bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terror
Authors: Finlay Christopher
Published: August 2023

The term “terror” is chiefly used in reference to two political practices. The first is an instrument or form of government under which violent repression is used to discipline a people faced with political emergency, to purify them of moral corruption, or both. This usage emerged in the rhetoric of the Jacobin regime in revolutionary France and has occurred since in characterizing the violent politics of the “totalitarian” regimes of the twentieth century. A related but distinct usage emerging since has seen “terror” and more commonly “terrorism” describing (and typically being used to denounce) certain “small war” tactics, especially when used by nonstate groups pursuing political aims such as national liberation or social revolution (though it also encompasses groups on the political right along with those committed to religiously inspired ideology). Moral and political philosophers differ widely on precisely which types or aspects of political violence merit this usually pejorative label and on the specific features that distinguish it from other kinds of wrong. Rival approaches emphasize, respectively, the injustice of the cause that terrorists pursue, the indiscriminate nature of their violence, their use of fear to coerce third parties, and their lack of authority to use force. Moreover, the use of terrorism by those struggling against regimes widely regarded as unjust has led some theorists to ask whether it might not sometimes be justified, with some arguing that it can.
Tully, James (1946–)
Authors: Owen David
Published: August 2023

James Tully is distinguished professor of political science, law, indigenous governance, and philosophy at the University of Victoria, Canada. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, an Emeritus Trudeau fellow and, in 2010, was awarded the Killam Prize in Humanities in recognition of his outstanding contribution to political theory and public life in Canada. For two decades, he coedited (with Quentin Skinner) theIdeas in Contextseries for Cambridge University Press.
Umma
Authors: Bashir Hassan
Published: August 2023

The termummais commonly used to refer to the global community of Muslims and to invoke the communal dimension of the Islamic confessional identity. However, while used frequently in both scholarly and everyday discourses, umma is employed without much attention to definitional precision. Consequently, umma has become a multivalent word with several applications, interpretations, meanings, and values.
Violence against Women
Authors: Webber Julie , Anderson Margaret L.
Published: August 2023

The phrase “violence against women” (VAW) has two meanings. First, violence against women is a long‐ranging historical phenomenon said to be instituted to protect male property rights through the exchange of women, a result of misogyny, a “patriarchal bargain” between conquering males and enslaved women to ensure protection, a means to correct women's behavior that results from irrationality, original sin, or lack of virtue, or the result of a cultural bias against her sex. Second, VAW is a technical term originating in women's movements and human rights circles in the twentieth century to describe the ways in which women are subordinated to men throughout the world to sustain patriarchy, gender inequality, or masculine domination. While there is no universal theory of patriarchy that people find acceptable, it is true that violence against women, which takes very distinct forms from violence against men, is almost always legitimized by the law or culture within which it takes place, whereas violence against men is routinely prosecuted by law, even in war. Violence against women is a subset of gender violence; examples include battery, bride price, rape, stalking, female genital mutilation, foot binding, honor killing, wife burning, and lesbian bashing. Though violence against women occurs globally, the modern attempt to eliminate it begins in the global North where developed countries often set standards for appropriate treatment of women.
Vitoria, Francisco de (1485?–1546)
Authors: Josephson Peter B.
Published: August 2023

Francisco de Vitoria (1485?–1546) was a Spanish theologian and political theorist of the Salamanca school. His work on the theory of just war is one of the first treatments of the topic that may be called modern, and it established the foundation for later development in the area of international law by Hugo Grotius. Vitoria was especially concerned to articulate a Thomistic natural law teaching that could respond to new modern circumstances.
Walzer, Michael (1935–)
Authors: Brown Chris
Published: August 2023

The Chinese political theory tradition grew out of a debate between several powerful schools and is in some ways more deeply and intrinsically pluralistic than thinking in the west.
Welfare State
Authors: Schram Sanford
Published: August 2023

The idea of the welfare state is highly contested. Across ideologies and theoretical schools of thought the welfare state is conceived differently. For liberals, such as T. H. Marshall (1950), the welfare state represents the zenith of a progressive development in rights from civic to political to social citizenship. For conservatives, such as Friedrich Hayek (1944), the welfare state represents a fundamental derangement undermining the inherent logic of a capitalist society. For Marxists, such as James O'Connor (1973), the welfare state represents an essential outcome of the contradictions of capitalism that generates increasing need for the state to compensate for the inequities and injuries associated with capitalist development, even as the growth of the welfare state makes it more difficult for the political economy to operate efficiently. All, however, agree that by the middle of the twentieth century the welfare state was emerging as an enduring feature of actually existing capitalist societies.
Women's Rights
Authors: Naranch Laurie E.
Published: August 2023

Women's rights are politically valuable to critique abuses of power, to construct boundaries for the protection of women's bodies, and to outline responsibilities. Claims for women's rights have proliferated since their emergence in the late eighteenth century. Since rights are part of a modern language of resistance to abuses by the powerful, it is not surprising that feminist authors would use the language of rights to challenge the injustices women face when they are not seen as moral, political, or social equals to men. We should think of women's rights as a conceptual tool to transform who the subject of rights is and as a way to challenge existing structures of gendered power. Demanding justice for one half of humanity through the concept of women's rights means transforming who counts as human entitled to rights. Women's rights have proven to be a powerful but contested political language for seeking gendered political equality.
Xenophobia
Authors: Grove Jairus
Published: August 2023

