bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combatting anthrax outbreaks across Nigeria’s national land borders: need to optimize surveillance with epidemiological surveys
Authors: Mogaji Hammed O. , Adewale Babatunde , Smith Stella I. , Igumbor Ehimario U. , Idemili Chidumebi J. , Taylor-Robinson Andrew W.
Published: February 2024

Background

Anthrax is a non-contagious zoonotic disease caused by the Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Infection is common in livestock and wild animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, camels, and antelopes. In humans, anthrax may occur after contact with contaminated carcasses or animal products like milk and meat. The best method to prevent anthrax in people is to ensure livestock are vaccinated, which significantly limits the risk of zoonotic spread to humans. However, the rate of vaccination of domesticated animals kept by nomadic pastoralists in West Africa is low. These groups regularly cross over national boundaries with their grazing herds. Nigeria is a country that historically has done comparatively well to contain this public health threat. However, in 2023 several outbreaks of human disease appear linked to the consumption of anthrax-contaminated animal products brought into Nigeria by pastoralists from neighboring countries. Clinical manifestations include skin sores or ulcers, nausea, vomiting, and fever. This article aims to raise awareness of recent outbreaks of anthrax in West Africa and to call for a renewed focus on measures to combat this neglected public health concern to the region.

Main body

The imperative to pinpoint pivotal issues relating to the ongoing emergence of anthrax cases in Nigeria cannot be overstated. By delving into the prevalence of anthrax in both livestock and human populations residing along Nigeria’s borders, unraveling the genetic diversity and potential sources of B. anthracis strains, and identifying the primary animal host(s) responsible for transmission, we stand to enhance our understanding of this critical issue. Furthermore, investigating the multifaceted factors contributing to anthrax transmission, assessing community knowledge and practices, mapping common migratory routes of pastoralists, and formulating targeted intervention strategies tailored to the challenges of border communities, are each crucial steps towards effective control and prevention.

Conclusion

Closing these knowledge gaps on anthrax is not only essential for safeguarding both animal and human health but also for fostering sustainable and resilient communities. Addressing research questions on these interdisciplinary concerns will undoubtedly pave the way for informed decision-making, proactive measures, and a more secure future for Nigeria and its border regions.

Graphical Abstract
Critical appraisal of the piRNA-PIWI axis in cancer and cancer stem cells
Authors: Garcia-Borja Elena , Siegl Frantisek , Mateu Rosana , Slaby Ondrej , Sedo Aleksi , Busek Petr , Sana Jiri
Published: February 2024

Small noncoding RNAs play an important role in various disease states, including cancer. PIWI proteins, a subfamily of Argonaute proteins, and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) were originally described as germline-specific molecules that inhibit the deleterious activity of transposable elements. However, several studies have suggested a role for the piRNA-PIWI axis in somatic cells, including somatic stem cells. Dysregulated expression of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in human tumors implies that, analogously to their roles in undifferentiated cells under physiological conditions, these molecules may be important for cancer stem cells and thus contribute to cancer progression. We provide an overview of piRNA biogenesis and critically review the evidence for the role of piRNA-PIWI axis in cancer stem cells. In addition, we examine the potential of piRNAs and PIWI proteins to become biomarkers in cancer.
Hybrid wrapper feature selection method based on genetic algorithm and extreme learning machine for intrusion detection
Authors: Maseno Elijah M. , Wang Zenghui
Published: February 2024

Intrusion detection systems play a critical role in the mitigation of cyber-attacks on the Internet of Things (IoT) environment. Due to the integration of many devices within the IoT environment, a huge amount of data is generated. The generated data sets in most cases consist of irrelevant and redundant features that affect the performance of the existing intrusion detection systems (IDS). The selection of optimal features plays a critical role in the enhancement of intrusion detection systems. This study proposes a sequential feature selection approach using an optimized extreme learning machine (ELM) with an SVM (support vector machine) classifier. The main challenge of ELM is the selection of the input parameters, which affect its performance. In this study, the genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the weights of ELM to boost its performance. After the optimization, the algorithm is applied as an estimator in the sequential forward selection (wrapper technique) to select key features. The final obtained feature subset is applied for classification using SVM. The IoT_ToN network and UNSWNB15 datasets were used to test the model's performance. The performance of the model was compared with other existing state-of-the-art classifiers such as k-nearest neighbors, gradient boosting, random forest, and decision tree. The model had the best quality of the selected feature subset. The results indicate that the proposed model had a better intrusion detection performance with 99%, and 86% accuracy for IoT_ToN network dataset and UNSWNB15 datasets, respectively. The model can be used as a promising tool for enhancing the classification performance of IDS datasets.
Effects of a first-year undergraduate engineering design course: survey study of implications for student self-efficacy and professional skills, with focus on gender/sex and race/ethnicity
Authors: Sperling Jessica , Mburi Menna , Gray Megan , Schmid Lorrie , Saterbak Ann
Published: February 2024

Background

Students’ academic self-efficacy maximizes likelihood for success and retention, yet prior research suggests that historically underrepresented (minoritized) undergraduate students in higher education and in college-level engineering show lower self-efficacy, which has been linked to histories of systemic exclusion. To address such gaps in student success, this work examines the effect of a new first-year undergraduate engineering design course on students’ self-efficacy, as measured by students’ assessment of their ability to achieve engineering design goals, and their confidence in their professional skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. It draws upon two aligned survey studies that examine this development (a) among the students participating in the course during the academic semester and (b) among both course participants and non-participants in the year following the course. Survey results for all students were considered, with attention to specific demographic subgroups traditionally underrepresented in engineering.

