bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma levels of il-5, il-12, il-13 and il-23 in Covid-19
Authors: Pedra Yuri Felix , Pereira Clayrton de Barros , Dellalibera-Joviliano Renata
Published: July 2023

Cytokines are protein molecules that participate in the body's immune response by stimulating immunogens. This occurs through modulatory signaling of stimulation or inhibition between cells of the innate and adaptive immunity. Studies in the last 3 years indicate that the pathogenicity mechanism of COVID-19 is related to a dysregulation of cytokines and, therefore, to a modification in the inflammatory response of individuals affected by the disease. In this context, this work aims to quantify the cytokines IL-5, IL-12, IL-13 and IL-23 in patients with COVID-19 and associate them with the inflammatory profile. As methodology, we used sandwich immunoenzymatic assays (sandwich ELISA) to determine the serum concentration of cytokines in a group of 11 patients with COVID-19 - diagnosis confirmed by RT-PCR - against a control group matched in terms of age, without any inflammatory comorbidity. The samples were evaluated in duplicate and statistical analyses of the results considered the measures of central tendency with the mean (Md). Thus, we found the results related to the different cytokines: IL-5 (patient =132 pg/mL; control= 51 pg/mL); IL-12 (patient= 126 pg/mL; control= 65 pg/mL); IL-13 (patient= 91 pg/mL; control 52 pg/mL); IL-23 (patient= 100.8 pg/mL; control 53 pg/mL). In view of the above, the participation of the inflammatory response is observed through the profile of cytokines against COVID-19.
The female presence in Lager through the eyes of cousin Levi: a reading of Lilith, by cousin Levi
Authors: Soares Edson Sousa
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes to conduct a reading of the short story entitled Lilith, from Primo Levi's 71 short stories (2005), in order to analyze aspects of the narrative. The main topics of this study are: the suffering in the Nazi concentration camps, the survival pacts, the testimonial accounts, the oppression, the violence, the resistance, the religiosity, the ancient Hebrew storytelling, the creation myth, and the presence of fear that has pervaded the popular imaginary for centuries, such as the devil, personified in the female figure, among other investigations. Furthermore, we seek to analyze the chapters Night of Valpurgis and Fire-Fatigue, from Goethe's Faust (1815), in order to establish possible dialogues between these narratives.
The Pursuit of Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice through Evaluation: Learning from Indigenous Scholars and the Fifth Branch of the Evaluation Theory Tree
Authors: Mertens Donna
Published: July 2023

The world faces a climate crisis that calls for increased attention to social, economic, and environmental justice. Non-Indigenous evaluators can choose to continue their work business-as-usual, or they can choose to learn from Indigenous evaluators. The exclusion of Indigenous scholars from the evaluation theory tree results in an opportunity lost to improve theory and practice across all communities. A fifth branch on the evaluation theory tree, Context and Needs, aligns with the Indigenous paradigm and serves to stimulate questions about evaluation theory and practice that inherently address issues of justice and the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of all living and nonliving things.
Indexing for Communication Journals in Africa: The global knowledge economy and the politics of knowledge distribution
Authors: Peter Ogom Nwosu
Published: July 2023

Globalization, the attempt by organizations to expand beyond their domestic boundaries in a manner that assures social and cultural integration, is shaping and reshaping how knowledge is constructed, produced, and distributed in theinternational arena. Informatization, the utilization of advancements in communication and information technologies, while altering individual lifestyles and the cultural landscape of many societies, has also hastened the pace ofglobalization. How to become a part of this evolving global knowledge economy has been the focus of discourse among scholars involved in the knowledge industry in different global regions. This essay explores attempts by Africanscholars to integrate ‘African knowledge’ into the evolving global knowledge economy. Through the work of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa, this essay also examines the politics, challenges and promisesof ‘internationalizing’ knowledge.
3 - The Importance of Research in a University
Authors: Mahmood Mamdani
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Pengaruh Waktu Maserasi dan Konsentrasi Pelarut Etanol Terhadap Rendemen dan Aktivitas Antioksidan Kayu Secang
Authors: Salsabila Aulia Firda , M. Fuadi Ahmad
Published: July 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kondisi optimum serta pengaruh lama maserasi dan konsentrasi pelarut etanol terhadap rendemen dan aktivitas antioksidan ekstrak kayu secang. Ekstraksi kayu secang dengan metode maserasi dilakukan dengan variasi waktu maserasi 24, 48, 72, dan 96 jam dan konsentrasi pelarut etanol 55 %, 65 %, 75 %, 85 %, dan 95 %. Metode ini menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif yang dimana Penelitian dimulai dengan persiapan sampel, ekstraksi kayu secang, identifikasi kandungan fitokimia, pengujian DPPH aktivitas antioksidan ekstrak etanol kayu secang, dan analisis hasil penelitian merupakan langkah-langkah dalam penelitian ini. Selanjutnya pembuatan larutan sampel konsentrasi 1000 ppm, dengan menimbang ekstrak etanol kayu secang sebanyak 25 mg, dilarutkan dengan menambah etanol dalam labu ukur 50 mL, dan dibuat variasi konsentrasi 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 75 ppm, 100 ppm, 125 ppm. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rendemen dan aktivitas antioksidan terbukti dipengaruhi oleh waktu maserasi dan konsentrasi etanol. Perlakuan terbaik untuk hasil optimum rendemen dan aktivitas antioksidan yaitu dengan waktu maserasi 96 jam dengan menggunakan konsentrasi pelarut etanol 95 %, sehingga diperoleh berat ekstrak sebesar 9,31 gram, dengan hasil rendemen sebesar 15,52 %, dan aktivitas antioksidan untuk menghambat radikal bebas sebesar 33,78 mg/L. Dengan demikian dapat ditarik kesimpulan rendemen dan aktivitas antioksidan ekstrak etanol kayu secang dalam menekan radikal bebas sangat dipengaruhi oleh lama maserasi dan konsentrasi pelarut etanol.
Adult Education In Nigeria: Issues, Perspectives And Challenges
Authors:   Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Ayantunji Mary Mojirade
Published: July 2023

