bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reorganização fluvial em paisagens serranas: análise preliminar da interação entre processos gravitacionais e fluviais na Serra da Prata, litoral do Paraná
Authors: Paz Otacílio Lopes de Souza da , Paula Eduardo Vedor de
Published: March 2024

Corridas de lama e detritos são eventos que podem resultar em expressivas mudanças nos sistemas fluviais. Apesar desses eventos serem frequentemente relatados na literatura, sobretudo, na Serra do Mar, a abordagem da interação processos gravitacionais e processos fluviais ainda é tema em aberto no campo da Geomorfologia. Assim, considerando a Serra da Prata (litoral do Paraná) como recorte de estudo, objetiva-se analisar as reorganizações fluviais impostas pelas corridas de lama e detritos ocorridas em março de 2011, a partir da análise temporal da forma em planta de três canais fluviais (rios Jacareí, Tingidor e Santa Cruz) obtidos por dados de sensoriamento remoto. Para tal, foi proposta uma classificação de processos de reorganização fluvial considerando a interação entre processos fluviais e gravitacionais. Foram identificados 12 pontos de reorganização fluvial, divididos entre os processos de formação de canais (7), corte/desvio (4) e captura (1). O rio Jacareí apresentou o maior número de pontos de reorganização fluvial (7). Os processos de formação de canais e corte/desvio ocorreram tanto em porções elevadas do relevo (com alta declividade) como em trechos da planície de inundação. O processo de captura ocorreu na porção média das vertentes da Serra da Prata em função do rompimento de margens pelas corridas de lama e detritos. Recomenda-se que sejam realizados estudos visando identificar estes processos em outros rios da Serra do Mar afetados por corridas de lama e detritos, bem como os debates sobre os conceitos empregados para analisar estas mudanças resultantes da interação de processos gravitacionais e fluviais.
Análise espaço-temporal e extrema da erosividade da chuva na região centro-leste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Bolleli Talyson , Santos Bruno , Sanches Rafael , Moreira Rodrigo , Bourscheidt Vandoir , Souza Paulo Henrique de , Mauad Frederico
Published: March 2024

A degradação do solo tem se tornado um dos mais importantes problemas ambientais do mundo devido ao rápido crescimento populacional, intensificação dos processos erosivos e aumento do aquecimento global. Buscando uma maneira eficiente de obtenção de dados para o cálculo da Erosividade o presente estudo tem como objetivo articular as análises dos dados de chuva com as técnicas de Geoprocessamento e Sensoriamento Remoto. Foram utilizados 31 postos pluviométricos para aquisição dos dados de superfície, após as classificações anuais, foram selecionados dois anos extremos da erosividade, sendo um ano chuvoso e outro ano seco. Entre os anos extremos selecionados, foi realizada a classificação mensal da perda de solo para os doze meses de cada ano representativo. Por último, foi aplicado o cálculo da perda de solo por meio da RUSLE, com o propósito de mostrar como os valores de erosividade em anos extremos de chuva e de seca contribuem para o processo da perda do solo na área de estudo. Os resultados obtidos, mostram que a erosividade da chuva variou de 4800 a 11100 Mj.mm.ha-1.h-1.ano-1, com a média observada de 7950 Mj.mm.ha-1.h-1.ano-1. A RUSLE estimou perdas médias de solo para a área de 8,2 Mg ha-1 ano-1 e 5,4 Mg ha-1 ano-1 para os anos de 1983 e 2014 respectivamente. Portanto, entender a dinâmica da Erosividade associadas as perdas de solo pode auxiliar no planejamento do manejo sustentável e destaca-se a importância de minimizar a erosão hídrica.
Crônicas de campo na Amazônia: conflitos, cotidianos e histórias vivas em Rondônia
Authors: Matos Lucas Ramos de
Published: March 2024

In geography, fieldwork is for geographers what immersion and ethnography are for anthropologists and sociologists. The text makes a research record, based on our fieldwork that took place in the central region of Rondônia. Starting in Porto Velho, capital of the state, at first, it was traveled for about 500 km by BR-364 – which connects Rondônia to other states (Mato Grosso, Acre, Amazonas) – and by highway 470 – which connects to PIC Ouro Preto, the Margarida Alves, Palmares and Padre Ezequiel settlements and the important Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau indigenous land. At another time, a field visit was made at two unique moments: at the “VII Festa Camponesa”, organized by Via Campesina de Rondônia; and at the agricultural fair “Rondônia Rural Show Internacional”, completing our research record. There are themes dear to geography such as violation of human and territorial rights and conflicts in the countryside in Rondônia, expansion of the livestock (beef cattle) and grain (soybean and corn) agribusiness and invasion of Protected Areas and community territories. Themes of moods and geographic affections are also registered, “exploring” everyday life, living histories, strategies for the social reappropriation of land, territories and nature and the expanded production of life in the Amazon.
O Grupo Brotas da Bacia de Jatobá: sequência de início de rifte do Sistema Recôncavo-Tucano-Jatobá
Authors: Fambrini Gelson Luís , Oliveira Édison Vicente , Sousa Pamela Caroline Silva de , Oliveira Leonardo Marinho de , Queiroz Renan Gustavo Barbosa , Espíndola Mariana Silva de , Neumann Virgínio Henrique de Miranda Lopes , Barreto Alcina Magnólia Franca
Published: March 2024

