bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpersonal Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Depression in Parkinson's Disease: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Koszycki Diana , Taljaard Monica , Bradwejn Jacques , Lee Caroline , Tasca Giorgio A. , Grimes David A.
Published: November 2024

Background

Depression is a common nonmotor complication in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, few studies have evaluated the efficacy of first‐line psychological therapies for depression in this patient population.

Objectives

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), an empirically validated intervention for depression that focuses on the bidirectional relationship between mood disturbance and interpersonal and social stressors. A secondary aim was to assess maintenance of treatment gains at 6‐month follow‐up.

Methods

Participants with PD stages I to III and a comorbid depressive disorder were randomly assigned to 12 sessions of IPT (n = 32) or supportive therapy (ST) (n = 31), our active control intervention. The primary outcome was the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D) administered blindly by telephone. Secondary outcomes included self‐report depression and anxiety, quality of life, clinician‐rated motor symptom, interpersonal relationships, and attachment style.

Results

IPT compared to ST resulted in a greater reduction in posttreatment HAM‐D scores (least square mean difference = −3.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −6.19 to −1.34, P = 0.003) and was associated with a greater odds of meeting remission (odds ratio = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.10–9.51, P = 0.034). The advantage of IPT over ST on HAM‐D scores and remission rates was not sustained at the 6‐month follow‐up. Both treatments improved self‐report depression, anxiety, quality of life, and aspects of interpersonal functioning.

Conclusions

This trial demonstrates the benefits of acute treatment with IPT in reducing depressive symptoms in PD. Clinicians should consider psychotherapy, alone or in combination with medication, as an important treatment option for PD depression. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Artification‐Based Philanthropy at Ornellaia: “Vendemmia d’artista” Supports the “Mind's Eye” Program of the Guggenheim Museum
Authors: Cito Maria Cristina , Veronesi Vittoria
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the role of artification‐based philanthropy in enhancing brand authenticity and addressing the luxury brand paradox through the case study of Ornellaia's Vendemmia d’artista project. The infusion of art undoubtedly enhances brand perception, particularly for luxury brands that seek to reinforce prestige and exclusivity. On the other hand, philanthropy is a powerful tool to improve brand image by demonstrating the brand's genuine commitment to the common good and strengthening its symbolic value. Thus, for luxury brands, artification‐based philanthropy can be challenging due to the contradiction between the goal of philanthropic activity and the essence of luxury and exclusivity reinforced by art. Through in‐depth qualitative interviews with managers and analysis of internal documents, we investigated the Vendemmia d’artista project as an excellent example of how different initiatives can overcome this contradiction. Particularly, these initiatives include engaging in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders and the public, firmly establishing a strong connection with the brand identity, and committing to long‐term engagement with artists and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. The article outlines the proper use of artification‐based philanthropy in sectors where brand authenticity is essential for gaining legitimacy among the public and stakeholders. Additionally, it suggests managers prioritize unwavering commitment, strengthened by aligning multiple activities engaging diverse audiences.
Artification in the Industrial Sector: Exploring Florim Ceramiche's Integration of Art Into Business
Authors: Ricci Alessandra , Massara Francesco , Matteo Francesco De
Published: November 2024

This study examines the concept of artification within the industrial sector, focusing on Florim Ceramiche, a leading Italian ceramic manufacturer. While artification has been extensively explored in the luxury and fashion industries, its application in industrial contexts remains under‐researched. Using a case study approach, we investigate the processes and factors involved in artification at Florim, producing its impact on external outcomes, such as brand identity enhancement and market results. Key findings reveal that Florim's artification is supported by a top–down governance approach that reflects corporate values. A trust‐based partnership between Florim and collaborating artists further enhances the cultural authenticity of the artification process. Artification is also an inside–out process underpinned by physical artworks that enrich the workplace environment and promote employee well‐being, aligning with corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives. The process operates through concentric engagement, starting internally with employees and extending to visitors and the local community. This research highlights artification's potential to foster both social sustainability and brand differentiation, providing insights for managers in the industrial sector aiming to integrate art within CSR frameworks.
Molecular Insights Into β‐Glucuronidase Inhibition by Alhagi Graecorum Flavonoids: A Computational and Experimental Approach
Authors: Kamel Emadeldin M. , Maodaa Saleh , Al‐Shaebi Esam M. , Mokhtar Lamsabhi Al
Published: November 2024

