bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing the Satellite DNA Content in Ancistrus sp. (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) by Genomic and Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: dos Santos Gabriel Esbrisse , Crepaldi Carolina , da Silva Marcelo João , Parise-Maltempi Patricia Pasquali
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Eukaryotic genomes are composed of simple, repetitive sequences, including satellite DNAs (satDNA), which are noncoding sequences arranged in tandem arrays. These sequences play a crucial role in genomic functions and innovations, influencing processes such as the maintenance of nuclear material, the formation of heterochromatin and the differentiation of sex chromosomes. In this genomic era, advances in next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics tools have facilitated the exhaustive cataloging of repetitive elements in genomes, particularly in non-model species. This study focuses on the satDNA content of Ancistrus sp., a diverse species of fish from the Loricariidae family. The genus Ancistrus shows significant karyotypic evolution, with extensive variability from the ancestral diploid number. Methods: By means of bioinformatic approaches, 40 satDNA families in Ancistrus sp., constituting 5.19% of the genome were identified. Analysis of the abundance and divergence landscape revealed diverse profiles, indicating recent amplification and homogenization of these satDNA sequences. Results: The most abundant satellite, AnSat1-142, constitutes 2.1% of the genome, while the least abundant, AnSat40-52, represents 0.0034%. The length of the monomer repeat varies from 16 to 142 base pairs, with an average length of 61 bp. These results contribute to understanding the genomic dynamics and evolution of satDNAs in Ancistrus sp. Conclusion: The study underscores the variability of satDNAs between fish species and provides valuable information on chromosome organization and the evolution of repetitive elements in non-model organisms.
VI Congresso Internacional de Minería, La Minería Hispana e Iberoamericana: Contribución a su Investigación Histórica Estudios Fuentes Bibliografía
Authors: Portal Maria da Glória Alves
Published: April 2024

(1º parágrafo da resenha)

O VI Congresso Internacional de Mineração, reunido em Mad í em junho de 1970, foi precedido de um Colóquio Internacional sobre História da Mineração, organizado pela “Cátedra de San Isidoro de León”.
A pequena propriedade dentro do complexo cafeeiro: sitiantes no Município de Rio Claro 1870-1920
Authors: Dean Warren
Published: April 2024

A aquisição de uma propriedade rural própria era uma das metas principais dos imigrantes europeus contratados nas fazendas de café no Oeste Paulista. A propaganda oficial explorava bastante essa expectativa, e a historiografia da cultura cafeeira frequentemente afirma que "muitos" ou até "a maioria" dos trabalhadores nas fazendas alcançavam tal objetivo. Esta comunicação tenta descrever as possibilidades reais dos colonos, camaradas, e outros trabalhadores rurais tornarem-se sitiantes dentro do sistema de grande propriedade e exportação monocultora.
Trends Favoring an Anatomical Approach to Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmias Originating From the Left Ventricular Summit
Authors: Yamada Takumi , Kay George Neal
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Epicardial radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) originating from the left ventricular summit (LVS) is challenging because of the anatomic barriers. On the other hand, RFCA at the endocardial sites near the earliest epicardial activation site of LVS-VAs (anatomic approach) has proven successful. The evolving trends in the approaches and outcomes of RFCA of LVS-VAs at a single center were evaluated.

METHODS:

We studied 88 consecutive patients with idiopathic LVS-VAs at our institute from 2009 to 2019. These patients were divided into 3 periods: 2009 to 2012 (early), 2013 to 2015 (middle), and 2016 to 2019 (recent). The data were compared among the 3 periods.

RESULTS:

The RFCA success rate did not significantly change from the early to middle period but significantly increased from the middle to recent period (
P
=0.0315). The transpericardial approach usage significantly decreased over the 3 periods. The anatomic approach usage significantly increased over the 3 periods. The use of the transpericardial approach did not affect the RFCA outcomes over the 3 periods. The success rate of the anatomic RFCA tended to increase from the early to middle period and significantly increased from the middle to recent period (
P
=0.0412). The number of endocardial locations where RFCA was successful increased over the 3 periods.

CONCLUSIONS:

Over the 10-year period, the transpericardial approach became decreasingly performed, whereas the anatomic approach became increasingly performed with a satisfactory improvement in the RFCA outcomes of LVS-VAs. The anatomic RFCA became more successful by identifying more and various endocardial locations as target sites.
Prognostic Impact of Left Atrial Appendage Patency After Device Closure
Authors: Chen Mu , Yao Peng-Cheng , Fei Zhen-Tao , Wang Qun-Shan , Yu Yi-Chi , Zhang Peng-Pai , Li Wei , Zhang Rui , Mo Bin-Feng , Zhao Ming-Zhe , Yu Yi , Yang Mei , Zhao Yan , Gong Chang-Qi , Sun Jian , Li Yi-Gang
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The prognostic impact of left atrial appendage (LAA) patency, including those with and without visible peri-device leak (PDL), post–LAA closure in patients with atrial fibrillation, remains elusive.