Conceptually, xenophobia is meant to describe fear or animus toward strangeness or foreignness rather than just difference. In this sense, xenophobia is resonant but not quite coincidental with the concept of racism. However, it is quite difficult to separate the two completely. For instance, the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act represented the institutionalization of xenophobia through restrictions on immigration but like much of the history of US immigration law, certain foreign populations were targeted over others in many cases in the form of overt national quotas.
Spider‐Silk‐Inspired Heterogeneous Supramolecular Network with Strain‐Stiffening, High Damping Capacity, and Supercontraction
Authors: Du Boyan , Wu Yongbin , Lu Shifu , Yang Ziqi , Huang Siya
Published: August 2023

Natural materials are adaptive with intriguing mechanical properties such as strain‐stiffening, high damping, and stimuli‐responsive actuation under ambient conditions, which are evolutionarily derived to adapt to variable environments. Such adaptabilities are highly desirable for advanced smart materials in soft robots and bionic applications yet rarely achieved all in one synthetic material. Inspired by the molecular chemistry and structure of spider silk, a structurally heterogeneous supramolecular network with all‐round adaptabilities is developed by evaporation‐induced self‐assembly of hydrogen‐bonded macromolecules. The supramolecular network consists of both hard (crystallites) and soft (amorphous) phases with dynamic hydrogen bonds, exhibiting strong strain, time, and hydration dependency with adaptive mechanical and structural responses to varying strain, deformation rate as well as moisture. Through multifunctional crosslinking, the network exhibits silk‐like attributes with an extensibility of >130%, intense strain‐stiffening (sixfold modulus enhancement), high damping capacity (>80%) over a wide range of strain rate, and moisture‐triggered large supercontraction (contraction ratio of >50%). Artificial materials with such combined adaptiveness under bio‐benign conditions are promising for applications in biomimetic and biomedical fields.
Unfilled in emergency medicine: An analysis of the 2022 and 2023 Match by program accreditation, ownership, and geography
Authors: Gettel Cameron J. , Bennett Christopher L. , Rothenberg Craig , Smith Jessica L. , Goldflam Katja , Sun Wendy W. , Venkatesh Arjun K.
Published: August 2023

Background

The two most recent National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match cycles saw a high number of initially unfilled emergency medicine (EM) residency positions. We sought to identify the risk of EM residency program characteristics including accreditation duration, primary clinical site ownership status, and geography pertaining to not initially filling all positions.

Methods

We performed a repeated cross‐sectional observational study of EM residency programs participating in the 2022 and 2023 NRMP Match cycles and used publicly available data from the NRMP, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Our primary outcome was the proportion of EM residency programs that did not initially fill positions, with analyses stratified by accreditation duration (>5 or ≤5 years), primary clinical site ownership status, and geographic core‐based statistical areas (CBSAs).

Results

A total of 219 of 2921 (7.5%) positions in the 2022 Match and 554 of 3010 (18.4%) positions in the 2023 Match were initially unfilled. Over the 2‐year period, EM residency programs accredited within the past 5 years had more than double the risk (relative risk [RR] 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.69–2.57, chi‐square p < 0.001) of not filling all positions compared to those accredited more than 5 years previously. EM residency programs with a primary clinical site under for‐profit ownership had a 50% greater risk of not filling all positions when compared to those under nonprofit or governmental ownership (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.14–1.98, chi‐square p = 0.009). In 2023, several CBSAs had a high number of both offered and unfilled positions.

Conclusions

EM residency programs accredited within the past 5 years or those with a primary clinical site under for‐profit ownership had a greater risk of not filling all positions within the past two Match cycles.
Equivalent circuit model‐based design and analysis of microstrip line fed electrically small patch antenna for sub‐6 GHz 5G applications
Authors: Verma Ramesh Kumar , Priya Bandana , Singh Maninder , Singh Pramod , Yadav Ashok , Singh Vinod Kumar
Published: August 2023

