bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical Profiling and Therapeutic Potential of Abelmoschus esculentus Fruit Extracts: Insights Into Antidiabetic Potential in In Vitro and In Vivo Experiments
Authors: Ullah Hayat , Jan Tour , Ahmad Bashir , Nawaz Tariq , Khan Imran , Ahmad Khalid , Rehman Ata Ur , Murshed Abduh , Lu Jun , Ali Ashraf , Azizullah Azizullah , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Abdel-Maksoud Mostafa A. , Ebaid Hossam , Zaky Mohamed Y.
Published: October 2024

Due to inadequate treatment, diabetes mellitus, which is characterized by hyperglycemia, is a global health challenge that requires creative management techniques. This study explores the therapeutic potential of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench fruit extracts in diabetes, offering an ample approach includes phytochemical analysis, qualitative and quantitative assessments, antidiabetic efficacy, antioxidant potential, and in vivo and in vitro investigations. Thin‐layer chromatography (TLC), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were utilized to disclose the phytochemical profile of the fruit extracts, which indicated a diverse range of bioactive compounds. Four polyphenolic compounds including chlorogenic acid, quercetin, rutin, and morin were confirmed by HPLC fingerprinting, with rutin being the most prevalent. Qualitative analysis reveals the presence of carbohydrates, emodin, terpenoids, lignin, glycosides, and anthraquinones, while indicating the absence of amino acids, anthocyanins, phlobatannins, lactones, and leucoanthocyanins. Quantitative analysis reveals total phenolic, tannin, and flavonoid. In vitro assessments demonstrate the ability of the extracts to inhibit alpha amylase. Radical scavenging activities were evaluated through DPPH assay, underscoring their antioxidant capacity with high effect in methanol extracts. Additionally, the methanol extract decreased the blood glucose level of Type 2 diabetic mice. Notably, test samples stabilized blood glucose levels, reversed deviations in blood profile parameters, blood biochemistry, and regulated organ weight. Based on its antioxidant and antidiabetic effects, as well as positive effects on the physiology of Type 2 diabetic mice, A. esculentus emerges as an important nutraceutical vegetable. As an important nutraceutical vegetable, it holds promise for diabetes management. A. esculentus can be incorporated into dietary interventions for individuals with diabetes, harnessing its natural antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Our findings validate the traditional use of A. esculentus in green therapeutics. In conclusion, A. esculentus emerges as a valuable ally in the fight against diabetes, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science. Further research and practical implementation are warranted to fully realize its potential.
A Scalable and Coordinated Energy Management for Electric Vehicles Based on Multiagent Reinforcement Learning Method
Authors: Bian Ruien , Jiang Xiuchen , Zhao Guoying , Liu Yadong , Dai Zhou
Published: October 2024

The electric vehicle (EV) has been popular in recent years, which also brings huge challenges to the distribution network due to its energy instability. In order to consider the economic factors of dispatching these distributed renewable resources, the voltage variation is also important. A novel model‐free method is put forward for collaborative management of EV resources of aggregators in the distribution network. The economic costs and physical network constraints for this energy management issue are considered at the same time. A Multiagent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG) algorithm is applied to learn the cooperative energy control strategies. A transfer learning technique is used to fine‐tune the trained policy when more aggregators join in the network. The proposed method can achieve close results to the traditional optimization methods, while it takes less than one second to take control actions, making it is more suitable for real‐time online energy management. Compared to other advanced reinforcement learning (RL) models, numerical simulations conducted on IEEE test cases greatly illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
FlowCorrGCN: Enhancing Flow Correlation Through Graph Convolutional Networks and Triplet Networks
Authors: Zhai Jiangtao , Zhang Kaijie , Zeng Xiaolong , Meng Yufei , Liu Guangjie
Published: October 2024

Anonymous network tracing is a significant research subject in the field of network security, and flow correlation technology serves as a fundamental technique for deanonymizing network traffic. Existing flow correlation techniques are considered ineffective and unreliable when applied on a large scale because they exhibit high false‐positive rates or require impractically long periods of traffic observation to achieve reliable correlations. To address this issue, this paper proposed an innovative flow correlation approach for the typical and most widely used Tor anonymous network by combining graph convolutional neural networks with triplet networks. Our proposed method involves extracting features such as packet intervals, packet lengths, and directions from Tor network traffic and encoding each flow into a graph representation. The integration of triplet networks enhances the internode relationships, which can effectively fuse flow representations with node associations. The graph convolutional neural network extracts features from the input graph topology, mapping them to distinct representations in the embedding space, thus effectively distinguishing different Tor flows. Experimental results demonstrate that with a false‐positive rate as low as 0.1%, the correlation accuracy reaches 86.4%, showcasing a 5.1% accuracy improvement compared to the existing state‐of‐the‐art methods.
A Refinement of Jensen’s and Minkowski’s Inequalities via Superquadratic Functions
Authors: Asare-Tuah Anton , Prempeh Edward
Published: October 2024

