bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bovine milk consumption affects the transcriptome of porcine adipose stem cells: Do exosomes play any role?
Authors: Swanson Katherine , Bell Jimmy , Hendrix David , Jiang Duo , Kutzler Michelle , Batty Brandon , Hanlon Melanie , Bionaz Massimo
Published: December 2024

The potential association of milk with childhood obesity has been widely debated and researched. Milk is known to contain many bioactive compounds as well as bovine exosomes rich in micro-RNA (miR) that can have effects on various cells, including stem cells. Among them, adipose stem cells (ASC) are particularly interesting due to their role in adipose tissue growth and, thus, obesity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of milk consumption on miR present in circulating exosomes and the transcriptome of ASC in piglets. Piglets were supplemented for 11 weeks with 750 mL of whole milk (n = 6; M) or an isocaloric maltodextrin solution (n = 6; C). After euthanasia, ASC were isolated, quantified, and characterized. RNA was extracted from passage 1 ASC and sequenced. Exosomes were isolated and quantified from the milk and plasma of the pigs at 6–8 hours after milk consumption, and miRs were isolated from exosomes and sequenced. The transfer of exosomes from milk to porcine plasma was assessed by measuring bovine milk-specific miRs and mRNA in exosomes isolated from the plasma of 3 piglets during the first 6h after milk consumption. We observed a higher proportion of exosomes in the 80 nM diameter, enriched in milk, in M vs. C pigs. Over 500 genes were differentially expressed (DEG) in ASC isolated from M vs. C pigs. Bioinformatic analysis of DEG indicated an inhibition of the immune, neuronal, and endocrine systems and insulin-related pathways in ASC of milk-fed pigs compared with maltodextrin-fed pigs. Of the 900 identified miRs in porcine plasma exosomes, only 3 miRs were differentially abundant between the two groups and could target genes associated with neuronal functions. We could not detect exosomal miRs or mRNA transfer from milk to porcine-circulating plasma exosomes. Our data highlights the significant nutrigenomic role of milk consumption on ASC, a finding that does not appear to be attributed to miRs in bovine milk exosomes. The downregulation of insulin resistance and inflammatory-related pathways in the ASC of milk-fed pigs should be further explored in relation to milk and human health. In conclusion, the bioinformatic analyses and the absence of bovine exosomal miRs in porcine plasma suggest that miRs are not vertically transferred from milk exosomes.
Cannabis sativa extracts inhibit LDL oxidation and the formation of foam cells in vitro, acting as potential multi-step inhibitors of atherosclerosis development
Authors: Musetti Bruno , Kun Alejandra , Menchaca David , Rodríguez-Haralambides Alejandra , Varela Javier , Thomson Leonor , Bahnson Edward M.
Published: December 2024

Atherosclerotic disease is the leading cause of death world-wide. Our goal was to explore the effect of phytocannabinoids on the molecular mechanisms triggering the development of the atheromatous lesion. Three cannabis sativa extracts of different chemotypes were chemically characterized by UPLC-DAD. The capacity of the extracts to prevent the oxidation of LDL, the formation of foam cells and the activation of an inflammatory response by J774 cells, were monitored by UV-Vis spectrometry, confocal-microscopy and western blot. Three varieties of cannabis sativa, with high (E1), intermediate (E2) and low (E3) THC/CBD ratios were selected. The three cannabis extracts inhibited the oxidation of LDL by copper ions and the formation of foam cells by J774.1 cells challenged with oxLDL (ED50 5–12 μg mL-1). The effect of the cannabinoid extracts on the endocytic process was independent of the canonical cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, but related to the action of non-canonical receptors (TRPV1, TRPV4 and GPR55), involved in calcium signaling. Decreased levels of CD36 and OLR1 scavenger receptors were, at least partially, responsible for the diminished uptake of oxLDL induced by phytocannabinoids. The downregulation of CD36 and OLR1 could be explained by the observed inhibitory effect of the cannabis extracts on the activation of the NFκB pathway by oxLDL. Phytocannabinoids interfere with the main events leading to the development of the atheromatous plaque, opening new venues on atherosclerosis therapy.
Detecting changes in tobacco product marketplace prominence using social media, advertising, sales, and web traffic data: The example of Puff Bar in the United States tobacco marketplace from 2019 to 2021
Authors: Pitts Stephanie R. , Trigger Sarah , Kelley Dannielle E.
Published: December 2024