In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory mechanisms of β‐glucuronidase by flavonoids derived from Alhagi graecorum through both experimental and computational approaches. The activity of β‐glucuronidase was assessed using an in vitro enzyme inhibition assay, where myricetin and chrysoeriol were identified as potent inhibitors based on their low IC50 values. Kinetic studies were conducted to determine the inhibition type, revealing that both compounds exhibit noncompetitive inhibition of β‐glucuronidase‐catalyzed hydrolysis of PNPG. Molecular docking was employed to explore the binding affinities of the flavonoids, showing that myricetin formed the highest number of polar interactions with the enzyme. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to evaluate the stability of the enzyme‐inhibitor complexes, demonstrating consistent trajectory behavior for both compounds, with significant energy stabilization. Interaction energy analyses highlighted the dominant role of electrostatic forces in myricetin′s inhibition mechanism, while Van der Waals forces were more prominent for chrysoeriol. The MM/PBSA method was used to calculate the binding free energies, with myricetin and chrysoeriol exhibiting the lowest values. Potential energy landscape analysis further revealed that β‐glucuronidase adopts a more closed conformation when bound to these inhibitors, limiting substrate access. These findings suggest that flavonoids from Alhagi graecorum hold promise for clinical applications, particularly in managing drug‐induced enteropathy.
Exploring the Electronic Interactions of Adenine, Cytosine, and Guanine with Graphene: A DFT Study
Authors: Qasem Jawaher , Lone Baliram
Published: November 2024

This study has provided new insights into the interaction between graphene and DNA nucleobases (adenine, cytosine, and guanine). It compares how each nucleobase interacts with graphene, examining their selectivity and binding energy. The research also explores how these interactions impact the electronic properties of graphene, showing potential applications in graphene‐based biosensors and DNA sequencing technologies. Additionally, the findings suggest potential uses in DNA sensing and the functionalization of graphene for various biomedical applications. This study employs density functional theory (DFT) methods, utilizing the B3LYP functional with the 6‐311G basis set, to explore the electronic interactions between DNA nucleobases (adenine, cytosine, and guanine) with pure graphene (Gr). We investigate various properties, including adsorption energy, HOMO‐LUMO energy levels, charge transfer mechanisms, dipole moments, energy gaps, and density of states (DOS). Our findings indicate that cytosine interacts most favorably with graphene through its oxygen site (Gr‐Cyt‐O), exhibiting the strongest adsorption. Additionally, adenine's interaction significantly enhances its electronegativity and chemical potential, particularly at the nitrogen position, while decreasing its electrophilicity. Guanine, characterized by the smallest energy gap, demonstrates the highest conductivity among the nucleobases. These results suggest that graphene possesses advantageous properties as an adsorbent for guanine, highlighting its potential applications in biosensor technology.
Construction and application of a re‐education program for elderly patients undergoing radiation therapy based on the Skinnerian teaching model
Authors: Jiang Jing , He Xia , Lou Shuchang , Chen Wei , Zhang Qiuping , Huan Yan
Published: November 2024

To develop a re‐education program for elderly patients undergoing radiation therapy based on the Skinnerian teaching model, with the aim of improving their adaptability and quality of life. Through Skinnerian teaching principles, from January 1, 2023 to April 3, 2024, an analysis of the educational needs of elderly patients was conducted to establish the educational content and program. Through the Delphi method, 55 experts were invited to optimize the program, and 54 patients were piloted. The recall rates for the two rounds of counseling were 100% and 97.26%, and the indicator importance scores and Kendall's coefficients of concordance indicated the consistency and reliability of the program. The program was combined with online and offline instruction for 30 min at a time, with frequency adjusted according to content. The program was scientific and reliable, with easy‐to‐understand content and a variety of formats that met the laws of memorization and effectively assessed the educational process and outcomes.
Reliable Simulation Analysis of Interface and SiON Degradation Effects on Water Vapor Barrier in Laminated Thin‐Film Encapsulation
Authors: Liu Xianwen , Sun Tao , Li Xuyang , Liu Bin , Yao Qi , Zhang Shuo , Bao Zongchi , Wang Feng , Wang Tao , Hong Rui , Qiu Anyuan , Yu Zhinong
Published: November 2024

The water vapor barrier performance of laminated thin‐film encapsulations (TFEs) is crucial for ensuring the stability of flexible organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) devices. In this study, the effects of interfaces and SiON degradation on the water vapor barrier performance of TFEs consisting of SiNx and SiON by finite‐element simulation are investigated. In the results, it is illustrated that the interface can significantly hinder water vapor transmission, and the interfacial phase of SiON/SiNx is found to be more effective in impeding water vapor transmission compared to that of SiNx/SiON. The barrier property of TFEs can be weakened by SiON degradation due to oxidation under high temperature and humidity. Among the analyzed four structures, 450 nm SiNx/50 nm SiON/450 nm SiNx/50 nm SiON exhibits the best barrier performance due to strongest interface effects and minimal SiON degradation. These simulation results correlate well with experimental reliability tests, validating the simulation model's reliability. In this study, valuable insights into optimizing TFEs designs for enhanced barrier performances in flexible OLED devices are provided.
Trade Off Analysis Between Fixed‐Time Stabilization and Energy Consumption of Nonlinear Stochastic Systems
Authors: Wang Yuchun , Zhu Song , Shao Hu , Wang Li , Wen Shiping
Published: November 2024

