverse maternal, perinatal and child health outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines to include relevant literature identified from electronic databases. We included reviews that studied preconception risk factors and interventions among adolescents and young adults, and their impact on maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes. All identified studies were screened for eligibility, followed by data extraction, and descriptive and thematic analysis.

Findings

We identified a total of 10 reviews. The findings suggest an increase in odds of maternal anaemia and maternal deaths among young mothers (up to 17 years) and low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, stillbirths, and neonatal and perinatal mortality among babies born to mothers up to 17 years compared to those aged 19–25 years in high-income countries. It also suggested an increase in the odds of congenital anomalies among children born to mothers aged 20–24 years. Furthermore, cancer treatment during childhood or young adulthood was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, LBW, and stillbirths. Interventions such as youth-friendly family planning services showed a significant decrease in abortion rates. Micronutrient supplementation contributed to reducing anaemia among adolescent mothers; however, human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccination had little to no impact on stillbirths, ectopic pregnancies, and congenital anomalies. However, one review reported an increased risk of miscarriages among young adults associated with these vaccinations.

Conclusion

The scoping review identified a scarcity of evidence on preconception risk factors and interventions among adolescents and young adults. This underscores the crucial need for additional research on the subject.
Pharmacokinetic profile of oral and subcutaneous administration of paracetamol in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and prediction of its analgesic efficacy
Authors: Govendir Merran , Vogelnest Larry , Shapiro Amanda J. , Marschner Caroline , Kimble Benjamin
Published: April 2024

The pharmacokinetic profile of paracetamol in koalas is described when administered orally at 15 mg/kg; followed by the same dose, administered every 12 hours (hrs), repeated five times. After the initial oral administration, the median (range) maximal plasma concentration (Cmax), the time Cmax was reached (Tmax) and elimination half-life (t1/2) were 16.93 μg/mL (13.66 to 20.25 μg/mL); 4 hrs (4 to 8 hrs) and 5.54 hrs (4.66 to 7.67 hrs), respectively. When paracetamol was administered orally at 15 mg/mL every 12 hrs, the trough total plasma concentration range remained comparable to the therapeutic range in humans i.e. 4 to 20 μg/mL that is known to provide some analgesia. However, there is a smaller proportion of free drug (i.e. not bound to plasma proteins; and the active form) available in koala plasma (approximately 40% unbound) compared to human plasma (approximately 80% unbound). Consequently, even when there are similar total drug plasma concentrations in both koala and human plasma, the therapeutic efficacy may be reduced in koalas compared to humans. The initial oral dose and subsequent twice daily doses resulted in no obvious adverse effects in any koala. Haematology, plasma electrolyte and biochemical analyte values remained within their reference ranges eight hrs after the last dose but there was a significant change in alanine transaminase (ALT) levels (an increase), and in total protein (a decrease) (both p = 0.03). A dose of 15 mg/kg was also administered as a subcutaneous injection, diluted 50:50 with saline, to two koalas. As the oral formulation and the subcutaneous administration resulted in comparable absorption, the study focused on the oral profile. Based on these results there is an argument to recommend a slight increase in the oral paracetamol dose for the koala, however further investigation is required to confirm whether repeated administration of a slightly higher dose may be associated with more severe or additional significant changes in haematology, electrolytes or biochemical analytes. However, a preferable recommendation would be to administer this dosage of paracetamol in combination with another analgesic such as tramadol, as a subcutaneous injection, to improve efficacy.
Health information-seeking behavior in patients with coronary artery disease: Activating methods
Authors: Kim Min-Song , Kim Sang-Hee
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has a high mortality rate worldwide, and continuous health behavior practice and careful management are required owing to risks such as rapid changes in symptoms and emergency hospitalization. The utilization of health-related information is an important factor for long-term disease management in patients with CAD. For this purpose, an understanding of health information-seeking behavior is needed first.

Methods

This study analyzed data from the 2021 Korea Medical Panel Survey, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to confirm the factors influencing the health information-seeking behavior of patients with CAD.