Results

Analyses indicate effect of the course on self-efficacy and other examined constructs, such as communication and teamwork, during the course semester and continued effects in engineering design self-efficacy and tinkering self-efficacy in the year following course participation. Results also reveal differences for specific racial/ethnic and gender/sex subgroups in numerous constructs, including suggestion of specific effect for female students.

Conclusions

This study’s focus on the implication of engineering design education on self-efficacy and other critical professional outcomes, as well as its attention to specific demographic subgroups, adds to research on engineering education and the effect of design-focused coursework using project-based learning. The study indicates an increased potential role for such coursework, as early as the first year of a university trajectory, in fostering student growth and increased representation in the field. Findings on differences by gender/sex and by racial/ethnic groups, including clearer positive effect for female students but more complexity in effect for underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, support added research probing experience and outcomes within and across these groups.
Wind speed prediction for site selection and reliable operation of wind power plants in coastal regions using machine learning algorithm variants
Authors: Mollick Tajrian , Hashmi Galib , Sabuj Saifur Rahman
Published: February 2024

The challenge of predicting wind speeds to facilitate site selection and the consistent operation of wind power plants in coastal regions is a global concern. The output of wind turbines is subject to fluctuations corresponding to changes in wind speed. The unpredictable characteristics of wind patterns introduce vulnerabilities to wind power facilities in wind power plants. To address this unpredictability, an effective strategy involves forecasting wind speeds at specific locations during wind power plant operations. While previous research has explored various machine learning algorithms to tackle these issues, satisfactory results have not been achieved, and Bangladesh faces challenges in this regard, especially in low-wind speed areas. This study aims to identify the most accurate machine learning-based algorithm to forecast the short-term wind speed of two areas (Kutubdia and Cox's Bazar) located on the eastern coast of Bangladesh. Wind speed data for a span of 21.5 years, ranging from January 2001 to June 2022, were sourced from two outlets: the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the website of NASA. Wind speed has been forecasted using 14 different regression-based machine learning models with a comprehensive overview. The results of the experiment highlight the exceptional predictive performance of a boosting-based ensemble method known as categorical boosting, especially in the context of forecasting wind speed data obtained from NASA. Based on the testing data, the evaluation yields remarkable results, with coefficients of determination measuring 0.8621 and 0.8758 for wind speed in Kutubdia and Cox's Bazar, respectively. The study underscores the critical importance of prioritizing optimal turbine site selection in the context of wind power facilities in Bangladesh. This approach can yield benefits for stakeholders, including engineers and project owners associated with wind projects.
Sine Spin flat detector CT can improve cerebral soft tissue imaging: a retrospective in vivo study
Authors: Schmitt Niclas , Wucherpfennig Lena , Jesser Jessica , Neuberger Ulf , Güney Resul , Bendszus Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus A. , Vollherbst Dominik F.
Published: February 2024

Background

Flat detector computed tomography (FDCT) is frequently applied for periinterventional brain imaging within the angiography suite. Novel technical developments such as the Sine Spin FDCT (S-FDCT) may provide an improved cerebral soft tissue contrast. This study investigates the effect of S-FDCT on the differentiation between gray and white matter compared to conventional FDCT (C-FDCT) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained patient database was performed, including patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy in our institution and received S-FDCT or C-FDCT as well as MDCT. Differentiation between gray and white matter on the contralateral hemisphere to the ischemic stroke was analyzed quantitatively by contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and qualitatively (5-point ordinal scale).

Results

In a cohort of 109 patients, MDCT demonstrated the best differentiation between gray and white matter compared to both FDCT techniques (p ≤ 0.001). Comparing both generations of FDCT, S-FDCT provided better visibility of the basal ganglia (p = 0.045) and the supratentorial cortex (p = 0.044) compared to C-FDCT both in quantitative and qualitative analyses. Median CNR were as follows: S-FDCT 2.41 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.66–3.21), C-FDCT 0.96 (0.46–1.70), MDCT 3.43 (2.83–4.17). For basal ganglia, median score and IQR were as follows: S-FDCT 2.00 (2.00–3.00), C-FDCT 1.50 (1.00–2.00), MDCT 5.00 (4.00–5.00).

Conclusions

The novel S-FDCT improves the periinterventional imaging quality of cerebral soft tissue compared to C-FDCT. Thus, it may improve the diagnosis of complications within the angiography suite. MDCT provides the best option for x-ray-based imaging of the brain tissue.

Relevance statement

Flat detector computed tomography is a promising technique for cerebral soft tissue imaging, while the novel Sine Spin flat detector computed tomography technique improves imaging quality compared to conventional flat detector computed tomography and thus may facilitate periinterventional diagnosis of gray and white matter.

Key points

• Flat detector computed tomography (FDCT) is frequently applied for periinterventional brain imaging.

• The potential of novel Sine Spin FDCT (S-FDCT) is unknown so far.

• S-FDCT improves the visibility of cerebral soft tissue compared to conventional FDCT.

• Multidetector computed tomography is superior to both FDCT techniques.

• S-FDCT may facilitate the evaluation of brain parenchyma within the angiography suite.

Graphical Abstract
Depression and anxiety and its association with problematic social media use in the MENA region: a systematic review
Authors: Abbouyi Samira , Bouazza Samira , El Kinany Soukaina , El Rhazi Karima , Zarrouq Btissame
Published: February 2024

Background

The use of the social media has increased significantly in recent decades, and research on the impact of problematic social media use on mental health is a relatively new and growing area of study in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Social media users are prone to developing addictive behaviors and suffering from mental illness, including depression and anxiety. The present paper aims to systematically review the available research examining the association between problematic social media use (PSMU) and depression and anxiety symptoms that was done in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA region).