We provide in this note a different refinement of Jensen’s inequality obtained via superquadratic functions. A refinement of Minkowski’s and Hölder’s inequalities is also established as an application of our refined Jensen’s inequality.
Supplementary Table S4 from Clinical Implications and Molecular Features of Extracellular Matrix Networks in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Pankova Valeriya , Krasny Lukas , Kerrison William , Tam Yuen B. , Chadha Madhumeeta , Burns Jessica , Wilding Christopher P. , Chen Liang , Chowdhury Avirup , Perkins Emma , Lee Alexander T.J. , Howell Louise , Guljar Nafia , Sisley Karen , Fisher Cyril , Chudasama Priya , Thway Khin , Jones Robin L. , Huang Paul H.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Table S4: Statistical comparisons between histological subtypes in cluster 1 (C1).
Supplementary Table S12 from Clinical Implications and Molecular Features of Extracellular Matrix Networks in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Pankova Valeriya , Krasny Lukas , Kerrison William , Tam Yuen B. , Chadha Madhumeeta , Burns Jessica , Wilding Christopher P. , Chen Liang , Chowdhury Avirup , Perkins Emma , Lee Alexander T.J. , Howell Louise , Guljar Nafia , Sisley Karen , Fisher Cyril , Chudasama Priya , Thway Khin , Jones Robin L. , Huang Paul H.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Table S12. Summary of univariable (UVA) and multivariable (MVA) Cox regression analyses assessing the association of clinicopathological factors and median proteoglycan score with overall survival (OS).
Supplementary Figure S7 from Clinical Implications and Molecular Features of Extracellular Matrix Networks in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Pankova Valeriya , Krasny Lukas , Kerrison William , Tam Yuen B. , Chadha Madhumeeta , Burns Jessica , Wilding Christopher P. , Chen Liang , Chowdhury Avirup , Perkins Emma , Lee Alexander T.J. , Howell Louise , Guljar Nafia , Sisley Karen , Fisher Cyril , Chudasama Priya , Thway Khin , Jones Robin L. , Huang Paul H.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Figure S7. Clinical characterisation of DDLPS subgroups.
Supplementary Figure S5 from Clinical Implications and Molecular Features of Extracellular Matrix Networks in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Pankova Valeriya , Krasny Lukas , Kerrison William , Tam Yuen B. , Chadha Madhumeeta , Burns Jessica , Wilding Christopher P. , Chen Liang , Chowdhury Avirup , Perkins Emma , Lee Alexander T.J. , Howell Louise , Guljar Nafia , Sisley Karen , Fisher Cyril , Chudasama Priya , Thway Khin , Jones Robin L. , Huang Paul H.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Figure S5. Assessment of leiomyosarcoma (LMS) extracellular matrix (ECM) solution and its effects of cell migration.
Supplementary Figure S1 from Clinical Implications and Molecular Features of Extracellular Matrix Networks in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Pankova Valeriya , Krasny Lukas , Kerrison William , Tam Yuen B. , Chadha Madhumeeta , Burns Jessica , Wilding Christopher P. , Chen Liang , Chowdhury Avirup , Perkins Emma , Lee Alexander T.J. , Howell Louise , Guljar Nafia , Sisley Karen , Fisher Cyril , Chudasama Priya , Thway Khin , Jones Robin L. , Huang Paul H.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Figure S1. The matrisome and adhesome profiles in soft tissue sarcoma (STS).
Figure 2 from Clinical Implications and Molecular Features of Extracellular Matrix Networks in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Pankova Valeriya , Krasny Lukas , Kerrison William , Tam Yuen B. , Chadha Madhumeeta , Burns Jessica , Wilding Christopher P. , Chen Liang , Chowdhury Avirup , Perkins Emma , Lee Alexander T.J. , Howell Louise , Guljar Nafia , Sisley Karen , Fisher Cyril , Chudasama Priya , Thway Khin , Jones Robin L. , Huang Paul H.
Published: October 2024

Matrisome and adhesome networks in STS. A, Heatmap showing a similarity matrix of Pearson’s correlation coefficients for all pairwise comparisons of matrisome and adhesome proteins. Heatmap is split into three clusters (C1, C2, and C3) identified by consensus clustering analysis. B, Pie charts showing breakdown of proteins within the clusters into adhesome, core matrisome, or matrisome-associated proteins (top), breakdown by matrisome class (middle) and by functional annotation of adhesome (bottom). C, Selected protein–protein interaction networks (colored by clusters) are shown for each cluster as identified by enrichment analysis (reactome pathways). D, Box plots showing distributions of median expression of C1, C2 and C3 proteins across tumor grades. Boxes indicate 25th and 75th percentile, with the median line in the middle, whiskers extending from 25th percentile − [1.5 × interquartile range (IQR)] to 75th percentile + (1.5 × IQR), and outliers plotted as points. Significance determined by Mann–Whitney U test. ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001. E, Box plots showing distributions of median expression of C1, C2 and C3 proteins across histological subtypes. Boxes indicate 25th and 75th percentile, with the median line in the middle, whiskers extending from 25th percentile − (1.5 × IQR) to 75th percentile + (1.5 × IQR), and outliers plotted as points. Significance determined by Kruskal–Wallis tests with Dunn’s multiple corrections tests. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ****, P < 0.0001. Other, ASPS, alveolar soft part sarcoma; CCS, clear cell sarcoma; DSRCT, desmoplastic small round cell tumor; ES, epithelioid sarcoma; RT, rhabdoid tumor.
Table S2 from A Phase I Study of the Combination of Pexidartinib and Sirolimus to Target Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Unresectable Sarcoma and Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Authors: Manji Gulam A. , Van Tine Brian A. , Lee Shing M. , Raufi Alexander G. , Pellicciotta Ilenia , Hirbe Angela C. , Pradhan Jaya , Chen Andrew , Rabadan Raul , Schwartz Gary K.
Published: October 2024

