bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inefficient Transmission of African Swine Fever Virus to Sentinel Pigs from an Environment Contaminated by ASFV‐Infected Pigs under Experimental Conditions
Authors: Olesen Ann Sofie , Lohse Louise , Accensi Francesc , Goldswain Hannah , Belsham Graham J. , Bøtner Anette , Netherton Christopher L. , Dixon Linda K. , Portugal Raquel
Published: January 2024

Knowledge about African swine fever virus (ASFV) transmission and its survival in the environment is mandatory to develop rational control strategies and combat this serious disease in pigs. In this study, the risk that environmental contamination poses for infection of naïve pigs was investigated. Naïve pigs were introduced as sentinels into contaminated pens kept at ambient temperature (about 18–22˚C) either on the same day or up to 3 days after ASFV‐infected pigs were removed. Three experiments were carried out in which four to six pigs per pen were inoculated with virulent ASFV isolates OURT88/1 (genotype I), Georgia 2007/1, or POL/2015/Podlaskie (genotype II), respectively. The majority of the inoculated pigs developed acute disease but with no evident haemorrhagic lesions or haemorrhagic diarrhoea and were culled at the predefined humane endpoint. The levels of ASFV DNA detected in the blood of the infected animals reached 107−9 genome copies/ml before euthanasia. Environmental swabs were taken from different surfaces in the animal rooms, as well as from faeces and urine, close to the time of introduction of the naïve animals. Relatively low quantities of virus DNA were detected in the environmental samples, in the range of 103−7 genome copies per swab or per gram and ml of faeces and urine. No infectious virus was recovered from these environmental samples. Neither clinical signs nor virus genomes were detected in the blood of any of the sentinel pigs over a period of 2 to 3 weeks after exposure, indicating that transmission from the ASFV‐contaminated environment did not occur. Interestingly, viral DNA was detected in nasal and oral swabs from some of the sentinel animals at early days of exposure (ranging between 103.7−5.8 genome copies per swab), though none of them developed ASF. The results indicate a relatively low risk of ASFV transmission from a contaminated environment under the conditions provided in these experimental studies and in the absence of bloodshed from infected animals.
TABLE 2 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

Cox analysis of hazard ratio (HR) for association of FASN protein expression with prostate cancer metastasis in combined cohorts.
TABLE 1 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

Association of FASN protein expression with clinical-pathologic variables in JHU and PCBN cohorts
Supplementary Tables S1-S7 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

Supplementary Tables S1-S7
Supplementary Figure S7 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

FASN gene expression and methylation is significantly associated with ERG status in TCGA primary tumor cohort.
Supplementary Figure S5 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

Correlation between FASN gene expression and FASN gene methylation
in the (A) JHU cohort, (B) TCGA cohort, and (C) NCI cohort.
FIGURE 4 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

FASN protein expression, and to a lesser extent FASN gene methylation, is associated with ERG status in primary tumor cohort. A, FASN protein expression by immunostaining is higher in ERG+ compared with ERG− cases in the JHU primary tumor cohort; each point represents an individual tumor. B, FASN protein expression by immunostaining is also increased in ERG+ compared with ERG− cases from the PCBN cohort; each point represents an individual tumor. C,FASN probe methylation varies significantly by ERG status for several probes. D,FASN gene methylation mean beta value is not significantly different by ERG status in JHU cohort; each point represents an individual tumor. E,FASN gene expression is significantly higher in ERG fusion positive compared with ERG fusion negative tumors in the WCDT cohort; each point represents an individual tumor. F,FASN gene mean methylation is significantly lower in ERG fusion positive compared with ERG fusion negative tumors in the WCDT cohort; each point represents an individual tumor (*, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001).
Fingerprint based smart door lock system using Arduino and smartphone application
Authors: Sutikno Tole , Faqih Ubaidillah Moh Ainur , Arsadiando Watra , Purnama Hendril Satrian
Published: January 2024

In 2023, crime cases in Indonesia reached 105,133. Cases of theft with aggravation dominate the majority of cases. Everyone is concerned about safety, but doors are typically opened and closed using physical keys. This is vulnerable to being tampered with with fake keys, which can lead to house break-ins and theft. In this research, we propose a fingerprint-based wireless door lock design using Arduino and a smartphone. We offer this solution as a preventive measure to reduce the high rate of theft in homes or other buildings. The devices used are Arduino UNO R3, fingerprint sensor, HC-05 Bluetooth module, buzzer, and door lock solenoid. The results of the fingerprint-based wireless door lock using Arduino and a smartphone can function well, with an average response time of 1.20 seconds. Furthermore, testing the HC-05 Bluetooth when sending signals to a smartphone shows that it can read data accurately with an average response time of 1.54 seconds.
Nutritional Properties Evaluation of Blowfly Larvae from Fish and Chicken Wastes for Asian Sea Bass Feed Formulation Application
Authors: Anuar Nurazira , Omar Nur Faizah Moidu , Zakaria Zainoha , Abdul Keyon Aemi Syazwani , Muda Nor Wajihan , Abd. Manaf Mohammed Suhaimee , Mahat Naji Arafat
Published: January 2024

