bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key processes required for the different stages of fungal carnivory by a nematode-trapping fungus
Authors: Lin Hung-Che , de Ulzurrun Guillermo Vidal-Diez , Chen Sheng-An , Yang Ching-Ting , Tay Rebecca J. , Iizuka Tomoyo , Huang Tsung-Yu , Kuo Chih-Yen , Gonçalves A. Pedro , Lin Siou-Ying , Chang Yu-Chu , Stajich Jason E. , Schwarz Erich M. , Hsueh Yen-Ping
Published: November 2023

Nutritional deprivation triggers a switch from a saprotrophic to predatory lifestyle in soil-dwelling nematode-trapping fungi (NTF). In particular, the NTF Arthrobotrys oligospora secretes food and sex cues to lure nematodes to its mycelium and is triggered to develop specialized trapping devices. Captured nematodes are then invaded and digested by the fungus, thus serving as a food source. In this study, we examined the transcriptomic response of A. oligospora across the stages of sensing, trap development, and digestion upon exposure to the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. A. oligospora enacts a dynamic transcriptomic response, especially of protein secretion–related genes, in the presence of prey. Two-thirds of the predicted secretome of A. oligospora was up-regulated in the presence of C. elegans at all time points examined, and among these secreted proteins, 38.5% are predicted to be effector proteins. Furthermore, functional studies disrupting the t-SNARE protein Sso2 resulted in impaired ability to capture nematodes. Additionally, genes of the DUF3129 family, which are expanded in the genomes of several NTF, were highly up-regulated upon nematode exposure. We observed the accumulation of highly expressed DUF3129 proteins in trap cells, leading us to name members of this gene family as Trap Enriched Proteins (TEPs). Gene deletion of the most highly expressed TEP gene, TEP1, impairs the function of traps and prevents the fungus from capturing prey efficiently. In late stages of predation, we observed up-regulation of a variety of proteases, including metalloproteases. Following penetration of nematodes, these metalloproteases facilitate hyphal growth required for colonization of prey. These findings provide insights into the biology of the predatory lifestyle switch in a carnivorous fungus and provide frameworks for other fungal–nematode predator–prey systems.
Bayesian accounts of perceptual decisions in the nonclinical continuum of psychosis: Greater imprecision in both top-down and bottom-up processes
Authors: Goodwin Isabella , Kugel Joshua , Hester Robert , Garrido Marta I.
Published: November 2023

Neurocomputational accounts of psychosis propose mechanisms for how information is integrated into a predictive model of the world, in attempts to understand the occurrence of altered perceptual experiences. Conflicting Bayesian theories postulate aberrations in either top-down or bottom-up processing. The top-down theory predicts an overreliance on prior beliefs or expectations resulting in aberrant perceptual experiences, whereas the bottom-up theory predicts an overreliance on current sensory information, as aberrant salience is directed towards objectively uninformative stimuli. This study empirically adjudicates between these models. We use a perceptual decision-making task in a neurotypical population with varying degrees of psychotic-like experiences. Bayesian modelling was used to compute individuals’ reliance on prior relative to sensory information. Across two datasets (discovery dataset n = 363; independent replication in validation dataset n = 782) we showed that psychotic-like experiences were associated with an overweighting of sensory information relative to prior expectations, which seem to be driven by decreased precision afforded to prior information. However, when prior information was more uncertain, participants with greater psychotic-like experiences encoded sensory information with greater noise. Greater psychotic-like experiences were associated with aberrant precision in the encoding both prior and likelihood information, which we suggest may be related to generally heightened perceptions of task instability. Our study lends empirical support to notions of both weaker bottom-up and weaker (rather than stronger) top-down perceptual processes, as well as aberrancies in belief updating that extend into the non-clinical continuum of psychosis.
Health professionals’ knowledge on dengue and health facility preparedness for case detection: A cross-sectional study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Mustafa Ummul-khair , Sauli Elingarami , Brinkel Johanna , Kreppel Katharina Sophia
Published: November 2023