Results

The health information-seeking behavior of patients with CAD differed according to demographic characteristics, and differences in preferred information use were confirmed. Finally, it was identified that insufficient levels of health literacy were a major reason for CAD patients not engaging in health information-seeking behaviors (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.09–0.33; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that to improve health information-seeking behaviors, the application of education and intervention programs to increase the level of health literacy is necessary.
How syllabi relate to outcomes in higher education: A study of syllabi learner-centeredness and grade inequities in STEM
Authors: Eslami Maryam , Denaro Kameryn , Collins Penelope , Sumarsono Jacklyn M. , Dennin Michael , Sato Brian
Published: April 2024

Fostering equity in undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs can be accomplished by incorporating learner-centered pedagogies, resulting in the closing of opportunity gaps (defined here as the difference in grades earned by minoritized and non-minoritized students). We assessed STEM courses that exhibit small and large opportunity gaps at a minority-serving, research-intensive university, and evaluated the degree to which their syllabi are learner-centered, according to a previously validated rubric. We specifically chose syllabi as they are often the first interaction students have with a course, establish expectations for course policies and practices, and serve as a proxy for the course environment. We found STEM courses with more learner-centered syllabi had smaller opportunity gaps. The syllabus rubric factor that most correlated with smaller gaps was Power and Control, which reflects Student’s Role, Outside Resources, and Syllabus Focus. This work highlights the importance of course syllabi as a tool for instructors to create more inclusive classroom environments.
Exogenous and endogenous factors affecting stock market transactions: A Hawkes process analysis of the Tokyo Stock Exchange during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ito Mariko I. , Honma Yudai , Ohnishi Takaaki , Watanabe Tsutomu , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: April 2024

Transactions in financial markets are not evenly spaced but can be concentrated within a short period of time. In this study, we investigated the factors that determine the transaction frequency in financial markets. Specifically, we employed the Hawkes process model to identify exogenous and endogenous forces governing transactions of individual stocks in the Tokyo Stock Exchange during the COVID-19 pandemic. To enhance the accuracy of our analysis, we introduced a novel EM algorithm for the estimation of exogenous and endogenous factors that specifically addresses the interdependence of the values of these factors over time. We detected a substantial change in the transaction frequency in response to policy change announcements. Moreover, there is significant heterogeneity in the transaction frequency among individual stocks. We also found a tendency where stocks with high market capitalization tend to significantly respond to external news, while their excitation relationship between transactions is weak. This suggests the capability of quantifying the market state from the viewpoint of the exogenous and endogenous factors generating transactions for various stocks.
Susceptibility to stress and nature exposure: Unveiling differential susceptibility to physical environments; a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eisen Aaron M. , Bratman Gregory N. , Olvera-Alvarez Hector A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Emerging epidemiological evidence indicates nature exposure could be associated with greater health benefits among groups in lower versus higher socioeconomic positions. One possible mechanism underpinning this evidence is described by our framework: (susceptibility) adults in low socioeconomic positions face higher exposure to persistent psychosocial stressors in early life, inducing a pro-inflammatory phenotype as a lifelong susceptibility to stress; (differential susceptibility) susceptible adults are more sensitive to the health risks of adverse (stress-promoting) environments, but also to the health benefits of protective (stress-buffering) environments.

Objective

Experimental investigation of a pro-inflammatory phenotype as a mechanism facilitating greater stress recovery from nature exposure.

Methods

We determined differences in stress recovery (via heart rate variability) caused by exposure to a nature or office virtual reality environment (10 min) after an acute stressor among 64 healthy college-age males with varying levels of susceptibility (socioeconomic status, early life stress, and a pro-inflammatory state [inflammatory reactivity and glucocorticoid resistance to an in vitro bacterial challenge]).

Results

Findings for inflammatory reactivity and glucocorticoid resistance were modest but consistently trended towards better recovery in the nature condition. Differences in recovery were not observed for socioeconomic status or early life stress.