METHODS:

Patients with atrial fibrillation implanted with the WATCHMAN 2.5 device were prospectively enrolled. The device surveillance by cardiac computed tomography angiography was performed at 3 months post-procedure. Adverse events, including stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), major bleeding, cardiovascular death, all-cause death, and the combined major adverse events (MAEs), were compared between patients with complete closure and LAA patency.

RESULTS:

Among 519 patients with cardiac computed tomography angiography surveillance at 3 months post–LAA closure, 271 (52.2%) showed complete closure, and LAA patency was detected in 248 (47.8%) patients, including 196 (37.8%) with visible PDL and 52 (10.0%) without visible PDL. During a median of 1193 (787–1543) days follow-up, the presence of LAA patency was associated with increased risks of stroke/TIA (adjusted hazard ratio for baseline differences, 3.22 [95% CI, 1.17–8.83];
P
=0.023) and MAEs (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.06–1.17];
P
=0.003). Specifically, LAA patency with visible PDL was associated with increased risks of stroke/TIA (hazard ratio, 3.66 [95% CI, 1.29–10.42];
P
=0.015) and MAEs (hazard ratio, 3.71 [95% CI, 1.71–8.07];
P
=0.001), although LAA patency without visible PDL showed higher risks of MAEs (hazard ratio, 3.59 [95% CI, 1.28–10.09];
P
=0.015). Incidences of stroke/TIA (2.8% versus 3.0% versus 6.7% versus 22.2%;
P
=0.010), cardiovascular death (0.9% versus 0% versus 1.7% versus 11.1%;
P
=0.005), and MAEs (4.6% versus 9.0% versus 11.7% versus 22.2%;
P
=0.017) increased with larger PDL (0, >0 to ≤3, >3 to ≤5, or >5 mm). Older age and discontinuing antiplatelet therapy at 6 months were independent predictors of stroke/TIA and MAEs in patients with LAA patency.

CONCLUSIONS:

LAA patency detected by cardiac computed tomography angiography at 3 months post–LAA closure is associated with unfavorable prognosis in patients with atrial fibrillation implanted with WATCHMAN 2.5 device.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03788941.
Taxonomic revision of Schizotechium (Caryophyllaceae) in Nepal, including one new record
Authors: KAFLE RASHIKA , PARMAR GAURAV
Published: April 2024

Taxonomic revision of Schizotechium (Caryophyllaceae) in Nepal was done based on the extensive study of herbarium specimens deposited in various herbaria as well as our own collections. According to this study, Nepal is home to four species of Schizotechium: S. delavayi, S. devendrae, S. monospermum and S. paniculatum. Schizotechium devendrae that was collected from several locations in Nepal is reported to be a new record for Nepal. Schizotechium delavayi and Stellaria monosperma f. scabrifolia have been found to be conspecific, but due to prior publication of S. delavayi, S. monosperma f. scabrifolia has been treated as a synonym of S. delavayi. Lectotypification has been done for Stellaria crispata, Stellaria glandulifera and Stellaria nyalamensis. Previous studies have ignored to mention a Schizotechium species as the type of the genus Schizotechium. Therefore, this study considered Schizotechium monospermum as the type species of the genus Schizotechium in order to validly publish the genus in compliance with the rules of ICN. Taxonomic treatment, habitat, distribution, photo plates, as well as keys to each species, have been provided.
Propolis Biomolecules Attenuates Virulence Factors of Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: In Vitro and In Silico Investigation
Authors: Hadjab Widad , Zellagui Amar , Mokrani Meryem , Ceylan Ozgur , Ozturk Mehmet , Bensouici Chawki , Banjer Hamsa Jameel , Sami Rokayya , Al-Mushhin Amina A. M. , Alharthi Sarah , Moawadh Mamdoh S. , Felemban Hashim R. , Alorabi Jamal A. , AlHarthi Siraj B.
Published: April 2024

The perilous increase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance and its great ability to produce several virulence factors is an emergent global health problem. Further investigation and docking study were further performed to predict the ideal identified compounds of propolis ethanolic
extract with high affinity to interact with some selected virulence factors receptors. The results showed that propolis had a rich repertoire of polyphenols, cynarin, ellagic acid, and chrysin were detected as the major compounds. Furthermore, propolis ethanolic extract showed potent antioxidant
activity. Minimal inhibitory concentrations values ranged from 2.5 to 10 mg/ml, representing a significant antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa strains. Similarly, propolis ethanolic extract effectively inhibited the biofilm development of multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa
strains and completely decreased the expression of the quorum-sensing of the prototype bacterium Chromobacterium violaceum 12472. Furthermore, propolis ethanolic extract restricted P. aeruginosa swarming and pyoverdine secretion in a dose-dependent way. The virtual docking study
showed that propolis ethanolic extract exerted a remarkable down-regulation of different virulence factors of multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa. Overall, these findings indicate that propolis can be regarded as a promising virulence factors inhibitor that could be used as an alternate
remedy for the treatment of severe P. aeruginosa infections.
Inhibitory Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract on Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis of Myocardial Cells in Sepsis by Regulating miR-370/FOXO1
Authors: Lin Hai , Rao Yunwei , Yi Jinrong
Published: April 2024