Dengue presents a growing public health concern in the Dar es Salaam region of Tanzania, marked by the recurring incidence of outbreaks. Unfortunately, there is little information available on the region’s preparedness in terms of health care workers’ knowledge on dengue as well as the availability of reagents and equipment essential for diagnosing and monitoring of dengue infections. To elucidate this, 78 health facilities were visited in Temeke district and structured questionnaires were distributed to 324 health care workers. The aim was to evaluate health care workers’ knowledge on dengue and to assess the availability of reagents and equipment essential for diagnosing and monitoring of dengue infections. Content validity of the questionnaire was achieved through extensive literature review and it exhibited high reliability (Cronbach Alpha coefficient = 0.813). Cumulative scores for responses on knowledge questions by health care workers were computed. Characteristics such as level of education, place of work and gender were tested for association with these scores using chi-square tests and logistics regression. Almost all health care workers (99.7%) were aware of dengue disease. However, less than half (46.9%) had knowledge scores of or over 40%. Clinicians had approximately four times higher knowledge scores than other cadres (AOR, 3.637; p-value≤ 0.0001), and those who worked in private facilities had twice the knowledge score than those working in government institutions (AOR, 2.071; p-value = 0.007). Only 8.6%, 35.6% and 14.7% of respondents reported the availability of dengue rapid tests, medical guidelines and refresher training respectively, showing a lack of health facilities readiness for the detection of dengue infections. Based on findings from this study, we recommend government authorities to build capacity of health care workers, to improve their understanding of dengue. We also urge the government and stakeholders to work together to ensure availability of diagnostic tests and other tools needed for diagnosis and surveillance of dengue.
Skin-lightening products and Jordanian women: Beliefs and practice. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayyash Manal , Jaber Kamel , Nassar Razan I. , Fino Leen , Mango Lana , Abuodeh Alaa
Published: November 2023

Background

The use of skin-lightening products (SLPs) among Jordanian women has immensely increased and healthcare professionals have a vital role in raising public awareness of SLPs. The aim of this study is to identify SLPs practices among Jordanian women and their basic knowledge of the agents and the side effects associated with using these products.

Methods

A cross-sectional study conducted during October to December of 2022. Jordanian women above 18 years of age were invited to participate via a survey link. Descriptive statistics were used, and logistic regression was applied to screen for variables affecting the knowledge score of the participants.

Results

The mean age of the study participants (n = 384) was 32.04 (SD = 12.678). Results demonstrated that more than half of the participants (n = 193) reported current or past use of SLPs. Additionally, less than one-fifth (18.2%) of the participants (n = 70) reported previously experiencing some side-effects after using SLPs. About 90% of participants thought that these side-effects were caused by the active ingredients in SLPs. Most of the participants were able to identify some of the active ingredients used in SLPs such as Vitamin C (87.8%) and Hydroquinone (62.0%). It was also found that young participants, and those employed, or university students had higher knowledge scores of SLPs’ active ingredients, and of their side-effects.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that Jordanian women are adequately informed about skin-lightening products. Moreover, the practices revealed an educated pattern of action when obtaining information regarding SLPs. Fundamentally, healthcare providers should be influential in educating consumers on the proper use. Strict guidelines and policies should target the practices concerned with these products.
Lifestyle behaviours and associated factors among people with type 2 diabetes attending a diabetes clinic in Ningbo, China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Carter Naomi , Li Jialin , Xu Miao , Li Li , Xu Shengnan , Fan Xuelan , Zhu Shuyan , Chahal Prit , Chattopadhyay Kaushik
Published: November 2023

The burden of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in China is significant and growing, and this is reflected in high rates of T2DM in the city of Ningbo, China. Consequent impacts on morbidity, mortality, healthcare expenditure, and health-related quality of life, make this a problem of the utmost importance to address. One way to improve T2DM outcomes is to address lifestyle behaviours that may affect prognosis and complications, such as physical activity levels, dietary habits, smoking status, and alcohol intake. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken to describe the prevalence of being physically active, having a healthy diet, currently smoking, and currently drinking alcohol among people living with T2DM attending a diabetes clinic in Ningbo, China. Regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with these lifestyle behaviours. We found a high prevalence of a healthy diet (97.8%, 95% CI 96.5–98.7%). Prevalence of being physically active (83.4%, 95% CI 80.6–85.9%), smoking (21.6%, 95% CI 18.8–24.6%), and alcohol drinking (32.9%. 95% CI 29.6–36.2%) appeared in keeping with those of the general population. Marked associations were demonstrated between male sex and smoking (OR 41.1, 95% CI 16.2–139.0), and male sex and alcohol drinking (OR 4.00, 95% CI 2.62–6.20). Correlation between lifestyle factors was demonstrated including between alcohol drinking and smoking, and between physical activity and reduced smoking. General diabetes self-management education programmes that address multiple lifestyle risk factors simultaneously may be beneficial in this population. Specific interventions targeting smoking cessation and reduction in alcohol drinking may be of benefit to men living with T2DM attending a diabetes clinic in Ningbo.
Paisajes del retorno en la obra literaria de Georgia Makhlouf
Authors: Mangada Cañas Beatriz Cristina
Published: November 2023

Periodista y escritora, Georgia Makhlouf es originaria de El Líbano donde nace en 1955. Su obra de ficción se compone hasta la fecha de dos novelas, un texto en prosa poética, una novela corta y un ensayo. El análisis comparado que se llevará a cabo entre su primera publicación Éclats de mémoire. Beyrouth. Fragments d'enfance (2005) y su novela Les Absents (2014) nos permitirá mostrar de qué modo el entramado de referencias al paisaje natural o urbano excede la mera función narrativa de decorado espacial, convirtiéndolas en elementos de una poética del retorno, en paisajes de una cartografía personal. La escritura logra favorecer el regreso a un imaginario en el que confluyen recuerdos felices y confesiones necesarias, pero también la expresión de la experiencia del desplazamiento y su proyección en paisajes literarios.
Enzymatic Isolation, Amplification and Characterization of Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Pilbauerova Nela , Soukup T. , Suchánková Kleplová T. , Suchánek J.
Published: November 2023