In this paper, an equivalent circuit model‐based electrically small patch antenna is designed for sub‐6 GHz 5G application (3.5 GHz) using 50‐Ω microstrip line feed. The overall size of the proposed antenna is 0.33λ0 × 0.4λ0 × 0.019λ0 (28 × 34 × 1.6 mm3) at 3.50 GHz frequency. The proposed antenna has a tilted Y‐shape slot, two rectangular shape slots, and two rectangular shape notches in the radiating patch. The proposed antenna is resonating from 3.21 to 3.74 GHz covering the entire sub‐6 GHz 5G band (3.3–3.8 GHz). The impedance bandwidth (simulated) of the proposed antenna has been obtained 530 MHz resonating at 3.50 GHz frequency. The good return loss of −23.62 dB is also obtained at 3.50 GHz resonant frequency. The simulation results and geometry of the proposed antenna are validated with equivalent circuit model and experimental measurement of prototype antenna using vector network analyzer (VNA) and anechoic chamber. In the whole operating frequency range, the measured findings show reasonable agreement with the simulated ones. The measured impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna has been obtained 480 MHz (3.21–3.69 GHz) resonating at 3.48 GHz frequency with a return loss of −21.61 dB, while the theoretical impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna has been obtained 720 MHz (3.18–3.90 GHz) resonating at 3.58 GHz frequency with a return loss of −21.5 dB. The peak gain of 3.39 (simulated) and 3.2 dB (measured) is obtained at 3.50 GHz frequency. Moreover, the antenna shows 97% (simulated) and 95% (measured) efficiency at 3.50 GHz frequency.
Projected changes in extreme precipitation and temperature events over Central Africa from COSMO‐CLM simulations under the global warming level of 1.5°C and above
Authors: Fotso‐Kamga Gabriel , Fotso‐Nguemo Thierry C. , Diallo Ismaila , Nyanchi Godwill T. , Yepdo Zéphirin D. , Chouto Steven , Kaissassou Samuel , Zebaze Sinclaire , Tanessong Roméo S. , Djiotang Tchotchou Lucie A. , Vondou Derbetini A. , Diedhiou Arona , Lenouo André
Published: August 2023

This study explores the response of the increased global warning levels (GWLs) on the spatio‐temporal characteristics of extreme precipitation and temperature events over Central Africa (CA). For this purpose, eight indices proposed by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices have been computed based on an ensemble‐mean of simulations from the COnsortium for Small‐scale MOdelling in CLimate Mode (CCLM) regional climate model, under the Representative Concentration Pathways scenario RCP8.5. The ability of CCLM to represent the climatology of considered daily hydro‐climatic extreme indices related to both precipitation and temperature was also assessed. The results showed that despite the presence of some biases, the precipitation and temperature indices are satisfactorily represented by CCLM, with some notable improvements compared to the GCMs driving fields. The climate change signals under 1.5°C GWL threshold show mostly increases (decreases) in SDII, CDD, R95PTOT, T10, T90, WSDI, and DTR (RR1) over CA throughout the year, and these effects intensify towards a warmer world. Singularly, the strongest changes in these extreme events are generally recorded during the JJA season over the northern part of CA. The results also show on one hand a widespread decrease in mean precipitation (up to 2 mm · day−1 corresponding to ~50%) associated with the increase/decrease in CDD/RR1, and on the other hand an increase in mean temperatures (up to 4°C corresponding to ~18%) associated with the increase in both lowest and highest temperatures (T10, T90). This study suggests that the CA region will be prone to droughts and floods as well as heat waves in a warmer world and calls for climate action and adaptation strategies to mitigate the risks associated with the above changes on rain‐fed agriculture, water resource, and human health.
Friends in the village:do they matter for women’s involvement in household decisions?
Authors: D’Exelle Ben , Ignowski Liz
Published: August 2023

It is often assumed that social connections are good for female empowerment in developing countries. However, growing evidence suggests that empowered women may face backlash from their spouse. In this paper, we analyze how the number of friends that wives have in their village affects the wives’ involvement in household decisions about their own health and their children’s health. To do so, we use data from 700 couples in 30 villages in rural Tanzania. We estimate the effect of the number of friends on the wife’s involvement in household decisions using a multinomial logit regression combined with a control function that deals with potential endogeneity bias. We find that wives with more friends are less likely to make decisions jointly with their husband, and are more likely to report that their husband makes decisions without their involvement. We further explore whether the effects depend on the “type” of friends, as defined by their gender and whether they are shared with the husband.
Comparison of manual and artificial intelligence based quantification of myocardial strain by feature tracking—a cardiovascular MR study in health and disease
Authors: Gröschel Jan , Kuhnt Johanna , Viezzer Darian , Hadler Thomas , Hormes Sophie , Barckow Phillip , Schulz-Menger Jeanette , Blaszczyk Edyta
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The analysis of myocardial deformation using feature tracking in cardiovascular MR allows for the assessment of global and segmental strain values. The aim of this study was to compare strain values derived from artificial intelligence (AI)–based contours with manually derived strain values in healthy volunteers and patients with cardiac pathologies.

Materials and methods

A cohort of 136 subjects (60 healthy volunteers and 76 patients; of those including 46 cases with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) of varying etiology and 30 cases with chronic myocardial infarction) was analyzed. Comparisons were based on quantitative strain analysis and on a geometric level by the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of the segmentations. Strain quantification was performed in 3 long-axis slices and short-axis (SAX) stack with epi- and endocardial contours in end-diastole. AI contours were checked for plausibility and potential errors in the tracking algorithm.

