bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rapid and robust colorimetric method for measuring relative abundance of auxins in plant tissues
Authors: Manna Mrinalini , Rengasamy Balakrishnan , Sinha Alok Krishna
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Auxin estimation in plant tissues is a crucial component of auxin signaling studies. Despite the availability of various high‐throughput auxin quantification methods like LC‐MS, GC‐MS, HPLC, biosensors, and DR5‐gus/gfp‐based assays, auxin quantification remains troublesome because these techniques are very expensive and technology intensive and they mostly involve elaborate sample preparation or require the development of transgenic plants.

Objectives

To find a solution to these problems, we made use of an old auxin detection system to quantify microbe derived auxins and modified it to effectively measure auxin levels in rice plants.

Materials and methods

Auxins from different tissues of rice plants, including root samples of seedlings exposed to IAA/TIBA or subjected to different abiotic stresses, were extracted in ethanol. The total auxin level was measured by the presently described colorimetric assay and counterchecked by other auxin estimation methods like LC‐MS or gus staining of DR5‐gus overexpressing lines.

Results

The presented colorimetric method could measure (1) the auxin levels in different tissues of rice plants, thus identifying the regions of higher auxin abundance, (2) the differential accumulation of auxins in rice roots when auxin or its transport inhibitor was supplied exogenously, and (3) the levels of auxin in roots of rice seedlings subjected to various abiotic stresses. The thus obtained auxin levels correlated well with the auxin levels determined by other methods like LC‐MS or gus staining and the expression pattern of auxin biosynthesis pathway genes.

Conclusions

The auxin estimation method described here is simple, rapid, cost‐effective, and sensitive and allows for the efficient detection of relative auxin abundances in plant tissues.
Prescriber perceptions of boxed warnings: A qualitative study
Authors: Ingersoll Rachel N. , Bui Elise T. , Coleman Blair , Zhou Esther H. , Eggers Sara
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To explore how boxed warning (BW) information fits within the context of prescribers' overall treatment decision‐making and communication with patients.

Methods

In‐depth interviews (N = 52) were conducted with primary care providers and specialists. Participants were presented with one of two prescribing scenarios: (1) estrogen vaginal inserts to treat vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) associated with menopause; or (2) direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) to treat chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). The semi‐structured interviews explored participants' treatment decision‐making within the scenario, reactions to current prescribing information for a product within the FDA‐approved drug class, as well as their perceptions of BWs generally.

Results

Across scenarios, providers described that the BW is only one of several factors that influence treatment decision‐making. In the VVA scenario, symptom severity, family history, and experience with nonprescription drugs were raised as common factors that influence prescribing considerations; compared to comorbid infections, viral load, and HCV genotype in the HCV scenario. Perceptions of the DAA BW were generally positive or neutral, as many participants found the information important and appropriate. The VVA BW was viewed less favorably, with many participants stating the BW overstates the risk for this drug.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that BWs are one of several factors that influence providers' treatment decisions, and BW influence largely depends on context. Providers across scenarios expressed notable differences in their perceptions of the risk information provided in the presented BWs; however, across scenarios participants expressed consideration of how patients may perceive the BW.
Spectroscopic Properties of Cobalt Ions in Ca3(VO4)2 Crystals Doped via Thermal Diffusion and During Synthesis
Authors: Doroshenko Maksim E. , Ivleva Ludmila I. , Papashvili Aleksandr G. , Voronina Irina S. , Dunaeva Elizaveta E. , Pierpoint Kseniia A.
Published: February 2024

The spectroscopic properties of cobalt ions in Ca3(VO4)2 crystals doped via thermal diffusion and during synthesis are investigated. The diffusion doped crystal shows the potential for higher cobalt doping while maintaining its high initial optical quality. The redistribution of several absorption and fluorescence lines intensities with cobalt concentration is attributed to the formation of Co2+ optical centers with sufficiently different local environments. The fluorescence decay times of Co2+ optical centers are measured to differ by an order of magnitude (95 and 13 μs) and are attributed to centrosymmetric M1 and low symmetry M2 types of Co2+ optical centers, possibly corresponding to Ca(4) and Ca(1) positions of Ca3(VO4)2 crystal, respectively. Nonlinear transmission of Co2+ M2 centers is measured, and efficient absorption cross‐sections of 1.4 × 10−19 and 2.4 × 10−19 cm2 are evaluated at 1300 and 1500 nm, respectively. The narrow fluorescence line of cobalt ions peaking at about 1170 nm, detected in both Ca3(VO4)2 crystals doped via thermal diffusion and during synthesis, is attributed to Co ions in a trivalent state.
Gas‐phase F‐atom migration reaction of deprotonated N‐fluoroarenesulfonamides
Authors: Xia Yaoyu , Zhang Yu‐Yang , Zhang Qian , Zhang Xiang , Wang Hao‐Yang
Published: February 2024

Rationale

Recently N‐Fluoroarenesulfonamides (ArSO2NHF) were found to be promising precursors for the preparation of N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide derivatives without applying F2. However, very few studies have discussed the mass spectrometric behaviors of ArSO2NHF with N–F structure.