Pharmacokinetic parameters
Figure S2 from A Phase I Study of the Combination of Pexidartinib and Sirolimus to Target Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Unresectable Sarcoma and Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Authors: Manji Gulam A. , Van Tine Brian A. , Lee Shing M. , Raufi Alexander G. , Pellicciotta Ilenia , Hirbe Angela C. , Pradhan Jaya , Chen Andrew , Rabadan Raul , Schwartz Gary K.
Published: October 2024

Multiplex Immunofluorescence
Data from A Phase I Study of the Combination of Pexidartinib and Sirolimus to Target Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Unresectable Sarcoma and Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Authors: Manji Gulam A. , Van Tine Brian A. , Lee Shing M. , Raufi Alexander G. , Pellicciotta Ilenia , Hirbe Angela C. , Pradhan Jaya , Chen Andrew , Rabadan Raul , Schwartz Gary K.
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurpose:
To evaluate the safety and tolerability in phase I first-in-human combination therapy with pexidartinib, an inhibitor of colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor, and sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, to target tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) polarization in soft tissue sarcomas (STS).
Patients and Methods:
This multicenter phase I study used the time-to-event continual reassessment method (TITE-CRM) to study the combination of sirolimus, doses ranging from 2 to 6 mg, with pexidartinib, doses ranging from 600 to 1,000 mg, both provided continuously on a 28-day cycle, in patients with advanced sarcoma. A total of 24 patients [8 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, 3 tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT), 5 leiomyosarcoma, and 8 with other sarcoma subtypes] were enrolled. The median age was 46 years, 56% were male, and 61% had >2 prior lines of therapy.
Results:
The recommended phase II dose was 2 mg of sirolimus combined with 1,000 mg of pexidartinib daily. Of the 18 evaluable subjects, 5 experienced dose-limiting toxicities (2 elevated aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase, 2 elevated sirolimus trough levels, and 1 grade 5 dehydration). Most common grade 2 or higher treatment-related adverse events included anemia, fatigue, neutropenia, and lymphopenia. Clinical benefit was observed in 12 of 18 (67%) evaluable subjects with 3 partial responses (all in TGCT) and 9 stable disease. Tissue staining indicated a decreased proportion of activated M2 macrophages within tumor samples with treatment.
Conclusions:
Pexidartinib can be safely administered with sirolimus. These findings support further investigation of this combination to determine clinical efficacy. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02584647.
Association of Tumor Mutational Burden and PD-L1 with the Efficacy of Pembrolizumab with or without Chemotherapy versus Chemotherapy in Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Fléchon Aude , Morales-Barrera Rafael , Powles Thomas , Alva Ajjai , Özgüroğlu Mustafa , Csöszi Tibor , Loriot Yohann , Rodriguez-Vida Alejo , Géczi Lajos , Cheng Susanna Y. , Fradet Yves , Oudard Stéphane , Vulsteke Christof , Gunduz Seyda , Mamtani Ronac , Yu Evan Y. , Montesa Pino Alvaro , Anido Urbano , Sendur Mehmet A.N. , Gravis Gwenaelle , Révész János , Kostorov Vladimir , Huillard Olivier , Ma Junshui , Rajasagi Mohini , Vajdi Amir , Lunceford Jared , Cristescu Razvan , Imai Kentaro , Homet Moreno Blanca , Matsubara Nobuaki
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

The three-arm, phase III KEYNOTE-361 study did not meet its dual primary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) with first-line pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy in advanced urothelial carcinoma. This prespecified exploratory analysis assessed the association of tumor mutational burden (TMB) and PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) with clinical outcomes.

Patients and Methods:

TMB and PD-L1 CPS were determined via whole-exome sequencing and PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx, respectively. The association was evaluated in each treatment arm using logistic regression [objective response rate (ORR)] and Cox proportional hazards regression models (PFS and OS); one-sided (pembrolizumab monotherapy; pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy) and two-sided (chemotherapy) nominal P values were calculated. Significance was prespecified at α = 0.05 without multiplicity adjustment. Efficacy was evaluated by prespecified cutoffs of 175 mutations/exome (TMB) and CPS 10 (PD-L1).

Results:

Of the 993 treated patients, 820 (82.6%) and 993 (100%) had evaluable TMB and CPS data, respectively. Continuous TMB was positively associated with ORR, PFS, and OS for pembrolizumab monotherapy (one-sided P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.007, respectively); PFS and OS for pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy (one-sided P = 0.007 and P = 0.010, respectively); and OS for chemotherapy alone (two-sided P = 0.040). Continuous PD-L1 CPS showed evidence of anticipated association with ORR and PFS for pembrolizumab monotherapy. The subgroup with TMB ≥175 mutations/exome and PD-L1 CPS ≥10 had the highest PFS and OS improvements with pembrolizumab alone or with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that TMB may be predictive of the response to pembrolizumab alone or with chemotherapy in advanced urothelial carcinoma.
FIGURE 4 from In Silico Epitope Prediction Analyses Highlight the Potential for Distracting Antigen Immunodominance with Allogeneic Cancer Vaccines
Authors: James C. Alston , Ronning Peter , Cullinan Darren , Cotto Kelsy C. , Barnell Erica K. , Campbell Katie M. , Skidmore Zachary L. , Sanford Dominic E. , Goedegebuure S. Peter , Gillanders William E. , Griffith Obi L. , Hawkins William G. , Griffith Malachi
Published: October 2024