This present research characterized the proximate nutrient, fatty acids and amino acids compositions of the wild third instar blowfly larvae collected from fish and chicken wastes as well as its mixture, in view of aquaculture feeding for Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer). Analyses of crude protein, crude lipids, crude fiber, ash, carbohydrates, amino as well as fatty acids were performed. Results revealed that the larvae that fed on the mixed substrates (chicken and fish, 50:50 ratio) had significantly the highest nutritional values (51.47 ± 0.32% of crude protein, 29.4 ± 1.47% of crude fat, 4.81 ± 0.83% of crude fiber, 4.85 ± 0.01% of ash and 12.71 ± 1.67% of carbohydrate) for formulating feeds for Asian sea bass when compared with that of chicken and fish wastes alone (P < 0.05). Similarly, significantly higher percentages of fatty acids (DHA and EPA) and amino acids (Arg, Lys, Met, Trp, His, Val, Ile, Leu and Phe) were observed in the larvae from mixed-substrates when compared with that of the remaining two substrates (P < 0.05). The findings supported the utilization of blowfly larvae harvested on mixed substrate as a possible candidate of nutrients for Asian sea bass feed formulations
Physiological Response and Aflatoxin Contamination in Maize (Zea Mays L.) Grown Under Varying Water-Deficit Levels in a Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Hassan Halgoord , Muhammed Aram Abbas
Published: January 2024

The present study explored the effects of water deficit levels at different growth stages of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivated in semi-arid conditions with regard to physiological responses and aflatoxin contamination. The physiological growth changes of maize hybrids were gauged for parameters viz. relative water content (RWC, %), root-shoot ratio (R/S), and specific leaf area (SLA). At the same time, the study used HELICA total Aflatoxin Assay for estimating aflatoxin contamination in the produced maize kernel. Results revealed the third level of water-deficit, which extended to the dent stage, led to lower RWC%, and higher (R/S), alongside lower (SLA). Although the aflatoxin level was estimated to be 18.5 ppb in the maize kernels (FDA limit = 20 ppb), it was apparent that cultivation in a semi-arid condition runs the risk of aflatoxin contamination, likely due to water shortage and high growing temperatures.
Amylase activity in various digestive organs and blood urea levels of Osphronemus gouramy with Chlorella vulgaris feed supplementation and reared in different system
Authors: Simanjuntak Sorta Basar Ida , Wijayanti Gratiana Ekaningsih , Zuwanda Maditaningtyas Hawwa , Winarni Elly Tuti
Published: January 2024

Osphronemus gouramy is a potential Indonesian fish that needs to be supported by good nutritional feed and water quality in a culture system. The research on the effect of combining Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) supplementation with culture systems of biofloc and non-biofloc in gourami fish on amylase activity and blood urea level has not been conducted. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of C. vulgaris supplementation with different culture systems on the amylase activity of various digestive organs and blood urea levels. It obtains the best C. vulgaris supplementation feed combination to increase the amylase activity of various digestive organs and reduce blood urea levels. This research was carried out experimentally with a Factorial Completely Randomized Design consisting of two factors. Furthermore, gourami was fed with C. vulgaris levels of 0, 2, 3, 4, and 5 g kg-1 for 28 days and divided into biofloc and non-biofloc groups of culture systems. The amylase activity was measured at three pH buffers, and blood urea levels were analyzed using a urea kit. The results showed that amylase activity increased when supplemented with C. vulgaris 5 g kg-1 feed using the biofloc system, while blood urea levels decreased. C. vulgaris supplementation and biofloc system are alternative solutions to improving nutrition and water quality.
Quadrinhos
Authors: Ramos Paulo
Published: January 2024

Resenha do livro Quadrinhos: autorialidade, práticas institucionais e interdiscurso, de Lucas Piter Alves-Costa.
A precarização do trabalho e a saúde dos profissionais de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial
Authors: Santos Yasmin Livia Queiroz , Navarro Vera Lucia , Elias Marisa Aparecida
Published: January 2024

Esse estudo traz dados de uma pesquisa de doutorado que objetivou conhecer a relação entre a precarização do trabalho e a saúde dos profissionais de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial (Caps). Trata-se de uma pesquisa de cunho qualitativo no campo da Saúde do Trabalhador. Foram realizadas entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas e observações sistemáticas com os trabalhadores. A partir dos depoimentos e das observações, foram percebidos problemas de ordem de gestão e de recursos materiais e humanos necessários para o bom funcionamento do serviço que geraram preocupação e sofrimento aos profissionais. Um outro componente que também colaborou para a precarização do trabalho desses profissionais foi o trabalho terceirizado. Além disso, os profissionais expressaram suas experiências e seu cotidiano de trabalho por meio de sofrimento, angústia e dificuldades para realização do trabalho. O sofrimento do trabalhador da saúde mental também tem suas particularidades, inerentes ao próprio tipo de trabalho, visto que tais profissionais estão expostos ao sofrimento e à dor de outras pessoas.
Trabalho, exploração e suicídio de fumicultores no Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Bernardt Jovana , Pupo Marcelo de Albuquerque Vaz , Dimov Tatiana
Published: January 2024

