bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From biorepositories to data repositories: Open-access resources accelerate early R&D and validation of equitable diagnostic tools
Authors: Peck Roger , Storey Helen L. , Barney Becky , Israeli Shirli , Halas Olivia , Oroszlan Deborah , Brodsky Shiri , Agarwal Neha , Murphy Eileen , Sagalovsky Mariana , Cohen Jessica , Trias Elizabeth , Schutzer Aaron , Boyle David S.
Published: August 2023

Diagnostics are critical tools that guide clinical decision-making for patient care and support disease surveillance. Despite its importance, developers and manufacturers often note that access to specimen panels and essential reagents is one of the key challenges in developing quality diagnostics, particularly in low-resource settings. A recent example, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded there was a need for clinical samples across the globe to support the rapid development of diagnostics. To address these challenges and gaps, PATH, a global nonprofit, along with its partners collaborated to create a COVID-19 biorepository to improve access to biological samples. Since then, the need for data resources to advance universal rapid diagnostic test (RDT) readers and noninvasive clinical measurement tools for screening children have also been identified and initiated. From biospecimens to data files, there are more similarities than differences in creating open-access repositories. And to ensure equitable technologies are developed, diverse sample panels and datasets are critical in the development process. Here we share one experience in creating open-access repositories as a case study to describe the steps taken, the key factors required to establish a biorepository, the ethical and legal frameworks that guided the initiative and the lessons learned. As diagnostic tools are evolving, more forms of data are critical to de-risk and accelerate early research and development (R&D) for products serving low resource settings. Creating physical and virtual repositories of freely available, well characterized, and high quality clinical and electronic data resources defray development costs to improve equitable access and test affordability.
Knowledge and practices of toxoplasmosis among healthcare workers at two large referral hospitals in Zambia: Implications on the One Health Approach
Authors: Daka Victor , Mukosha Moses , Matafwali Scott K. , Mudenda Steward , Phiri Andrew M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Assessing the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers regardingToxoplasma gondiiinfection, diagnosis, treatment, and control is crucial for developing an effective management strategy.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 175 healthcare workers at Ndola Teaching Hospital and Namwala District Hospital in Zambia from September 2021 to April 2022.

Results

More than half (57.1%) of the respondents were males. Overall, 46(26.3%) and 68 (38.9%) respondents reported good knowledge and practices, respectively. Respondents with a higher number of years of experience (AOR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77–0.97), who were nurses than clinicians (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.007–0.41) and working at Ndola teaching hospital than Namwala hospital (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI:0.13–0.89) were less likely to have good knowledge. Respondents with a degree qualification than a diploma (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.09–8.47) were more likely to have good knowledge. Respondents from Ndola teaching hospital than Namwala hospital (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17–0.92) were less likely to have good practices.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that healthcare workers had low levels of knowledge and poor practices, which could have negative implications for the management of toxoplasmosis. To improve their knowledge and practices, continuous medical education inToxoplasmarelated aspects is recommended for in-service healthcare workers.
Prevalence of antibiotic use for diarrhea among 1.3 million under-five years children: A multicounty retrospective analysis from 2006–2018
Authors: Ahmed Md. Shakil , Khanam Suraiya , Kamruzzaman Md. , Morshed Mohammad Shahnewaz
Published: August 2023

Background

This paper aims to estimate the prevalence of antibiotic use for diarrhea among under-five children (u5c) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) using data from 112 Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 2006 and 2018. The focus is on understanding the extent of antibiotic usage for managing diarrhea, a condition characterized by frequent loose or watery bowel movements that can lead to severe dehydration.

Methods and findings

A cross-sectional study design was employed in the DHS. The prevalence of antibiotic use for diarrhea among under-five children was estimated by analyzing DHS data from 2006 to 2018 and using the R statistical programming language. Out of a total of 12,69,944 children under five included in this study, 1,80,067 children had diarrhea and 19,502 children had bloody diarrhea. The overall prevalence of diarrhea estimated at ~14% (prevalence = 0.142; 95% CI = 0.141, 0.142). Among the children with diarrhea, 47,755 child received antibiotic treatment, resulting a prevalence of ~27% (prevalence = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.26, 0.27) globally. Central Asia had the highest prevalence of antibiotic use at ~55% (prevalence = (967/1748) = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.59), followed by the Europe region with a prevalence of ~44% (prevalence = (5483/12502) = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.43, 0.45). In the South East and Central Asia region, DHS conducted between 2006 and 2018, showed the highest prevalence of antibiotic use in DHS 2007 (~44%), DHS 2012 (~49%), DHS 2016 (~40%) and DHS 2017 (~65%). The linear trend analysis showed an upward trend for using antibiotic of diarrhea in the South East and Central Asia region.