Adult education refers to any educational programme (s) organised for adults and youths regardless of its contents, place of study and also has to be flexible in order to satisfy the needs and aspirations of the beneficiaries and their communities. Adult education is a practice in which adults engage in systematic and sustained self-education activities in order to gain knowledge, skills, attitudes, or values and is expected to address the socio-economic, cultural, political and environmental problems besieging humanity in their various societies. Unfortunately, the goals of adult education as stated by the federal government in the National Policy on Education, have not been properly achieved. Changes and developments in this contemporary world call for a total review and overhaul of adult education. Adult education faces challenges such as poor perception of adult education by the public, marginalization and lack of funding by the government of the day. This paper therefore looks at the concept of adult education, objectives of adult education, contemporary issues in Nigerian educational system, challenges and prospects. Based on the discourse it was recommended that adequate awareness should be given to the general public to enable them to know the importance of adult education; funds should be made readily available and recognition should be given to adult education; the nomenclature of “Adult Education” should be re-visited to a name that will be acceptable and known by all ages in the society. In conclusion, adult education should be re-positioned to meet the ever increase demand of the present time in order to contribute meaningfully to national development.
No Case Submission in Nigerian Criminal Trials: Has Delta State of Nigeria Abolished it?
Authors: Okwelum Chukudi O.
Published: July 2023

Serious legal issues have cropped up since the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 in the Federation of Nigeria and the domestication of the law by some or all the States of the Federation. One of the important strictures surrounding the enactment of the law shall dominate this study. It is the doctrine of ‘no case submission.’ For the purpose of this study, in a ruling of a trial Magistrates’ Court sitting at Abbi in Charge No. MAB/22c/2019 Commissioner of Police v. Sunday Usuh the trial Magistrate, His Worship, Edema Doris (Mrs.) Senior Magistrate Grade 1, ruled on the 27th day of May, 2023 that ‘The most recent law of the State which is the Administration of Criminal Justice Law does not make provision of a no case submission. The law does not entertain it. So therefore the defendant is called upon to open his defence in accordance with section 492(3) of the ACJL 2017. The matter is adjourned to the 24th day of June, 2022 for defence.’ Is it true? The facts of the case in Charge No MAB/22c/2019 Commissioner of Police v. Sunday Usuh shall be extensively considered in this discourse. Can a State law do away with the fundamental rights of a citizen as guaranteed by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and notorious judicial precedence or case law on the point of law? This paper which adopts the doctrinal method seeks to review the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2017 of Delta State vis-à-vis the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and the provision of section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. It will also consider the impact of the State law on judicial precedence and the constitutional rights of a defendant to appeal against any ruling not favourable to him. It concludes that the law is irregular and contrary to well established constitutional provisions and recondite principles of procedural law and should be amended.
IPCC, 2023: Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report, Summary for Policymakers. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, H. Lee and J. Romero (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland.
Authors: Calvin Katherine , Dasgupta Dipak , Krinner Gerhard , Mukherji Aditi , Thorne Peter W. , Trisos Christopher , Romero José , Aldunce Paulina , Barret Ko , Blanco Gabriel , Cheung William W.L. , Connors Sarah L. , Denton Fatima , Diongue-Niang Aïda , Dodman David , Garschagen Matthias , Geden Oliver , Hayward Bronwyn , Jones Christopher , Jotzo Frank , Krug Thelma , Lasco Rodel , Lee Yune-Yi , Masson-Delmotte Valérie , Meinshausen Malte , Mintenbeck Katja , Mokssit Abdalah , Otto Friederike E.L. , Pathak Minal , Pirani Anna , Poloczanska Elvira , Pörtner Hans-Otto , Revi Aromar , Roberts Debra C. , Roy Joyashree , Ruane Alex C. , Skea Jim , Shukla Priyadarshi R. , Slade Raphael , Slangen Aimée , Sokona Youba , Sörensson Anna A. , Tignor Melinda , van Vuuren Detlef , Wei Yi-Ming , Winkler Harald , Zhai Panmao , Zommers Zinta , Hourcade Jean-Charles , Johnson Francis X. , Pachauri Shonali , Simpson Nicholas P. , Singh Chandni , Thomas Adelle , Totin Edmond , Alegría Andrés , Armour Kyle , Bednar-Friedl Birgit , Blok Kornelis , Cissé Guéladio , Dentener Frank , Eriksen Siri , Fischer Erich , Garner Gregory , Guivarch Céline , Haasnoot Marjolijn , Hansen Gerrit , Hauser Mathias , Hawkins Ed , Hermans Tim , Kopp Robert , Leprince-Ringuet Noëmie , Lewis Jared , Ley Debora , Ludden Chloé , Niamir Leila , Nicholls Zebedee , Some Shreya , Szopa Sophie , Trewin Blair , van der Wijst Kaj-Ivar , Winter Gundula , Witting Maximilian , Birt Arlene , Ha Meeyoung
Published: July 2023