Discussion

Among healthy college-age males, we observed expected trends according to their differential susceptibility when assessed as inflammatory reactivity and glucocorticoid resistance, suggesting these biological correlates of susceptibility could be more proximal indicators than self-reported assessments of socioeconomic status and early life stress. If future research in more diverse populations aligns with these trends, this could support an alternative conceptualization of susceptibility as increased environmental sensitivity, reflecting heightened responses to adverse, but also protective environments. With this knowledge, future investigators could examine how individual differences in environmental sensitivity could provide an opportunity for those who are the most susceptible to experience the greatest health benefits from nature exposure.
Experimental and numerical investigation on the reinforced concrete boundary beam-wall system subjected to axial compression
Authors: Kim Dae-Jin , Han Jin-Ju , Kim Seung-Il
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes a reinforced concrete (RC) boundary beam-wall system that requires less construction material and a smaller floor height compared to the conventional RC transfer girder system. The structural performance of this system subjected to axial compression was evaluated by performing a structural test on four specimens of 1/2 scale. In addition, three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis was also performed to verify the effectiveness of the boundary beam-wall system. Three test parameters such as the lower wall length-to-upper wall length ratio, lower wall thickness, and stirrup details of the lower wall were considered. The load-displacement curve was plotted for each specimen and its failure mode was identified. The test results showed that decrease in the lower wall length-to-upper wall length ratio significantly reduced the peak strength of the boundary beam-wall system and difference in upper and lower wall thicknesses resulted in lateral bending caused by eccentricity in the out-of-plane direction. Additionally, incorporating cross-ties and reducing stirrup spacing in the lower wall significantly improved initial stiffness and peak strength, effectively minimizing stress concentration.
Technology empowerment: Digital transformation and enterprise ESG performance—Evidence from China’s manufacturing sector
Authors: Wu Xianyun , Li Longji , Liu Dekuan , Li Qian
Published: April 2024

In light of the long-term constraints posed by the "dual carbon" objective, can digital technology emerge as a transformative solution for enterprises to embark on a sustainable development trajectory? The existing body of research has yet to reach a consensus. In order to shed further light on the intricate relationship between digital transformation and ESG performance of enterprises, this study empirically examines the mechanisms and boundaries through which digital transformation influences ESG performance, based on observational data from A-share manufacturing listed companies in Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange spanning from 2011 to 2021. The findings demonstrate that digital transformation exerts a significant positive impact on the ESG performance of manufacturing enterprises. Mechanism analysis reveals that the enabling effect of digital transformation primarily enhances company transparency, thereby fostering continuous improvements in ESG performance among manufacturing enterprises. The performance expectation gap will give rise to the phenomenon of "stop-loss in time" and impede the promotional impact of digital transformation. Further investigation into industrial characteristics and industry competition intensity indicates that state-owned enterprises and those operating within highly competitive environments experience more pronounced effects of digital transformation on their ESG performance. This study expands the mechanism and boundary of digital transformation on ESG performance of manufacturing enterprises, and provides a new perspective for manufacturing enterprises to realize the collaborative transformation of digital and green.
A novel methionine nanoparticle in broiler chickens: Bioavailability and requirements
Authors: Ghazaghi Mahmoud , Mehri Mehravar , Asghari-Moghadam Morteza , Mehri Mehran
Published: April 2024

This bioassay evaluated the bioavailability (RBV) of a novel nanoparticle of methionine (nano-Met) relative to DL-methionine (DL-Met), and estimated methionine requirements for both sources in starting broilers. Five supplemental levels (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25% of diet) of DL-Met or nano-Met were added to a basal diet containing 0.35% standardized ileal digestible (SID) methionine to create 11 experimental diets, including a basal diet and 10 experimental diets containing 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, and 0.60% SID-Met, respectively. A total of 825 one-day-old male Ross 308 birds were randomly assigned to 11 treatments with 5 pen replicates and 15 birds each. Body weight gain (BWG), breast meat yield (BMY), and thigh meat yield (TMY) increased (P < 0.001) while feed conversion ratio (FCR) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in meat samples decreased (P < 0.001) with increasing dietary methionine. Based on the slope-ratio method, the RBV of nano-Met relative to DL-Met for BWG, FCR, and TMY were 102 (48–155%; R2 = 0.71), 134 (68–201%; R2 = 0.77), and 110% (27–193%; R2 = 0.55), respectively. Considering the statistical accuracy of the spline models, the estimated values of DL-Met for maximum BWG and nano-Met for maximum TMY were 0.578% and 0.561%, respectively, which were statistically higher than those recommended for commercial settings. The highest effect size of supplemental methionine was on MDA (ƞ2p = 0.924), followed by FCR (ƞ2p = 0.578), BMY (ƞ2p = 0.575), BWG (ƞ2p = 0.430), and TMY (ƞ2p = 0.332), suggesting the potent antioxidant properties of methionine. Our findings suggest that reducing the particle size of DL-Met to nanoparticles could be a promising strategy to enhance the efficiency of methionine supplementation in broilers, an idea that requires further investigation in future research.
Exploratory factor analysis of sustainable craft theory among Finnish craft hobbyists
Authors: Väänänen Niina , Vilhunen Katja
Published: April 2024