O Rio Grande do Sul se destaca no cultivo do fumo, sendo o estado brasileiro responsável pela maior produção de tabaco do país. Pesquisas apontam que o cultivo do tabaco pode ser bastante insalubre, levando os fumicultores a sofrerem com doenças decorrentes da produção de fumo. Dentre esses problemas de saúde, o suicídio é alarmante. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar como as relações econômicas com as fumageiras podem impactar a saúde mental de fumicultores, contribuindo para desfechos desfavoráveis no caso das famílias entrevistadas. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com familiares de fumicultores que cometeram suicídio e atores sociais que acompanham esses agricultores. As entrevistas foram analisadas de acordo com o método fenomenológico interpretativo e os resultados foram agrupados em duas categorias de análise: 1) fumicultura como parte constituinte de uma cultura e identidade local; e 2) relação de trabalho entre fumicultores e fumageiras. Os fumicultores apresentam dificuldades na comercialização do tabaco, devido a problemas com suas instituições representativas, além do endividamento provocado por um sistema opressor que mantém os fumicultores subordinados às indústrias de beneficiamento de tabaco em nível técnico e de capital.
“As minhas famílias”: gênero, trabalho de cuidados e produção de subjetividades na atuação de mulheres agentes comunitárias de saúde
Authors: Bianco Larissa Mazzucco , Salvaro Giovana Ilka Jacinto
Published: January 2024

O presente estudo teve como objetivo compreender como se configuram relações entre gênero e trabalho de cuidado na produção de subjetividade de mulheres agentes comunitárias de saúde. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, construída com base em aportes teóricos dos estudos de gênero e da psicologia social do trabalho. Realizaram-se entrevistas com cinco mulheres que atuavam em um município do sul de Santa Catarina e as declarações obtidas foram analisadas pelo método de análise temática por meio de um processo que possibilitou a construção de três categorias temáticas: “as participantes em seus territórios de trabalho: relações e responsabilidades”, indicando que o território de atuação se constitui como possibilidade de reconhecimento profissional, responsabilização e criação de vínculos; “gênero e trabalho de cuidado: entre o público e o privado”, evidencia que o trabalho da agente comunitária de saúde é marcado pelo gênero; e, por fim, “é cansativo, mas eu gosto: o paradoxo do trabalho”, categoria que aponta que os sentidos atribuídos ao trabalho são paradoxais, pois relataram realização profissional e, ao mesmo tempo, adoecimento físico e psíquico.
Trabalho, formação e política em debate na pesquisa-intervenção em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) de Porto Alegre (RS)
Authors: Dias Luís Giorgis , Amador Fernanda Spanier
Published: January 2024

Este artigo coloca em debate a relação entre trabalho, formação e política a partir de uma experiência de pesquisa-intervenção realizada com trabalhadores de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde do município de Porto Alegre. Iniciamos posicionando a tríade “trabalho-formação-política” esboçando a compreensão que temos dessa relação. A seguir, apresentamos os principais operadores teórico-metodológicos utilizados na pesquisa, destacando o emprego da cartografia e o dispositivo da instrução ao sósia. Por fim, desenvolvemos trechos do material analisado por meio dos operadores conceituais e metodológicos propostos, indicando que a análise da atividade suscita a colocação de problemas aos saberes construídos no trabalho, constituindo outras maneiras de trabalhar em meio a debates que envolvem decisões relacionadas aos impactos do trabalho para os trabalhadores e o território onde atuam. Concluímos, com base na investigação feita, que a construção de saberes ao trabalhar não é somente uma tessitura de si ou de saberes, mas também, e necessariamente, da própria política, visto que viver o/no/pelo trabalho, renormatizando os processos, implica a tessitura dos modos de viver em conjunto.
Covid-19: processo de trabalho da equipe de enfermagem em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva
Authors: Cassiano Carolina , Oliveira Priscila Andreja , Santos Álvaro da Silva
Published: January 2024