Conclusions

The Central Asia region had the highest proportion of antibiotic use, with an estimated prevalence of ~55% (95% CI = 0.52, 0.59). The Europe region followed closely with a prevalence of ~44% (95% CI = 0.43, 0.45). The South East Asia region had the lowest prevalence of antibiotic use estimated at ~23% (95% CI = 0.22, 0.24), with a gradual increasing trend.
Psychometric evaluation of a quality of recovery score for the postanesthesia care unit—A preliminary validation study
Authors: Kahl Ursula , Brodersen Katrin , Kaiser Sarah , Krause Linda , Klinger Regine , Plümer Lili , Zöllner Christian , Fischer Marlene
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Patients’ perception of postoperative recovery is a key aspect of perioperative care. Self-reported quality of recovery (QoR) has evolved as a relevant endpoint in perioperative research. Several psychometric instruments have been introduced to assess self-reported recovery 24 hours after surgery. However, there is no questionnaire suitable for use in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). We aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate a QoR questionnaire for the PACU (QoR-PACU).

Methods

The QoR-PACU was developed in German language based on the 40-item QoR-40 questionnaire. Between March and November 2020, adult patients scheduled for elective urologic surgery completed the QoR-PACU preoperatively and during the PACU stay. We evaluated feasibility, validity, reliability, and responsiveness.

Results

We included 375 patients. After two piloting phases including 72 and 48 patients, respectively, we administered the final version of the QoR-PACU to 255 patients, with a completion rate of 96.5%. Patients completed the QoR-PACU at a median of 125.0 (83.0; 156.8) min after arrival in the PACU. Construct validity was good with postoperative QoR-PACU sum scores correlating with age (r = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.35, p < 0.001), length of PACU stay (r = -0.15, 95%CI: -0.27 to -0.03, p = 0.02), pain in the PACU (r = -0.48, 95% CI: -0.57 to -0.37, p < 0.001) and piritramide dose administered (r = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.40 to -0.17, p < 0.001). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.61–0.73) with moderate test-retest reliability (ICC of 0.67, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.83). Cohen’s effect size was 3.08 and the standardized response mean was 1.65 indicating adequate responsiveness.

Conclusion

The assessment of QoR in the early postoperative period is feasible. We found high acceptability, good validity, adequate responsiveness, and moderate reliability. Future studies should evaluate the psychometric properties of the QoR-PACU in more heterogeneous patient populations including female and gender-diverse patients with varying degress of perioperative risk.
Critical evaluation of the agro-ecological system of the Republic of South Africa (30°S) in response to unclassified claims of cocoa farming beyond 20°S of the equator
Authors: Etaware Peter Mudiaga
Published: August 2023

Cocoa is a climate sensitive species that has never been reported to grow or survive outside its natural climate belt (20°N-20°S of the equator). Recent reports claimed that cocoa is currently cultivated in Eswatini (26°S), Botswana (22°S), Namibia (22°S), Lesotho (29°S), and the Republic of South Africa “RSA” (30°S). How true are these reports? Climatological and epidemiological investigations were setup to debunk or support these claims. The clime of RSA was investigated since it was the farthest from the cocoa production clime. A review of the climate data of RSA showed 12.4 and 6.1% increase in night-time and day-time temperatures, respectively i.e., from 9.7 and 24.4°C (1901–1930) to 10.9 and 25.9°C (1991–2020), affirming the influence of global warming. The consistent increase in the moving average from 1901–2021 with a fluctuation in the seasonal variation, validates this research. A global connection was established between climate suitability for cocoa production and cocoa disease/pathogen establishment (r = -0.39, P-value = 0.089) at P<0.05. Further analysis showed that the annual temperature (10.8°C≥Temp≥25.8°C), humidity (62%) and sunshine distribution (8.4hours/month) of RSA was suitable for cocoa farming, even though water availability was below the recommended level (rainfall≥463.6mm and rainy_days≤5days/month), farm irrigation systems are currently in use. Other findings showed that KwaZulu-Natal was 100% suitable for cocoa farming, followed by Gauteng, Mpumalanga (86%), Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Northwest (71%), Free State, Northern Cape, and Western Cape (57%). The estimated black pod disease status of KwaZulu-Natal (8.6%) and Eastern Cape (6.6%) affirmed the conduciveness of RSA for cocoa farming.
GC-MS analysis of fatty acid metabolomics in RAW264.7 cell inflammatory model intervened by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and a preliminary study on the anti-inflammatory effects of NLRP3 signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Lin , Xie Luming , Zhang Jing , Feng Yifan , Wu Xia
Published: August 2023

To explore the metabolomics of fatty acids and biological information of related markers in a RAW264.7 cell inflammation model. RAW264.7 macrophage inflammation model was induced by LPS, and RAW264.7 cells were treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The fatty acid compositions were identified by GC-MS, combined with standard product spectrum information and NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) database. Using chemometrics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), the components with VIP > 1 and P < 0.05 were selected as significant difference markers, and combined with biological methods to explore the biological significance of them. GC-MS identified 21 fatty acids in RAW264.7 cells, and screened significant difference biomarkers in each group. Among these biomarkers, C20:5 and C22:6 had significant changes in pairwise comparison among each group. Through ELISA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western Blot methods, the mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β, NLRP3, GPR120 and β-Arrestin-2 were up-regulated after RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS and nigericin, and decreased after drug intervention. It indicated that the signal pathway centered on NLRP3 inflammasome was involved in the anti-inflammatory process of ibuprofen. It was the first time to study fatty acid metabolomics in RAW264.7 cell inflammatory model by GC-MS combined with chemometrics. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of ibuprofen was explained from NLRP3 inflammasome perspective without precedent, which enriched the research on the signal pathway of ibuprofen anti-inflammatory mechanism.
Interview between Mark Turin, Lucy Barnes, Rupert Gatti and Alessandra Tosi
Authors: Turin Mark , Tosi Alessandra , Gatti Rupert , Barnes Lucy
Published: August 2023