This study explores how Finnish craft hobbyists view their craft practice in a sustainable craft theory context. We collected the data for this study through an online survey in February and March 2021. We analyse the survey questionnaire data (N = 929) using exploratory factor analysis. The findings of the study show detailed information about craft hobbyists’ perceptions towards sustainable craft and reveal how craft hobbyists find sustainable crafts to be well-being-related activities that enhance meaning-making in their leisure time. This study also provides a sustainable craft measure framework for quantitative examination and analysis. The findings of the study can be utilized to understand sustainable behaviour through hobby crafts in the green transition.
Crafted reactions to the war in Ukraine
Authors: Kröger Tarja , Kokko Sirpa
Published: April 2024

The crisis caused by the war in Ukraine and the crafting it triggered in Finland are the focus of this study. As Finland is a neighbouring country to Russia and has a history of gaining independence from Russia through wars, the war in Ukraine has revived the collective memory of the Finns and disturbed their feeling of peace and security. Many Finns have responded by crafting for Ukraine. The focus of this research was to find the meanings attached to their crafting during this crisis. An open call for writings on ‘Craftwork in the time of crisis’ was launched on the platform created in collaboration with the Craft Museum of Finland. This research analysed 40 writings openly uploaded to the platform ‘Craftwork in the time of crisis’ by 13 March 2023. The qualitative data were analysed by thematic analysis, and four main themes for crafting were identified: (1) practical aid, (2) symbolic influence, (3) coping and (4) reminiscence. The findings provide insights into the complex ways in which crafting can be used as a means of coping with anxiety and other challenging emotions, confirming the findings of previous studies on the importance of crafting in times of crisis. Crisis crafting is both a strategy to distance oneself from difficult situations and a mechanism to take part in such situations. Thus, crafting for war can also be a way to normalize the war.
A Philosophy of Textile: Between Practice and Theory, Catherine Dormor (2020)
Authors: Lee Bogil
Published: April 2024

Review of: A Philosophy of Textile: Between Practice and Theory, Catherine Dormor (2020)

London: Bloomsbury Visual Arts, 130 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47252-565-9, h/bk, £95.00

ISBN 978-1-35019-583-7, p/bk, £29.99

ISBN 978-1-47258-726-8, e-PDF, £26.99

ISBN 978-1-47258-725-1, e-book, £26.99
A slice of fluid ground
Authors: Cooke Kirsten
Published: April 2024

‘A slice of fluid ground’ aims to write-with water; a methodology that is resistant to its instrumentalization under anthropocentric thinking and the Capitalocene. ‘A slice’ recognizes writing as providing a set of relations; a map for interacting with the world. It opens with a ‘Key’, which acts as a navigational tool for traversing the topography of the text. ‘A slice’ attempts to construct a set of sited waters in a way that does not reduce the substance to a line (cartography) or a consistent quantity (hydrological cycle). ‘A slice’ begins with the section ‘Earthrise: The ascent’ and then descends into watery accounts and locations; a counter-operation to the notion that humans can transcend the landscape. ‘A slice’ dives into the nuances and depths of water, situating humans as a species amongst multiple planetary actors. Writing-with water traverses personal and fictional narratives, hydrological theories, and fluid topographies.
Ministérios e burocracia no processo de produção de políticas públicas
Authors: Duarte Cristiano Parra
Published: April 2024

Os ministérios são variáveis-chave no processo de produção de políticas por conta do contexto do presidencialismo de coalizão e da dinâmica do processo de priorização na agenda das políticas públicas, dos quais a burocracia tem papel de destaque. Nesse sentido, este trabalho objetiva responder: a burocracia tem agendas próprias que diferem das agendas presidencial e do Legislativo? Para isso, desarrolha-se um estudo de caso qualitativo sobre o setor de energia entre 1995 e 2014 a fim de entender qual o papel das esferas mais técnicas do governo no policy-making process. Em termos de resultados, são identificadas prioridades distintas e divergências importantes entre as agendas da presidência, do Legislativo e da administração setorial. Esses achados sugerem a existência de uma agenda da administração setorial que parece operar com certa autonomia da presidência e ainda mais do Congresso Nacional, processo que pode estar relacionado com as prioridades da própria burocracia setorial.
La asimetría informativa y el caso del consumidor financiero
Authors: Woolcott Oyague Olenka , Ramírez Gómez Eddy Rolando
Published: April 2024