The trade off analysis between the fixed‐time stabilization in probability and energy consumption of nonlinear stochastic system is studied in this paper. By constructing a switching controller and using inequality techniques, sufficient conditions for fixed‐time stabilization in probability in the Lyapunov sense are given, and the upper bounds of the settling time function and energy consumption are estimated. Then, by analyzing the relationship between control parameters, control time and energy consumption, the existence of trade off between control time and energy consumption is proposed, and the corresponding optimal parameter values are given. Finally, a numerical example is used to verify the validity of the theoretical results.
Prescribed‐Time Distributed Optimization With Set Constraints Based on Time‐Domain Transformation
Authors: Zhu Chunxia , Yu Zhiyong , Jiang Haijun
Published: November 2024

This paper delves into the prescribed‐time distributed optimization problem for multi‐agent systems (MASs), considering set constraints. First, we transform the challenging optimization problem from the prescribed‐time ‐domain into the asymptotic time ‐domain through a time‐domain transformation (TDT) technique. This strategic shift substantially mitigates the analytical complexities inherent in the original formulation. Second, we develop a novel class of TDT‐based optimization algorithms, utilizing gradient projection and Lagrange multipliers. This algorithm is tailored to efficiently tackle the distributed optimization problem while adhering to the set constraints. To further alleviate the computational and communication overheads, we introduce a corresponding TDT‐based event‐triggered optimization algorithm. Moreover, a rigorous analysis of both the optimal solution to the optimization problem and the system's stability is given by using optimization theory and Lyapunov stability theory. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the behavior and performance of our proposed approach. Finally, two numerical simulation results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility as well as effectiveness of the offered distributed control arrangement.
A Comprehensive Survey of Stink Bug Pheromones ‐ Extraction, Identification, Synthesis, Biosynthesis, and Phylogenetic Insights
Authors: Souza João P. A. , Jorge Isaac R. , dos Santos Aluska T. , Figueiredo Leonardo , Rosa Brunno B. , Paladini Andressa , Zarbin Paulo H. G.
Published: November 2024

Stink bugs (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) are well known by the strong odor of the defensive compounds they release, which can mediate intra‐ and/or interspecific interactions. Pentatomidae is one of the largest families of Heteroptera and includes many phytophagous species that are considered pests of various crops, as well as predatory species that provide biological control. Against this background, numerous research papers in Chemical Ecology have focused on communication within this group. This paper reviews the chemical compounds reported for nearly ninety taxa, including sex and aggregation pheromones for fifty‐three species of Pentatomidae. Based on these pheromones and proposed biosynthesis pathways, we hypothesize that sex/aggregation pheromones could play a role in taxonomic groups. Characters were determined and evaluated according to their distributions in recent taxonomic classifications, allowing for the inference of the phylogenetic positioning of three species never evaluated in previous taxonomic analyses.
Medial joint line tenderness is an indicator for meniscal injuries in dogs
Authors: McDonald Daniel J. , Nakahara Nima , Gal Arnon , Mitchell Richard A. S.
Published: November 2024

Background

Medial meniscal injury is an important aspect of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs. This study examines whether caudomedial joint line palpation of the stifle is correlated with medial meniscal injury in canine stifles with concurrent cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Methods

A total of 91 dogs (97 stifles) presenting with cranial cruciate ligament disease were assessed by palpation of the caudomedial joint line of the affected stifle by a single surgeon. Surgery was then performed to assess for injury to the medial meniscus. The odds of dogs with pain on palpation having a medial meniscal tear were then calculated, with the significance level set at p‐value of 0.05.

Results

Dogs showing pain on caudomedial joint palpation had 34.5 times (95% confidence interval 9.7‒125) greater odds of having a medial meniscal tear. Pain on caudomedial joint line palpation had a sensitivity of 0.86, specificity of 0.85, positive predictive value of 0.94, negative predictive value of 0.70 and accuracy of 0.86 for identifying dogs with a medial meniscal tear.

Limitations

The amount of pressure placed on the caudomedial joint line was not assessed and a control group was not included.

Conclusion

Medial joint line tenderness has a significant relationship with medial meniscal tear in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease.
Career Trajectories and Europeanisation
Authors: Santilli Cecilia , Scaramuzzino Roberto
Published: November 2024