This interview between the directors of Open Book Publishers (OBP), Alessandra Tosi and Rupert Gatti, editor and outreach coordinator, Lucy Barnes and board member, Mark Turin, explores the founding and development of OBP, a scholar-led, non-profit open access book publisher, and the obstacles it has overcome in its growth from a shared idea to a thriving, innovative press – as well as what the future holds for open access.
Harry’s Mirror: Desire, fantasy and the Mirror of Erised in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Authors: Ue Tom
Published: August 2023

The British edition of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone () celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. The American edition (1998) will follow suit in 2023. The series comprises seven books that follow the conventional seven years of UK secondary schooling between years seven and thirteen (i.e., grades six to twelve in the United States). In this article, I celebrate this first novel by examining Rowling’s commentary on desire. Writers of imaginative fiction have always been interested in this theme. Rowling is no exception. The Sorting Hat, which organizes Hogwarts’ new pupils into the school’s four houses, is a case in point: it recognizes Harry’s potentials were he to follow Voldemort’s footsteps and join the Slytherins, but, ultimately, it respects and prioritizes his desires. ‘Are you sure?’ it asks Harry, in response to his reluctance to be placed there, ‘You could be great, you know, it’s all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that – no? Well, if you’re sure – better be GRYFFINDOR!’ ([: 130) The Harry Potter series (1997–2007) follows Harry’s growth, which necessitates curbing his desires so that he does not become another Voldemort. The Mirror of Erised offers, I argue, an especially interesting case study for investigating this theme. My sustained attention on this device and its effects on characters and what they do exposes some of Philosopher’s Stone’s complexities, while enhancing our appreciation for Rowling’s characters and for her project.
Dois paradigmas ontológicos do livro eletrônico
Authors: Moraes André Carlos
Published: August 2023

Com base em revisão de bibliografia, propõe-se que é possível identificar dois paradigmas divergentes a respeito do livro eletrônico. Um deles parte do pressuposto de que o livro eletrônico é uma evolução do livro impresso. O outro utiliza análise histórico-social e pode ser utilizado para compreender o livro eletrônico como uma extensão do aparato conceitual do livro impresso. Estes pontos de vista, que não são necessariamente compatíveis, não são os únicos encontrados na bibliografia teórica sobre o assunto mas concentram uma quantidade significativa de autores. Palavras-chave: livro eletrônico, livro digital, e-book
Luonnonhoidon ja lisäsuojelun vaikutukset metsien monimuotoisuudelle tärkeisiin rakennepiirteisiin ja puuntuotannon mahdollisuuksiin
Authors: Salminen Olli , Kuusela Saija , Punttila Pekka , Syrjänen Kimmo
Published: August 2023

Tutkimuksessa arvioitiin MELA-ohjelmiston mallipohjaiseen tarkasteluun perustuen nykyi­sen perusluonnonhoidon ja tehostetun luonnonhoidon vaikutuksia metsien monimuotoisuutta kuvaavien rakennepiirteiden kehitykseen vuosina 2015–2064. Vaikutusarviot tehtiin 70 miljoonan kuutiometrin vuosittaisen runkopuukertymän (Taso70) ja suurimman ylläpidettävän hakkuukertymän (TasoSY) mukaisilla hakkuiden tasoilla. Molemmat luonnonhoidon mallit perustuivat nykyisiin metsänhoitosuosituksiin ja vallitsevaan tasaikäisrakenteiseen metsien hoitoon. Voimaperäisimpänä toimenpiteenä tehostetun luonnonhoidon mallissa puuntuotannon ulkopuolelle siirrettiin monimuotoisuudelle arvokkaiden puuston rakennepiirteiden perusteella 1,2 miljoonaa hehtaaria nykyistä puuntuotannon metsämaata. Tämä lisäsuojelu, joka kohdistui etenkin korpiin ja iäkkäisiin kangasmetsiin, kasvatti suojellun metsämaan (ei sisällä kitu- tai joutomaata) pinta-alan nykyiseen nähden Etelä-Suomessa 2,7- ja Pohjois-Suomessa 1,4-kertaiseksi. Muina tehostetun luonnonhoidon toimina tarkasteltiin säästöpuiden määrän ja järeyden kasvatusta, sekapuuosuuden lisäystä harvennushakkuissa jätettävässä puustossa, ainespuukokoisen lehtipuun korjuun rajoittamista harvennushakkuiden aines- ja energiapuun yhdistetyssä korjuussa sekä kantojen nostosta luopumista. Puuntuotannon metsämaalla hakkuut määrittivät pitkälti metsien rakenteen kehitystä. Metsien monimuotoisuudelle tärkeiden rakennepiirteiden kehitys oli TasoSY-ratkaisuissa Taso70:n vastaavia selvästi heikompi, ja merkittävien monimuotoisuusvaikutuksien kehittymiselle on sitä paremmin mahdollisuuksia, mitä maltillisempia hakkuita toteutetaan. Hakkuutasosta riippumatta tehostetun luonnonhoidon mallissa säästyi enemmän monimuotoisuudelle merkittäviä rakennepiirteitä kuin perusluonnonhoidon mallissa. Erityisesti lisäsuojelun merkitys korostui kasvavien hakkuiden aikana, ja TasoSY:n tehostetun luonnonhoidon ratkaisun rakennepiirteiden kehitys oli hyvin lähellä Taso70:n perusluonnonhoidon mukaista ratkaisua. Merkittävästä lisäsuojelusta ja muista luonnonhoidon toimenpiteistä huolimatta tehostetun luonnonhoidon malli antaisi tämän tutkimuksen perusteella mahdollisuuksia myös runkopuun hakkuumäärien lisäykseen viime vuosikymmenen (2011–2020) aikana keskimäärin toteutuneeseen runkopuun hakkuumäärään (68 milj. m3 v–1) verrattuna.
Assessing Neuronal Loss after Repeated Low-Level Blast Injury
Authors: Ramesh Babu Prathiv Raj
Published: August 2023