O Grupo Brotas representa a fase de início de rifte na evolução tectono-sedimentar das bacias da Depressão Afro-Brasileira (Sequência Início de Rifte). A Formação Aliança compreende argilitos e folhelhos calcíferos castanho-avermelhados, maciços a laminados, siltitos cinza-esbranquiçados a esverdeados e níveis delgados de calcarenitos, arenitos calcíferos e, principalmente, calcários bioclásticos argilosos (grainstones), com feições de exposição subaérea (gretas de contração), fossilíferos e com forte diagênese ou localmente silicificados e, mais raramente, níveis centimétricos de evaporitos (gipsita), intercalados nos pelitos (argilitos e folhelhos). As intercalações de rochas carbonáticas são ricas em fósseis de ostracodes, conchostráceos e diversos fragmentos ósseos de peixes como Mawsonia gigas, escamas de Lepidotes sp, dentes isolados e espinhos de nadadeira dorsal de tubarão hybodontiforme, bem como Crocodylomorpha e abundantes traços fósseis (icnofósseis). A associação de ostracodes é característica de corpos lacustres permanentes de água-doce alcalina (e.g. Theriosynoecum pricei, T. uninodosa e Alicenula spp). A presença de formas fósseis exclusivamente não marinhas indica sedimentação de água doce. Assim, a paleogeografia da Formação Aliança inclui a presença de sistema lacustre, com aporte de sedimentos trazidos por rios efêmeros, que evaporavam pelas condições climáticas áridas predominantes e pelo tectonismo divergente atuante no Andar Dom João, formando a Depressão Afro-Brasileira. A Formação Sergi corresponde à unidade estratigráfica superior do Grupo Brotas. Caracteriza-se por arenitos, de granulação grossa a fina, por vezes conglomeráticos, com algumas intercalações de siltitos de coloração creme com tons avermelhados, apresentando estratificação cruzada acanalada. Característica importante dessa formação é o abundante conteúdo de lenhos fósseis silicificados e concreções de silexito. Os arenitos dessa unidade são interpretados como depositados em sistemas fluviais entrelaçados de alta energia com retrabalhamento eólico, representando
Cadernos de campo, experiências de narrativas livres
Authors: Moda Nádia Malena , Santos Ana Carla dos , Lúcio Silvia Laine Borges
Published: March 2024

A lo largo de dos años se realizaron varios trabajos de campo en el Territorio Kalunga Quilombola (GO), con el fin de comprender, documentar y registrar los diferentes usos del fuego, sus motivaciones, conflictos y situación actual. Aquí traigo cuadernos de campo, percepciones fotografiadas y una narrativa libre.
Novel Angiogenesis Role of GLP-1(32–36) to Rescue Diabetic Ischemic Lower Limbs via GLP-1R–Dependent Glycolysis in Mice
Authors: Zhang Yikai , Wang Shengyao , Zhou Qiao , Xie Yi , Hu Yepeng , Fang Weihuan , Yang Changxin , Wang Zhe , Ye Shu , Wang Xinyi , Zheng Chao
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Restoring the capacity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to promote angiogenesis is the major therapeutic strategy of diabetic peripheral artery disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1; 32–36)—an end product of GLP-1—on angiogenesis of EPCs and T1DM (type 1 diabetes) mice, as well as its interaction with the classical GLP-1R (GLP-1 receptor) pathway and its effect on mitochondrial metabolism.

METHODS:

In in vivo experiments, we conducted streptozocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice as a murine model of unilateral hind limb ischemia to examine the therapeutic potential of GLP-1(32–36) on angiogenesis. We also generated
Glp1r

−/−

mice to detect whether GLP-1R is required for angiogenic function of GLP-1(32–36). In in vitro experiments, EPCs isolated from the mouse bone marrow and human umbilical cord blood samples were used to detect GLP-1(32–36)–mediated angiogenic capability under high glucose treatment.

RESULTS:

We demonstrated that GLP-1(32–36) did not affect insulin secretion but could significantly rescue angiogenic function and blood perfusion in ischemic limb of streptozocin-induced T1DM mice, a function similar to its parental GLP-1. We also found that GLP-1(32–36) promotes angiogenesis in EPCs exposed to high glucose. Specifically, GLP-1(32–36) has a causal role in improving fragile mitochondrial function and metabolism via the GLP-1R–mediated pathway. We further demonstrated that GLP-1(32–36) rescued diabetic ischemic lower limbs by activating the GLP-1R–dependent eNOS (endothelial NO synthase)/cGMP/PKG (protein kinase G) pathway.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study provides a novel mechanism with which GLP-1(32–36) acts in modulating metabolic reprogramming toward glycolytic flux in partnership with GLP-1R for improved angiogenesis in high glucose–exposed EPCs and T1DM murine models. We propose that GLP-1(32–36) could be used as a monotherapy or add-on therapy with existing treatments for peripheral artery disease.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
www.ebi.ac.uk/metabolights/
; Unique identifier: MTBLS9543.
Association Between Orthostatic Hypertension and Frailty Among Older Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Choi Jung-Yeon , Ryu Dong Ryeol , Lee Hae-Young , Lee Ju-Hee , Hong Youjin , Park Sue K. , Lee Jang Hoon , Hwang Seok-Jae , Kim Kye Hun , Hwa Lee Sun , Kim Song Yi , Park Jae-Hyeong , Kim Sang-Hyun , Kim Hack-Lyoung , Choi Jung Hyun , Kim Cheol-Ho , Cho Myeong-Chan , Kim Kwang-il
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Frailty frequently coexists with hypertension in older patients. We aimed to evaluate the association between frailty and positional change in blood pressure, especially orthostatic hypertension.