This chapter examines the career trajectories of Italian civil society leaders compared to those at the EU level. EU civil society organisations are a relatively recent phenomenon that has grown over the past few decades. They often act as umbrella groups with member organisations across European countries. While Italian civil society has a longer history, EU civil society leaders frequently transition from domestic roles. Our analysis explores how the career paths of these two elite groups differ and the extent to which Europeanisation impacts upon career trajectories. The chapter reveals that Italian leaders tend to have longer tenures and more internally developed career paths, which are deeply rooted within their organisations. In contrast, EU leaders more commonly transition from other roles, whether from within the same organisation’s EU office or by joining new European umbrella groups. This suggests that EU paths require more of a disruptive “leap” from domestic roles. Italian leaders are also more likely to rise through representative board positions at local/regional levels, whereas EU leaders take a more professionalised staff career track. While some nationally influential Italian leaders access EU roles, qualitative insights indicate that they face challenges in adapting individual skillsets to the more competitive European arena versus leveraging domestic organisational capital. Overall, career trajectories highlight contrasting patterns shaped by national traditions versus emerging EU logics and opportunities.
The View of Power and Status
Authors: Santilli Cecilia , Scaramuzzino Roberto
Published: November 2024

This chapter explores the subjective views and self-perceptions of top-level civil society leaders in Italy and Sweden regarding the general elite and the civil society elite. Drawing on data from the Civil Society Elite Survey study, it examines how civil society leaders define and delineate the boundaries between these two elite groups. The analysis uncovers both similarities and differences across national contexts, revealing nuanced understandings of elite status, power dynamics, and the normative underpinnings that shape civil society elites’ positioning within broader power structures. Civil society leaders often frame themselves as wielding mediated influence and emphasise the organisational context as a key determinant of their elite status. Furthermore, they employ a normative lens to associate their elite status with positive attributes aligned with civil society values, contrasting themselves against perceived negative characteristics of the general elite. While acknowledging their own elite status, civil society elites perceive themselves as a counterweight to dominant power structures, championing solidarity, social justice, and democratic participation.
The applicability of prompt-gamma activation analysis to obsidian provenance studies—The case of a strange find: a blade from Csongrád (South-East Hungary)
Authors: Kasztovszky Zsolt , Markó András , Sándor Szende , Biró T. Katalin
Published: November 2024

In the last twenty years, prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) turned out to be successful in provenance research of obsidians, i.e. in the identification of possible raw material sources of various archaeological objects. Since the early 2000s, a significant database has been built at the Budapest Neutron Centre, which includes compositional data of about 500 geological and archaeological obsidian items, representing the major European and Mediterranean sources. Besides the straightforward cases of provenance studies, however, there are still a few difficult questions to answer. During the excavations of a unique grave at Csongrád (SE Hungary), a long transparent obsidian blade was found together with other objects. The grave was dated to 4370–4239 (1σ, 68.2%) cal. BC, belonging to the first wave of the ‘Pit Grave’ culture and having strong eastern contacts. Following the first energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) measurement in 1983, the blade was compared to the Carpathian 1 (Slovakian) type raw material. In 2019, PGAA and portable X-Ray Fluorescence analysis have been done on the same piece. Based on the first results, the Csongrád specimen, unlike other archaeological samples studied so far, was not possible to unambiguously associate with any of the known obsidian types. In order to clarify the provenance of the Csongrád blade, we have extended our database with more geological reference data from both sides of the Caucasus (i.e. from Armenia and Georgia), which are the closest outcrops to the main distribution region of the Pit Grave Culture in the NE part of the Black Sea. Until now, still no reassuring explanation is available concerning the provenance of the object with unusual composition.
Non-hemolytic peptide classification using a quantum support vector machine
Authors: Zhuang Shengxin , Tanner John , Wu Yusen , Huynh Du , Liu Wei , Cadet Xavier , Fontaine Nicolas , Charton Philippe , Damour Cedric , Cadet Frederic , Wang Jingbo
Published: November 2024

Quantum machine learning (QML) is one of the most promising applications of quantum computation. Despite the theoretical advantages, it is still unclear exactly what kind of problems QML techniques can be used for, given the current limitation of noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices. In this work, we apply the well-studied quantum support vector machine (QSVM), a powerful QML model, to a binary classification task which classifies peptides as either hemolytic or non-hemolytic. Using three peptide datasets, we apply and contrast the performance of the QSVM with a number of popular classical SVMs, out of which the QSVM performs best overall. The contributions of this work include: (i) the first application of the QSVM to this specific peptide classification task and (ii) empirical results showing that the QSVM is capable of outperforming many (and possibly all) classical SVMs on this classification task. This foundational work provides insight into possible applications of QML in computational biology and may facilitate safer therapeutic developments by improving our ability to identify hemolytic properties in peptides.
Co-drawing to Learn in Science
Authors: Areljung Sofie , Andersson Johanna , Hermansson Carina , Skoog Marianne , Sundberg Bodil
Published: November 2024

