bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressure Coupled Lanthanide Ion Doping to Enhance Optical Properties in BaTiO3
Authors: Gao Bo , Li Lianyu , Chen Zongwei , Xu Qun
Published: November 2023

Self‐trapped excitons (STEs) typically give broadband photoluminescence emission with a large Stokes shift, which is important for the enhancement of the optical properties of materials. Here, low‐dimensional La‐doped BaTiO3 nanocrystals with defects are prepared using supercritical CO2 (SC CO2). The generation of the STEs is facilitated by doping La3+ ions and introducing CO2 pressure, which effectively enhance the luminescence intensity of BaTiO3. This discovery shows that the La ion doping concentration can modulate the photoluminescence of BaTiO3 nanocrystals under pressure. This work deepens the understanding of the influence of rare‐earth‐doped luminescent materials under pressure and provides insight to improve the capabilities of optical devices.
Facile Preparation of Full‐Color Tunable Room Temperature Phosphorescence Cellulose via Click Chemistry
Authors: Gao Qian , Shi Meichao , Chen Mingxing , Hao Xiang , Chen Gegu , Bian Jing , Lü Baozhong , Ren Junli , Peng Feng
Published: November 2023

Sustainable long‐lived room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials with color‐tunable afterglows are attractive but rarely reported. Here, cellulose is reconstructed by directed redox to afford ample active hydroxyl groups and water‐solubility; arylboronic acids with various π conjugations can be facilely anchored to reconstructed cellulose via click chemistry within 1 min in pure water, resulting in full‐color tunable RTP cellulose. The rigid environment provided by the B─O covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds can stabilize the triplet excitons, thus the target cellulose displays outstanding RTP performances with the lifetime of 2.67 s, phosphorescence quantum yield of 9.37%, and absolute afterglow luminance of 348 mcd m−2. Furthermore, due to the formation of various emissive species, the smart RTP cellulose shows excitation‐ and time‐dependent afterglows. Taking advantages of sustainability, ultralong lifetime, and full‐color tunable afterglows, et al, the environmentally friendly RTP cellulose is successfully used for nontoxic afterglow inks, delay lighting, and afterglow display.
Superelastic Cellulose Sub‐Micron Fibers/Carbon Black Aerogel for Highly Sensitive Pressure Sensing
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Zhu Penghui , Sun Hao , Sun Xia , Ye Yuhang , Jiang Feng
Published: November 2023

Superelastic aerogels with rapid response and recovery times, as well as exceptional shape recovery performance even from large deformation, are in high demand for wearable sensor applications. In this study, a novel conductive and superelastic cellulose‐based aerogel is successfully developed. The aerogel incorporates networks of cellulose sub‐micron fibers and carbon black (SMF/CB) nanoparticles, achieved through a combination of dual ice templating assembly and electrostatic assembly methods. The incorporation of assembled cellulose sub‐micron fibers imparts remarkable superelasticity to the aerogel, enabling it to retain 94.6% of its original height even after undergoing 10 000 compression/recovery cycles. Furthermore, the electrostatically assembled CB nanoparticles contribute to exceptional electrical conductivity in the cellulose‐based aerogel. This combination of electrical conductivity and superelasticity results in an impressive response time of 7.7 ms and a recovery time of 12.8 ms for the SMF/CB aerogel, surpassing many of the aerogel sensors reported in previous studies. As a proof of concept, the SMF/CB aerogel is utilized to construct a pressure sensor and a sensing array, which exhibit exceptional responsiveness to both minor and substantial human motions, indicating its significant potential for applications in human health monitoring and human–machine interaction.
[2]Biphenyl‐extended pillar[6]arene functionalized silver nanoparticles for catalysis and label‐free detection
Authors: Li Dongxia , Wu Gengxin , Wang Xin , Wu Jia‐Rui , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: November 2023

Synthetic macrocycles have served as principal tools for supramolecular chemistry since their establishment, and the investigation of macrocycles‐aided organic‐inorganic hybrid nanomaterials has also attracted broad interest in chemistry and material communities during the past decade owing to their widespread applications in optical sensing, catalytic degradation, biomedicine, and other related fields. Herein, a new class of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) modified by anionic water‐soluble [2]biphenyl‐extended pillar[6]arene (WBpP6), namely WBpP6‐AgNPs, is designed and synthesized through a facile one‐pot method. WBpP6‐AgNPs with good dispersion and stability exhibit efficient catalytic properties toward the hydrogenation of a series of aromatic nitro compounds and also show good performance in label‐free detection toward diquat.
Fostering a distance‐based longitudinal mentoring relationship for career development: A student‐faculty perspective
Authors: Fuji Kevin T. , Strong Delaney M.
Published: November 2023

