bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOME ZAGREB-TYPE INDICES OF VICSEK POLYGON GRAPHS
Authors: WU ZHIQIANG , XUE YUMEI , HE HUIXIA , ZENG CHENG , WANG WENJIE
Published: April 2024

Chemical graph theory plays an essential role in modeling and designing any chemical structure or chemical network. For a (molecular) graph, the Zagreb indices and the Zagreb eccentricity indices are well-known topological indices to describe the structure of a molecule or graph and can be used to predict properties such as the size and number of rings in a molecule, as well as the thermodynamic stability and reactivity of compounds. In this paper, we introduce a class of molecular models, namely, the Vicsek polygon graphs, which extend the traditional Vicsek networks. We compute the Zagreb indices and the Zagreb eccentricity indices of Vicsek polygon graphs by self-similarity and the recurrence relation based on the construction of graphs.
PAVING THE PATH TO YOUTH GREEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: ACTIVISM, EDUCATION OR BOTH?
Authors: HERANI RINA , ANGELA JOVITA , NASTITI TUR
Published: April 2024

This study pioneers the application of the Civic Voluntarism Model to investigate youth green entrepreneurship. We conducted a survey among Indonesian students enrolled in higher education institutions. Our analysis of 441 responses using Hayes’ Process Model with 5000 bootstrapping iterations yields significant insights. We discovered that youth committed to the environment are more likely to pursue green entrepreneurship when actively engaging in offline environmental activism. Intriguingly, exposure to entrepreneurship education alone does not significantly strengthen the shift from environmental commitment to the green entrepreneurship unless youth also participate in offline environmental activism. This discovery propels the Civic Voluntarism Model forward, highlighting the critical roles of entrepreneurship education as a moderator and offline environmental activism as a mediator in facilitating the transition from environmental commitment to the pursuit of green entrepreneurship among youth. Despite recognizing the threat of climate change and their capacity to tackle it, youth face criticism for their lack of active participation in mitigation efforts. Our findings address this challenge by providing actionable recommendations for educators, policymakers and young individuals aspiring to become green entrepreneurs. These recommendations aim to empower young individuals to drive positive environmental change beyond the confines of the classroom.
Drilling- and coring-induced artefacts in poorly indurated clays
Authors: Adriaens R. , Van Baelen H. , Vandenberghe N. , Wouters L.
Published: April 2024

Macroscopic and microscopic drilling-induced deformation structures were documented in cores of Ypresian Ieper Group and Rupelian Boom Formation clays using macro-polished slabs and polarizing microscopy of thin sections. The cores were recovered in north Belgium from a depth of a few hundred metres by pushing a steel barrel with a cutting shoe into the non-indurated clays that are in a ductile to brittle transition state. The outer border of the clay cores was bent downwards due to the pushing action. The geometry of the drilling-induced fractures can be described as vertically stacked axisymmetrical conical fractures complexed by a general concave and undulating shape, and by fractures splaying from other fractures. At the microscopic scale (2D), the fractures are micro-faults that produce a breccia texture and which consist of thin planes, lines in 2D, of orientated clay minerals. The preferred orientation of these clay minerals in the fractures point to shear movement and explain the shiny appearance of these slickenside-like fractures when viewed in 3D. The micro-faults produce clay domains tilted with respect to each other. Recognizing exclusively drilling-induced structures helps in the selection of cores and core fragments for further laboratory testing, and may be of help in distinguishing them from regional faults or fracture systems in homogeneous clays.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Sustainable geological disposal and containment of radioactive waste collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/radioactive
Language Models in the Loop: Incorporating Prompting into Weak Supervision
Authors: Smith Ryan , Fries Jason A. , Hancock Braden , Bach Stephen H.
Published: April 2024

We propose a new strategy for applying large pre-trained language models to novel tasks when labeled training data is limited. Rather than apply the model in a typical zero-shot or few-shot fashion, we treat the model as the basis for labeling functions in a weak supervision framework. To create a classifier, we first prompt the model to answer multiple distinct queries about an example and define how the possible responses should be mapped to votes for labels and abstentions. We then denoise these noisy label sources using the Snorkel system and train an end classifier with the resulting training data. Our experimental evaluation shows that prompting large language models within a weak supervision framework can provide significant gains in accuracy. On the WRENCH weak supervision benchmark, this approach can significantly improve over zero-shot performance, an average 19.5% reduction in errors. We also find that this approach produces classifiers with comparable or superior accuracy to those trained from hand-engineered rules.
Preparation of Ordered Fe3O4 Nanohoneycombs and Their Application in Capacitors
Authors: Osada Yuga , Yanagishita Takashi
Published: April 2024

