bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence and genomic characterization of Proteus mirabilis harboring blaNDM-1 in Korean companion dogs
Authors: Kyung Su Min , Lee Jun Ho , Lee Eun-Seo , Xiang Xi-Rui , Yoo Han Sang
Published: April 2024

Proteus mirabilis is a commensal bacterium dwelling in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans and animals. Although New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) producing P. mirabilis is emerging as a threat, its epidemiology in our society remains largely unknown. LHPm1, the first P. mirabilis isolate harboring NDM-1, was detected from a companion dog that resides with a human owner. The whole-genome study revealed 20 different antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes against various classes of antimicrobial agents, which corresponded to the MIC results. Genomic regions, including MDR genes, were identified with multiple variations and visualized in a comparative manner. In the whole-genome epidemiological analysis, multiple phylogroups were identified, revealing the genetic relationship of LHPm1 with other P. mirabilis strains carrying various AMR genes. These genetic findings offer comprehensive insights into NDM-1-producing P. mirabilis, underscoring the need for urgent control measures and surveillance programs using a “one health approach”.
Hesperidin ameliorates H2O2-induced bovine mammary epithelial cell oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Qi , Liu Jiashuo , Peng Can , Han Xuefeng , Tan Zhiliang
Published: April 2024

Background

Hesperidin is a citrus flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. However, its protective effects on bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) exposed to oxidative stress have not been elucidated.

Results

In this study, we investigated the effects of hesperidin on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in bMECs and the underlying molecular mechanism. We found that hesperidin attenuated H2O2-induced cell damage by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increasing catalase (CAT) activity, and improving cell proliferation and mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, hesperidin activated the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway by inducing the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the expression of its downstream genes NQO1 and HO-1, which are antioxidant enzymes involved in ROS scavenging and cellular redox balance. The protective effects of hesperidin were blocked by the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, indicating that they were Nrf2 dependent.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that hesperidin could protect bMECs from oxidative stress injury by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, suggesting that hesperidin as a natural antioxidant has positive potential as a feed additive or plant drug to promote the health benefits of bovine mammary.

Graphical Abstract
Beliefs in Pain and Suffering:
Authors: Seitz Rüdiger J.
Published: April 2024

In this communication recent evidence from cognitive neuroscience is presented showing that believing is a fundamental brain function. It integrates the perception of information from the environment with personal perspective taking (“what does it mean to me?”) as the basis for predictive coding of action. Observing that another person becomes injured can make one believe that the pain in the injured person is similar to pain that oneself has experienced previously. This first-person perspective has been called empathy and includes primal beliefs about potentially pain eliciting objects and painful events in the sense of “what does it mean to you?”. Furthermore, observing other people to suffer involves the conceptual belief that their condition is aversive and burdensome. Believing in love and peace involves the perspective of “what does it mean to us?”. Contradictory events may cause the sensation of pain and suffering in the afflicted individuals resulting in mutual distrust and eventually disruption of social bonds. In conclusion, beliefs play an important, though long underestimated role in cognitive neuroscience of pain and suffering and more generally for the cultural notions of deities and evil.
Evolutionary Explanations of Pain and Suffering:
Authors: Oviedo Lluis Oviedo
Published: April 2024

Evolutionary studies have provided several explanations about how pain and suffering can be fitted into that framework, which tries to make sense of every biological and human feature in terms of evolution, survival, and fitness. These explanations point usually to how such apparently negative aspects become useful and contribute to an evolution that after all has delivered good outcomes. Such an approach might eventually render the theodicy question less sharp and critical for believers who are trying to cope with the scandal of so great suffering in our world and history. Theologically we can welcome such new insights, less noticed in former tradition, but at the same time we need to be cautious before a development which could render less clear the message of Christian salvation. In any case, the new data and knowledge clearly invite to revise and reformulate the Christian salvific message, to better answer before the mystery of evil and suffering.
The Transhumanist Point of View to the Evolutionary Indifference to Pain and Suffering
Authors: Orzeł Paweł
Published: April 2024

The text presents a transhumanist point of view on evolution. It focuses on the lack of clear and obvious evolutionary solutions to the issue of involuntary suffering. It poses difficult questions about the possibility of enhencement of human nature and respecting the laws of evolution. It reflects on the positive role of pain for the development of individual people and the entire human species. It considers the thesis that perhaps evolution “needs” pain for proper human development. It asks whether the transition to a higher than evolutionary stage of human development, as proposed by transhumanists, will not lead to the extinction of our species? After all, it relates all this mosaic of thoughts and theories to God, who can be the answer to many posed questions.
Desafíos de la resocialización en Colombia: ¿la promesa incumplida de un derecho fundamental?* La reincidencia criminal como manifestación de los “vacíos” de las políticas públicas de resocialización en Colombia
Authors: Clavijo Fonseca Daniela , Lesmes Cantillo Daniel , Otálora Arroyave Natalia
Published: April 2024