This article presents a case study of a faculty‐student mentoring relationship developed within the context of an online clinical doctorate training environment. Recfommendations are provided for potential mentors and mentees who may be interested in engaging in a distance‐based mentoring relationship but who may not be in an institution/program with a formal mentoring program or process in place.
Allyl isothiocyanate induces DNA damage and inhibits DNA repair‐associated proteins in a human gastric cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Shih Yung‐Luen , Hsu Sheng‐Yao , Lai Kuang‐Chi , Chueh Fu‐Shin , Huang Yuan‐Li , Kuo Chao‐Lin , Chen Yung‐Liang , Chen Chiung‐Ju , Peng Shu‐Fen , Huang Wen‐Wen , Lu Hsu‐Fen
Published: November 2023

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is abundant in cruciferous vegetables and it present pharmacological activity including anticancer activity in many types of human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Currently, no available information to show AITC affecting DNA damage and repair‐associated protein expression in human gastric cancer cells. Therefore, in the present studies, we investigated AITC‐induced cytotoxic effects on human gastric cancer in AGS and SNU‐1 cells whether or not via the induction of DNA damage and affected DNA damage and repair associated poteins expressions in vitro. Cell viability and morphological changes were assayed by flow cytometer and phase contrast microscopy, respectively, the results indicated AITC induced cell morphological changes and decreased total viable cells in AGS and SNU‐1 cells in a dose‐dependently. AITC induced DNA condensation and damage in a dose‐dependently which based on the cell nuclei was stained by 4′, 6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole present in AGS and SNU‐1 cells. DNA damage and repair associated proteins expression in AGS and SNU‐1 cells were measured by Western blotting. The results indicated AITC decreased nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2), heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), glutathione, and catalase, but increased superoxide dismutase (SOD (Cu/Zn)), and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in AGS cells, however, in SNU‐1 cells are increased HO‐1. AITC increased DNA‐dependent protein kinase (DNA‐PK), phosphorylation of gamma H2A histone family member X on Ser139 (γH2AXpSer139), and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in AGS cells. AITC increased DNA‐PK, mediator of DNA damage checkpoint protein 1 (MDC1), γH2AXpSer139, topoisomerase II alpha (TOPIIα), topoisomerase II beta (TOPIIβ), HSP90, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in SNU‐1 cells. AITC increased p53, p53pSer15, and p21 but decreased murine double minute 2 (MDM2)pSer166 and O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) in AGS cells; however, it has a similar effect of AITC except increased ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3‐related protein (ATR)pSer428, checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1), and checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2) in SNU‐1 cells. Apparently, both cell responses to AITC are different, nonetheless, all of these observations suggest that AITC inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells may through induction off DNA damage in vitro.
Chronic arsenite exposure induced skeletal muscle atrophy by disrupting angiotensin II‐melatonin axis in rats
Authors: Chen Wanying , Wang Dapeng , Ma Lu , Wu Fan , Ren Qian , Tao Junyan , Chen Xiong , Zhang Aihua
Published: November 2023

Arsenic is a well‐known environmental toxicant and emerging evidence suggests that arsenic exposure has potential skeletal muscle toxicity; however, the underlying mechanism has not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation among adverse effects of subchronic and chronic environmental arsenic exposure on skeletal muscle as well as specific myokines secretion and angiotensin II (AngII)–melatonin (MT) axis in rats. Four‐week‐old rats were exposed to arsenite (iAs) in drinking water at environmental relevant concentration of 10 ppm for 3 or 9 months. Results indicated that the gastrocnemius muscle had atrophied and its mass was decreased in rats exposed to arsenite for 9 months, whereas, they had no significant changes in rats exposed to arsenite for 3 months. The levels of serum‐specific myokine irisin and gastrocnemius muscle insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) were increased in 3‐month exposure group and decreased in 9‐month exposure group, while serum myostatin (MSTN) was increased significantly in 9‐month exposure group. In addition, serum AngII level increased both in 3‐ and 9‐month exposure groups, while serum MT level increased in 3‐month exposure group and decreased in 9‐month exposure group. Importantly, the ratio of AngII to MT level in serum increased gradually with the prolongation of arsenite exposure. It showed a certain correlation between AngII–MT axis and gastrocnemius muscle mass, gastrocnemius muscle level of IGF‐1 or serum levels of irisin and MSTN. In conclusion, the disruption of AngII–MT axis balance may be a significant factor for skeletal muscle atrophy induced by chronic environmental arsenic exposure.
Sexual harassment in surgical training
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: November 2023

In this editorial, Professor Roger Kirby, Editor‐in‐Chief of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, considers the challenging issue of sexual harassment in surgical training.
Inhabiting the Landscape Through Access Rights and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Vergunst Jo
Published: November 2023