El presente artículo aborda el problema de la asimetría en la información desde una perspectiva de análisis basada en la teoría económica y jurídica, considerada como uno de los fallos del mercado que trae consigo una ineficiente asignación de los recursos y que impacta directamente en la relación socioeconómica denominada relación de consumo. Para reconocer las consecuencias adversas de la asimetría, el estudio se soporta, principalmente, en la teoría del Nobel de economía George Akerlof y su análisis sobre la “selección adversa y el riesgo moral”, así como en las causas y consecuencias de esta falla en la información. Estoservirá para explicar la necesidad de regular el deber de información, sobre todo con relación al campo del mercado de productos financieros, el cual exige una atención particular de los casos de los llamados productos complejos. El estudio ha seguido un método analítico en el examen de la teoría económica sobre la asimetría de la información para poder verificar, en un segundo momento, sus efectos en la relación de consumo y comportamiento de sus actores en el mercado, lo que se examina desde el enfoque de la comparación jurídica. Se concluye que la información es un factor necesario en toda relación de consumo y, de manera particular, en el caso del consumidor financiero.
Criterios de imputación contra los agentes del estado. Una referencia especial al caso colombiano
Authors: Perdomo Torres Jorge Fernando
Published: April 2024

Desde hace algún tiempo se viene discutiendo el alcance de la responsabilidad penal que recae sobre los servidores públicos en casos de graves violaciones a los derechos humanos y al derecho internacional humanitario en el contexto de los conflictos armados. Frente a esta problemática, este artículo propone un método de imputación con base en criterios modernos de ampliamente aceptación en el mundo y desarrollados en profundidad en la jurisprudencia colombiana. A partir de estos criterios se explica la necesidad de analizar el marco de competencias de los servidores públicos y de corroborar la posición singular que tienen los garantes en la sociedad. Luego, se examinan los deberes positivos que se exigen a la posición de garante en cada caso específico, puesto que su incumplimiento determinará la responsabilidad penal del Estado como garante de la seguridad ciudadana, por ejemplo, por generar riesgos carentes de aprobación legal.
Phytochemical profiling and GC-MS analysis of methanolic leaf extract of Persicaria hydropiper (L.) H. Gross: An important ethnomedicinal plant
Authors: Farishta Peenaz , Ruma Sharma
Published: April 2024

Medicinal plants are the best source of alternative medicine and are acquiring recognition in the area of pharmacological research for the production of plant-based medicines with improved efficacy. Persicaria hydropiper (L.) H-Gross is known worldwide for its use in traditional medicine systems. It possesses numerous therapeutic properties. The present endeavor was taken up to analyze the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity by DPPH assay of various extracts of Persicaria hydropiper leaves. The preliminary phytochemical screening of acetone, methanol, and aqueous extract of P. hydropiper leaves showed the presence of important phytochemicals such as phenols, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The quantitative estimation revealed elevated amounts of total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and total alkaloid content. The antioxidant activity also revealed higher radical scavenging activity by the extracts. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry assay of methanol extract of P. hydropiper leaves detected and identified altogether 54 phytocompounds including 7 major compounds displaying higher peaks such as Andrographolide, 1H-cyclopropa[a] naphthalene, 1a,2,3,5.6,7a7b-octahydro-1,1,7,7a-tetramethyl-[1aR-(1a?,7?,7a?,7b?)-, Cis-Z alpha bisabolene epoxide, 1,8-cyclopentadecadiyne, Aromadendrene oxide (2), Bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-3-cyclopropyl 7-hydroxymethyl, (cis) and Alpha-guanine. The concentration of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins revealed in the phytochemical profiling of three extracts might be responsible for the strong antioxidant activity of the extracts and the bioactive compounds identified in the GC-MS investigation exhibit important therapeutic properties required for the treatment of various human diseases. Thus, the medicinal use and properties of Persicaria hydropiper may be attributed to the presence of these phytochemical constituents. Further study of the compounds may provide scope for the production of novel drugs with increased efficacy and potency with the ability to cure harmful human diseases.
Taxing Firearms Like Alcohol or Tobacco
Authors: Eisenhauer Joseph G.
Published: April 2024

