bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Sun Exposure Is Associated with Both Progressive-Onset and Relapse-Onset Multiple Sclerosis Risk: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Li Ying , Saul Alice , Taylor Bruce , Ponsonby Anne-Louise , Simpson-Yap Steve , Blizzard Leigh , Broadley Simon , Lechner-Scott Jeannette , van der Mei Ingrid ,   on behalf of the Ausimmune/AusLong Investigator Group
Published: September 2024

Background: Sun exposure has consistently been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) onset, but case samples are predominantly relapse-onset MS (ROMS), and risk estimates have rarely been reported separately for ROMS and progressive-onset MS (POMS). We aimed to determine whether sun exposure prior to disease onset was associated with POMS and whether the effect differed between POMS and ROMS. Methods: This nationwide case-control study included 153 POMS cases, 204 incident ROMS cases, and 558 community controls with data from two separate datasets: the PPMS Study (2015–2021) and the Ausimmune Study (2003–2006). Information on time spent in the sun before the first MS symptom, skin phenotype, and sun protection behavior was collected. Satellite data on ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) were used to calculate cumulative UVR dose. Unconditional logistic regression was used with adjustment for covariates. Results: There were consistent dose-response associations, with higher levels of UVR exposure associated with a reduced risk of POMS, both for leisure-time and occupational UVR from age 6 to symptom onset. Associations were overall stronger for POMS than ROMS. For example, cumulative leisure-time UVR dose (per 100 kJ/m2 increment) was associated with POMS (aOR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91–0.95) and the association was slightly weaker for ROMS (aOR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99) for age 6 to symptom onset (test for interaction p < 0.001). Conclusions: Low levels of sun exposure, throughout the whole lifespan, are associated with an increased risk of POMS and ROMS onset. The sun effects are usually stronger for POMS than ROMS.
A Simple Frailty Index Predicts Inhospital Mortality
Authors: Shimoni Zvi , Dusseldorp Natan , Cohen Yael , Barnisan Izack , Froom Paul
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Comparing frailty models in different settings that predict inhospital mortality might modify patient disposition and treatment, but models are often complex. Methods: In the following study, we selected all acutely admitted adult patients in 2020–2021 to the three internal medicine departments at a regional 400-bed hospital. We attempt to determine (a) if a new scale (Laniado-4 scale) that includes only three yes/no questions derived from the Norton scale and the presence of a urinary catheter performs as well as the graded Norton scale (including all five domains), in predicting inhospital mortality and (b) to determine the predictive value of a simple frailty index that includes the new scale as well as categories of age, serum albumin, and creatinine values. We calculated odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and c-statistics for the various models predicting inhospital mortality. Results: The mean patient age was 73 ± 19 years, and 49.1% (5,665/11,542) were males. A Laniado-4 scale performed better than the Norton scale for predicting inhospital mortality. A simple frailty index ranging from 0 to ≥8 points was associated with rates of inhospital mortality that increased from 0 to 37.7%, with an odds ratio of 2.13 (2.03–2.25) per 1 index point. The c-statistic was 0.887 (0.881–0.893). Conclusions: We conclude the Laniado-4 scale performed better than the Norton scale in predicting inhospital mortality and that a simple frailty index that included the 4-question scale and categories of age, serum creatinine, and serum albumin performed as well or better than more complicated models.
Cara de um, focinho de outro: o humor da charge pela via da intergenericidade discursiva
Authors: Cardoso Eveline Coelho
Published: September 2024

It has as object of study four cartoons published between the years 2020 and 2022 in journalistic vehicles and social networks. The criteria selection of this pieces was based on the presence of typical traits of other discursive genres in the linguistic and/or visual materiality, which directly affects the triggering of humorous effects of meaning. Since humor has as general prerogatives the exploration of the opposition between serious and non-serious, the incongruence between different isotopies, and the surprise effect (Ramos, 2011) in a discursive perspective, it has been conceived as a strategy that permeates several communication situations. In this sense, although it does not always focus on laughter, humor can be understood as the guiding thread of the intentional cartoon project, whose journalistic-media communicative contract orients the restrictions and freedoms of the enunciator in favor of a double aim: to report a public event and, at the same time, to tune the construction of this event with opinion, to capture (Charaudeau, 2008, 2010). Giving that this orientation manifests itself at different textual levels and in the verb-visuality, we intend to analyze how the selected texts explore the intergenericity (Marcuschi, 2008) with humorous purposes without, however, deviating from the contractual axis of the cartoon.
Condição de moradia: sensibilidades de fronteira numa ocupação em São Paulo
Authors: Oliveira Frederico Jorge Tavares de
Published: September 2024