Shared neoantigen analysis in common allogeneic vaccine cancer types. A, Lysate-based overlap analysis. Counts of shared neoantigens per patient for each cancer type based on a lysate-based vaccine administration are shown on the left. Counts summarize 10 complete trial simulations (300 simulated patients total) for each cancer type. A heatmap of shared neoantigen identities from combined trials in each cancer type (300 simulated patients) is shown on the right. B, Cell-based overlap analysis. Counts of shared neoantigens per patient for each cancer type based on cell-based vaccine administration are shown on the left. Counts summarize 10 complete trial simulations (300 simulated patients) for each cancer type are shown on the left. A heatmap of shared neoantigen identities from combined trials in each cancer type (300 simulated patients) is shown on the right.
Figure S1 from A Database Tool Integrating Genomic and Pharmacologic Data from Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines, PDX, and Patient Samples
Authors: Arakawa Yasuhiro , Elloumi Fathi , Varma Sudhir , Khandagale Prashant , Jo Ukhyun , Kumar Suresh , Roper Nitin , Reinhold William C. , Robey Robert W. , Takebe Naoko , Gottesman Michael M. , Thomas Craig J. , Boeva Valentina , Berruti Alfredo , Abate Andrea , Tamburello Mariangela , Sigala Sandra , Hantel Constanze , Weigand Isabel , Wierman Margaret E. , Kiseljak-Vassiliades Katja , Del Rivero Jaydira , Pommier Yves
Published: October 2024

Supplement Figure 1 related to Figure 2
Figure 2 from A Database Tool Integrating Genomic and Pharmacologic Data from Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines, PDX, and Patient Samples
Authors: Arakawa Yasuhiro , Elloumi Fathi , Varma Sudhir , Khandagale Prashant , Jo Ukhyun , Kumar Suresh , Roper Nitin , Reinhold William C. , Robey Robert W. , Takebe Naoko , Gottesman Michael M. , Thomas Craig J. , Boeva Valentina , Berruti Alfredo , Abate Andrea , Tamburello Mariangela , Sigala Sandra , Hantel Constanze , Weigand Isabel , Wierman Margaret E. , Kiseljak-Vassiliades Katja , Del Rivero Jaydira , Pommier Yves
Published: October 2024

RNA-seq (xsq) expression of hormonal and drug efflux genes in the ACC cell lines and surgical samples. A, Univariate analysis scatterplot of the hormonal genes SULT2A1 (sulfotransferase family 1A member 1) vs. CYP11A1 (cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1) transcript levels in ACC NCI cell lines and surgical samples. Transcript levels of the two genes in the 1,011 cell lines in the CCLE dataset were merged. B, Univariate analysis scatterplot of the drug transporters ABCB1 (MDR1) vs. ABCG2 (BCRP) transcript expression levels in ACC NCI cell lines and surgical samples. Transcriptional expression levels of ABCB1 and ABCG2 in the 1,011 cell lines of the CCLE dataset were merged with the ACC data.
Igualdade de gênero no Estado de São Paulo: mapeamento das políticas públicas paulistas no contexto do ODS 5
Authors: Moreira Natali Francine Cinelli ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Relações Internacionais, Cardoso Ana Flávia da Cruz Montemor ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Relações Internacionais
Published: October 2024

Por solicitação da Comissão para os Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Casa Civil do Governo do Estado de São Paulo (Comissão ODS) e a partir de uma parceria estabelecida com o IRI-USP, as MaRIas (Grupo de Pesquisa sobre Gênero e Relações Internacionais) e o LAI (Laboratório de Análise Internacional Bertha Lutz) foi realizado o mapeamento das iniciativas do Governo do Estado no que tange ao cumprimento do Objetivo do Desenvolvimento Sustentável 5, referente à igualdade de gênero (ODS 5). Desta forma, o livro apresenta dois objetivos principais: (1) mapear as iniciativas - ações, políticas e equipamentos públicos - que abordam a questão de gênero realizadas pelos diversos órgãos do Governo do Estado de SP que integram o Comitê Intersecretarial de Defesa da Mulher, apontando suas principais contribuições, sugerindo aprimoramentos e localizando-as no contexto do ODS 5; e (2) comunicá-las em uma linguagem acessível – para que possam ser fonte de informação para o público em geral. No total, as pesquisadoras mapearam as iniciativas promovidas por 11 secretarias do governo paulista: Justiça e Cidadania; Habitação; Segurança Pública; Desenvolvimento Econômico; Saúde; Desenvolvimento Social; Educação; Cultura e Economia Criativa; Infraestrutura e Meio Ambiente; Desenvolvimento Regional e Direitos da Pessoa com Deficiência. As iniciativas estaduais relatadas neste estudo foram analisadas no contexto dos Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS), pois trata-se de agenda integrada, e, portanto, para a concretização de um dos objetivos, não só as suas próprias metas devem ser observadas, mas também outras que lhes sejam afeitas. Respeitando a transversalidade da agenda, analisamos as iniciativas do Governo do Estado de São Paulo no contexto do ODS 5, que tem como objetivo acabar com a discriminação contra meninas e mulheres, combater todas as formas de violência de gênero e lutar por oportunidades iguais. O mapeamento realizado demonstra o esforço do Governo Estadual no sentido de criar e executar iniciativas voltadas à igualdade de gênero. No entanto, há pontos de melhora urgentes e necessários nas iniciativas estaduais, sem os quais as mulheres paulistas seguirão vivendo vidas desiguais - sobretudo no cenário de pandemia global.
Emojis: entre a liberdade expressiva e o controle das plataformas
Authors: Sato Silvio Koiti
Published: October 2024