Puff Bar, a disposable electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), was the ENDS brand most commonly used by U.S. youth in 2021. We explored whether Puff Bar’s rise in marketplace prominence was detectable through advertising, retail sales, social media, and web traffic data sources. We retrospectively documented potential signals of interest in and uptake of Puff Bar in the United States using metrics based on advertising (Numerator and Comperemedia), retail sales (NielsenIQ), social media (Twitter, via Sprinklr), and web traffic (Similarweb) data from January 2019 to June 2022. We selected metrics based on (1) data availability, (2) potential to graph metric longitudinally, and (3) variability in metric. We graphed metrics and assessed data patterns compared to data for Vuse, a comparator product, and in the context of regulatory events significant to Puff Bar. The number of Twitter posts that contained a Puff Bar term (social media), Puff Bar product sales measured in dollars (sales), and the number of visits to the Puff Bar website (web traffic) exhibited potential for surveilling Puff Bar due to ease of calculation, comprehensibility, and responsiveness to events. Advertising tracked through Numerator and Comperemedia did not appear to capture marketing from Puff Bar’s manufacturer or drive change in marketplace prominence. This study demonstrates how quantitative changes in metrics developed using advertising, retail sales, social media, and web traffic data sources detected changes in Puff Bar’s marketplace prominence. We conclude that low-effort, scalable, rapid signal detection capabilities can be an important part of a multi-component tobacco surveillance program.
Age-related lung changes linked to altered lysosomal protease profile, histology, and ultrastructure
Authors: Aufy Mohammed , Abd-Elkareem Mahmoud , Mustafic Medina , Abdel-Maksoud Mostafa A. , Hakamy Ali , Baresova Veronika , Alfuraydi Akram A. , Ashry Mahmoud , Lubec Jana , Amer Ayman S. , Studenik Christian R. , Hussein Ahmed M. , Kotob Mohamed H.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The aging process is intricately linked to alterations in cellular and tissue structures, with the respiratory system being particularly susceptible to age-related changes. Therefore, this study aimed to profile the activity of proteases using activity-based probes in lung tissues of old and young rats, focusing on the expression levels of different, in particular cathepsins G and X and matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs). Additionally, the impact on extracellular matrix (ECM) components, particularly fibronectin, in relation to age-related histological and ultrastructural changes in lung tissues was investigated.

Materials and methods

Lung tissues from old and young rats were subjected to activity-based probe profiling to assess the activity of different proteases. Expression levels of cathepsins G and X were quantified, and zymography was performed to evaluate matrix metalloproteinases activity. Furthermore, ECM components, specifically fibronectin, were examined for signs of degradation in the old lung tissues compared to the young ones. Moreover, histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural assessments of old and young lung tissue were also conducted.

Results

Our results showed that the expression levels of cathepsins G and X were notably higher in old rat lung tissues in contrast to those in young rat lung tissues. Zymography analysis revealed elevated MMP activity in the old lung tissues compared to the young ones. Particularly, significant degradation of fibronectin, an essential ECM component, was observed in the old lung tissues. Numerous histological and ultrastructural alterations were observed in old lung tissues compared to young lung tissues.

Discussion and conclusion

The findings indicate an age-related upregulation of cathepsins G and X along with heightened MMP activity in old rat lung tissues, potentially contributing to the degradation of fibronectin within the ECM. These alterations highlight potential mechanisms underlying age-associated changes in lung tissue integrity and provide insights into protease-mediated ECM remodeling in the context of aging lungs.
Eilat virus isolated from Culex univittatus mosquitoes from the Namibian Zambezi Region influences in vitro superinfection with alpha- and flaviviruses in a virus-species-dependent manner
Authors: Guggemos Heiko D. , Kopp Anne , Voigt Katrin , Fendt Matthias , Graff Selina L. , Mfune John K. E. , Borgemeister Christian , Junglen Sandra
Published: December 2024

The genus Alphavirus harbors arboviruses of great concern, such as the Chikungunya virus and the equine encephalitis viruses. Transmission of pathogenic alphaviruses by mosquitoes could be influenced by insect-specific alphaviruses such as Eilat virus (EILV). However, insect-specific alphaviruses are rarely found in wild mosquitoes and only a few have been described in the literature. Here, we report the detection of EILV in a Culex univittatus mosquito from the north-eastern Namibian Zambezi region. Full genome analysis of MP458-NA-2018 showed 94.5% nucleotide identity to an EILV isolate from Israel. MP458-NA-2018 grouped with EILV in phylogenetic analysis and was placed within the clade of insect-specific alphaviruses. The virus was isolated in mosquito cells and shown to be restricted to insects as hosts by the inability to infect different vertebrate cell lines and a complete block of virus replication at 34°C. We further showed that infection of cells with EILV MP458-NA-2018 reduced production of infectious particles of Sindbis virus by 2000-fold over the entire course of infection, whereas reduction rates of Bagaza and Middleburg virus were approximately 3-10-fold and dependent on time after infection. While production of infectious particles of cells superinfected with the Chikungunya virus were approximately 30-fold reduced and more pronounced at a lower multiplicity of infection of 0.01, EILV seemed to enhance production of West Nile virus infectious particles by >5-fold when superinfected at a multiplicitiy of infection of 0.1. In summary, EILV from the Namibian Zambezi region influences in vitro replication of endemic flavi- and alphaviruses.
Evaluation of internal coupling and coordination degree and diagnosis of obstacle factors for high-quality regional economic development: Evidence from Chongqing’s " One District, Two Groups"
Authors: Che Sifang , Zhang Xi , Shu Weijia
Published: December 2024