Fe substrates with a depression pattern were anodized to obtain Fe oxide films with a nanohoneycomb structure and orderly arranged cylindrical pores of uniform size. Crystalline Fe oxide films could be obtained by the heat treatment of amorphous samples obtained by the anodization of Fe substrates, but the atmosphere during heat treatment had a significant effect on the surface structure and crystallinity of the resulting samples. The heat treatment of the anodized samples in air produced a crystalline Fe oxide film consisting of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4, but the nanohoneycomb structure could not be maintained above 400 °C because the Fe substrate was oxidized during the heat treatment, and its surface structure changed significantly. On the other hand, the heat treatment of the anodized samples in N2 atmosphere yielded Fe3O4 nanohoneycombs, which retained their regular honeycomb structure after heat treatment. The evaluation of the capacitor properties of the heat-treated samples showed that the properties differed markedly owing to the effects of the surface structure and crystallinity, with the sample heat-treated at 400 °C in N2 atmosphere with the largest specific capacitance. The Fe3O4 nanohoneycombs obtained in this study are expected to be useful as electrodes for high-capacity capacitors.
Fabrication of Nanostructured Corrosion-Resistant Superhydrophobic Coating on Copper by Electrodeposition: A Comprehensive Critical Review
Authors: Mamgain Himanshu Prasad , Samanta Krishna Kanta , Brajpuriya Ranjeet , Pati Pravat Ranjan , Gupta Rajeev , Pandey Jitendra Kumar
Published: April 2024

Corrosion is an undesirable electrochemical reaction that leads to material degradation and affects material properties like ductility, malleability, conductivity, etc. The consequences of corrosion are machine failure, bridge failures, buildings collapse, and significant economic losses to GDP (4-5%). Furthermore, corrosion can pose serious safety risks that result in casualties which makes minimizing the effect of corrosion a great challenge. Traditional solutions like inhibitors, design modification, and paints are available to prevent corrosion but have many limitations, such as cost, durability, stability issues, and general inefficiency. In this context, a nanostructured superhydrophobic coating (SH) is gaining attention for its corrosion prevention efficiency and other broad industrial applications. The nano air pockets present in SH coating exhibit a high contact angle due to their unique combination of high surface roughness, distinctive nanostructure, and reduced surface energy. This reduces the surface area of between the corrosive substance,water droplet and the metal surface, leading to improved efficiency in resisting corrosion. In this paper, the recent advancement in electrodeposition to develop corrosion-resistant SH coatings on copper substrate and compression with other metals with their physical, chemical, and thermal stabilities are discussed. In many papers, scientists observed different types of surface morphology, texture, and surface energy, which give different tendencies to prevent surfaces from corrosion are also disscused . The constraints in fabrication and the prospects of the coating are also highlighted.
Electric-Tree Resistant Performance and Thermal Charge-Carrier Dissipation Mechanism of Voltage Stabilizer-Modified EPDM
Authors: Li Zhongyuan , Zhang Jian , Wang Lei , Liu Heqian , Chen Shiyu , Xu Minhu , Yang Hongda , Liang Jianquan , Sun Wei-Feng
Published: April 2024

In order to improve electric-tree resistant performance and dielectric breakdown strength of ethylene-propylene-diene misch-polymere (EPDM) material used for cable accessory reinforce insulation, the two specific aromatic ketone compounds—vinylphenylacetone (VPE) and 4-propylene oxyxy-2-hydroxydibenzenone (AOHBP) are employed as two paradigms of voltage stabilizer for chemical-graft modifications. Electric-tree resistances and insulation performances of modified EPDM materials and their charge trapping mechanism of thermoelectron inhibitions are studied by the accelerated electric-tree aging experiments, alternating current (AC) dielectric breakdown tests, surface potential trap-level analyses and first-principles calculations. Both the two species of voltage stabilizers are effective for promoting electric-tree inception voltage and dielectric breakdown strength, leading to a high extension of electric-tree morphology and smaller dimension of electric-trees growth, in which AOHBP is more significant. The two species of voltage stabilizers have been successfully grafted onto EPDM molecular-chains in thermal-chemistry crosslinking reactions of EPDM, introducing multiple shallow levels of charge traps, which reduces the energy released by trapping charge carriers and thus alleviates electric-tree aging of EPDM. The AOHBP and VPE represent a high electron affinity and a small electronic energy gap, which is competent of assimilating the kinetic energies of hot charge carriers whilst restricting Auger electronic excitation. Especially, the benzene group in voltage stabilizer renders shallow level charge traps with a larger carrier capture cross-section than deep traps and simultaneously possesses the high atomic vibration frequencies similar as electronic-transition energies, which results in effective dissipation on the kinetic energies of hot charge carriers. This mechanism dominates to increase electric-tree resistance and insulation strength of EPDM. The present study proves the important role of voltage stabilizers in improving insulation performance of EPDM material, and reveals the refrigeration mechanism on hot charge carriers for restricting electric-tree growth, which provides a significant strategy of chemical modifications for developing high-insulation cable accessory materials.
β-Cell-selective regulation of gene expression by nitric oxide
Authors: Naatz Aaron , Yeo Chay Teng , Hogg Neil , Corbett John A.
Published: April 2024