METHODS:

Participants were recruited from 12 University hospitals in South Korea. Using a digital device, trained research nurses measured blood pressure in the supine and standing positions. Physical frailty was evaluated using the Korean version of the FRAIL questionnaire, gait speed, and handgrip strength. Orthostatic hypertension was defined as a ≥20-mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure within 3 minutes of standing and upright systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mm Hg.

RESULTS:

We analyzed the data of 2065 participants who had been enrolled until December 31, 2022. The mean age was 73.2±5.6 years, and 52.0% were female. The mean blood pressure was 137.1±14.9/75.1±9.7 mm Hg. Among the participants, 1886 (91.3%) showed normal response after standing, but 94 (4.6%) had orthostatic hypertension, and 85 (4.1%) had orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypertension was associated with female sex, obesity, cognitive function, physical frailty, and lower quality of life. In the multivariable analysis, body mass index and frailty status were independently associated with orthostatic hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS:

Orthostatic hypertension is associated with physical frailty, cognitive impairment, and low quality of life in older patients with hypertension. Therefore, evaluation of orthostatic blood pressure changes to confirm orthostatic hypertension or hypotension in frail older adults will serve as an important diagnostic procedure in vulnerable patients. Further studies are required to identify the underlying mechanisms of this association.
Strategic Lacunes Associated With Mild Cognitive Impairment in Rural Chinese Older Adults: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Wang Jiafeng , Han Xiaodong , Li Yuanjing , Fa Wenxin , Zhao Mingqing , Li Chunyan , Mao Ming , Hou Tingting , Wang Yongxiang , Cong Lin , Song Lin , Du Yifeng , Qiu Chengxuan
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Lacunes are associated with cognitive impairment. We sought to identify strategic lacune locations associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subtypes of MCI among older adults, and further to examine the role of white matter hyperintensities and perivascular spaces in the association.

METHODS:

This population-based cross-sectional study included 1230 dementia-free participants in the brain magnetic resonance imaging substudy (2018–2020) in MIND-China (Multimodal Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in Rural China). Lacunes were visually identified in frontal lobe, parieto-occipital lobe, temporal lobe, insula, basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum, and brainstem. MCI, amnestic MCI (aMCI), and nonamnestic MCI (naMCI) were defined following the Petersen’s criteria. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models.

RESULTS:

Of the 1230 participants (age, ≥60 years; mean age, 69.40; SD, 4.30 years; 58.5% women), lacunes were detected in 357 people and MCI was defined in 286 individuals, including 243 with aMCI and 43 with naMCI. Lacunes in the supratentorial area, internal capsula, putamen/pallidum, and insula was significantly associated with increased odds ratio of MCI (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio ranged 1.40–3.21;
P
<0.05) and aMCI (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio ranged 1.46–3.36;
P
<0.05), whereas lacunes in the infratentorial area and brainstem were significantly associated with naMCI (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio ranged 2.68–3.46;
P
<0.01). Furthermore, the associations of lacunes in insula and internal capsula with MCI and aMCI, as well as the associations of lacunes in infratentorial area and brainstem with naMCI were present independent of white matter hyperintensities volume and perivascular spaces number.

CONCLUSIONS:

Lacunes in the internal capsula, putamen/pallidum, insula, and brainstem may represent the strategic lacunes that are independently associated with MCI, aMCI, or naMCI in Chinese older adults.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800017758.
Rupture-Related Features of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations and Their Utility in Predicting Hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Yupeng , Zhu Haoyu , Cao Tingliang , Zhang Longhui , Chang Yuzhou , Liang Shikai , Ma Chao , Liang Fei , Song Yuqi , Zhang Jiarui , Li Changxuan , Jiang Chuhan
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Evaluating rupture risk in cerebral arteriovenous malformations currently lacks quantitative hemodynamic and angioarchitectural features necessary for predicting subsequent hemorrhage. We aimed to derive rupture-related hemodynamic and angioarchitectural features of arteriovenous malformations and construct an ensemble model for predicting subsequent hemorrhage.

METHODS:

This retrospective study included 3 data sets, as follows: training and test data sets comprising consecutive patients with untreated cerebral arteriovenous malformations who were admitted from January 2015 to June 2022 and a validation data set comprising patients with unruptured arteriovenous malformations who received conservative treatment between January 2009 and December 2014. We extracted rupture-related features and developed logistic regression (clinical features), decision tree (hemodynamic features), and support vector machine (angioarchitectural features) models. These 3 models were combined into an ensemble model using a weighted soft-voting strategy. The performance of the models in discriminating ruptured arteriovenous malformations and predicting subsequent hemorrhage was evaluated with confusion matrix-related metrics in the test and validation data sets.