The study builds a high-quality development index system encompassing dimensions of economic vitality, coordinated development, green development, and digital development. Utilizing the entropy weight TOPSIS method, the coupling coordination model, and the barrier factor model, this research examines the high-quality economic development level, internal coupling coordination, and obstacle factors in Chongqing’s "one district and two groups" from 2017 to 2021. The findings are as follows: (1)The high-quality economic development level of the "one district and two groups" has been increasing year by year. This growth is driven by the joint progress across all dimensions, though regional disparities exist in the development levels of different dimensions. The order of high-quality economic development from highest to lowest is: the main city metropolitan area, southeast Chongqing, and northeast Chongqing. (2)The development level of internal coupling coordination for high-quality economic development within the "one district and two groups" has also been rising annually. However, the overall level of coupling coordination development remains low, although regional coupling coordinated development is gradually forming. There was no evidence of σ convergence in the coupling coordination of high-quality economic development within the "one district and two groups." The main city metropolitan area shows stability with an expansion trend, while the "two groups" exhibit divergence. (3)Overall, Chongqing’s barrier index order was "economic vitality > coordinated development > green development > digital development." There were differences in obstacle factors between "one district" and "two groups"; the "two groups" align with the overall performance, while the main metropolitan area performs as "green development > economic vitality > coordinated development > digital development." The research conclusions provide a theoretical basis and decision-making reference for improving coordinated development within the region. (4)The main obstacles to high-quality economic development in Chongqing and the "one district and two groups" are centered on the dimensions of economic vitality and coordinated development, while also reflecting green development considerations.
Theoretical analysis of neuronal network’s response under different stimulus
Authors: Xue Haosen , Lu Zeying , Lan Yueheng , Gui Lili , Sun Xiaojuan
Published: December 2024

Neuromodulation plays a critical role in the normal physiological functions of organisms. With advancements in science and technology, neuromodulation has expanded into various fields. For instance, in the field of engineering, in vitro-cultured neural networks are utilized to perform closed-loop control for achieving complex functionalities. Conducting pioneering theoretical research using mathematical models is particularly essential for enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. This study focuses on examining the relationship between input and output in order to establish a groundwork for more advanced closed-loop regulation applications in engineering. Using a constructed neural network model, Poisson, square wave and direct current (DC) stimulation are applied. The results show that the network’s firing rate increases with the frequency or amplitude of these stimulations. And the network’s firing rate could reach to a stable state after the stimulation is applied for 0.8s and return to initial states when the stimulus is removed for 1s. To ascertain if the system exhibits a memory effect from the previous stimulus, we conduct independent and continuous stimulation schemes. Comparing the firing rate of neuronal networks under these two stimulation schemes reveals a memory effect of the system on the previous stimulus, which is independent of network properties and stimulus types. Finally, by applying square wave stimulation to the in vitro cultured neural network, we have confirmed that cultured neural network actually can reach to a steady state and have memory effects on the previous stimulus. Our research results have important theoretical significance and reference value for designing the closed-loop regulation strategy of in vitro cultured neuronal networks.
Balance correlations, agentic zeros, and networks: The structure of 192 years of war and peace
Authors: Dekker David , Krackhardt David , Doreian Patrick , Krivitsky Pavel N.
Published: December 2024

Social network extensions of Heider’s balance theory have led to a plethora of adaptations, often inconsistent with Heider and each other. We present a general model that permits the description and testing of specific balance theoretic predictions as Heider had originally proposed them. We formulate balance statements as a comparison of two conditional probabilities of a tie: E g o - q A l t e r, conditioned on 2-path relations E g o - r X - s A l t e r vs. their counterfactual negation, ¬ ( E g o - r X - s A l t e r ). Here q, r and s, are indices that identify elements in a set of mutually exclusive and exhaustive relations in a multigraph (their sum produces a complete graph). This relaxes the dichotomous assumption of a signed graph. We identify neutral ties distinctive from negative and positive ties and convert the underlying signed graph into a restricted multigraph. The point-biserial correlations of relation q with the count of 2-paths (through relations r and s) describe the difference in conditional probabilities, or the prevalence for any stipulated balance configuration. In total 18 such unique balance correlations are identified for any trichotomous multigraph, although 27 theoretical statements exist. Two major advantages of balance correlations are: direct comparison between any two correlations over time, even if network sizes and densities differ; and the evaluation of specific balanced and unbalanced behaviors and predictions. We apply the model to a large data set consisting of friendly vs hostile relations between countries from 1816 to 2007. We find strong evidence for one of the balance statements, and virtually no evidence for unbalanced predictions. However, there is ample stable evidence that “neutral” ties are important in balancing the relations among nations. Results suggest that prevalence of balance-driven behavior varies over time. Indeed, other behaviors may prevail in certain eras.
Use of generalized randomized response model for enhancement of finite population variance: A simulation approach
Authors: Shabbir Javid , Movaheedi Zabihullah
Published: December 2024

