bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the combined effect of grape seed extract and cold atmospheric plasma on foodborne pathogens and their environmental stress knockout mutants
Authors: Kitsiou Melina , Wantock Thomas , Sandison Gavin , Harle Thomas , Gutierrez-Merino Jorge , Klymenko Oleksiy V. , Karatzas Kimon Andreas , Velliou Eirini
Published: September 2024

The study aimed to explore the antimicrobial efficacy of grape seed extract (GSE) and cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) individually or in combination against
L. monocytogenes
and
E. coli
wild type (WT) and their isogenic mutants in environmental stress genes. More specifically, we examined the effects of 1% (wt/vol) GSE, 4 min of CAP treatment, and their combined effect on
L. monocytogenes
10403S WT and its isogenic mutants Δ
sigB
, Δ
gadD1
, Δ
gadD2
, Δ
gadD3,
as well as
E. coli
K12 and its isogenic mutants Δ
rpoS
, Δ
oxyR
, and Δ
dnaK
. In addition, the sequence of the combined treatments was tested. A synergistic effect was achieved for all
L. monocytogenes
strains when exposure to GSE was followed by CAP treatment. However, the same effect was observed against
E. coli
strains, only for the reversed treatment sequence. Additionally,
L. monocytogenes
Δ
sigB
was more sensitive to the individual GSE and the combined GSE/CAP treatment, whereas Δ
gadD2
was more sensitive to CAP
,
as compared to the rest of the mutants under study. Individual GSE exposure was unable to inhibit
E. coli
strains, and individual CAP treatment resulted in higher inactivation of
E. coli
in comparison to
L. monocytogenes
with the strain Δ
rpoS
appearing the most sensitive among all studied strains. Our findings provide a step toward a better understanding of the mechanisms playing a role in the tolerance/sensitivity of our model Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria toward GSE, CAP, and their combination. Therefore, our results contribute to the development of more effective and targeted antimicrobial strategies for sustainable decontamination.

IMPORTANCE

Alternative approaches to conventional sterilization are gaining interest from the food industry, driven by (i) the consumer demand for minimally processed products and (ii) the need for sustainable, environmentally friendly processing interventions. However, as such alternative approaches are milder than conventional heat sterilization, bacterial pathogens might not be entirely killed by them, which means that they could survive and grow, causing food contamination and health hazards. In this manuscript, we performed a systematic study of the impact of antimicrobials derived from fruit industry waste (grape seed extract) and cold atmospheric plasma on the inactivation/killing as well as the damage of bacterial pathogens and their genetically modified counterparts, for genes linked to the response to environmental stress. Our work provides insights into genes that could be responsible for the bacterial capability to resist/survive those novel treatments, therefore, contributing to the development of more effective and targeted antimicrobial strategies for sustainable decontamination.
Genomic analysis of conjugative and chromosomally integrated mobile genetic elements in oral streptococci
Authors: Lee Erica , Priutt Erin , Woods Seth , Quick Allison , King Shawn , McLellan Lisa K. , Shields Robert C.
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to investigate the diversity of conjugative and chromosomally integrated mobile genetic elements (cciMGEs) within six oral streptococci species. cciMGEs, including integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) and integrative and mobilizable elements (IMEs), are stably maintained on the host cell chromosome; however, under certain conditions, they are able to excise, form extrachromosomal circles, and transfer via a conjugation apparatus. Many cciMGEs encode “cargo” functions that aid survival in new niches and evolve new antimicrobial resistance or virulence properties, whereas others have been shown to influence host bacterial physiology. Here, using a workflow employing preexisting bioinformatics tools, we analyzed 551 genomes for the presence of cciMGEs across six common health- and disease-associated oral streptococci. We identified 486 cciMGEs, 173 of which were ICEs and 233 of which were IMEs. The cciMGEs were diverse in size, cargo genes, and relaxase types. We identified several novel relaxase proteins and a widespread IME carrying a small multidrug resistance transporter. Additionally, we provide evidence that several of the bioinformatically predicted cciMGEs encoded within various
Streptococcus mutans
strains are capable of excision and circularization, a critical step for cciMGE conjugative transfer. These findings highlight the significance and potential impact of MGEs in shaping the genetic landscape, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of the oral microbiota.

IMPORTANCE

Oral streptococci are important players in the oral microbiome, influencing both health and disease states within dental bacterial communities. Evolutionary adaptation, shaped in a major part by the horizontal transfer of genes, is essential for their survival in the oral cavity and within new environments. Conjugation is a significant driver of horizontal gene transfer; however, there is limited information regarding this process in oral bacteria. This study utilizes publicly available genome sequences to identify conjugative and chromosomally integrated mobile genetic elements (cciMGEs) across several species of oral streptococci and presents the preliminary characterization of these elements. Our findings significantly enhance our understanding of the mobile genomic landscape of oral streptococci critical for human health, with valuable insights into how cciMGEs might influence the survival and pathogenesis of these bacteria in the oral microbiome.
Transmission potential of
Streptococcus pyogenes
during a controlled human infection trial of pharyngitis
Authors: Enkel Stephanie L. , Wong Bernadette , Hla Thel K. , Pickering Janessa , Barnett Timothy C. , Thomas Hannah M. M. , Lansbury Nina , Carapetis Jonathan R. , Osowicki Joshua , Steer Andrew , Manning Laurens , Bowen Asha C.
Published: September 2024