RESULTS:

A total of 896 patients (mean±SD age, 28±14 years; 404 women) were evaluated, with 632, 158, and 106 patients in the training, test, and validation data sets, respectively. From the training set, 9 clinical, 10 hemodynamic, and 2912 pixel-based angioarchitectural features were extracted. A logistic regression model was built using 4 selected clinical features (age, nidus size, location, and venous aneurysm), whereas a decision-tree model was constructed from 4 hemodynamic features (outflow time, stasis index, cerebral blood flow, and outflow volume ratio). A support vector machine model was designed using 5 pixel-based angioarchitectural features. In the validation data set, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of the ensemble model for predicting subsequent hemorrhages were 0.840, 0.889, 0.823, and 0.911, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The ensemble model incorporating clinical, hemodynamic, and angioarchitectural features showed favorable performance in predicting subsequent hemorrhage of cerebral arteriovenous malformations.
Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation and Functional Outcome After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Beishon Lucy , Vasilopoulos Terrie , Salinet Angela S.M. , Levis Brooke , Barnes Samuel , Hills Eleanor , Ramesh Pranav , Gkargkoula Panagoula , Minhas Jatinder S. , Castro Pedro , Brassard Patrice , Goettel Nicolai , Gommer Erik D. , Jara Jose Luis , Liu Jia , Mueller Martin , Nasr Nathalie , Payne Stephen , Robertson Andrew D. , Simpson David , Robinson Thompson G. , Panerai Ronney B. , Nogueira Ricardo C.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

The relationship between dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) and functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is unclear. Previous studies are limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneity.

METHODS:

We performed a 1-stage individual patient data meta-analysis to investigate associations between dCA and functional outcome after AIS. Participating centers were identified through a systematic search of the literature and direct invitation. We included centers with dCA data within 1 year of AIS in adults aged over 18 years, excluding intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Data were obtained on phase, gain, coherence, and autoregulation index derived from transfer function analysis at low-frequency and very low-frequency bands. Cerebral blood velocity, arterial pressure, end-tidal carbon dioxide, heart rate, stroke severity and sub-type, and comorbidities were collected where available. Data were grouped into 4 time points after AIS: <24 hours, 24 to 72 hours, 4 to 7 days, and >3 months. The modified Rankin Scale assessed functional outcome at 3 months. Modified Rankin Scale was analyzed as both dichotomized (0 to 2 versus 3 to 6) and ordinal (modified Rankin Scale scores, 0–6) outcomes. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify significant relationships between dCA parameters, comorbidities, and outcomes, for each time point using generalized linear (dichotomized outcome), or cumulative link (ordinal outcome) mixed models. The participating center was modeled as a random intercept to generate odds ratios with 95% CIs.

RESULTS:

The sample included 384 individuals (35% women) from 7 centers, aged 66.3±13.7 years, with predominantly nonlacunar stroke (n=348, 69%). In the affected hemisphere, higher phase at very low-frequency predicted better outcome (dichotomized modified Rankin Scale) at <24 (crude odds ratios, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.47–3.19];
P
<0.001) hours, 24–72 (crude odds ratios, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.21–3.13];
P
=0.006) hours, and phase at low-frequency predicted outcome at 3 (crude odds ratios, 3.03 [95% CI, 1.10–8.33];
P
=0.032) months. These results remained after covariate adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Greater transfer function analysis-derived phase was associated with improved functional outcome at 3 months after AIS. dCA parameters in the early phase of AIS may help to predict functional outcome.
Chrysostom Javellus and Francis Silvestri on Final Causation
Authors: Åkerlund Erik
Published: March 2024

For many areas of philosophy, we lack an understanding of their developments between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries. One such area is the development of the notion of final causation. The rejection of final causation is often described as one of the distinguishing hallmarks of so called Early Modern philosophy in relation to the Scholastic philosophical tradition. Our lack of understanding of the development of this notion in philosophy therefore impedes our ability to write an adequate history of philosophy spanning these centuries. In this article, the notion of final causation as treated in the works of Chrysostom Javellus (1472–1538) and Francis Silvestri (of Ferrara) (1474–1526) is presented. It is argued that the treatment of final causation in these thinkers is already shaped by concerns regarding finality that we find in Early Modern philosophy.
African Philosophical Contributions to International Criminal Law
Authors: Asaala Evelyne Owiye
Published: March 2024

This article displays the various ways that African philosophies have made a contribution to international criminal law. It shows that African philosophies have, to a certain extent, influenced the manner in which post-conflict African states as well as the African Union (au) address accountability for grave breaches of international law. This influence is evidenced in the setting up of traditional African approaches to accountability for international crimes in post-conflict African states as well as in some of the au initiatives which address accountability for grave breaches. The article begins by contextualizing the topic within traditional African cultures through a historical analysis of the practices, concepts and institutions that governed criminal accountability as well as an analysis of the African philosophies upon which these practices, concepts and institutions were anchored. It continues with the concern of ‘how’ and ‘to what extent’ African philosophies have influenced international criminal law. Moreover, it considers some of the controversial areas of international criminal law in which African philosophies are overlooked, despite their potential to make a valuable contribution. This section is supported by the belief that a combined approach to international criminal law, of both traditional African and Western concepts, offers a better solution to the current impasse experienced in certain areas.
Between War Images and Ecstatic Prayers
Authors: Stolarska-Fronia Małgorzata
Published: March 2024