Methods

In this article, we applied high‐resolution electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HR‐ESI‐MS/MS) to study the effect on the mass spectrometric behaviors of ArSO2NHF after the introduction of the F‐atom to the N‐atom of ArSO2NH2.

Results

High‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR‐ESI‐MS) experiments showed that ArSO2NHF produced only good signals in negative ion mode, and the dominating product ion SO2F− at m/z 83 was observed in all HR‐ESI‐MS/MS of ArSO2NF− with different substituents in the Ar group. The formation of the product ion SO2F− was proof of the gas‐phase F‐atom migration rearrangement from the N‐atom to the S‐atom in ESI‐MS/MS of ArSO2NF−.

Conclusion

To fully explain the gas‐phase reaction mechanism from ArSO2NF− to SO2F−, we studied the HR‐ESI‐MS/MS of deprotonated ArSO2NHF and also performed theoretical calculations. Both results confirmed that ArSO2NF− first underwent Smiles rearrangement to yield intermediate I (INT1) ArNFSO2−, and then the F‐atom of ArNFSO2− migrated from the N‐atom to the S‐atom to form intermediate II (INT2) ArN−SO2F, which finally dissociated to SO2F− at m/z 83 with loss of a neutral nitrene (ArN). All these results showed that the formation of the product ion SO2F− from ArSO2NF− was a common and intrinsic gas‐phase reactivity of ArSO2NF−.
Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging of latent fingerprints revealed by Oil Red O
Authors: Banidol Mariska , Kouider Sophia , Sergent Isaure , Pizzala Hélène , Charles Laurence
Published: February 2024

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is increasingly used to produce chemical images of latent fingerprints. Yet, the actual benefits of MSI for real case studies have to be assessed for fingerprints previously processed by forensic techniques. Here, we have evaluated the compatibility of desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) with the fingerprint enhancement technique involving Oil Red O (ORO).

Methods

To optimize the ionization step independently from surface extraction, the ORO reagent and its mixture with model compounds (triolein and linoleic acid) were first studied in solution using high‐resolution electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS). Then, DESI‐MSI experiments were performed in both polarity modes for ORO‐processed fingermarks deposited on pieces of paper used as porous substrates.

Results

ESI‐MS of ORO reveals a complex mixture of azo dyes. Two main impurities detected beside the targeted species were characterized using MS/MS and then were usefully employed to produce DESI‐MS images of fingermarks, decreasing the scanning rate to get sufficient ion abundance from natural fingerprints. ORO did not prevent chemical profiling, and one major added value of this pink dye was to produce MS images with contrast that cannot be obtained optically for some colored substrates.

Conclusions

DESI‐MS has demonstrated imaging compatibility with the application of ORO used to enhance latent fingerprints on paper and could also enable chemical profiling in natural fingermarks. In addition, MS images of ORO impurities were of higher quality than optical ones for fingerprints revealed on colored paper.
Molecular Docking and Structure‐Activity Relationship Analysis of Target Compounds against Glyceraldehyde‐3‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase in Azithromycin‐Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Yakobi Sinethemba , Zuma Lindiwe , Pooe Ofentse
Published: February 2024

The emergence of drug‐resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae poses a significant global health challenge, necessitating the development of novel antimicrobial agents. This study focuses on the potential of phenolic compounds to target the enzyme glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in N. gonorrhoeae, a key protein involved in glycolysis and implicated in various pathological mechanisms. Among the compounds evaluated, quercetin demonstrated significant binding affinity to N. gonorrhoeae‐derived GAPDH. Structural integrity assessments using Procheck software and molecular docking simulations confirmed the binding capacity of quercetin. Molecular dynamics simulations further explored the stability and flexibility of the quercetin‐N. gonorrhoeae GAPDH complex. The results revealed interactions between quercetin and specific amino acid residues, suggesting potential binding sites crucial for antimicrobial action. This information provides valuable insights into the development of quercetin‐based therapeutics targeting drug‐resistant N. gonorrhoeae, addressing the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents.
Constructing Stable Zinc‐Metal Anodes by Synergizing Hydrophobic Host with Zincophilic Interface for Aqueous Zinc Ions Batteries
Authors: Zhou Jiahui , Ma Wenwen , Mei Yang , Wu Feng , Xie Chen , Wang Ke , Zheng Longhong , Li Li , Chen Renjie
Published: February 2024