This chapter is about the kinds of inhabitation of the landscape that are made possible by outdoor access rights in Scotland, with reference to walking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Comparisons are also made to the Nordic practice of allemansrätten. The pandemic was a particularly acute example of how political and legal structures can shape the everyday experience of movement, and in some ways also brought to light the ways in which governance is reified and made real through ordinary life. In Scotland, outdoor access rights were severely curtailed during the pandemic, but at the same time they were enacted locally in distinctive ways. The perceived ‘margins’ of the landscape were no longer the remote rural parts of the country, but instead became the previously unthought-about and sometimes unnoticed surroundings in people’s immediate lifeworlds. Margins came much closer to home and the forms of mobility used to access them changed. I use Glick Schiller and Salazar’s concept of ‘regimes of mobilities’ to explore the regulation and surveillance of local mobilities in the pandemic, and Salazar’s distinction of essential and existential mobilities to explore people’s responses. Aesthetic relationships with landscape were also grounded in everyday, close to home movements.
Mann-Type Inertial Projection and Contraction Method for Solving Split Pseudomonotone Variational Inequality Problem with Multiple Output Sets
Authors: Alakoya T. O. , Mewomo O. T.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we study the concept of split variational inequality problem with multiple output sets when the cost operators are pseudomonotone and non-Lipschitz. We introduce a new Mann-type inertial projection and contraction method with self-adaptive step sizes for approximating the solution of the problem in the framework of Hilbert spaces. Under some mild conditions on the control parameters and without prior knowledge of the operator norms, we prove a strong convergence theorem for the proposed algorithm. We point out that while the cost operators are non-Lipschitz, our proposed method does not require any linesearch method but uses a more efficient self-adaptive step size technique that generates a non-monotonic sequence of step sizes. Finally, we apply our result to study certain classes of optimization problems and we present several numerical experiments to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method. Several of the existing results in the literature could be viewed as special cases of our result in this study.
Design and synthesis of novel cycloalkanecarboxamide parabanic acid hybrids as anticonvulsants
Authors: Abd-Allah Walaa Hamada , Abd El-Maksoud Mohamed Samir , Elbaset Marawan A. , Hessin Alyaa F. , Hassan Rasha Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Aiming to develop novel anticonvulsant agents a new series of novel cycloalkanecarboxamide parabanic acid hybrids series8,9and10possessing the essential structure requirements for anticonvulsant activity was synthesized starting from cycloalkanones. All final target compounds were primary screened for chemically and electrically induced seizures using pentylenetetrazole “scPTZ” and maximal electroshock seizure “MES” models. In phase I anticonvulsant evaluation compounds8band10bexhibited the highest potency among all the target compounds with 100% protection towards chemically induced seizures. Results of phase II anticonvulsant screening showed that compounds8band10bare more potent than standard drug ethosuximide by about 11 and 9 fold, respectively. Regarding MES test, compounds8band9a-dexhibited 100% protection with ED50values ranged between 0.107–0.177 mmol/Kg. All final compounds did not display any signs of motor impairment in the neurotoxicity screening test. Also, compounds8a,9a-dand10bwere devoid of hepatotoxicity as shown by measurement of serum levels of liver enzymes, albumin as well as total protein. Moreover, the cyclohexyl derivative10bproduced a significant increase of Gamma-aminobutyric acid “GABA” brain’s content of mice compared to control group confirmed its GABAergic modulating activity. Molecular docking, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties were carried out for all compounds as well. These outcomes support that cycloalkanecarboxamide parabanic acid hybrid is a promising scaffold to pave the way towards further development of novel class of antiepileptic drugs.
Clinical trials on curcumin in relation to its bioavailability and effect on malignant diseases: critical analysis
Authors: Khosravi Marten A. , Seifert Roland
Published: November 2023

Curcumin is an ingredient of the root Curcuma longa, which is responsible for the characteristic yellow color of curcuma. Curcumin is said to have the potential ability to fight malignant diseases and to have an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, it is used as a dietary supplement. However, one problem with the use of curcumin is its extremely low bioavailability. The aim of this study is to systematically review and critically analyze clinical studies related to the pharmacokinetics (or bioavailability) and to the use of curcumin in the treatment of malignant diseases. The platforms clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed served as the database for the literature research. A total of 293 available studies on curcumin were filtered according to their focus (bioavailability, therapy of malignant diseases) and other criteria (study results, main substance, topic reference, existing disease/other research purpose, reference to malignant diseases). The studies were further analyzed regarding their outcome measures, their design (number of participants, randomization, placebo group, masking, ethical standards, sponsor, primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, study bias) and their findings. The analysis failed to convincingly demonstrate that curcumin has a significant, positive effect on the therapy of malignant diseases. Regarding the increase in bioavailability, positive results have been obtained, which are in proximity to the pharmaceutical industry. Independent studies could not achieve increased bioavailability of curcumin. The available reviews in the literature also do not provide convincing evidence for the efficacy of curcumin. Thus, at the time being, the use of curcumin in malignant diseases is not justified scientifically.
Mitigating effect of ferulic acid on di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced neurocognitive dysfunction in male rats with a comprehensive in silico survey
Authors: Khalifa Mhasen , Fayed Rabie H. , Ahmed Yasmine H. , Sedik Ahmed A. , El-Dydamony Nehad M. , Khalil Heba M. A.
Published: November 2023