Results

AI-derived strain values overestimated radial strain (+ 1.8 ± 1.7% (mean difference ± standard deviation); p = 0.03) and underestimated circumferential (− 0.8 ± 0.8%; p = 0.02) and longitudinal strain (− 0.1 ± 0.8%; p = 0.54). Pairwise group comparisons revealed no significant differences for global strain. The DSC showed good agreement for healthy volunteers (85.3 ± 10.3% for SAX) and patients (80.8 ± 9.6% for SAX). In 27 cases (27/76; 35.5%), a tracking error was found, predominantly (24/27; 88.9%) in the LVH group and 22 of those (22/27; 81.5%) at the insertion of the papillary muscle in lateral segments.

Conclusions

Strain analysis based on AI-segmented images shows good results in healthy volunteers and in most of the patient groups. Hypertrophied ventricles remain a challenge for contouring and feature tracking.

Clinical relevance statement

AI-based segmentations can help to streamline and standardize strain analysis by feature tracking.

Key Points

• Assessment of strain in cardiovascular magnetic resonance by feature tracking can generate global and segmental strain values.

• Commercially available artificial intelligence algorithms provide segmentation for strain analysis comparable to manual segmentation.

• Hypertrophied ventricles are challenging in regards of strain analysis by feature tracking.
Fructose: a modulator of intestinal barrier function and hepatic health?
Authors: Staltner Raphaela , Burger Katharina , Baumann Anja , Bergheim Ina
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Consumption of fructose has repeatedly been discussed to be a key factor in the development of health disturbances such as hypertension, diabetes type 2, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Despite intense research efforts, the question if and how high dietary fructose intake interferes with human health has not yet been fully answered.

Results

Studies suggest that besides its insulin-independent metabolism dietary fructose may also impact intestinal homeostasis and barrier function. Indeed, it has been suggested by the results of human and animal as well as in vitro studies that fructose enriched diets may alter intestinal microbiota composition. Furthermore, studies have also shown that both acute and chronic intake of fructose may lead to an increased formation of nitric oxide and a loss of tight junction proteins in small intestinal tissue. These alterations have been related to an increased translocation of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) like bacterial endotoxin and an induction of dependent signaling cascades in the liver but also other tissues.

Conclusion

In the present narrative review, results of studies assessing the effects of fructose on intestinal barrier function and their impact on the development of health disturbances with a particular focus on the liver are summarized and discussed.
A magnetic nanoparticle-based microfluidic device fabricated using a 3D-printed mould for separation of Escherichia coli from blood
Authors: Jóskowiak Agnieszka , Nogueira Catarina L. , Costa Susana P. , Cunha Alexandra P. , Freitas Paulo P. , Carvalho Carla M.
Published: August 2023

Herein, A microfluidic device is described, produced with a 3D-printed master mould that rapidly separates and concentrates Escherichia coli directly from whole blood samples, enabling a reduction in the turnaround time of bloodstream infections (BSIs) diagnosis. Moreover, it promotes the cleansing of the blood samples whose complexity frequently hampers bacterial detection. The device comprises a serpentine mixing channel with two inlets, one for blood samples (spiked with bacteria) and the other for magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with a (bacterio)phage receptor-binding protein (RBP) with high specificity for E. coli. After the magnetic labelling of bacteria throughout the serpentine, the microchannel ends with a trapping reservoir where bacteria-MNPs conjugates are concentrated using a permanent magnet. The optimized sample preparation device successfully recovered E. coli (on average, 66%) from tenfold diluted blood spiked within a wide range of bacterial load (102 CFU to 107 CFU mL−1). The non-specific trapping, tested with Staphylococcus aureus, was at a negligible level of 12%. The assay was performed in 30 min directly from diluted blood thus presenting an advantage over the conventional enrichment in blood cultures (BCs). The device is simple and cheap to fabricate and can be tailored for multiple bacterial separation from complex clinical samples by using RBPs targeting different species. Moreover, the possibility to integrate a biosensing element to detect bacteria on-site can provide a reliable, fast, and cost-effective point-of-care device.

Graphical abstract
Benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors: an interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Uerschels Anne-Kathrin , Dengler Nora F. , Chihi Mehdi , Lenkeit Annika , Dinger Thiemo F. , Jabbarli Ramazan , Sure Ulrich , Hagenacker Tim , Wrede Karsten H. , Gembruch Oliver
Published: August 2023

A benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor (bPNST) is a rare lesion associated with peripheral nerval structures. Symptoms may be heterogeneous, complicating diagnosis finding. Additionally, management concepts of bPNST may vary. In some cases, initial misdiagnosis leads to mistreatment resulting in severe functional deficits and chronic pain syndromes. Therefore, we analyzed patients treated for bPNST in our specialized institution with a primary focus on prior misdiagnosis and possible mistreatment. Patients with bPNSTs (schwannomas, neurofibromas, hybrid nerve sheath tumors, and perineuriomas) treated at the Neurosurgical Department between January 1, 2015, and July 31, 2021, were included. Assessment of demographics, tumor entity, tumor location, symptoms, the interval between the onset of symptoms and surgery, involved medical specialties, and outpatients’ treatment, with particular focus on initial misdiagnosis and inappropriate medical treatment, was performed. Eighty-five patients were included in the final analysis with schwannoma being the most prevalent histopathological diagnosis (schwannoma (75.3%, n=64), neurofibroma (12.9%, n=11), hybrid nerve sheath tumor (5.9%, n=5), and perineurioma (5.9%, n=5)). An incorrect primary diagnosis was detected in 44.7% (n=38), leading to suboptimal or insufficient treatment in these cases. Of those, 28.9% (n=11/38) were treated suboptimal, while 18.5% (n=7/38) underwent unnecessary invasive diagnostics. Inappropriate surgery based on prior misdiagnosis, which led to severe neurological deficits in all these cases, was reported in 26.3% (n=10/38). For the first time, our data shows the quantity and impact of incorrect initial diagnosis in bPNST causing a delay in causative treatment or resulting in unnecessary or potentially harmful treatment.
Social Stories for Promoting Social Communication with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using a Humanoid Robot: Step-by-Step Study
Authors: Silva Vinícius , Pereira Ana Paula , Soares Filomena , Leão Celina P. , Jurdi Andrea , Sena Esteves João , Hertzberg Juliana
Published: August 2023

Technological tools are being used in support sessions with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), producing a high level of encouragement and engagement in these individuals. A four-step study comprising a focus group session, thinking aloud sessions, an online questionnaire, and a pilot study was conducted. First, a focus group session was conducted with professionals (n = 10) with different backgrounds that support children with ASD on a daily basis. Considering the outputs from the focus group, thinking aloud sessions with two specialists and an online questionnaire with 138 participants were conducted. Finally, a pilot study with four children with ASD was performed in order to test the constraints of the system. The goal of this article is to present findings concerning the design of social stories in a storytelling game that uses a new object with playware technology (OPT) as tangible interface with children with ASD. The storytelling game allows promoting the recognition of emotions in a triadic setup involving a robot, a child, and a professional or researcher. The key issue in this activity is to find the adequacy of the scenarios. The participants pointed out the main aspects to take into account in the development of the storytelling scenarios. New designs of the story scenarios were developed and the final design of the OPT was elaborated. The pilot study allowed to conclude that the children understood the mechanics of the games and successfully interacted with the new OPT.
Secure Video Streaming Using Dedicated Hardware
Authors: Murray-Hill Nicholas , Fontes Laura , Machado Pedro , Ihianle Isibor Kennedy
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this article is to present a system that enhances the security, efficiency, and reconfigurability of an Internet-of-Things (IoT) system used for surveillance and monitoring. A Multi-Processor System-On-Chip (MPSoC) composed of Central Processor Unit (CPU) and Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is proposed for increasing the security and the frame rate of a smart IoT edge device. The private encryption key is safely embedded in the FPGA unit to avoid being exposed in the Random Access Memory (RAM). This allows the edge device to securely store and authenticate the key, protecting the data transmitted from the same Integrated Circuit (IC). Additionally, the edge device can simultaneously publish and route a camera stream using a lightweight communication protocol, achieving a frame rate of 14 frames per Second (fps). The performance of the MPSoC is compared to a NVIDIA Jetson Nano (NJN) and a Raspberry Pi 4 (RPI4) and it is found that the RPI4 is the most cost-effective solution but with lower frame rate, the NJN is the fastest because it can achieve higher frame-rate but it is not secure, and the MPSoC is the optimal solution because it offers a balanced frame rate and it is secure because it never exposes the secure key into the memory. The proposed system successfully addresses the challenges of security, scalability, and efficiency in an IoT system used for surveillance and monitoring. The Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) encryption key is securely stored and authenticated, and the edge device is able to simultaneously publish and route a camera stream feed high-definition images at 14 fps. The proposed system enhances the security, efficiency, and reconfigurability of an IoT system used for surveillance and monitoring. The RSA encryption key is effectively protected by the implementation of an MPSoC with Programmable Logic (PL), which also allows for faster processing and data transmission.
Market entry as a marketplace owner: when and why should you sell on your marketplace?
Authors: Rösch Jürgen
Published: August 2023

The new Digital Market Act (DMA) of the European Union imposes stricter rules on gatekeeper platforms. While this affects only a few very large platforms, the discussion surrounding the implementation of the DMA offers valuable insights into the strategic behaviors of those gatekeeper platforms. A gatekeeper platform, for example, may enter its platform as a supplier, which may hurt existing third-party suppliers and restrict fair competition on the platform. This paper flips the academic discussion on whether marketplace owners should be allowed to sell on their marketplaces. It illustrates why this behavior is profitable for gatekeepers and how marketplace owners can apply this knowledge to improve their business models. The paper identifies five situations in which becoming a supplier in one’s marketplace can be profitable, but it also proposes alternative solutions to entering the market.
Coordinated Metabolic Responses Facilitate Cardiac Growth in Pregnancy and Exercise
Authors: Schulman-Geltzer Emily B. , Collins Helen E. , Hill Bradford G. , Fulghum Kyle L.
Published: August 2023

Purpose of Review

Pregnancy and exercise are systemic stressors that promote physiological growth of the heart in response to repetitive volume overload and maintenance of cardiac output. This type of remodeling is distinct from pathological hypertrophy and involves different metabolic mechanisms that facilitate growth; however, it remains unclear how metabolic changes in the heart facilitate growth and if these processes are similar in both pregnancy- and exercise-induced cardiac growth.