Nitric oxide is produced at low micromolar levels following the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and is responsible for mediating the inhibitory actions of cytokines on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by islets of Langerhans. It is through the inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, specifically aconitase and complex 4 of the electron transport chain, that nitric oxide inhibits insulin secretion. Nitric oxide also attenuates protein synthesis, induces DNA damage, activates DNA repair pathways, and stimulates stress responses (unfolded protein and heat shock) in β-cells. In this report, the time- and concentration-dependent effects of nitric oxide on the expression of six genes known to participate in the response of β-cells to this free radical were examined. The genes included Gadd45α (DNA repair), Puma (apoptosis), Hmox1 (antioxidant defense), Hsp70 (heat shock), Chop (UPR), and Ppargc1α (mitochondrial biogenesis). We show that nitric oxide stimulates β-cell gene expression in a narrow concentration range of ∼0.5–1 µM or levels corresponding to iNOS-derived nitric oxide. At concentrations greater than 1 µM, nitric oxide fails to stimulate gene expression in β-cells, and this is associated with the inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. This narrow concentration range of responses is β-cell selective, as the actions of nitric oxide in non-β-cells (α-cells, mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and macrophages) are concentration dependent. Our findings suggest that β-cells respond to a narrow concentration range of nitric oxide that is consistent with the levels produced following iNOS induction, and that these concentration-dependent actions are selective for insulin-containing cells.
Prevalence of ABO and Rhesus (D) Blood Group and Allelic Frequency at Blood Bank of Nigist Eleni Mohammed Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Lendabo Fekadu , Srinivasan Vijayalakshmi , Rather Riyaz Ahmad
Published: April 2024

Background. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the pattern of the ABO and rhesus D (RhD) blood group distribution among voluntary blood donors attending five blood donation centers at Nigist Eleni Mohammed General Hospital in Hossana, Ethiopia. Methods. A total of 1,120 participants who fulfilled the “who can give blood” criteria of the World Health Organization were selected randomly. Blood samples were collected, transported to the laboratory, and analyzed for ABO and RhD typing. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square correlation analysis. Results. The study found that the O blood group was the most prevalent (39.0%), followed by A (32.2%), B (22.5%), and AB (6.4%). When considering both the ABO and Rh blood groups together, 92.9% of blood donors were RhD positive, while only 7.1% were RhD negative. The distribution pattern of the ABO blood groups in Gurage Zone, Hadiya Zone, Kembata Zone, and Silte Zone showed that the O blood group was the most prevalent, followed by A, B, and AB, in that order. Conversely, the ABO blood group distribution pattern in Halaba Zone was A > O > B > AB. Civil servants from different occupational statuses were the most dominant voluntary blood donors, accounting for 53.2%, followed by students from different high schools and universities (41.9%), self-employed individuals (4.1%), and others (0.7%). The ABO blood group system had observed allele frequencies significantly different from the expected frequencies (p=0.007), while the RhD system did not (p=0.037). Allele frequencies for A, B, and O in the ABO system were 0.3531, 0.2576, and 0.3893, respectively. Observed frequencies for RhD-positive and RhD-negative alleles were 0.9647 and 0.0531, respectively. Conclusion. This study highlights the regional ABO and RhD blood group variations in Ethiopia, noting disparities from expected ABO allele frequencies, and identifies the O blood group predominance among donors with a high RhD-positive prevalence.
Investigation of Factors Influencing Infant Mortality at Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ghana
Authors: Kallah-Dagadu Gabriel , Donkor Foster , Duah Magdalene , Yeboah Hillary , Arku Dennis , Lotsi Anani
Published: April 2024

Background. Annually, 5.4 million children under five face mortality, with 2.5 million deaths in the first month, 1.6 million between one and eleven months, and 1.3 million aged one to four. Despite global strides, sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, grapples with persistent high child mortality. This study employs statistical methods to pinpoint factors driving under-five mortality in the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. Methods. The data was acquired from Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ghana, spanning January to December 2020. The data comprised all under-five deaths recorded in the hospital in 2020. The statistical tools employed were the chi-square test of association and the multinomial logistic regression model. Results. In 2020, there were 238 cases of under-five mortality recorded in the hospital, with males constituting the majority (55%). About 85% of these cases occurred within the first month of birth, primarily attributed to respiratory distress, prematurity, and sepsis. Notably, meconium aspiration was the least common among grouped diagnoses. The test of association and multinomial logistic model emphasised the child’s age, birth type, and weight at birth as significant factors influencing child mortality. Conversely, attributes like sex, marital status, and mother’s age displayed no notable association with the diagnosis of death. Conclusion. The study on child mortality at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital unveils key factors shaping child health outcomes, emphasising the role of age, birth type, and weight. While specific demographics show no significant association, identified predictors are vital for targeted interventions. Proposed strategies encompass education programs, improved care, birthing practices, and data-driven policies.
PVRL2 Suppresses Antitumor Immunity through PVRIG- and TIGIT-independent Pathways
Authors: Yang Jiuling , Wang Li , Byrnes James R. , Kirkemo Lisa L. , Driks Hannah , Belair Cassandra D. , Aguilar Oscar A. , Lanier Lewis L. , Wells James A. , Fong Lawrence , Blelloch Robert
Published: April 2024