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most abundant phthalate threatening public health-induced neurotoxicity. This neurotoxicity is associated with behavioral and biochemical deficits in male rats. Our study investigated the neuroprotective effect of ferulic acid (FA) on male rats exposed to DEHP. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups. Group I control rats received corn oil, group II intoxicated rats received 300 mg/kg of DEHP, group III received 300 mg/kg of DEHP + 50 mg/kg of FA, and group IV received 50 mg/kg of FA, all agents administrated daily per os for 30 days. Anxiety-like behavior, spatial working memory, and recognition memory were assessed. Also, brain oxidative stress biomarkers, including brain malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as well as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were measured. Moreover, brain histopathology examinations associated with immunohistochemistry determination of brain caspase-3 were also evaluated. Furthermore, docking simulation was adapted to understand the inhibitory role of FA on caspase-3 and NO synthase. Compared to DEHP-intoxicated rats, FA-treated rats displayed improved cognitive memory associated with a reduced anxious state. Also, the redox state was maintained with increased BNDF levels. These changes were confirmed by restoring the normal architecture of brain tissue and a decrement in the immunohistochemistry caspase-3. In conclusion, FA has potent antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties that confirm the neuroprotective activity of FA, with a possible prospect for its therapeutic capabilities and nutritional supplement value.
The potential effects of climate change on the climatic suitability patterns of the Western Asian vectors and parasites of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the mid- and late twenty-first century
Authors: Trájer Attila J. , Grmasha Ruqayah Ali
Published: November 2023

Climate change alters the global distribution of leishmaniasis vector sandfly species. However, the possible effect of altering environmental factors on sandfly species varies by species and area. The aim of this study was to project the future potential effect of climate change on the Western Asian occurrence of the sandfly vector species Phlebotomus papatasi and Phlebotomus sergenti and the parasites Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica for 2041–2060 and 2081–2100 compared to their modelled climatic suitability patterns in the reference period 1970–2000. The model results suggest that by 2041–2060 and 2081–2100, in the coastal areas of the Levantine countries and the mid-elevation regions of Western Iran and Southeast Turkey, the climatic suitability of all the studied species is predicted to increase. In contrast, the model results suggest the decline of the populations of the studied vectors as well as the disappearance of the parasites in Iraq, North Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the inland regions of Western Asian countries. Considering the present-day population density patterns, it can be said that although in large regions of the region, the climatic suitability values are predicted to decrease, the populated Levantine regions seem to be at risk of climate change-facilitated increase in cutaneous leishmaniasis in the second half of the twenty-first century. The model results suggest that climate change will especially increase the climatic suitability of Leishmania tropica in the Levantine region in the late twenty-first century.
Cognitive abnormalities in Becker muscular dystrophy: a mysterious link between dystrophin deficiency and executive functions
Authors: Pezzoni Laura , Brusa Roberta , Difonzo Teresa , Magri Francesca , Velardo Daniele , Corti Stefania , Comi Giacomo Pietro , Saetti Maria Cristina
Published: November 2023

Background

Distrophinopathies are a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders due to mutations in the DMD gene. Different isoforms of dystrophin are also expressed in the cerebral cortex and Purkinje cells. Despite cognitive abnormalities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy subjects that have been described in the literature, little is known about a comprehensive cognitive profile in Becker muscular dystrophy patients.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess cognitive functioning in Becker muscular dystrophy patients by using an extensive neuropsychological battery. Our hypothesis is that the most impaired functions are the highly intentional and conscious ones, such as working memory functions, which require a prolonged state of cellular activation.

Methods

We performed an extensive neuropsychological assessment on 28 Becker muscular dystrophy patients from 18 to 65 years old. As control subjects, we selected 20 patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, whose clinical picture was similar except for cognitive integrity. The evaluation, although extended to all areas, was focused on prefrontal control skills, with a distinction between inhibitory processes of selective attention and activating processes of working memory.

Results and conclusions

Significant underperformances were found exclusively in the Dual Task and PASAT tests, to demonstrate a selective impairment of working memory that, while not causing intellectual disability, reduces the intellectual potential of patients with Becker muscular dystrophy.
Young Love “Locked Down”: Adolescent and Young Adult Perspectives on Sexting During the Covid-19 Pandemic in England
Authors: Setty Emily , Dobson Emma
Published: November 2023