This article is about the pedagogical potentials and challenges of co-drawing in science education. It builds on video data from three primary school classrooms where students worked in pairs to draw some science content on a shared paper. Grounded in a sociomaterialist approach, we analyse how students, drawing tools, paper templates, visual resources, and science concepts collaborate during drawing activities. Our findings reveal that even though two students share a paper they do not necessarily negotiate their understandings of the science content they are asked to draw. For example, one student may shape a verbal and visual narrative about the science content with little input from the other, or negotiations may focus more on drawing techniques and composition than on understanding the science content. However, the article identifies a promising scenario in terms of science learning opportunities, when both students draw within a confined space on the paper. In such cases, it seems that science learning emerge while drawing and that both students are involved in a joint learning process.
The Universalism of Logic in Stephen Langton’s Analysis of the Blessing Given to Jacob
Authors: Trepczyński Marcin
Published: November 2024

In this article, I illustrate the universalism of logic using the example of Stephen Langton’s ($$\dagger $$
†
1228) exegesis presented in his theological question 103. This text refers to the biblical story of Isaac blessing his son Jacob, who pretended to be his brother, Esau. I present the universalism of logic understood as its broad applicability and effectiveness. I argue that logic is very useful even in analyzing biblical exegesis. Langton’s exegesis benefits from logical knowledge on different levels. One of them is the application of a semiotic theory to formulate a solution to the problem of the validity of Isaac’s blessing. Above all, Langton distinguishes between a discrete and a vague (or simple) use of the pronoun “you.” Notably, Langton’s analysis of various speech acts in terms of his semiotic (or pragmatic) theory is also a basis to formulate the conditions of felicity of the act of blessing (understood in the theological context), which shows that logic can be not only broadly applicable, but also effective. Finally, question 103 proves that logic is universal also in a different way, namely: it can provide solutions which are acceptable for representatives of different traditions.
Tivozanib Monotherapy in the Frontline Setting for Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma and Favorable Prognosis
Authors: Frazer Ricky , Arranz José Ángel , Estévez Sergio Vázquez , Parikh Omi , Krabbe Laura-Maria , Vasudev Naveen S. , Doehn Christian , Marschner Norbert , Waddell Tom , Ince Will , Goebell Peter J.
Published: November 2024

Purpose of Review

In this review, we discuss which patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) may be most suitable for frontline tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) monotherapy, a treatment option supported by emerging long-term efficacy data including overall survival and quality of life. We specifically focus on tivozanib, a potent and selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, which has comparable efficacy to other single-agent TKIs in frontline treatment for mRCC while exhibiting fewer off-target side effects.

Recent Findings

Combination therapy with TKIs and checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) and CPI/CPI combination therapies, as well as TKI monotherapy are recommended frontline treatment options for mRCC. Treatment decisions are complex and based on several factors, including the patient’s International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium risk status, age, comorbidities, and personal preferences related to response, tolerability, and quality of life. TKIs not only serve as backbone of most combination therapies for mRCC, but also remain a viable monotherapy option in the first-line setting for patients in favorable risk groups and those with contraindications to CPI combination therapies.

Given that overall survival benefits have not yet been confirmed for CPI-containing combination regimens in favorable risk patients, we argue that frontline single-agent TKI treatment remains a standard of care option for these patients. This is supported by treatment guidelines, even in the era of TKI/CPI combination therapies.
Investigation of semiconductor to metallic transitions of perovskite CsGeCl3 material through induced pressure: a DFT calculation for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications
Authors: Azeem Waqar , Shahzad Muhammad Khuram , Hussain Shoukat , Azad Fahad , Aslam Muhammad Jehanzaib , Tirth Vineet , Alqahtani Hassan , Algahtani Ali , Al-Mughanam Tawfiq , Wong Yew Hoong
Published: November 2024