Recent Findings

The ability of the heart to metabolize a myriad of substrates balances cardiac demands for energy provision and anabolism. During pregnancy, coordination of hormonal status with cardiac reductions in glucose oxidation appears important for physiological growth. During exercise, a reduction in cardiac glucose oxidation also appears important for physiological growth, which could facilitate shuttling of glucose-derived carbons into biosynthetic pathways for growth. Understanding the metabolic underpinnings of physiological cardiac growth could provide insight to optimize cardiovascular health and prevent deleterious remodeling, such as that which occurs from postpartum cardiomyopathy and heart failure.

This short review highlights the metabolic mechanisms known to facilitate pregnancy-induced and exercise-induced cardiac growth, both of which require changes in cardiac glucose metabolism for the promotion of growth. In addition, we mention important similarities and differences of physiological cardiac growth in these models as well as discuss current limitations in our understanding of metabolic changes that facilitate growth.
International Trauma-Informed Practice Principles for Schools (ITIPPS): expert consensus of best-practice principles
Authors: Martin Karen , Dobson Madeleine , Fitzgerald Kate , Ford Madeleine , Lund Stephan , Egeberg Helen , Walker Rebecca , Milroy Helen , Wheeler Keane , Kasten-Lee Amanda , Bayly Lisa , Gazey Angela , Falconer Sarah , Platell Monique , Berger Emily
Published: August 2023

Recognition that schools should be responsive to children who are impacted by adversity and trauma is burgeoning internationally. However, consensus regarding the necessary components of a trauma-informed school is lacking. This research developed expert-informed and internationally relevant best-practice trauma-informed principles for schools. A four-phase methodology included (i) identification of school-relevant trauma-informed practice programs, (ii) inductive thematic analysis of the main concepts underlying programs, (iii) phrasing of draft Principles and (iv) Principle revision and finalisation via a two-round Delphi survey with international experts. Excellent agreement by experts on the importance of all Principles was achieved (round 1 ≥ 86.4%, 2 ≥ 92.3%). The final ‘International Trauma-Informed Practice Principles for Schools’ (ITIPPS) include four Overarching (A–D) and 10 Practice Principles (1–10). Summarised, these include that the school: (A) is student focussed; (B) models compassion and generosity; (C) is understanding and responsive; (D) incorporates recognition of their First Nations peoples in the school’s ethos: (1) prioritises safety and wellbeing; (2) models positive relationships; (3) provides a positive culture and connects; (4) consults and collaborates; (5) supports vulnerable students; (6) teaches social and emotional learning; (7) provides trauma-informed practice training; (8) is predictable yet flexible; (9) identifies and nurtures strengths and (10) reflects, changes and grows. The ITIPPS provide clear guidance for education sectors, schools and other settings about appropriate learning environments for children and young people impacted by trauma. Research is now underway in Western Australian schools to pilot test the feasibility and impact of using the ITIPPS within a framework (thoughtfulschools.org.au) to establish trauma-informed schools.
A simplified proof of Serre’s conjecture
Authors: Dieulefait Luis Victor , Pacetti Ariel Martín
Published: August 2023

The purpose of the present article is to present a simplified proof of Serre’s modularity conjecture using the strong modularity lifting results currently available.
Human parietal epithelial cells (PECs) and proteinuria in lupus nephritis: a role for ClC-5, megalin, and cubilin?
Authors: Ceol Monica , Gianesello Lisa , Trimarchi Hernan , Migliorini Alberto , Priante Giovanna , Radu Claudia M. , Naso Elena , Angelini Annalisa , Calò Lorenzo A. , Anglani Franca , Del Prete Dorella
Published: August 2023

Background

Parietal epithelial cells are a heterogeneous population of cells located on Bowman’s capsule. These cells are known to internalize albumin with a still undetermined mechanism, although albumin has been shown to induce phenotypic changes in parietal epithelial cells. Proximal tubular cells are the main actors in albumin handling via the macromolecular complex composed by ClC-5, megalin, and cubilin. This study investigated the role of ClC-5, megalin, and cubilin in the parietal epithelial cells of kidney biopsies from proteinuric lupus nephritis patients and control subjects and identified phenotypical changes occurring in the pathological milieu.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses for ClC-5, megalin, cubilin, ANXA3, podocalyxin, CD24, CD44, HSA, and LTA marker were performed on 23 kidney biopsies from patients with Lupus Nephritis and 9 control biopsies (obtained from nephrectomies for renal cancer).

Results

Two sub-populations of hypertrophic parietal epithelial cells ANXA3+/Podocalyxin−/CD44−, both expressing ClC-5, megalin, and cubilin and located at the tubular pole, were identified and characterized: the first one, CD24+/HSA−/LTA− had characteristics of human adult parietal epithelial multipotent progenitors, the second one, CD24−/LTA+/HSA+ committed to become phenotypically proximal tubular cells. The number of glomeruli presenting hypertrophic parietal epithelial cells positive for ClC-5, megalin, and cubilin were significantly higher in lupus nephritis patients than in controls.