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender o processo de trabalho da equipe de enfermagem atuante em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva para atendimento de pacientes com covid-19. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e audiogravada, e a interpretação foi realizada a partir da análise temática indutiva. Participaram 28 profissionais de enfermagem, sendo oito enfermeiros gerentes, sete enfermeiros assistenciais e 13 técnicos de enfermagem, todos atuantes na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital público no interior de Minas Gerais. O processo de trabalho esteve relacionado à sobrecarga, pressões, sofrimento e impacto dos óbitos. Foram relatadas, positivamente, oportunidades de aprendizado técnico-científico e de inserção no mercado de trabalho. A vacinação proporcionou maior segurança, e os profissionais também refletiram sobre a vida e o seu real valor. Logo, conceder o reconhecimento a esses profissionais diante do trabalho vivenciado e desempenhado denota compromisso social e valorização para com aqueles que fizeram a diferença em uma das maiores pandemias da história.
Centralidade do trabalho e saúde mental
Authors: Dejours Christophe , Zambroni-de-Souza Paulo César , Barros Vanessa Andrade de
Published: January 2024

Partindo da noção de trabalho vivo, Christophe Dejours apresenta a tese da centralidade do trabalho para a subjetividade e a saúde mental. Para tanto, traz à baila a discussão sobre: a atividade, a insuficiência da tarefa e a experiência de fracasso diante do real; bem como a inteligência do corpo e a afetividade, marcando sua transformação à medida que realiza a atividade, em uma relação dinâmica entre o corpo, a subjetividade e a atividade. Não sendo o trabalho algo solipsista, tais elementos se entrecruzam em meio a outrem, o que requisita a cooperação e os aspectos complexos da formulação de regras para a própria atividade e demanda a confiança, a deliberação coletiva. É nesse coletivo, no viver juntos, que pode ocorrer o reconhecimento que, realizado sobre o que é feito, permite a realização de si no campo social, voltando-se para quem o faz, para uma identidade, que é o que protege a saúde mental. Na ausência da convivialidade e reconhecimento, o trabalho produz sofrimento patógeno. Desse modo, Dejours demonstra que nunca há neutralidade do trabalho no que diz respeito à subjetividade e à identidade, possibilitando a realização de si ou sua destruição.
Perceived Interpersonal Racism in Relation to Incident Coronary Heart Disease Among Black Women
Authors: Sheehy Shanshan , Brock Max , Palmer Julie R. , Albert Michelle A. , Cozier Yvette C. , Rosenberg Lynn
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Racism is highly prevalent in the United States. Few data exist about whether perceived interpersonal racism is associated with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS:

We followed 48 305 participants in the Black Women’s Health Study through biennial mailed and Internet-based health questionnaires from 1997, when they provided information on perceived interpersonal racism and were free of cardiovascular disease and cancer, until the end of 2019. We averaged participant responses to 5 validated questions about perceived interpersonal racism in everyday activities, such as “people act as if they think you are dishonest.” We summed the positive responses to 3 questions about perceived racism in interactions that involved jobs, housing, and police; scores ranged from 0 (no to all) to 3 (yes to all). CHD cases were defined as nonfatal myocardial infarctions confirmed through medical records, fatal cases identified through the National Death Index, and self-reported revascularization events. We used Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for major confounders to estimate hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS:

During 22 years of follow-up, we identified 1947 incident CHD cases. For women who reported experiences of racism in employment, housing, or involving the police relative to women who reported no such experiences, the age-adjusted HR for CHD was 1.35 (95% CI, 1.13–1.61;
P
trend
=0.006), and the multivariable HR for CHD was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.05–1.51;
P
trend
=0.05). For women in the highest quartile of perceived interpersonal racism in daily life relative to women in the lowest quartile, the age-adjusted HR for CHD was 1.25 (95% CI, 1.07–1.46;
P
trend
=0.006). After multivariable adjustment, the HR was attenuated and no longer statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

Perceived experiences of interpersonal racism in employment, in housing, and with the police were associated with higher incidence of CHD among Black women, whereas perceived racism in everyday life was not associated with higher risk.
Curators of Global Buddhism: A Critical Genealogy and Decolonial Reading of Contemporary Curatorial Practices in Buddhist Studies
Authors: Eaghll Tenzan
Published: January 2024

This article offers the first critical genealogy of scholarship on the category of “global Buddhism” and its related literature. The category was first theorized around the turn of the millennium and has since been used in multiple publications, yet in all this scholarship, there is no clear definition, classification, or critical evaluation of the term. This article, therefore, details the different histories, taxonomies, and examples associated with global Buddhism, the relationship between power and knowledge in such representations, and clarifies what, if anything, any of this has to do with the category of “religion,” a question whose critical dimensions have been ignored by scholars on the topic thus far. Since the category rose to prominence alongside a series of others like “Buddhist Modernism,” “postmodern Buddhism,” and “global religion,” the article also draws attention to the curatorial practices that inform the academic study of Buddhism and religion and critiques the remnants of colonialism, orientalism, and universalism still operative in late capitalist scholarship. Theoretically, the article is informed by critical theory from the study of religion and Decolonial thought. Overall, it suggests deep ties between global Buddhism and what Anibal Quijano calls the coloniality of power but also suggests critical ways to employ the category going forward.
State-Civil Society Relations
Authors: Powell Rhian , Muddiman Esther
Published: January 2024