The work of Breslau artist Heinrich Tischler (1892–1938), although well-known and investigated by researchers of local art milieu, mainly through exhibitions, has not yet received a deeper interpretation from the point of view of the complex and rich iconographic repertoire that has its roots in both Jewish and non-Jewish mystical thought, and in terms of the artist’s connections with the Jewish Expressionist community from Germany and Eastern Europe. Tischler, as a Jewish Expressionist whose work touched on messianic and apocalyptic themes, drew inspiration from the Kabbalah and included references to Christian iconography, as well as an element of the grotesque. This article focuses primarily on Tischler’s painting and graphic works, analyzing their Jewish idiom of messianic and apocalyptic motifs.
Editing Technical Texts
Authors: Acerbi Fabio
Published: March 2024

Some issues regarding editorial techniques and stemmatic theory are raised and discussed by using the textual tradition of Greek and Byzantine technical treatises as sources for examples and case-studies. I shall show that the stemmatic method is both perfectly sound and elastic enough to be able to cope with most textual traditions of technical texts.
The Practice of Textual Criticism in Traditional China as Illustrated by Lu Wenchao’s (1717–1796) Work
Authors: Dai Lianbin
Published: March 2024

Eighteenth-century Chinese evidential (kaozheng or kaoju) scholarship has been viewed as an intellectual apostasy from the Cheng-Zhu orthodoxy of Neo-Confucianism. In terms of textual criticism, however, leading evidential critics inherited the norm and assumptions from the Song dynasty Neo-Confucian master Zhu Xi (1130–1200), even though some of them questioned his moral-political system. This article examines representative evidential textual critic Lu Wenchao’s (1717–1796) editing of the first-century Confucian text Baihu tong and traces his practical and conceptual origin back to Zhu Xi. It argues that Chinese evidential textual criticism is a mixture of methodological eclecticism, editorial conservatism, and hermeneutic activism.
Three Prenatal Developments in the Retina Allow for Cortico-Retinal Image Processing in Situ in the Eye
Authors: Lauinger Norbert
Published: March 2024

Image processing in the retina of the eye has thus far been mainly dealt with analogous to photographic ray optics i. e., imaging lens optics and photodiode arrays. However, it does not offer an answer to the questions that are crucial to human vision: WHAT a visible object invariantly represents conceptually (a house, a tree, etc.), WHERE it is located in relation to other objects in space or which RGB-colors and/or luminosities collaborate locally. For this purpose, ray optics needs to be supplemented by diffractive wave optics, which can be described as Fresnel near-field interference in cellular or spatial gratings. The fact that interference optics plays a decisive role in vision has already been proven by the fact that in binocular vision the image brightness is preserved when closing one eye. However, with the introduction of interference-wave-optics and especially with Fresnel Nearfield interference optics the cortico-retinal image processing now becomes possible in the eye, i.e. in the retina of the peripheral visual organ. Fresnel Nearfield interference optics especially allows multilayer proceeding and a better understanding of hierarchical imaging systems. It clearly becomes apparent in the di- and trichromatic proceeding and by the separation of color proceeding from invariant object form proceeding. Color - as an example - is not produced at the visual objects and also not in the cortex, but in the Fresnel space of the retina.
Earnings Per Share, Dividends Per Share, Dividend Yield and Firm Size on Share Price Behaviour of Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria: Causal Effect
Authors: Moseri Nduka Moses , Owualah Sunday Ikechukwu , Ogbebor Peter Ifeanyi
Published: March 2024

The manufacturing sector was favorable, contributing to Nigeria being perceived more as a state of consumption than production. Despite promoting Nigeria as having the largest market in Africa, the manufacturing sector faced economic slowdowns due to rising business costs, power supply issues, and weak infrastructure. The main issue arises from the low share prices of manufacturing firms in Nigeria compared to other sectors, potentially resulting from inadequate patronage or ineffective trading on the stock market. This lack of effective trading reflects on the firm's value, discouraging investors and highlighting a financial capacity gap hindering productivity. To address this, using earnings and dividends as incentives can attract investors, bolstering capital and driving manufacturing to full capacity. This study investigate the relationship between earnings per share, dividends per share, dividend yield and firm size on share price behaviour of manufacturing firms in Nigeria between 2013 and 2022. The study adopts an ex-post factor research design, while a granger causality test was used. Fifteen (15) manufacturing firms were selected while data were sourced from the selected manufacturing firms financial audited reported. The inferences were made at 5 percent significance. The causality effect of earnings per share, dividends per share, dividend yield and firm size on share price behaviour of manufacturing firms in Nigeria indicate a unidirectional causality from DPS to Lagged Share Prices (LSP). However, the reverse relationship (LSP to DPS) is not statistically significant, indicating that past share prices do not reliably predict future dividend payments. For Dividend Yield (DY) and LSP, a unidirectional causality from DY to LSP was observed, suggesting that changes in DY can predict future stock prices. The study recommended that manufacturing firms in Nigeria should prioritize enhancing the transparency of their earnings reporting. Clear communication and detailed disclosures regarding financial performance can build investor confidence and potentially strengthen the relationship between EPS and share prices.
Validation of Fertilizer Requirement Map for Teff (Eragrostis teff (Zucc.)) at Lume District, East Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Tilahun , Worku Reta , Firomsa Tilahun
Published: March 2024