Neste artigo, examinamos as condições históricas e situacionais de um projeto de moradia, isto é, uma ocupação, cujas especificidades serão observadas a partir de dados secundários e contextuais, sobretudo a partir da maneira como interagíamos com os ocupantes, observando a maneira como eles se manifestavam e/ou explicavam sua ação, suas motivações e sentimentos, assim como a maneira que a Defensoria Pública do Estado de São Paulo procurou evitar a reintegração de posse. Sob forte inspiração de estudos de comunicação e consumo, especialmente de Néstor García Canclini, acreditamos retomar, assim, uma característica histórica fundamental dos estudos culturais: fazer teoria sociocultural com suportes empíricos a fim de compreender criticamente o devir capitalista.
Smartphones e usos de gênero: uma etnografia sobre mulheres conectadas
Authors: Pereira Camila Rodrigues , Da Silva Sandra Rubia
Published: September 2024

Este artigo aborda a relação entre mulheres de camadas populares e o consumo de smartphones a partir de um estudo etnográfico realizado na cidade de Santa Maria (RS). O principal objetivo da pesquisa é entender o que as mulheres economicamente menos favorecidas, de diferentes gerações, pretendem comunicar através de seus telefones celulares e das mídias sociais. Quatro casos etnográficos de mulheres, com idades entre 18 e 44 anos, compõem a análise do trabalho. Como principais considerações é possível afirmar que o smartphone, através de suas diversas funcionalidades, possibilita que mulheres pertencentes a camadas populares se sintam incluídas no mundo digital, conheçam novas formas de comunicação, assumam diferentes papéis em seus cotidianos e comuniquem sobre seu corpo, sua sexualidade, sua relação com a maternidade e questões do universo feminino.
As várias nostalgias de Stranger Things
Authors: Anaz Sílvio Antonio Luiz
Published: September 2024

Um dos fatores do êxito de Stranger Things é o mosaico de referências nostálgicas que ela traz, especialmente em relação aos anos 1980, como tem sido apresentado em estudos que analisam a série televisiva. Este artigo faz uma revisão desses estudos para mostrar a amplitude alcançada pelo uso do recurso à nostalgia no processo de criação da série. O resultado mostra como as diferentes abordagens nostálgicas identificadas nos estudos convergem em dois pontos: na recriação romantizada da década de 1980 e num tributo aos primórdios da chamada cultura geek.
Dimensão comunicacional em práticas culturais nas Comunidades Eclesiais de Base (CEBs) em Mato Grosso, Brasil
Authors: Lachowski Gibran Luis , Gushiken Yuji
Published: September 2024

Cultural practices, such as meaning production and social bonding, highlight the communicational dimension in the daily life of base ecclesiastical communities (CEBs) in Mato Grosso, a state in Midwest Brazil. The communication as culture study model considers communication as a language structure and a social process and mainly aims to understand the expressiveness in the activities carried out by religious practitioners within the community scope of the CEBs, which corresponds to an existing Christian way of being (especially in Catholicism). This qualitative, inductive-deductive, and interpretative study lies at the interface between communication and culture (notably cultural anthropology), using multi-sited ethnography associated with autoethnography, promoting participant observation with field notebook notes and photographic records.
Brincar e resistir: fotoetnografia do empoderamento de crianças em terreiros de umbanda contra o racismo religioso escolar
Authors: Marques Maria Cristina
Published: September 2024