En este texto se analizan y comparan las políticas públicas del Gobierno nacional para propiciar la resocialización de las personas privadas de la libertad tomado como fundamento las declaratorias de estado de cosas inconstitucionales que actualmente tiene el sistema penitenciario y carcelario colombiano, para así poder establecer si en la práctica se está materializando el derecho fundamental a la resocialización. Comparativamente, se indaga sobre la tasa de reincidencia usando los tableros estadísticos del Instituto Nacional Penitenciario y Carcelario (inpec) y su relación con los proyectos adelantados a nivel nacional para propiciar que, una vez se finalice la pena, estas personas puedan regresar a la sociedad a retomar su plan de vida. De tal suerte, se indagará este fin de la pena privativa de la libertad como medio que debe velar por el cumplimiento del derecho fundamental a la reintegración dentro del Estado social y democrático de derecho. La investigación adelantada surge de diferentes enfoques académicos y vocacionales de sus autores sobre el derecho penal y su injerencia en los derechos fundamentales para acercar la academia a la vida práctica.
Research on Greenhouse Environment Prediction Based on GCAKF-CNN-LSTM
Authors: Liu Tianhong , Qiao Xianzhu , Liu Sixing , Qi Shengli
Published: April 2024

Highlights

A GCAKF-CNN-LSTM model is proposed for greenhouse temperature and humidity forecasting.

The grey correlation analysis is used to select the most relevant variables.

Kalman filter is applied for denoising to improve the data quality.

The proposed model achieves higher forecasting accuracy with the lowest forecasting errors.

Abstract. Accurate prediction of temperature and humidity in the greenhouse environment is helpful to regulate the environment and promote crop growth. Aiming at the characteristics of nonlinear and strong coupling in the greenhouse environment, this article proposes a hybrid greenhouse temperature and humidity prediction model based on preprocessing algorithms, Convolution Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks. Firstly, grey correlation analysis (GCA) is used to screen the data features and analyze the factors affecting the temperature and humidity in the greenhouse. Secondly, data is denoised by the Kalman filter (KF) to reduce the noise interference. Thirdly, the local connection and weight sharing features of the CNN are applied to obtain effective features from the series, and the long- and short-term dependence relationships of the data are learned by using the LSTM networks. Finally, the proposed model is validated on the greenhouse data. Experimental results demonstrated that, compared with Back Propagation(BP), Gated Recurrent Units (GRU), and LSTM, the RMSE of temperature prediction results was reduced by 31.5%, 21.6%, 14.4%, and the MAE reduced by 48.5%, 41.0%, and 32.3%, respectively. The RMSE of humidity prediction results decreased by 28.3%, 2.73%, and 0.63%, and the MAE decreased by 69.4%, 54.5%, and 10.8%, respectively. The proposed model can improve prediction accuracy and provide a decision basis for improving the timeliness of the greenhouse environmental control system. Keywords: Convolutional neural network, Greenhouse environment prediction, Kalman filter, Long short-term memory network.
‘Definitely plan to read them’: cultural goodwill as habitus of a middle class-in-the-making in Czech Republic
Authors: Špaček Ondřej
Published: April 2024