First-principle investigations explore materials science for functional purposes. The physical properties of CsGeCl3 are investigated under pressure in steps of 1.0 GPa. The CASTEP and GGA-PBE technique is used to understand the characteristics of cubic-based CsGeCl3 crystal structures with space group 221. The energy bandgap (BG) exhibited direct semiconductors to metallic transition nature at pressures and its value decreased from 1.06 to 0.0 eV. It is observed during computations that it maintains the cubic phase with lattice parameters decreasing from 5.33 to 5.02 Å. A thorough analysis of optical characteristics under pressure shows that the UV spectrum region corresponds to strong peaks in optical properties, with a slight shift in peaks towards greater energies. Additionally, it satisfies the Born stability for mechanical stability and has an anisotropic (A) nature due to the anisotropic factor (0.529 to 1.501) of unity. The ductile nature of CsGeCl3 is indicated by the Poisson scale (0.260 to 0.289) limits and Pugh’s ratio (1.751 to 2.037). If Cauchy pressure (Cp) is low, the material shows non-metallic behavior, and at high pressures, it shows metallic behavior, with a range of 1.299 to 9.961 GPa. As a result, the analysis shows that said material is suitable for photovoltaic and optoelectronic activity.
Improving the Dehydroepiandrosterone Induced PCOS Rat Model: Interplay of Age, High Fat Diet, and Treatment Regimen on Reproductive and Metabolic Phenotypes
Authors: Mallya Pooja , Kalthur Guruprasad , Sravani Anne Boyina , Lewis Shaila A.
Published: November 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a ubiquitous reproductive condition with triggering hallmarks such as glucose intolerance, hyperandrogenism, and dyslipidemia. Despite the existence of various PCOS animal models, an ideal model which could encompass all PCOS-specific phenotype is of dire need. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) induced PCOS rats are frequently employed; though, determining the superior model among pubertal and prepubertal rats, incorporation of high fat diet (HFD), and their sustainability remains uncertain. This study aims to examine the age factor, impact of HFD, and DHEA regimen in model development. Prepubertal and pubertal Sprague–Dawley rats were subcutaneously injected with DHEA (6 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg/day, respectively) with and without HFD up to 21 days. Serum testosterone, glucose, lipid profile, ovary morphology, and estrous cycle were evaluated. Following 21 days of treatment with DHEA, pubertal PCOS rats exhibited better reproductive phenotype than prepubertal rats. However, there was no significant difference in the lipid profile. Accordingly, both the age-group rats were concomitantly treated with DHEA and HFD for additional 3 weeks on alternate day basis after model development. The persistence of reproductive and metabolic features on treatment withdrawal were also simultaneously investigated by alienating the rats into continuous and stop dosing groups. The DHEA + HFD and DHEA treated pubertal rats in continuous dosing group showed significant PCOS features (p < 0.05) compared to stop dosing, prepubertal, and control groups. To conclude, continual dosing with DHEA on alternate days for 3 weeks is necessary to sustain metabolic and reproductive phenotypes of PCOS.
Enhancing urban sustainability: a study on lightweight and pervious concrete incorporating recycled plastic
Authors: Sathvik S. , Rohithkumar Pathapati , Shakor Pshtiwan , Shahaji  , Tantri Adithya , Kumar V. R. Prasath , Singh Atul Kumar
Published: November 2024

Increasing of plastic waste threatening ecosystems globally, this experimental work investigates recycled plastics as sustainable aggregate replacements in pervious concrete. Pervious concrete allows water passage but has installation/maintenance difficulty due to high weight. This research addresses the lack of eco-friendly lightweight pervious solutions by assessing physical and mechanical performance of mixes with 100% recycled plastic and traditional aggregate percentages. Density reduced 12% using a 100% plastic aggregate mix, achieving 1358 kg/m3 with compressive strength of 3.92 MPa, adequate for non-structural applications. A 7.8% decrease in water absorption versus conventional pervious concrete signifies retained porosity and permeability despite the plastic aggregates. Though early material limitations increase costs over 199.32%, recycled plastics show viability as effective, sustainable substitutes for natural aggregates in lightweight pervious concrete. With further availability and affordability improvements, these recyclable mixes can enable significantly greener construction practices. Findings provide key insights on balancing structural requirements, eco-friendliness and water infiltration capacity in plastic-based lightweight pervious concrete for broader adoption. The research examines the mechanical and durability characteristics of Light-Weight Pervious Concrete (LWPC) composed entirely of plastic aggregate. It also investigates the economic viability and potential for sustainable urban applications. The cost assessment reveals long-term environmental advantages, even though the initial expenses are higher. Additionally, the study considers an eco-friendly approach that combines plant growth with pervious concrete to promote greater sustainability.
Understanding happiness and academic procrastination among professional students
Authors: Rasool Insha , Ganai M. Y. , Dar Mohammad Amin
Published: November 2024

This study examines the role of happiness in academic procrastination among professional students and explores the impact of student type (senior vs. junior) and residence (rural vs. urban) on procrastination behaviors. The sample consisted of 896 professional undergraduate students selected using a stratified sampling technique, with 481 (54%) classified as seniors and 415 (46%) as juniors. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and regression analysis. The research reveals that happiness explains 40% of the variance in academic procrastination, underscoring its significant influence. The findings show that while student type affects procrastination levels, it does not significantly impact happiness. Residence and the interaction between student type and residence have negligible effects on both happiness and procrastination. These results suggest that emotional well-being is a crucial factor in mitigating procrastination, with happiness playing a more substantial role than demographic factors such as seniority and geographical location. The significance of this study lies in its challenge to traditional views that emphasize demographic characteristics in educational interventions. By demonstrating the critical role of happiness in reducing procrastination, the study highlights the importance of focusing on emotional well-being to enhance academic performance. The premise is that internal emotional factors, rather than external demographics, have a greater impact on procrastination behaviors, suggesting that fostering happiness among students could be a more effective strategy in addressing academic procrastination.
Numerical framework for the development of atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion for Earth and Mars atmosphere
Authors: Pessina Valentina , Smirnova Maria , Schein Jochen
Published: November 2024

Atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion systems provide a competitive advantage for the lower orbit altitudes since the propellant is collected directly from the atmosphere. The effectiveness of this technology depends on crucial aspects such as the collection and compression performance characterization, as well as the drag estimation and compensation. In the first part of this study, the lower Mars and Earth atmospheric characterization is derived based on current models and mission data. This characterization is a reliable dataset for the boundary conditions for the simulations carried out in the second part of this study. The proposed computational framework based on the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method aims to investigate the collection and compression performances and to estimate the drag. The numerical comparison with a literature case validates the numerical setup presented in this study. The effect of different gas-surface interaction models is investigated by comparing the results yielded by the Maxwellian model (fully specular and partially diffuse reflection) and the Cercignani-Lampis-Lord model. Since the intermolecular collisions can become more relevant at the inlet of the ionization stage, both the variable hard and variable soft sphere models are briefly examined, as well as the inclusion of gas-phase reactions. Finally, the simulation results of the two cases for the low Mars orbit (150 and 140 km) are compared to the Earth case (180 km).
Olonkho
Authors: Oyunski Platon
Published: November 2024

Olonkho is the general name for the entire Yakut heroic epic that consists of many long legends - one of the longest being 'Nurgun Botur the Swift' consisting of some 36,000 lines of verse, published here. Like Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, the Finnish Kalevala, the Buryat Geser, and the Kirghiz Manas, the Yakut Olonkho is an epic of a very ancient origin dating back to the period - possibly as early as the eighth or ninth centuries - when the ancestors of the present-day Yakut peoples lived on their former homeland and closely communicated with the Turkic and Mongolian peoples living in the Altay and Sayan regions. As with all Olonkho stories the hero - in this story Nurgun Botur the Swift - and his tribe are heaven-born, hence his people are referred to as 'Aiyy kin' (the deity's relatives). Naturally, too, on account of his vital role (in saving his people from destruction and oblivion by evil, many-legged, fire-breathing, one-armed, one legged Cyclops-type monsters - the Devil's relatives representing all possible sins), he is depicted not only as strong, but also a handsome, remarkably athletic and incredibly brave and well-built man 'as swift as an arrow', but also with an uncontrollable temper when required.
Inequality Challenged and Restored
Authors: Ericsson Peter , Winton Patrik
Published: November 2024

In the 1710s, under pressure from an ongoing war, Sweden’s absolute king, Charles XII, implemented a number of fiscal and monetary measures that displayed a disdain for traditional privileges and carried a potential for social change. Taxation was made progressive and credit became more important to finance the war. Liquidity was radically expanded, most significantly by the release of very large amounts of fiat coins. Following the death of Charles XII in November 1718, there was a political reaction against the war policies and the fiscal and monetary measures were reversed, resulting in the dismantling of royal absolutism and a partial government default. This study consists of two parts. In the first, we investigate the impact of the war policy and the monetary measures of Charles XII’s regime on the social redistribution of resources in Swedish society, especially in the years 1715 to 1718. In the second, we focus on how the socioeconomic changes were addressed by political agents between the death of Charles XII and the default of 1719. Our results show that the fiat money permeated the economy and reached all social groups, and that in some locations its distribution upset the prevailing social order. Peasants and other low-ranking groups were targeted by the partial default, which largely deprived them of their monetary assets.
Irrational rotations and
$2$
-filling rays
Authors: CHEN LVZHOU , RASMUSSEN ALEXANDER J.
Published: November 2024

We study a skew product transformation associated to an irrational rotation of the circle

$[0,1]/\sim $

. This skew product keeps track of the number of times an orbit of the rotation lands in the two complementary intervals of

$\{0,1/2\}$

in the circle. We show that under certain conditions on the continued fraction expansion of the irrational number defining the rotation, the skew product transformation has certain dense orbits. This is in spite of the presence of numerous non-dense orbits. We use this to construct laminations on infinite type surfaces with exotic properties. In particular, we show that for every infinite type surface with an isolated planar end, there is an infinite clique of

$2$

-filling rays based at that end. These

$2$

-filling rays are relevant to Bavard and Walker’s loop graphs.
New 2-D horizontal free-surface-flow models with applications for water waves
Authors: Yang Zhengtong , Liu Philip L.-F.
Published: November 2024

The depth-integrated horizontal momentum equations and continuity equation are employed to develop a new model. The vertical velocity and pressure can be expressed exactly in terms of horizontal velocities and free-surface elevation, which are the only unknowns in the model. Dividing the water column into elements and approximating horizontal velocities using linear shape function in each element, a set of model equations for horizontal velocities at element nodes is derived by adopting the weighted residual method. These model equations can be applied for transient or steady free-surface flows by prescribing appropriate lateral boundary conditions and initial conditions. Here, only the wave–current–bathymetry interaction problems are investigated. Theoretical analyses are conducted to examine various linear wave properties of the new models, which outperform the Green–Naghdi-type models for the range of water depth to wavelength ratios and the Boussinesq-type models as they are capable of simulating vertically sheared currents. One-dimensional horizontal numerical models, using a finite-difference method, are applied to a wide range of wave–current–bathymetry problems. Numerical validations are performed for nonlinear Stokes wave and bichromatic wave group propagation in deep water, sideband instability, regular wave transformation over a submerged shoal and focusing wave group interacting with linearly sheared currents in deep water. Very good agreements are observed between numerical results and laboratory data. Lastly, numerical experiments of wave shoaling from deep to shallow water are conducted to further demonstrate the capability of the new model.
In the Name of Integrity? Anticorruption Discourse of Brazilian Operation Lava Jato
Authors: Grangeia Mario Luis , Thijm Joris Alberdingk
Published: November 2024