Este estudio explora cómo las prácticas lúdicas en terreiros de Umbanda, en la región de los Lagos, en Río de Janeiro, ayudan al empoderamiento de niños umbandistas para enfrentar el racismo religioso en la escuela. A partir de una metodología etnográfica y fotoetnográfica, este estudio utilizó observaciones participativas, imágenes y entrevistas para analizar la integración de estas actividades en las prácticas religiosas y cómo se representan en el contexto educativo. Se destaca la figura del “Súper Exu”, una adaptación lúdica de una entidad espiritual que los niños usan como símbolo de poder y resistencia. Los resultados muestran que jugar, al entrelazarse con el contexto religioso, fortalece la identidad de los niños y proporciona herramientas simbólicas y emocionales para combatir la discriminación. Se concluye que respetar estas experiencias religiosas y lúdicas en los currículos escolares podría promover un entorno educativo más inclusivo y respetuoso, valorando la diversidad religiosa y cultural.
A tese subliminar adventista: manipulação midiática como teoria conspiratória religiosa
Authors: Novaes Allan Macedo de
Published: September 2024

Este artigo descreve a presença de uma tese subliminar no discurso da confissão adventista do sétimo dia a partir da análise documental de livros adventistas sobre a mídia, publicados entre as décadas de 1950 a 1990. Como resultado, verifica-se a presença de uma tese subliminar adventista, de teor conspiratório e apocalíptico, que remonta à popularização do tema "mensagens subliminares" no contexto norte-americano de 1950, com os experimentos de James Vicary até os episódios de pânico moral nos anos 1980 e 1990. A literatura adventista analisada considera o ser humano como “homem-massa” e crê no poder manipulatório da mídia mediante mensagens ocultas, além de apontar o diabo como o agente conspirador e a transmissão de conteúdos midiáticos como o plano conspiratório. Portanto, as mensagens subliminares e as teorias conspiratórias que as orbitam são uma forma de propaganda da metanarrativa do Grande Conflito – a crença adventista no confronto cósmico entre Jesus e Satanás.
André Hellegers, o surgimento da Bioética e o Instituto Kennedy de Ética
Authors: Sardenberg Trajano , Paixão Junior Valdir Gonzalez , Pereira Gilberto José Cação , Curcelli Emilio Carlos , Volpi Mauro dos Santos , Silvares Paulo Roberto de Almeida , Oliveira Reinaldo Ayer de
Published: September 2024

A dupla origem da Bioética no ano de 1971 com a publicação do livro de Potter Bioethics: bridge to the future e a criação do Instituto Kennedy por André Hellegers é constantemente citada na literatura. A Bioética de Potter é referida como ampla e vinculada com visão ecológica, enquanto que a de Hellegers estaria preocupada somente com as questões da saúde, como uma ética médica ampliada. O objetivo do presente estudo foi mostrar e analisar a vida e a obra de André Hellegers. Hellegers foi um médico cientista católico, ligado aos desafios éticos e humanos do seu tempo de grandes mudanças sociais, culturais e médicas. Procurou atuar com enfoque médico, científico e ético nos dilemas éticos da saúde de seu tempo. Mais do que atuar no campo teórico da Bioética, procurou enfocar os dilemas éticos práticos dos médicos, dos pacientes e seus familiares. Ao lado desta atuação pragmática, agregou os grandes pensadores da Teologia e da Filosofia, assim como os médicos preocupados com o humanismo da medicina, estimulando e criando condições de pesquisas, ensino, reflexões e divulgação dos grandes temas da Bioética.
“Vida loka original”: engajamento e autenticidade no Racionais MC’s das décadas de 2000 e 2010
Authors: Lisboa Mateus da Silva
Published: September 2024

Based on the musical work of the São Paulo rap group Racionais MC's, especially the albums released in the period in question, the paper seeks to describe how the relationship between political imagination, social inequality, and the music market organizes notions of engagement and authenticity as components of the group's political self-perception of themselves, their artistic work and Brazilian rap. In this text, I observe the manifestations of vida loka – an expression iconically linked to the group and its artwork -, analyzing its appearances and uses in the production of Racionais MC’s, to demonstrate how the expression functions as a) a representative unit, temporally and spatially located, of the social experience of poor young black people in the 1990s and 2000s, which centrally connects race, class and territory; and b) a component of authenticity in Racionais MC's rap that locates the social experience of the members, legitimizes their discourses, fosters personal identification between rappers and the public and symbolically gives their work prestige in the cultural market.
Repetitions Within and Between Chapters in the Xunzi 荀子: Traces of Liu Xiang’s 劉向 Editorial Work
Authors: Liu Meihui
Published: September 2024