Cultural hierarchies enable an understanding of how consumption takes part in the reproduction of social inequalities in current societies. The changing nature of these hierarchies reveals a tension between established and emerging forms of cultural capital. This article explores this tension in the context of an understudied European cultural semi-periphery country. It focuses on young university students in a social milieu where new trends, established legitimate culture and cosmopolitan cultural flows intersect. The article uses a mixed-method approach and analyses cultural space both through survey data and follow-up in-depth interviews. Detailed exploration of cultural repertoires shows that while survey analysis shows both established and emerging forms of legitimate culture, there is widespread deference among the students towards the former. While cultural goods associated with emerging cultural capital are widely consumed, they are not related to repertoires of legitimisation. This points to the continuing importance of national institutions and their pedagogical practices in delineating what is understood as legitimate culture.
Baptism Invalidity through the Changing of the Form: A Primer
Authors: Washburn Christian D.
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this primer is to contribute to a better understanding of defects in form that may make baptisms either invalid or of doubtful validity. The article first discusses the fundamental importance of the sacramental form, the various official forms of baptism, and the five essential elements of the form of baptism. This leads to an examination of some invalidating modifications to the form concerning the minister, subject, act, and Trinitarian formula. Finally, the article considers various "pastoral" arguments that downplay the importance of the use of the proper form of baptism.
Credit Access and Productivity of Green Small and Medium Size Enterprises in Rural Nigeria
Authors: Yuni Denis Nfor , Nnadi Kenneth. U. , Amakom Uzochukwu
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) have played critical roles in developing great economies over the years but are being stalled in African economies. Literature posits that the variation is largely due to limited finance for SMEs in Africa. SMEs in Nigeria have not performed credibly well over the years with its contribution to the GDP still below 5%. The consequences of climate change on agro-based firms further creates the need for credit to boost productivity. As relevant as this might be, existing empirical research seldom examined the effect of credit access on productivity of green SMEs in Nigeria. The emphasis on green SMEs is essential due to its sustainability attribute. It is on this premise that this study examines the extent to which green SMEs access credit and how it impacts on their productivity in rural Nigeria. The specific objectives are therefore: to identify the determinants of access to credit for green SMEs in rural Nigeria; and to establish to what extent access to credit affects capital, labor and total factor productivity of green SMEs in Rural Nigeria. The study employed nation-wide–General Household Survey (2016) data, for its analysis. A logit model and the propensity score matching model were used to ascertain the objectives. The justification of the propensity score model lies in the fact that it estimates an average treatment effect from observational data. The findings show that, sex, years of schooling, capital, collateral requirement, amount of loan experience and interest rate are significant determinants of credit access in rural Nigeria, while age and labor are not. Finally, the study shows that access to credit significantly affects labor productivity but does not significantly affect capital and total factor productivity. The study recommends that the conditions for credit to the agricultural sector should be revised to ensure that credits are robust enough to generate significant impacts on capital and total factor productivity. Also, green SMEs need to be prioritized in accessing credit to incentivize other farmers to do same.
"Feeling Thought": Exploring the Materiality of the Mind in A. S. Byatt's Fairy Tales
Authors: Beltrami Marzia
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Through the analysis of "Cold" (1998), "A Stone Woman" (2003), and "The People in the House in the House" (2009), the article explores how A. S. Byatt uses the fairy-tale genre's familiarity with the marvelous to make the interdependence of body and mind more visible, by featuring impossible creatures, fantastic metamorphoses, and clashes between scales. In her fairy tales, Byatt's reflection on the embodied mind intersects with her interest in materiality with quite unique results compared to her realist fiction. Using the idea of "feeling thought" as fil rouge, the article traces a connection between the materiality of represented bodies and minds and the metafictional awareness of the materiality of stories themselves as composed of reused motifs and strategies.
Navigating the Chaos of Liminality: A Narrative and Performative Exploration of Teenagers Telling Cancer Stories
Authors: McElearney Patrick
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Through combining a critical performative (auto)ethnography with performative writing, I explore the world of two teenage cancer patients as they share their stories online. I allow my own experiences as a former teenage cancer survivor to inform and shape my analysis, intertwining fragments of my own cancer journey with theirs. In doing so, I seek to create a sense of co-presence, a shared story of “we,” not just “me.” The narrative elements and self-presentation of each patient reveal their struggles in coping with sociocultural forces. This leads to a methodological intervention, mapping a performative framework in which the patients either embody liminality’s redress through reintegration into normative society or embody schism by embracing a nonnormal body.
The Right to Be Heard: Young People’s Participation in Policy Making and the Power of Storytelling
Authors: Hurley Rhea
Published: April 2024

Abstract: This article explores the role of storytelling in increasing young people’s participation in policy making. The relevance of Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child is discussed, followed by the history of young people’s active participation in human rights movements. The theoretical frameworks around political participation and the power of storytelling are reviewed. Six case studies are presented, including two from Canada, one from Indonesia, and three from the United States. Finally, findings suggest that storytelling has the potential to bring young people’s voices to the forefront of the human rights issues affecting their lives and to empower them to recognize their individual and collective agency.
Long-term monitoring chlorophyll-a concentration using HJ-1 A/B imagery and machine learning algorithms in typical lakes, a cold semi-arid region
Authors: Ren Jianhua , Zhou Haoyun , Tao Zui , Ge Liu , Song Kaishan , Xu Shiqi , Li Yong , Zhang Lele , Zhang Xiyu , Li Sijia
Published: April 2024

Chlorophyll a (Chl-a) in lakes serves as an effective marker for assessing algal biomass and the nutritional level of lakes, and its observation is feasible through remote sensing methods. HJ-1 (Huanjing-1) satellite, deployed in 2008, incorporates a CCD capable of a 30 m resolution and has a revisit interval of 2 days, rendering it a superb choice or supplemental sensor for monitoring trophic state of lakes. For effective long-term and regional-scale mapping, both the imagery and the evaluation of machine learning algorithms are essential. The several typical machine learning algorithms, i.e., Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), XGBoost (XGB), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR), and Multi-Layer Perception Network (MLP), were developed using our in-situ measured Chl-a. A cross-validation grid to identify the most effective hyperparameter combinations for each algorithm was used, as well as the selected optimal superparameter combinations. In Chl-a mapping of three typical lakes, the R2 of GBDT, XGB, RF, and KRR all reached 0.90, while XGB algorithm also exhibited stable performance with the smallest error (RMSE = 3.11 μg/L). Adjustments were made to align the Chl-a spatial-temporal patterns with past data, utilizing HJ1-A/B CCD images mapping through XGB algorithm, which demonstrates its stability. Our results highlight the considerable effectiveness and utility of HJ-1 A/B CCD imagery for evaluation and monitoring trophic state of lakes in a cold arid region, providing the application cases contribute to the ongoing efforts to monitor water qualities.
High Verdet constant of Tb2O3-doped TiO-B2O3-Al2O3-Na2O magneto-optical glass
Authors: Li Jiadong , Zhao Xudong , Chang Yuanxing , Li Weiwei , Lu Ping , Xia Mengling , Zhang Xianghua , Xu Yinsheng
Published: April 2024