The dental pulp represents an easily accessible source of adult dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). The preferred approach to DPSC isolation is enzymatic digestion. However, the duration of the enzymatic activity is crucial. The purpose of this study was to isolate the DPSC populations using this method, characterize their biological properties and proliferation capacity, and to determine their ability to differentiate into mature cells. Before enzymatic digestion using 0.05% trypsin, we used the homogenization method in order to obtain a fine homogenate from the solid pulp tissue. The stem cells were cultivated in modified cultivation medium for mesenchymal adult progenitor cells containing 2% foetal bovine serum, growth factors and insulin-transferrin-selenium supplement. We were successfully able to isolate 10 populations of DPSCs. The vitality of DPSCs did not drop below 90 %. However, the DPSCs showed a significant decrease in the relative telomere length number with increasing passaging (P < 0.05). Isolated DPSCs highly expressed the CD markers: CD29, CD44, CD90, CD13, CD73 and CD166. In contrast, CD markers CD31, CD106, CD34 and CD45 were negative or low positive. We confirmed the high osteogenic and chondrogenic potential of the isolated stem cells. Isolated DPSCs did not show signs of cell degeneration or spontaneous differentiation during the entire cultivation. In addition, we were able to shorten the enzyme activity duration, and we were the first to demonstrate trypsin as the enzyme used for the enzymatic digestion method with the viability over 90 % of isolated DPSCs using this method.
Review of SRD5A3 Disease-Causing Sequence Variants and Ocular Findings in Steroid 5α-Reductase Type 3 Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation, and a Detailed New Case
Authors: Kousal B. , Honzík T. , Hansíková H. , Ondrušková N. , Čechová A. , Tesařová M. , Stránecký V. , Meliška M. , Michaelides M. , Lišková Petra
Published: November 2023

Steroid 5α-reductase type 3 congenital disorder of glycosylation (SRD5A3-CDG) is a severe metabolic disease manifesting as muscle hypotonia, developmental delay, cerebellar ataxia and ocular symptoms; typically, nystagmus and optic disc pallor. Recently, early onset retinal dystrophy has been reported as an additional feature. In this study, we summarize ocular phenotypes and SRD5A3 variants reported to be associated with SRD5A3-CDG. We also describe in detail the ophthalmic findings in a 12-year-old Czech child harbouring a novel homozygous variant, c.436G>A, p.(Glu146Lys) in SRD5A3. The patient was reviewed for congenital nystagmus and bilateral optic neuropathy diagnosed at 13 months of age. Examination by spectral domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence imaging showed clear signs of retinal dystrophy not recognized until our investigation. Best corrected visual acuity was decreased to 0.15 and 0.16 in the right and left eye, respectively, with a myopic refractive error of –3.0 dioptre sphere (DS) / –2.5 dioptre cylinder (DC) in the right and –3.0 DS / –3.0 DC in the left eye. The proband also had optic head nerve drusen, which have not been previously observed in this syndrome.
Deciduous and evergreen tree responses to enhanced UV-B treatment during three years
Authors: Trošt Sedej Tadeja , Rupar Dušan
Published: November 2023

This paper reports a study of the strategies in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) for coping with enhanced UV-B radiation. Trees, as plants in general, possess diverse systems which respond to UV-B radiation. Changes in physiology, biochemistry and morphology have been observed in trees under enhanced UV-B radiation. The efficiency of trees’ UV-B protective systems depends on plant characteristics and state of development as well as can be correlated with the UV-B dose and the environmental conditions. The two tree species were exposed outdoors to enhanced UV-B simulating 17% ozone depletion for three years during which time, selected parameters were monitored. Selected physiological parameters were monitored three times a year on beech leaves and three needle age classes of spruce. Spruce and beech exhibited great variability in the amounts of chlorophyll, methanol-soluble UV-B and UV-A absorbing compounds, and optimum quantum yield of photosystem II. The effects of UV-B radiation also varied with needle and leaf development stage and interaction with environmental conditions. Enhanced UV-B radiation triggered responses in both trees and a reduced negative effect of UV-B radiation on spruce photochemical efficiency was observed during prolonged drought. The results show high UV-B tolerance of both tree species and indicate the complexity of plant response to UV-B, involving multilevel interactions with environmental factors and thus emphasizes the necessity of long-term investigations on trees in a natural ecosystem.
Remote Speech Therapy in the Opinions of Speech Therapists
Authors: Dolińska Dominika
Published: November 2023