Poliovirus receptor-related 2 (PVRL2, also known as nectin-2 or CD112) is believed to act as an immune checkpoint protein in cancer; however, most insight into its role is inferred from studies on its known receptor, poliovirus receptor (PVR)-related immunoglobulin domain protein (PVRIG, also known as CD112R). Here, we study PVRL2 itself. PVRL2 levels were found to be high in tumor cells and tumor-derived exosomes. Deletion of PVRL2 in multiple syngeneic mouse models of cancer showed a dramatic reduction in tumor growth that was immune dependent. This effect was even greater than that seen with deletion of PD-L1. PVRL2 was shown to function by suppressing CD8+ T and natural killer cells in the tumor microenvironment. The loss of PVRL2 suppressed tumor growth even in the absence of PVRIG. In contrast, PVRIG loss showed no additive effect in the absence of PVRL2. T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) blockade combined with PVRL2 deletion resulted in a near complete block in tumor growth. This effect was not recapitulated by the combined deletion of PVRL2 with its paralog, PVR, which is the ligand for TIGIT. These data uncover PVRL2 as a distinct inhibitor of the antitumor immune response with functions beyond that of its known receptor PVRIG. Moreover, the data provide a strong rationale for combinatorial targeting of PVRL2 and TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy.
Actívatexto: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Intervention That Promotes Smoking Cessation and Physical Activity among Latinos
Authors: Lara Daimarelys , Alaniz-Cantú Edgar I. , Siddalingaiaha Simran , Oliveira Igor , Chávez-Iñiguez Arlette , DeJesus Elisa , Fuller Daniel , Marquez David X. , Vásquez Elizabeth , Li Dongmei , McIntosh Scott , Ossip Deborah J. , Cupertino Ana Paula , Cartujano-Barrera Francisco
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile intervention that promotes smoking cessation and physical activity among Latinos living in the United States. Twenty Latino adults who smoked and did not meet recommended levels of physical activity were recruited using community-based recruitment strategies. Participants received Actívatexto, a theory-based, culturally accommodated, 12-week text messaging intervention (available in English and Spanish) that promotes smoking cessation and physical activity. Actívatexto integrates four components: (i) a text messaging program, (ii) a wearable device, (iii) an online dashboard where the research team manages participants’ incoming and outgoing data from both the text messaging program and wearable device, and (iv) nicotine replacement therapies (NRT). We assessed self-reported 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence at month 3, weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), pharmacotherapy adherence, and satisfaction. At baseline, participants’ mean age was 47.3 years old (SD 16.0), 55% of participants were female, and 60% indicated that Spanish was their language of preference. Seventy-five percent of participants smoked 1–10 cigarettes daily and 35% smoked their first cigarette within 5 minutes after waking up. At month 3, 14 participants (70%) self-reported 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence (90% follow-up rate). Fitbit-assessed mean minutes of MVPA per week increased from 113 (SD 127; range: 0–399) at week 1 to 177 (SD 163; range: 0–513) at month 3 (P = 0.15). Sixteen participants (88.9%, 16/18) reported NRT use in the past 90 days. Most participants reported being extremely satisfied or satisfied with the intervention (88.9%, 16/18).

Significance:

Actívatexto resulted in a noteworthy cessation rate at month 3 (70%), increased mean weekly minutes of MVPA, produced high use of NRT, and was well received by participants. Additional testing in a randomized clinical trial is warranted to assess the efficacy of the intervention.
Yingxiang Acupoint Embedding Improves Mucosal Barrier Function in Rats with Local Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Xiang Feng , Zhang Hui , Jing Ran , Zheng Jie , Zhang Jianfeng , Zhang Qinxiu , Li Xinrong
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Epithelial barrier disruption is the initial cause of various diseases. We previously reported that acupoint catgut embedding (AE) improves tight junction proteins (TJs) in rats with allergic rhinitis. However, whether AE improves the epithelial barrier in local allergic rhinitis (LAR) remains unknown. Methods: A total of 36 Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats aged 5–7 weeks were divided into 6 groups with 6 rats each: control group, LAR model group, false acupoint embedding + LAR group, acupoint embedding + LAR group, capsaicin + LAR group, and tunicamycin + acupoint embedding + LAR group. Behavioral observation, ELISA to detect inflammatory factors in nasal lavage fluid and serum IgE, nasal mucosal permeability test, hematoxylin-eosin staining, PCR to detect Substance P (SP), Western blot, and immunofluorescence to detect endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) index and TJs were used to investigate the mechanism of AE in LAR. Results: AE improved the symptoms and pathological features of nasal mucosa of LAR rats, reduced the inflammatory factors (IL4, IL5, IL13) of nasal lavage fluid, and showed no significant change in serum IgE levels in all groups. In addition, AE decreased the expression of SP in nasal mucosa of LAR rats, inhibited ERS, increased the expression of tight junction protein, reduced the permeability of nasal mucosa, and improved the function of nasal mucosal barrier. Conclusion: This study confirms that AE can improve the nasal mucosal barrier function of LAR by reducing the expression of SP, inhibiting ERS and increasing the expression of TJs, thus enhancing the nasal mucosal barrier function.
Phacoemulsification Wound Burn and Its Management
Authors: Giglio Rosa , Vinciguerra Alex Lucia , Inferrera Leandro , Tognetto Daniele
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The production of ultrasonic energy during phacoemulsification is associated with heat generation that could damage ocular tissues, particularly at the corneoscleral wound site. Case Presentation: This study presents an 89-year-old patient with senile hypermature cataract and Fuchs endothelial dystrophy developing severe thermal corneoscleral injury during phacoemulsification. At presentation, visual acuity was finger count at 40 cm and there was a 1 × 2-mm area of corneal melting at the corneal tunnel with diffuse corneal oedema. After 1 month, a temporal circular corneal patch graft was applied to the corneal burn. A penetrating keratoplasty was performed 16 months after the first surgery. Conclusion: Corneal surgery, including lamellar patch grafts and full-thickness penetrating grafts, could be used, when necessary, to restore the cornea’s integrity. These procedures could eliminate corneal scarring, decrease astigmatism, and improve vision in patients with phacoemulsification burns.
How Can Distance Learning Help with the Future of Dietetics Education?
Authors: McCullough Fiona , Griffin Anne , García-González Angela
Published: April 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic necessitated the use of distance education, which sparked a technological transformation that was long overdue in higher education. The purpose of this narrative review is two-fold: to summarize the state of knowledge regarding distance education in nutrition and dietetics education over the past 30 years to inform recommendations for future education/research and implications for practice and to determine the influence that distance education has had on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of both nutrition and dietetics educators and their students. A narrative review of 822 publications yielded 25 that met the search criteria. In the scope of 30 years, the literature shows that attitudes and perceptions of distance education have changed as barriers to online access have diminished and the availability of online nutrition and dietetics courses and Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics-accredited distance education programs has expanded. However, whereas the limited results are promising, the paucity of large-sample research about the use of distance education in nutrition and dietetics education restricts educators' knowledge of and ability to evaluate the learning outcomes of distance programs and courses. Moreover, differences in how accreditors, government agencies, and institutions define distance education could have significant influence on funding and financial aid benefits for students and research. Recommendations for future research and implications for practice are provided given the relevance and importance of distance education to nutrition and dietetics education.
De la cartografía social a la comprensión de los contextos socio-educativos
Authors: Uribe Claudia Patricia , Donoso Diana , Ramirez Alfredo
Published: April 2024

El presente artículo da cuenta del uso de la cartografía social para comprender el contexto socio educativo de los territorios urbano populares que habitan las familias de tres alumnos que estudian en un programa educativo de una organización privada. Para cumplir con este propósito se requiere entender la construcción social que realizan las familias del contexto. La cartografía social, por su flexibilidad permite retratar las vinculaciones intersubjetivas que se dan dentro de un territorio desde la perspectiva de las aspiraciones educativas familiares.
Piranesi, o “estilo egípcio” e a “pequena arquitetura”: uma síntese sobre a multiplicidade inventiva do artífice
Authors: Rodrigues Angela Rosch
Published: April 2024

This article presents a relevant topic in the trajectory of Giambattista Piranesi: the proposition of the “Egyptian style” in the publication Diverse maniere d’adornare i cammini (1769), which reveals some relevant aspects of the Piranesian critical fortune for architectural debates in the 18th century. Firstly, one can gauge Giambattista’s perception of the iconographic and compositional potential of Ancient Egypt by references found in Rome and through the field of decoration, in composing fireplaces — an element of “small architecture.” Its merit lies in presenting a new assessment on the applicability of Egyptian iconography. Additionally, Piranesi attempted to show a way of conceiving the art of building based on variations learned from the lexicon of the Ancients, expressing the craftsman’s ingenuity. This article concludes that by proposing the composition of fireplaces in the “Egyptian style,” Piranesi tested his assumptions about the craftsman’s ability to distribute ornamentation according to the architecture. He thus intended to legitimize, on a theoretical and practical level, a reconciliation between the ancient precepts and the demands of the inventive procedure. Diverse maniere has established itself as a crucial work for understanding Piranesi’s artistic trajectory, consolidating arguments about inventive license based on the repertoire of Antiquity.
Interpréter le Coran versus défendre le muṣḥaf : l’exemple du verset 2, 184c
Authors: Benkheira Hocine
Published: April 2024