Gupta et al. suggested an improved estimator by using the Diana and Perri model in estimating the finite population variance using the single auxiliary variable. On the same lines, Saleem et al. proposed a new scrambled randomized response model (RRT) based on two auxiliary variables for estimating the finite population variance. Recently Azeem et al. presented a new randomized response model in estimating the finite population variance. It is observed that Bias and MSE of these estimators up to first order of approximation seem to lack sufficient information. In this study, we rectify the bias and MSE expressions of the estimators proposed by Gupta et al., Saleem et al. and Azeem et al. Additionally, we suggest a new generalized class of estimators that is more efficient in comparison to the previously considered estimators. A simulation study is conducted to establish the behavior of the estimators. The suggested estimator performs better than the estimators considered by the authors earlier.
Cost stickiness, absorbed slack and enterprise risks: Evidence from China
Authors: Binhua Qian , Boyuan Yang
Published: December 2024

This study delves into the complex domain of enterprise finance to explore the relationship between cost stickiness and enterprise risks, with a particular emphasis on the role of absorbed slack. Our analysis is based on a comprehensive examination of 3,177 Chinese listed enterprises over a period of ten years, from 2007 to 2022. The findings reveal that cost stickiness is a widespread phenomenon among Chinese listed enterprises, exhibiting variation across different industries. Notably, a strong positive correlation is identified between cost stickiness and enterprise risks, a correlation that remains consistent through various robustness tests, including indicator permutation, sample reconfiguration, and the resolution of endogeneity issues. The research further highlights the mediating effect of absorbed slack in the relationship between cost stickiness and enterprise risks. This study not only confirms the ubiquity of cost stickiness and its association with enterprise risks but also underscores the significant impact of absorbed slack. We offer a novel perspective on the interaction among cost stickiness, absorbed slack, and enterprise risks, providing valuable insights for enterprises aiming to enhance their risk management strategies. The conclusions and recommendations presented serve as a guide for those engaged in the challenging task of managing enterprise risks.
Tin prefiltration in computed tomography does not significantly alter radiation-induced gene expression and DNA double-strand break formation
Authors: Schüle Simone , Hackenbroch Carsten , Beer Meinrad , Ostheim Patrick , Hermann Cornelius , Muhtadi Razan , Stewart Samantha , Port Matthias , Scherthan Harry , Abend Michael
Published: December 2024

Background

The tin (Sn) prefilter technique is a recently introduced dose-saving technique in computed tomography (CT). This study investigates whether there is an altered molecular biological response in blood cells using the tin prefiltering technique.

Methods

Blood from 6 donors was X-irradiated ex-vivo with 20 mGy full dose (FD) protocols (Sn 150 kV, 150 kV, and 120 kV) and a tin prefiltered 16.5 mGy low dose (LD) protocol on a CT scanner. Biological changes were determined by quantification of γH2AX DNA double-strand break (DSB) foci, and differential gene expression (DGE) relative to unexposed samples were examined for seven known radiation-induced genes (FDXR, DDB2, BAX, CDKN1A, AEN, EDA2R, APOBEC3H) and 667 microRNAs (miRNA).

Results

EDA2R and DDB2 gene expression (GE) increased 1.7-6-fold (p = 0.0004–0.02) and average DNA DSB foci value (0.31±0.02, p<0.0001) increased significantly relative to unexposed samples, but similarly for the applied radiation protocols. FDXR upregulation (2.2-fold) was significant for FD protocols (p = 0.01–0.02) relative to unexposed samples. miRNA GE changes were not significant (p = 0.15–1.00) and DGE were similar for the examined protocols (p = 0.10–1.00). An increased frequency of lower DGE values was seen in the Sn 150 kV LD protocol compared to the 120 kV FD and Sn 150 kV FD protocols (p = 0.001–0.008).

Conclusions

The current ex-vivo study indicates no changes regarding transcriptional and post-transcriptional DGE and DNA DSB induction when using the tin prefilter technique and even a significant tendency to lower radiation-induced DGE-changes due to the dose reduction of the tin prefilter with equal image quality compared to classical CT scan protocols was found.
Viral suppression and adherence in adolescents living with HIV in rural Tanzania
Authors: Luoga Ezekiel , Okuma James , Moshi Lilian , Sigalla George , Mnzava Dorcas , Paris Daniel H. , Glass Tracy R. , Vanobberghen Fiona , Weisser Maja , Mollel Getrud Joseph ,   on behalf of the KIULARCO working group
Published: December 2024

Background

Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa are affected by poor treatment outcomes, likely a consequence of poor adherence.

Objectives

To assess viral suppression rates and evaluate factors associated with achieving viral suppression and maintaining treatment adherence among ALHIV in rural Tanzania.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort in Ifakara, Tanzania, including adolescents aged 10–19 years on antiretroviral treatment (ART) ≥6 months at the time point of their first viral load (VL) measurement after implementation of routine VL testing from August 2017 through December 2023. VL ≥1000 copies/ml was considered unsuppressed. We assessed agreement between adherence measures (self-report, pill box return, pill count and visual analogy scale) and viral suppression. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with viral suppression.