There were limited opportunities for in-person social, intimate, and sexual interactions in England during 2020–2021, due to restrictions imposed by the UK government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. While previous studies examined the effects of lockdown on intimate relationships, there is less qualitative research regarding young people’s perspectives on and experiences of digitally mediated intimacy (sexting) during the period. This paper discusses findings from focus groups with 80 adolescents and interviews with 38 young adults that explored the topic. Analysis identified a normalization of non-consensual distribution of intimate images within adolescent peer culture and a reluctance to report or intervene in response to incidents of non-consensual distribution that are witnessed or experienced. The adolescent girls and young adult women also described other forms of unwanted and invasive image-sharing and requests for images. Young adults held various perspectives on sexting during lockdown, with some describing sexting as unfulfilling and/or “risky” and others sharing experiences of using sexting to generate intimacy and, among some, engaging in unwanted sexting with partners. By considering both adolescent and young adult perspectives obtained through focus groups and interviews, the study highlighted how group-level norms and meanings surrounding the risks and rewards of sexting may be reproduced or reworked as individuals transition from adolescence to young adulthood. The study underscores the need to support adolescents and young adults in cultivating healthy digital sexual cultures and interpersonal relationships.
Impact of invasive European catfish (Silurus glanis) on the fish community of Torrejón reservoir (Central Spain) during a 11-year monitoring study
Authors: Encina Lourdes , Rodríguez-Ruiz Amadora , Orduna Carlos , Cid Juan Ramón , de Meo Ilaria  , Granado-Lorencio Carlos
Published: November 2023

The European catfish (Silurus glanis) has been described as an invasive species exerting a relevant impact on the native fauna of the ecosystems where it is introduced. However, the lack of long-term data and the low catchability of this species with traditional methods have often made it difficult to evaluate its real impact. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the invasive European catfish on the fish community of the Torrejón reservoir (Tagus River, Spain) using both direct fishing and indirect hydroacoustic methods. This study is the result of eleven years of monitoring. The results evidence the impact of European catfish on the reservoir fish assemblage, especially on the Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei) which significantly decreased its abundance and biomass from 2010 to 2020. The size structure of the fish assemblages in the reservoir allowed the use of hydroacoustic methodology to discriminate and monitor the population of European catfish. Throughout the 11 years of study, statistically significant differences were identified in the abundance of European catfish as a function of the reservoir´s area (dam - tail axis) and of the limnological period (summer vs. winter), while no significant differences were found in relation to bathymetry (surface - bottom axis). We can conclude that S. glanis has currently established in the Torrejón reservoir leading to the decrease of the Iberian barbel population, the only autochthonous species that persisted in the reservoir and dominated the fish community before the appearance of European catfish.
PLA bio-nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) for 3D printing applications
Authors: Agbakoba V. C. , Mokhena T. C. , Ferg E. E. , Hlangothi S. P. , John M. J.
Published: November 2023

This study deals with the development of 3D printable bionanocomposites using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with ≤ 2% D-lactic acid content and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). The CNFs were extracted from the waste sawdust of Eucalyptus grandis via chemical and mechanical techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the CNFs were thermally stable within the intended processing temperature ranges. In this study, a combination of solvent casting and melt extrusion techniques was adopted in the production of PLA containing 1 wt% and 3 wt% CNFs. The neat PLA filament was brittle and frequently broke during fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing. However, the incorporation of triacetin as a green plasticizer resulted in improved filament flexibility and eliminated the inherent brittleness. TGA analysis revealed a slight reduction in the degradation temperature of the bionanocomposites when compared to neat polymer; however, all the specimens were thermally stable within the processing temperature. The scanning electron microscopy images of the 3D printed specimens revealed the presence of voids across the fracture surfaces. The tensile analysis of 3D printed specimens revealed that the PLA/CNF bionanocomposites exhibited higher tensile modulus, and elongation (strain) when compared to PLA-based specimens. The tensile strength of the 3D-printed 1 wt% bionanocomposite specimen was 12% higher than that of the neat specimen, whereas the 3 wt% bionanocomposite remained comparable to neat PLA. In summary, the morphological, tensile and 3D printing analysis revealed that the bionanocomposite filaments possessed adequate roundness, flexibility, and strength. The as-prepared filaments performed well under low printing temperatures without warping.
Survival Kits for Babies: Baby Box Books and Infant Temporality in Finnish Maternity Packages
Authors: Lassén-Seger Maria , Österlund Mia
Published: November 2023

Maternity packages, introduced in 1938 by the Finnish state to counteract declining birth rates and infant mortality, have reached all newborns regardless of income or social status from 1949 onwards. The box is a unique phenomenon internationally and a significant part of the Finnish history of childhood as its contents mirror contemporaneous views on childhood. In 1982, a baby book was added to the box. Research has, however, kept focusing on the social aspects of the box, ignoring the baby books. In this article, we make up for the lack of scholarly interest in the baby box books by studying how they depict temporal normativity. Drawing on queer temporal studies (Halberstam 2005; Freeman 2010), we introduce the terms infant temporality/ baby time to discuss the interplay of aesthetics and normative timelines. We claim that these books use bodily tempo, rhythm, movement, as well as sensory and tactile aspects to depict non-normative timelines, understood as infant temporality. Drawing on Hartmut Rosa (2019), we argue that the interplay between adult caregiver and infant encouraged by these books aims to achieve resonance, understood as presence and connection. In contrast to adult acceleration, we claim that these books, as part of their unique hybrid aesthetics, present infant temporality as deceleration. Reaching a vast number of Finnish families yearly, the baby box books provide a strong temporal discourse while promoting a resonant reproductive time. However, we find that while the books studied deviate from adult temporal normativity, infant temporality is still included in a normative reproductive timeline, sanctioned by the Finnish state. Hereby, the baby box books expose temporal complexities of our era.
Understanding the Design Values of Baby Books: Materiality, Co-presence, and Remediation
Authors: Walsh Jacqueline Reid , Rouse Rebecca
Published: November 2023