This research was aimed to investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on oxidative stress and apoptosis in septic cardiomyocytes, focusing on the role of the miR-370/FOXO1 regulatory pathway. The major components of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract were determined
using high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro cardiomyocytes were utilized as the research subjects, with control (Con) group cardiomyocytes obtained from normal individuals, experimental (Exp) group cardiomyocytes obtained from patients with septic cardiomyocyte injury, and
treatment (Tre) group cardiomyocytes obtained from septic cardiomyocyte injury patients treated with Ginkgo biloba leaf extract. Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantification techniques were employed to investigate cell apoptosis, changes in antioxidative enzymes superoxide
dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as alterations in key proteins involved in oxidative stress and the miR-370/FOXO1 regulatory pathway. The results showed that the main components of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract included total flavonoids and total Ginkgo biloba
acid. Treatment with Ginkgo biloba leaf extract markedly reduced oxidative stress levels and exhibited a notable decrease in apoptosis rate. The SOD concentration in Exp group cells was greatly decreased (P <0.05), and the SOD concentration in Tre group cells was drastically
inferior to that in Exp group (P <0.05). The MDA concentration in Exp group cells was notably increased (P <0.05), while the MDA concentration in Tre group cells was drastically inferior to that in Exp group (P <0.05). The levels of Caspase-3, Caspase-6, Bax/BCL-2,
and FOXO1 proteins were markedly elevated in Exp group cardiomyocytes (P <0.05), while miR-370 was greatly reduced (P <0.05). In Tre group cardiomyocytes, the levels of Caspase-3, Caspase-6, Bax/BCL-2, and FOXO1 proteins were drastically inferior to those in Exp group (P
<0.05), and miR-370 was notably superior to Exp group (P < 0.05). In summary, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract can inhibit oxidative stress and apoptosis in septic cardiomyocytes by modulating the miR-370/FOXO1 pathway, providing a novel approach for the treatment of septic cardiomyocyte
injury.
Preparation of Manganese Oxide/Bamboo Activated Carbon Electrode Materials with Excellent Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Tong Wen-xuan , Yu Ting , Xiong Yan-ying , Qiu Yin-ni , Yu Yun-qi , Wen Cai-lin , Zheng Zhan-cai , Chen Li-hui , Huang Liu-lian , Zhou Xia-xing
Published: April 2024

Bamboo activated carbon (BAC) has excellent specific capacitance among electrode materials, but the important challenges of it are the insufficient energy density and power density currently. Herein, a facile method for the preparation of strong performance MnO/Mn3O4/C
composites by putting BAC into KMnO4 solution and annealing in tube furnace. Interestingly, by controlling the reaction time and substrate concentration of BAC and KMnO4, it is possible to control not only the amount of MnOx doping, but also to change the ratio
between MnOx, and thereby the electrochemical properties of MnOx/C was improved. Since BAC had a bilayer capacitance and manganese oxides could bring pseudo-capacitance to the materials, when the experimental conditions were reaction time and concentration of 20 min and
20 g/L respectively, the Mn content of the composite was 19.91% and it also had a excellent performance with 422.8 F/g of specific capacitance. In addition, the power and energy density were 30.76 Wh/kg and 3460 W/kg, respectively. It provided a basis for effectively improving the electrochemical
performance of carbon-based electrode materials.
Antimicrobial Assessment of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized from Psidium guajava Stem Extract
Authors: Aldabaan Nayef Abdulaziz , Morabad Shifhali , Muddapur Uday M. , Shaikh Ibrahim Ahmed , Dawoud Areej , Khan Aejaz Abdullatif , Mannasaheb Basheerahmed Abdulaziz , Meda Venkatesh , Shakeel Iqubal S. M. , Mohammed Tasneem , Hussain Syed Arif
Published: April 2024

Bio-synthesizing metal nanoparticles have gained global attention and interest because of their fast, non-toxic, cost-effective, one-step process, and environmentally friendly alternative. For its chemical, physical characteristics, nanoparticles have attracted a lot of interest in
different areas, such as materials science and medicine, as well as electronics. The research is centered on the investigation of phytochemicals, and the subsequent characterization of these particles. The study also delves into the potential biological applications of zinc nanoparticles (ZnONPs).
The Psidium guajava stem extract was utilized for ZnONPs synthesis. A comprehensive phytochemical analysis was performed on the extracted stem extract, revealing the presence of a diverse range of phytochemicals such as phenols, saponins, triterpenoids, steroids, tannin, catechin, and
glycosides. The application of zinc ions to the bark extract resulted in the biosynthesis ZnONPs, which were then analyzed by UV-Vis spectral studies. The ZnONPs exhibited a surface plasmon resonance band at 368 nm and had a crystalline structure according to the X-ray diffraction spectrum.
The scanning electron microscope revealed that the nanoparticles had a polydisperse distribution and a particle size ranging from 30 to 35 nm. The identification of the biomolecule group involved in the synthesis was made possible through the recording of the FTIR spectrum. The antibacterial
activity of the ZnONPs was tested using the disc diffusion method against gram positive and negative bacteria. The results showed that the maximum zone of inhibition of ZnONP’s was 16±0.1 mm against P. aeruginosa and minimum zone of inhibition was against S. aureus
8±0.3 mm.
Development of a Highly Selective Chloride Ion Potentiometric Sensor Utilizing a Novel N, N-Ethylene-bis-(Salicylideneaminato) Zinc (II) Molecule for Clean Environment
Authors: Mustafa Jawed , Abdullah M. M. , Husain Shahid , Muhaisen Hasan M. H. , Umar Khalid , Luqman Mohammad
Published: April 2024