Results

Of 319 included adolescents, 159 (50%) were male, 143 (45%) aged 10–13 years, 213 (74%) had disclosed their HIV status, 72 (23%) lived ≥50 kilometers from the clinic, 161 (55%) had a WHO stage III/IV and 80 (33%) had CD4 cell counts <500 cells/mm3. Overall, 249 (78%) adolescents were virally suppressed. Factors associated with viral suppression were having a CD4 cell count ≥500 cells/mm3 (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 3.48; 95% CI 1.49–8.13) versus those with a CD4 cell count <500 cells/mm3, being on a dolutegravir-based regimen (aOR 12.6; 95% CI 2.50–68.7) versus those on a NNRTI based regimen. Female gender was associated with lower odds of having viral suppression (aOR 0.41; 95%CI 0.18–0.93). There was a weak to moderate agreement between adherence measures and VL suppression.

Conclusion

Adolescents in this rural cohort remain far behind the UNAIDS 95% viral suppression target with only 78% being virally suppressed. The weak to moderate associations between adherence assessment and viral suppression. Adolescents’ HIV care models need to be strengthened in order to achieve viral suppression goals in this population.
On ecological island’s aesthetics and spatial practice: A case study of the MadeIn Art Museum on Chongming Island
Authors: Yu Weiying
Published: December 2024

The MadeIn Art Museum, an open-air art space remodelled from chicken factory ruins in the 1970s, is located on Chongming Island. A two-hour drive from the urban metropolis of Shanghai takes you to the rural environment of Chongming Island, where the MadeIn Art Museum sits at the intersection of contemporary artistic practices and the ecological narrative of the ‘ecological island’ (eco-island). This article proposes that the existence of the MadeIn Art Museum on Chongming Island demands an emerging cultural identity in the context of artificial spatiality and spectatorship. Through aesthetics that approach the sensitivity and perception of Chongming Island, the narratives of ecological value perform a cultural identity for both contemporary art produced by the MadeIn Art Museum and the ideologically imposed propaganda of the eco-island of Chongming. Ultimately, rather than emphasizing the meaning of the MadeIn Art Museum as an alternative art space, the article considers that Chongming Island itself embodies aesthetics in spatial practices that enable art to convey a sense of cultural representations and contexts of ecological aesthetics.
The joy of gaylor: Sexual identity in the Taylor Swift fandom
Authors: Donovan Brian
Published: December 2024

Taylor Swift fans constitute one of the largest and most active pop music fan bases. ‘Gaylors’ are Swift fans who read her artistic and celebrity texts through a queer lens. As an extremely active community within the Swift fandom, gaylors produce subversive readings of Swift’s songs, and they seek to compile evidence that Swift herself is secretly queer. How did speculation about Taylor Swift’s sexuality become an organizing force for many in the Taylor Swift fandom? Using interviews with self-described gaylors (N = 19), this study explores how gaylors produce queer readings of her songs and celebrity persona and how those interpretations cultivate joy, shape personal identity and build community. An in-depth analysis of the gaylor phenomenon illuminates how fans construct diverse readings of pop culture texts, and it reveals the potential importance of fandom for historically marginalized communities.
The Black Fandom Identification Social–Psychological Model: A framework for understanding Black fan formation and benefits
Authors: Powell Aisha , Breyfogle Sarah
Published: December 2024

Fandoms have become an unequivocal part of contemporary life and aid in the construction of identity and community building. But as the originator of modern fan studies, Henry Jenkins noted, ‘the original sin of fandom studies was its silence about race.’ Some research has occurred in response to this call to action, but no overarching framework or model has emerged. This article utilizes critical race theory (CRT) to guide its critical re-interpretation of Wann’s Team Identification–Social Psychological Health Model that can be used to examine the experiences of Black fans. The model presented, termed the Black Fandom Identification Social-Psychological Model, conceptualizes how Black fandoms are formed and sustained, as well as how Black fandoms protect their fandom from threats. Through this process, Black fans reach an enhanced state of Blackness, which increases their well-being and mental health. Implications of the model provide a schema for fan studies scholars to use.
‘Reset the counter, guys!’: A thematic analysis of fan discourse about female players on Dungeons & Dragons actual play web series
Authors: Allen Melissa L.
Published: December 2024

Since the mid-2010s, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) actual play podcasts and web series have skyrocketed in popularity. At the same time, the gender gap between male and female players began to close with approximately 40 per cent of players identifying as women, according to the latest data from Wizards of the Coast. However, D&D’s androcentric history and roots have remained, albeit in new, less openly sexist ways. While female characters are no longer mechanically disadvantaged and female players are able to play strong and confident women in this collaborative storytelling game, the lingering strings of misogyny and sexism present in the earliest fan spaces still pervade modern-day gaming spaces as well as fan spaces for D&D actual play series. Using thematic analysis, this article explores how discourse in fan communities on Reddit of two web series, Critical Role and A Crown of Candy, continues to maintain D&D spaces as male preserves through discourse about female players’ knowledge of mechanics, the narrative importance of female characters, and the perceived femininity of player and character actions.
The kids are alright? Generational distinction vs. ‘we-sense’ in an ageing music fandom
Authors: Fathallah Judith May
Published: December 2024