This paper explores the international comparative potential of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (crc) monitoring process. Interest in such comparisons has increased in recent years; however, several factors limit the efficacy of using crc reporting documents for cross-national comparisons. Focussing on the role of civil society organisations (cso s) in the crc reporting process, we examine how state reliance on cso s to perform vital functions of the crc might influence developments in children’s rights and how these developments get monitored and recorded. Drawing on Social Origins theory, we illustrate how different state-civil society relationships can lead to heterogeneous and uneven provision of, and reporting on, children’s rights issues, interventions and developments. Our evaluation leads us to problematise the use of the crc Concluding Observations to compare the performance of States Parties on their duty to protect the rights of the child.
The UN Regional Commissions as Orchestrators for the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: van Driel Melanie , Biermann Frank , Kim Rakhyun E. , Vijge Marjanneke J.
Published: January 2024

In 2015, the United Nations agreed on seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDG s). These SDG s are not legally binding and lack strict enforcement mechanisms. International organizations that seek to implement these goals therefore rely on soft tools to influence governments and other actors, which is often described as “orchestration.” This article focuses on regional governance and studies the yet unexplored role of the five UN Regional Commissions. These commissions seek to link the global ambitions of the SDG s with regional actors, contexts, and priorities. Drawing on extensive document analysis and a series of semistructured expert interviews, the article analyzes the orchestration efforts of all five Regional Commissions, focusing on agenda setting, coordination, and support. It concludes that instead of a unified orchestrating role, Regional Commissions play in practice a balancing role for agenda setting, a sharing role when it comes to coordination, and a conforming role in terms of support.
Better, welfare friendly ways to grow broilers more efficiently, economically and sustainably using precision, controlled feeding systems: a review
Authors: Filmer D.
Published: January 2024

New systems have been developed over the last three decades, which differ from conventional broiler feeding systems in two ways: (1) the composition of the feed varies daily by blending standard broiler feeds with whole wheat at each chicken house, and (2) the normal 24-h day is divided equally into typically four mini days, each with a light period and a dark period (totalling 6 h), enabling all birds to fill their crops multiple times within each 24 h period. The new systems were evaluated in three phases. In Phase 1 in the1980s, collaboration with an English university made it possible to feed broilers a different diet each day under commercial conditions. In Phase 2, in 1998, work at the Silsoe Research Institute, Bedford UK, developed a control system enabling broilers to be grown along predetermined growth curves. In the 2010s, Phase 3 achieved these growth curves by varying the frequency of meal-time feeding. Following each phase, field trials in the UK showed that the new system decreased mortality by over 20%, increased live weight per bird by 55 g and improved feed conversion efficiency by 0.053. Under controlled conditions these new systems were compared with the conventional system of feeding broilers ad libitum, initially in the UK on commercial farms, and proved superior to conventional systems in terms of standard quantitative performance parameters, leading to better quality litter, cleaner birds, and lower incidence of lameness and metabolic disorders including ascites and the sudden death syndrome. Similar benefits were confirmed from the Phase 3 system with broiler integrators in Australia, South Africa, China, Japan and in several countries in America and Europe.
From Hard Labor to Market Discipline: The Political Economy of Prison Work, 1974 to 2022
Authors: Reich Adam
Published: January 2024

A long sociological tradition has examined how state coercion undergirds the “free market” for labor. In the contemporary prison, however, there are signs this relationship has been turned on its head. Whereas in the past, state coercion helped prisons generate profit for private markets, today market ideas are increasingly used within prisons to facilitate state control. I draw on an analysis of seven waves of the Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities, as well as 61 interviews with state prison administrators, prison industry advocates, and formerly incarcerated people. Although the market for the products of prison labor has declined, and incarcerated people, on average, are working less than ever before, inequality in the distribution of work and rewards for this work has sharpened. This changing structure of prison labor is associated with a changing understanding of it. Prison administrators, and to some extent incarcerated people themselves, use market ideas to explain the new organization of prison labor and justify people’s places within it. This organization and these ideas solve managerial problems within the prison and are suggestive of parallels between prison and social welfare policy in the contemporary era.
Disparities in Olfactory Dysfunction in African Americans
Authors: Choi Nicholas J. , Sykes Kevin J. , Villwock Mark , Villwock Jennifer
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

To examine olfactory performance in African Americans (AA) and Whites by comparing individual scent scores on objective olfactory tests to assess potential racial-ethnic differences of scent detection.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study of healthy participants, age 18+ years, and without sinonasal inflammatory disease from June 2021 to April 2022. Included participants self-identified as AA or White. Patients were recruited from outpatient clinics at University of Kansas Medical Center, and the local community. Two smelling tests were employed: Affordable Rapid Olfactory Measurement Array (AROMA) and Sniffin’ Sticks (SST-12). Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) was used for self-reported olfactory function . Pearson correlation and chi-square tests were used to detect statistical significance.