Explosive weaponry such as IEDs accounts for over 50% of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 21st-century warfare. The sudden detonation of these explosives causes the release of a shock wave that can cause TBI. This causes neuronal death and the neuroprotective activation of immune cells in the central nervous system called microglia. This project measured the timeline of neuronal loss and microglial activation up to 48 hours post blast injury. A mouse model containing 20 mice in 4 groups-Sham, 4 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours- was used to provide novel insight into microglial activation and neuronal death after blast injury. 3 blasts at the pressure 70 kPa ± 5 kPa (10.153 psi) were administered to all groups at 10-minute intervals except Sham, which received all other treatment. The mice were sacrificed at 4 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours post injury in accordance with their group and their brains were sectioned and mounted onto slides. The sections were stained with Fluoro Jade and Iba-1 antibodies to indicate dying neurons and activated microglia respectively. The results of this experiment will show the timeline of brain damage after blast injury, demonstrating when treatments can be administered.
The Effect of Using Premedication of Simethicone/Pronase With or Without Postural Change on Visualization of the Mucosa Before Endoscopy: A Prospective, Double Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cao Li , Zheng Fangqin , Wang Deqiong , Chen Li , Feng Xinxia , Zhou Zhenzhen , Liu Jingmei , Wang Mi , Guo Qiaozhen , Liu Mei
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION:

To investigate the efficacy and safety of preprocedural simethicone (S) and pronase (P) for optimal mucosal visualization during esophagogastroduodenoscopy with sedation. The effect of postural change combined with premedication on mucosal visibility was also examined.

METHODS:

The study randomized 496 patients into 8 groups based on the type of premedication provided and whether a postural change occurred. The premedication in the control group was 100 mL of normal saline solution (NS). The remaining 3 intervention groups were administered 100 mL of simethicone alone (S), pronase solution alone (P), and simethicone plus pronase solution (S + P). Each group was classified into subgroups according to whether there was a postural change (PC). The mucosal visibility score (MVS), total mucosal visibility score (TVS), procedure time, water consumption for mucosal cleansing, and proportion of patients with diminutive lesions <5 mm were recorded.

RESULTS:

The P and S groups had a significantly better TVS than the NS group (11.86 ± 3.36 in group P vs 14.52 ± 2.57 in group NS, P < 0.001; 12.36 ± 2.93 in group S vs 14.52 ± 2.57 in group NS, P = 0.006). The TVS was better in the P group than in the S group (11.86 ± 3.36 vs 12.36 ± 2.93, P = 0.037). The MVS was significantly better in the esophagus and duodenum and worse in the upper and lower gastric body in the S group than in the P group. The P + S group had a significantly better TVS than the P and S groups (9.81 ± 2.90 in group P + S vs 11.86 ± 3.36 in group P and 12.36 ± 2.93 in group S, respectively, P < 0.001),\ and had a reduced amount of flushing water during the procedure (0 [interquartile range [IQR]: 0–33] mL in group P + S vs 40 [IQR: 0–70] mL in group P, P < 0.01; 0 [IQR: 0–33] mL in group P + S vs 50 [IQR: 20–98] mL in group S, P < 0.001). The TVS was significantly better in the P + S + PC group than in the P + S group (8.44 ± 2.10 vs 9.81 ± 2.90, P = 0.003). The MVS was significantly better in the gastric antrum, fundus, and upper and lower gastric body in the P + S + PC group than in the P + S group. There was no significant difference in the detection rate of diminutive lesions among the different groups during an endoscopic examination (P > 0.05).