While the Xunzi 荀子 is often taken as a coherent text authored by the historical Xun Kuang 荀況 (ca. 314–ca. 238 BCE), it exhibits discontinuities and high rates of repetition, suggesting that many chapters are compilations, not single-author texts. Some meaningful parallels indicate the presence of a skillful compiler who collected variations on the same topic. The best candidate for such an editor appears to be Liu Xiang 劉向 (79–8 BCE). While Liu claimed to have deleted a large number of “duplicates” from his materials, he also seems to have purposefully integrated some of them into his final version of the text. Thereafter, a pian 篇 (chapter) was no longer the same as its pre-Han ancestor; it had become longer and more comprehensive, yet not a linear unit of meaning.
The Life and Works of the Monk Donggao, a Chinese Chan Master in Japan
Authors: van Gulik Robert H.
Published: September 2024

In this article Dr. van Gulik (1910–1967) explores the life and times of the Chinese Buddhist monk Donggao 東皐 (1639–1695) who was not willing to live under the Manchu conquerors and left China for Japan. After his arrival in early 1677 he met with hostility, but, thanks to the intercession by his patron, prince Tokugawa Mitsukuni 德川光圀, he was able to stay in Japan, founded a new branch of the Chan school, the Shouchang sect 壽昌, and became the first abbot of this branch at Gionji 祇園寺 in Mito. The erudition of Donggao, and his skill in seal carving, calligraphy, lute-play and poetry, was much admired by Japanese monks and scholars. Dr. van Gulik presents numerous examples of his cultural endeavors, taken from his own sizable collection. This article was written by Dr. van Gulik in 1941 shortly before the Pacific War broke out, resulting in postponement of its publication. The type-written manuscript is now part of the Robert van Gulik archives in the East Asian Library at Leiden University.
Social Exclusion and Contemporary Marginalisation: a Case of Egyptian Nubians
Authors: Ma Weiyu
Published: September 2024

Every multi-ethnic state faces ethnic competition and ethnic marginalisation, with minorities often facing varying degrees of discrimination, and power repression. The study adopts the theory of marginalisation and combines historical discourse analysis to examine the marginalisation experienced by Nubians in Egypt. The study finds that the marginalisation suffered by Nubians in Egypt is mainly reflected in the political denial of Nubians’ right to return and inadequate political elections, the economic lack of access to basic services and labour market challenges, as well as the education inequality, and that the state of marginalisation of the Nubian community is still ongoing. The study suggests that in the context of the Egyptian government’s continued neglect of Nubians’ rights and needs, Nubians should create pluralistic Nubian civil social organisations, increase the participation of the Nubian groups in Egyptian society, and create a vibrant public space for the Nubians to reduce the increasing marginalisation.
Is Acts Really “The Most Overtly Missionary Book”?
Authors: Tupamahu Ekaputra
Published: September 2024

The aim of this article is twofold: first, to challenge the white reading of the book of Acts, and second, to offer an alternative reading by placing the story of the marginalized people, the colonized people, at the center. The first part of this article interrogates how white pentecostal scholars read the book of Acts as a missionary book and identify themselves with the disciples in the book of Acts. After presenting the problems with this reading, I propose an alternative interpretation of the movement in Acts as a migration movement instead of a missionary movement. Reading it from a migration point of view centers on the story of a marginalized group of people trying to find a safe place to live because of the sociopolitical instability in their homeland.
Vindicating Spirit, Deceiving Spirits
Authors: Bowes William
Published: September 2024