The present study focuses on the advancement of a chloride ion potentiometric sensor that exhibits high selectivity. This sensor employs a novel molecule, namely N, N-Ethylene-bis-(Salicylideneaminato) zinc (II), in order to achieve accurate measurements in the pursuit of maintaining
a clean environment. N, N′-Ethylenebis( salicylideneaminato) nickel (II) ionophore has been generated as well as evaluated using analysis of NMR, IR and C, H, N. Subsequently, membranes incorporating the ionophore (I) were developed utilizing poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as a matrix, with
plasticizing solvent mediators including Dioctyl phthalate (DOP), chloronapthalene (CN), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP). Additionally, catalyzed cation discriminator, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA) was employed to enhance membrane formation. This
sensor performed better than all other variants. Its membrane composition was 5 mg ionophore, 32 mg PVC, 60 mg DBP, and 3 mg HDTMA. Notably, the sensor exhibited an extended operational range of 2.0×10−6 to 1.0×10−1 M, in addition to Nernstian
compliance (58.8 mV/Decade) within pH span of 2.3–9.3, and an impressive response time of 19 s. A detection range as low as 1.64×10−6 was attained, indicative of its high sensitivity. Furthermore, the sensor exhibited remarkable selectivity for chloride ions, as
confirmed by selectivity coefficient measurements obtained through fixed interference technique (FIM). The sensor demonstrated a satisfactory three-month shelf life and acceptable repeatability. In practical application, the sensor demonstrated effectiveness in quantifying chloride ions in
wastewater samples. This work addresses important sustainability issues while contributing to an improved comprehension of the underlying concepts of self-assembled behavior and setting up an option for the generation of efficient sensors with potential uses in photonics and microelectronics.
Disentangling North Atlantic Ocean–Atmosphere Coupling Using Circulation Analogs
Authors: Patterson Matthew , O’Reilly Christopher , Robson Jon , Woollings Tim
Published: April 2024

The coupled nature of the ocean–atmosphere system frequently makes understanding the direction of causality difficult in ocean–atmosphere interactions. This study presents a method to decompose turbulent surface heat fluxes into a component which is directly forced by atmospheric circulation and a residual which is assumed to be primarily “ocean-forced.” This method is applied to the North Atlantic in a 500-yr preindustrial control run using the Met Office’s HadGEM3-GC3.1-MM model. The method shows that atmospheric circulation dominates interannual to decadal heat flux variability in the Labrador Sea, in contrast to the Gulf Stream where the ocean primarily drives the variability. An empirical orthogonal function analysis identifies several residual heat flux modes associated with variations in ocean circulation. The first of these modes is characterized by the ocean warming the atmosphere along the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Current and the second by a dipole of cooling in the western subtropical North Atlantic and warming in the subpolar North Atlantic. Lead–lag regression analysis suggests that atmospheric circulation anomalies in prior years partly drive the ocean heat flux modes; however, there is no significant atmospheric circulation response in years following the peaks of the modes. Overall, the heat flux dynamical decomposition method provides a useful way to separate the effects of the ocean and atmosphere on heat flux and could be applied to other ocean basins and to either models or reanalysis datasets.

Significance Statement

Variability of the ocean affects atmospheric circulation and provides a source of long-term predictability for surface weather. However, the atmosphere also affects the ocean. This makes the separation of cause and effect in such atmosphere–ocean interactions difficult. This paper introduces a method to separate “turbulent heat fluxes,” the primary means by which the atmosphere and ocean influence one another, into a component driven by atmospheric variability and a component which is primarily related to ocean variability. The method is tested by applying it to a climate model simulation and is able to identify regions in which the exchange of heat between the ocean and atmosphere is dominated by atmospheric variability and regions which are dominated by the ocean.
Continuous Peak Period Estimates from Discrete Surface-Wave Spectra
Authors: Smit Pieter B. , Egan Galen , Houghton Isabel A.
Published: April 2024

Peak periods estimated from finite-resolution frequency spectra are necessarily discrete. For wind-generated surface gravity waves, conflicting considerations of robust (quasi)-stationary statistics, and high spectral resolution, combined with the inverse relation between frequency and period, this typically implies that swell periods (above 10 s) are resolved at best at s intervals. Here, we consider a method to improve peak period estimates for finite-resolution spectra. Specifically, we propose to define the peak period based on continuous spectra derived from a spline-based interpolation of the discretely sampled monotone cumulative distribution function. The method may directly be applied to existing discrete spectra—the original time-domain data (which may not be available) are not required. We compare reconstructed spectra and derived peak periods to parametric shapes and field data. Peak estimates are markedly improved, allowing for better tracking of, e.g., swells. The proposed method also marginally improves spectral levels and shape for a given discretely sampled estimate.
Increasing Underrepresented Minority Representation in a General Surgery Residency Program Utilizing a 3-Phase Strategy
Authors: Magura Connor M. , Rubino Matthew S. , Bolaji Toba , Goldberg Michael B.
Published: April 2024

Background

Underrepresented minority groups (URMs) in surgery are not significantly increasing despite evidence suggesting that diversity in health care providers leads to excellent patient outcomes and care. Efforts to increase URM representation in surgical residency programs are essential for addressing disparities and improving health care delivery.