DISCUSSION:

The combination of preprocedural administration with simethicone and pronase achieved superior mucosal visualization compared with saline, simethicone, or pronase alone in patients receiving upper endoscopy. Postural change maneuvers performed before endoscopy further improved the mucosal visibility in most parts of the stomach when used with preprocedural simethicone and pronase.
Pharmacokinetic parameters, safety and drug-drug interactions of mirtazapine and tizanidine, combined in the new original drug Dorsumio®
Authors: Goncharov A. S. , Grigoriev A. V. , Globenko A. A. , Goncharov I. S. , Muratov K. A. , Yaroshenko D. V. , Sidorova A. A. , Kapashin A. V. , Kovchan O.  V. , Bashkatova A. I. , Pasko M. A.
Published: August 2023

Objective: to study the pharmacokinetic parameters and safety of Dorsumio® (mirtazapine + tizanidine, extended-release tablets, 15 mg + 6 mg, JSC Valenta Pharm, Russia) taken once by healthy volunteers in comparison with Calixta®, a monocomponent drug (INN: Mirtazapine, filmcoated tablets, 30 mg, Belupo, Drugs and Cosmetics d.d., Republic of Croatia) and Sirdalud® MR (INN: Tizanidine, modified-release capsules, 6 mg, Novartis Pharma AG, Switzerland) with an evaluation of their drug interactions when taken concomitantly or separately.

Material and methods. A two-stage, randomized, comparative cross-over study of the pharmacokinetics and safety of the complex drug Dorsumio® was conducted. In the first stage, volunteers alternated between taking one or two tablets of the study drug in two administration periods; in the second stage, subjects alternated between taking the reference monodrugs Calixta® and Sirdalud® MR alone and in a joint combination in three administration periods. A total of 38 volunteers were randomized into the study, of which 14 subjects participated in the first and 24 in the second stage of the study. Quantitative levels of mirtazapine and tizanidine were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the data obtained, the main pharmacokinetic parameters reflecting the bioavailability of each drug were calculated, and the mutual influence of their combination on pharmacokinetics was also studied. During the study, vital signs and laboratory parameters of the subjects were monitored, and the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs was recorded.

Results. A two-fold increase in the dose of the combination drug Dorsumio® resulted in a comparable increase in the pharmacokinetics of the individual drugs. There was no significant reciprocal effect of mirtazapine and tizanidine on their pharmacokinetic parameters. In one of the subjects participating in the second stage of the study, two mild side effects were registered after the joint use of Calixta® and Sirdalud® MR that did not require medical intervention and resolved on their own without health consequences.

Conclusion. There were no differences in the safety profile of the combined use of mirtazapine and tizanidine in the form of a free or fixed combination. It was shown that the investigated drug combination had no mutual influence on the pharmacokinetics of the individual components.
A novel computational technique to analyse the corona generated ionized field environment of EHV/UHV DC transmission lines
Authors: Raja Nayak M. , Chandra Sekhar K.
Published: August 2023

Abstact

The corona-generated electromagnetic field environment under and nearer to the extra high dc potential conductors generates an ill health environment which causes serious electrical threats to living organisms present in the conductor corridor. The ionized electromagnetic field environment is characterizing with ionized ionic current flow and enhanced electric field perturbation at ground levels. The primary factors which affect the safe and economical design dimensions of high potential dc conductors are conductor diameter, altitude, applied potential and atmospheric parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and aerosol pollution, etc. This remains a challenging task to design the HVDC transmission system at extended potential levels, as HVDC system employed for a large amount of power transfer barrier in the electrical system to meet inevitable power thrust. To obtain a safe and economical design configuration, multiple experimental design measurements are essential at various climatic seasons which incorporates the tedious process and significant economical expenditure. To obtain the safe and cost-effective design dimension configuration, computational-based numerical analysis with final experimental validation offers substantial support. Using various computational methodologies, many researchers have attempted to guide the critical line design proportions to establish a safe and economical electrical environment beneath the lines at ground levels. All these computational techniques are emphasizing the algorithm iterative-based complex solutions claim the lack of computational accuracy. Hence, this work aims to provide a unique computational technique to analyse the ionised electromagnetic field environment of a unipolar UHV dc transmission system using modelling of the physics of the corona discharge procedure in the active high electrostatic field zone. Modelling of the corona discharge includes the estimation of the amount of new ionized ions generated in the ionization region dynamically claims complex less equations offer a unique solution. To validate the accuracy of the proposed computational technique, multiple outdoor experimental measurements are carried out at HV/EHV/UHV potential applications and discussed. Also, the computed results are compared with the experimental findings, from the comparison outstanding computational accuracy was marked.
Resonance and recombinant creativity: Why they are important for research in Cognitive Linguistics and Pragmatics
Authors: Tantucci Vittorio
Published: August 2023