The Summary for Policymakers (SPM) of the Synthesis Report (SYR) of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), is a component of the SYR which provides a policy-relevant but policy-neutral summary of the SYR. It is consistent with the Sections of the SYR and is approved line by line by the Governments at a plenary session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
New census: Old problem: Continuation of negative demographic trends in Serbia
Authors: Ranković Raradoslav
Published: July 2023

Given the initial results of the 2022 Population, Household, and Housing Census, the question is not whether the demographic situation in Serbia is bad, but how bad it is. Serbia has been struggling with depopulation and other demographic problems for decades, which, while not surprising, worries us. At first glance, there are no positive indicators, but some isolated areas can be identified that are characterized by somewhat more favorable demographic trends, but this should be taken with a grain of salt. The objective of this paper is to look at and analyze the municipalities that have been most affected by the decline in total population between the last two censuses. This is done by analyzing the most threatened municipalities by examining the relationship between depopulation and the eleven parameters presented. Since the municipalities are very diverse in terms of population size, a percentage rather than an absolute decrease has been considered. Since depopulation occupies a significant place at the top of Serbia's demographic problems, the method of correlation and multiple regression is used to create a model that can be used to predict, to some extent, the future state of the most threatened parts of Serbia.
Leucocyte phagocytic activity of treatment-naïve HIV positive patients in Umuahia, Nigeria.
Authors:   Department of Haematology, Federal  Medical  Centre, Umuahia, Nigeria, Udensi .O , Onyekwere T.O ,   Department of Medical  Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, Okoroiwu L.I ,   Department of Medical  Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, Muhibi Musa Abidemi ,   Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Edo State University Uzairue, Edo State, Nigeria
Published: July 2023

Objective: This study was conducted to determine white cell phagocytic activity in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Methods: One hundred HIV-positive patients were enrolled in this study while fifty apparently healthy seronegative individuals served as controls. The haemoglobin estimation, haematocrit, total white blood cell count (TWBC count), platelet count were analysed using conventional manual methods, the TWBC was repeated after incubation with carbonyl iron powder at 37oC to determine the phagocyte count, while CD4 count was analysed using Partec Cyflow counter. Results: The TWBC count of the test group before incubation with carbonyl iron powder (CIP) was 4839 ± 1686 (/mm3) while after incubation with CIP was 4451 ± 1657 (/mm3). The TWBC count of the control group before incubation with carbonyl iron powder (CIP) was 6096 ± 2196 (/mm3) while after incubation with CIP was 4074 ± 1745 (/mm3). The phagocyte count of test and control groups were 388±29 and 2022±451, with later being significantly higher than the former (p=0.001). Significant differences were observed in neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit and platelet count of the control 45 ±7.2 (%), 3 ± 1.2 (%), 4 ± 1.4 (%), 41 ± 12 (%),12 (g/dl), 38 ± 4 (%), 211 ±14 (x 109/L); when compared with the test 20.7 ± 11.0 (%), 1 ± 1.4 (%), 2 ± 1.7 (%), 28 ± 10(%), 9.2 (g/dl), 27 ± 09 (%), 90± 17 (x 109/L) (p<0.05). There was equally a significant difference in the value of CD4 count of the controls 864 ± 266 cells/µL when compared with the test 420 ± 203 cells/ µL at p ‹ 0.05. Conclusion: The CD4 and phagocyte counts have a positive correlation with TWBC. All patients living with HIV should have their immune status monitored regularly to forestall inability of the system to perform phagocytosis.
Proportions of Blood Cell Deficits in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors:   Department of Surgery, University of Calabar, Calabar, Udosen Joseph .E , Akwiwu Euphoria.C ,   Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria, Njar Valerie. E ,   Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria, Akpotuzor David.U ,   Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria, Akpotuzor Josephine. O ,   Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, CRS, Nigeria
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia are at the forefront of haematological derangements encountered in the management of breast cancer. However, there is a gap in knowledge regarding their degree of occurrence at different stages of chemotherapy. Methods: Longitudinal design and purposive sampling technique were adopted to enroll 50 adult female breast cancer patients who were accessing chemotherapy at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital in Calabar, Cross River State of Nigeria. Ethical approval and informed consent were duly obtained. The blood cell counts were carried out by automation. Frequencies of anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were calculated after applying cut-off point using age- and gender-specific refence ranges (<120 g/l of Haemoglobin concentration for anaemia, <4.0 x 109/l of total white blood cell count for leucopenia and <150 x 109/l of platelet count for thrombocytopenia). Results: A greater number of the subjects had anaemia with prevalence ranging from 78% at the onset to 100% by the fifth course. Leucopenia ranged from 14% at the beginning to 100% by the third course. Thrombocytopenia was not present at pre-chemotherapy stage but appeared slightly (4%) during the assessment for second treatment course and rose to 55% at the last assessment. Conclusion: This study observed increasing proportions of cytopenia in association with progressing chemotherapy. There is high prevalence of anaemia in breast cancer even before commencement of chemotherapy, while leucopenia develops more rapidly during chemotherapy.
Palavras da editora
Authors: Kopittke Cynara Cezar
Published: July 2023