Controlled human infection (CHI) models can provide insights into transmission of pathogens such as
Streptococcus pyogenes
(Strep A). As part of the Controlled Human Infection with Penicillin for
Streptococcus pyogenes
(CHIPS) trial, we explored the potential for transmission among participants deliberately infected with the Strep A emm75 strain. Three approaches to understanding transmission were employed: the use of agar settle plates to capture possible droplet or airborne spread of Strep A; measurement of distance droplets could spread during conversation; and environmental swabbing of high-touch items to detect Strep A on surfaces. Of the 60 (27%) CHIPS trial participants across five cohorts, 16 were enrolled in this sub-study; availability of study staff was the primary reason for selection. In total, 189 plates and 260 swabs were collected. Strep A was grown on one settle plate from a participant on the second day, using plates placed 30 cm away. This participant received the placebo dose of penicillin and had met the primary endpoint of pharyngitis. Whole-genome sequencing identified this to be the challenge strain. Strep A was not detected on any swabs. In this small sample of CHI participants, we did not find evidence of Strep A transmission by the airborne route or fomites, and just one instance of droplet spread while acutely symptomatic with streptococcal pharyngitis. Although these experiments provide evidence of minimal transmission within controlled clinical settings, greater efforts are required to explore Strep A transmission in naturalistic settings.

IMPORTANCE

Streptococcus pyogenes
remains a significant driver of morbidity and mortality, particularly in under-resourced settings. Understanding the transmission modalities of this pathogen is essential to ensuring the success of prevention methods. This proposed paper presents a nascent attempt to determine the transmission potential of
Streptococcus pyogenes
nested within a larger controlled human infection model.
Soil diazotrophs sustain nitrogen fixation under high nitrogen enrichment
via
adjustment of community composition
Authors: Zheng Mianhai , Xu Meichen , Zhang Jing , Liu Zhanfeng , Mo Jiangming
Published: September 2024

Biological nitrogen (N) fixation, an important pathway of N, inputs from the atmosphere to Earth’s ecosystems, is well demonstrated to decline under N input. However, it remains unclear why N fixers sustain N fixation in many forests under high atmospheric N deposition. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed the response of the diazotroph community to low N loads (short-term and low N addition; 3-year N addition at the rates of 25–50 kg N ha
−1
year
−1
) vs high loads (chronic and high N addition; 9-year N addition at the rate of 150 kg N ha
−1
year
−1
) in forest soils using high-throughput sequencing. Rates of N fixation decreased under low and high N loads (by 13%–27% and 10%–12%, respectively). Richness and alpha diversity (ACE and Chao1) of the soil diazotroph community decreased under low but not high N loads. Approximately 67.1%–74.4% of the
nifH
gene sequences at the OTU level overlapped between the control and low N loads, but only 52.0%–53.6% of those overlapped between the control and high N loads, indicating a larger shift of diazotroph community composition under high N loads. Low N loads increased soil NH
4
+
concentrations, which decreased diazotroph community richness, diversity, and N fixation rates, whereas the increased soil NH
4
+
concentrations under high N loads did not have negative impacts on the structure and function of the diazotroph community. These findings indicate that diazotrophs sustain N fixation under high N deposition
via
adjustment of their community composition in forest soils.

IMPORTANCE

This study examined the changes in soil diazotroph community under different loads of simulated N deposition and analyzed its relationship with N fixation rates in in five forests using high-throughput sequencing. The magnitudes of N fixation rates reduced by low N loads were higher than those by high N loads. Low N loads decreased richness and diversity of diazotroph community, whereas diazotroph community structure remained stable under high N loads. Compared with low N loads, high N loads resulted in a less similarity and overlap of
nifH
gene sequences among the treatments and a larger adjustment of diazotroph community. Low N loads increased soil NH4+ concentrations, which decreased diazotroph community richness, diversity, and N fixation rates, whereas the increased soil NH4+ under high N loads did not have negative impacts on diazotroph community structure and N fixation. Based on these findings, it is urgently needed to incorporate the loads of N deposition and the composition of diazotroph community into terrestrial N-cycling models for accurate understanding of N inputs in forest ecosystems.
Assessment of Inhibition of the Growth of Breast and Colon Tumors when Blocking VEGFR-1 with Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Shtam T. A. , Demyanov A. V. , Garaeva L. A. , Emelianova S. S. , Nikitina A. V. , Putevich E. D. , Potyseva A. S. , Bidghieva M. S. , Volnitskiy A. V. , Kvanchiani V. V. , Solomina L. A. , Shabalin K. A. , Sergeeva E. V. , Trashkov A. P. , Sidorova Zh. Yu. , Zhahov A. V. , Burdakov V. S. , Verlov N. A. , Konevega A. L.
Published: September 2024