Aqueous zinc (Zn) ions battery is promising for future large‐scale applications of energy storage due to the abundant reserves, high capacity of metallic Zn. However, dendritic growth, severe side reactions have limited the development of Zn‐metal anodes. A single skeleton structure or interface protection is difficult to simultaneously mitigate these issues. Here, a novel composite design based on the synergistic interaction between the hydrophobic host, the zincophilic interface is reported. On the one hand, the 3D substrate reduces the local current density, inhibits dendritic growth. On the other hand, the protective interface homogenizes the nucleation due to the formation of the ZnAu3 alloy layer. More importantly, the collaborative construction of the hydrophobicity, zincophilicity for the electrode alleviates the aggravated hydrogen evolution reaction (only 2.5 mmol h−1), simultaneously enables a low nucleation overpotential (31.7 mV) during cycling. Consequently, a high Coulombic efficiency of ≈98.25% after 300 cycles is harvested for the composite electrode. The pouch cells assembled by this anode, LiMn2O4 cathode maintain 82 mAh g−1 capacity retention after 140 cycles. This research shows an innovative Zn‐based structural design for aqueous Zn‐ion batteries.
Harnessing HetHydrogel: A Universal Platform to Dropletize Single‐Cell Multiomics
Authors: Zhou Guoqiang , Li Ting , Du Jingjing , Wu Mengying , Lin Deng , Pu Weilin , Zhang Jingwei , Gu Zhenglong
Published: February 2024

A universal platform is developed for dropletizing single cell plate‐based multiomic assays, consisting of three main pillars: a miniaturized open Heterogeneous Hydrogel reactor (abbreviated HetHydrogel) for multi‐step biochemistry, its tunable permeability that allows Tn5 tagmentation, and single cell droplet barcoding. Through optimizing the HetHydrogel manufacturing procedure, the chemical composition, and cell permeation conditions, simultaneous high‐throughput mitochondrial DNA genotyping and chromatin profiling at the single‐cell level are demonstrated using a mixed‐species experiment. This platform offers a powerful way to investigate the genotype‐phenotype relationships of various mtDNA mutations in biological processes. The HetHydrogel platform is believed to have the potential to democratize droplet technologies, upgrading a whole range of plate‐based single cell assays to high throughput format.
Employment and social trends by region
Authors: Horne Richard
Published: February 2024

Chapter 2 presents labour market trends by broadly defined regions. Headline indicators show an improvement in most regions, with a slight deterioration for 2024 and considerable downside risk. Employment is growing in all regions, although often driven by growth in the working‐age population. Employment‐to‐population ratios are also approaching pre‐pandemic (2019) levels in most regions. Unemployment rates are also recovering to pre‐pandemic levels, with similar subregional exceptions, including non‐GCC Arab States and East Asia, for which ratios remain above 2019 levels. Considerable heterogeneity remains across subregions and different labour market dimensions. Weaker job growth is expected in 2024 owing to various geopolitical tensions and tighter global monetary conditions.
Attosecond Physics and Quantum Information Science
Authors: Lewenstein M. , Baldelli N. , Bhattacharya U. , Biegert J. , Ciappina M. F. , Grass T. , Grochowski P. T. , Johnson A. S. , Lamprou Th. , Maxwell A. S. , Ordóñez A. , Pisanty E. , Rivera-Dean J. , Stammer P. , Tzallas P.
Published: February 2024

In this article, we will discuss a possibility of a symbiosis for attophysics (AP) and quantum information (QI) and quantum technologies (QT). We will argue that within few years AP will reach Technology Readiness Level (RTL) 4–5 in QT, and will thus become a legitimate platform for QI and QT.
Targeting the NF-κB pathway as a potential regulator of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Ebrahimi Nasim , Abdulwahid Al-Hasnawi Rasool Riyadh , Mansouri Atena , Karimi Nasrin , Bostani Rashid Jafardoust , Beiranvand Sheida , Adelian Samaneh , Khorram Roya , Vafadar Reza , Hamblin Michael R. , Aref Amir Reza
Published: February 2024

Advances in cancer immunotherapy over the last decade have led to the development of several agents that affect immune checkpoints. Inhibitory receptors expressed on T cells that negatively regulate the immune response include cytotoxic T‑lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), which have been studied more than similar receptors. Inhibition of these proteins and other immune checkpoints can stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells, and prevent the tumor from escaping the immune response. However, the administration of anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies has been associated with adverse inflammatory responses similar to autoimmune diseases. The current review discussed the role of the NF-κB pathway as a tumor promoter, and how it can govern inflammatory responses and affect various immune checkpoints. More precise knowledge about the communication between immune checkpoints and NF-κB pathways could increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy and reduce the adverse effects of checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Graphical abstract
Konsensusempfehlungen zur Diagnose und Therapie der Hyponatriämie der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Nephrologie 2024
Authors: Schwarz Christoph , Lindner Gregor , Windpessl Martin , Knechtelsdorfer Maarten , Saemann Marcus D.
Published: February 2024