A Revista Psicanálise v. 18, n. 2 traz a temática sempre controversa e atual da formação dos psicanalistas. O modelo Eitingon adotado pela maioria das sociedades, oficialmente instituído desde a década de 20 do século passado, enfrenta questionamentos quanto a sua adequação às diversas realidades socio-econômicas e culturais das instituições psicanalíticas internacionais. A exigência da frequência de quatro sessões semanais para a análise e as duas supervisões didáticas vem sendo debatida em face da conjuntura latino-americana. O Uruguai distingue- se nesse contexto, já tendo adotado um modelo próprio que aceita desde três sessões semanais. [...]
Racismo: por uma psicanálise implicada
Authors: Paim Augusto M.
Published: July 2023

Resenha do livro Racismo: por uma psicanálise implicada, de Ignácio A. Paim Filho.
bate-papo sobre Janine Puget
Authors: Trachtenberg Ana Rosa Chait
Published: July 2023

Texto transcrito e adaptado dos vídeos realizados por ocasião de duas atividades em homenagem a Janine Puget em 2021 — ESIPP Ciclo de Estudos “Mulheres que mudaram a Psicanálise” — Janine Puget, em 10 de setembro de 2021, e SBPSP III Jornada Setor de Familia e Casal, em 30 de outubro de 2021. (Webinar III) Psicanálise Vincular: a atualidade das ideias de Janine Puget.
Is it a game? (é um joguinho?)
Authors: Mello Jansy B. de Souza
Published: July 2023

Quando amigos aos quais queremos bem escrevem poemas ou pintam quadros que não apreciamos, fica-nos mais fácil separar arte e pessoa do que quando amamos uma obra e detestamos o artista que a criou, como se isto corrompesse nossa relação com a arte. [...]
Către o ediție digitală a operei lui Mihai Eminescu: alinierea in TEI-xml a versiunilor Doinei și vizualizarea cu Versioning Machine
Authors:   Universitatea „Alexandru Ioan Cuza“ din Iași, România, Patraș Roxana , Galleron Ioana ,   Universitatea Paris 3 – Sorbonne Nouvelle, Franța, Patraș Antonio ,   Universitatea „Alexandru Ioan Cuza“ din Iași, România
Published: July 2023

The present study aims to outline a conceptual framework with a view to the scholarly digital publishing of Eminescu’s literary works. In the first part, we analyze the arguments formulated by Petru Creția in Testamentul unui eminescolog and introduce three methodological principles that could serve for a new division of the material, the integration of technical solutions and the design of interface functions. In the second part, we present the arguments for dividing the early texts into two categories, corresponding to the two major sequences of Eminescu’s biography: a first phase, between 1866 and 1883, encompassing full creativity, and a second phase, covering the period 18831889, from the onset of his illness until his death. Then, we highlight the symbolic importance of the last poem published before his breakdown. Indeed, Doina is an emblematic text for Eminescu’s creativity, but it has generally been occulted by the exegesis for ideological reasons. The third part of this article is devoted to a case study: aligning the verses of Doina in TEI xml, highlighting the technical problems resulting from the collation of several sources (Perpessicius edition, facsimile) and illustrating the problems of transcription.
Schizanaliză și interpretare (I). „Semnificantul despotic”
Authors:   Institutul de Istorie și Teorie Literară „G. Călinescu”, București, România, Hanganu Laurențiu
Published: July 2023

Named by its authors “schizoanalysis”, the critique of interpretation developed by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari in Anti-Oedipus (1972) and A Thousand Plateaus (1980) – the two volumes of their work Capitalism and Schizophrenia – is a radical one. Exposed as a dead-end street, that only keeps thought trapped in the tyrannical circle of the “Signifier”, the interpretation, as the privileged expression of semiology – point out Deleuze and Guattari – corresponds to the “overcoding” made by the despotic political assemblage, which consists in the abolition of the old clanic-territorial relationships and the centralization of all social codes, followed by their subordination to a unique code, mirrored by the solar symbolism of the sovereign's power. In the same way as the imperial-despotic "social machine", which proclaims a transcendent unity as the absolute center of existence, the signifying semiotics – explain Deleuze and Guattari – is structured by removing out of the chain of signs a privileged object (“the despotic signifier”), which, in creating the illusion of a transcendence to which all the signs converge and from which all the signs seem to come, destroys the pre-signifying territorial semiotics through linearization and homogenization. Consequently, the interpretation is inevitably encumbered by all the shortcomings of the significant regime of signs: that is, above all, the rigid linearity of the system, in the perspective of which any deviation, as well as any tendency of detachment, diffusion or dispersion, appear, apriorically, as unjustified divisiveness, unnecessary detours and fateful dead ends. The “superliniarity” of semiology causes the interpretation to eliminate any autonomous “growth”, to devalue any heterogeneity, and to consider any attempt to exit the system as counterproductive and “meaningless”. At the same time, the process and the guiding vectors of interpretation are always aimed at a synthetic, hierarchical and systematizing approach, thus responding to the imperative of the despotic “machine” to appropriate all resources and to subordinate all the codes. The interpretative act is one of “overcoding”, whose semiotic-discursive function is to (re)order all signs, as well as all the judgments and arguments, according to a “central idea”, which is nothing but a representation, a projection of the “despotic signifier”. The argumentation of Deleuze and Guattari denounces interpretative thinking, be it traditional or modern, as being not only an instrument of the imperial-despotic “social machine”, but, moreover, as a faithful mirror of the state apparatus. The osmosis between thought and the state – evidenced and stimulated by the act of interpretation – is the very basis on which the symbolic power is built.
Narrative Agency in Maurice Blanchot’s Récits? A Case Study on Death Sentence and Awaiting Oblivion (I)
Authors:   Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, Ionescu Arleen
Published: July 2023