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) plays a critical role in tumor-associated angiogenesis. VEGFR-1 is found on the surface of tumor cells and cells in the tumor microenvironment. Blocking this receptor leads to the suppression of proliferation and increased apoptosis of tumor cells, reduction of tumor vascularization, inhibition of the production of immunosuppressive cytokines by tumor-associated macrophages, and the suppression of tumor invasion and metastasis. The creation of monoclonal antibody drugs that block VEGFR-1 is an urgent task in the development of potential antitumor therapeutic drugs. Target molecules created on the basis of antibodies that bind to VEGFR-1 are a promising basis for the creation of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant neoplasms. To study the therapeutic potential of VEGFR-1 inhibition in breast and colon cancers using antibodies, monoclonal antibodies against recombinant human VEGFR-1 protein are developed. The resulting monoclonal antibodies bind to the VEGFR-1 receptor on the cell surface and effectively inhibit the proliferation of breast and colon cancer cells in vitro, reduce the growth rate of the tumor node in vivo, and prolong the survival of tumor-inoculated mice.
Associations of occupational and leisure-time physical activity with all-cause mortality: an individual participant data meta-analysis
Authors: Coenen Pieter , Huysmans Maaike A , Holtermann Andreas , Troiano Richard P , Mork Paul Jarle , Krokstad Steinar , Clays Els , Cillekens Bart , De Bacquer Dirk , Aadahl Mette , Kårhus Line Lund , Sjøl Anette , Andersen Lars Bo , Kauhanen Jussi , Voutilainen Ari , Pulsford Richard M , Stamatakis Emmanuel , Goldbourt Uri , Peters Annette , Thorand Barbara , Rosengren Annika , Björck Lena , Sprow Kyle , Franzon Kristin , Rodriguez-Barranco Miguel , Luján-Barroso Leila , Knutsson Anders , Alfredsson Lars , Bahls Martin , Ittermann Till , Kluttig Alexander , Hassan Lamiaa , Wanner Miriam , Bopp Matthias , Marott Jacob Louis , Schnohr Peter , Nordestgaard Børge Grønne , Dalene Knut Eirik , Ekelund Ulf , Clausen Johan , Jensen Magnus Thorsten , Petersen Christina Bjørk , Krause Niklas , Twisk Jos , Mechelen Willem van , van der Beek Allard J
Published: September 2024

Objective

Health effects of different physical activity domains (ie, during leisure time, work and transport) are generally considered positive. UsingActive Worker consortiumdata, we assessed independent associations of occupational and leisure-time physical activity (OPA and LTPA) with all-cause mortality.

Design

Two-stage individual participant data meta-analysis.

Data source

Published and unpublished cohort study data.

Eligibility criteria

Working participants aged 18–65 years.

Methods

After data harmonisation, we assessed associations of OPA and LTPA with all-cause mortality. In stage 1, we analysed data from each study separately using Cox survival regression, and in stage 2, we pooled individual study findings with random-effects modelling.

Results

In 22 studies with up to 590 497 participants from 11 countries, during a mean follow-up of 23.1 (SD: 6.8) years, 99 743 (16%) participants died. Adjusted for LTPA, body mass index, age, smoking and education level, summary (ie, stage 2) hazard ration (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for low, moderate and high OPA among men (n=2 96 134) were 1.01 (0.99 to 1.03), 1.05 (1.01 to 1.10) and 1.12 (1.03 to 1.23), respectively. For women (n=2 94 364), HRs (95% CI) were 0.98 (0.92 to 1.04), 0.96 (0.92 to 1.00) and 0.97 (0.86 to 1.10), respectively. In contrast, higher levels of LTPA were inversely associated with mortality for both genders. For example, for women HR for low, moderate and high compared with sedentary LTPA were 0.85 (0.81 to 0.89), 0.78 (0.74 to 0.81) and 0.75 (0.65 to 0.88), respectively. Effects were attenuated when adjusting for income (although data on income were available from only 9 and 6 studies, for men and women, respectively).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that OPA may not result in the same beneficial health effects as LTPA.
Protocol for the effectiveness of multimonth refill of antituberculosis drugs (MORAD) on treatment success among people with drug-susceptible tuberculosis in rural eastern Uganda: a non-inferiority randomised trial
Authors: Izudi Jonathan , Bajunirwe Francis , Cattamanchi Adithya
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Multimonth dispensing of antituberculosis (TB) drugs reduces frequent visits and costs associated with longer travel distances to a TB clinic. We will evaluate the effectiveness of multimonth dispensing of anti-TB drugs on treatment success in individuals with drug-susceptible TB in rural eastern Uganda, and explore its relevance and appropriateness from the stakeholders’ perspectives.