Conclusions

Our results may provide further insight into the role of hypertrophic parietal epithelial cells located at the tubular pole and their possible involvement in protein endocytosis in lupus nephritis patients. These data also suggest that the presence of hypertrophic parietal epithelial cells in Bowman's capsule represents a potential resource for responding to protein overload observed in other glomerulonephritis.

Graphical abstract
Cerium Methacrylate Assisted Preparation of Highly Thermally Conductive and Anticorrosive Multifunctional Coatings for Heat Conduction Metals Protection
Authors: Xu Fei , Ye Peng , Peng Jianwen , Geng Haolei , Cui Yexiang , Bao Di , Lu Renjie , Zhu Hongyu , Zhu Yanji , Wang Huaiyuan
Published: August 2023

Preparing polymeric coatings with well corrosion resistance and high thermal conductivity (TC) to prolong operational life and ensure service reliability of heat conductive metallic materials has long been a substantive and urgent need while a difficult task. Here we report a multifunctional epoxy composite coating (F-CB/CEP) by synthesizing cerium methacrylate and ingeniously using it as a novel curing agent with corrosion inhibit for epoxy resin and modifier for boron nitride through "cation-π" interaction. The prepared F-CB/CEP coating presents a high TC of 4.29 W m−1 K−1, which is much higher than other reported anti-corrosion polymer coatings and thereby endowing metal materials coated by this coating with outstanding thermal management performance compared with those coated by pure epoxy coating. Meanwhile, the low-frequency impedance remains at 5.1 × 1011 Ω cm2 even after 181 days of immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Besides, the coating also exhibits well hydrophobicity, self-cleaning properties, temperature resistance and adhesion. This work provides valuable insights for the preparation of high-performance composite coatings with potential to be used as advanced multifunctional thermal management materials, especially for heat conduction metals protection.
High-Quality Epitaxial N Doped Graphene on SiC with Tunable Interfacial Interactions via Electron/Ion Bridges for Stable Lithium-Ion Storage
Authors: Sun Changlong , Xu Xin , Gui Cenlin , Chen Fuzhou , Wang Yian , Chen Shengzhou , Shao Minhua , Wang Jiahai
Published: August 2023

Tailoring the interfacial interaction in SiC-based anode materials is crucial to the accomplishment of higher energy capacities and longer cycle lives for lithium-ion storage. In this paper, atomic-scale tunable interfacial interaction is achieved by epitaxial growth of high-quality N doped graphene (NG) on SiC (NG@SiC). This well-designed NG@SiC heterojunction demonstrates an intrinsic electric field with intensive interfacial interaction, making it an ideal prototype to thoroughly understand the configurations of electron/ion bridges and the mechanisms of interatomic electron migration. Both density functional theory (DFT) analysis and electrochemical kinetic analysis reveal that these intriguing electron/ion bridges can control and tailor the interfacial interaction via the interfacial coupled chemical bonds, enhancing the interfacial charge transfer kinetics and preventing pulverization/aggregation. As a proof-of-concept study, this well-designed NG@SiC anode shows good reversible capacity (1197.5 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.1 A g−1) and cycling durability with 76.6% capacity retention at 447.8 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 10.0 A g−1. As expected, the lithium-ion full cell (LiFePO4/C//NG@SiC) shows superior rate capability and cycling stability. This interfacial interaction tailoring strategy via epitaxial growth method provides new opportunities for traditional SiC-based anodes to achieve high-performance lithium-ion storage and beyond.
Awe: A Systematic Review within a Cognitive Behavioural Framework and Proposed Cognitive Behavioural Model of Awe
Authors: Schaffer Vikki , Huckstepp Tyrone , Kannis-Dymand Lee
Published: August 2023

Awe is considered a transformational and multifaceted emotion. Vastness is the core cognitive appraisal associated with awe, which activates a need for cognitive accommodation. Increasingly, studies are evaluating awe’s dimensions including triggers, cognitive and emotional characteristics, and primarily beneficial outcomes. Additionally, numerous emotions have been conceptualised within a cognitive behavioural framework and cognitive behavioural models may be utilised to promote positive human qualities and experiences. Therefore, this paper outlines the results of a systematic review of the literature on awe from a cognitive behavioural perspective to propose a cognitive behavioural model. Databases searched included Psych Net, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO, SAGE, JSTOR, Springer LINK, Taylor and Francis, and Wiley with the inclusion of peer reviewed articles. A total of 57 studies were identified. Triggers of awe were primarily related to nature and cognitive processes centred on vastness and the need for accommodation. A range of outcomes associated with awe were identified including increased well-being, spiritual growth, and pro-environmental intent. The key findings from this review informed a cognitive behavioural model of awe. Such a cognitive behavioural model may inform the cultivation of awe for individual, community, or environmental well-being and experience design. Future research is required to validate the proposed model, proposed pathways, and utility.
Tweens: A Positive Psychology Family Intervention for Adolescents with Depression- or Anxiety-related Symptomatology
Authors: Söderlund Jennifer , Simonsen Julia , Alanko Katarina , Fagerlund Åse
Published: August 2023