Die Hyponatriämie ist eine Störung des Wasserhaushaltes. Die Wasserhomöostase wird durch das Zusammenspiel von Nierenfunktion und den zerebralen Strukturen des Durstempfindens und der Produktion des antidiuretischen Hormons aufrechterhalten. Durch die Messung der Serum-Osmolalität, Harn-Osmolalität und Harn- Natriumkonzentration können die meisten Ursachen der Hyponatriämie identifiziert werden. Hyponatriämien führen zu einem Hirnödem und können damit schwere neurologische Symptome verursachen, welche eine akute Therapie benötigen. Aber auch milde Formen der Hyponatriämie bedürfen einer, wenn möglich kausalen, oder zumindest symptomatischen Behandlung. Eine inadäquat rasche Korrektur der Hyponatriämie sollte vermieden werden, da diese das Risiko für ein zerebrale osmotische Demyelinisierung erhöht. Da die Art der Therapie eng mit der Ursache der Hyponatriämie zusammenhängt, ist eine Grundkenntnis der pathophysiologischen Prozesse für eine optimale Behandlung notwendig.
Surgical outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in patients with stable systemic disease
Authors: Saad Amr , Narr Jenny , Frings Andreas , Steinberg Johannes , Katz Toam , Linke Stephan Johannes
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the surgical outcome in terms of safety, efficacy, predictability, and retreatment rate of LASIK surgery in patients with controlled systemic diseases in comparison with healthy individuals.

Methods

The retrospective study included data from 1936 eyes of 976 patients with stable systemic diseases who underwent LASIK surgery between January 2016 and June 2019. The safety, efficacy, predictability of the surgery, and retreatment rate were evaluated in comparison with a control group comprising 1951 patients. The study was approved by the local ethics committee and adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Statistical analysis was performed using R team and the level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

All treatment groups demonstrated high safety and efficacy indices after LASIK surgery. Furthermore, the study arms demonstrated comparable predictability and retreatment rates to the control group in nearly all cases. Retreatment rates were significantly higher in the rheumatoid arthritis group (p = 0.03), while safety indices were significantly lower in the hay fever group compared to the control group (p = 0.004). No intra- or postoperative sight-threatening complications were documented.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that selected patients with stable systemic conditions can safely undergo LASIK surgery and achieve comparable outcomes to healthy individuals. Further research is needed to better understand the treatment outcomes in this challenging patient population.
Salidroside Mediated the Nrf2/GPX4 Pathway to Attenuates Ferroptosis in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Shen Jun , Chen Shasha , Li Xin , Wu Lele , Mao Xue , Jiang Jingjie , Zhu Dabu
Published: February 2024

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons, with ferroptosis playing a significant role. Salidroside (SAL) has shown neuroprotective potential, this study aims to explore its capacity to mitigate ferroptosis in PD, focusing on the modulation of the Nuclear Factor E2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2)/ Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to induce PD-like symptoms, followed by SAL and Nrf2 inhibitor administration. Then behavioral tests, immunohistochemical staining, transmission electron microscopy, and Western blot analysis were conducted to assess motor functions, pathological changes, ferroptosis, and related protein expressions. In vitro, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with erastin to induce ferroptosis to assess the protective effects of SAL. Additionally, A53T-α-synuclein (α-syn) was used to stimulate the PD model, SAL and a Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) was utilized to elucidate the role of the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway in mitigating ferroptosis in PD. In vivo, SAL significantly improved motor functions and reduced the expression of α-syn, while increasing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression of PD mice. Additionally, SAL treatment notably enhanced the levels of antioxidants and reduced MDA and iron content in the substantia nigra of PD mice. In vitro, SAL treatment increased the TH, GPX4, Nrf2 expression, and mitochondrial membrane potential whereas alleviated ferroptosis through the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway, as evidenced in erastin-induced and α-syn overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells. While these effects were reversed upon Nrf2 inhibition. SAL demonstrates significant potential in mitigating PD pathology and ferroptosis, positioning the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway as a promising therapeutic target. However, future studies should focus on the long-term effects of SAL, its pharmacokinetics, addressing the multifactorial nature of PD pathogenesis.
Rodolfo Sacco’s Scientific Parabola
Authors: Guarneri Attilio
Published: February 2024

The contribution is an overview of the scientific work of Prof. Rodolfo Sacco.
Real-time and accurate deep learning-based multi-organ nucleus segmentation in histology images
Authors: Ahmed Noha Y.
Published: February 2024

Automated nucleus segmentation is considered the gold standard for diagnosing some severe diseases. Accurate instance segmentation of nuclei is still very challenging because of the large number of clustered nuclei, and the different appearance of nuclei for different tissue types. In this paper, a neural network is proposed for fast and accurate instance segmentation of nuclei in histopathology images. The network is inspired by the Unet and residual nets. The main contribution of the proposed model is enhancing the classification accuracy of nuclear boundaries by moderately preserving the spatial features by relatively d the size of feature maps. Then, a proposed 2D convolution layer is used instead of the conventional 3D convolution layer, the core of CNN-based architectures, where the feature maps are first compacted before being convolved by 2D kernel filters. This significantly reduces the processing time and avoids the out of memory problem of the GPU. Also, more features are extracted when getting deeper into the network without degrading the spatial features dramatically. Hence, the number of layers, required to compensate the loss of spatial features, is reduced that also reduces the processing time. The proposed approach is applied to two multi-organ datasets and evaluated by the Aggregated Jaccard Index (AJI), F1-score and the number of frames per second. Also, the formula of AJI is modified to reflect the object- and pixel-level errors more accurately. The proposed model is compared to some state-of-the-art architectures, and it shows better performance in terms of the segmentation speed and accuracy.
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei AD22 Stress Response in Brined White Cheese Matrix: In Vitro Probiotic Profiles and Molecular Characterization
Authors: DISHAN Adalet , GÖNÜLALAN Zafer
Published: February 2024