Methods and analysis

In this open-label, non-inferiority, individually randomised trial, we will randomise 260 participants to either the intervention (multimonth dispensing of anti-TB drugs) or control arm (routine care) and follow-up for 6 months. Intervention participants will receive monthly anti-TB refills for 2 months then a 2-month refill for 4 months, totalling four visits. Control participants will receive routine care comprising biweekly anti-TB refills for 2 months and monthly refills for 6 months, totalling eight visits. The primary outcome will be treatment success (treatment completion or cure) at month 6. Secondary outcomes will include adherence to anti-TB treatment over 6 months measured by self-report and pill counts, and sputum smear conversion at months 2 and 6 defined as a change in sputum smear status from positive to negative among bacteriologically confirmed individuals. Data will be analysed using a generalised linear mixed model at a 5% significance level, reported as a risk difference with a 95% CI. A formative qualitative study will be conducted among stakeholders at the national, district and health facility levels and people with TB including their treatment supporters to inform the intervention’s relevance, appropriateness and implementation. Qualitative data gathered through focus group discussions and in-depth and key informant interviews will be transcribed and analysed using content analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The Infectious Diseases Institute Research Ethics Committee and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology approved the protocol. Findings will be disseminated to all stakeholders through presentations, synthesised reports and manuscript publication.

Trial registration number

PACTR202403586718783.
Annual patterns of body, tissue, and organ mass variation in long-tailed ducks Clangula hyemalis
Authors: Shutler Dave , Mahoney Savannah , Jamieson Sarah E. , Gilchrist H. Grant , Mallory Mark L.
Published: September 2024

Temporal variation in resource availability, physiological demands, and other factors are associated with many phenotypic changes in organisms. For example, there are often predictable stages of atrophy and hypertrophy in animals’ organs to accommodate changes in diet. Timing of stages may differ by sex given differences in life histories (e.g., egg-laying versus male–male competition). In this context, we quantified changes over the annual cycle in 153 long-tailed duck ( Clangula hyemalis) carcasses. We also tested whether timing of changes differed by sex. Total body mass was lowest in February and highest in November, whereas livers, spleens, kidneys, and salt glands were lightest in the middle of breeding seasons. Reductions in kidney and salt gland masses coincided with switches to using freshwater from marine habitats. Generally, timing in patterns of body mass change did not differ by sex. This was unexpected, and could arise from the compressed breeding season. We were also interested in evaluating whether changes in masses of tissues or organs were more dramatic for a species that breeds at such high latitudes than for species that breed at lower latitudes, but were unable to glean this information from the literature. We present coefficients of variation to facilitate future comparisons.
Influence of herbaceous litter thickness on bacterial community structure and physicochemical properties of aeolian sand
Authors: Kong Jieru , Liu Huili , Wang Ruixia , Wang Jun , Zhai Pin , Ma Ruoshi , Kang Peng , Liu Bingru
Published: September 2024

The change and mechanism of soil and soil bacterial diversity during the change of herbaceous litter thickness in desert areas is crucial to understand. In the study, the dominant herbaceous litter mixture in Baijitan National Nature Reserve was selected as the research material, and an experiment was established by adjusting the litter depth. The results showed that the measured values of soil physicochemical factors (total nitrogen, total protein, total potassium, available phosphorus, available potassium, pH, and soil water content) increased with the increase of herbaceous litter mixture thickness in 0–5 cm soil layer. Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Gemmatimonadetes were the dominant bacterial phyla under different thicknesses of herbaceous litter in 0–5 and 5–10 cm soil layers. Balneimonas, Rubrobacter, and Geodermatophilus were the dominant bacterial genera under different thicknesses of herbaceous litter in 0–5 and 5–10 cm soil layers. There was no obvious change in the α-diversity index of bacterial community the same soil layer, but the α-diversity index in the 0–5 cm soil layer was lower compared to the 5–10 cm soil layer. The results of this study revealed that the change of herbaceous litter thickness had no significant effect on soil bacterial community structure in desert areas.
Search for $$Z^\prime $$ radiating from the dark matter at the LHC
Authors: Ferdiyan Akmal , Primulando Reinard , Soesanto Qidir Maulana Binu , Dirgantara Bayu , Gunara Bobby Eka
Published: September 2024

We discuss a collider probe of a dark sector model in which the dark matter is charged under a new, hidden U(1) gauge group. In particular, we look for the so-called Darkstrahlung process, in which the final states dark matter radiates a new $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

gauge boson and it manifests as dilepton resonances. This work emphasizes the potential of dilepton final states with missing transverse energy in probing the darkstrahlung process. We recast the ATLAS Run 2 search for dilepton resonances in association with missing energy in addition to the ATLAS and CMS searches for sleptons. We find that the recasted searches put strong constraints on the coupling between the dark matter and the $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

. Moreover, we evaluate refined search strategies for $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

production and propose an analysis employing constraints on the lepton invariant mass and higher missing energy cut related to the darkstrahlung process. Simulation outcomes indicate substantial enhancements, particularly by a factor of 6 in regions featuring lower $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

masses. Finally, we also discuss the case when the $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

has a long lifetime, resulting in displaced decay of the boson.
SIGACT News Complexity Theory Column
Authors: Lee Volk Ben
Published: September 2024

This month's guest author is Dean Doron, who provides a wonderful survey on construction, encoding and decoding of binary codes with distance close to half. Thank you Dean for your hard work!