With the maturation of fan studies as a field, longitudinal approaches to fandom across time have been gaining more attention. Both the ageing of participants within fandoms and the ageing of fandoms as collectives have been topics for study. Popular music fandoms are particularly relevant for such studies, due to the strong connections between music and memory that often endure over years. This article investigates the negotiation of subcultural capital in one ageing music fandom, grounded in enduring and long-term experience of older participants, as it is held in tension with the construction of a cross-generational ‘we-sense’, which includes younger and less experienced participants. The fan forum under study is the subreddit r/falloutboy, which was selected as a stable archive dating back over a decade; as well as the applicability of a band fandom that has enjoyed varying degrees of popularity of over twenty years. I argue that fans in this this ageing fandom, on the one hand, remain invested in a sense of distinction based in age and enduring fandom and on the other hand recognize the need for change and adaptability for any fandom to survive, including an influx of new and young members.
Toying with books: Aspects of a theory of movable toy books – With a note on recent remediations in digital games
Authors: Bachmann Christian A.
Published: December 2024

Interactive toy books are subsets of a large set of bookish media. They can be seen as complex multimodal media that combine visual cues such as illustrations, language cue, and interaction. In this article, I discuss how movable toy books link space and interactivity to create a specific reading or playing experience. Learning more about such books helps us not only to understand historical media, but it also ultimately throws light on what play is and how other playful media function. In light of recent developments, I briefly discuss recent remediations of interactive toy book in digital games, an example of which is the 2011 movie tie in game Winnie the Pooh, towards the end of this article.
Artificial intelligence for scientific research – large language models in manuscript preparation
Authors: Napieralski Piotr , Wojciechowski Adam , Korjonen-Kuusipuro Kristiina
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize scientific work. At the same time, the availability of large language models, coupled with high publication pressure, often distorts the way AI tools are used. This study highlights not only the potential of selected contemporary tools, but also the traps and risks that come with using AI tools in the preparation of scientific papers. Wise use of AI techniques can improve the efficiency of work, but an unprofessional approach results in journal clogging and devaluation of the traditional form of sharing scientific achievements.
Factors affecting the adaptation of automated vehicles
Authors: Ahmad Sheraz , Hwang David , Hwang Yujong
Published: December 2024

Autonomous vehicle (AV) systems will be an important technology and essential for future transportation. This study applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to study the factors influencing a user’s behavioral intention to use AVs. Then, a survey questionnaire was designed to collect 250 responses from AV users, and for analysis, two software programs were used: AMOS and SPSS. The result of the study shows that social influence, facilitating condition, Electronic-Word of Mouth (E-WOM), and E-Referral positively affect behavioral intentions toward the automated vehicle. Moreover, these findings contribute to UTAUT by adding new factors to the new context.
Fluidum áramlás a közösségi platformokon - csomópontok izolációja
Authors: Gubán Ákos , Gubán Miklós , Avornicului Mihai-Constantin
Published: December 2024

Napjainkat a közösségi platformok korának tekinthetjük, ugyanis a mindennapi szokásaink, a vállalatok számára nyújtott lehetőségek is jelentős átalakuláson mennek keresztül. A közösségi platformok egy szegmensét képezik a szoftveralapú platformoknak. E rendszerek alapelvét tekintve, azt láthatjuk, hogy az adatokat összegyűjtik, feldolgozzák és monetarizálják. A közösségi platformok dinamikus rendszerek, ugyanis a felhasználók szempontjából állandó változások történnek. Ezeket a változásokat a bennük lévő- és a környezetéből felé „áramló” objektumok, dokumentumok, információk, adatok indikálják. Áramlási szempontból ezek egyedi tulajdonságai lényegtelenek, elhagyhatók, ezért az áramló elemek együttesen kezelhetők, egységesen. A kutatásban bemutatjuk, hogy a folyamatmodellben szereplő közösségi platformoknak a különböző transzformációs csomópontjaiban ráható transzformációit, hogyan lehet úgy szétválasztani, hogy a szétválasztás eredménye egyértelmű legyen és biztosítsa a kapott résztranszformációs rendszerek optimalitását.
Initial Experience With Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case Series
Authors: Khataniar Himsikhar , Desai Aakash , Kochhar Gursimran S.
Published: December 2024