Tb-doped magneto-optical (MO) glass is widely used in fiber optics, optical isolators, and modulators. However, only the paramagnetic Tb3+ ions exhibit significant MO effects, whereas the diamagnetism Tb4+ ions suppress the MO effects. Therefore, the valence state control of Tb ions is very critical to optimize MO performance. Here, a reduction strategy was introduced to adjust the Tb valence in glass to achieve the high MO effect. The TiO, which has low valence Ti2+ ions and good reducibility, was used to suppress the oxidation of Tb3+ to Tb4+ ions. In the TiO-B2O3-Al2O3-Na2O glass, 10 mol% TiO can increase the Verdet constant at 650 nm by 19%. With the further increase in Tb2O3 concentration, the Verdet constant reaches a high value of 117 rad/(T·m) at 650 nm, which is close to the Verdet constant of TGG crystal (121 rad/(T·m)). This work provides a new approach to increase the Verdet constant of MO glass.
Investigation of HLA susceptibility alleles and genotypes with hematological disease among Chinese Han population
Authors: Li Ye-Mo , Li Yu-Xia , Li Dai-Yang , Zhou Ying , An Lin , Yuan Zhi-Yang , Du Ke-Ming , Zheng Zhong-Zheng
Published: April 2024

Several genes involved in the pathogenesis have been identified, with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system playing an essential role. However, the relationship between HLA and a cluster of hematological diseases has received little attention in China. Blood samples (n = 123913) from 43568 patients and 80345 individuals without known pathology were genotyped for HLA class I and II using sequencing-based typing. We discovered that HLA-A*11:01, B*40:01, C*01:02, DQB1*03:01, and DRB1*09:01 were prevalent in China. Furthermore, three high-frequency alleles (DQB1*03:01, DQB1*06:02, and DRB1*15:01) were found to be hazardous in malignant hematologic diseases when compared to controls. In addition, for benign hematologic disorders, 7 high-frequency risk alleles (A*01:01, B*46:01, C*01:02, DQB1*03:03, DQB1*05:02, DRB1*09:01, and DRB1*14:54) and 8 high-frequency susceptible genotypes (A*11:01-A*11:01, B*46:01-B*58:01, B*46:01-B*46:01, C*01:02-C*03:04, DQB1*03:01-DQB1*05:02, DQB1*03:03-DQB1*06:01, DRB1*09:01-DRB1*15:01, and DRB1*14:54-DRB1*15:01) were observed. To summarize, our findings indicate the association between HLA alleles/genotypes and a variety of hematological disorders, which is critical for disease surveillance.
Biological aging of two innate behaviors of Drosophila melanogaster: Escape climbing versus courtship learning and memory
Authors: Thiem Jessica , Viskadourou Maria , Gaitanidis Alexandros , Stravopodis Dimitrios J. , Strauß Roland , Duch Carsten , Consoulas Christos
Published: April 2024

Motor and cognitive aging can severely affect life quality of elderly people and burden health care systems. In search for diagnostic behavioral biomarkers, it has been suggested that walking speed can predict forms of cognitive decline, but in humans, it remains challenging to separate the effects of biological aging and lifestyle. We examined a possible association of motor and cognitive decline in Drosophila, a genetic model organism of healthy aging. Long term courtship memory is present in young male flies but absent already during mid life (4–8 weeks). By contrast, courtship learning index and short term memory (STM) are surprisingly robust and remain stable through mid (4–8 weeks) and healthy late life (>8 weeks), until courtship performance collapses suddenly at ~4.5 days prior to death. By contrast, climbing speed declines gradually during late life (>8 weeks). The collapse of courtship performance and short term memory close to the end of life occur later and progress with a different time course than the gradual late life decline in climbing speed. Thus, during healthy aging in male Drosophila, climbing and courtship motor behaviors decline differentially. Moreover, cognitive and motor performances decline at different time courses. Differential behavioral decline during aging may indicate different underlying causes, or alternatively, a common cause but different thresholds for defects in different behaviors.
Debris flow volume prediction model based on back propagation neural network optimized by improved whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Ni Bo , Li Li , Lin Hanjie , Qiang Yue , Wu Hengbin , Zhang Zhongxu , Zhang Yi
Published: April 2024