Coming up next, we'll have columns by Stacey Jeffrey (on Quantum Las Vegas Algorithms and Composition), Igor Carboni Oliveira (on the Meta-Mathematics of Computational Complexity Theory), Noam Mazor (topic TBA) and Elena Grigorescu (on Locally Decodable Codes for Insertions and Deletions). Stay tuned for more!
Resorbable Microspheres versus Trisacryl Gelatin Microspheres for Uterine Artery Embolization: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Han Kichang , Kim So Yeon , Kim Man-Deuk , Kwon Joon Ho , Kim Gyoung Min , Moon Sungmo , Park Juil , Kim Hyung Cheol , Won Jong Yun , Dhahi Turki Mohammed A. , Choi Jinyoung , Kim Dong Kyu , Yang Jinho , Shin Hye Jung
Published: September 2024

When used for uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids, resorbable microspheres showed no evidence of a difference from trisacryl gelatin microspheres in terms of therapeutic effectiveness or postprocedural pain scores.
Application of Cu Reflow Process on Ru Liner for Advanced Nanoscale Interconnects
Authors: Motoyama K. , van der Straten O.
Published: September 2024

A novel physical vapor deposition (PVD) Cu reflow process with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) Ru liner was optimized for 10 nm generation interconnects and beyond. For these and future device generations, void-free Cu interconnects are a key requirement, and the PVD Cu reflow process improvements reported here provide significant advancement in enabling excellent Cu reflow performance. The Ru liner exhibited much better Cu reflow performance than a Ta liner by effectively suppressing Cu agglomeration during the Cu reflow process, likely due to a better adhesion to Cu. Reflow temperature and Ru thickness (continuity) are critical parameters for achieving good Cu reflow performance, and this optimized Cu reflow process with Ru liner did not show line top voids or sidewall voids, which are the two major void types often observed at this dimension when pursuing Cu fill with the conventional Cu seed and Cu plating fill scheme. Furthermore, this novel Cu reflow process exhibited an electromigration (EM) performance enhancement due to having better Cu fill quality.
Supplementary Table S1 from Netrin-1 and UNC5B Cooperate with Integrins to Mediate YAP-Driven Cytostasis
Authors: Pearson Joel D. , Huang Katherine , Dela Pena Louis G. , Ducarouge Benjamin , Mehlen Patrick , Bremner Rod
Published: September 2024

Supplementary Table S1: CRISPR Screen Results
Kelliotic and Idiorrhythmic Monasteries in the Middle and Late Byzantine Periods
Authors: Krausmüller Dirk
Published: September 2024

In the modern period idiorrhythmic monasticism was prevalent on Mt Athos and elsewhere. This article seeks to establish when the idiorrhythmic way of life first appeared and how it developed in the Middle and Late Byzantine periods.
Symbols in the Ambigua by Maximus the Confessor
Authors: Kurdybaylo Dmitry
Published: September 2024

The Ambigua to John by Maximus the Confessor contains numerous passages, where difficulties in the Bible and the Church fathers are interpreted using the terms ‘symbol,’ ‘type,’ and ‘image.’ Symbol appears as a clearly defined exegetic instrument and is always distinguished from other terms. However, in different contexts, Maximian symbolism reveals some peculiarities. On the one hand, the traditional Alexandrian understanding of symbol is accepted by Maximus the Confessor. On the other hand, he tries to employ its Areopagitic interpretation, especially that of the treatises On Mystical Theology and On Ecclesiastical Hierarchy. In two chapters of the Ambigua to John, commenting on the Transfiguration of Christ, Maximus the Confessor interweaves Alexandrian and Areopagitic symbolism, which leads to perplexing formulae, such as of the Incarnate Christ as “a type and symbol of Himself.” The analysis of the foregoing traditions makes it possible to propose an interpretation of this and similar locutions.
Response to Marzia Milazzo’s article “ ‘The Hand That Tried to Feed You’: Capture, White Saviourism, and the Dehumanisation of Dambudzo Marechera in Flora Veit-Wild’s They Called You Dambudzo”
Authors: Englund Lena
Published: September 2024

This essay constitutes a response to Marzia Milazzo’s article “ ‘The Hand That Tried to Feed You’: Capture, White Saviourism, and the Dehumanisation of Dambudzo Marechera in Flora Veit-Wild’s They Called You Dambudzo”.
The females of Epipleoneura capilliformis (Selys, 1886) and E. albuquerquei Machado, 1964 (Odonata: Protoneurinae): description and diagnosis
Authors: VILELA DIOGO SILVA , DIAS-OLIVEIRA TOMÁS MATHEUS , SOUZA MARCOS MAGALHÃES , MEDINA-ESPINOZA EMMY FIORELLA , JUEN LEANDRO
Published: September 2024

We describe, illustrate and diagnose two hitherto unknown females of the genus Epipleoneura Williamson, 1915: E. capilliformis (Selys, 1886) and E. albuquerquei Machado, 1964. Both females are diagnosed based on the prothoracic hind lobe morphology: in E. capilliformis, the hind lobe is trilobed, with an elevated median portion, unique within the known females of the genus. Females of E. albuquerquei have an entire, posteriorly oriented (i.e. not partitioned into additional lobes) hind lobe, similar to E. haroldoi Santos, 1964, although more concave.
Outsourcing Machines. How Programmatic Parties Include Clientelistic Strategies
Authors: Contreras Gonzalo
Published: September 2024