The first letter to Timothy includes a reference to a primitive hymnic formula that grants a central role to the Holy Spirit in Jesus’s resurrection. This reference coheres with other primitive (pre-Pauline) references such as Rom 1:3–4 and with Paul’s earlier teaching on the Spirit (as in Rom 8:11). In a letter that seems otherwise sparse in its pneumatology, 1 Tim 3:16 is important for understanding the relationship between the Holy Spirit and Jesus’s identity, and I suggest that the mention of the Spirit here informs the way that the statements in 4:1–5 should be read, and the way that the letter’s overall portrayal of truth and falsehood should be understood. I will discuss the interpretation of 1 Tim 3:16—4:5, proposing a pentecostal reading of this section of the letter, one that takes seriously the vindicating role of the Spirit in Jesus’s resurrection as a model for believer’s future resurrection, one that coheres with the pneumatology of earlier Pauline epistles, and one that coheres with the treatment of false teachers and demonic spirits in other New Testament texts.
Refined by Fires: the Countercultural Shape of T.C. Chao’s Mature Theology
Authors: Sampson John
Published: September 2024

T.C. Chao (1888–1979) was one of the twentieth century’s most celebrated Chinese Protestant thinkers, renowned in the Chinese Republican era (1912–1949) for his creative and penetrating works of Christian theology. During the Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), Chao was imprisoned by Japanese military troops and experienced a spiritual and intellectual transformation. Scholars identify a new, mature period of thought arising after imprisonment, one often termed “neo-orthodox.” But this term remains connotatively misleading and sheds scant light on the shape of Chao’s creative theological reflection. In its place this article investigates whether the term “countercultural” is more fitting, in view of three factors that gave shape to Chao’s mature theology, namely, Japanese imprisonment, Karl Barth’s influence, and ordination in the Anglican Church in China.
The Russian Student Christian Movement’s Religious Literature Smuggling Program (1960s–1980s)
Authors: Martin Barbara
Published: September 2024

This article offers an overview of the activities of the Russian Student Christian Movement’s Department of Assistance to Believers of the USSR. Founded in Paris in 1961 by Cyrille Eltchaninoff, it aimed at smuggling religious and dissident literature to the Soviet Union. The charity collected donations to purchase books, which were then sent to Soviet believers through a network of around 150 contacts in 30 countries. In the 1970s–1980s, it smuggled up to 45,000 books to the Soviet Union yearly, provided assistance to prisoners of faith and their families. This article argues that the RSCM acted as a bridge between East and West, supporting the nascent religious revival in the Soviet Union, thanks to an effective fundraising strategy based on support to Soviet dissidents.
Les gestes discursifs dans les conférences TED Talk Synchronisation gestes/parole et prosodie
Authors: Ferré Gaëlle
Published: September 2024

The linguistic contribution of representational gestures has long been the focus of Gesture Studies, but descriptions of other gesture types and of their functions are much more scarse, notably when it comes to pragmatic gestures that play a discourse function. Yet, whereas representational gestures are interesting for the study of their semantic features, discursive gestures reveal the information structure of linguistic messages as well as the foregrounding of some parts of speech. The present study proposes an analysis of four gesture types: beats, points, hand flips and closing hand gestures. They share the function of highlighting discourse units and the hypothesis proposed here is that they do not have the same scope in doing so. Beats and points are local highlighters which emphasize lexical items (words or NPs), whereas hand flips and closing hand gestures frame larger discourse units like Inter-Pausal Units or Turn-Constructional Units, that can be considered as forming oral paragraphs, as well as Intonation Phrases to a lesser extent. The prosodic study of the speech uttered in synchrony with these four gesture types sheds a new light on some of their functions which have so far been described in a qualitative way. It allows us not only to make connections between gestures that are often considered separately, but also to differentiate them.
Mise en place d’un protocole d’identification de traits articulatoires communs à la gestualité co-verbale du français et à la Langue des Signes Française (LSF): application au geste épistémique
Authors: Catteau Fanny , Bianchini Claudia S.
Published: September 2024