La lecture du verset 2, 184c (wa-ʿalā llaḏīna yuṭīqūna-hu fidyatun ṭaʿāmu miskīnin) retenue dans le codex (muṣḥaf) a confronté les exégètes à des problèmes difficiles à surmonter. C’est ainsi qu’ils ont été conduits à en proposer plusieurs interprétations, dont une en particulier a recueilli l’assentiment de beaucoup d’entre eux et a été adoptée par les premières autorités du tafsīr (Muqātil b. Sulaymān, Abū ʿUbayd, al-Ṭabarī) alors même qu’elle s’écarte ouvertement de l’énoncé. On s’efforce ici de comprendre les raisons de ce choix, en apparence aberrant.
Lorsqu’un uṣūlī interprète le Coran : aspects de la réception de la théorie légale dans l’exégèse de Faḫr al-Dīn al-Rāzī
Authors: Oulddali Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Dans son commentaire coranique, Faḫr al-Dīn al-Rāzī met à contribution diverses sciences traditionnelles et rationnelles, parmi lesquelles les fondements du droit (uṣūl al-fiqh). Cette discipline joue un rôle primordial au sein de son dispositif exégétique, puisqu’il y puise beaucoup de notions et d’arguments lui permettant de proposer de nouvelles interprétations ou de réfuter les opinions émises par ses prédécesseurs. Le présent travail vise à étudier l’apport des fondements du droit à l’exégèse de Faḫr al-Dīn al-Rāzī. Il s’agit de montrer comment cet auteur utilise les règles herméneutiques empruntées à la science des uṣūl al-fiqh et les profits qu’il en tire, notamment dans les débats l’opposant aux autres commentateurs du Coran.
Impatiens neo-uncinata (Balsaminaceae), a new species from southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India
Authors: SINDHU ARYA , ANIL KUMAR VENUGOPALAN NAIR SARADHAMMA
Published: April 2024

A new species, Impatiens neo-uncinata, belonging to section Scorpioidae is described and illustrated from Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in the southern Western Ghats. It is morphologically similar to Impatiens unicinata, but can easily be distinguished in having milky white distal lobe of keel petal, deltoid shape of standard petals and 1–2 seeded capsules. Furthermore, the SEM analysis of pollen and seed also delineate the taxa. Impatiens neo-uncinatais assessed here as Endangered based on the categories and criteria of the IUCN Red List.
Xiuguozhangia macrospora (Pezizomycotina: Ascomycota)—a new species of bambusicolous fungi from India
Authors: DUBEY RASHMI , JASH SAYANTAN
Published: April 2024

Xiuguozhangia macrospora, a new conidial fungus, collected from India on dead bamboo stems is described. The species is characterized by smaller conidiophores than other reported species, holoblastic conidial ontogeny with monoblastic, terminal, lageniform proliferating conidiogenous cells, along with distinctly large, solitary, dictyoseptate, 1–3 appendaged, brown conidia composed of several compact rows of cells. Comparison with related species and a key to species of Xiuguozhangia is also presented.
A new species of Peucedanum (Apiaceae: Apioideae) from south India
Authors: PRABHUKUMAR KONICKAL MAMBETTA , RAMPRADEEP RAJAMANI , HAREESH VADAKKOOT SANKARAN , JABEENA MANJAKULAM KHADHERSHA , MAYA CHANDRASEKHARAN NAIR , BALACHANDRAN INDIRA
Published: April 2024

Peucedanum vasudevanii K.M.P.Kumar, Rampradeep, Hareesh, Jabeena & Maya, a new species in the family Apiaceae is described from Minnampara hills of Nelliyampathy forest, Palakkad district, Kerala, India. The species shows morphological similarities with P. pradeepianum but is distinct in many attributes such as hirtellous stem, lanceolate basal leaflets, oblong purple involucre bracts, subequal hirtellous rays, purple anthers, larger mericarp and six commissural vittae.
First record of Gastrodia (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae) from Brunei Darussalam
Authors: HRONEŠ MICHAL , SOCHOR MICHAL , JAAFAR SALWANA , SUKRI RAHAYU S. , DANČÁK MARTIN
Published: April 2024

The occurrence of Gastrodia sabahensis is reported for the first time from Brunei Darussalam representing the new generic record for the country. Morphological description based on the discovered plants along with photo plates, notes on distribution, ecology and conservation status have been provided. Additionally, a determination key for all Gastrodia species in Borneo is presented for the first time.
Mooraboolomyces wintlei gen. & sp. nov. from Victoria, Australia
Authors: HULL CAITLIN P. , URQUHART ANDREW S. , IDNURM ALEXANDER
Published: April 2024

A new genus and species in the Mucoromycota, Mooraboolomyces wintlei, was isolated into culture from leaf litter from a national park in Victoria, Australia, and is described. The strain reproduced asexually to form sporangia and sporangiospores, with no production of zygospores, and sequencing of its genome and analysis supported a heterothallic mode of reproduction. Phylogenetic analyses using five DNA regions placed the strain within the Mucorales and Mucoraceae, clearly distinct from previously described genera. This represents the second genus in this phylum that has been identified from Australia and that is currently unique to this country.
Rediscovery of rare steno-endemic Impatiens violoides Edgew. ex Hook.f. (Balsaminaceae) from Western Himalaya, after 179 years of type collection
Authors: SHARMA ASHUTOSH , ADAMOWSKI WOJCIECH , NAITHANI HARSH BARDHAN , BEGUM S. NOORUNNISA
Published: April 2024