In this article we analyze the design values of selected baby books published in England, the United States and Italy across 100 years. The examples we focus on are What is This? What is That? (1905) of the Dean’s Rag books series, Pat the Bunny (1940), I PRELIBRI (1980), and Wiggle! March! (2009) of the Indestructibles series. We group these books into two pairs of simple or complex designs, based on either a drive for durability or the aim to provide a multisensory experience: the Dean’s Rag books and the Indestructibles form one set, and Pat the Bunny and I PRELIBRI the second. We approach the books by examining the relationships among the materiality, narrative and formal design elements, the implied co-presence of a young child and adult care, issues of context and gender, and how the later examples remediate or rework the materials and beliefs of the earlier ones in a contemporary manner.
A is for Aesthetics: The Multisensory Beauty of Baby Books
Authors: Beauvais Clémentine
Published: November 2023

This introduction presents the special issue on baby books, and summarises the various articles.
State-level economic uncertainty and cardiovascular disease deaths: evidence from the United States
Authors: Kyriopoulos Ilias , Vandoros Sotiris , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: November 2023

The relationship between economic recessions and cardiovascular mortality has been widely explored. However, there is limited evidence on whether economic uncertainty alone is linked to cardiovascular disease deaths. This study examines the association between economic uncertainty and mortality from diseases of the circulatory system in the United States. We obtained monthly state-level mortality data from 2008 to 2017 and used indices capturing economic uncertainty from national/international sources and local sources. Panel data modelling was used to account for unobserved time-invariant differences between the states. Our findings suggest that economic uncertainty is independently linked to cardiovascular mortality. Uncertainty arising from national/international sources is associated with cardiovascular deaths, whereas the respective index capturing uncertainty from state/local sources is not. Deaths respond asymmetrically with respect to uncertainty fluctuations – with high levels of uncertainty driving the association. One- and two-month lagged uncertainty levels are also associated with mortality. Several robustness checks further validate the baseline findings. Overall, economic uncertainty is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality which appears to act as a psychosocial stressor and a short-term trigger. Public health strategies for cardiovascular disease need to consider factors driving economic uncertainty. Preventive measures and raising awareness can intensify in periods of economic uncertainty.
Electrical stimulation via repeated biphasic conducting materials for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Rosenbalm Tabitha N. , Levi Nicole H. , Morykwas Michael J. , Wagner William D.
Published: November 2023

Improved materials for peripheral nerve repair are needed for the advancement of new surgical techniques in fields spanning from oncology to trauma. In this study, we developed bioresorbable materials capable of producing repeated electric field gradients spaced 600 μm apart to assess the impact on neuronal cell growth, and migration. Electrically conductive, biphasic composites comprised of poly (glycerol) sebacate acrylate (PGSA) alone, and doped with poly (pyrrole) (PPy), were prepared to create alternating segments with high and low electrically conductivity. Conductivity measurements demonstrated that 0.05% PPy added to PSA achieved an optimal value of 1.25 × 10−4 S/cm, for subsequent electrical stimulation. Tensile testing and degradation of PPy doped and undoped PGSA determined that 35–40% acrylation of PGSA matched nerve mechanical properties. Both fibroblast and neuronal cells thrived when cultured upon the composite. Biphasic PGSA/PPy sheets seeded with neuronal cells stimulated for with 3 V, 20 Hz demonstrated a 5x cell increase with 1 day of stimulation and up to a 10x cell increase with 3 days stimulation compared to non-stimulated composites. Tubular conduits composed of repeated high and low conductivity materials suitable for implantation in the rat sciatic nerve model for nerve repair were evaluated in vivo and were superior to silicone conduits. These results suggest that biphasic conducting conduits capable of maintaining mechanical properties without inducing compression injuries while generating repeated electric fields are a promising tool for acceleration of peripheral nerve repair to previously untreatable patients.

Graphical Abstract
Part of the Family: Children’s Experiences with Their Companion Animals in the Context of Domestic Violence and Abuse
Authors: Callaghan Jane E M , Fellin Lisa C , Mavrou Stavroula , Alexander Joanne H. , Deligianni-Kouimtzi Vasiliki , Papathanassiou Maria , Sixsmith Judith
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Children who experience Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) draw on a range of strategies to manage the complex dynamics of family life. This article explored children’s experiences of their relationships with pets and other animals, considering how children understood these relationships.