Methods

The academic databases Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane were used to conduct a literature search. Problematic social media use and the MENA region and their synonyms were main keywords in the Boolean search strategy. We selected articles based on the following criteria: (i) addressed the relationship between problematic social media use and depression and anxiety; (ii) MENA region population-based studies; and (iii) published in English. There were no age, gender, or educational status restrictions, and there was no time limit for this review. The literature search was conducted in December 2021.

Results

The selection criteria led to the retention of 15 articles. The findings of the systematic review demonstrated that most of these studies have found a significant association between problematic social media use and depression and anxiety symptoms. Some studies showed stress, generalized trust, perceived social support, fear of COVID-19, and misunderstanding of COVID-19 mediating the relationship between social media use and depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

While there is evidence that there is a relationship between PSMU and anxiety and depressive symptoms, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this relationship.
Functional long-term outcome following endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Rogalewski Andreas , Klein Nele , Friedrich Anja , Kitsiou Alkisti , Schäbitz Marie , Zuhorn Frédéric , Gess Burkhard , Berger Björn , Klingebiel Randolf , Schäbitz Wolf-Rüdiger
Published: February 2024

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the most effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO). Yet, long-term outcome (LTO) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in these patients have rarely been addressed, as opposed to modified Rankin scale (mRS) recordings. We analysed demographic data, treatment and neuroimaging parameters in 694 consecutive stroke patients in a maximum care hospital. In 138 of these patients with respect on receipt of written informed consent, LTO and HRQoL were collected over a period of 48 months after EVT using a standardised telephone survey (median 2.1 years after EVT). Age < 70 years (OR 4.82), lower NIHSS on admission (OR 1.11), NIHSS ≤ 10 after 24 h (OR 11.23) and complete recanalisation (mTICI3) (OR 7.79) were identified as independent predictors of favourable LTO. Occurrence of an infection requiring treatment within the first 72 h was recognised as a negative predictor for good long-term outcome (OR 0.22). Patients with mRS > 2 according to the telephone survey more often had complaints regarding mobility, self‐care, and usual activity domains of the HRQoL. Our results underline a sustainable positive effect of effective EVT on the quality of life in LVO stroke. Additionally, predictive parameters of outcome were identified, that may support clinical decision making in LVO stroke.
Review of accelerated construction of bridge piers - methods and performance
Authors: Kenarkoohi Mohammadreza , Hassan Munzer
Published: February 2024

Bridges are an essential part of every road and transportation system, and all countries must build bridges to improve their infrastructure. Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is an innovative approach that has been noticed in recent years to facilitate and accelerate the process of building, repairing, or replacing bridges. This paper underscores the significance of ABC in bridge construction, focusing on its potential to offer speed, safety, and enhanced longevity for bridge pier. Through a comprehensive exploration of prefabricated elements and systems specific to bridge piers, insights into their applicability, advantages, and limitations are presented. A special section is dedicated to the investigation of pier connections under seismic loads. Furthermore, the review contrasts ABC with traditional construction methodologies, highlighting areas of excellence and potential improvement for ABC.
Evaluation of the psychometrics of the Social Impact Scale and its association with depression among asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers
Authors: Wang Rongxi , Wang Zuxin , Shi Dake , Xu Liling , Liu Yujie , Liu Shangbin , Chen Hui , Chen Yingjie , Xia Danni , Ge Xin , Xu Huifang , Chen Yufei , Wang Zhiqiang , Chang Ruijie , Hu Fan , Shen Tian , Wang Ying , Cai Yong
Published: February 2024

Background

COVID-19 carriers experience psychological stresses and mental health issues such as varying degrees of stigma. The Social Impact Scale (SIS) can be used to measure the stigmatisation of COVID-19 carriers who experience such problems.

Aims

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the SIS, and the association between stigma and depression among asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers in Shanghai, China.

Method

A total of 1283 asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers from Shanghai Ruijin Jiahe Fangcang Shelter Hospital were recruited, with a mean age of 39.64 ± 11.14 years (59.6% male). Participants completed questionnaires, including baseline information and psychological measurements, the SIS and Self-Rating Depression Scale. The psychometrics of the SIS and its association with depression were examined through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

The average participant SIS score was 42.66 ± 14.61 (range: 24–96) years. Analyses suggested the model had four factors: social rejection, financial insecurity, internalised shame and social isolation. The model fit statistics of the four-factor SIS were 0.913 for the comparative fit index, 0.902 for the Tucker–Lewis index and 0.088 for root-mean-square error of approximation. Standard estimated factor loadings ranged from 0.509 to 0.836. After controlling for demographic characteristics, the total score of the 23-item SIS predicted depression (odds ratio: 1.087, 95% CI 1.061–1.115; area under the curve: 0.84, 95% CI 0.788–0.892).

Conclusions

The Chinese version of the SIS showed good psychometric properties and can be used to assess the level of perceived stigma experienced by asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers.
Women Anesthesiologists in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Pre-COVID Era: A Multinational Demographic Study
Authors: Ki Bertille K. , Onajin-Obembe Bisola , Adekola Oyebola , Baele Philippe L. , Binam Fidele , Daddy Hadjara , Diouf Elizabeth , Fanou Lionelle , Gathuya Zipporah N. , Igaga Elizabeth N. , Jeque Emilia , Mawandza Peggy , Nabukenya Mary T. , Nabulindo Susane M. , Nicole Rakotoarison R. C. , Robert Annie R. , Schwalbach Teresa , Uwambazimana Jeanne D’Arc , Vilasco Brigitte , Zomahoun Lidwine
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Gender imbalance and poor representation of women complicate the anesthesiology workforce crisis in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study was performed to obtain a better understanding of gender disparity among medical graduates and anesthesiologists in SSA.