This article focuses on the articulatory characteristics of epistemic gestures (i.e., gestures used to express certainty or uncertainty) in co-speech gestures (CSG) in French and in French Sign Language (LSF). It presents a new methodology for analysis, which relies on the complementary use of manual annotation (using Typannot) and semi-automatic annotation (using AlphaPose) to highlight the kinesiological characteristics of these epistemic gestures. The presented methodology allows to analyze the flexion/extension movements of the head in epistemic contexts. The results of this analysis show that in CSG and LSF: (1) head nods passing through the neutral position (i.e., head straight with no flexion/extension) and high movement speed are markers of certainty; and (2) holding the head position away from the neutral position and low movement speed indicate uncertainty. This study is conducted within the framework of the ANR LexiKHuM project, which develops kinesthetic communication solutions for human-machine interaction.
Endogenous phytohormone analysis during sequential stages of somatic embryogenesis in Musa AAA cv. Grand Naine (subgroup Cavendish)
Authors: Kumaravel Marimuthu , Uma Subbaraya , Backiyarani Suthanthiram , Saraswathi Marimuthu Somasundaram , Mayilvaghanan Muthu , Agrawal Anuradha
Published: September 2024

This is the first initiative study to provide quantified levels of four endogenous phytohormones during the induction, regeneration, maturation and germination stages of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in banana, using immature male bud explants, in the popular commercial triploid cultivar Grand Naine (AAA). Phytohormones are known to play a major role in the regulation of SE and most protocols have been developed for various cultivars of banana following empirical approaches. Although, several reports are available with regard to the impact of growth regulators exogenously supplemented to the media, the vital role of endogenous growth hormones in various developmental stages of SE remain unclear in banana. Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to analyze endogenous status of indole acetic acid (IAA), zeatin, gibberellic acid (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Results from this study revealed that endogenous IAA and GA along with exogenous auxin play a major role in the induction of embryogenic competence of male bud explants. The levels of endogenous IAA and zeatin were found to be higher in embryogenic calli than non-embryogenic calli, although three different types of exogenous auxins were supplemented in callogenesis medium, but not cytokinin. Higher level of ABA and GA was observed in early and late developmental stages of somatic embryo, respectively. GA also played a predominant role in germination of somatic embryos. These findings will be applied for improvement of SE protocol in recalcitrant banana cultivars by suitably altering or supplementing exogenous growth hormones.
Three Tacit Gossipers: A Few Symbol Strings Regarding New ai and Old Philosophy
Authors: Stjernfelt Frederik
Published: September 2024

This article investigates recent shifts in the landscape of Artificial Intelligence (ai), focusing on the emergence and controversies surrounding Large Language Models (llm s). Tracing the historical trajectory of ai enthusiasm from the 1960s to the present, the paper delves into the paradigm shifts influenced by symbolic ai, parallel distributed processing, and the rise of llm s, with particular emphasis on the transformative impact of OpenAI’s ChatGPT 3.5 release in late 2022. The paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on ai ethics, societal implications, and the intricate debate surrounding the perceived intelligence and consciousness of contemporary language models.
Coming Clean on Normativity with the Honest Broker
Authors: Fuller Steve
Published: September 2024

Finn Collin has been the honest broker of social epistemology. In this article, I attempt to come clean on the nature and sources of what I have always regarded as the ‘normative’ horizon of the field. It basically turns on a social constructivist reading of Plato’s Phaedrus, the dialogue from which modern analytic epistemology also takes its inspiration. I pursue the implications of this approach in various normative fields of philosophy.
Constructivism and/or Constructionism
Authors: Køppe Simo
Published: September 2024

On several occasions, Finn Collin has engaged in discussions surrounding social constructivism, a relatively recent theoretical orientation emerging through the development of naturalized science studies from the 1970s. Inspired by Finn’s work, this paper explores the distinction between ‘social constructivism’ and ‘social constructionism’ and their origins in various strands of the sociology of knowledge.
To the knowledge of the aphidiine wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) from China
Authors: DAVIDIAN ELENA M. , BELOKOBYLSKIJ SERGEY A.
Published: September 2024

A new species of the aphidiine parasitoid Binodoxys yunnanicus Davidian, sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Yunnan Province, China. This species is characterised by long filiform antenna, large wings, narrow petiole of metasoma, long ovipositor sheaths, and almost straight prongs with four long setae on their dorsal margin and one long apical bristle. Praon longistigmus Davidian, 2020, described from Sichuan Province of China, is synonymised with Astigmapraon hei Tian et Chen, 2017 (syn. nov.).
A taxonomic review on the katydids of the genus Anthracites Redtenbacher, 1891 (Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae: Agraeciini) from Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: SABANG AIRA MAE M. , BAHOY DAPHNE CAYLE M. , GRUMO KIM C. , GONO ALFREDO III A. , SALVADOR JEWEL ANNE G. , RIVERA RODRIN R. , NUÑEZA OLGA MACAS , ROBILLARD TONY , TAN MING KAI
Published: September 2024