Results:

Our sample included 102 (46 AA and 56 Whites) participants. AROMA and SST-12 scores were significantly correlated in AA ( P < .01, Pearson’s Rho = .642) and Whites ( P < .05, Pearson’s Rho = .297). Mean scores on AROMA were significantly lower for AAs: 64.2 and Whites: 75.5 ( P < .01). On AROMA, AA less accurately identified the scents of Licorice, Orange, Lavender, Cinnamon, Clove, and Rosemary ( P < .05). Similarly, SST-12 mean scores for AAs: 84.2 were also lower than Whites: 89.9 ( P < .01). On SST-12, AA less accurately identified the scent of pineapple Based on SST-12 scoring criteria, 60.9% of AA and 30.4% of Whites were classified as hyposmic ( P < .05). SNOT-22 Smell scores were equivalent for both groups.

Conclusion:

On both tests of olfaction, AA performed worse than Whites and a greater proportion of AA were considered hyposmic compared to Whites. This is a discrepancy with self-reported olfaction, which showed no difference between Whites and AA. AA performed significantly worse than their White counterparts on several scents, with possible implications regarding cultural appropriateness of scents used in olfactory testing.
Caring and commoning in political society: Insights from the Scugnizzo Liberato of Naples
Authors: Sciarelli Roberto
Published: January 2024

Recent research has highlighted the connection between commoning processes and the creation of new infrastructures of care in the areas of Southern Europe which were most affected by austerity policies and by the connected crisis of social reproduction. The objective of this paper is to shed new light on the caring practices organised through and within urban commons by using the theoretical lenses provided by Subaltern Studies, which also explored processes of collective self-organisation, the development of solidarity ties and reclamation of social welfare. The main theoretical reference is provided by the work of Partha Chatterjee on ‘The politics of the governed’. The discussion is conducted through the analysis of the caring practices organised within the Scugnizzo Liberato, one of the urban commons of the city of Naples, located in Southern Italy, investigated through a prolonged process of co-research.
Responding to Negative Online Reviews on Chinese E-Commerce Platforms: Culture's Impact and A Comparison of Rhetorical Moves
Authors: Wang Junhua , Wang Hua
Published: January 2024

To examine the impact of cultural factors on business responses to negative online reviews, we first examined rhetorical moves in business responses to negative online reviews on Chinese B2C e-commerce platforms. Then, we conducted a comparative analysis of the rhetorical moves in this research and those identified in Wang’s research on rhetorical moves identified in business responses to negative online reviews on Amazon.com. Following the framework of social-cognitive system theory, we explained how cultural factors may shape businesses’ responses to negative online reviews and concluded the research by discussing the implications of the research in the context of cross-border e-commerce.
A Comparative Rhetorical Analysis of Trump and Biden's Climate Change Speeches: Framing Strategies in Politics
Authors: Pandey Shyam
Published: January 2024

This article analyzes the speeches of two U.S. politicians—President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden—to present how they make their arguments about climate change using various frames. While frames are rhetorical acts, they are also a form of persuasion. In particular, the author demonstrates how Trump foregrounded negative frames with fear-inducing elements. He presented job losses and economic harm as consequences of joining the Paris Climate Accord, putting him on the defensive. In contrast, Biden utilized positive frames to strengthen his arguments and aligned more closely with the environmental justice framework. Inspired by the rhetoric of the framing strategies employed by these two speakers, the study suggests that technical communicators should focus on using language that constructs new frames to enhance the success of their argumentations.
Effect of annealing on AZ31 magnesium alloy on MAO coatings
Authors: Lu Shanshan , Jiang Bo , Fan Aoyun , Song Renguo
Published: January 2024

AZ31 magnesium alloy with different annealing temperatures was subjected to micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment, and its corrosion behaviour was studied using immersion experiments, polarisation curves, electrochemical impedance spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. The alloy, when annealed at 300 °C, had the smallest grain size and the lowest electrical conductivity. Compared to other annealed alloys, the MAO coating had the smallest pore size and porosity and better corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of the alloy increased initially and then decreased with the increase in annealing temperature. This is mainly because the grain size first decreases and then increases, leading to a decline in electrical conductivity and then a rise, resulting in changes in the microstructure of the coating surface.
Temporal inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique for myopic macular hole retinal detachment reconstruction
Authors: Teng Yan , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: January 2024

Objective

To examine the effects of the temporal inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique for foveal reconstruction in patients with highly myopic macular hole-associated retinal detachment (MHRD).

Methods

A retrospective case series analysis of four patients (four eyes) with MHRD was conducted. The foveal optical coherence tomography changes following treatment using the temporal inverted ILM flap technique were evaluated.