METHODS:

Using a quantitative, participatory, insider research study, led by female anesthesiologists as the national coordinators in SSA, we collected data from academic or national health authorities and agencies. National coordinators were nominees of anesthesiology societies that responded to our email invitations. Data gathered from 13 countries included information on medical graduates, anesthesiologists graduating between 1998 and 2021, and number of anesthesiologists licensed to practice in 2018. We compared data between Francophone and Anglophone countries, and between countries in East Africa and West Africa/Central Africa. We calculated anesthesiology workforce densities and compared representation of women among graduating anesthesiologists and medical graduates.

Data analysis was performed using linear regression. We used F-tests on regression slopes to assess the trends in representation of women over the years and the differences between the slopes. A value of P < .050 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:

Over a 20-year period, the representation of female medical graduates in SSA increased from 29% (1998) to 41% (2017), whereas representation of female anesthesiologists was inconsistent, with an average of 25%, and lagged behind. Growth and gender disparity patterns were different between West Africa/Central Africa and East Africa. Representation of female anesthesiologists was higher in East Africa (39.4%) than West Africa/Central Africa (19.7%); and the representation of female medical graduates in East Africa (42.5%) was also higher that West Africa/Central Africa (33.1%).

CONCLUSIONS:

On average, in SSA, female medical graduates (36.9%), female anesthesiologists (24.9%), and female anesthesiology residents projected to graduate between 2018 and 2022 (25.2%) were underrepresented when compared to their male counterparts. Women were underrepresented in SSA, despite evidence that their representation in medicine and anesthesiology in East African countries was rising.
Modélisation numérique d’actionneurs plasma pour le contrôle d’écoulement
Authors: Κουρτζανίδης Κωνσταντίνος
Published: February 2024

Καθώς ο αεροδυναμικός έλεγχος ροής εξακολουθεί να παραμένει ένα από τα κορυφαία θέματα έρευνας στην αεροδιαστημική επιστήμη, νέοι τρόποι για την εκτέλεση ενός τέτοιου ελέγχου μελετώνται συνεχώς. Σε αυτή τη διατριβή, μας ενδιαφέρει η αριθμητική μοντελοποίηση ενεργοποιητών πλάσματος για τον έλεγχο της αεροδυναμκής ροής, προκειμένου να κατανοήσουμε βαθύτερα τη φύση και τη δυνατότητα εφαρμογής τους. Αρχικά, παρουσιάζουμε τη θεωρία πίσω από τον έλεγχο αεροδυναμικής ροής και της φυσική πλάσματος μαζί με βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση. Στη συνέχεια, πραγματοποιήθηκαν αριθμητικές προσομοιώσεις χρησιμοποιώντας προσαρμοσμένα μοντέλα και τεχνικές για κάθε διαφορετικό ενεργοποιητή, οι οποίες αποκαλύπτουν ενδιαφέροντα χαρακτηριστικά της φυσικής και της πολύπλοκης φύσης τους, στο δρόμο προς μια βαθύτερη κατανόηση καιπιθανή βελτιστοποίηση της απόδοσής τους. Τρεις τύποι πλάσματος μελετήθηκαν: Εκκένωση πλάσματος μέσω μικροκυμάτων , εκκένωση πλάσματος διηλεκτρικού φραγμού (DBD)και συνθετικοί πίδακες πλάσματος. Όσον αφορά τις εκκενώσεις μικροκυμάτων, οι στόχοι είναι πιο θεμελιώδεις από τους άλλους τύπους ενεργοποιητών. Αυτές οι μελέτες προσφέρουν νέες προοπτικές στην κατανόηση και τη βελτιστοποίηση ενεργοποιητών πλάσματος για σκοπούς ελέγχου ροής.
Disengaging from political activism: A critical review of the literature
Authors: Simiti Marilena
Published: February 2024

The literature on political disengagement has proliferated since the global upsurge of mobilizations in late 2010. Studies show that disengagement is a highly dynamic process, shaped by the interaction of a multiplicity of factors at the micro-, meso- and macro-levels. The article reviews the principal factors related to disengagement, revealing their varied impact, the significance of agential factors and the context-specific nature of disengagement. Given the different forms and degrees of disengagement, scholars have begun to challenge strictly defined dichotomies such as engagement/disengagement. The article concludes by noting some blind spots in the literature and providing suggestions for future research.
Παιδιά με Διαταραχή Ελλειμματικής Προσοχής/Υπερκινητικότητας: Κανονικοποιώντας την παιδική ηλικία στις σύγχρονες βιοπολιτικές κοινωνίες
Authors: Λέκκα Βάσια
Published: February 2024

Το παρόν άρθρο εξετάζει την επίμονη και διαρκώς αυξανόμενη παρουσία της διάγνωσης της ΔΕΠΥ στα παιδιά των δυτικών κοινωνιών και την απόπειρα κανονικοποίησης της παιδικής ηλικίας. Με αφετηρία τη φουκωική σκέψη και τα εργαλεία της νέας κοινωνιολογίας της παιδικής ηλικίας, σκοπός είναι η σκιαγράφηση των επιπτώσεων τής εν λόγω διάγνωσης αναφορικά με την ίδια την έννοια του «παιδιού» και με το τι αξιολογείται και συγκροτείται ως «κανονική» και ως «παθολογική» παιδική ηλικία και, συνακόλουθα, αναφορικά με τη συγκρότηση νέων μορφών ταυτοτήτων και νέων μορφών υποκειμενοποίησης των παιδιών στις βιοπολιτικές κοινωνίες των αρχών του 21ου αιώνα.
Work-life balance in Greece: A State-of-The-Art Review
Authors: Anastasopoulou Anna , Vraimaki Eftichia , Trivellas Panagiotis
Published: February 2024