Ethiopia's teff production, a key cereal crop, has long suffered from blanket fertilizer recommendations that fail to account for the diverse soil conditions across the country. This often leads to suboptimal yields, falling short of the crop's true potential. To address this challenge, Batu Soil Research Center embarked on a ground breaking initiative: developing a phosphorus fertilizer requirement map specifically tailored to the Lume district. To validate the effectiveness of this map, field experiments were conducted across nine peasant associations within the district. Four different fertilizer treatments were compared: unfertilized control plots, plots receiving the conventional blanket recommendation of a uniform 100/100 NPS/Urea application, plots applying phosphorus based on the newly created map (P-map), and plots receiving phosphorus calculated based on individual soil analysis (P-required). The results were striking. P-map emerged as the clear winner, driving the highest yields of both grain (2178 kg ha-1) and biomass (6639 kg ha-1) compared to all other treatments. This impressive performance translated to a significant improvement in harvest index as well, reaching 34.11%. Notably, P-map surpassed not only the control group but also the blanket recommendation, highlighting the limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach. Economic analysis further solidified the case for P-map. For farmers in Lume district, adopting this map-based approach promises a 100% marginal rate of return, making it a highly profitable investment. This economic benefit, coupled with the substantial yield improvements, paves the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for teff cultivation in the region. In conclusion, the fertilizer requirement map developed by Batu Soil Research Center holds immense potential for revolutionizing teff production in Ethiopia. By moving away from blanket recommendations and embracing a precision-driven approach, farmers in Lume district and beyond can unlock the full potential of this valuable crop, boosting their yields, income, and food security.
Hot Hands in the Home Run Derby
Authors: Lantis Robert , Nesson Erik
Published: March 2024

We investigate the hot hand hypothesis using home run derby data for the 2016 to 2019 and 2021 to 2022 contests. In each contest, eight batters are seeded and go head to head for three rounds, progressing to the next round if they hit more home runs than their opponent. Unlike at bats taken during a game, the home run derby is a more controlled environment, and it provides swings on similar pitches without long breaks between swings. We find robust evidence that a “hot hand” exists in hitting home runs, where if a home run was hit on the previous swing the likelihood the player hits a home run on their current swing increases by approximately four percentage points, or a 10% increase. Furthermore, we find that longer streaks of home runs have even greater effects on the probability of hitting a home run on the current swing. Though even in streaks, hitting a home run on the previous pitch is necessary for a streak to improve the probability of a home run on the next pitch.

JEL codes: Z20, Z29, D91.
Interpretation as Hypothesis
Authors: Davids M. Fakhry
Published: March 2024

Two distinct spaces can be seen as operating in a session—a private one in the analyst’s mind, where formulations take shape, and one shared between patient and analyst, in which interpretations are offered. By maintaining a focus on the here and now in the latter space, taking care to protect it from intrusions from the analyst’s theory except as hypotheses (in the form of interpretations derived from those formulations) aimed at eliciting unconscious responses that further the analytic inquiry, a basis for analytic work is established that aligns with ordinary scientific processes: theory is generated in the mind of the researcher, and hypotheses derived from it are tested systematically in a laboratory setting. Self-understanding that develops out of such an arrangement can then be seen as based on evidence, minimizing the role of suggestion. This line of thinking is illustrated with excerpts from the beginning of the analysis of a depressed patient. In developing areas of theory, when reliable evidence is particularly important, this way of working holds promise. In this case evidence was systematically gathered that led to the formulation of a model of internal racism.
A Grounded Theory of Early Preservice Music Teacher Identity Development
Authors: Ramsey Nicole K. , Graham Heather Babb , Draves Tami J. , Brooks Drew
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this grounded theory was to discover the process of undergraduate students’ music teacher identity development in the first 2 years of their preservice music education program. Participants in this study were 21 undergraduate students from an introduction to music education course. We collected multiple types of data, including interviews and written artifacts, from a course-based undergraduate research experience that focused on music teacher identity development. Consistent with Charmaz’s approach, data collection and analysis were grounded in a constructivist paradigm. We analyzed participants’ music teacher identity development in a cyclical, three-phase process during the early years of their undergraduate teacher education programs. The three phases involved (a) outer experiences and interactions, (b) inner reflective processes, and (c) actions based on their reflections. The phases were situated within the context of participants’ developing sense of self. Central to this process was the students’ personal development, particularly as individuals in the stage of late adolescence.
Mental Health Needs, Substance Use, and Reincarceration: Population-Level Findings From a Released Prison Cohort
Authors: Butler Amanda , Nicholls Tonia L. , Samji Hasina , Fabian Sheri , Lavergne M. Ruth
Published: March 2024

This article examines the role of mental health, substance use, and comorbidity in relation to time to reincarceration. Our study included all people released from provincial correctional facilities in British Columbia, Canada, from 2012 through 2014 ( N = 13,109). Using data from a mental health screening tool, we examined the relationship between four diagnostic groups (mental health needs alone, substance use disorders alone, co-occurring disorders, and no disorders) and time to reincarceration over a 3-year follow-up period. We found that people with co-occurring disorders and substance use disorders were at substantially elevated risk of reincarceration compared with those with no disorders or mental health needs alone. Mental health needs alone was not significantly associated with reincarceration after adjusting for covariates. Correctional, health, and social services must work synergistically to improve health and criminal justice outcomes, particularly for people with substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Tightly Bound, Loosely Interpreted: Meta-Governance and Local Institutional Adaptation in the Implementation of the Smart Cities Mission India
Authors: Marsden Greg , Reardon Louise , Campbell Morgan , Gupta Sanjay , Verma Ashish
Published: March 2024