The article presents the findings of a study that aimed to explore the opinion of speech therapists regarding remote speech therapy. The study was conducted between January and March of 2023 and the data was collected through a quantitative method via a diagnostic survey. The sample comprised 62 speech therapists with varying levels of work experience and geographical locations. The outcomes indicated that speech therapists generally held a negative opinion of remote speech therapy, perceiving it as more problematic and limiting than beneficial. Most respondents had not participated in online training or courses aimed at improving their qualifications in remote speech therapy, which could potentially influence their attitudes towards it. The study suggests the need to develop and share practical tips on remote speech therapy to better prepare specialists for a possible transition to remote modes of service delivery.
Effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma on new bone formation and viability of a Marburg bone graft
Authors: Saginova Dina , Tashmetov Elyarbek , Tuleubaev Berik , Kamyshanskiy Yevgeniy
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to compare the new bone formation, the process of remodeling, and the viability of bone grafts, using a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Marburg bone graft versus bone grafts without any additional elements. For this study, 48 rabbits (with 24 rabbits in each group) were used. Bone defects were made in the femur, and the bone graft used was the human femoral head prepared according to the Marburg Bone Bank. Rabbits were divided into the following groups: heat-treated bone graft (HTBG group) and HTBG with PRP (HTBG + PRP group). After 14, 30, and 60 days post-surgery, the assessment of the results involved X-ray, histopathological, and histomorphometric analyses. The greater new bone formation was detected in the HTBG + PRP group on the 14 and 30 day (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the group using bone grafts with PRP demonstrated notably enhanced remodeling, characterized by stronger bone integration, more significant graft remineralization, and a circular pattern of newly formed bone. The PRP–bone graft complex improves bone tissue repair in the bone defect in the initial stages of bone regeneration. PRP has been identified to enhance the remodeling process and amplify the osteoconductive and osteoinductive capabilities of HTBGs.
Toward the total semiotic fact
Authors: Pennycook Alastair
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the quest for an account of the total linguistic or semiotic fact. Speech act theory, sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology, and social semiotics have all attempted, in various ways and at various times, to find a way to describe as much as possible what is going on around any speech event. While this search for the total linguistic fact will always be a chimerical goal, this paper draws on the inspirational work of Jan Blommaert to suggest a framework for moving in this direction. The acronym SEMIOSIS points to the complexity of what is at play, comprising social relations, emotional and affective domains, multilingual practices, iterative activity, objects and assemblages, spatial repertoires, interactivity, and sensory relations. Looking at data from a small Bangladeshi-run store in Tokyo, the paper shows how bringing in this wider set of concerns allows a more comprehensive account of semiotic moments.
Introducing the Prague School: efforts of Chinese linguists in the past half-century
Authors: Qu Changliang
Published: November 2023

The Prague School of Linguistics is one of the most important groups in the history of twentieth-century structuralism. Ever since Qixiang Cen wrote on it at the end of the 1950s in his book on the history of linguistics, it has continued to attract the interest of Chinese linguists. This essay explores the half-century in which the Prague School was introduced and studied in China and aims to identify the features of the three stages of these linguists’ efforts.
The Interpretation Matter in Smart (Legal) Contracts: Possible Answers from a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Petrosino Francesco
Published: November 2023

The present article is grounded in the following inquiry: are the rules concerning contractual interpretation provided by codified regulations or developed by jurisprudence for private law contracts also applicable to smart legal contracts? This question will be addressed through the utilization of a comparative research methodology, taking into account the trends embraced by scholars as well as by courts in both common law and civil law systems. In conclusion, and based on these methodological premises, various solutions present themselves to the interpreter, including the non-complete exclusion of the non-complete exclusion of the interpretative model based on the so-called contextualist theory. A similar theoretical approach would allow for an efficient synthesis between the more ambiguous legal expressions and the use of technological language.
Exploring Judicial Interpretation: Comparative Law Methodology and the Hybridisation Paradigm
Authors: Bergomi Caterina
Published: November 2023

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) interprets directives and regulations, forming what will be called a hybrid space where national legal systems and supranational elements converge, particularly when asserting the autonomy of a notion. Comparative law has supported legal norm harmonisation but has also revealed the diversity within legal systems, including the EU’s, through the study of legal formants. The goal of this contribution is to show how a comparative approach, incorporating the concept of hybridity from other disciplines, can aid in analysing autonomous interpretation and the influence of hybridisation on legal concepts and terminology.
Private Property and the Commons: The Case Study of Water Distribution in Persian Qanats
Authors: Hejazi Sara
Published: November 2023