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a novel endoscopic technique for removing complex colorectal lesions. The inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) population poses unique challenges for endoscopic resection due to an increased prevalence of fibrotic, nonlifting lesions and higher recurrence rates compared with the general population. This case series reports on the successful use of EFTR in 5 patients with IBD who had challenging colonic polyps, including fibrotic and nonlifting lesions. Technical success was achieved in all cases without any postoperative complications. Follow-up surveillance revealed no residual lesions or recurrence, and histopathological analysis confirmed full-thickness resection in all samples. This is one of the first case series suggesting that EFTR is a promising, safe, and effective alternative to surgery for managing complex colorectal polyps in patients with IBD.
Valorization of Pea Pods and Faba Bean Hulls as Novel Sources of Polyphenols and Fibers: Various Formulations and their Impact on the Biscuit Quality
Authors: Smuda Sayed Saad , El-Salam Ekram Abd , Mohamed Hammad Karima Said
Published: December 2024

This research studied the opportunity to enrich biscuits with pea pods and faba bean hulls (seed coat) powder. Chemical composition, polyphenol content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of pea pod and faba bean hulls powders were investigated. To assess their effect on biscuit color, hardness, and sensory characteristics, these powders separately replaced wheat flour at 2.5, 5, and 10% levels. The resultant composite flours were then utilized to prepare biscuits. In addition, the effects of these powders on Mixolab parameters of the resultant composite flour doughs and their correlation with biscuit hardness and texture were investigated. Total phenolics of pea pods and faba bean hulls ethanolic extracts were 44.66 ± 3.65 and 34.55 ± 0.65 mg GAE/g DW and flavonoid content was 3.68 ± 0.14 and 9.11± 0.88 mg QE/g DW, respectively. The main polyphenolic compounds in faba bean hulls extract were Benzoic acid, Rosmarinic acid and p- Hydroxy benzoic acid while the main compounds in pea pods extract were Resveratrol and Benzoic acid. The faba bean hull extract had higher antioxidant activity against DPPH than the pea pod extract. The hardness of fortified biscuits was not affected by the added powder level, but their color became darker and higher in redness and yellowness. Mixolab parameters of the resultant composite flour doughs were significantly affected by adding powders. Pea pods and faba bean hulls can be used as a source of bioactive constituents in many bakery products.
Lobbies, transparencia gubernamental y participación política
Authors: López Portas Mª Begoña
Published: December 2024

La legitimación de los grupos interés emerge como una necesidad representativa y funcional de los sistemas democráticos contemporáneos. Visibilizar al gobierno invisible es el mayor desafío político actual. La falta de institucionalización de los lobbies y los problemas que generan sus actividades y su acción sobre las instituciones se introduce con fuerza en la agenda normativa mundial. Cobra importancia el desarrollo de normas relativas al lobbying al comprender que se trata de una forma de garantizar la transparencia del debate democrático.

Sin embargo, las reformas estructurales puestas en marcha en España en el ámbito de la transparencia evidencian su insuficiencia a tenor de los estándares internacionales. La solución se resiste. El tiempo apremia y aún queda un amplio camino por avanzar. Es necesario clarificar cuáles son los rasgos que singularizan la regulación de los lobbies en España y a partir de ahí definir un modelo de fiscalización eficaz de los grupos de presión.

El lector encontrará en este libro un análisis pormenorizado de los principales elementos que perfilan el actual sistema de control jurídico caracterizado por unos contornos difusos e incompletos, débilmente trazados en el ámbito de la transparencia. A partir de ahí, profundizará en la necesidad de configurar un sistema en red de control del lobbying. Un perfecto engranaje, siempre bajo la perspectiva de complementariedad e integración de mecanismos políticos preventivos y penales represivos. Un verdadero sistema de control en red, que actúe como soporte transparente de participación ciudadana y no como un colador de intereses particulares opacos.
Report on the restoration of wetlands, springs and streams in a mountain landscape
Authors: Bufková Ivana
Published: December 2024

As the ongoing climate change increases water problems, society is starting to understand the importance of re-establishing a functioning water regime in the landscape and restoring wetlands, watercourses and springs. Restoration techniques and methods used in landscapes at low and middle altitudes are relatively well developed. But the same cannot be said for mountainous and hilly areas, which are a challenge hydrologically due to sloping terrain and soil erosion. Restoration technologies in such landscape are still being developed. Upland and hilly areas are, however, an important source of water for lower regions and well-functioning water regime is very important. This also applies to the Šumava region, which is an important spring area, declared as a Protected Area of Natural Water Storage. There have been significant changes in the hydrology in the Šumava Mts. in the past, mainly in drainage. The extent of drainage and its effect on wetlands, springs and watercourses, have been the reason for starting a comprehensive programme of hydrological restoration. The aim of this paper is to show it is possible to restore hydrology in challenging mountain conditions. The micro-catchment approach and water table concept is emphasized. Particular attention is paid to some hidden and still neglected problems, such as drainage of springs and the need for their restoration. This paper summarizes the results and experiences gained during 25 years of restoration (1999–2024). During that time, a total of 296 km of drainage channels were blocked in the Šumava region, 36 km of small mountain streams and 28 spring areas were restored. The total area of hydrological restoration is 2718 ha. The cross-border LIFE for MIRES project (2018–2024), currently in its final year, played an important role in this achievement.
How natural capital accounting frameworks fail ecosystem services
Authors: Jachmann Hugo , Scanlon John E. , Maston Sarah M. W.
Published: December 2024