This article investigates a type of narrative that is unacknowledged by classical narratology and hardly included in postclassical narratology studies: that of lyrical and philosophical prose, often containing elements belonging to the dramatic genre. Starting from Brian McHale’s urge to address Monika Fludernik’s exclusion of poeticity from narratology and Jan Alber’s inclusion of any poem in narrativity, I use different definitions and clarifications from classical and postclassical narratology (Vladimir Propp, Greimas, Roland Barthes, Shlomith Rimmon-Kenan, Sarah Drews Lucas, Gerald Prince, James Phelan, Peter Hühn, Jens Kiefer, Hanna Meretoja, Rachel Blau DuPlessis, John Shoptaw, Samuel Caleb Wee, Roy Sommer, Manfred Jahn, Roland Weidle), also bringing elements on agency from drama (via Martin Esslin’s notion of the “Theater of the Absurd”) in order to find the best tools to explain how Blanchot’s Death Sentence and Awaiting Oblivion elude narrative agency. On the one hand, these récits challenge the usual borders between literature and philosophy and, on the other hand, they refuse taxonomic boundaries such as what we understand by literary genres. Thus, my article focuses on the lack of narrative agency in these texts, a notion that is paradoxically connected to the affirmation of passion and passivity, which characterizes the experience of literature and death alike, often in the form of the neuter. I relate Blanchot’s neuter to Emmanuel Levinas’s il y a and I discuss the formula “X without X” as not purely privative but as a pre-critical notion which Blanchot used in order to emphasize the divide passion/passivity/action/activity. While in my discussion of Death Sentence, I define the unnarratable and the difference between the two stories that make it up, completing each other and taking the reader from the realm of life to the realm of death and back to life, in the section on Awaiting Oblivion, I deal with the philosophical language and dramatic devices of the text. With a preamble on its themes: waiting, forgetting, and speaking continuously (or “blathering”, to use Samuel Beckett’s term), I finally put Awaiting Oblivion in relation to Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.
El vínculo entre el rol docente y el uso crítico de proyectos interdisciplinarios patrimoniales en la Educación Primaria: un estudio de caso de una localidad de Cataluña
Authors: Callarisa Joan , Sabido-Codina Judit
Published: July 2023

This article aims to analyze the effect of a primary school teacher’s daily work with an interdisciplinary project related to heritage on the reflective transformation of students. The research, of a longitudinal nature and with hermeneutical interpretative foundations, is a case study conducted in a primary school in a town in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia. The data were collected from non-participatory observation and interviews and structured around four dimensions of analysis: 1) environment, heritage and school open to the world, 2) interaction and construction of knowledge, 3) educational purposes and education for citizenship, and 4) the teaching role. The qualitative data were then corroborated with the free software Iramuteq. The results revealed (i) the relevance of teachers as agents of educational change in the critical formation of students; and (ii) how heritage can be an ideal backbone of interdisciplinary projects.

En el presente artículo pretendemos analizar la transformación reflexiva del alumnado a la que contribuye una maestra de educación primaria en el aula a partir de su trabajo diario con un proyecto interdisciplinario relacionado con el patrimonio. La investigación de carácter longitudinal y con fundamentos interpretativos hermenéuticos se caracteriza por ser un estudio de caso de una escuela de primaria de una localidad de Cataluña. Los datos recopilados a partir de la observación no participativa y las entrevistas se estructuraron en torno a cuatro dimensiones de análisis: 1) medio, patrimonio y escuela abierta al mundo, 2) interacción y construcción del conocimiento, 3) finalidades educativas y educación para la ciudadanía y 4) el rol docente. Seguidamente se corroboraron los datos cualitativos con el software libre Iramuteq. Los resultados han manifestado principalmente la relevancia de los docentes como agente del cambio educativo en la formación crítica de los estudiantes y han demostrado como el patrimonio puede ser un idóneo eje vertebrador de los proyectos interdisciplinarios.
Impact of Introduced Tomato Cultivars and Chemical Fungicides on the Occurrence and Intensity of Late Blight in Western Cameroon
Authors: Vincent Dietchou Paolo , Elie Keuete Kamdoum , Gaston Tsopmbeng Noumbo
Published: July 2023