Although the geographical area historically known as “Persia” has never been properly a “fertile land”, water shortage did not represent a problem for the diverse and multiple populations that inhabited the Iranian Plateau throughout millennia. The ancient Persian civilization could flourish thanks to sophisticated water knowledge and water management strategies that allowed it to become the dominating culture of the vast Persian Empire, which by the year 500 BC, extended from the borders of India to the western coasts of Minor Asia and the Caucasus. Even after the fall of the empire, the successive populations could live in arid areas thanks to an ancient system of water provision and management called “Qanat”. Qanats not only provided water from an underneath water spring to desert lands and remote areas of the region; they also reflected a specific “water cultural system” based on sharing and managing water as a common good. The paper will discuss how water shortage in present day Iran is, on the one hand, related to a progressive abandonment of the Qanats system, substituted by the use of modern irrigation systems, the privatization of water and the progressive abandonment of the common. On the other hand, this abandonment is related with dramatic cultural change and weakening of community identity, impacting the sustainability of human life in the Iranian Plateau’s arid areas.
Sunflower hybrids productivity depending on the rates of mineral fertilizers in the south of Ukraine
Authors: Sydiakina Olena , Ivaniv Mykola
Published: November 2023

Areas of sunflower cultivation in Ukraine, Europe, and the world have significantly increased over the past decade, along with an increase in crop yield, largely due to the development of new varieties and hybrids resistant to various abiotic stresses and extreme environmental conditions. The mineral nutrition background is also an important element of sunflower cultivation technology. The influence of mineral fertilizer rates on the productivity of new early-maturing and medium-early sunflower hybrids was the focus of research conducted during 2020–2021 on dark chestnut soils in the southern region of Ukraine. The results of the study showed that optimization of the mineral nutrition background contributed to increased plant height and leaf area. Both indicators were maximized for the cultivation of Alambra KS and Blyutuz hybrids with the application of fertilizers at the rate of N90P60. These experimental variants also ensured the formation of the maximum level of seed yield (3.05 t/ha for Alambra KS hybrid; 3.39 t/ha for Blyutuz hybrid) and the highest indicators of profitability per 1 kg of active substance of fertilizers (0.35 tons for Alambra KS hybrid; 0.45 tons for Blyutuz hybrid). The mineral nutrition background had little effect on the oil content in sunflower seeds. With an increase in the nitrogen fertilizer rate on the phosphorus background, the oil content in the seeds slightly decreased. However, the experimental variants differed in terms of conditional oil output per hectare of sunflower cultivation. Among early-maturing hybrids, the Alambra KS hybrid showed a higher value for this indicator, while among medium-early hybrids, it was the Blyutuz hybrid. The most effective rate of mineral fertilizers in terms of oil output was determined to be N90P60. Based on the results of the study on dark chestnut soils in the southern region of Ukraine, it is recommended to cultivate the Alambra KS hybrid among early-maturing sunflower hybrids and the Blyutuz hybrid among medium-early hybrids, with the application of mineral fertilizers at the rate of N90P60.
Theoretical Considerations on AI-based Business Models for Lexicography
Authors: Køhler Simonsen Henrik
Published: November 2023

AI-generated text production is on the rise Zandan (2020), and AI writers seem to be playing an increasingly important role in marketing, L2 text production, lexicography and language teaching, cf. Simonsen (2020b; 2021a; 2022a; 2022b; Sharples/Pérez Y Pérez 2022; ChatGPT 2023; RYTR 2023; Writewithlaika 2023). In addition to that large national language datasets are being developed in many countries, cf. for example Kirchmeier et al. (2020), and these national word registers are expected to become an important backbone in AI-based lexicographic services. On this background, there seems to be a need for AI-based business models for lexicography. This article draws on a literature review focussing on business models and business-related considerations of relevance for lexicography. The insights from the literature review led to the development of a number of theoretical considerations on AI-based business models for lexicography. The article suggests three AI-based business models for different types of lexicography and demonstrates how these business models could be implemented in three concrete projects.
Bringing it all home: using local resources in teachers’ professional development
Authors: Langan Elise , Lawrence Salika A.
Published: November 2023

Teachers need opportunities to explore the communities in which they teach to understand how the local contexts can be used to enhance the curriculum. Professional development that focuses on ways to integrate local primary sources into the social studies curriculum can help teachers plan authentic lessons for students to learn about their community. This qualitative study examined how nine social studies teachers who participated in a professional development program on place-based education made linkages between local and global events in their unit planning. Semi-structured interviews, field notes, and lesson plans were analyzed to learn how a professional development program impacted teachers’ practice. Findings indicate that most teachers were able to design and implement units that either explicitly or implicitly connected global events to local experiences. Results suggest that instructional shifts are required to help teachers design inquiry-based instruction to understand how to use local primary sources to open up spaces for students to ask questions about their communities.
An overview of hydrogen production from Al-based materials
Authors: Sun Liang , Ji Xiongshuai , Zhou Yong , Li Hang , Zhai Wenyan , Chen Biqiang , Dong Hui , Liu Yanmin , Wang Tengwei
Published: November 2023