What explains that programmatic parties may combine their policy offers with clientelistic dispensation? Prevailing knowledge suggests that parties top-down diversify linkages, targeting their program at wealthier voters while providing particularistic inducements to poorer ones. Yet, these frameworks fail to explain the variety of strategies used by politicians to link voters within the municipal context, where voters’ socioeconomic status and electoral competition are less likely to vary. I argue that programmatic parties may engage in clientelism at the municipal level when they receive bottom-up demands. Leveraging evidence from 97 in-depth interviews conducted during multiyear fieldwork in three Chilean municipalities, this article shows why and how programmatic parties outsource the cost of clientelism to neighbourhood associations in exchange for targeted distribution to solve the groups’ demands. By showing that clientelism in programmatic-oriented settings is demand-driven, the article draws attention to territorially-rooted local groups as key actors that help to explain the variety of strategies parties use to link with voters.
A Bipartite Network Analysis of Terrorism in Nigeria
Authors: Corradi Andrea , Felmlee Diane H. , Gartner Scott Sigmund
Published: September 2024

Nigeria is home to a variety of terror groups, some of which receive little scholarly or media attention, but whose violent attacks cause significant casualties and instability. This analysis uses a bipartite network approach to examine terror groups in Nigeria between 2009 and 2019. We capture substantial variation among terrorist groups by state, target type and attack mode, and consider “unknown” terrorist offenders. Although Boko Haram is the dominant terrorist group, the Fulani extremists, IPOB, and others, are also prominent, with MEND especially active against oil infrastructure and in the Niger Delta region. This research finds that a bipartite network approach is effective for providing a more comprehensive understanding of terrorism dynamics, which is essential for effective counterterrorism policy and analysis.
Aggravated commodification as a new dimension of precarity in platform economy
Authors: Polkowska Dominika , Mika Bartosz
Published: September 2024

The concepts of precariousness that emerged in Western countries from the 1980s onwards highlight uncertainty regarding the form, scope and nature of labour in the near future. In this article, we use the concept of aggravated commodification as a new dimension of precariousness faced by platform workers. This concept is derived from Polanyi’s idea of fictitious commodities and is treated as a form of labour-market expansion. Applying critically evaluated theory of Karl Polanyi, the article argues that platforms transform labour into a commodity, potentially leading to exploitation and societal unrest. Aggravated commodification refers to work arrangements that introduce (three-sided) market mechanisms within the labour process. Moreover, thanks to the technological infrastructure platforms are leading to the commodification of activities previously performed outside the market and free absorption of activities that were previously a part of wage labour. The study contributes a comprehensive framework for understanding and enriching discussions on precarity in the context of platform capitalism, especially within Central and Eastern European countries.
“Fighting an Uphill Battle”: The Pursuit of Equity Through the Every Student Succeeds Act in North Carolina
Authors: Uzzell Elizabeth M. , Ayscue Jennifer B. , Fusarelli Lance D. , Jackson Mario M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) reduced the role of the federal government in K-12 education, giving states more flexibility while maintaining protections for marginalized groups. Despite the potential to leverage flexibility, little is known about how states are addressing equity. Research Methods: Using a critical policy analysis (CPA) approach, this qualitative case study uses semi-structured interviews and document analysis to examine the design and implementation of equity efforts by the state education agency (SEA) in North Carolina. Findings: SEA officials describe writing the state ESSA plan as an exercise in compliance and believe the plan could have gone further in pushing equitable solutions. Competing priorities within the SEA, including the struggle to fulfill its dual roles as service provider and regulatory agency, complicated ESSA implementation, as did state-level political maneuvers. A significant, unexpected finding is that participants were much more comfortable discussing the needs of economically disadvantaged students than students of color, and often avoided mentioning race specifically. Additionally, although the pandemic caused major disruptions to schooling, SEA officials identified “keeps” that were begun as a pandemic response and may continue as the SEA pushes equitable solutions for traditionally underserved students. Implications for Research and Practice: This study suggests that competing initiatives, staff turnover, and political ideology may limit the SEA's capacity to address power and resource imbalances and hinder efforts to promote greater equity in the educational system. Moreover, the SEA's focus shifted to ESSER funding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quality assessment and audience engagement with a sexuality education video: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Xiaoqin , Kang Jiayi , Liang Jiaqi
Published: September 2024

Background:

The convenience and accessibility of social media has made it a promising channel for sexuality education worldwide. In China, the popularity of social media such as Bilibili among young users and the increase in sexuality education content on such platforms have sparked concerns over video quality and educational content. Few existing studies have focused on such issues.

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and quality of sexuality education videos on Bilibili, a popular video-sharing social media platform among young people in China, and to explore how video characteristics and quality affected audience engagement.

Method:

We conducted a content analysis of 203 sexuality education videos on Bilibili.