Debris flow is a sudden natural disaster in mountainous areas, which seriously threatens the lives and property of nearby residents. Therefore, it is necessary to predict the volume of debris flow accurately and reliably. However, the predictions of back propagation neural networks are unstable and inaccurate due to the limited dataset. In this study, the Cubic map optimizes the initial population position of the whale optimization algorithm. Meanwhile, the adaptive weight adjustment strategy optimizes the weight value in the shrink-wrapping mechanism of the whale optimization algorithm. Then, the improved whale optimization algorithm optimizes the final weights and thresholds in the back propagation neural network. Finally, to verify the performance of the final model, sixty debris flow gullies caused by earthquakes in Longmenshan area are selected as the research objects. Through correlation analysis, 4 main factors affecting the volume of debris flow are determined and inputted into the model for training and prediction. Four methods (support vector machine regression, XGBoost, back propagation neural network optimized by artificial bee colony algorithm, back propagation neural network optimized by grey wolf optimization algorithm) are used to compare the prediction performance and reliability. The results indicate that loose sediments from co-seismic landslides are the most important factor influencing the flow of debris flows in the earthquake area. The mean absolute percentage error, mean absolute error and R2 of the final model are 0.193, 29.197 × 104 m3 and 0.912, respectively. The final model is more accurate and stable when the dataset is insufficient and under complexity. This is attributed to the optimization of WOA by Cubic map and adaptive weight adjustment. In general, the model of this paper can provide reference for debris flow prevention and machine learning algorithms.
Synthesis of cationic liposome nanoparticles using a thin film dispersed hydration and extrusion method
Authors: Cazzolla Alessandro , Mondala Julie Rose Mae , Wanigasekara Janith , Carroll Joanna , Daly Noah , Tiwari Brijesh , Casey Alan , Curtin James F.
Published: April 2024

Liposome nanoparticles can carry a wide range of therapeutic molecules including small molecules and nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Potential benefits include translocation across physiological barriers, reduced systemic toxicity, and enhanced pharmacokinetic parameters such as absorption, distribution, selective release and optimal elimination kinetics. Liposome nanoparticles can be generated with a wide range of natural and synthetic lipid-based molecules that confer desirable properties depending on the desired therapeutic application Nel et al (2023), Large (2021), Elkhoury (2020). This protocol article seeks to detail the procedures involved in the production of cationic liposomes using thin-film dispersed hydration method with an estimated uniform size of 60–70 nm for targeted drug administration in tumor cells, by modifying the previous one also published by the same authors cited here. The method was carrying out using N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium methyl (DOTAP, 2 mg) as cationic lipid and cholesterol (0.5 mg) in a molar ratio of 7:3 respectively. The liposomal suspension was obtained and its physical, chemical and biological properties were determined. A two-step extrusion process, using 100 nm and 50 nm polycarbonate membranes, was carried. The results demonstrate generation of liposome nanoparticles with a size of 60–70 nm stable for at least 16 weeks and with an encapsulation efficiency of approximately 81% using Doxorubicin.
Culture optimization of Streptomyces sp. KRA16-334 for increased yield of new herbicide 334-W4
Authors: Kim Young Sook , Jang Kyoung Soo , Choi Jung Sup
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to isolate actinomycetes that exhibit strong herbicidal activity, identify compounds active against weeds, and researching methods to improve the production of these compounds through culture optimization to establish a foundation for the development of environmentally friendly bioherbicides. 334-W4, one of the herbicidal active substances isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. KRA16-334, exhibited herbicidal activity against various weeds. The molecular formula of 334-W4 was determined to be C16H26N2O6, based on ESI-MS (m/z) and 1H and 13C NMR spectral data. It had molecular weight 365.1689 [M+Na] and 343.1869 [M+H], indicating the presence of the epoxy-β-aminoketone moiety based on HMBC correlations. Additionally, selective culture was possible depending on the addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) during culture with GSS medium. Experiments confirmed that exposure of the KRA16-334 strain to UV irradiation (254 nm, height 17 cm) for 45 seconds improved the yield of the active substance (334-W4) by over 200%. As a result of examining yields of active materials of four mutants selected through optimization of culture conditions such as temperature, agitation, and initial pH, the yield of one mutant 0723–8 was 264.7 ± 12.82 mg/L, which was 2.8-fold higher than that of wild-type KRA16-334 at 92.8 ± 5.48 mg/L.
Prediction of cross-border spread of the COVID-19 pandemic: A predictive model for imported cases outside China
Authors: Wang Ying , Yuan Fang , Song Yueqian , Rao Huaxiang , Xiao Lili , Guo Huilin , Zhang Xiaolong , Li Mufan , Wang Jiayu , Ren Yi zhou , Tian Jie , Yang Jianzhou
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has been present globally for more than three years, and cross-border transmission has played an important role in its spread. Currently, most predictions of COVID-19 spread are limited to a country (or a region), and models for cross-border transmission risk assessment remain lacking. Information on imported COVID-19 cases reported from March 2020 to June 2022 was collected from the National Health Commission of China, and COVID-19 epidemic data of the countries of origin of the imported cases were collected on data websites such as WHO and Our World in Data. It is proposed to establish a prediction model suitable for the prevention and control of overseas importation of COVID-19. Firstly, the SIR model was used to fit the epidemic infection status of the countries where the cases were exported, and most of the r2 values of the fitted curves obtained were above 0.75, which indicated that the SIR model could well fit different countries and the infection status of the region. After fitting the epidemic infection status data of overseas exporting countries, on this basis, a SIR-multiple linear regression overseas import risk prediction combination model was established, which can predict the risk of overseas case importation, and the established overseas import risk model overall P <0.05, the adjusted R2 = 0.7, indicating that the SIR-multivariate linear regression overseas import risk prediction combination model can obtain better prediction results. Our model effectively estimates the risk of imported cases of COVID-19 from abroad.
Spatial characteristics of non-communicable diseases and their associations to social conditions in a large urban cohort in Germany—Results from the Hamburg City Health Study
Authors: Andrees Valerie , Bei der Kellen Ramona , Augustin Matthias , Gallinat Jürgen , Harth Volker , Hoven Hanno , Kühn Simone , Lautenbach Anne , Magnussen Christina , Mohr Nicole , Twerenbold Raphael , Schäfer Ines , Waschki Benjamin , Zyriax Birgit-Christiane , Augustin Jobst
Published: April 2024