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is the main constraint to tomato production and exportation in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of chemical and tomato varieties in the control of tomato Late blight in the field for the improvement of tomato production in the west region of Cameroon. Seedlings of 7 tomato varieties produced in the nursery were transplanted into pits each containing 100 g of fowl droppings and 30 g of the nematicide Carbofuran 5%. From the 21st day after transplanting, the different fungicides were applied every four days. Data were collected on the incidence, severity of the disease at different stages of plant growth and development and on yields. The results showed that the AVTO1219 and AVTO1311 varieties were less sensitive to Late blight. The control plants of AVTO1219 variety showed incidences of 7.7, 11.7 and 16.7% and severities of 1.7, 14.9 and 17.2% in the vegetative, flowering and fruiting phases respectively. Control plants of CLN1462A, CLN1464A, CLN1464B, RIOGRANDE 2 and RIOGRANDE + varieties showed incidence of 100% from the flowering phase. Control plants of varieties AVTO1213 (17.29 t ha-1) and AVTO1311 (11.33 t ha-1) produced the highest yields. Bonsoin was the more effective fungicide and AVTO1311 was the more effective variety to manage disease. However, the combination of Bonsoin with the AVTO1219 and AVTO1311 varieties was most effective in controlling late blight of tomatoes in the field. These results suggest that to improve tomato production, Late blight resistant varieties should be used and effective fungicides applied as treatments.
Consequences and Opportunities From Poor Uptake of COVID Vaccinations Despite Strong Evidence
Authors: Califf Robert M.
Published: January 2025

This Viewpoint examines poor uptake of the annual updated COVID vaccines among US residents despite strong evidence of their effectiveness in lowering the risk of death, serious illness, and hospitalization.
Reservoir‐Type Subcutaneous Implantable Devices Containing Porous Rate Controlling Membranes for Sustained Delivery of Risperidone
Authors: Li Linlin , Permana Andi Dian , Domínguez‐Robles Juan , Amir Muh Nur , Habibie Habibie , Anjani Qonita Kurnia , Zhao Li , Moreno‐Castellanos Natalia , Donnelly Ryan F , Larrañeta Eneko
Published: January 2025

Implantable drug delivery systems are crucial for achieving sustained delivery of active compounds to specific sites or systemic circulation. In this study, a novel reservoir‐type implant combining a biodegradable rate‐controlling membrane with a drug‐containing core prepared using direct compression techniques is developed. The membrane is composed of poly(caprolactone) (PCL), and risperidone (RIS) served as the model drug. Characterization of both membranes and direct compressed pellets includes hardness testing, optical coherence tomography, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and surface morphology observation. In vitro release studies of RIS reveal that higher drug loading in the pellets extended‐release duration up to 70 days when incorporated into membranes with four layers. Increasing the number of membrane layers slows the release rate further, ranging from 70 to 170 days depending on membrane thickness. Biocompatibility studies demonstrate that these implantable devices are non‐toxic and biocompatible with cells in vitro. In vivo studies conduct in male Wistar rats demonstrate sustained release of RIS, with plasma levels showing a significant increase post‐implantation at a relatively constant rate for up to 49 days. These results indicate that the developed implants have the potential to provide long‐acting drug delivery to the systemic circulation.
Perovskite‐Based Smart Eyeglasses as Noncontact Human–Computer Interaction
Authors: Hu Yuming , Wu Tingqing , Guo Haole , Xie Hongfei , Chen Sisi , Chen Sihan , Xue Tangyue , Guo Lutong , Wang Liwei , Pan Qi , Zhang Zeying , Wang Huadong , Lian Zewei , Han Teng , Song Yanlin , Su Meng
Published: January 2025

More than 70% of human information comes from vision. The eye is one of the most attractive sensing sites to collect biological parameters. However, it is urgent to develop a cost‐effective and easy‐to‐use approach to monitor eyeball information in a minimally invasive way instead of current smart contact lenses or camera‐based eyeglasses. Here, the biomimetic mineralization strategy is developed to prepare large‐grained perovskite film on the glass with prepared ITO electrodes, which displays the on–off ratio close to 300 times at 500 Lux light intensity, and the responsiveness reaches 22.09 A W−1. The smart eyeglasses composed of perovskite‐based photodetectors can directly convert the visual stimuli from the reflective light of eyeballs into electrical signals in all light circumstances. After scaling up the pretraining data and the model size, the smart eyeglasses achieve the noncontact monitoring of the eyeball movement with the recognition angle of 5°, which can be used to unobtrusively drive the model car with great freedom. The smart eyeglasses based on the perovskite photodetectors provide cost‐effective approaches for monitoring eyeball movements, which will show great potential in the applications of man‐machine control, augmented reality, individual healthcare, etc.
Paradigm Enhancement of White‐Light Responsive NIR‐II Photoluminescence via Toroidal Energy Migration
Authors: Liu Haikuo , Dai Mengmeng , Li Kejie , Xu Hanyu , Wei Yanling , Fu Zuoling
Published: January 2025