In today's working and living conditions, work-life balance (WLB) issues have come more forcefully to the foreground. This paper offers a state-of-the-art review of scholarly research on WLB in Greece from 2011 to 2021. Greece is an interesting case as it had to manage the side effects of a tremendous economic crisis and the disruptions caused by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The interdisciplinary character and the WLB determinants identified in empirical research are highlighted and discussed. The paper stresses the need to re-examine previous research to better understand WLB under the new realities and orient future research.
Veevers, D. (2023). The Great Defiance: How the world took on the British Empire. Ebury Press, Penguin Random House (502 pages). Hardback ISBN: 9781529109955. Trade Paperback ISBN: 9781529913644
Authors: Leontidou Lila
Published: February 2024

N/A
Kirkpatrick, G., McMylor, P. and Fadaee, S. (Eds.) (2022). Marxism, religion, and emancipatory politics. Palgrave Macmillan (XVII+ 269 pages). ISBN: 978-3-030-91641-1. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91642-8_4
Authors: Gotsis George
Published: February 2024

Ν/Α
The Bimodal Epithermal Astronuclear Reactor (BEAR): A LONG-LIVED, Universal Space Nuclear Powerplant
Authors: Widdicombe Teyen , Herring J. Stephen , Kirkwood Brad
Published: February 2024

A neutronic model of a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion reactor based on the NERVA Peewee design using High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel in a Zirconium Carbide matrix has been thoroughly characterised and continuously modified over the last few years at the CSNR. The initial design (Emu, for the flightless bird) created in the summer of 2020 and presented at the NETS 2021 conference, has undergone significant adjustments in this time. Two major investigations have been undertaken and evolved over time; one into the requisites for the provision of electrical power to the propelled spacecraft via the circulation of a noble gas mixture in a closed Brayton cycle, and another into the use of planetary regolith as a reflector, reducing neutron leakage at what would otherwise be the reactor’s end of life in vacuo, rekindling it for an extended period of time as well as providing a very easy ultimate disposal solution, replacing the control drums with rods. It was determined that there are no insurmountable obstacles to performance in either mode.
8.R.1. Fusi, Alessandro (ed.) (2006) M. Valerii Martialis Epigrammaton liber tertius
Authors: Volt Ivo
Published: February 2024

Fusi, Alessandro (ed.) (2006) M. Valerii Martialis Epigrammaton liber tertius. Introduzione, edizione critica, traduzione e commento a cura di Alessandro Fusi. Hildesheim; Zürich; New York: Olms. (Spudasmata; 108.) 580 p. ISBN 3-487-13094-7.
8.R.2. Buchan, Thomas (2004) "Blessed is He who has brought Adam from Sheol"; Shemunkasho, Aho (2004) Healing in the theology of Saint Ephrem the Syrian
Authors: Annus Amar
Published: February 2024

Buchan, Thomas (2004) "Blessed is He who has brought Adam from Sheol": Christ's descent to the dead in the theology of Saint Ephrem the Syrian. Piscataway: Gorgias Press. (Gorgias dissertations; 13. Early Christian studies; 2.) VII, 397 p. ISBN 1-59333-228-9.

Shemunkasho, Aho (2004) Healing in the theology of Saint Ephrem the Syrian. Piscataway: Gorgias Press. (Gorgias dissertations; 1. Near Eastern studies; 1.) XXII, 480 p. ISBN 1-59333-156-8.
8.R.5. Wheeler, Everett L. (ed.) (2007) The armies of classical Greece
Authors: Lätte Mart
Published: February 2024

Wheeler, Everett L. (ed.) (2007) The armies of classical Greece. Aldershot etc: Ashgate. (International library of essays on military history.) LXIV, 528 p. ISBN 978-0-7546-2684-8.
8.R.7. Luther, Andreas; Meier, Mischa; Thommen, Lukas (eds.) (2006) Das Frühe Sparta
Authors: Kõiv Mait
Published: February 2024

Luther, Andreas; Meier, Mischa; Thommen, Lukas (eds.) (2006) Das Frühe Sparta. Stuttgart: Steiner. 224 p. ISBN-10 3-515-08635-8, ISBN-13 978-3-515-08635-6.
9.R.1. Urbański, Piotr (ed.) (2006) Pietas humanistica: Neo-Latin religious poetry in Poland in European context
Authors: Viiding Kristi
Published: February 2024

Urbański, Piotr (ed.) (2006) Pietas humanistica: Neo-Latin religious poetry in Poland in European context. Frankfurt am Main etc: Lang. 310 p. ISBN 3-631-55010-3.
9.R.4. France, John (ed.) (2006) Medieval Warfare 1000–1300
Authors: Lätte Mart
Published: February 2024

France, John (ed.) (2006) Medieval Warfare 1000–1300. Aldershot etc: Ashgate. (International library of essays on military history.) 668 p. ISBN 978-0-7546-2515-5.
10.R.1. Baechle, Nicholas (2007) Metrical constraint and the interpretation of style in the tragic trimeter
Authors: Lotman Maria-Kristiina
Published: February 2024

Baechle, Nicholas (2007) Metrical constraint and the interpretation of style in the tragic trimeter. Lanham etc: Lexington Books. XIV, 343 p. ISBN 978-0-7391-0950-2 (cloth), 978-0-7391-2143-6 (hb).
10.R.3. Fitzgerald, William (2007) Martial: the world of epigram
Authors: Viidebaum Laura
Published: February 2024

Fitzgerald, William (2007) Martial: the world of epigram. Chicago; London: University of Chicago Press. X, 248 p. ISBN 978-0-226-25253-7.
10.R.6. Zwierlein-Diehl, Erika (2007) Antike Gemmen und ihr Nachleben
Authors: Anderson Jaanika
Published: February 2024