The present paper discusses the key role of creativity as a form of engagement and categorisation in interaction. One important way to display engagement ‘at talk’ is via resonance, that is when speakers re-use linguistic features that they heard from one another. Speakers constantly imitate and creatively recombine the utterances and the behaviors of their interlocutors. Recombinant creativity is a key cognitive mechanism subserving this, as it involves speakers’ re-elaboration of utterances and illocutionary forces of others, but also, more generally, the creative intervention on observed patterns of behaviour in context. Recombinant creativity is crucial for primarily two pragmatic and conceptual mechanisms: relevance acknowledgement and schematic categorization. A persistent tendency towards the proactive reformulation of an interlocutor’s speech is a textual indicator of relevance acknowledgement. This is because what is said by the other speaker is overtly treated as useful information for the continuation of the interaction. The opposite trend – to be measured on a large scale – is an indicator of lack of engagement. Recombinant creativity varies intra- and inter-culturally and is decisive for speakers’ enactment of socio-pragmatic schemas and the generalisation of form and meaning as a process of shared categorization.
Relevance theory and the study of linguistic interfaces in second language acquisition
Authors: Ahern Aoife , Amenós-Pons José , Guijarro-Fuentes Pedro
Published: August 2023

In this paper we address Relevance-theoretical (RT) postulates with clear potential for contributing to the substantiation of the notion of interface in second language acquisition (SLA) processes. Whether the interface is considered the locus of contact between the structural linguistic properties and syntactic operations, on one hand, and the interpretive mechanisms of the conceptual-intentional system, on the other; or understood as points of interaction among cognitive modules, interfaces are fundamental to interpreting grammatical structures that require integrating discourse-contextual information. Assuming the RT conceptual-procedural meaning distinction is approximately correlated with that which exists between lexical and functional categories, it will be shown that recent research into SLA revolves around the problem of how procedural units are acquired. Certain functional categories, expressing interpretable features, have been analysed as encoding identical procedural indications across different languages. Thus, one challenge that L2 learners face is identifying diverse interface effects, derivable from a single procedure, across languages. To illustrate this point we discuss a recent analysis of phenomena involving tense and aspect acquisition applying RT principles to empirical findings. Finally, some new directions will be suggested for further theorizing in SLA research on inherent characteristics of utterance interpretation in an L2.
The Expression of Values, Humanity and Aesthetics: The Appearance of Chinese Films in the New Stage
Authors: Zhou Xing , Ouyang Yuhong
Published: August 2023

Since the turn of the 21st century, the creative focus of Chinese films has developed from “main theme films” to “new mainstream films”; this change has led to the transformation of Chinese films as the world’s second largest market, enabling the diversification of artistic creative types and the expression of spiritual connotations. Since 2012, new mainstream films in China have increasingly occupied the leading position in film creation, with many outstanding works being produced. The adherence to China’s mainstream values, as well as the multi-tiered and diverse types of creation, make Chinese films in this new stage an important representative of Chinese culture. The progress of new mainstream films may be seen in relation to the following aspects: cultural values, the expression of humanity, family ethics, and aesthetic expression, all of which are constantly advancing the development of Chinese films.
Voicing the Terrestrial: Theory of the Lyric and the Pressures of the Anthropocene
Authors: Pietrzak Wit
Published: August 2023

In the present essay, I argue that lyric ecopoetry is particularly suited to alter our worldview in favor of a more ecologically-aware stance. In itself this position has been announced by numerous ecocritics, with some doubts as to its adequacy expressed by Timothy Clark in his Ecocriticism on the Edge. Partly in response to his critique, it is here argued that poems do offer a viable way of altering human modes of thinking not by what or how they evoke but by the way in which they register in the reader’s consciousness. To this effect, I depart from the theories of the lyric advanced in the last two decades by the likes of Jonathan Culler, Derek Attridge and the poet Don Patterson, all of whom argue that lyric poetry differs from any other form of linguistic expression in being itself the event it evokes rather than a representation of an event. This is because by dint of being performed by readers, lyric poems compel one to embrace the voices that comprise them as one’s own, as a result helping one interiorize an experience of ultimate otherness. It is this modus of poetry’s existence that makes it a particularly apt literary form for impelling one to appreciate the complexity of and one’s imbrication in the networks of planetary ecosystems. In this way, as I claim further on, poetry may be conceived of as a vehicle for instilling a form of thinking that Bruno Latour has recently theorized as Terrestrial. For him, the Terrestrial is characterized by what he calls the system of engendering, a way of dwelling in the interrelated systems of the Earth that is reciprocally beneficial for human and non-humans. After an overview of Latour’s idea, which is put forward as a potential political platform, and its relation to the extant theories of environmental humanities that emphasize poetry’s role in conjuring the awareness of the intricacy of natural processes, I suggest that lyric poetry offers not only a means of linguistic expression of the interdependence of all elements in any given ecosystem but also constitutes a language capable of swaying human modes of thinking in favor of the Terrestrial.
Delayed discovery: the COVID-19 pandemic’s influence on osteoarthritis clinical trials
Authors: Sajjadi Nicholas B. , Anderson Jon Michael , Hughes Griffin K. , Abraham Christena E. , Malik Jamal , Hartwell Micah , Vassar Matt
Published: August 2023

Context

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted clinical research in many medical and surgical fields, resulting in research waste and loss of treatment for patients. Although other areas have been explored, the extent of the pandemic’s influence on osteoarthritis (OA) trials is currently unknown.