Near‐infrared II (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) lanthanide‐doped fluorescent probes provide a powerful new tool for existing clinical biomedical sensing and imaging. However, it is impeded in practical applications by its specific high‐energy laser source. Herein, a white‐light responsive Ce3+‐mediated toroidal energy migration downshifting topological core–shell structure NIR‐IIb (1500–1700 nm) fluorescent probe is reported. It is found that Ce3+ doping enhances the NIR downshifting luminescence of the Ho3+ and Nd3+, thereby increasing the energy‐transferred Yb3+ luminescence. The NaCeF4 core is able to further facilitate the crossrelaxation between the intermediate‐shell layer of Er3+ and Ce3+ through the outward‐to‐inward core–shell topology, enhancing the 1527 nm luminescence to form the toroidal energy migration paradigm. Additionally, the luminescence of Er3⁺ exhibits strong temperature dependence, enabling superior temperature sensing under multiple light sources. Under low‐power white light source, the relative sensitivity (Sr) can reach up to 0.57% K−1, with a minimum temperature uncertainty (δT) of 0.2 K. Moreover, portable light conversion using highly efficient white‐light responsive emission in NIR‐II region enables noninjectable intravenous imaging and food inspection. This toroidal energy migration strategy provides a new direction for lanthanide energy harvesting and multisource NIR applications.
Nitrogen‐Oxygen Co‐Functionalized Waste Cassava Peel‐Derived Carbon Dots for White Led
Authors: George Jelby , Balachandran Manoj
Published: January 2025

White light emitting diodes (WLEDs) are most sought after, with the broad spectra ranging from cool to warm white light being skillfully utilized to create various modes of lighting effects. The fabrication of WLEDs is generally sophisticated, involving either multiple components emitting in different regions or single‐component phosphors with complex elemental compositions. In the present work, WLEDs utilizing solvent‐tuned carbon dots derived from waste cassava peel are reported through a facile one‐step microwave‐assisted solvothermal method. The carbon dots show evident UV absorption and correspondingly emit broad visible light spectra when dispersed in a dimethylformamide (DMF)‐polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend, making themselves suitable white light–emitting down conversion materials. The successful transformation of a 400 nm UV LED into a WLED with a general colour rendering index (CRI) of 83 and colour correlation temperature (CCT) of 4426 K gives a promising future outlook toward developing eco and economic‐friendly WLEDs.
Thermoelectric Performance Predictions Combining Experiments with Multi‐Band Modelling
Authors: Agrawal Bharti , Dasgupta Titas
Published: January 2025

The search for high‐performance thermoelectric (TE) materials requires accurate property predictions and the development of analytical models to mimic the temperature dependent charge and heat transport in semiconductors. This is a non‐trivial task as most thermoelectric materials have complex electronic band structures with multiple bands contributing to charge transport. In this work, it is shown that using a combination of experiments and a recently developed multi‐band modelling technique, it is possible to accurately predict the temperature and doping dependent properties of TE materials. The steps involved are experimental data collection, model parameter generation, and data interpolation. The methodology is elaborated using the example of Mg2Si0.3Sn0.7 which is a high‐performance, low‐cost thermoelectric material. 3‐D maps of power factor and thermoelectric figure of merit () are generated as a function of temperature and doping concentration. Model validation is carried out for a randomly prepared composition which yields maximum deviations of ±10% in the and the power factor plots. The results highlight the potential of this tool for rapid screening of high‐performance compositions.
Electronic Structure Modulation in N, P, S Tri‐Doped Nanofibers with Interpenetrated Pores for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Xu Xiao , Wu Hongliang , Yan Yan , Zheng Yong , Yan Yusheng , Qiu Siqi , Liang Tao , Deng Chenyuan , Yao Yuechao , Zou Jizhao , Liu Mingkai
Published: January 2025

Multi‐heteroatom‐doped metal‐free carbons with well‐tailored electronic structures are regarded as promising oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. However, their active sites are often hindered by the carbon matrix, resulting in reduced catalytic activity. Herein, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur tri‐doped hollow hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers (NPS‐HPCNFs) with interpenetrated pores are synthesized using a facile coaxial electrospinning method. The distinctive steric confinement induced by the interpenetrated pores created a positive microenvironment for the ORR. As a result, the resultant NPS‐HPCNF catalyst exhibits a half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.86 V (vs. RHE) and superb long‐term stability in 0.1 m KOH. Furthermore, the zinc‐air battery (ZAB) assembled with NPS‐HPCNF achieves a great peak power density of 210 mW cm−2 and a superior specific capacity of 795 mAh g−1, outperforming the commercial Pt/C candidate. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the synergistic effect of the N, P, S tri‐doping combined with defect sites effectively regulated the electronic structure and significantly enhanced the *OOH adsorption, thus accelerating the ORR process. Therefore, the tri‐doped carbon nanofibers with abundant interpenetrated pores represent a promising and eco‐friendly alternative to state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C electrocatalysts for various electrochemical energy applications.
Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations: Vascular cognitive impairment, 7th edition practice guidelines update, 2024
Authors: Swartz Richard H. , Longman R. Stewart , Lindsay M. Patrice , Lund Rebecca , Ganesh Aravind , Eskes Gail A. , Austin Melissa , Bechard Lauren E. , Bhangu Jaspreet , Bruto Venera C. , Carter Sherri , Chow Nelly , Deschaintre Yan , Fedorchuk Kathleen , Fellows Lesley , Foley Norine , Greer Lee‐Anne , Lee Douglas S. , Leonard Carol , Patel Ronak , Poonyania Sepideh , Poulin Valerie , Quraishi Fatima , Roach Pamela , Shoniker Tricia , Tuchak Carmen , Mountain Anita , Martin Chelsy , Smith Eric E. ,   the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations Advisory Committee, in collaboration with the Canadian Stroke Consortium, Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation, and CanStroke Recovery Trials Platform
Published: January 2025