Impatiens violoides Edgew. ex Hook.f. (Balsaminaceae) is a little known steno-endemic spurless balsam species that was known only from a single type collection by Edgeworth in 1844. It is rediscovered after a gap of 179 years from its type locality in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya. Augmented and detailed morphological description based on observations of living material is given along with global distribution; information on habitat and associated species, floral morphology photographs and IUCN red list assessment are also provided for the first time.
Two new species of Machaerotidae from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with some additional records of the family (Hemiptera: Cercopoidea)
Authors: HAAS MATTHÉ CORNELIS DE , MERTENS JAN E. J.
Published: April 2024

Machaerotidae is a small family with a paleotropical distribution. Eight species are known from Africa. Labramachaerota luilaka sp. n. and Labramachaerota salonga sp. n. are described from Salonga National Park and along the Luilaka river in the buffer zone between the western and eastern sides of this National Park, situated in the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Enderleinia bispina Schmidt, 1907 is also recorded from the buffer zone of the Salonga National Park and several other locations, which are the first specified records of this species from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Neuromachaerota discigutta Maa, 1963 is here recorded for the first time from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Description of a new coastal Adota Casey (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) species from Kamchatka
Authors: YOO IN-SEONG , JUNG JONG-KEUN , AHN KEE-JEONG
Published: April 2024

Adota kamchatkaensis Yoo & Ahn, sp. nov. is described on the coast of Kamchatka, Russia. It is similar to A. ushio (Sawada) and A. madida (Bernhauer) but can be distinguished by the emarginate posterior margin of male abdominal tergite VIII and the different form and structure of the aedeagus and spermatheca. A comparison table of morphological characters, description, habitus photograph, and illustrations of diagnostic characters of this new species are provided.
Colonialism and Mining
Authors: Edzerza Allen , Porter Dave
Published: April 2024

This essay reflects on the historical and ongoing colonial appropriation of land and resources from Indigenous peoples. Beginning with the 1493 Inter Caetera Papal Bull, which laid the foundation for the Doctrine of Discovery, and continuing through subsequent colonial expansions, the authors trace a narrative of systematic appropriation of Indigenous land and resources by European powers, in connection with the emergence of Canada as a major player in the global mining sector over the past 150 years. The essay highlights how Indigenous peoples have long fought to reclaim their rights, examining repeated legal precedents that have affirmed Indigenous rights and title, and the need to consult and accommodate First Nations in the management of resources on their territories. Indigenous leadership will be essential in shaping the future of the mining industry, calling for a fundamental shift towards environmentally and socially responsible mining practices, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to the stewardship of Earth’s resources for future generations.
The Face of Mining
Authors: Liao Carol
Published: April 2024

The mining industry, once dominated by the West, is witnessing China’s rising dominance and the reshaping of global mineral supply chains. This essay delves into the complex interplay between Canada and China, from diplomatic disputes to rules governing foreign investment in critical minerals. It explores the geopolitical implications of China’s investments, particularly in Africa and Latin America, which are forcing the industry to grapple with new questions of racism, colonial legacies and power disparities. In the broader context of climate change, social justice and international cooperation, diverse representation is needed to address the interconnected issues facing the future of mining in a sustainable world.
Indigenous Mining
Authors: Mackay Melanie
Published: April 2024

Although dominant western narratives often imply otherwise, mining is not just a colonial idea or activity. First Nations have been mining and quarrying rocks and minerals for thousands of years, using the extracted materials for cultural, spiritual, medicinal, and practical purposes. The literature documenting the use of rocks and minerals by First Nations peoples has been produced by archaeologists, and very little is known about these activities within the context of mining engineering and geoscience. By documenting the knowledge, resource management and science behind First Nations use of rocks, minerals and mining, we can contribute to the decolonization of the mining sector, while also helping to drive much needed innovation. The mining industry is now evolving to focus more attention on smaller and lower grade deposits, reprocessing of waste, sourcing independent supplies of critical minerals, and Indigenous reconciliation. Continued advances in these areas, inspired from the lessons of First Nations mining, are needed to transition the industry on a path to social and environmental sustainability. Working with Indigenous peoples to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing into mine design and reclamation could be the key to overcoming the challenges ahead.
A Matter of Trust
Authors: Macfarlane Allison
Published: April 2024

Siting new mines and working collaboratively with the local communities near existing mines is essential to the success of mineral resource projects. Without public support, from the local to the national level, new mines can be blocked, or existing mines can fail to achieve their full potential. The siting of nuclear waste disposal facilities has numerous relevant lessons for mine siting and development. This essay examines how these lessons can apply to mining, describing the complex social relations that must be managed amongst different levels of government, public interest groups, Indigenous communities, members of the public, academia and industry.
Iztacteocuitlatl (Silver)
Authors: Morales-Manzanares Roberto
Published: April 2024

This piece reflects on the composition of the ‘Silver’ movement.
La lectura electrónica
Authors: Rodríguez-Illera José-Luis
Published: April 2024