Functionalizing foods involve discovering and integrating new candidate health-promoting bacteria into the food matrix. This study aimed (i) to reveal the probiotic potential of autochthonous Lacticaseibacillus paracasei AD22 by a series of in vitro tests and molecular characterization and (ii) to evaluate its application to the matrix of brined white cheese, which is the most common cheese in Türkiye, in terms of survival and stress response. To evaluate in vitro probiotic characteristics, L. paracasei AD22 was exposed to functional, technological, and safety tests. Pilot scale production was conducted to integrate L. paracasei AD22 into the brined white cheese matrix. The expression levels of stress-related genes (dnaK, groES, ftsH, argH, and hsp20) were detected by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to determine the transcriptional stress response during ripening. The presence of genes encoding stress-related proteins was determined by whole-genome sequence analysis using a subsystem approach; the presence of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes was determined by ResFinder4.1 and VirulenceFinder 2.0 databases. The BAGEL4 database determined the presence of bacteriocin clusters. L. paracasei AD22 was found to survive in pH 2 and medium with 12% NaCl and did not cause hemolysis. Adhesion of the strain to Caco2 cells was 76.26 ± 4.81% and it had coaggregation/autoaggregation properties. It was determined that L. paracasei AD22 exceeded 7 log cfu/g in the cheese matrix at the end of the ripening period. Total mesophilic aerobes decreased in the cheese inoculated with L. paracasei AD22 after the 45th day of ripening. While hsp20 and groES genes were downregulated during ripening, argH was upregulated. Both downregulation and upregulation were observed in dnaK and ftsH. Fold changes indicating the expression levels of dnaK, groES, ftsH, argH, and hsp20 genes were not statistically significant during ripening (p > 0.05). Whole-genome sequence profiles revealed that the strain did not contain antibiotic and virulence genes but bacteriocin clusters encoding Enterolysin A (Class III bacteriocin), Carnosine CP52 (class II bacteriocin), Enterocin X beta chain (Class IIc bacteriocin), and the LanT region. Subsystems approach manifested that the most functional part of the genomic distribution belonged to metabolism, protein processing, and stress response functions. The study findings highlight that L. paracasei AD22 will provide biotechnological innovation as a probiotic adjunct because it contains tolerance factors and probiotic characteristics to produce new functional foods.
Non-doxastic Attitude Reports, Information Structure, and Semantic-Pragmatic Interface
Authors: Rostworowski Wojciech , Kuś Katarzyna , Maćkiewicz Bartosz
Published: February 2024

Truth conditions of sentences ascribing non-doxastic propositional attitudes seem to depend on the information structure of the embedded clause. In this paper, we argue that this kind of sensitivity is a semantic phenomenon rather than a pragmatic one. We report four questionnaire studies which explore the impact of the information structure on the truth conditions of non-doxastic attitude ascriptions from different perspectives. The results of the first two studies show that the acceptability of those ascriptions can be affected by some structural modifications of the embedded clause, in particular, when we replace a simple form by an equivalent complex conjunctional form (‘p and q’). However, it is possible that different evaluations of such ascriptions have a pragmatic source, namely, the ascriptions with embedded conjunction imply that the agent’s attitude transfers to both conjuncts. In the second pair of studies, we further investigate the nature of this implication which can be classified as ‘Conjunction Elimination’ (CE) in the scope of an attitude verb. The results show that CE-inferences in the context of non-factive non-doxastic attitude ascriptions are not easily cancellable and hence of a semantic rather than pragmatic nature. The results are not conclusive when it comes to the factive non-doxastic attitudes. We conclude our findings by some considerations about a potential source of the observed difference between non-factive and factive attitude verbs and the significance of our general findings to the semantic theory of non-doxastic attitude ascriptions.
Key parameters of gob-side entry retaining by roof cutting in close-distance seam group
Authors: Hu Chaowen , Yang Xiaojie , Li Qian , Hu Bing , Li Yongyuan , Jiang Qi , Sun Fulong
Published: February 2024

During the process of close-distance seam group mining, the coal pillar in the upper coal seam is a stress-concentrated area, which leads to a loss of stability of the roadway during mining of the lower coal seam. This lack of stability introduces great safety hazards to coal mines. To solve the problem of stress concentration of coal pillars, the method of gob-side entry retaining by roof cutting is proposed to remove the coal pillar. In this study, FLAC3D was used to analyze the depth and angle of pre-split blasting. LS-DYNA was used to analyze the spacing of the blasthole. Using the methods of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, we determined that the optimal depth of the pre-split blasting was 6 m, the optimal angle for pre-split blasting was 15°, and the optimal spacing of the blasthole was 500 mm. A field test was carried out in the 1010201 ventilation roadway of the Yuwang Coal Mine, China. The on-site peeping results showed that when the spacing of the blasthole is 500 mm, connecting cracks can form under the action of blasting stress. After the working surface is mined, the roof strata could collapse and fill the gob over time when the depth and angle of the pre-split blasting are 6 m and 15°, respectively.
Ultrasonic pulse velocity and artificial neural network prediction of high-temperature damaged concrete splitting strength
Authors: Almasaeid Hatem
Published: February 2024