Results

In Patient 1, the ILM bridged the macular hole and residual subretinal fluid on postoperative day 6, and complete retinal reattachment was achieved at 19 months. Patient 2 exhibited reduced retinal detachment, with visible ILM inversion and macular hole closure after 14 days. In Patient 3, macular hole closure and fovea formation had occurred by day 25, and the ILM flap was visible. At 2 months, the outer collagenous layer connection in the central fovea and recovery of the external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone were observed. Patient 4 had a “white hole” MHRD, with macular hole closure achieved on postoperative day 20, albeit with a suboptimal foveal shape.

Conclusion

The temporal inverted ILM flap technique in conjunction with vitrectomy facilitates foveal reconstruction in patients with successful treatment of MHRD, and this reconstruction process can be observed by optical coherence tomography.
Long-term Impacts of Civic Engagement during Emerging Adulthood: A Nationally-representative Study
Authors: Thompson Martie P. , Hudson-Flege Matthew , Hancock Kayla
Published: January 2024

Purpose

We examined if civic engagement during emerging adulthood positively impacted a broad array of outcomes in middle adulthood, and if associations varied based on race, gender, age, and urban-rural status.

Design

Prospective design used to determine if civic engagement during emerging adulthood (M age = 21.81) predicted outcomes 15 years later.

Setting

Restricted data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health.

Subjects

Wave 1 participants who completed surveys 7 years (77% follow-up rate), 14 years (80% follow-up rate), and 22 years later (follow-up rate 72%) and who had valid sampling weight to ensure national representativeness (n = 9349).

Measures

Predictor - civic engagement; Outcomes-mental health, substance use, criminal behaviors, and healthy behavior.

Analysis

Linear regression using MPLUS 7.2.

Results

Civic engagement predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms ( b = −1.05, SE = .28), criminal behaviors ( b = −.47, SE = .12), and substance use ( b = −.66, SE = .13), and higher levels of healthy behaviors ( b = 1.26, SE = .19), after controlling for demographics, family, peer, neighborhood, and school-related background variables. Moderation analyses revealed that civic engagement benefited females and white participants more.

Conclusion

Civic engagement during emerging adulthood has a positive impact on a broad array of outcomes in middle adulthood. Implications and future research recommendations will be discussed.
The diversity advantage: An explanatory framework for personality traits
Authors: Pringle Todd A , Robinson Michael D
Published: January 2024

Why do human beings exhibit enduring personality differences, and to what extent are these differences shaped by biological and cultural evolution? Despite ongoing efforts, a consensus framework remains elusive. This paper introduces the Diversity Advantage Theory, partially shifting the focus from how personality impacts individuals to its influence within groups. Through an evolutionary lens, connections among personality, collective cognition, and group dynamics are explored, revealing that diversity in personality traits would tend to enhance collective intelligence and foster deliberation, mitigating group biases. The framework proposes that biologically evolved psychological mechanisms underlying personality, including individual niche-finding, adapt and conform to culturally evolving heuristic personality traits. This co-evolution stabilized the Big Few personality traits in western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) societies, addressing recurring group challenges related to engagement, closure, task, risk, and change. The Diversity Advantage Theory offers a novel explanatory framework for stable personality traits, aligning with biology and testable in contemporary group contexts. At least three novel perspectives are introduced: (1) personality trait dimensions have emerged, in part, to establish normative behavior for functional group processes; (2) normative diversity along trait dimensions enhances collective intelligence; and (3) such diversity should also promote deliberation, mitigate group biases, and improve group decision-making.
Effect of heat input on the hazardous gas emissions from galvanized steel during cold metal transfer welding
Authors: Selvamani S.T. , Selvaganapathy T. , Thanigaivellan G.K. , Vignesh Kumar G. , Ramesh A.
Published: January 2024

The impact of heat input on the hazardous gas emissions of cold metal transfer welded zinc-coated steel joints is the main focus of this study. The bulk formation of fumes during the arc-assisted metal joining process not only affects the characteristics of joints but also, affects the welder’s respiratory systems and environment. Hence, in this research work, using a stack-monitoring kit the welding fumes are collected for various heat inputs and characterized to understand the hazardous emission from zinc-coated steel by the Cold Metal Transfer - 400TPSi advanced technique. The experimental work conducted for the heat input of 0.624 kJ/mm showed superior results for fume formation rate, dust emission rate and emission factor when compared to other heat inputs. In addition, the dust emission rate and fume formation rate increased as the heat input increased. Also, Hazardous gas emissions of CO2, SO2, CO, Zinc and the concentration of total dust for the corresponding heat input were found to be within permissible limits. Furthermore, the TEM analysis exhibits that, the particle structure of the fume is agglomerated chains of spherical and faceted morphology. The outcomes prove outstanding results when compared to other welding processes and norms of the NIOSH and ISI 5182 standards.
Experimental and optimization studies of friction stir processed Cu-TiB2 surface composites
Authors: Nagunoori Ramakrishna , Lam Suvarna Raju , Gurram Mallaiah , Borigorla Venu , Kaki Venkata Rao
Published: January 2024