The United Nations (UN) System of Environmental-Economic Accounting – Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA – EA, UN 2021) has the potential to provide decision-makers with valuable information about the economic value of ecosystems and their components. However, the system has several shortcomings that must be addressed. The need for hard data, the focus on economic value over ecological value and integrity, the reliance on monetary valuation and the lack of clear guidance on the integration of the monetary values into decision-making processes and policies, are some of the issues that must be addressed for the framework to be an effective tool for promoting sustainable management of ecosystems. This is especially important because the ultimate goal of this exercise is to mitigate climate change and to protect biodiversity; to maintain a liveable planet for future generations by focusing on the valuation and accounting for ecosystem services provided by natural capital. Options to improve the system, as well as an alternative model, are briefly discussed. However, our fear is that the system in use is rapidly becoming too academic, too complicated, too time consuming and too easy to be controlled by some in the financial sector. The protection and restoration of ecosystems should not depend on highly complicated bookkeeping systems that may take some more years to finalize and many years to implement, but it does require urgent and collective action to reduce emissions and put a halt to ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change – namely a collective change in attitudes and a complete revision of existing economic theories.
Way of life of aphid eating ladybirds
Authors: Dixon Anthony F. G. , Hemptinne Jean-Louis
Published: December 2024

Ladybirds have attracted attention from ancient times and continue to do so. There appears to be three phases in the way ladybirds have been viewed over time, which can be represented in the form of models.
Antoni Kurek OMI (1931–2014): nestor polskich oblatów–misjologów
Authors: Różański Jarosław
Published: December 2024

Celem artykułu jest zwięzłe przedstawienie życia i naukowej twórczości o. Antoniego Kurka OMI, nestora polskich oblatów–misjologów, z okazji dziesiątej rocznicy jego śmierci. Obok dwóch wybitnych misjologów werbistów, o. Feliksa Zapłaty i o. Władysława Kowalaka był on w Polsce pionierem tej subdyscypliny teologicznej, rozwijanej w akademickim ośrodku warszawskim (ATK/UKSW]). W kontekście rodzinnego dziedzictwa religijnego i regionalnego oraz lat życia i posługi oblackiej autor artykułu przywołuje dokonania pracy naukowo-dydaktycznej o. A. Kurka. Wskazuje na afrykańskie źródła jako centrum badawczych zainteresowań profesora misjologii ATK/UKSW oraz na szerokie pole pracy naukowo-dydaktycznej.
Numerical Modeling of Water Flow in Permeable Friction Course Pavement During Rainfall Considering Rainfall Intensity and Suction Pressure
Authors:   Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, and Vietnam National University, Chau Phuong Khanh , Le Anh Tuan ,   Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, and Vietnam National University, Tran Thai Minh Chanh ,   Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, and Vietnam National University, Tran Thi Thanh Thanh ,   Nam Can Tho University, Diep Bich Duyen ,   Can Tho University of Technology, Nguyen Tan Hung ,   Nam Can Tho University
Published: December 2024

This study developed a numerical model to observe the water flow in permeable friction course pavement (PFCP) during rainfall events. The model was established based on FeniCS, which is widely known as an open-source computing platform for solving partial differential equations. The results showed that rainfall intensity significantly affected time for surface ponding in the PFCP. A higher rainfall intensity resulted in a lower time for surface ponding of the PFCP. The evaluation for the effect of suction pressure on the PFCP showed that the suction pressure in the PFCP had a remarkable effect on the time for surface ponding. As the suction pressure in the PFCP increased, the time for surface ponding increased. The results in this study are based on numerical modeling. In the future, further experimental studies in the laboratory and in the field are needed to validate the water flow in PFCP during rainfall events considering other factors such as permeability, rutting, and environmental factors.
The teaching of ethics and core values in chemistry education
Authors: Apotheker Jan
Published: December 2024

This special issue is deciated to the teaching of ethics in chemistry education. In this editorial the articles in this special issue are introduced. A short explanation how they fit into this specific special issue is given.
Task modality and working memory: oral production improvement through a text-reconstruction task across various proficiency levels in L2
Authors: Sletova Natalia
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the potential of written tasks to enhance L2 oral production across various levels of proficiency and examines relationships between individual Working Memory (WM) capacity, measured in both native and target languages, and learners’ performance in written and spoken tasks. Sixty-four university L2 learners of Russian (Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced) participated in the study. They were tasked with reconstructing a text and completing a ‘notice the gap’ activity in writing and orally. Novice and Intermediate learners exhibited enhanced speaking accuracy only when engaging with texts through writing. Russian (L2) WM showed correlations with lexical diversity in both written and spoken tasks. However, syntactic complexity displayed a significant correlation with L2 WM solely in spoken tasks, while semantic accuracy suggested a relationship with L2 WM only in the written form of recall. Based on these findings, explanations and suggestions for future research are offered.