To examine the integrity of any structure following a fire, assessments of the impact of high temperatures on concrete are essential, particularly its decreased in tensile strength. Destructive examinations, such as the extraction of concrete cores, can pose significant cost and safety challenges, particularly when applied to structures that have already sustained damage. Consequently, for assessing damaged concrete, non-destructive in-situ tests are the favored approach. This study aims to develop an artificial neural network model utilizing data from ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements. The model's purpose is to assess the tensile splitting strength of concrete subjected to elevated temperatures, ranging from 200 to 800 °C. The splitting strength investigation showed that increasing the exposure temperature from 200 to 800°C results in splitting strength reduction of 15 to 75% respectively. Also, the ultrasonic pulse velocity experienced a reduction of 85% when the exposure temperature reaches 800 °C. In addition, the results of the artificial neural network model indicated that ultrasonic pulse velocity and temperature data were sufficient to reasonably forecast the tensile splitting strength of concrete. The developed artificial neural network model has a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.943, a mean absolute relative error (MARE) of 5.028, and an average squared error (ASE) of 0.000907.
Development and testing of automatic seedling extractor in robotic transplanter using mechatronics for nursery seedlings
Authors: Khadatkar Abhijit , Magar A. P. , Sawant C. P. , Modi R. U.
Published: February 2024

Vegetable seedling transplanting is a time-consuming and laborious process. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies, and automation of transplanting will ensure efficient operations. A robotic transplanter featuring a single jaw-type gripper has been created and tested for the extraction of seedlings from nursery protrays. This system employs computer-based programming for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), to execute the seedling extraction using a gripper-type end-effector. The gripper removes each seedling separately from the first row of the nursery tray and releases them to the delivery pipe. Then the designed robot propels itself forward using DC motors and a PLC-based directional control unit. The PLC allows users to input the desired seedlings extraction through an LCD screen. The developed system was tested with vegetable seedlings including chilli and tomato, and resulting the seedling extraction rate of 3 seedlings/min. The results showed that for nursery-grown seedlings, the success rate, leakage rate as well as successful transplanting ranged from 91 to 95%, 7.6 to 13.9%, and 86.8 to 90.3%, respectively. Due to a lack of manual manpower for field operations, robotic transplanters could be the future of Indian agriculture.
Enhancing the cell viability and antibacterial properties of alginate-based composite layer by adding active particulates
Authors: Al-Hasani Fatimah J. , Hamad Qahtan A. , Faheed Noor K.
Published: February 2024

Because of their exceptional biological, mechanical, and structural capabilities, polymer matrix composite materials are immensely appealing in the biomedical industry, particularly for surface activation of metallic implants and tissue engineering. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of adding 5% active metallic particles (Mg particles and Ag nanoparticles) to an alginate matrix on cell survival (fibroblast MG-36 cells), antibacterial activity, surface texture, roughness, and wettability. The incorporation of 5% Mg particles and Ag nanoparticles in polymeric matrix employed composite material with outstanding properties. The adding of Mg and Ag particles boosted wettability by decreasing the contact angle from 56.83° to 0°. The activity of Candida albicans and Porphyromanoas gingivalis was significantly reduced, particularly with Ag nanoparticles, which fight bacteria by blocking cell development and improving the antimicrobial properties of composite materials. The use of Ag nanoparticles to strengthen alginate resulted in higher fibroblast proliferation for MG-63 cell at the outer layer, which resulted in superior cell viability (24, 48, and 72). Meanwhile, due to Mg's high activity, the reverse effect was found when Mg particles were used, making the composite surface more active (enriched with Mg ions).
Rethinking the Relationship between International, EU and National Law
Authors: Kirchmair Lando
Published: February 2024

The interdisciplinary embedding and novel conceptual approach offered in the book to address the relationship between legal orders offers a significant and original contribution to the literature. The first part of the book provides a critical account of dominant approaches to explain this relationship where theories of Kelsenian monism, dualism, legal pluralism and constitutionalism are criticized. In the second part, Kirchmair engages with an innovative idea by applying insights from social contract theory to the relationship between international, EU and Member State law and establishes his theoretical approach: Consent-Based Monism. The book focuses on the most important structural characteristics of the external relations law of the EU as well as the primacy of EU law in lieu of national constitutional identity which is demonstrated in part three.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2022
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: February 2024

These are the WTO's authorized and paginated reports in English. They are an essential addition to the library of all practising trade lawyers and a useful tool for students and academics worldwide working in the field of international economic or trade law. DSR 2022: Volume II contains the panel report on 'Costa Rica - Measures Concerning the Importation of Fresh Avocados from Mexico' (WT/DS524).
Discrimination in Online Platforms
Authors: Corrêa Ana Maria
Published: February 2024