Zwierlein-Diehl, Erika (2007) Antike Gemmen und ihr Nachleben. Berlin; New York: de Gruyter. XV, 567 p., 231 p. of plates. ISBN 978-3-11-019450-0.
11.R.1. Acosta-Hughes, Benjamin (2010) Arion's lyre: archaic lyric into Hellenistic poetry
Authors: Steinrück Martin
Published: February 2024

Acosta-Hughes, Benjamin (2010) Arion's lyre: archaic lyric into Hellenistic poetry. Princeton; Oxford: Princeton University Press. XVIII, 252 p. ISBN 978-0-691-09525-7 (hc).
Three Decades on Russia’s Path of the Second Demographic Transition: How Patterns of Fertility are Changing Under an Unstable Demographic Policy
Authors: Zakharov Sergei V.
Published: February 2024

This study aims to highlight the changes in fertility patterns of Russians which occurred after the USSR’s dissolution or disintegration, taking a long historical perspective. After that disruption, thirty cohorts were born and raised who never lived under the Soviet system. Fifteen more cohorts (those who were born between 1975 and 1990) remember that system only as a part of childhood, but their adult life started after the iron curtain had fallen and a flood of new ideas and practices spilled into all spheres of life.

At the same time, the increased concern among the Russian elite about the declining population and low birth rates led to the adoption of a pronatalist family policy based on monetarist approaches reinforced by conservative-traditionalist ideology.

Our main research question asks: To what extent did state social and family policies in Russia, which are based on the ideology of traditionalism and conservatism, derail or slow down the modernization of the quantitative and structural parameters of fertility patterns within the Second Demographic Transition context?

Our analysis is based on indicators from period and cohort fertility tables, specific for age and parity. Extrapolations are used for Russia’s female cohorts born 1971-1994 to arrive at expected ultimate fertility outcomes.

Our evidence, obtained from the comprehensive analysis of fertility tables, reveals that the transformation of the Russian fertility model continues to be in line with the Second Demographic Transition common to developed countries, and that two decades of active pronatalist policy in the context of strengthening the conservative family ideology did not stop the modernization of fertility patterns.

* This article belongs to a special issue on “Demographic Developments in Eastern and Western Europe Before and After the Transformation of Socialist Countries”.
MIECZYSŁAW GRYDZEWSKI – UPARTY CZYTELNIK KSIĄŻEK HISTORYCZNYCH
Authors: Supruniuk Mirosław Adam
Published: February 2024

Wiosną 1944 r., w chwili zamknięcia „Wiadomości Polskich, Politycznych i Literackich” przez cenzurę brytyjską, Mieczysław Grydzewski stał się „bezrobotnym” redaktorem. Nie zmienił jednak trybu życia. Codziennie spędzał czas w bibliotece British Museum, gdzie opracowywał książki i almanachy oraz przeglądał nowości angielskie. Czytając, odnajdywał w nich polskie tematy. Z lektury powstał cykl artykułów pt. Sprawy polskie w książkach angielskich, które drukował w prasie wojskowej i emigracyjnej w Anglii, Stanach Zjednoczonych oraz na Bliskim Wschodzie i we Włoszech, podpisując je pseudonimem „Scrutator”. Kiedy w 1946 r. Grydzewski wrócił do wydawania tygodnika pod nazwą „Wiadomości”, nie zrezygnował z pisania recenzji. Pisał je niemal do śmierci, drukując głównie w „Dzienniku Polskim i Dzienniku Żołnierza”. Efektem pracy jest kilkaset artykułów omawiających w większości nieznane polskim historykom książki.
GRYDZEWSKI-GOURMET, CZYLI HISTORIA PEWNEGO PRZYPADKU W PARADOKSACH ZAPISANA
Authors: Dorosz Beata
Published: February 2024

Tekst jest próbą przedstawienia sylwetki Mieczysława Grydzewskiego jako smakosza, konesera wykwintnego jadła i trunków, znawcy kulinarnego savoir-vivre, praktykującego biesiadowanie w trzech różnych epokach i w różnych okolicznościach życiowych: w XX-leciu międzywojennym w Warszawie i podczas podróży po Polsce i Europie, w czasie drugiej wojny światowej w stolicach nad Sekwaną i nad Tamizą, po wojnie na emigracji w Londynie i w trakcie nostalgicznych wypraw do Francji, Hiszpanii i Włoch. Przed wojną wielokrotnie towarzyszem turystyczno-gastronomicznych wojaży Grydzewskiego był Kazimierz Wierzyński, po wojnie tematy kulinarne stały się częstym wątkiem korespondencji między przyjaciółmi, w których wspomnienia z przeszłości mieszały się z tęsknotą za ponownymi spotkaniami. Do szkicowania kulinarnych obyczajów i wyrafinowanych upodobań Grydza (raczej niezmiennych w zmieniających się realiach jego życia) oraz jego długotrwałych bliskich związków z poetą została wykorzystana przygotowywana do druku ich wzajemna korespondencja oraz wcześniej opublikowane wspomnienia poświęcone redaktorowi „Wiadomości”, których autorzy często byli nie tylko obserwatorami jego działalności, ale i uczestnikami ważnych wydarzeń.
TYMON TERLECKI WOBEC REDAKTORÓW „WIADOMOŚCI” (O HARMONIACH I DYSONANSACH)
Authors: Taylor-Terlecka Nina
Published: February 2024