Methods

This qualitative study is based on semi-structured interviews and visual methods-based research with 22 children (aged 9–17), drawn from a larger study on how children cope with DVA. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings

Five themes are discussed: Part of the family explores how children positioned animals as relational beings who occupied an important place in their lives; caring for animals considers the reciprocal caring relationship children described; listening and support details how children interacted with animals to allow themselves to feel more heard and supported; in the theme control and abuse, we consider children’s experiences of perpetrators’ use of companion animals as part of a pattern of abuse and control; and in disruption, uncertainty and loss, we discuss how children feel and relate to their animals when leaving situations of domestic abuse.

Conclusions

The implications of our analysis are considered in relation to providing support for children impacted by domestic abuse, and the importance of ensuring companion animals are provided for in housing policy and planning for domestic abuse survivors.
The post-memory of the Armenian genocide and the myth of origins in Antonia Arslan’s works
Authors: Sinopoli Franca
Published: November 2023

This contribution aims to analyse the postmemory of the origins through the work of an Italian author of Armenian descent, Antonia Arslan, and stems from an ongoing research project about “Narrating the Trauma in European Literatures and Cultures” based at La Sapienza University of Rome. I will therefore focus on the link between this research project, which serves as a theoretical framework, and the specific case study concerning Antonia Arslan. The project originates from two concerns: the first one being the awareness of the loss of poets and writers’ long-lived faith in the creative power of the artistic gesture, a widespread belief before the two world wars, and the second one consisting in a reflection on a general change of the theoretic framework of literature, especially in the case of the narration of traumatic experiences such as wars, genocides, migrations and displacements of people, which have taken place in Europe during the 20th Century [Neohelicon, 2004(1), Migratio et litterae].
“Monasteri neri”: letteratura ungherese e italiana e scrittura popolare nella Prima Guerra Mondiale
Authors: Franchi Cinzia
Published: November 2023

The paper “Black Monasteries”: Hungarian and Italian Literature and Popular Writing in the First World War analyzes War literature and the directly related literature about internment camps, both relating to the First World War, which had a different development in Hungary and Italy; however, similar features can be found in them. Regarding these aspects, this essay examines some works, starting from the Black Monastery [Fekete kolostor] by Aladár Kuncz and other novels and “reportage novels” (Siberian garrison [Szibériai garnizon], by Rodion Markovits) of the same period. Their characteristic traits are peculiar and common with Italian works (i.e. Un anno sull’altipiano, by Emilio Lussu, Taccuino di Caporetto, by Carlo Emilio Gadda), while the final part of the essay concerns popular writing and its role in the literature, based on the experience in internment camps and war literature through studies and research that focus on the correspondence with families and friends of soldiers and internees from many European countries.
Sexual Assault Among Young Adolescents in Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya: Findings from the IMPower and SOS Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sarnquist Clea , Friedberg Rina , Rosenman Evan T. R. , Amuyunzu-Nyamongo Mary , Nyairo Gavin , Baiocchi Michael
Published: November 2023

Sexual assault is a global threat to adolescent health, but empowerment self-defense (ESD) interventions have shown promise for prevention. This study evaluated the joint implementation of a girls’ ESD program and a concurrent boys’ program, implemented via a cluster-randomized controlled trial in informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya, from January 2016 to October 2018. Schools were randomized to the 12-h intervention or 2-h standard of care. Students were randomly sampled to complete surveys at baseline and again at 24 months post-intervention. A total of 3263 girls, ages 10–14, who completed both baseline and follow-up surveys were analyzed; weights were adjusted for dropout. At follow-up, 5.9% (n = 194/3263) of girls reported having been raped in the prior 12 months. Odds of reporting rape were not significantly different in the intervention versus SOC group (OR: 1.21; 95% CI (0.40, 5.21), p = 0.63). Secondary outcomes, social self-efficacy (OR: 1.08; 95% CI (0.95, 1.22), p = 0.22), emotional self-efficacy (OR 1.07; 95% CI (0.89, 1.29), p = 0.49), and academic self-efficacy (OR: 0.90; 95% CI (0.82, 1.00), p = 0.06) were not significantly different. Exploratory analyses of boys’ victimization and perpetration are reported. This study improved on previous ESD studies in this setting with longitudinal follow-up of individuals and independent data collection. This study did not show an effect of the intervention on self-reported rape; findings should be interpreted cautiously due to limitations. Sexual assault rates are high in this young population, underscoring a dire need to implement and rigorously test sexual assault prevention interventions in this setting. The trial was registered with Clinical Trials.gov # NCT02771132. Version 3.1 registered on May 2017, first participant enrolled January 2017.
Laboratory Study of Collisionless Magnetic Reconnection
Authors: Ji H. , Yoo J. , Fox W. , Yamada M. , Argall M. , Egedal J. , Liu Y.-H. , Wilder R. , Eriksson S. , Daughton W. , Bergstedt K. , Bose S. , Burch J. , Torbert R. , Ng J. , Chen L.-J.
Published: November 2023