Despite recent calls for increased taxation of firearms, there has been little quantification of the impact that this would have on the market. Using tax receipts and recent estimates of supply and demand elasticities, this paper measures the size of the U.S. gun market at equilibrium, and the effects of current and higher tax rates. Baseline estimates indicate that market equilibrium is $14.11 billion and current taxes reduce sales by 14.5 percent. Taxing firearms at rates comparable to taxes on alcohol would cut sales to roughly three-quarters of equilibrium and increase tax revenue by 58 percent; raising gun taxes to the rate on tobacco would reduce sales to about half of the equilibrium level and double federal tax revenue.
Fabrication and characterization of gold nanoparticles using alginate: In vitro and in vivo assessment of its administration effects with swimming exercise on diabetic rats
Authors: Hashemzadeh Vahideh , Hashemzadeh Alireza , Mohebbati Reza , Arefi Reza Gharari , Yazdi Mohammad Ehsan Taghavizadeh
Published: April 2024

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have unique features that might lead to the development of a new class of diabetic medicines. AuNPs were biosynthesized utilizing sodium-alginate. UV-Vis-spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray were used to examine the particles. The potential of AuNPs for improving the diabetes condition was examined along with swimming in rats. FESEM image revealed the spherical morphology with an average particle size of 106.6 ± 20.8 nm. In the diabetic group, serum glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly higher than the control group. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was significantly higher and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly lower in the diabetic group compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also significantly higher in the D group. However, in the groups treated with swimming and gold, these parameters were significantly improved. Specifically, serum-glucose, BUN, creatinine, cholesterol, and TG levels were significantly reduced, while LDL was significantly decreased in the diabetic + swimming + AuNPs group and HDL was significantly increased in the diabetic + AuNPs group. MDA levels were significantly decreased in the treated groups, and other antioxidants were significantly improved in the diabetic + swimming + AuNPs group. Catalase levels were also significantly improved in the D + gold group. It can be concluded that both AuNPs and swimming can decrease diabetic complications.
Evaluating the HYDRASHIFT 2/4 Daratumumab assay: a powerful approach to assess treatment response in multiple myeloma
Authors: Lee Hyun-Woo , Kim Sang-Mi , Park Hyung-Doo
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study evaluates the HYDRASHIFT assay’s effectiveness in mitigating daratumumab interference on serum protein tests during multiple myeloma (MM) treatment, aiming to ensure an accurate assessment of treatment response.

Methods

We analyzed 113 serum samples from 68 MM patients undergoing daratumumab treatment, employing both standard IF and the HYDRASHIFT assay. The assay’s precision was determined through intra-day and inter-day variability assessments, while its specificity was verified using serum samples devoid of daratumumab. Comparative analysis of IF results, before and after the application of the HYDRASHIFT assay, facilitated the categorization of treatment responses in alignment with the International Myeloma Working Group’s response criteria.

Results

The precision underscored the assay’s consistent repeatability and reproducibility, successfully eliminating interference of daratumumab-induced Gκ bands. Specificity assessments demonstrated the assay’s capability to distinguish daratumumab from both isatuximab and naturally occurring M-proteins. Of the analyzed cases, 91 exhibited successful migration of daratumumab-induced Gκ bands, thereby enhancing the accuracy of treatment response classification. The remaining 22 cases did not show a visible migration complex, likely due to the low concentration of daratumumab in the serum. These findings underscore the assay’s critical role in distinguishing daratumumab from endogenous M-protein, particularly in samples with a single Gκ band on standard IF, where daratumumab and endogenous M-protein had co-migrated.

Conclusions

The HYDRASHIFT assay demonstrates high precision, specificity, and utility in the accurate monitoring of treatment responses in MM patients receiving daratumumab. This assay represents a significant advancement in overcoming the diagnostic challenges posed by daratumumab interference.
Structure and transition behavior of crosslinked poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethylmethacrylate-co-(ethyleneglycol) methacrylate) gel film on cellulosic-based flat substrate
Authors: Chen Yangyi , Su Tong , Zhou Shihang , Xie Chendi , Qi Huan , Cai Zaisheng , Chen Liqun
Published: April 2024