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for many deaths. They are associated with several modifiable and metabolic risk factors and are therefore prone to significant regional variations on different scales. However, only few intra-urban studies examined spatial variation in NCDs and its association with social circumstances, especially in Germany. Thus, the present study aimed to identify associations of personal risk factors and local social conditions with NCDs in a large German city.

Methods

This study is based on a population-based cohort of the Hamburg City Health Study including 10,000 probands. Six NCDs were analyzed (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], coronary heart disease [CHD], diabetes mellitus, heart failure, depression, and hypertension) in 68 city district clusters. As risk factors, we considered socio-demographic variables (age, sex, education) and risk behaviour variables (smoking, alcohol consumption). Logistic regression analyses identified associations between the district clusters and the prevalence rates for each NCD. Regional variation was detected by Gini coefficients and spatial cluster analyses. Local social condition indexes were correlated with prevalence rates of NCDs on city district level and hot-spot analyses were performed for significant high or low values.

Results

The analyses included 7,308 participants with a mean age of 63.1 years (51.5% female). The prevalence of hypertension (67.6%) was the highest. Risk factor associations were identified between smoking, alcohol consumption and education and the prevalence of NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, and COPD). Significant regional variations were detected and persisted after adjusting for personal risk factors. Correlations for prevalence rates with the local social conditions were significant for hypertension (r = 0.294, p < 0.02), diabetes (r = 0.259, p = 0.03), and COPD (r = 0.360, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The study shows that regional differences in NCD prevalence persist even after adjusting for personal risk factors. This highlights the central role of both personal socio-economic status and behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco consumption. It also highlights the importance of other potential regional factors (e.g. the environment) in shaping NCD prevalence. This knowledge helps policy- and decision-makers to develop intervention strategies.
Local contribution to the somatosensory evoked potentials in rat’s thalamus
Authors: Średniawa Władysław , Borzymowska Zuzanna , Kondrakiewicz Kacper , Jurgielewicz Paweł , Mindur Bartosz , Hottowy Paweł , Wójcik Daniel K. , Kublik Ewa
Published: April 2024

Local Field Potential (LFP), despite its name, often reflects remote activity. Depending on the orientation and synchrony of their sources, both oscillations and more complex waves may passively spread in brain tissue over long distances and be falsely interpreted as local activity at such distant recording sites. Here we show that the whisker-evoked potentials in the thalamic nuclei are of local origin up to around 6 ms post stimulus, but the later (7–15 ms) wave is overshadowed by a negative component reaching from cortex. This component can be analytically removed and local thalamic LFP can be recovered reliably using Current Source Density analysis. We used model-based kernel CSD (kCSD) method which allowed us to study the contribution of local and distant currents to LFP from rat thalamic nuclei and barrel cortex recorded with multiple, non-linear and non-regular multichannel probes. Importantly, we verified that concurrent recordings from the cortex are not essential for reliable thalamic CSD estimation. The proposed framework can be used to analyze LFP from other brain areas and has consequences for general LFP interpretation and analysis.
Early antiretroviral therapy in SIV-infected rhesus macaques reveals a multiphasic, saturable dynamic accumulation of the rebound competent viral reservoir
Authors: Keele Brandon F. , Okoye Afam A. , Fennessey Christine M. , Varco-Merth Benjamin , Immonen Taina T. , Kose Emek , Conchas Andrew , Pinkevych Mykola , Lipkey Leslie , Newman Laura , Macairan Agatha , Bosche Marjorie , Bosche William J. , Berkemeier Brian , Fast Randy , Hull Mike , Oswald Kelli , Shoemaker Rebecca , Silipino Lorna , Gorelick Robert J. , Duell Derick , Marenco Alejandra , Brantley William , Smedley Jeremy , Axthelm Michael , Davenport Miles P. , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Picker Louis J.
Published: April 2024