A profound overview of the recent development for on-time, on-demand hydrogen production from light metal-based hydrolysis is presented. Hydrogen energy is one of the clean and renewable energy sources which has been recognized as an alternative to fossil fuels. In addition, aluminum is the most suitable light activity metal for hydrolysis materials attributed to its safety, environmental friendliness, high-energy density, inexpensive, and low density with high strength ratio. In general, dense oxide films formed act as a barrier on aluminum surfaces. Accordingly, effective removal of the oxide film is a key measure in solving the Al–water reaction. In this review, recent advances in addressing the main drawbacks including high-purity aluminum with acid–alkali solutions, nano-powders of aluminum or composite with acid–base solutions, ball-milled nano-powders, alloying blocks, and gas atomization powders are summarized. The characteristics of these three technologies and the current research progress are summarized in depth. Moreover, it is essential to promote low-cost aluminum-based materials based on effective hydrogen production efficiency and explore ways for practical large-scale applications.
Net Neutrality and Online Innovation: An Empirical Study of the UK
Authors: Nurski Laura
Published: November 2023

How does a fast lane on the internet affect the entry of online content providers? To answer this question, I provide empirical evidence that connection speed greatly influences consumption of online video and that changes in speed therefore directly impact the entry of video content providers. I also present a framework to think about the incentives of broadband providers to offer a fast lane with access fees which has direct profits effects as well as indirect demand effects. Finally, by combining the empirical model with the theoretical framework in a counterfactual analysis, I show that a fast lane with access fees only increases entry for content providers with high fixed costs of content provision. Using a novel data set on household consumption of online content and broadband penetration in local markets to estimate a structural model of industry demand and supply, this paper is the first to provide empirical evidence on the industry-wide effects of breaking net neutrality.
Population age structure – An underlying driver of national, regional and urban economic development
Authors: Malmberg Anders , Malmberg Bo , Maskell Peter
Published: November 2023

This paper argues that population age structure plays a significant role alongside institutional, technological, political, and cultural factors when it comes to explaining shifts in urban, regional and national economic development. The paper demonstrates how demographic transitions lead to changes in population age structure which in turn correlate with global shifts in economic development from 1950 onwards. It then analyzes the role of population age structure at the sub-national level by reviewing some prominent cases of regional and urban shifts in Western Europe and North America. Population size, population density and migration have always been an integrated part of economic geography, and the consequences of ageing in national and regional economies are increasingly being studied. The specific role of population age structure as a driver of economic development has, however, so far largely been ignored in the field.
SaLSa: A Combinatory Approach of Semi-Automatic Labeling and Long Short-Term Memory to Classify Behavioral Syllables
Authors: Sakata Shuzo
Published: November 2023

Accurately and quantitatively describing mouse behavior is an important area. Although advances in machine learning have made it possible to track their behaviors accurately, reliable classification of behavioral sequences or syllables remains a challenge. In this study, we present a novel machine learning approach, called SaLSa (a combination of semi-automatic labeling and long short-term memory-based classification), to classify behavioral syllables of mice exploring an open field. This approach consists of two major steps. First, after tracking multiple body parts, spatial and temporal features of their egocentric coordinates are extracted. A fully automated unsupervised process identifies candidates for behavioral syllables, followed by manual labeling of behavioral syllables using a graphical user interface (GUI). Second, a long short-term memory (LSTM) classifier is trained with the labeled data. We found that the classification performance was marked over 97%. It provides a performance equivalent to a state-of-the-art model while classifying some of the syllables. We applied this approach to examine how hyperactivity in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease develops with age. When the proportion of each behavioral syllable was compared between genotypes and sexes, we found that the characteristic hyperlocomotion of female Alzheimer’s disease mice emerges between four and eight months. In contrast, age-related reduction in rearing is common regardless of genotype and sex. Overall, SaLSa enables detailed characterization of mouse behavior.
A Novel Flp Reporter Mouse Shows That TRPA1 Expression Is Largely Limited to Sensory Neuron Subsets
Authors: Patil Mayur J. , Kim Seol-Hee , Bahia Parmvir K. , Nair Sanjay S. , Darcey Teresa S. , Fiallo Jailene , Zhu Xiao Xia , Frisina Robert D. , Hadley Stephen H. , Taylor-Clark Thomas E.
Published: November 2023