This article identifies four frames of corruption in the discourse of three leaders of Operation Lava Jato, also known in English as Operation Car Wash, a large-scale Brazilian anticorruption operation (2014–2021). These frames are inequality, hidden pact, backwardness, and chronic disease. The frames were identified by analyzing a wide set of press interviews, opinion articles, and books by two prosecutors and one judge whose work has revealed scandals involving the state oil company Petrobras. The operation had a major impact on politics and the economy and left a controversial legacy. We noticed a contradiction between one frame invoking judicial activism (inequality) and three frames focusing on specific techniques that appeal to a more conventional view on the judiciary’s role (hidden pact, backwardness, and chronic disease). Furthermore, even when scholars were still largely positive about the operation, the discourse showed signs of judicial activism. This analysis contributes to the debate on Lava Jato and judicial activism by focusing on discourse rather than action.
Eco-physiological response of grain amaranth to regulated deficit and conventional deficit irrigation applied with surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems
Authors: Gönen Engin , Bozkurt Çolak Yeşim , Ozfidaner Mete , Yazar Attila , Tanriverdi Çagatay
Published: November 2024

Understanding the water use of drought-tolerant crops of the drought-prone Mediterranean regions is important for sustainable agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and yield responses of amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus L.) to different irrigation strategies conducted in 2019 and 2020 under Mediterranean climatic conditions using surface drip (SD) and subsurface drip (SSD) systems. Strategies investigated were: regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), conventional deficit irrigation (DI25, DI50, DI75), full irrigation (FI) and rainfed treatment. The highest grain yield was observed in FI treatments; RDI treatments produced 5% lower grain yield than the FI treatments, although the RDI treatments resulted in water savings of 23 and 21% for SD and SSD systems, respectively. DI treatments resulted in lower leaf water potential (LWP) and higher crop water-stress index (CWSI) compared to FI in both systems values. The results showed that optimum irrigation conditions to obtain the highest amaranth grain yields were associated with an LWP of −1.0 MPa and an average CWSI of about 0.25. The FI treatments under SSD systems had the highest grain production, followed by FI under SD and RDI under both the drip systems. Under SD and SSD systems, RDI saved 23 and 21% water, respectively, and produced a yield statistically comparable to that of FI. The SSD methods generated higher net income than SD. From these results it can be concluded that both RDI and DI75 could be a good alternative to FI under the conditions of water scarcity in the Mediterranean region.
Identification of differences in digestive organ weight, bone mineral concentration, and ileal transcriptomic profiles of low and high weight broiler chicks
Authors: Elvis-Chikwem Chinwendu Lorrita , Bahar Bojlul , Derecka Kamila , White Gavin , Burton Emily , Castellanos Marcos , O'Shea Cormac J.
Published: November 2024

A growth monitoring study (0–7 day of age) was conducted involving 87, one-day old Ross 308 male broilers to evaluate organ weights, bone parameters and ileal transcriptomic profile of broiler chicks as influenced by day 7 bodyweight (BW) grouping. The chicks were raised in a deep-litter house under common controlled environmental conditions and commercial starter diet. Chicks were grouped on day 7 into two distinct BW, super performer (SP) and under performer (UP) with bodyweights >260, and <200 g respectively. Results revealed that the SP chicks had significantly higher bone ash, sodium (Na), phosphorus (P) and rubidium (Rb) concentrations compared to the UP chicks on D7. In contrast, the UP chicks had significantly higher tibial cadmium (Cd), caesium (Cs) and lead (Pb) compared to the SP group; the UP chicks also had proportionally heavier relative gizzard weight than the SP chicks. The ileal transcriptomic data revealed differentially expressed genes (DEG) between the two groups of chicks, with 150 upregulated and 83 down-regulated genes with a fold change of ≥1.25 or ≤ 1.25 in the SP chicks relative to the UP chicks. Furthermore, functional annotation and pathway analysis revealed that some of these DEG were involved in various pathways including calcium signalling, Wnt signalling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and mucin type O-glycan biosynthesis. This study revealed that chicks of the same breed and of uniform environmental and diet management exhibited differences in digestive organ weights, tibial bone characteristics and ileal gene expression that may be related to BW.