A concise review is given on the past two decades’ results from laboratory experiments on collisionless magnetic reconnection in direct relation with space measurements, especially by the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission. Highlights include spatial structures of electromagnetic fields in ion and electron diffusion regions as a function of upstream symmetry and guide field strength, energy conversion and partitioning from magnetic field to ions and electrons including particle acceleration, electrostatic and electromagnetic kinetic plasma waves with various wavelengths, and plasmoid-mediated multiscale reconnection. Combined with the progress in theoretical, numerical, and observational studies, the physics foundation of fast reconnection in collisionless plasmas has been largely established, at least within the parameter ranges and spatial scales that were studied. Immediate and long-term future opportunities based on multiscale experiments and space missions supported by exascale computation are discussed, including dissipation by kinetic plasma waves, particle heating and acceleration, and multiscale physics across fluid and kinetic scales.
Identity and influence
Authors: Dover Daniela
Published: November 2023

How worried should we be about how impressionable we are—how susceptible we are to being influenced and even transformed by our encounters with one another? Some moral philosophers think we should be quite worried indeed: they hold that interpersonal influence is an especially morally dangerous way to change. It calls for additional moral scrutiny as compared with vectors of change that come from within the influencee’s own psyche—their antecedent values, desires, commitments, and so forth—just because it has an external source. I argue that this heightened scrutiny of exogenous sources of change is unwarranted. Dramatic psychic changes do call for reflection and critical scrutiny, especially when they are sudden. But this scrutiny need not be concerned with the procedural issue of whether the impetus for the change came from inside or outside the changing person’s antecedent psychology. We can just evaluate the substantive changes themselves.
Scaling effects on arsenic release from excavated hydrothermally altered rocks in column experiments
Authors: Du Xun , Inui Toru , Ogata Sho
Published: November 2023

The excavation of hydrothermally altered rocks from construction sites in Japan has raised concerns over environmental pollution due to the arsenic (As) release beyond the regulatory limit. An accurate assessment of As leaching from these rocks is imperative to understanding potential environmental implications and formulating efficient containment measures. However, the conduction of column leaching experiments to evaluate As leaching from these rocks encounters a lack of well-established protocols primarily due to the ambiguity surrounding scaling effects resulting from alterations in particle sizes and the corresponding column dimensions. Our study aimed to address this critical issue by conducting column percolation experiments on hydrothermally altered rocks of two distinct particle size ranges and rock layer thicknesses. The pH value was found to be proportional to the specific surface area (SSA) of rocks and the rock layer thickness in terms of H+ concentrations. Furthermore, the concentration and leachability of As showed a similar proportionality with the SSA. In contrast, the concentration of As remained relatively unaffected by the increased rock layer thickness, while the leachability of As was noticeably diminished in the column with a thicker rock layer. The absence of elevated As concentration and the decrease in leachability can be attributed to the enhanced As onto Fe/Al oxyhydroxides/oxides within the half-bottom part of the column with a thicker rock layer. Our findings underscore the importance of considering the SSA of rocks and rock layer thickness in the column experiments and help in the design of effective strategies to mitigate environmental contamination.
The nexus between circular economy innovation, market competitiveness, and triple bottom lines efficiencies among SMEs: evidence from emerging economies
Authors: Rehman Fazal Ur , Gyamfi Solomon , Rasool Samma Faiz , Akbar Fazal , Hussain Khawar , Prokop Viktor
Published: November 2023

Recently, the trend of circular economy innovation (CEI) drive SMEs to initiate more sustainable practices to attain market competitiveness but rare attention has been paid in emerging economies. Hence, this study plans to explore the impacts of CEI on the triple bottom lines (TBL) efficiencies in the light of market competitiveness among the production SMEs in emerging economies. The study complied data by using a survey-based technique in Pakistan, Malaysia, and China. With a sample of 306 for each segment, data were evaluated with PLS-SEM to clarify results. The findings reveal that CEI has positive significant effects on the market competitiveness and TBL efficiencies among the production SMEs in emerging economies. The findings also clarify that market competitiveness mediates the relationship between CEI and the TBL efficiencies. The findings elaborate the theoretical foundations for environmental-based production SMEs to formulate more sustainable strategies in the light of CEI to gain market competitiveness. It also clarifies the understandings of policy makers and environmental regulators by providing a novel precursor to frame the environment-based TBL guidelines for SMEs. It adds to the UN sustainability agenda by elevating the role of CEI as a novel domain among emerging economies grounded on the resource-based view theory.
ℤ/pr-hyperbolicity via homology
Authors: Boyde Guy
Published: November 2023

We show that the homotopy groups of a Moore space Pn(pr), where pr ≠ 2, are ℤ/ps-hyperbolic for s ≤ r. Combined with work of Huang–Wu, Neisendorfer, and Theriault, this completely resolves the question of when such a Moore space is ℤ/ps-hyperbolic for p ≥ 5, or when p = 2 and r ≥ 6. We also give a criterion in ordinary homology for a space to be ℤ/pr-hyperbolic, and deduce some examples.