This study reflects on the evolution of emojis, visual signs that initially appear in text messages mediated by electronic devices. For this, academic studies of these elements in fields as diverse as communications, marketing, linguistics, psychology, semiotics, among others, and frequent interdisciplinary approaches were reviewed. This study found that emojis belong to a set of elements that have been used as expressive resources over time, that evolve as they overflow the digital environment in which they emerged, and configure integral parts of contemporary culture. Thus, discussions arise about control and surveillance in the production of emojis that influence communication practices and brand consumption.
Constraints on Reciprocal Scope
Authors: Dalrymple Mary , Haug Dag
Published: October 2024

We explore constraints on reciprocal scope, showing that properties of the local antecedent of the reciprocal are crucial in determining the scope of the reciprocal. We survey bound and non-bound, collective, controlled and distributive antecedents, examining and rejecting or refining some previously proposed constraints on reciprocal scope. We also discuss logophoric antecedents, which to our knowledge have not figured in the literature up to now. Our findings provide overall support for a relational (rather than quantificational) treatment of reciprocal semantics.
The Political Commodity
Authors: AlShehabi Omar Hesham
Published: October 2024

This article explores Abdulrahman Munif’s nonfiction Arabic writings on American oil relations in the Middle East. It begins by outlining his historiography of the US oil presence and its periodization from the start of the 20th century to the early 1970s. It then focuses on his analysis of contemporaneous developments during the 1970s, a period which he saw as historically defining in realigning global relations. The article argues that he employs a unique historiographical approach, one that draws on Marxist, dependency theory, and Arab Nationalist influences. In particular, it embodies a form of conjunctural analysis avant la lettre, which pivots around analyzing the condensation of social forces at periods of critical crises at the international, national, and subnational levels. In this manner, Munif aimed to historicize the 1970s conjuncture from within, anticipating and critiquing much of what later became the standard narratives of the international relations of oil.
Perception of Arab Immigrant Journalists toward Factors Affecting the Publication and Broadcasting of News Content in the United Kingdom
Authors: Aissani Rahima , Kaba Abdoulaye , Dheyab Abdullah Abdulrahman
Published: October 2024

This article investigates the perception of Arab immigrant journalists toward factors affecting the publication and broadcasting of news content in the United Kingdom (UK). Data were collected through a questionnaire. Seventy Arab immigrant journalists participated. The findings showed that organizational policy was the most widely considered factor affecting the publication and broadcasting of news content. In addition, the results suggested that gender and age have an impact on publishing and broadcasting news content. The participants believed that lack of freedom, organizational pressure, and inexperienced supervisors are the main challenges they face in their work.
Political Parties’ Strategies and Foreign Policy-Making within Authoritarian Contexts
Authors: Magued Shaimaa
Published: October 2024

How do authoritarian regimes make foreign policy decisions? In answering this question, the article addresses political parties’ accommodating strategies in non-democratic contexts. It builds a theory on authoritarian regimes’ foreign policy-making based on the incorporation of a range of partisan strategies informing leaders’ orientations and goals. Unravelling the reasons behind the AKP’s swift shift from alliance to confrontation with the Egyptian regime in the aftermath of the Muslim Brotherhood’s eviction in 2013 followed by a rapprochement, this article underscores the contribution of parties’ strategies in unpacking foreign policy decision-making within autocracies. The study uses an inductive approach in examining the AKP’s accommodating strategies from 2013 until 2021 based on 30 extensive open-ended and semi-structured in-depth expert interviews conducted by the author with decision-makers in Egypt and Turkey between 2017 and 2021 and a content analysis of Turkish leaders’ speeches.
Lebanese Emigration to Brazil
Authors: Labaki Boutros
Published: October 2024

This article deals with the reasons and dynamics of the Lebanese immigration to Brazil since the end of the 19th century onward, adding figures and charts to better expose and explain this social economic phenomena. For this, the article relied on a number of fugures, statisctics and studies to explain the reasons for this mass immigration of the Lebanese people.
Water Crisis in Southern Iraq
Authors: Saleh Diyari
Published: October 2024

The water crisis has become a major and critical challenge facing Iraq today, as the transboundary water flow from neighboring countries into Iraq, especially in the case of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, declines. The study argues that this crisis will have serious repercussions in the future, leading to tribal conflicts over water quotas, and clan conflicts with the state over the lack of solutions proposed to address this crisis, and there will be a knock on effect on food security which is also at stake. In addition, this crisis may trigger hate speech and incitement, in the future, among some parties, fueling internal conflicts in Iraq and regional tensions.
Media Bias
Authors: Siddiq Nader
Published: October 2024