Objectives

This study aims to explore the reasons for termination of clinical trials investigating OA during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We searched ClinicalTrials.gov for OA trials and characterized their reason for discontinuation, noting where trialists directly cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for trial discontinuation. We also coded other common reasons for trial discontinuation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to determine the difference in enrollment, funding source, trial phase, allocation, and intervention type between the trials terminated early due to pandemic and nonpandemic reasons.

Results

Out of 135 clinical trials, 119 were included and 27 (22.7 %) of them reported the COVID-19 pandemic as a primary reason for discontinuation, which was the overall most common reason for OA trial discontinuation during the study period. We found statistically significant differences for trials discontinued due to pandemic vs. non–pandemic-related reasons, with trials having sites outside the United States, randomized allocation, and drug or device intervention type being most affected. However, there was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding trial phase, funding source, or enrollment.

Conclusions

This study highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical trials related to OA. We found that many trials reported discontinuation directly due to the pandemic, which may lead to the loss or delay of novel treatments for OA. To avoid such discontinuation in the future, alternative methods for conducting OA-related clinical trials should be explored and implemented.
Classic genetic and hormonal switches during fetal sex development and beyond
Authors: Holterhus Paul-Martin , Kulle Alexandra , Busch Hauke , Spielmann Malte
Published: August 2023

Critical genetic and hormonal switches characterize fetal sex development in humans. They are decisive for gonadal sex determination and subsequent differentiation of the genital and somatic sex phenotype. Only at the first glace these switches seem to behave like the dual 0 and 1 system in computer sciences and lead invariably to either typically male or female phenotypes. More recent data indicate that this model is insufficient. In addition, in case of distinct mutations, many of these switches may act variably, causing a functional continuum of alterations of gene functions and -dosages, enzymatic activities, sex hormone levels, and sex hormone sensitivity, giving rise to a broad clinical spectrum of biological differences of sex development (DSD) and potentially diversity of genital and somatic sex phenotypes. The gonadal anlage is initially a bipotential organ that can develop either into a testis or an ovary. Sex-determining region Y (SRY) is the most important upstream switch of gonadal sex determination inducing SOX9 further downstream, leading to testicular Sertoli cell differentiation and the repression of ovarian pathways. If SRY is absent (virtually “switched off”), e. g., in 46,XX females, RSPO1, WNT4, FOXL2, and other factors repress the male pathway and promote ovarian development. Testosterone and its more potent derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as well as AMH, are the most important upstream hormonal switches in phenotypic sex differentiation. Masculinization of the genitalia, i. e., external genital midline fusion forming the scrotum, growth of the genital tubercle, and Wolffian duct development, occurs in response to testosterone synthesized by steroidogenic cells in the testis. Müllerian ducts will not develop into a uterus and fallopian tubes in males due to Anti-Müllerian-Hormone (AMH) produced by the Sertoli cells. The functionality of these two hormone-dependent switches is ensured by their corresponding receptors, the intracellular androgen receptor (AR) and the transmembrane AMH type II receptor. The absence of high testosterone and high AMH is crucial for anatomically female genital development during fetal life. Recent technological advances, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, will likely shed more light on the nature of these molecular switches.
LiDAR and conflict archaeology: the Battle of the Bulge (1944–1945)
Authors: Stichelbaut Birger , Coucke Dries , Passmore David G. , Van de Winkel Jonas , De Mulder Guy
Published: August 2023

Although conflict archaeology is now well established, the archaeological remains of many specific military confrontations are still to be explored. This article reports the results of fieldwork to document the site of the Battle of the Bulge (16 December 1944–25 January 1945). The authors use drone-mounted 1m-resolution LiDAR and very high-resolution simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) methods to reveal more than 940 features within the forested Ardennes landscape, many of which were subsequently visited and confirmed. As well as highlighting the potential of the LiDAR-SLAM method, deployed here (both in this geographic region and in conflict archaeology) for the first time, the survey results emphasise the need for a debate on managing the heritage of a key modern conflict landscape in Europe.
Distinctive Roles of Medial Prefrontal Cortex Subregions in Strategic Conformity to Social Hierarchy
Authors: Kim Daeeun , Kim JuYoung , Kim Hackjin
Published: August 2023

People often align their behaviors and decisions with others' expectations, especially those of higher social positions, when they are being observed. However, little attention has been paid to the neural mechanisms underlying increased conformity to the social hierarchy under social observation. Using a preference rating task, we investigated whether and how individual preferences for novel stimuli were influenced by others' preferences by manipulating others' social hierarchy and observational context. The behavioral results showed that human participants of both sexes were more likely to change their preferences to match those of a superior partner in a public than in a private context. fMRI data revealed distinct contributions of the subregions of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to increased conformity to social hierarchy under observation. Specifically, the ventral mPFC showed increased activity when participants' preferences aligned with those of superior partners, regardless of behavioral manifestation. The rostral mPFC showed increased activity when conforming to a superior partner and nonconforming to an inferior one, indicating goal-dependent valuation. The dorsal mPFC showed increased activity in private conditions with a superior partner but only in those with a higher tendency to conform. These findings support the hierarchical allostatic regulation model of the mPFC function for social valuation and suggest strategic conformity as a way to minimize metabolic costs.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study revealed distinct roles of subregions of the mPFC in increased conformity to individuals of different social ranks under observation. Specifically, the ventral mPFC showed increased activity when participants' preferences aligned with those of higher-ranking partners, whereas the rostral mPFC showed increased activity when conforming to a superior partner and nonconforming to an inferior partner, indicating goal-dependent valuation. The dorsal mPFC was more active in private conditions with a superior partner but only in those with a higher tendency to conform. These findings support the hierarchical allostatic regulation model of the mPFC function for social valuation and suggest strategic conformity as a way to minimize metabolic costs.
RESILIENCE OF SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKERS: DEFINED BY STRENGTHS AND COPING ABILITIES
Authors: Crocker Anje , Wilson Lizane
Published: August 2023