Positive psychology is the scientific study of human thoughts, feelings and behaviour that focuses on building resources rather than treating illness. The current pilot study utilised qualitative methods to explore an intervention, ‘Tweens’, based on proven methods from positive psychology. Tweens was designed to be suitable for adolescents aged 11–14, who experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. A defining feature of Tweens is that it included both the afflicted children and their parents, and is the first study to examine a positive psychology family intervention for this target group. Using Constructive Grounded Theory, this study sought to determine what meaning, if any, the participants ascribed to Tweens and how they integrated the methods into their daily lives. The study also investigated why some participants did not find the intervention meaningful or effective. The results show that the experienced meaningfulness of Tweens can be divided into three main categories: (1) A sense of belonging or togetherness, (2) The utility of the tools that were taught, and (3) An increased mindsight and learning how to choose actions mindfully. The results are discussed in light of the broaden-and-build theory: when parents and children have shared knowledge and vocabulary for talking about well-being, supportive upward spirals occur. All the adolescents did not perceive the intervention as meaningful, and we discuss variations in depressiveness, problematic life circumstances and possible flaws in the intervention as possible reasons for this.
The relevance of domestic and foreign factors in driving Ghana’s business cycle
Authors: Ameyaw Emmanuel
Published: August 2023

It is commonly assumed that external shocks dominate economic fluctuations in least-developed countries (LDCs), particularly commodity-exporting LDCs. Nonetheless, the magnitude and extent of the impact of such shocks compared to other domestic drivers of the business cycle in these countries remain unclear. This study employs a business cycle accounting model to empirically explore the relative contributions of domestic and external factors to Ghana’s post-independence business cycle. Contrary to widely held beliefs, our results suggest that external factors do not exert a predominant influence on Ghana’s business cycle. Instead, Ghana’s business cycle is driven largely by productivity shocks (or efficiency wedges), with the 1980s recession being an exception (which was largely driven by investment wedges). Furthermore, we also show that it is better to capture Ghana’s 2011 oil boom as a productivity shock rather than a government spending or an external shock (as some have done) when building a model of economic fluctuations for Ghana’s economy for that episode of the business cycle. These results have important implications for building models of economic fluctuations for Ghana’s economy.
South African health sciences students’ perspectives on utilisation, constraints and future possibilities of mHealth and e-Learning
Authors: Habib Noorbhai , Danica Sims , Nadia Hartman
Published: August 2023

The global COVID-19 pandemic has added considerable complexity to the education and training of health care professionals as well as patient care. Literature suggests that e-Learning and mobile health (mHealth) technologies have great potential, but research studies are sparse, especially in low- to middle-income countries. The paper presents South African health science students’ perceptions of the importance, relevance, constraints and future possibilities of e-Learning and mHealth. Students from five universities participated in a modified Delphi. The first phase of student focus groups and interviews (n = 5), established baseline experiences and perceptions of e-Learning and mHealth during and post-COVID-19. These findings informed the design of an online survey (n = 155) for the second phase of the study. The majority of students were familiar with e-Learning, less so with mHealth; however most believed both to be a beneficial complement to theoretical and clinical teaching. Reasons for an integrated Learning Management System (LMS), also known as virtual learning environments, include increased flexibility, access and enhanced learning; and issues of anxiety, reduced interactivity, an absence of context and a lack of discipline- or profession-specific features as reasons against. The perceived importance of particular features of e-Learning and mHealth tools were highlighted. These findings will contribute to the redesign of online work-integrated curricula and the development of an inclusive, student-centred, health sciences-specific integrated and multi-modal LMS directed towards student-centred learning while addressing concerns around the digital divide and social justice.
Motivational and emotional states in self-directed language learning: a longitudinal study
Authors: Chamani Samane , Razi Atefeh , Xodabande Ismail
Published: August 2023

The current longitudinal case study investigated emotional and motivational states in a self-directed and mobile-assisted language learning environment. The participant of the study was a highly motivated language learner who used the Busuu application for a period of one year to learn German. Tracing the participant’s emotional and motivational journey using solicited diaries and chat-based interviews, the study revealed that the process of self-directed language learning is associated with the experience of a variety of positive and negative emotions. Joy, hope, and interest were the prevailing positive emotions that were linked to learning vocabulary; and frustration, anger, and feeling annoyed were the negative emotions in relation to learning grammar and pronunciation. In general, the study found a strong connection between positive emotions and persistence in self-directed language learning. The findings also pointed to some possible causes of high dropouts in application based language learning, as lack of enough resources for learning some language skills (such as grammar) initiated and implicated extensive processes of negative emotions. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge in mobile-assisted language learning, and calls for further research regarding the role of emotions in technology-based and self-directed learning environments.