The present study aims to fabricate different Copper surface composites (Cu-SCs) such as Copper-Silicon Carbide (Cu-SiC), Copper-Boron Carbide (Cu-B4C), Copper-Titanium Diboride (Cu-TiB2) with enhanced mechanical properties using friction stir processing. The Cu-SCs were fabricated at different levels of tool rotational speed (TRS), traverse speed (TS), and Vol. % of micro-sized Boron Carbide (B4C), Silicon Carbide (SiC), and Titanium Diboride (TiB2) reinforcements using blind hole method. The mechanical characteristics such as ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), percentage of elongation (%EL), impact toughness (IT), and microhardness (H) of the Cu-SCs were evaluated and analyzed. In the next stage, the process parameters were optimized using a graph theory algorithm and utility concept and the TRS, and TS were 1120 rev/min, and 40 mm/min respectively. The Cu-SCs fabricated by using taper threaded cylindrical tool pin profile at four Vol.% of TiB2 possess enhanced the mechanical characteristics such as UTS, YS, % EL, IT, and H up to 282.07 MPa, 197.76 MPa, 12.96%, 16.67 J, and 168.6 HV. This was happened due to the increased recrystallization temperature, the pining effect, and restricting the grain boundary sliding. The microstructure in the stir zone of Cu-SCs fabricated with 4 Vol. % of SiC, 4 Vol. % of B4C, and 4 Vol. % of TiB2 particles exhibit fine grains. This is attributed to uniform distribution of the particles in the copper surface composites. The mechanical characteristics were also correlated with microstructures and fracture features.
Research on kinematics modeling and path planning of a hyper-redundant continuum robot
Authors: Sheng Zhongqi , Wang Yubin , Li Shicheng , Yang Jianyu , Xie Hualong , Lu Xiao
Published: January 2024

It has always been the case that work in confined spaces has high difficulty and complexity, and robots are usually required to replace humans to perform the corresponding operations. For the maintenance work in the fuel tank of a certain type of aircraft, a continuum robot with 32 staggered orthogonal joints is designed in this paper. To solve the motion problem of this robot, this paper combines the end-following method with the Jacobi inverse kinematics method, and proposes an end-following-segmented Jacobi method, which improves the accuracy and efficiency of the inverse kinematics solution. A ray path-planning algorithm for continuum robots is proposed for the job requirements of this robot and the specific operating environment inside an airplane fuel tank, and it is compared with the rapidly-exploring random trees (RRT) algorithm and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The experimental results show that the planning time of the ray path-planning algorithm is less compared with the RRT algorithm and the PSO algorithm, and the paths obtained are shorter. Finally, a path-following simulation is performed on a 32-joint continuum robot model to verify the followability of the ray path algorithm.
An emerging ‘China-threat-corporatism’? CRRC’s acquisition of a German locomotive company and its impact on labour relations
Authors: Schmalz Stefan , Schneidemesser Lea , Xu Hui
Published: January 2024

The China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) is presently the largest player in the global rolling stock industry and has increasingly expanded to mature markets. In 2019, CRRC acquired a German locomotive company, establishing a manufacturing foothold in the EU. This paper presents the findings of extensive field research on the impact of CRRC’s investment on industrial relations. Drawing on comparative capitalisms research and recent debates on the German model of industrial relations, we discuss key developments in the post-merger process. Our study reveals a continuity in industrial relations at the shop-floor level, characterized by stable co-determination practices. Nevertheless, the acquisition of the locomotive manufacturer has contributed to a new form of ‘China-threat-corporatism’, wherein trade unions and business associations have collaborated to advocate successfully for measures to protect the local rolling stock industry from Chinese competition.
Country-of-Brand, Corporate Social Responsibility and Customer Responds: Moderating Role of Country-of-Manufacture and Corporate Reputation
Authors: Hien Nguyen Ngoc , Long Nguyen Thanh , Ghi Tran Nha , Ngan Nguyen Thi Truc
Published: January 2024

Customers tend to be sceptical of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. So it is important to understand the factors that influence customers’ perception of CSR. Furthermore, the research topic on assessing organizations based on customers’ perception of the country-of-origin (COO) remains relatively rare. Thus, this study explores how country-of-brand (COB) image, country-of-manufacture (COM) image and corporate reputation affect perceived CSR. Meanwhile, this research also considers effect of perceived CSR to customer loyalty and trust in Vietnam auto industry. A quota sample representing three regions of Vietnam, including 702 customers who already own personal cars, is collected. Structural equation modelling is used to test the research hypotheses. The results confirm that the COB image has a positive effect on perceived CSR. Corporate reputation plays a significant moderating role in the relationship between COB image and perceived CSR, while COM image only plays an important role as an independent variable. In addition, the study also confirmed the importance of perceived CSR on customer trust and loyalty. The findings of this research might be meaningful for multinational corporations, especially for those operating in auto market.