The rebound competent viral reservoir (RCVR)–virus that persists during antiretroviral treatment (ART) and can reignite systemic infection when treatment is stopped–is the primary barrier to eradicating HIV. We used time to initiation of ART during primary infection of rhesus macaques (RMs) after intravenous challenge with barcoded SIVmac239 as a means to elucidate the dynamics of RCVR establishment in groups of RMs by creating a multi-log range of pre-ART viral loads and then assessed viral time-to-rebound and reactivation rates resulting from the discontinuation of ART after one year. RMs started on ART on days 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 or 12 post-infection showed a nearly 10-fold difference in pre-ART viral measurements for successive ART-initiation timepoints. Only 1 of 8 RMs initiating ART on days 3 and 4 rebounded after ART interruption despite measurable pre-ART plasma viremia. Rebounding plasma from the 1 rebounding RM contained only a single barcode lineage detected at day 50 post-ART. All RMs starting ART on days 5 and 6 rebounded between 14- and 50-days post-ART with 1–2 rebounding variants each. RMs starting ART on days 7, 9, and 12 had similar time-to-measurable plasma rebound kinetics despite multiple log differences in pre-ART plasma viral load (pVL), with all RMs rebounding between 7- and 16-days post-ART with 3–28 rebounding lineages. Calculated reactivation rates per pre-ART pVL were highest for RMs starting ART on days 5, 6, and 7 after which the rate of accumulation of the RCVR markedly decreased for RMs treated on days 9 and 12, consistent with multiphasic establishment and near saturation of the RCVR within 2 weeks post infection. Taken together, these data highlight the heterogeneity of the RCVR between RMs, the stochastic establishment of the very early RCVR, and the saturability of the RCVR prior to peak viral infection.
Taste, memory and cooking recipes in fictional TV series: The case of Samurai Gourmet (2017)
Authors: Varmazi Eleni
Published: April 2024

This article examines a Japanese television format, in which fiction narrative merges with cooking programmes, creating thus the hybrid Gourmet TV drama, a Japanese product that became known worldwide through the Samurai Gourmet TV series, first presented on Netflix’s platform in 2017. In the past few years, Japan has set the bar for food shows particularly high because series like Samurai Gourmet do not simply teach the audience how to cook, but they also teach the art of eating, presenting recipes with sumptuous and voluptuous food footage. The article examines how food functions in the twelve episodes of the series (in relation to memory, criticism of foreign cuisine and reassertion of social values), and how image and sound, through different techniques, try to make up for the audio-visual medium’s lack of taste and smell.
Service Chain Placement by Using an African Vulture Optimization Algorithm Based VNF in Cloud-Edge Computing
Authors: Pandey Abhishek Kumar , Singh Sarvpal
Published: April 2024

The use of virtual network functions (VNFs) enables the implementation of service function chains (SFCs), which is an innovative approach for delivering network services. The deployment of service chains on the actual network infrastructure and the establishment of virtual connections between VNF instances are crucial factors that significantly impact the quality of network services provided. Current research on the allocation of vital VNFs and resource constraints on the edge network has overlooked the potential benefits of employing SFCs with instance reuse. This strategy offers significant improvements in resource utilization and reduced startup time. The proposed approach demonstrates superior performance compared to existing state-of-the-art methods in maintaining inbound service chain requests, even in complex network typologies observed in real-world scenarios. We propose a novel technique called African vulture optimization algorithm for virtual network functions (AVOAVNF), which optimizes the sequential arrangement of SFCs. Extensive simulations on edge networks evaluate the AVOAVNF methodology, considering metrics such as latency, energy consumption, throughput, resource cost, and execution time. The results indicate that the proposed method outperforms BGWO, DDRL, BIP, and MILP techniques, reducing energy consumption by 8.35%, 12.23%, 29.54%, and 52.29%, respectively.
Impact of episodes of regime transformation on subjective well-being: A panel event study
Authors: Prati Gabriele
Published: April 2024

This study aims to investigate the impact of a transition from democracy to autocracy (an autocratization event) and from autocracy to democracy (a democratization event) on three indicators of subjective well-being: life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. Data on episodes of regime transformation was taken from the Varieties of Democracy, while data on subjective well-being was extracted from the Gallup World Poll. The combined dataset comprised data on 166 countries from 2005 to 2021. Over this period, 22 autocratization events and 18 democratization events occurred. The study used a panel event study framework and controlled for GDP per capita. The results show no clear and consistent evidence of an impact of regime transformation in either direction (democratization or autocratization) on the three indicators of subjective well-being. The findings also indicate the absence of any causal effect between the episodes of regime change and subjective well-being.
Women’s tendency in work involvement: A study of female labour force in Indonesia
Authors: Susilo Susilo , Yuniashri Erlyn , Handrito Radityo Putro
Published: April 2024

Culture is perceived as the most prominent factor which causes inequality in work involvement, especially in the context of gender. In many cultures, “glass ceiling” of gender bias often makes women less productive than their male counterparts because of their domestic duties. As a matter of fact, Indonesian women have proven their potentials and abilities in boosting the national economy. This study focuses on the effect of domestic duties, wages, and education on women’s participation in the workforce. Using logistic regression and SUSENAS 2018 dataset, this research finds that women with higher education and greater number of children do not get involved in the workforce. This situation is inextricably associated with the predominant patriarchal culture in their domestic lives, in which the husbands assume absolute control, and women’s roles are usually limited to domestic sphere. As is the case of the other workers, women are more engaged in their work when they get higher wages. Women who live in urban areas tend to have opportunities to be economically productive.
Social expenditure multiplier: Assessment of economic effect and optimal values
Authors: Yurchyk Halyna , Mishchuk Halyna , Bilan Svitlana , Skare Marinko
Published: April 2024