Anthracites Redtenbacher, 1891 is a genus of Agraeciini with 13 species, of which 11 are found in the Philippines. In the Philippines, seven species were described from Mindanao, the most among other main islands. Based on recently collected material from different parts of Mindanao, we describe two additional new species: Anthracites alatus Tan, Bahoy & Sabang sp. nov. from Mount Balatukan in Misamis Oriental, and Anthracites sebu Tan, Bahoy & Sabang sp. nov. from Lake Sebu in South Cotabato. We also describe the previously-unknown males of Anthracites geniculatus Dohrn, 1905 and Anthracites pyramidalis Ingrisch, 2015. We also report new locality records for Anthracites flagellatus Ingrisch, 2015 on Mount Balatukan, Anthracites geniculatus in Surigao del Sur, Anthracites pyramidalis from Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, and Anthracites zebra Hebard, 1922 on Mount Malindang.
New species and new synonym of Necrosciini (Phasmatodea: Lonchodidae: Necrosciinae) from Hainan Province, China
Authors: WEN JUN , QIAN YU-HAN , XIE CHONG-XIN , CHEN RUI , WANG CHEN
Published: September 2024

This paper describes a new species Parasinophasma ledongense sp. nov. of the genus Parasinophasma Chen & He, 2006. The diagnostic characters of the new species are illustrated, and an identification key is provided for males and females of the genus. In addition, we show that Sipyloidea wuzhishanensis (Chen & He, 2002) is a junior synonym of Huananphasma amicum (Bey-Bienko, 1959).
Enhancing HVAC multivariable system performance through hybrid modeling and direct Nyquist Array control
Authors: Touqan Basim , Ameer Alaa Abdul
Published: September 2024

This study explores a closed-loop multivariable control system for HVAC systems. A hybrid distributed parameter-lumped model was developed using MATLAB’s System Identification Application, resulting in a transfer function matrix. The Direct Nyquist Array (DNA) control strategy was applied, dividing the HVAC system into two SISO loops, each equipped with PID controllers. Stability analysis confirmed system stability according to the Nyquist criterion. Simulation of the system under DNA control showed improved performance over the open-loop setup, with faster response times of nearly 1 s and overshoots between 7% and 15%, maintaining thermal comfort and occupant satisfaction. The system effectively managed ambient heat transfer variations, maintaining desired airflow rate and air temperature. The closed-loop setup exhibited robustness against disturbances, quickly returning to steady-state values. Settling times ranged from 1 to 2 s with minimal impact on HVAC performance. Overall, the closed-loop multivariable DNA control with SISO PID controllers proved reliable for enhancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort in HVAC systems.

Practical application

This study provides a comprehensive framework for multivariable control in HVAC systems, significantly benefiting built environment professionals by enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. By applying advanced control strategies, the research offers practical solutions for optimizing HVAC performance, reducing operational costs, and ensuring sustainability in building management. The detailed analysis and methodologies presented can be directly implemented to improve system reliability and responsiveness, thereby supporting professionals in creating smarter, more resilient, and environmentally friendly built environments.
SPGAN Optimized by Piranha Foraging Optimization for Thyroid Nodule Classification in Ultrasound Images
Authors: Bandi Siddalingesh , K.P Ravikumar , H.S Manjunatha Reddy
Published: September 2024