There is a need to emphasize the magnitude of the tragedies caused by the war on terror by drawing viewers’ attention toward terrorist groups’ terrible activities on social media sites for awareness and understanding. The present study aims to assess the perceptions of youth towards the coverage of international terrorism through social media. The random sampling technique was used to recruit 1020 participants from 22 Arab states. The study revealed that social media sites broadcast international terrorism news that has an impact on the Arab region where Islam is represented as the prime mover behind those acts of terror. The majority believed that the coverage of the Arab media, in comparison with the international media, was much more impartial. No statistical difference was observed between gender and dependency on the news on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). The findings also showed that raising awareness of Arab youth is needed to develop their media literacy and their independent analysis of biased coverage of social media in order to prevent radicalization.
A taxonomic monograph of subfamily Scolytinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Western Himalaya
Authors: BUHROO ABDUL AHAD , ZUBAIR R. M.
Published: October 2024

We investigated the scolytine fauna of the West Himalayan region of India. The present study combines field samples, museum specimens, and published data to catalog the scolytine diversity. We recognize 57 scolytine species from 15 tribes and 25 genera. Five new species Cryphalus himalayensis sp. nov., Dryocoetes asperatus sp. nov., Ernoporus squamosus sp. nov., Scolytoplatypus denticauda sp. nov., and Hypothenemus ficivorus sp. nov. are described from the region. Previously reported and inadequately characterized species are imaged and redescribed. Two new Indian records, seven new regional records, and fifteen new host records are reported. Keys to genera and photographs of each species are provided to facilitate identification. Mitochondrial COX-1 sequences were generated from some Himalayan species and sequences from GenBank were utilized for comparison with other related species. The current monographic study includes an overview of each species' taxonomic diagnosis, range, and host plants. Furthermore, an updated list of 165 scolytine species, distributed in the Himalaya but excluding its eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, is also provided.
Taxonomic review of the Rhagonycha flava species group (Coleoptera, Cantharidae), with descriptions of fourteen new species from China
Authors: XIAO YUN-FENG , LIU HAO-YU , YANG XING-KE , YANG YU-XIA
Published: October 2024

The species of Rhagonycha Eschscholtz, 1830 with yellowish elytra from the Oriental Region are reviewed and defined as Rh. flava species group. Fourteen new species are described, including Rh. nigricolor sp. nov. and Rh. trimacula sp. nov. (China, Sichuan), Rh. falcata sp. nov., Rh. tibetanimima sp. nov., Rh. similis sp. nov., Rh. maculaticeps sp. nov., Rh. curtiapicis sp. nov., Rh. acutiapicis sp. nov., Rh. ocula sp. nov. and Rh. weixiensis sp. nov. (China, Yunnan), Rh. longicornis sp. nov. and Rh. zayuensis sp. nov. (China, Xizang), Rh. flavimima sp. nov. (China, Hubei), and Rh. guizhouensis sp. nov. (China, Guizhou). The new species are illustrated, and figures of their habitus, aedeagi, abdominal sternites VIII and internal genitalia of females are provided. Ten previously known species are supplementarily described, and illustrations of their habitus and female reproductive systems are provided for the first time: Rh. albolimbata Pic, 1926, Rh. bimucronata Švihla, 2005, Rh. flava (Pic, 1926), Rh. furcatiformis Wittmer, 1997, Rh. hubeiana Wittmer, 1997, Rh. limbatella Wittmer, 1997, Rh. spinosa Wittmer, 1997, Rh. tibetana Švihla, 2002, Rh. weichowensis Wittmer, 1997, and Rh. yunnana Wittmer, 1997. Besides, the habitus photos of the following species are provided with for the first time: Rh. furcata Wittmer, 1997, Rh. testaceopallipa Wittmer, 1997, Rh. tryznai Švihla, 2002, Rh. albidipennis Pic, 1923, Rh. bomdiensis Wittmer, 1989, Rh. disconigra (Pic, 1907), Rh. manipurensis Wittmer, 1989 and Rh. meghalayana Wittmer, 1989. Additionally, distribution maps are presented for the similar species either in the appearances or aedeagi. Now the Rh. flava species group includes a total of 39 species, for which an identification key and a checklist of the Rh. flava species group are provided, respectively.
Nature and origin of heterogeneities in the lithospheric mantle in the context of asthenospheric upwelling and mantle wedge zones: What do mantle xenoliths tell us?
Authors: Grégoire M. , Delpech G. , Moine B. , Cottin J.-Y.
Published: October 2024

The present contribution synthesizes the main petrographic, mineralogical and chemical features of mantle xenoliths uplifted by Phanerozoic lavas. The collections of mantle xenoliths consist predominantly of peridotites but minor pyroxenites are commonly associated. Two main petrogenetic processes are responsible for the features of mantle xenoliths: partial melting and circulation of melts/fluids and associated metasomatic and magmatic processes. Partial melting processes lead to the formation of residual pieces of upper mantle while two main types of mantle metasomatism could be recognized such as LILE enrichment, the first referring to asthenosphere upwelling settings (essentially mantle plumes, rifting zones and asthenosphere window zones) and the second to mantle wedge settings. The AUZ (asthenospheric upwelling zones) metasomatism is essentially related to the migration of more or less CO2-rich alkaline silicate melts and associated fluids while the MWZ (mantle wedge zones) metasomatism is associated with the activity of hydrated liquids (fluids) commonly SiO2-rich.
The shallow mantle as a reactive filter: a hypothesis inspired and supported by field observations
Authors: Ceuleneer Georges , Rospabé Mathieu , Grégoire Michel , Benoit Mathieu
Published: October 2024

The footprints of mafic melts travelling from the depths to the surface are abundant in the mantle section of ophiolites. They constitute an important source of information about the melt migration mechanisms and related petrological processes in the shallowest part of the mantle beneath former oceanic spreading centres. In the field, these so-called ‘melt migration structures’ attract attention when they consist of mineral assemblages contrasting with that of their host peridotite. They therefore record a particular moment in the migration history: when the melt becomes out of equilibrium with the peridotite and causes a reaction impacting its modal composition, and/or when a temperature drop initiates the crystallization of the melt.