This book focuses on the legal governance of online platforms concerning direct and indirect discrimination against users in the housing, advertising, and labor markets. Through an extensive investigation of sources this book illustrates how statutory law and legal precedents in the EU and the US are only partially equipped to address discrimination against statutorily protected classes in online platforms.
Transitional Justice in Brazil
Authors: Bastos Lucia Elena Arantes Ferreira
Published: February 2024

After a period of authoritarian regime like those in Latin America during the 70's and 80's, a transition to democracy usually raises questions such as 'Who will be held accountable?', and 'Who deserves reparations?'. At the same time, in the foreground of the debate is the threat to the stability of the regime: 'How can we balance competing moral imperatives, reconcile legitimate claims for justice with equally legitimate claims for stability and social peace, and foster the relationship between justice for crimes of the past and a democratic order?'
Courageous Love: K. C. Bhattacharyya on the Puzzle of Painful Beauty
Authors: LAWSON EMILY , LOPES DOMINIC MCIVER
Published: February 2024

In the 1930s, the Bengali philosopher K. C. Bhattacharyya proposed a new theory of rasa, or aesthetic emotion, according to which aesthetic emotions are feelings that have other feelings as their intentional objects. This paper articulates how Bhattacharyya's theory offers a novel solution to the puzzle of how it is both possible and rational to enjoy the kind of negative emotions that are inspired by tragic and sorrowful tales. The new solution is distinct from the conversion and compensation views that dominate the existing literature, and it derives its significance from how it ties aesthetic experience to self-awareness.
“More than Words”: A Legal Approach to the Risks of Commercial Chatbots Powered by Generative Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Migliorini Sara
Published: February 2024

The recent commercial release of a new generation of chatbot systems, particularly those leveraging Transformer-based large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, has caught the world by surprise and sparked debate about their potential consequences for society. While concerns about the existential threat posed by these technologies are often discussed, it is crucial to shift our focus towards the more immediate risks associated with their deployment. Such risks are further compounded by the lack of proactive measures addressing users’ literacy and the for-profit model via which these chatbots are distributed. Drawing on research in computer science and other fields, this paper looks at the immediate risks triggered by these products and reflects on the role of law within a broader policy directed at steering generative artificial intelligence technology towards the common good. It also reviews the relevant amendments proposed by the European Parliament to the European Commission’s proposal for an AI Act.
PROJECTIVE CHARACTER VALUES ON REAL AND RATIONAL ELEMENTS
Authors: HIGGS R. J.
Published: February 2024

Let
$\alpha $
be a complex-valued
$2$
-cocycle of a finite group G with
$\alpha $
chosen so that the
$\alpha $
-characters of G are class functions and analogues of the orthogonality relations for ordinary characters are valid. Then the real or rational elements of G that are also
$\alpha $
-regular are characterised by the values that the irreducible
$\alpha $
-characters of G take on those respective elements. These new results generalise two known facts concerning such elements and irreducible ordinary characters of
$G;$
however, the initial choice of
$\alpha $
from its cohomology class is not unique in general and it is shown the results can vary for a different choice.
GENERATING FUNCTIONS FOR THE QUOTIENTS OF NUMERICAL SEMIGROUPS
Authors: LIU FEIHU
Published: February 2024

We propose generating functions,
$\textrm {RGF}_p(x)$
, for the quotients of numerical semigroups which are related to the Sylvester denumerant. Using MacMahon’s partition analysis, we can obtain
$\textrm {RGF}_p(x)$
by extracting the constant term of a rational function. We use
$\textrm {RGF}_p(x)$
to give a system of generators for the quotient of the numerical semigroup
$\langle a_1,a_2,a_3\rangle $
by p for a small positive integer p, and we characterise the generators of
${\langle A\rangle }/{p}$
for a general numerical semigroup A and any positive integer p.
Between international norms and land politics: the role of translocal actors in Kenyan arenas of land policy reform
Authors: Di Matteo Francesca
Published: February 2024

In Kenya, the return to the multiparty democracy of the 1990s and the initiation of the Constitutional Review of the early 2000s were two critical junctures that catalysed reform momentum and the development of transnational reform networks. Transnational relations were developed between Kenyan professionals (lawyers and academics among others), their international counterparts, and the local activists representing rural constituencies, so as to influence policymaking during constitutional and land policy reforms. These transnational networks influenced content and shape of land policy narratives by vernacularising the international norms that promote formal recognition of customary land rights. These international norms were not straightforwardly imported into Kenyan policies and statues: intense negotiations amongst actors in policy arenas resulted in their vernacularisation. Kenyan translocal actors appropriated the community land narrative, hybridised and reinterpreted it. This paper documents and analyses how the notion of community land was enshrined in Kenyan policy and constitutional documents through transnational relations. I argue that this notion of community land was shaped to the Kenyan historical and political context, at times defeating the original goal of promoting a property rights model alternative to land privatisation, and at times echoing the colonial category of tribal land, and exclusive territorial control.
A blueprint for health technology assessment capacity building: lessons learned from Malta
Authors: Abraham Katharina , Kvamme Ingelin , Magrin Sammut Sylvana , de Vries Simone , Formosa Tanya , Dupree Rudy , Corro Ramos Isaac , Goettsch Wim , Franken Margreet
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The development and strengthening of health technology assessment (HTA) capacity on the individual and organizational level and the wider environment is relevant for cooperation on HTAs. Based on the Maltese case, we provide a blueprint for building HTA capacity.