The main aim of the study is to test the hypothesis that social expenditures are not only a source of social support and budgeting of the social sphere, but can be a significant lever of economic development, provided proper planning of their share and volume. In this regard, the authors have adapted the open-economy multiplier to assess the economic effect of social expenditures. Based on the correlation analysis of the relationship between the share of social expenditures (% of GDP) and the multiplier of social expenditures, conducted on the example of EU countries, two groups of countries are identified depending on the impact of social expenditure multiplier on GDP: the first one embraces those countries that are characterized by a growing economic return from social expenditures; the second one is where the return is declining. To determine the optimal levels of social expenditures, which can be expected to have a positive economic effect in the form of GDP growth, we have identified critical limits of the multiplier of social expenditures according to the principle: the maximum value is seen in the group of countries with positive impact; the minimal one is experienced in countries with inverse dependence of the share of social expenditures and their multiplier. As a result, the experience of financing social expenditures in the EU leads to the conclusion that the optimal share of social expenditures in GDP ranges from 28% to 30% – within these limits multiplier values exceed 1.0, i.e. there is a positive impact of social expenditures on GDP in the form of the growth of economic results over the resources consumed.
Comparative study of government expenditure on social protection in the Visegrád Group and Benelux
Authors: Piekut Marlena , Rybaltowicz Jakub
Published: April 2024

Socio-economic policies aim to promote equitable income distribution, with social protection playing a crucial role. Balancing equality and efficiency in redistribution poses a challenge for policy-makers. The welfare state-market compatibility dilemma and its impact on incentives are primary concerns. This study evaluates government expenditures on social protection in Benelux and Visegrád Group (V4) countries from 1995 to 2021. Trends in expenditure share indicate varying fiscal policy behaviors: Visegrád Group countries show convergence in expenditure share, while Benelux countries exhibit divergence. The structure of social protection spending also differs, with old age being a dominant category. These findings provide insights into welfare systems and can guide policy decisions in European regions.
Material and social deprivation in the European Union: Country-level analysis
Authors: Sedefoğlu Gülşah , Dudek Hanna
Published: April 2024

The study focuses on material and social deprivation as an important aspect of quality-of-life research in the European Union (EU). It analyses thirteen material and social deprivation items considered by the Eurostat. The study aims to compare country rankings based on severe material and social deprivation rates and country rankings obtained from composite indicators covering thirteen material deprivation items. Additionally, using Eurostat data, it evaluates material and social deprivation across EU countries in 2015-2022. The study employs different normalization and weighting methods to construct the composite indicators for country-level data. The results obtained through various methods are observed to exhibit a high degree of concordance. In particular, the severe material and social deprivation rate was found to be a good representative of material and social deprivation in a multidimensional approach. Regardless of the method used, throughout the analyzed period, Bulgarians and Romanians were in the worst situation within the EU. Slovenia and Cyprus improved their situation the most compared to other EU countries, while France, Germany, and Spain notably worsened their position between 2015 and 2022.
Research, interrupted: Addressing practical and methodological challenges under turbulent conditions
Authors: Bush-Mecenas Susan , Schweig Jonathan , Kuhfeld Megan , Mariano Lou , Diliberti Melissa
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic caused tremendous upheaval in schooling. In addition to devasting effects on students, these disruptions had consequences for researchers conducting studies on education programs and policies. Given the likelihood of future large-scale disruptions, it is important for researchers to plan resilient studies and think critically about adaptations when such turbulence arises. In this article, we utilize qualitative analysis of interviews with research study leaders to illuminate practical and methodological challenges, as well as promising practices that arose during the pandemic period. We find that researchers made pivots to address practical challenges and protect the feasibility of their studies. We also find that researchers took precautions, where possible, to understand and bolster internal validity. However, these pivots frequently surfaced additional threats to construct and external validity. We conclude with recommendations for future studies conducted in times of prolonged unplanned school closures or other large-scale disruptions.
¿Vulneración del derecho a decidir entre parto natural o cesárea?: Análisis de la Sentencia 233/2023, 22 de febrero Juzgado de lo Contencioso Administrativo número 5 de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Authors: Menéndez Pérez Ana
Published: April 2024

A través del presente comentario se analiza la Sentencia del Juzgado de lo Contencioso Administrativo número 5 de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, de 22 de febrero de 2023, ECLI:ES:JCA:2023:1039; en la que se condena al Servicio Canario de Salud a indemnizar a una mujer con un millón de euros por vulnerar su derecho a decidir entre parto natural o cesárea e imponer un parto gemelar natural prolongado hasta 17 horas que tuvo como consecuencia una lesión cerebral irreversible.