The existence of cryptic effects of migration revealed by geochemical data shows that melts do not always leave a trail visible in the field. Although incomplete and patchy, the melt migration structures preserved in ophiolites are witnesses of processes that do actually occur in nature, which constitutes an invaluable support to the interpretation of geophysical data and inescapable constraints for numerical simulations and models of chemical geodynamics.

Here we show how field observations and related petrological and geochemical studies allow us to propose answers to fundamental questions such as these: At which temperature is porous flow superseded by dyking? What are the factors governing melt trajectories? What is the nature of the ‘universal solvent’ initiating infiltration melting and making channelized porous flow the most common mode of transport of magmas through a peridotite matrix regardless the tectonic setting?

A fundamental message delivered by ophiolites is that the shallow mantle behaves as a particularly efficient reactive filter between the depths and the surface of the Earth. Unexpectedly, the reactions occurring there are enhanced by the hybridization between mafic melts and a hydrous component, whatever its origin (i.e. magmatic vs. hydrothermal). This hybridization triggers out of equilibrium reactions, leading to the formation of exotic lithologies, including metallic ores, and impacting the global geochemical cycle of a whole range of chemical elements.
The role of H2O in the deformation and microstructural evolution of the upper mantle
Authors: Hidas Károly , Padrón-Navarta José Alberto
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, we evaluate how the incorporation of H2O as a thermodynamic component influences phase relations in a peridotite composition. This component – present either in the form of hydrous minerals, aqueous fluids and hydrous melts, or as a structurally-bonded trace element at defect sites of nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs) – may influence upper-mantle rheology in diverse ways. By presenting various natural cases, we identify key incorporation mechanisms and assess their role in the microstructural evolution of ultramafic rocks at different depths in the Earth’s interior. These data suggest that the influence of either aqueous fluids or hydrous melts on rheology out-matches that of NAMs or stable hydrous phases across much of the lithospheric mantle. Consequently, future research is expected to shift towards a better understanding of the transient conditions in the lithosphere that control the availability and transport of aqueous fluids and hydrous melts. These transient conditions are likely to play a more dominant role than the sole ability of hydrous defects in NAMs – a role that is currently less well-constrained experimentally – in controlling the ductile deformation of the upper mantle.
An interrater reliability analysis of preoperative mortality risk calculators used for elective high-risk noncardiac surgical patients shows poor to moderate reliability
Authors: Vernooij Jacqueline E. M. , Roovers Lian , Zwan René van der , Preckel Benedikt , Kalkman Cor J. , Koning Nick J.
Published: October 2024

Background

Multiple preoperative calculators are available online to predict preoperative mortality risk for noncardiac surgical patients. However, it is currently unknown how these risk calculators perform across different raters. The current study investigated the interrater reliability of three preoperative mortality risk calculators in an elective high-risk noncardiac surgical patient population to evaluate if these calculators can be safely used for identification of high-risk noncardiac surgical patients for a preoperative multidisciplinary team discussion.

Methods

Five anesthesiologists assessed the preoperative mortality risk of 34 high-risk patients using the preoperative score to calculate postoperative mortality risks (POSPOM), the American College of Surgeons surgical risk calculator (SRC), and the surgical outcome risk tool (SORT). In total, 170 calculations per calculator were gathered.

Results

Interrater reliability was poor for SORT (ICC (C.I. 95%) = 0.46 (0.30–0.63)) and moderate for SRC (ICC = 0.65 (0.51–0.78)) and POSPOM (ICC = 0.63 (0.49–0.77). The absolute range of calculated mortality risk was 0.2–72% for POSPOM, 0–36% for SRC, and 0.4–17% for SORT. The coefficient of variation increased in higher risk classes for POSPOM and SORT. The extended Bland–Altman limits of agreement suggested that all raters contributed to the variation in calculated risks.

Conclusion

The current results indicate that the preoperative risk calculators POSPOM, SRC, and SORT exhibit poor to moderate interrater reliability. These calculators are not sufficiently accurate for clinical identification and preoperative counseling of high-risk surgical patients. Clinicians should be trained in using mortality risk calculators. Also, clinicians should be cautious when using predicted mortality estimates from these calculators to identify high-risk noncardiac surgical patients for elective surgery.
Design of a randomised controlled hybrid trial of nintedanib in patients with progressive myositis-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Aggarwal Rohit , Oddis Chester V. , Sullivan Daniel I. , Moghadam-Kia Siamak , Saygin Didem , Kass Daniel J. , Koontz Diane C. , Li Peide , Conoscenti Craig S. , Olson Amy L. ,   on behalf of the MINT investigators
Published: October 2024

Background

The Myositis Interstitial Lung Disease Nintedanib Trial (MINT) is a hybrid trial, which is enrolling patients both at local sites and remotely via a decentralised site. The trial will investigate the efficacy and safety of nintedanib in patients with progressive myositis-associated interstitial lung disease (MA-ILD).