Artykuł omawia współpracę Tymona Terleckiego i kolejnych redaktorów „Wiadomości”. Podstawę analizy stanowi korespondencja Terleckiego z redaktorami tygodnika oraz publikowane w nim teksty: eseje, szkice publicystyczne, rozprawy o kulturze, recenzje z przedstawień teatralnych. Wykazano, że Terlecki angażował się również w akcje, których celem było wsparcie finansowe czasopisma. Pokazano także, że po intensywnej współpracy z Mieczysławem Grydzewskim, z uwagi na liczne obciążenia zawodowe, w okresie redakcji Michała Chmielowca, Terlecki zmniejszył swoją aktywność pisarską, a redakcję Stefanii Kossowskiej wspierał z powodów osobistych, łączącej ich przyjaźni.
REDAKTOR ORAZ WSPÓŁPRACOWNICY „WIADOMOŚCI” NA KARTACH DIARIUSZA JANINY KONARSKIEJ – PIERWSZY ETAP WYCHODŹSTWA SŁONIMSKICH (WRZESIEŃ 1939 R.)
Authors: Budnik Magdalena
Published: February 2024

Celem artykułu jest omówienie zapisków wojennych Janiny Konarskiej, żony Antoniego Słonimskiego. Notes z rękopiśmiennymi notatkami, obejmującymi okres od 20 sierpnia 1939 do 9 września 1945 r., znajduje się wśród archiwaliów zgromadzonych przez Karola Estreichera. Rękopis zawiera sporządzaną na bieżąco relację z ucieczki przed wojną, w której Słonimskim towarzyszyli przyjaciele. Jedną z często pojawiających się w diariuszu postaci był Mieczysław Grydzewski. Na podstawie wybranych fragmentów diariusza, opisujących pierwszy etap wychodźczej wędrówki Słonimskich, pokazano wspólne losy oraz bliską relację Słonimskiego z redaktorem „Wiadomości” oraz współpracownikami pisma.
NIEZBĘDNA NIEPRZYJAŹŃ? JULIUSZ MIEROSZEWSKI W „KULTURZE” O „WIADOMOŚCIACH”
Authors: Garbal Łukasz
Published: February 2024

Celem tekstu jest ujawnienie strategii wydawniczych „Kultury” i „Wiadomości” w walce o czytelników przez omówienie relacji między Juliuszem Mieroszewskim i „Wiadomościami”. Analiza ta jest możliwa dzięki zestawieniu publicznych wypowiedzi Mieroszewskiego z prywatną korespondencją z redaktorem „Kultury”.
ZAGADNIENIA DZIECIĘCO-MŁODZIEŻOWE W LONDYŃSKICH „WIADOMOŚCIACH”. WPROWADZENIE
Authors: Lutomierski Marcin
Published: February 2024

Artykuł zwraca uwagę na zagadnienia będące przyczynkami do wiedzy o życiu młodych Polaków dorastających w środowisku emigracji o rodowodzie wojennym. Artykuł w rekonesansowy sposób sygnalizuje takie zagadnienia, jak: publikacje dla młodego odbiorcy, konkursy, oświata, sprawy pokoleniowe. Odwołując się do przykładów różnorodnych wypowiedzi z lat 40. i 50. XX w., autor tekstu dowodzi, że badanie „Wiadomości” pod kątem zagadnień dziecięco-młodzieżowych daje asumpt do refleksji nad stosunkiem emigracji niepodległościowej do niedorosłych Polaków wychowywanych lub urodzonych poza Polską.
POLAK O POLAKACH I ŻYD O ŻYDACH. OBRAZY POBRATYMCÓW W EMIGRACYJNEJ POEZJI MARIANA HEMARA
Authors: Bobryk Roman
Published: February 2024

Tekst stanowi omówienie powojennej twórczości Mariana Hemara (Jan Maria Herscheles), która skupiona jest na sprawach polskich. Poeta nigdy nie przestał być kabareciarzem i wykorzystywał śmiech jako broń przeciw rządzącym w Polsce komunistom oraz wspierającym ich dawnym kolegom po piórze (m.in. Janowi Brzechwie, Andrzejowi Szczypiorskiemu, Kazimierzowi Brandysowi). Oprócz utworów stricte satyrycznych, wykpiwających peerelowskich oficjeli i literatów, wśród wierszy Hemara można znaleźć również takie, w których zawarte zostały uwagi i spostrzeżenia dotyczące środowiska emigracyjnego i/lub Polaków w ogóle. Poeta krytykuje w nich antysemityzm niektórych środowisk, dokonuje rozrachunków z okresem XX-lecia międzywojennego i mitami narodowymi, a zestawiając Polaków z innymi nacjami (Anglikami), wskazuje polskie wady narodowe.
JAN LECHOŃ I MIECZYSŁAW GRYDZEWSKI – WSPÓŁPRACA I PRZYJAŹŃ
Authors: Urbańska Monika
Published: February 2024

Tekst omawia relację zawodową i towarzyską łączącą Jana Lechonia i Mieczysława Grydzewskiego. Nawiązana przed II wojną światową przyjaźń przetrwała przez lata, a współpraca zapoczątkowana w 1916 r. po wojnie uległa intensyfikacji. Na skutek tego Lechoń, który po wojnie osiadł w Nowym Jorku, niemal całą swoją powojenną twórczość opublikował w londyńskich „Wiadomościach”. Odtwarzając tę relację, w tekście wykorzystano Dziennik Lechonia oraz jego korespondencję.
New therapeutic options in migraine treatment
Authors: Kłos Aleksandra , Pawlicki Mateusz , Stachyrak Karol , Mika Dawid , Mazur Bartosz , Turek Kamila , Lambach Maciej , Greguła Anna , Mazurek Aleksnadra , Wilanowska Wiktoria
Published: February 2024