Results and Conclusion:

Reproductive health and sexual pleasure were frequently addressed topics, and non-professional individuals were the most common sources of information about these. The involvement of well-known social influencers directly affected user engagement. In addition, video quality had a significant positive impact on user response. The quality of the sexuality education videos was generally high, and of strong educational significance. Hence there may be value in seeing sexuality education videos on such media as supplements to school-based education. Practical implications for improving the quality of sexuality education videos on Bilibili and other social media platforms as well as theoretical insights are discussed.
Determinants of Perception, Adaptation Strategy and Measuring Composite Vulnerability of Agricultural Households to Climate Change in the Desert State Rajasthan, India
Authors: Mohapatra Geetilaxmi , Pandey Suchitra
Published: September 2024

The study aims to assess agricultural households’ vulnerability, perception and adaptation to climate change in the desert state of Rajasthan, India. A data set of 600 households was collected using a purposive random sampling technique from six districts: Ajmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Dausa and Tonk. While using the binary logit model, factors affecting the perception and adaptation of agricultural households were assessed, and a composite livelihood vulnerability index was constructed to determine the households’ susceptibility to climate change. The findings suggest that the majority of the households are moderately vulnerable. Of the total households surveyed, 89 per cent of the agricultural households perceive climate change. 83.3 per cent of perceived households used adaptation strategies such as mixed cropping, crop rotation and farm ponds. Socioeconomic variables like the educational status of the household head, farming experience, type of agriculture financial support, agricultural training, land size and access to agricultural institutions influence farmers’ adaptation decisions. Further, lack of information, extension services, access to credit, improved seeds and water, insufficient capital, infertile soil and a labour shortage are barriers to adaptive strategies. Hence, the study recommends effective government policies to enhance credit availability, financial support and agricultural mechanisation for agricultural households.

JEL Codes: Q54, Q12, Q18
The History of the Algerian Islamic High Council: Promoting and Preserving the “True Islam” for National Unity and Stability
Authors: Tamburini Francesco
Published: September 2024

In Algeria, Islam has often been used to strengthen the sense of national identity and as an instrument of self-legitimation. The Algerian state gradually bureaucratized Islam through different organisms, represented by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and other institutions, such as the Islamic High Council. This constitutional institution can be considered the core tool used by the state to defend an Islam that is near and faithful to the values of the state, always ready to face dangers coming from religious radicalism. This essay describes the council’s historical development, emphasizing the modifications made to support state laws and policies on a variety of topics that are vital to the stability of the country, including religious problems.
The Transformation of Zimbabwe’s Informal Economy: From Petty Trade to Vibrant Sector
Authors: Magidi Martin
Published: September 2024

This article explores how the informal economy of Zimbabwe has transformed from a disorganised petty trading sector to a significant economic sector, despite facing challenges. Data were collected in Norton using ethnographic methods. Results show how the sector innovated and expanded into an organised and fairly productive sector. The article debunks stereotypes about the informal economy, such as being a survivalist or low-productivity sector. It argues that the sector has become resilient and vibrant over time and grown in innovative and creative ways as it fights for a place in an economy crippled by economic crises.
Hindu Nationalism and the Converging, Diverging and Intersecting Identities of Caste and Race in India: Dialogue, Dilemma and Discourse
Authors: Guha Ayan
Published: September 2024

This essay unpacks how Hindu nationalism has understood the concepts of caste and race through its ideologues’ textual strategies. It is divided into three sections. The initial section uncovers how Hindu nationalism’s dialogue with the colonial framework of knowledge produced several conceptual dilemmas inconsistent with its core objectives. The second part demonstrates how to counter such dilemmas proponents Hindu nationalists indulged in myriad intellectual manoeuvres to arrive at such notions of the interrelationship between caste and race, which are complimentary to its principal agenda. The final section unravels how their intellectual strategies produced a largely conservative outlook of passive reformism.
One Country, Two Perspectives: A Corpus-Assisted Critical Discourse Analysis of Newspaper Coverage of the Greater Bay Area Scheme in Hong Kong and Mainland China
Authors: Wang Yunyun
Published: September 2024

Despite extensive research on media framing of Hong Kong affairs, there remains a significant gap in the comparative analysis of media representations between Chinese and Hong Kong news discourses amid Hong Kong’s increasing integration with mainland China. This study employs a corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis to examine the discursive construction around the Greater Bay Area (GBA) scheme in the news discourses of South China Morning Post (SCMP) and China Daily (CD). The key emotion semantic analysis reveals that the SCMP predominantly projects negative emotions related to worry, while CD foregrounds positive emotions such as bravery. A word sketch of Hong Kong suggests that SCMP prefersd dynamic verbs highlighting the potential effects of the scheme, whereas CD emphasizes the actions associated with administration and regulation. The study contributes to an understanding of media shaping public perception, with real-world policy implications for cross-border communication strategies.
Exploring Career Readiness Among Youths With Disabilities
Authors: EunKyoung Lee Othelia , Kim Stella Y.
Published: September 2024