Methods/Design

MINT is an exploratory, prospective randomised placebo-controlled trial. Eligible patients will have myositis and evidence of fibrosing ILD on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), be taking standard of care medications for myositis, and meet criteria for ILD progression within the prior 24 months based on decline in FVC, worsened fibrosis on HRCT, and/or worsened dyspnoea. Patients will be randomised 1:1 to receive nintedanib 150 mg twice daily or placebo for 12 weeks then open-label nintedanib for 12 weeks. Patients will be enrolled at local sites and a decentralised site. Most study visits will be completed remotely using telemedicine or digital health technologies. The primary endpoint is the change in Living with Pulmonary Fibrosis (L-PF) questionnaire dyspnoea domain score at week 12. Other endpoints include changes in other L-PF questionnaire domains, lung function, imaging, and physical activity, and assessment of adverse events. Data collected using remote versus clinic enrolment, and using home versus clinic spirometry, will be compared.

Discussion

MINT is an innovative, hybrid trial that will evaluate the effects of nintedanib on symptoms, quality of life, and ILD progression in patients with progressive MA-ILD and provide valuable information on the utility of decentralised recruitment and remote data collection in clinical trials.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05799755 (date of registration: 05/04/2023).
Comparative analysis of newly graduated nurse support through periods of turmoil: lessons learnt for building a future workforce for uncertain times
Authors: Riches Casey , Pitt Rachael , Tyler Scott , Wise Megan , Watman Philip , Henderson Amanda
Published: October 2024

Aim

To compare newly graduated nurse retention and employment experiences across two distinct graduate nurse programs through periods of health care delivery stability and instability.

Background

A global nursing workforce shortage, coupled with increasing demands on health services, requires a specific focus on building capability and improved retention of nurses. The graduate nurse cohort is a critical supply source that potentially can be harnessed if their needs are better understood.

Design

A longitudinal (2015–2023) cross-sectional design was used to examine retention and experiences of newly graduated nurses from two (‘traditional, unit-based’ versus ‘mobile’) supported programs.

Methods

Retention rates were obtained through analysis of employment databases. Descriptive data on impressions and experiences was collected at two time points via a short series of questions contained in a survey, from graduate nurses who remained in employment.

Results

Retention rates for graduate nurses were high (85%) during periods of stability, but even higher for the ‘mobile’ graduate nurse program. Both programs were adversely affected by instability however, the impact was substantial (around 50%) for the peak period of instability (2020) in the ‘mobile’ program. Survey data indicated that during the period of instability graduate nurses in traditional, unit-based programs had a more positive experience when compared with graduate nurses participating in the ‘mobile’ program; This contrasts with the period of stability, where graduate nurses in the ‘mobile’ program indicated more positive responses.

Discussion

Findings re-emphasise the importance of supportive structures for newly graduated nurses as effective in retaining these staff. However, for the first time, evidence is provided that ‘mobility’, diversity, and difference can be viewed positively by graduate nurses. Furthermore, it provides improved understanding about mechanisms, support and boundaries, all interrelating factors, in ‘stretching’ capacity of graduate nurses.

Conclusion

Longitudinal analysis of graduate nurses, participating in two diverse programs, through periods of stability and instability offers insights into their challenges and outcomes. These insights can directly inform targeted strategies for inclusion in supported programs that lead to improved graduate nurse retention and contribute to building an agile nursing workforce.
Collaborative approaches to health education: perspectives of parents and teachers on self-care and managing common health issues in UK primary schools
Authors: Osman Samira , Hirsch Christine , Jalal Zahraa , Paudyal Vibhu
Published: October 2024

Background

Health education in primary schools plays a critical role in equipping children with essential self-care skills, fostering health literacy, and addressing social determinants of health. This study explores the perspectives of parents and teachers on teaching self-care and managing common health issues in UK primary schools. Despite the recognized importance of health education, there is limited research on how self-care education is perceived and implemented in the primary school setting.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, including 9 generalist primary teachers and 9 parents from diverse educational and socioeconomic contexts in the West Midlands, East Midlands, Northwest, and London of England. Participants were recruited via social media and professional networks, and interviews were conducted via video conferencing platforms. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo 12 to identify recurring themes related to the delivery and impact of self-care education in primary schools.

Results

Teachers and parents highlighted key self-care topics, including hygiene, managing common illnesses like colds and cuts, and mental well-being. There was a consensus on the importance of self-care education, but views diverged on whether the responsibility should lie primarily with schools, parents, or a collaborative approach. Teachers expressed concerns about their preparedness to teach sensitive topics, citing a lack of training and resources. Socioeconomic and religious contexts further influenced perceptions, with participants emphasising further importance of school-led self-care education for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Strengths were identified in current self-care education efforts, particularly in practical lessons that empower children with age-appropriate skills.

Conclusions

This study highlights the critical need for comprehensive and collaborative health education in primary schools to promote health literacy and reduce health disparities. Enhancing teacher training, integrating self-care topics into the primary curriculum, and fostering stronger partnerships between schools and families are essential to improving the quality and consistency of self-care education. Policymakers should consider implementing mandatory health education training in teacher education programs and providing ongoing professional development to support teachers. By addressing these gaps, schools can play a pivotal role in preparing children for lifelong health management, reducing the burden on healthcare services, and supporting public health objectives.