Methods

This retrospective study outlines a three-phase strategy implemented at a large academic-affiliated hospital to increase URM representation in its general surgery residency program. The strategy encompassed interview selection with a holistic review and implicit bias training for interviewers, modification of the interview scoring rubric, and post-interview recruitment efforts, including a virtual second look event for URM applicants.

Results

Following the implementation of these strategies, the URM match rate improved from 0 to 33.3% in the first year and was sustained at 33.3% in the subsequent year. Consequently, the representation of URMs in the residency program rose from 6.7% before our intervention to 13.3% afterwards.

Discussion

This structured approach successfully increased URM representation in a surgical residency program, affirming the success of targeted recruitment strategies. By promoting a diverse and inclusive environment, the program better reflects the community it serves, with aims at improved patient care and patient satisfaction.
Identification of Relevant Spectral Ranges in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Imaging Using the Fourier Space
Authors: Lopes Tomás , Capela Diana , Ferreira Miguel F.S. , Guimarães Diana , Jorge Pedro A.S. , Silva Nuno A.
Published: April 2024

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) imaging has now a well-established position in the subject of spectral imaging, leveraging multi-element detection capabilities and fast acquisition rates to support applications both at academic and technological levels. In current applications, the standard processing pipeline to explore LIBS imaging data sets revolves around identifying an element that is suspected to exist within the sample and generating maps based on its characteristic emission lines. Such an approach requires some previous expert knowledge both on the technique and on the sample side, which hinders a wider and more transparent accessibility of the LIBS imaging technique by non-specialists. To address this issue, techniques based on visual analysis or peak finding algorithms are applied on the average or maximum spectrum, and may be employed for automatically identifying relevant spectral regions. Yet, maps containing relevant information may often be discarded due to low signal-to-noise ratios or interference with other elements. In this context, this work presents an agnostic processing pipeline based on a spatial information ratio metric that is computed in the Fourier space for each wavelength and that allows for the identification of relevant spectral ranges in LIBS. The results suggest a more robust and streamlined approach to feature extraction in LIBS imaging compared with traditional inspection of the spectra, which can introduce novel opportunities not only for spectral data analysis but also in the field of data compression.
Ultrabroadband Near-Infrared Transient Absorption Spectrometer with Simultaneous 900–2350 nm Detection
Authors: Dorris Austin L. , Umar Abdul Rashid , Grieco Christopher
Published: April 2024

In this work, we detail an ultrafast pump-probe transient absorption (TA) spectrometer capable of probing the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region from 900 to 2350 nm simultaneously. Two key advances were required to overcome previous spectral window limitations, which typically result from constrained supercontinuum ranges (e.g., 1700 nm) and/or InGaAs detector line rates, especially those with >1700 nm range. First, we generated a broadband NIR supercontinuum using the 1980 nm idler beam of an optical parametric amplifier and implement a unique spectral filtering scheme to balance the detected spectrum. Second, we used a prism-based spectrometer system equipped with high speed InGaAs cameras having ∼2500 nm sensitivity cutoffs. To the best knowledge of the authors, such an extended probe range was previously inaccessible because the combination of two optical geometries either using different supercontinuum crystal materials for generating the NIR and shortwave infrared (SWIR) regions, or using differing pump wavelengths, were required. Finally, we demonstrate the performance and capabilities of the ultrabroadband TA spectroscopy system by presenting data showing ultrafast charge photogeneration in a polymer : fullerene blend thin-film and comparing the results to the literature with a complete agreement.
Comparing Accuracy of Parallel Analysis and Fit Statistics for Estimating the Number of Factors With Ordered Categorical Data in Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Lee Hyunjung , Cham Heining
Published: April 2024