Guided by the Social Cognitive Career Theory, this study aimed to further explore factors associated with career readiness among college students with disabilities. Through online survey, students with disabilities were assessed with the Career Futures Inventory–Revised (CFI-R), a 28-item assessment tool that evaluates various aspects of career adaptability, such as positive attitudes toward career planning. Internships and career conversations are effective strategies for fostering career readiness. Our findings implied that certain subgroups of students with disabilities may face unique challenges in their academic journey. Given the high unemployment rate among college graduates with disabilities, our findings recommend that education institutions proactively reach out to offer targeted support services.
A Comparative Study of Stress Reduction Groups With and Without Therapy Dogs in a Rural Pennsylvania Jail
Authors: Eaton-Stull Yvonne M. , Streidl Christopher , Leet Tracy L. , Kuehn Sarah , Crawford Kaitlyn , Koishal Christina
Published: September 2024

Individuals who are incarcerated are often stressed, hopeless, and overwhelmed by this challenging life circumstance. Unfortunately, jails offer little treatment to assist in enhancing coping and fostering hope and resilience. This research study in a rural Pennsylvania jail provided four six-week coping and stress reduction groups, two with and two without therapy dogs. Findings indicate that all group participants experienced significant reductions in stress, improved resilience, and an increased sense of hope as measured by standardized scales. All four groups rated the interventions as very helpful.
Predictive analytics for traffic flow optimization in urban logistics: A transformer-based time series approach
Authors: Tao Qingling
Published: September 2024

In this study, we focus on the analysis and prediction of urban logistics traffic flow, a field that is gaining increasing attention due to the acceleration of global urbanization and heightened environmental awareness. Existing forecasting methods face challenges in processing large and complex datasets, particularly when extracting and analyzing valid information from these data, often hindered by noise and outliers. In this context, time series analysis, as a key technique for predicting future trends, becomes crucial for supporting real-time traffic management and long-term traffic planning. To this end, we propose a composite network model that integrates gated recurrent unit (GRU), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), and temporal fusion transformer (TFT), namely the GRU–ARIMA–TFT network model, to enhance prediction accuracy and efficiency. Through the analysis of experimental results on different datasets, we demonstrate the significant advantages of this model in improving prediction accuracy and understanding complex traffic patterns. This research not only theoretically expands the boundaries of urban logistics traffic flow prediction but also holds substantial practical significance in real-world applications, especially in optimizing urban traffic planning and logistics distribution strategies during peak periods and under complex traffic conditions. Our study provides a robust tool for addressing real-world issues in the urban logistics domain and offers new perspectives and methodologies for future urban traffic management and logistics system planning.
Identification and Prioritization of Health Indexes in Nomadic Tribespeople by Fuzzy Delphi Method: An Ecological Study
Authors: Neamati Atefeh , Hashemi Hassan , Samaei Mohammad Reza , Dehghani Mansooreh , Salehi Saeid , Amiri Ghareghani Ahad , Shahbazi Mohammad , Amiri Gharaghani Majid
Published: September 2024

The migratory lifestyle of nomadic communities, combined with the lack of a suitable health-related organizational structure, has made it difficult to provide health care services that can improve their health status. To achieve the concept of justice in health and sustainable development, it is imperative to improve the health status of all citizens in Iran, which consists of the nomadic communities, and urban and rural populations. In this ecological study national health indexes in nomadic tribespeople was Identified and prioritized by expert panel and fuzzy Delphi method. In the first step, the national health indexes were extracted from the literature, and then indexes that can be measured, evaluated and representative of the nomadic communities were extracted and prioritized by using fuzzy Delphi and TOPSIS methods, Questionnaire options were analyzed according to 3 criteria of economic efficiency, measurability, and simplicity in the form of 13 components and their indicators. The analysis of the results of the fuzzy Delphi method shows that the mental health component has the lowest real score in the criteria of measurability, simplicity and economic efficiency. The child care component has the highest real score in terms of economic efficiency and the vaccination component has the highest real score based on the criteria of measurability and simplicity in nomadic communities. The results of the TOPSIS method show that the components of vaccination, maternal care and child care have the highest priority for attention and investigation of their indicators in this segment of the population. In general, by designing and implementing systems to record the information of priority indexes extracted from the present study, it is possible for responsible organizations to make effective decisions and plans for the improvement of the health status of nomadic communities.
Experimental investigation of hybrid energy sharing strategy for multi-source electric vehicle
Authors: Marzougui Hajer , Kadri Ameni , Martin Jean-Philippe , Bacha Faouzi , Pierfederici Serge
Published: September 2024

This paper deals with a current topic addressing the issue of energy management. Adequate energy management consists of finding the best harmony between different sources intended to supply the vehicle to satisfy the power required by the traction motor while ensuring good performances. Energy management strategy makes it possible to find the adequate distribution of the energy flow between power source elements by generating power references to be given by each source to satisfy the required power while respecting the constraints on these sources. In this context, a new energy management strategy based on the combination of flatness theory and the frequency separation principle is developed. This strategy determines the powers that the energy sources must supply and provides power source references based on their dynamics, imposing constraints to be taken into account. This novel hybrid strategy is applied to a hybrid vehicle configuration that uses a fuel cell as the primary source with a hybrid storage device (supercapacitor and battery). The implementation using dSPACE DS1005 will be presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.