This paper explores the implementation of the Indian Government’s Smart Cities Mission in four cities. The Mission was to be delivered through a tightly specified governance form, known as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), although its function (smart urban renewal) was left more open. The national reform was, however, silent on how the SPV would work within the pre-existing network of actors. Using interviews and documentary analysis, the paper shows how the embedding of SPVs within pre-existing governance networks was strongly shaped by state-level decisions and local institutional dynamics. These insights open up new avenues for research into multi-level meta-governance.
The Impact of the Post-Traumatic Facial Reconstruction on Postoperative Weight Loss
Authors: Gengler Isabelle , Min Susie , Jiang Megan , Zhang Grace , Altaye Mekibib , Radulesco Thomas , Lechien Jerome R. , Hsieh Tsung-Yen
Published: March 2024

Objectives: To identify risk factors and evaluate the impact of various facial fractures and reconstruction surgeries on postoperative weight change. Methods: Retrospective, monocentric study was performed at a tertiary care center. Medical history, type and mechanism of fracture, operative factors, and postoperative weights at follow-up appointments for 145 adult patients undergoing surgical repair for maxillofacial fractures were collected. Further information was obtained on postoperative diet and whether patients received maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to evaluate effects of surgical reconstruction after facial trauma on postoperative weight loss. Results: Patients lost 3.2 ± 4.9 kg (95% confidence interval = 2.7-4.1, P < .0001) on average, with maximum loss between date of surgery and first follow-up. Univariate analysis demonstrated that intensive care unit admission (5.9 kg, SD 5.4, P = .001), nasogastric tube placement (5.1 kg, SD 4.6, P = .012), and MMF (4.4 kg, SD 5.4, P < .0001) were associated with more severe weight loss. Multivariate analyses showed that only MMF remained a significant risk factor for increased weight loss (avg. 6.0, standard error 1.93, t value 3.11, P = .0024). Conclusions: We report significant weight loss following facial trauma and reconstruction, which emphasizes the need to perform further studies on nutrition protocols for this patient population to optimize wound healing.
Black Students’ Suggestions for an “Inclusive” and “Excellent” University: An Examination of an Historically and Predominantly White Institutions in Southeast Georgia
Authors: Brunson Alicia L. , Brockington Miyanla , Nichols Gabrielle , Rivera Chelsey
Published: March 2024

This study addresses a critical barrier to the academic advancement and graduation of Black students–the presence of a hostile racial climate. While Historically and Predominantly White Institutions (HPWIs) may profess a commitment to diversity, a closer examination of their culture, climate, practices, and policies reveals the persistence of racialized structures that disproportionately advantage white individuals. This research provides strategies employed by Black students at a HPWI of higher education to achieve academic success and enhance their overall college experience. Through 44 in-depth one-on-one interviews, students share the tools they have harnessed to navigate these challenges. Central to these students’ success included active participation in Black student organizations, where they not only resist the effects of a hostile climate but also foster academic and social achievements. Through leveraging their agency to articulate their experiences and engaging with Black student organizations as counterspaces, Black students adeptly navigate the complex environment of HPWIs.
Cpeb4-mediated Dclk2 promotes neuronal pyroptosis induced by chronic cerebral ischemia through phosphorylation of Ehf
Authors: Sun Miao , Huang Xin , Ruan Xuelei , Shang Xiuli , Zhang Mengyang , Liu Libo , Wang Ping , An Ping , Lin Yang , Yang Jin , Xue Yixue
Published: March 2024

Chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) is a clinical syndrome characterised by brain dysfunction due to decreased chronic cerebral perfusion. CCI initiates several inflammatory pathways, including pyroptosis. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play important roles in CCI. This study aimed to explore whether the interaction between RBP-Cpeb4 and Dclk2 affected Ehf phosphorylation to regulate neuronal pyroptosis. HT22 cells and mice were used to construct oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)/CCI models. We found that Cpeb4 and Dclk2 were upregulated in OGD-treated HT22 cells and CCI-induced hippocampal CA1 tissues. Cpeb4 upregulated Dclk2 expression by increasing Dclk2 mRNA stability. Knockdown of Cpeb4 or Dclk2 inhibited neuronal pyroptosis in OGD-treated HT22 cells and CCI-induced hippocampal CA1 tissues. By binding to the promoter regions of Caspase1 and Caspase3, the transcription factor Ehf reduced their promoter activities and inhibited the transcription. Dclk2 phosphorylated Ehf and changed its nucleoplasmic distribution, resulting in the exit of p-Ehf from the nucleus and decreased Ehf levels. It promoted the expression of Caspase1 and Caspase3 and stimulated neuronal pyroptosis of HT22 cells induced by OGD. Cpeb4/Dclk2/Ehf pathway plays an important role in the regulation of cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal pyroptosis.
‘She has saved my life on many occasions’: Care-experienced young women’s reflections on the significance of pets and the impact of loss
Authors: Muldoon Janine , Williams Joanne
Published: March 2024