Resilience has been identified as a protective factor that improves the ability to manage stress, promotes wellbeing and enables individuals to thrive in adverse circumstances. Many social auxiliary workers function independently with sporadic and brief supervision. Considering the stressful work environment that social auxiliary workers must face, it is essential that they be equipped to effectively manage the stressors of social work practice. The study identified how individual, social and environmental factors contribute to the participants’ resilience and their ability to thrive in these challenging circumstances. The participants use their interpersonal, intrapersonal and organisational strengths and coping strategies to manage both their positive and challenging work experiences to remain both productive and resilient. Keywords: coping, intrapersonal strengths, interpersonal strengths, organisational strengths, resilience, social auxiliary work, social work
SOCIAL WORK AT THE INTERFACE OF COVID-19: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY AT A UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Bhagwan Raisuyah
Published: August 2023

The aim of the study was to explore the roles of social workers at a university of technology in KwaZulu-Natal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the study confirms the pivotal role of social workers in dealing with the psychological distress caused by illness, the loss of loved ones, economic insecurity and violence. While participants expressed a lack of preparedness for the significant mental health burden caused by the pandemic, existing expertise allowed them to offer counselling and support to offset the isolation and anxiety that many students were facing. Participants also noted the importance of social work involvement in educational initiatives. Keywords: COVID-19, psychological distress, social work, student interns, university of technology
FROM ‘VICTIM’ TO ‘SURVIVOR’: DECONSTRUCTING THE PERVASIVE NOTION OF VICTIMHOOD IN DISCOURSES AROUND PROGRAMMES DEALING WITH GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Authors: Leburu Goitseone
Published: August 2023

Social workers are among key professionals rendering empowerment services to people affected by gender-based violence in South Africa. These services are rendered within the developmental and empowerment approaches that were introduced in the post-apartheid era. Although the introduction of democracy brought a paradigm shift towards a developmental approach, social welfare and social work, there is paucity of research that investigates the utilisation of the concept of “victim” within the empowerment services rendered to people harmed by gender-based violence. The concept of “victim” has not been extensively researched theoretically and empirically. This article critically analyses the usage of the concept of “victim” in the empowerment social work services and posits a deconstruction of the pervasive notion of victimhood in discourses around programmes dealing with gender-based violence. It is hoped that this article will stimulate debates and research focused on the labels adopted in the empowerment services, as well as in developmental and social work in different societal contexts. Keywords: developmental approach, empowerment, social work, survivor, victim
Performing at the Intersections: A Literature Review of Applied Theatre, Climate Change, and Their Impacts on Mental Health Among Indigenous Youth
Authors: O'Grady James Russell , Roher Sophie Isabelle Grace , Kim Esther , Fairman Kimberly
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Theatre is infrequently used as a method to research experiences of climate change and its mental health impacts among Indigenous youth. It is unclear, however, what the central qualities are that render theatre an appropriate or inappropriate medium to investigate the intersections of these three topics.Objectives: The primary objective of this literature review is to identify the strengths and challenges of using applied theatre as a method when discussing the effects of climate change and mental health among Indigenous youth.Methods: This review was guided by a narrative approach. Literature was identified using digital databases including PubMed, Elsevier, WorldCat, JSTOR, Project MUSE, ERIC, and Google Scholar. Articles were selected depending on their relevance and contributions to the discussion of the central topics. Inclusion was contingent on publication in a peer-reviewed journal and whether the articles discussed applied theatre, climate change, and mental health. A total of 17 articles were included in the final review, which were further analyzed to identify overlapping themes. It is worth noting that this narrative review is not a comprehensive review of research on Indigenous youth, mental health, and/or climate change. Rather, it is a focused investigation of the role of theatre in addressing the intersections of these subjects.Results: This literature review found that there are significant linkages between climate change and mental health. Three central strengths emerged from a review of existing projects that used applied theatre to discuss climate change or mental health with Indigenous youth. The exploratory nature of theatre, its flexible temporality, and its capacity-building qualities are all overarching themes that render theatre pertinent to discussing climate change and its consequent mental health impacts among Indigenous youth.Conclusion: The emergent findings are important when considering applied theatre as a medium to facilitate discussions. There are certain challenges that also arose, such as a lack of youth interest and a need to conduct theatre activities over longer periods of time.Keywords: Indigenous youth, mental wellness, climate change, applied theatre, arts-based approaches