Determining the number of factors in exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is crucial because it affects the rest of the analysis and the conclusions of the study. Researchers have developed various methods for deciding the number of factors to retain in EFA, but this remains one of the most difficult decisions in the EFA. The purpose of this study is to compare the parallel analysis with the performance of fit indices that researchers have started using as another strategy for determining the optimal number of factors in EFA. The Monte Carlo simulation was conducted with ordered categorical items because there are mixed results in previous simulation studies, and ordered categorical items are common in behavioral science. The results of this study indicate that the parallel analysis and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) performed well in most conditions, followed by the Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) and then by the comparative fit index (CFI). The robust corrections of CFI, TLI, and RMSEA performed better in detecting misfit underfactored models than the original fit indices. However, they did not produce satisfactory results in dichotomous data with a small sample size. Implications, limitations of this study, and future research directions are discussed.
Income Shock and Child Labour: Revisiting the Poverty Link
Authors: Chowdhury Sahana Roy , Ghosh Dona
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered massive supply chain disruptions, job losses and income shocks at the micro-level. This has repercussions on the labour market outcomes not only at the macro-level but also at the micro-level labour supply decisions. This article provides a theoretical model of the impact of such recessionary income shocks on household’s child labour (CL) decision. CL has been a major concern for the developing world, especially for India with its goal towards ‘inclusive growth’. Parental altruism and choice of substituting CL income by their own are endogenous. Interestingly, income shocks have ambiguous effect on CL in general, but they have a clear positive impact on regions with high cost of living. When wages are inflexible, such shocks, depending upon their extent, might be CL-inducing as well as poverty-enhancing. It infers that any in-kind transfer or policies such as mid-day meal that essentially reduces cost of living is always CL-reducing.

JEL Codes: J13, J29, D10
The Golden Anniversary of Mass Incarceration in America
Authors: Lurigio Arthur J.
Published: April 2024

The year 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of mass incarceration in the United States. For six decades, the U.S. incarceration rate has been near the top among all countries worldwide. In five major sections, this article offers a brief retrospective on mass incarceration. The first defines the nature of prison sentences. The second describes the current prison population's characteristics. The third examines the growth of the prison population, highlighting politically motivated policies and laws. The fourth provides a reckoning of the collateral damage caused by mass incarceration. The fifth and final section considers strategies to reduce imprisonment and its attendant harms.
Othering, peaking, populism and moral panics: The reactionary strategies of organised transphobia
Authors: Amery Fran , Mondon Aurelien
Published: April 2024

This article shows that organised transphobia is promoted using similar strategies and politics as the wider reactionary movement which has become increasingly mainstream. In particular, we outline the transphobic process of ‘othering’ based on moral panics, which seeks to construct, homogenise and exaggerate a threat and to naturalise it in the bodies and existence of the ‘Other’. Reactionary politics rely on authoritarian tendencies and strategies which aim to remove the rights of certain communities, and as such threaten wider demands for equal rights. They claim to speak on behalf of ‘the people’, in this case often (certain) women, against an elite which seeks to grant unfair rights and privileges to a mostly silent and silenced minority, even though said rights are precarious and limited, and power is rarely on their side. Rather than a bottom-up movement in defence of women, what we refer to as ‘organised transphobia’ is a top-down movement that relies on prominent platforms and privileged access to shaping public discourse to divert attention away from the real struggle most women and LGBTQ+ people are facing conjointly.
Comparative analysis on friction fields derived from different bottom pins in the drafting system of ring spinning and their effects on yarn properties
Authors: Sun Yue , Dai Jiajia , Liu Junjie , Jiang Liquan , Yang Shengming , Jiang Wei , Liu Keshuai , Yu Hao
Published: April 2024

In the drafting process, the strength and distribution of the friction field determines the fiber movement state, affecting the yarn formation process and yarn properties directly. The bottom pin, as an important part in the drafting zone, forms an elastic friction field with the top pin through the apron, which has an important influence on yarn properties. This work is aiming to compare the different friction fields generated by two bottom pins and its mechanical effect on fibers, revealing the influence of the friction field on the quality of yarns with different counts. Theoretical and experimental results show that a larger and stronger friction field was formed by the smaller surface curvature and flatter transition level of bottom pins, imposing a positive effect on the yarn evenness and strength. The difference in evenness between yarns spun with the two types of pins vary from 4.3% to 9.8%, while the yarn spun with a flatter bottom pin has higher strength (maximum difference to 17.1%). This study on the influence of the friction field on yarn properties can clarify the adaptability of different bottom pins for the production of different yarn counts, showing great significance on the actual control of yarn properties and property improvement.
Transforming Peasant Politics into Ecological Politics: The CSUTCB in Bolivia, 1979-1990
Authors: Arigho-Stiles Olivia
Published: April 2024

The emergence in Bolivia in 1979 of the major peasant union confederation, the Confederación Sindical Única de Trabajadores Campesinos de Bolivia (CSUTCB) was integral to the development of an Indigenous politics of the environment in late twentieth-century Bolivia. While the existing literature widely documents the CSUTCB’s focus on class and ethnicity, this paper addresses the organization’s ecological politics. The paper argues that the natural world became the nexus of interactions between the local and the global in Bolivian peasant politics in the late twentieth century. The CSUTCB’s environmental discourse reflected a critique of modernity and the nation-state and exemplifies a turn towards the “indigenization” of debates over resource nationalism.
Be the Change You Want to See: Intergroup Helping Reduces InGroup Bias and Facilitates OutGroup Bias in Trading Behaviors
Authors: O’Neil Makenzie J. , Hampton Ryan S. , Shiota Michelle N.
Published: April 2024