The structure and transition behavior of crosslinked thermo-responsive poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethylmethacrylate-co-(ethyleneglycol) methacrylate) (P(MEO2MA-co-EGMA360)) gel film on a flat cellulosic-based substrate were investigated. The regenerated cellulose (RC) film was prepared by spin-coating with trimethylsilyl cellulose (TMSC), followed by etching with hydrochloric acid vapor on a treated silicon wafer, then crosslinked polymer gel film was obtained by spin-coating, drying, and baking with a pre-crosslinked solution containing polymers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, and atomic force microscopy results show that a RC film with a thickness of 25 nm is generated in the upper layer of TMSC film on the silicon wafer. The cross-linking induces closer arrangement and hinders the extension of chain segments, leading to less prominent phase transition behaviors of polymer gel films. By quartz crystal microbalance measurement and 3D microscopes, a phase transition hysteresis is discovered, the hydrated and loose structure of crosslinked polymer gel film switches to dehydrated and compact structure in initial heating process, which subsequently recovers during the following cooling process. However, the degrees of rehydration and flexibility of film could not reach the initial value because of the insufficient transition time and steric hindrance caused by crosslinking.
The Red Hen Audio Tagger
Authors: Ghosal Sabyasachi , Bennett Austin , Turner Mark
Published: April 2024

The International Distributed Little Red Hen Lab, usually called “Red Hen Lab” or just “Red Hen”, is dedicated to research into multimodal communication. In this article, we introduce the Red Hen Audio Tagger (RHAT), a novel, publicly available open source platform developed by Red Hen Lab. RHAT employs deep learning models to tag audio elements frame by frame, generating metadata tags that can be utilized in various data formats for analysis. RHAT seamlessly integrates with widely used linguistic research tools like ELAN: the researcher can use RHAT to tag audio content automatically and display those tags alongside other ELAN annotation tiers. RHAT additionally complements existing Red Hen pipelines devoted to natural language processing, speech-to-text processing, body pose analysis, optical character recognition, named entity recognition, computer vision, semantic frame recognition, and so on. These cooperating Red Hen pipelines are research tools to advance the science of multimodal communication.
Comparison of important quality components of red-flesh kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) in different locations
Authors: Asadi Mojdeh , Ghasemnezhad Mahmood , Olfati Jamalali , Bakhshipour Adel , Mirjalili Mohammad Hossein , Atak Arif
Published: April 2024

Important quality components of red-fleshed kiwifruit which was grown in three different regions in North of Iran were investigated in this research. Fruits produced in the region with higher altitude and cool summer temperatures showed higher ascorbic acid content (AAC), total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity than the two other regions both at harvest time and storage. It was observed that the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl was positively correlated with the AAC (r = 0.98), total phenolic content (r = 0.94), and the ferric reducing antioxidant power was positively correlated with the AAC (r = 0.98), TPC (r = 0.93). Fruits harvested in region 2 with cool environments, presented dark red flesh color with the highest values of anthocyanin content at harvest (2.78 mg CGE/100 g), with a gradually increasing trend during storage to reach 3.47 mg CGE/100 g at the end of storage. Total anthocyanin content correlated positively with soluble solids content (SSC; r = 0.82), total Soluble sugars (TSS; r = 0.94), pH (r = 0.94), SSC/titratable acidity (TA; r = 0.83) and negatively with TA (r = −0.77). Fruits grown in region 2 received the highest SCC and TSS scores after sensory test evaluations made by the panelists. During storage fruits firmness and total acidity of kiwifruit decreased while SSC, TSS, and anthocyanin content increased. Additionally, antioxidant compounds and taste-related quality of kiwifruit had a positive relationship with the product region. Results showed that the growing region and storage duration considerably influenced the antioxidant compounds and nutritional quality of red flesh kiwifruit.
The Quality of Interactions in Competition Between Social Media Platforms
Authors: Eisdorfer Ido
Published: April 2024

Social media platforms are content-based platforms in which agents invest efforts to produce and share content while interacting with one another. The central question involves the trade-off between interaction quantity and content quality, and its impact on competition between an incumbent platform with a focal advantage and a high-quality new entrant seeking market entry. The study focuses on an agent’s utility function, examining the interplay between these factors and exploring strategies for platform decision-makers to maximize profits and benefits for their agents. The findings show that a high-quality non-focal platform has a strategic advantage in winning the market when agents prioritize content quality over the quantity of interactions. Policymakers should take into account the quality-driven impact on market efficiency and entry barriers.