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a polymodal cation channel that is activated by electrophilic irritants, oxidative stress, cold temperature, and GPCR signaling. TRPA1 expression has been primarily identified in subsets of nociceptive sensory afferents and is considered a target for future analgesics. Nevertheless, TRPA1 has been implicated in other cell types including keratinocytes, epithelium, enterochromaffin cells, endothelium, astrocytes, and CNS neurons. Here, we developed a knock-in mouse that expresses the recombinase FlpOin TRPA1-expressing cells. We crossed theTRPA1Flpmouse with theR26ai65fmouse that expresses tdTomato in a Flp-sensitive manner. We found tdTomato expression correlated well with TRPA1 mRNA expression and sensitivity to TRPA1 agonists in subsets of TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor type 1)-expressing neurons in the vagal ganglia and dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), although tdTomato expression efficiency was limited in DRG. We observed tdTomato-expressing afferent fibers centrally (in the medulla and spinal cord) and peripherally in the esophagus, gut, airways, bladder, and skin. Furthermore, chemogenetic activation of TRPA1-expressing nerves in the paw evoked flinching behavior. tdTomato expression was very limited in other cell types. We found tdTomato in subepithelial cells in the gut mucosa but not in enterochromaffin cells. tdTomato was also observed in supporting cells within the cochlea, but not in hair cells. Lastly, tdTomato was occasionally observed in neurons in the somatomotor cortex and the piriform area, but not in astrocytes or vascular endothelium. Thus, this novel mouse strain may be useful for mapping and manipulating TRPA1-expressing cells and deciphering the role of TRPA1 in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
Creative arts for sustainability transformations—Exploring children’s theater for the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Asplund Therese , Kall Ann-Sofie , Uhrqvist Ola
Published: November 2023

This article responds to recent calls for more creative expressions of climate and sustainability transformations. In particular, research literature argues that the formulation of new narratives of sustainable societies may function as a prominent intervention for system changes. Yet, few empirical studies exist on how creative climate and sustainability storytelling elicit varying levels of awareness and engagement. With the intention to advance scholarship in the role of narratives to create engagement with sustainability transformations, this study investigates children’s theater for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as one research site. By analyzing the interactive children’s theater play “Esmeralda and the Dragon—The Global Sustainability Goals,” we show that creative storytelling can offer a meaningful space for engagement with Agenda 2030 and the UN SDGs. In particular, we find that (1) children’s cognitive and emotional associations and experiences shape the meaning of and responses to the SDGs and (2) the play’s fictional elements resonate with children’s emotional frameworks. Based on the results, we argue that new stories are needed for sustainability transformations and that there is transformative power in the creative and performance arts in this respect, and we call for further exploration of various publics engagements with sustainability storytelling.
Recognition of centromere‐specific histone Cse4 by the inner kinetochore Okp1‐Ame1 complex
Authors: Deng Sunbin , Cai Jiaxi , Harrison Stephen C , Zhou Huilin , Hinshaw Stephen M
Published: November 2023

Successful mitosis depends on the timely establishment of correct chromosomal attachments to microtubules. The kinetochore, a modular multiprotein complex, mediates this connection by recognizing specialized chromatin containing a histone H3 variant called Cse4 in budding yeast and CENP‐A in vertebrates. Structural features of the kinetochore that enable discrimination between Cse4/CENP‐A and H3 have been identified in several species. How and when these contribute to centromere recognition and how they relate to the overall structure of the inner kinetochore are unsettled questions. More generally, this molecular recognition ensures that only one kinetochore is built on each chromatid and that this happens at the right place on the chromatin fiber. We have determined the crystal structure of a Cse4 peptide bound to the essential inner kinetochore Okp1‐Ame1 heterodimer from budding yeast. The structure and related experiments show in detail an essential point of Cse4 contact and provide information about the arrangement of the inner kinetochore.
Starch-based active packaging film and its application
Authors: Kang Xingya , Ma Falai , Sun Peipei , Gao Ang , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2023

Montmorillonite (MMT) was used to improve the performance of starch and nano-ZnO was added to act as antibacterial agent for developing a starch-based active packaging material via solution mixing and casting methods. The effect of MMT and ZnO on the performance of starch films was investigated, and then the composite films were used for cherry preservation. The results indicated that the addition of MMT could improve the mechanical and water-vapor barrier properties of starch films, but it had only a slight impact on optical properties. However, the addition of nano-ZnO could reduce the optical, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties of composite films. In preservation applications, compared to the other films, the composite films containing nano-ZnO could be beneficial to maintain quality and nutritional value of cherries by slowing down the growth of bacteria and thereby delaying weight loss, decreasing hardness, and decreasing pH and soluble solid content, resulting in a better preservation effect. Therefore, a starch-based active packaging film with good properties and preservation effect was developed with nano-ZnO and MMT, which could be applied in the field of preservation.
Simulation of bond prices
Authors: Artamonova Jelena
Published: November 2023

In this paper we introduce the estimation technique for the parameters of the bond pricing model. The proposed methods are illustrated by the Lithuanian Government securities. The results show that a squared binomial (two-factor) bond market model approximates the bond prices more precisely than analogous quadronomial (one-factor) model.
Percepção subjetiva de tempo de palavras com conteúdo emocional
Authors: Gomes Bernardino Leonardo , Teixeira de Figueiredo Thuany
Published: November 2023