Este artículo analiza la denominada ‘lectura electrónica’, mostrando sus diferencias y similitudes con la lectura convencional, ‘en papel’. En segundo lugar revisa las posibilidades de incluir estrategias didácticas en los textos electrónicos, permitiendo a los profesores transformar los textos y adecuarlos a propósitos de lectura comprensiva. Finalmente se analizan algunas aplicaciones informáticas orientadas específicamente a la enseñanza de la lectura.
A Nonlinear Full-Field Conceptual Model for ENSO Diversity
Authors: Fang Xianghui , Dijkstra Henk , Wieners Claudia , Guardamagna Francesco
Published: April 2024

As the strongest year-to-year fluctuation of the global climate system, El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exhibits spatial–temporal diversity, which challenges the classical ENSO theories that mainly focus on the canonical eastern Pacific (EP) type. Besides, the complicated interplay between the interannual anomaly fields and the decadally varying mean state is another difficulty in current ENSO theory. To better account for these issues, the nonlinear two-region recharge paradigm model is extended to a three-region full-field conceptual model to capture the physics in the western Pacific (WP), central Pacific (CP), and EP regions. The results show that the extended conceptual model displays a rich dynamical behavior as parameters setting the efficiencies of upwelling and zonal advection are varied. The model can not only generate El Niño bursting behavior but also simulate the statistical asymmetries between the two types of El Niños and the warm and cold phases of ENSO. Finally, since both the anomaly fields and mean states are simulated by the model, it provides a simple tool to investigate their interactions. The strengthening of the upwelling efficiency, which can be seen as an analogy to a cooling thermocline associated with the oceanic tunnel to the midlatitudes, will increase the zonal gradient of the mean state temperature between the WP and EP, i.e., resembling a negative Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) pattern along the equatorial Pacific. The influence of the zonal advection efficiency is quite the opposite, i.e., its strengthening will reduce the zonal gradient of the mean state temperature along the equatorial Pacific.
Impacts of Initial Condition Perturbation Blending in 10- and 40-Member Convection-Allowing Ensemble Forecasts
Authors: Johnson Aaron , Wang Xuguang
Published: April 2024

A series of convection-allowing 36-h ensemble forecasts during the 2018 spring season are used to better understand the impacts of ensemble configuration and blending different sources of initial condition (IC) perturbation. Ten- and forty-member ensemble configurations are initialized with the multiscale IC perturbations generated as a product of convective-scale data assimilation (MULTI) and initialized with the MULTI IC perturbations blended with IC perturbations downscaled from coarser-resolution ensembles (BLEND). The forecast performance of both precipitation and nonprecipitation variables is consistently improved by the larger ensemble size. The benefit of the larger ensemble is largely, but not entirely, due to compensating for underdispersion in the fixed-physics ensemble configuration. A consistent improvement in precipitation forecast skill results from blending in the 10-member ensemble configuration, corresponding to a reduction in the ensemble calibration error (i.e., reliability component of Brier score). In the 40-member ensemble configuration, the advantage of blending is limited to the ∼18–22-h lead times at all precipitation thresholds and the ∼35–36-h lead times at the lowest threshold, both corresponding to an improved resolution component of the Brier score. The advantage of blending in the 40-member ensemble during the diurnal convection maximum of ∼18–22-h lead times is primarily due to cases with relatively weak synoptic-scale forcing, while advantages at later lead times beyond ∼30-h lead time are most prominent on cases with relatively strong synoptic-scale forcing. The impacts of blending and ensemble configuration on forecasts of nonprecipitation variables are generally consistent with the impacts on the precipitation forecasts.
Race/Ethnicity and Social Determinants of Health and Their Impact on Receiving Appropriate Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
Authors: Dobbs Erica , Tobin Edward C. , Deslich Staci , Richmond Bryan K.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Despite the heightened understanding and improved treatment for colorectal cancer in the United States, social determinants of health (SDH) play a significant role in the colorectal cancer outcomes. We sought to investigate the relationship between SDH and appropriate utilization of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colon cancer.

Methods

For this retrospective study, we utilized data from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Descriptive statistics are reported, including means and 95% confidence intervals for continuous variables and frequency and proportions for categorical variables. Univariate hypothesis testing to identify categorical level factors associated with treatment used Wilcoxon rank sum or Kruskal-Wallis tests, with multivariate analyses performed using regression analysis.

Results

Significant differences were as follows: Metro-non-Hispanic White patients received treatment less frequently (69.7%) when compared to Metro-non-Hispanic Black patients (73.4%) ( P < .001). Increasing age was a negative predictor of likelihood to receive with those over 65 years old having an 83% decrease in likelihood to receive chemotherapy when compared to those under 65 ( P < .001). Medicaid patients were 47% less likely and Medicare patients were 40% less likely to receive chemotherapy when compared to those with private insurance ( P < .001). Rural patients were statistically more likely to receive chemotherapy (OR 1.42, 1.32-2.52, P < .001) as were urban patients, (OR 1.26, 1.20-1.31, P < .001) when compared to patients residing in metro areas.

Conclusion

Age, living in a Metro area, and government insurance status at diagnosis are negatively correlated with the likelihood of receiving chemotherapy. Race was not associated with differences in receiving chemotherapy.