Methods

A set of activities were developed based on Pichler et al.’s framework and the starting HTA capacity in Malta. Individual level activities focused on strengthening epidemiological and health economic skills through online and in-person training. On the organizational level, a new HTA framework was developed which was subsequently utilized in a shadow assessment. Awareness campaign activities raised awareness and support in the wider environment where HTAs are conducted and utilized.

Results

The time needed to build HTA capacity exceeded the planned two years accommodating the learning progress of the assessors. In addition to the planned trainings, webinars supplemented the online courses, allowing for more knowledge exchange. The advanced online course was extended over time to facilitate learning next to the assessors’ daily tasks. Training sessions were added to implement the new economic evaluation framework, which was utilized in a second shadow assessment. Awareness by decision-makers was achieved with reports, posters, and an article on the current and developing HTA capacity.

Conclusions

It takes time and much (hands-on) training to build skills for conducting complex assessment such as HTAs. Facilitating exchange with knowledgeable parties is crucial for succeeding as well as the buy-in of local managers motivating staff. Decision-makers need to be on-boarded for the continued success of HTA capacity building.
Striving for autonomy and feminism: What possibilities for Saudi Women?
Authors: Smail Salhi Zahia
Published: February 2024

Caught in a web of cultural and religious conservatism, a totalitarian government that does not permit any form of civil society organisation, it is hardly surprising to note that before 1991 Saudi women could not mobilise in a movement to demand their confiscated rights. Until very recently, Saudi women were deprived of suffrage rights, freedom of movement, and the right to own their bodies and act freely without the consent of their male guardians. This article traces Saudi women’s trajectory to secure citizenship rights and achieve autonomy against the threat of a conservatism that is deeply imbedded in the Saudi socio-cultural fabric.
Retrospective Analysis of Circumstances of Falls and Related Injuries across Levels of Care in Older Adult Retirement Home Facilities
Authors: Cleworth Taylor W. , Perlman Christopher , Killingbeck Jaimie , Laing Andrew C.
Published: February 2024

Towards developing more effective interventions for fall-related injuries, this study analysed a novel database from six retirement home facilities over a 4-year period comprising 1,877 fallers and 12,445 falls. Falls were characterized based on location, activity, injury site, and type, and the database was stratified across four levels of care: Independent Living, Retirement Care, Assisted Care, and Memory care. Falls most occurred within the bedroom (62.8%), and during unknown (38.1%), walking (20.2%), and transfer tasks (14.6%). Approximately one in three (37%) of all falls resulted in an injury, most commonly involving the upper limb (31.8%), head (26.3%), and lower limb (22.2%), resulting in skin tears (35.3%), aches/pains (29.1%), or bruises (28.0%). While fall location, activity, and injury site were different across levels of care, injury type was not. The data from this study can assist in targeting fall-related injury prevention strategies across levels of care within retirement facilities.
Psychological capital and work functioning of workers with recurrent or metastatic cancer beyond return to work
Authors: Boelhouwer Ingrid G. , van Vuuren Tinka
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The existing studies among workers with a past cancer diagnosis have rarely focused on workers confronted with cancer recurrence or metastases specifically, so knowledge is lacking. The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate the work functioning (work ability, burnout complaints, and work engagement) of workers with recurrent or metastasized cancer. Furthermore, the association of psychological capital (hope, optimism, resilience, and self-efficacy) with work functioning was studied.

Methods

Data from a survey study among workers 2–10 years past cancer diagnosis were used (N = 750); 73% reported a diagnosis of breast cancer and 27% a diagnosis of cancer other than breast cancer. Analysis of variance was used to compare participants with and without cancer recurrence or metastases regarding work functioning (work ability, burnout complaints, and work engagement) and psychological capital (hope, optimism, resilience, and self-efficacy). Multivariate regression analyses were used to analyze the association of type of cancer and psychological capital with work functioning among workers with cancer recurrence or metastatic cancer (n = 54), controlling for age.

Results

Work ability is significantly lower among workers with cancer recurrence or metastases (controlling for age); however, burnout complaints and work engagement are at comparable levels. Among workers with cancer recurrence or metastases, a higher level of hope is positively associated with work ability and work engagement, and a higher level of hope or resilience is negatively associated with burnout complaints.

Significance of results

Among workers with cancer recurrence or metastases, work ability needs attention. Furthermore, especially the element hope of psychological capital is important to focus on because of the association with more favorable work functioning in general. The clinical psycho-oncological practice may benefit from these insights in guiding this vulnerable group of workers who are living with active cancer and many uncertainties.