The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations (CSPR) 7th edition includes this new module on the diagnosis and management of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) with or without neurodegenerative disease. An expert writing group and people with VCI lived experience (PWLE) reviewed current evidence. Existing recommendations were reviewed and revised, and new recommendations added. Sections include definitions, signs and symptoms, screening, assessment, diagnosis, pharmacological and non‐pharmacological management, secondary prevention, rehabilitation, and end‐of‐life care. PWLE were actively involved in all aspects of the development, ensuring their experiences are integrated. A unique VCI journey map, developed by PWLE, is included, and helped to motivate and anchor the recommendations. We encourage it to be displayed across healthcare settings to raise awareness and support persons with VCI. These VCI CSBPRs emphasize the need for integrated multidisciplinary care across the continuum. Evidence for the diagnosis and management of VCI continues to emerge and gaps in knowledge should drive future research.

Highlights

This Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations module focuses specifically on VCI using a structured framework and validated methodology.

A comprehensive set of evidence‐based recommendations is presented that addresses the continuum from symptom onset to diagnosis, management, and end of life.

The recommendations consider individuals who experience VCI because of stroke or because of other vascular pathologies such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure.

A journey map of an individual's experience with VCI has been developed by individuals with lived experience. It is a valuable guide to inform educational content, approaches to caring for individuals and families with VCI, and systems planning.
Searching for responders to multidomain dementia prevention in late life: A pooled analysis of individual participant data from the MAPT and preDIVA trials
Authors: Coley Nicola , Hoevenaar‐Blom Marieke P. , Shourick Jason , van Charante Eric P. Moll , van Dalen Jan‐Willem , van Gool Willem A. , Richard Edo , Andrieu Sandrine ,   the preDIVA study group and the MAPT/IHU HealthAge Open Science group
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

It is unknown in which, if any, subgroups of older adults multidomain interventions are effective at reducing long‐term dementia incidence.

METHODS

We pooled up to 12 years of follow‐up data from 5205 participants aged > 70 from the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial (MAPT) and Prevention of Dementia by Intensive Vascular Care (preDIVA) studies. The primary outcome was incident all‐cause dementia. Pre‐specified subgroups were defined by dementia risk factors (age, sex, education, apolipoprotein E [APOE] genotype, cognitive status, and cardiovascular risk factors).

RESULTS

Four hundred eighty‐six participants developed dementia during 37,782 person‐years of follow‐up. Higher incidence was associated with baseline age, APOE ε4 genotype, physical inactivity, Mini‐Mental State Examination, and blood pressure. Multidomain intervention had no effect on incident dementia overall (hazard ratio = 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.80–1.21), or in any pre‐specified subgroup. A recursive partitioning algorithm also did not detect any subgroups, defined by single or multiple risk factors, showing a differential intervention effect.

DISCUSSION

We did not identify any subgroups of older adults in whom multidomain interventions significantly reduced incident dementia.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

MAPT: NCT00672685 (clinicaltrials.gov); PreDIVA: ISRCTN29711771 (ISRCTN registry)

Highlights

We pooled up to 12 years of follow‐up data from two multidomain prevention trials.

Five thousand two hundred five participants aged ≥ 70 were included.

Subgroups were pre‐defined by modifiable and non‐modifiable dementia risk factors.

A data‐driven recursive partitioning algorithm was also used.

Multidomain intervention did not lower incident dementia overall or in any subgroup.
Neural deterioration and compensation in visual short‐term memory among individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Xie Ye , Zhao Tinghao , Zhang Wei , Chen Qi , Qiu Anqi , Li Yunxia , Ku Yixuan
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

Visual short‐term memory (VSTM) is a critical indicator of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but whether its neural substrates could adapt to early disease progression and contribute to cognitive resilience in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) has been unclear.

METHODS

Fifty‐five aMCI patients and 68 normal controls (NC) performed a change‐detection task and underwent multimodal neuroimaging scanning.

RESULTS

Among the atrophic brain regions in aMCI, VSTM performance correlated with the volume of the right prefrontal cortex (PFC) but not the medial temporal lobe (MTL), and this correlation was mainly present in patients with greater MTL atrophy. Furthermore, VSTM was primarily correlated with frontal structural connectivity in aMCI but was correlated with more distributed frontal and MTL connectivity in NC.

DISCUSSION

This study provided evidence on neural adaptation in the precursor stages of AD, highlighting the compensatory role of PFC as MTL deteriorated and suggesting potential targets in early intervention for cognitive preservation.

Highlights

Atrophic left medial temporal lobe (MTL) no longer correlated with visual short‐term memory (VSTM) in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).

Atrophic right middle frontal area continued to correlate with VSTM in aMCI.

Frontal brain–behavior correlation was mainly present in the aMCI subgroup with greater medial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy.

Reliance of VSTM on frontal connectivity increased in compensation for MTL dysfunction.