This article highlights the significance of pets for five young women with care experience, examining the impact of disruptions to those relationships when moving into or between care settings. Findings show that pets support the transition to independent living and mental health. Participants’ reflections also reveal how pets are a source of comfort and stability for children growing up in families experiencing difficult circumstances. Loss is therefore traumatic because of the support pets provided and the context surrounding loss. Despite their significance, pets were largely absent from discussions and processes associated with managing care transitions. Adults and perceived constraints in residential care dictated what happened with respect to pets. Neither consulted nor supported, children were left to cope on their own. Attention to pets should be an integral part of the process of managing care transitions and it is imperative that the impact of pet loss (at any stage in children’s lives) is understood and supported. Otherwise, the system may inadvertently foster a perpetual loop of mistrust and relational losses. We consider how some local authorities are starting to manage this process (considering pets in the family or foster carers’ homes), and existing guidance on introducing animals in residential care.
Multi-Type Traffic Conflict Identification at Signalized Intersections Based on LiDAR Point Cloud
Authors: Zheng Lai , Fan Shuyu , Ma Shuanghu , Jiao Hansheng
Published: March 2024

Traffic conflicts have been widely used for proactive road safety evaluation, and this study develops methods to automatically identify different types of traffic conflict based on LiDAR point cloud data. With 10 h of data collected from a signalized intersection in Harbin, China, trajectories of motorized vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians were extracted, and methods to handle the issues of trajectory discontinuity, type identification error, and same object with different trajectories were developed. Traffic conflicts between right-turn vehicles and through vehicles, between right-turn vehicles and left-turn vehicles, and between right-turn vehicles and pedestrians were considered, and detailed procedures for calculating the conflict indicators (i.e., time to collision [TTC] and post encroachment time [PET]) of different types were proposed. The identified traffic conflicts were also compared with the ones that were identified manually. A total of 5,352 and 1,366 traffic conflicts were identified by PET ≤ 4 s and TTC ≤ 4 s, respectively. The majority were during the through phase, and traffic conflicts between right-turn vehicles and through vehicles were the most common, followed by conflicts between right-turn vehicles and vulnerable road users (i.e., cyclists and pedestrians).The proposed automatic method considers the actual sizes of involved road users and thus leads to more accurate conflict indicator calculation, with an average accuracy over 90%.
Adsorption of chlorpyrifos in water using polyaniline/graphene oxide composites
Authors: Mohapatra Sachidananda , Sahoo Rajat Kumar , Nayak Rajesh Kumar , Panda Bishnu Prasad , Konarde Mayureshwar Sunil , NR Aswathy , Mohapatra Aswini Kumar
Published: March 2024

Graphene oxide and polyaniline have some unique properties and are considered as new generation materials for various applications. One major application of these materials is the adsorption of pollutants. In this study, Graphene oxide was synthesized with different levels of oxidation by using the modified Hummers method. Polyaniline/graphene oxide composite was synthesized by in situ polymerization with GO loading at 10% and 50% and further the composite is casted inside a disposable syringe by using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a dispersing agent. An adsorption experiment was carried out for water containing pesticide chlorpyrifos. The produced materials were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy & and XRD. Morphology was studied by SEM images. The FTIR spectra shows the formation of functional groups like -OH, -COOH on graphene, which may increase the hydrophilicity and adsorption properties. FTIR spectra of the composite portrayed the formation of bonds between polyaniline and graphene oxide. XRD peaks were obtained corresponding to crystals of polyaniline and graphite sheets. The adsorption efficiency was determined by analysis of water samples before and after filtration by using GC-MS. The composite produced with 50% amount of GO showed optimum results for the removal of chlorpyrifos. However, the composite with 10% GO loading is showing very low efficiency for the removal of chlorpyrifos. The PANI/GO composite is a possible candidate for the treatment of river water polluted by agricultural pollutants.
Repeated Filling of Elastomeric Pumps for Home-Based Subcutaneous Infusions: A Cost Analysis of 240 Devices
Authors: Simões Carolina , Julião Miguel , Calaveiras Patrícia , Costa Elisabeth , Bruera Eduardo
Published: March 2024

Background

The use of continuous subcutaneous infusion of drugs using the repeated filling of elastomeric infuser pumps (EIP) has gained clinical recognition for palliative care at home. However, to date, there has been a notable absence of research examining the cost implications associated with the repeated EIP filling procedure. We aimed to evaluate the cost associated to the repeated filling of EIP used in a home-based palliative care team.

Methods

We conducted an analysis of the cost associated to the repeated filling of 240 EIP (1-day, n = 136; 2-day, n = 102; 7-day, n = 2) (110 patients).

Results

The refilling procedure led to a reduction in the utilization of 409 devices, resulting in savings of €4.031. EIP refilling did not result in a decrease in the number of home visits, the duration of each visit, the expenses associated with transportation to patients’ residences, or the nurse-to-hour cost.

Conclusion

Refilling EIPs reduces costs by reducing the number of devices purchased. No additional cost savings were noted in nursing time, number of home visits and duration, and expenses with transportation. Further cost savings could be realized by training laycarers to refill EIP at home independently. Future research should assess the feasibility of laycarers training programs on performing EIP filling at home.