Introduction and purpose
Migraine is a common disease mostly affecting women. It has a huge influence on patients’ life strongly decreasing its quality by cause of repetitive headache episodes and often comes with unpleasant and burdensome symptoms like photophobia, nausea or vomiting. This article focuses on migraine treatment, especially on new drugs. Primary drugs used in migraine attacks are non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAI) and triptans. Because of their side effects and impact on internal organs, these substances are often contraindicated or inefficient. The same applies to triptans, which cannot be used by patients with cardiovascular diseases. Due to the need of a new migraine treatment path development, new remedies have been found, bringing hope for patients who could not use prior options. They are divided into two groups: ditans (lasmiditan), which are 5-HT1F serotonin receptor agonists and gepants (ubrogepant, rimegepant, atogepant and zavegepant), which are CGRP receptor antagonists. A summary of the current state of knowledge is intended to increase the awareness of physicians and patients when selecting the appropriate treatment.
Material and methods
The following review was based on articles obtained from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key search terms included migraine, ditans, gepants, migraine treatment.
Conclusions
Drugs described in this study clearly show the new pathway of migraine treatment and prevention. They are safer and show more benefits than substances currently used. They can also be used in wider range of patients with conditions marked as contraindications for current schemes. However more research is still needed to fully describe their characteristics.
Derecho público y control del poder en la Hispanoamérica virreinal
Authors: Herrera Orellana Luis Alfonso
Published: February 2024

El trabajo cuestiona la tesis según la cual durante los siglos XVI y XVIII funcionó en la Hispanoamérica Virreinal un régimen autoritario y extractivo; aporta evidencia de que, por el contrario, el orden virreinal o indiano funcionó según ideas e instituciones jurídicas que, en su contexto histórico, permitieron limitar el poder de las autoridades reales y de sus representantes; y argumenta por qué no se justificaba ni benefició a los ciudadanos de las nuevas Repúblicas romper de raíz con esas instituciones jurídicas para adoptar un derecho público ajeno como el derecho administrativo francés.
No bicentenário da contrarrevolução antiliberal de 1823 em Portugal
Authors: Moreira Vital , Domingues José
Published: February 2024

Há duzentos anos (1823) triunfou a contrarrevolução da Vila-Francada, pondo fim à primeira experiência constitucional moderna em Portugal. De imediato, D. João VI determinou a revogação da Constituição de 1822, assim como das reformas adotadas para apagar a memória do regime constitucional anterior. Em simultâneo, a partir de uma iniciativa espontânea da Câmara da vila de Sernancelhe, formou-se um movimento municipal para anulação das próprias eleições às Cortes vintistas e revogação das procurações outorgadas aos deputados. Este artigo versa sobre ambas as iniciativas, régia e municipal, considerando sobretudo que a anulação municipal das eleições vintistas é muito pouco conhecida e está praticamente por estudar na historiografia sobre a contrarrevolução
La fundamentación teológico-política de la desigualdad de sexos de Feijoo
Authors: García-Alonso Marta
Published: February 2024

En este trabajo defenderemos que vincular el análisis de la desigualdad de sexos a la discusión sobre la fundamentación de la política, no únicamente en relación al debate sobre las capacidades naturales y morales de las mujeres, ofrece una comprensión más cabal de Feijoo. En ese sentido, compararemos su pensamiento sobre las mujeres con dos autores contemporáneos que él mismo cita en su trabajo: Malebranche y Poulain de la Barre. Veremos que al compararlo con su correligionario Malebranche, las tesis del benedictino resultan favorables a la mujer y le sitúan como un importante defensor español por la igualdad educativa de sexos. Sin embargo, si cotejamos su interpretación con la ofrecida por Poulain de la Barre, repararemos en que para Feijoo la dominación política de sexos se asienta en la voluntad divina, mientras que Poulain ofrece una lectura del texto bíblico del Génesis no patriarcal.
Política interna mundial: un mundo moralizado
Authors: Pogge Thomas , Dávila Johnny Antonio
Published: February 2024

Las sociedades más avanzadas de la actualidad se estructuran en torno a tres elementos normativos: el Estado de derecho, la satisfacción de las necesidades humanas básicas y la limitación de las desigualdades. Estos elementos están profundamente arraigados en la cultura, hasta el punto de que se espera que los ciudadanos subordinen plenamente sus diversos intereses y valores personales a un compromiso con el funcionamiento justo y equitativo de su sociedad. Esta arraigada expectativa normativa de imparcialidad es sorprendente: una madre que hace un favor a su propio hijo es ampliamente denunciada si lo hace en el desempeño de un cargo público. Por dura que pueda parecer esta condena del nepotismo, es una condición previa clave para las sociedades más exitosas que han existido hasta la fecha. Podría decirse que la supervivencia a largo plazo de la humanidad requiere un logro civilizatorio análogo en el plano global. Allí también, las normas y los acuerdos institucionales justos y equitativos pueden persistir solo si se espera que quienes se encargan de su diseño y funcionamiento sean estrictamente imparciales en la ejecución de sus funciones públicas y, por tanto, ampliamente denunciados por cualquier favoritismo hacia su país de origen. Como un mero reflejo de modus vivendi, el estado actual de las relaciones internacionales implica la expectativa contraria: que los agentes que operan a nivel supranacional actúen para promover los intereses y valores concretos de su Estado de origen. Este nepotismo nacional impide el surgimiento de un orden mundial basado en valores compartidos que la humanidad necesita urgentemente para dominar los grandes retos que plantean las armas sofisticadas y otras tecnologías peligrosas controladas a nivel nacional; el cambio climático y la contaminación; el agotamiento de los recursos y los grupos de presión supranacionales que dan lugar a acuerdos institucionales internacionales i