This research investigated how an instance of intergroup helping affects intergroup attitudes and cooperative behavior. Past research demonstrates that helping behavior elicits prosociality, both reciprocally and toward uninvolved third parties. However, much of this research has either ignored group membership altogether or has assumed a shared group identity between benefactor and beneficiary. Where intergroup helping has been directly evaluated, more negative intergroup attitudes are often observed. The current study examined the effects of an instance of intergroup helping, introduced during a card game, on the beneficiary’s attitudes of closeness and cooperative trading behavior as well as those of ingroup and outgroup witnesses to the helping act. Results from this well-powered study ( N = 1,249) indicate that although intergroup helping is less likely to impact feelings of closeness, intergroup cooperative trading increases for both the beneficiary and the intergroup observers. These findings add to the understanding of how helping impacts intergroup relations.
Contesting Boundaries and Navigating Identities: Second-Generation Adult Children from Cross-Border Marriages in Taiwan
Authors: Lan Pei-Chia
Published: April 2024

Scholars who study the children of immigrants in North America and Western Europe have developed several paradigms to analyze the second generation's ethnicity. The major ones are options, capital, and boundary-making. This article contributes to this literature by exploring the emerging formation of second-generation identity in East Asia. Although the region is known for its self-perceived racial and ethnic homogeneity, an influx of marital immigrants and their bicultural children has transformed its demographic landscape. Through in-depth interviews with 57 adult children from cross-border marriages in Taiwan, this article examines their strategies for identity management under the typologies of majority identity, biculturalism, rescaling, and differentiation. Because of changing receiving contexts as a result of the state's policy of geopolitical multiculturalism, a bicultural identity has increasingly become a likely option for children of Southeast Asian mothers. Ethnic dividends are mostly available for university students with academic capital, but they are not equally accessible to children of PRC-Chinese immigrants. While the boundaries dividing “Taiwanese,” as the mainstream national group, from immigrants and their offspring have shifted and softened in recent years, second-generation children are obliged to become national subjects whose ethnic identity does not conflict with national loyalty and whose patriotic duty is to convert their ethnic capital into transnational networks.
The outcome of endovenous intervention for acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis with and without inferior vena cava filter
Authors: Alhewy Mohammed Alsagheer , Hanbal Ibrahim Hanbal , Abdelhafez Abdelaziz Ahmed , Metwaly Mohamed Hamza , Abdelmohsen Abdelhalim A , Ghazala Ehab Abd elmoneim , Khedr Alhussein M , Khamis Ahmed Atef , Gado Hassan , Abd-Elgawad Wael Abdo Abdo , El Sayed Abdullah , Ibrahim Awad , Elghoneimy Yasser , Elimam Sameh E
Published: April 2024

Background

Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is an endovenous interventional therapy that can quickly remove the acute thrombus, thereby improving the clinical outcomes of proximal DVT. However, instrumentation of extensive fresh thrombus may be associated with iatrogenic pulmonary embolism (PE). Therefore, we aimed to compare CDT’s safety, complications, and perioperative embolic (PE) insults for acute iliofemoral DVT, with and without an IVC filter.

Methods

One hundred twenty patients having acute proximal DVT for less than 14 days and undergoing endovenous therapy were included and presented to the vascular surgery department of Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Egypt. The patients were randomized into two equal groups, Groups A and B, each having 60 patients. Group A was treated with IVC filter insertion, while Group B was treated without a filter. The anticoagulation and CDT procedures were similar between the two groups.

Results

The sample included 96 females (80%) and 24 males (20%), with a mean age of 32.6 ± 7.2 years. Clinically no clinical PE occurred in both groups. However, radiologically, new lesions in multislice CT pulmonary angiogram and V/Q scan were noted in two of 60 patients (3.33%) of the IVC filter group, compared with three patients (5 %) in the non-filtered group.

Conclusion

Endovenous intervention in the form of CDT for acute iliofemoral DVT without an IVC filter is safe and not associated with an increased risk of pulmonary embolization than filter usage. The routine use of IVC filters should not be used mandatorily during CDT.
How Does Homeownership Shape Public Service Coproduction? Evidence from a Public Complaint System in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhang Youlang , Li Wenzhao
Published: April 2024

Homeownership has been widely regarded as a critical determinant of public participation in social science research. However, the role of homeownership in public service coproduction has been under-researched. This study advances a theory of public service coproduction that accounts for the effect of homeownership and its underlying mechanisms by theorizing that homeownership increases coproduction participation by directly motivating individuals to protect their financial investments and indirectly improving their knowledge about government. Original data from a random telephone survey of 2,167 residents conducted in August 2022 in Beijing, China were used to test the hypotheses, and a series of analytical tools (e.g., weighted models, matching, and sensitivity analysis) were used to validate the theorized effects and mechanisms. Results consistently show that homeowners are more likely to report public service complaints to the government than nonowners. These findings have important implications for future theoretical research and practical efforts to promote public service coproduction.
A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Aesthetic Preferences for Neatly Organized Compositions: Native Chinese- Versus Native Dutch-Speaking Samples
Authors: Van Geert Eline , Ding Rong , Wagemans Johan
Published: April 2024