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a percepção subjetiva de tempo de palavras com conteúdo emocional. Para tal, 63 participantes realizaram uma tarefa de bissecção temporal com substantivos de valência emocional: neutra; positiva, divididos em emoção básica (Alegria) e social (Gratidão); e negativa, divididos em emoção básica (Raiva) e social (Vergonha). Foram traçadas funções psicométricas dos julgamentos temporais e calculou-se o ponto de bissecção. Os resultados mostraram superestimações temporais em todas as condições, mas não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre elas, com exceção de uma maior distorção temporal para as palavras do grupo Raiva em comparação com as palavras do grupo Vergonha. Os resultados corroboram estudos anteriores sobre percepção do tempo com palavras como estímulos emocionais e fornecem evidências favoráveis ao modelo bottom-up/top-down (alerta fisiológico e avaliação cognitiva, respectivamente). Assim, este estudo permitiu uma maior compreensão teórica e metodológica dos mecanismos subjacentes ao processamento de palavras emocionais e à percepção de tempo.
Proton pump inhibitors in pediatric practice
Authors: Shilova Anna A. , Alieva Zajnab G. , Bashkina Ol’ga A. , Kantemirova Bela I.
Published: November 2023

The scientific review of the literature provides information on current clinical observations of the use of proton pump inhibitors in large randomized trials of Russian and foreign scientists, issues of their classification, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, efficacy and safety of prescribing in pediatric practice, due to the growth of acid-dependent conditions in children and the need for further systematic research with the development of approaches to personalization of prescribing drugs for each age group.
The Risk of Developing of Malnutrition and the Principles of Correction of Nutritional Status Disorders in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Kleshchenko Elena I. , Shimchenko Elena V. , Komarov Aleksander F. , Kharchenko Valeria E.
Published: November 2023

Cystic fibrosis is a severe hereditary disease with polysystemic manifestations and progressive course. Malnutrition in cystic fibrosis occurs as a result of exocrine insufficiency of the pancreas, an increase in energy losses in chronic inflammation in the bronchopulmonary system, manifested by increased stress on the respiratory system. The presented literature review highlights the modern principles of prevention and correction of malnutrition in children with cystic fibrosis, identifies the most promising methods for further development that correct nutritional status disorders. The review has shown that an active approach to nutrition at any age, the use of aggressive methods of nutritional support against the background of enzyme replacement therapy, timely and adequate therapy of respiratory tract pathology lead to an improvement in the indicators of nutritional status in cystic fibrosis. The most promising is the further development of targeted therapy, which allows, as a result of exposure to the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of the disease, to reduce the frequency and severity of bronchopulmonary exacerbations, partially restore the exocrine function of the pancreas, which is manifested in patients with cystic fibrosis by an increase in body weight and mass-growth index.
Wsparcie rozwoju kompetencji społecznych imigrantów w procesie integracji ze społeczeństwem przyjmującym (na przykładzie badań zrealizowanych w ramach projektu Wsparcie Integracyjno-Edukacyjne Migrantów (WIEM) w ramach POWER 2014–2020)
Authors:   Akademia Ignatianum w Krakowie, Sowa-Behtane Ewa , Knap-Stefaniuk Agnieszka ,   Akademia Ignatianum w Krakowie
Published: November 2023

The aim of the article is to describe the model of development support of immigrants’ social competences in the process of integration with the host society. Referring to the aim of the article, the authors formulated the following research problems: What level of the analyzed social competences do the surveyed immigrants have? What educational and consulting activities should be offered to project participants, i.e. people with low basic skills, corresponding to a level not higher than PRK level 3? What validation actions should be taken towards project participants after the implementation of educational and consulting activities? The theoretical part of the article addresses the concept of social competence and describes its elements. The empirical part presents the methodology and results of the conducted research as well as the conclusions and recommendations. 170 immigrants from Ukraine participated in the study. Most of the respondents had basic social competences. In terms of self-motivation (motivation), it was 94% of the respondents, assertiveness – 81%, self-presentation – 71%, communication – building interpersonal relationships – 95%, stress management / conflict management– 96%, and in terms of functioning in a team (including multicultural one) – 10%.
Do sujeito ao falasser: um percurso
Authors: Pacheco André Luiz , Rosa Márcia
Published: November 2023

Resumo: Este artigo trata dos conceitos de sujeito e falasser de acordo as perspectivas do ensino lacaniano. Buscou-se discutir as proposições cartesianas sobre o ser e as cisões do Eu presentes na obra freudiana, assim como o caráter evanescente do sujeito, como exposto por Lacan. Desenvolveu-se o problema do gozo, desde o viés estruturalista que pressupõe um corpo mortificado até a sua concepção enquanto substância do corpo vivo. O apontamento para um gozo anterior à linguagem tem consequências teóricas e clínicas, tornando necessário revisitar tanto o dualismo cartesiano quanto o inconsciente freudiano.