Do aesthetic preferences for images of neatly organized compositions (e.g., images collected on blogs like Things Organized Neatly©) generalize across cultures? In an earlier study, focusing on stimulus and personal properties related to order and complexity, Western participants indicated their preference for one of two simultaneously presented images (100 pairs). In the current study, we compared the data of the native Dutch-speaking participants from this earlier sample ( N = 356) to newly collected data from a native Chinese-speaking sample ( N = 220). Overall, aesthetic preferences were quite similar across cultures. When relating preferences for each sample to ratings of order, complexity, soothingness, and fascination collected from a Western, mainly Dutch-speaking sample, the results hint at a cross-culturally consistent preference for images that Western participants rate as more ordered, but a cross-culturally diverse relation between preferences and complexity.
Delayed flail chest from osteomyelitis and malnutrition that emerged 3 weeks after blunt chest trauma: a case report
Authors: Ye Jin Bong , Lee Jin Young , Seok Junepill
Published: April 2024

We present the case of a victim of a motor vehicle accident in his late 60s who suffered from severe torso injuries. He initially presented with abdominal and chest pain, and underwent emergency laparotomy for hemoperitoneum. After surgery, the patient developed pneumonia and septicemia, which were responsive to antibiotics. The patient was treated with mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit for approximately 10 days and experienced a severe weight loss of approximately 30%, but slowly recovered without dyspnea. Notably, on hospital day 24, he experienced sudden respiratory distress and flail motion of the chest wall in a general ward. This late presentation of flail chest was attributed to non-union at rib fracture sites, and was likely exacerbated by malnutrition and osteomyelitis. Surgical stabilization of rib fractures and excision of the infected rib were successfully performed. The findings from this case highlight the complexity of managing delayed onset of flail chest. The findings from this case suggest the importance of vigilance for late emerging complications in patients with trauma, even when initial symptoms are absent.
Influence of Three Different Vertical Positions of MARPE Expander on Maxillofacial Complex: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Rai Priyank , Gupta Veenita , Tripathi Tulika , Kanase Anup
Published: April 2024

Objective

The study was conducted to analyze the stress distribution and displacement due to three different vertical positions of the mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliance.

Methods

A three-dimensional finite element meshed model was created of the maxillofacial complex with the help of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM) data of a patient with transverse maxillary deficiency using materialise interactive medical image control system (MIMICS) software. Three different groups with varying expander heights were used to study the expansion effects on the maxillofacial structures. von Mises stress and displacement at various skeletal and dental points were evaluated using ANSYS software.

Results

In the midpalatal suture, the posterolateral portion of the hard palate and the maxillary and pterygoid bones showed the greatest amount of stress distribution and displacement pattern. Group 1 showed the maximum amount of transverse displacement compared to groups 2 and 3. Sagittally, all the teeth had a forward displacement. Vertically, groups 2 and 3 showed clockwise rotation of the occlusal plane, while all teeth showed downward displacement in group 1.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a V-shaped expansion in the maxilla with a superior and posterior vertex was noted. Group 1, that is, appliance placed in close approximation to the palate, showed greater displacement compared to groups 2 and 3.
Human Unicorns—An Incidental Finding in Lateral Cephalogram
Authors: Selvaraj Vidhya , Gopalakrishnan Umarevathi , M Ramasamy , Sekar Abinesh
Published: April 2024

Cephalograms regularly disclose clinically noteworthy incidental findings to orthodontists who maintain a vigilant approach. In recent years, we have consistently identified a specific occurrence in the majority of lateral cephalograms, namely, the occipital spur. This refers to an enlarged external occipital protuberance, a protrusion at the rear of the skull which may manifest in either a smooth, crest, or spine-shaped configuration. Research suggests potential links to factors like brain expansion, adaptation to light levels, relief of neck muscle stress, and the influence of modern habits like smartphone usage in External occipital protuberance enlargement. Studies show a gender predilection, with smooth occipital spur more common in women and spine type more common in men, potentially aiding sex determination in forensics. Occipital spur influences on craniofacial measurements and the potential for causing occipital neuralgia, a condition characterized by pain in the posterior scalp. Management options range from conservative measures to surgical intervention, depending on symptom severity. Hence, this literature review compiles information concerning various types, prevalence, suspected etiology, clinical significance, and approaches to managing occipital spurs.
Eurocentrism vs. Afrocentric Scholarship: A Constructive Disruptive Account of an Academic (Conflictology) Self-Reflexivity
Authors: Onditi Francis
Published: April 2024

This review study aims to debunk the notion that the Global South, particularly Africa, is essentially a consumer of knowledge produced by the Global North. While some scholars have argued that the lopsided nature of the global knowledge architecture might be attributed to North-South politics and the historical legacy of colonialism, the issue of “self-consciousness” in reinventing scientific methodological approaches within academic disciplines remains insufficiently addressed among scholars in the Global South. Using the case of “ conflictology” as an emerging academic discipline and insights from the three cardinal principles of transformative leadership, this study explores new frontiers of knowledge production from my own field experiences researching the viability of African interethnic border markets as Infrastructures for Peace (I4P). This is part of the long-term, complex research agenda I have pursued in my quest for a scientific “ explanation” of the concept of “ closeness centrality” in the study of conflict evolutionary theories in human society.