In this research work, Semantic-Preserved Generative Adversarial Network optimized by Piranha Foraging Optimization for Thyroid Nodule Classification in Ultrasound Images (SPGAN-PFO-TNC-UI) is proposed. Initially, ultrasound images are gathered from the DDTI dataset. Then the input image is sent to the pre-processing step. During pre-processing stage, the Multi-Window Savitzky-Golay Filter (MWSGF) is employed to reduce the noise and improve the quality of the ultrasound (US) images. The pre-processed output is supplied to the Generalized Intuitionistic Fuzzy C-Means Clustering (GIFCMC). Here, the ultrasound image’s Region of Interest (ROI) is segmented. The segmentation output is supplied to the Fully Numerical Laplace Transform (FNLT) to extract the features, such as geometric features like solidity, orientation, roundness, main axis length, minor axis length, bounding box, convex area, and morphological features, like area, perimeter, aspect ratio, and AP ratio. The Semantic-Preserved Generative Adversarial Network (SPGAN) separates the image as benign or malignant nodules. Generally, SPGAN does not express any optimization adaptation methodologies for determining the best parameters to ensure the accurate classification of thyroid nodules. Therefore, the Piranha Foraging Optimization (PFO) algorithm is proposed to improve the SPGAN classifier and accurately identify the thyroid nodules. The metrics, like F-score, accuracy, error rate, precision, sensitivity, specificity, ROC, computing time is examined. The proposed SPGAN-PFO-TNC-UI method attains 30.54%, 21.30%, 27.40%, and 18.92% higher precision and 26.97%, 20.41%, 15.09%, and 18.27% lower error rate compared with existing techniques, like Thyroid detection and classification using DNN with Hybrid Meta-Heuristic and LSTM (TD-DL-HMH-LSTM), Quantum-Inspired convolutional neural networks for optimized thyroid nodule categorization (QCNN-OTNC), Thyroid nodules classification under Follow the Regularized Leader Optimization based Deep Neural Networks (CTN-FRL-DNN), Automatic classification of ultrasound thyroids images using vision transformers and generative adversarial networks (ACUTI-VT-GAN) respectively.
PD-related peritonitis from Psathyrella candolleana caused by poor PD catheter belt hygiene
Authors: Kulvichit Win , Towangnang Piyaporn , Klinphayom Phatcharida , Kittiskulnam Piyawan , Kanjanabuch Talerngsak
Published: September 2024

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated fungal peritonitis, although rare, presents significant challenges in diagnosis and management. Here, we present the first case of PD-related peritonitis attributed to Psathyrella candolleana and highlight a potential route of infection through contamination from the PD catheter belt. A 37-year-old female, with a history of heart and lung transplantation and undergoing continuous ambulatory PD, presented with acute abdominal pain and cloudy PD effluent (PDE). Genetic analysis of PDE and PD catheter tip confirmed diagnosis of P. candolleana. Treatment was successful without any relapses with timely PD catheter removal and an extended course of antifungal therapy. The root cause analysis suspected the dirt-stained PD catheter belt as the origin of contamination. In conclusion, this is the first case of P. candolleana infection in PD-related peritonitis. Preventive strategies should prioritize hygiene practices, including the PD belt to mitigate the risk of contamination and subsequent infections of such pathogens.
Analytical modeling and performance improvement of an electric two-stage centrifugal compressor for fuel cell vehicles
Authors: Li Huan , Zuo Shuguang , Chen Siyue
Published: September 2024

The integrated two-stage electric centrifugal compressors are most widely used in the present fuel cell vehicles. Air compressors influence the efficiency of fuel cell systems significantly, so it is crucial to improve the energy efficiency of centrifugal compressors. However, there is a lack of centrifugal compressor performance models that can reflect the thermodynamic characteristics of two-stage compression system, which is the main focus of this paper. In this paper, an analytical model of two-stage centrifugal compressor performance considering the thermodynamic characteristics of two-stage compression was first derived and experimentally validated. The single-stage centrifugal compressor model (SSCCM) can be treated as a lumped parameter model of the two-stage centrifugal compressor to predict the compressor performance. Therefore, the SSCCM and the two-stage centrifugal compressor model (TSCCM) were compared. The results show that the TSCCM is more accurate and robust. Furthermore, a novel compressor structure equipped with an intercooler in the inter-stage piping was proposed to improve the energy efficiency of the centrifugal compressor. Based on this novel structure, the TSCCM was modified. Finally, a quantitative analysis was performed to study the effect of an inter-stage intercooler on compressor efficiency. Compared to the original compressor without the inter-stage intercooler, the efficiency improvement by the inter-stage intercooler can be in the range of 3.29–3.97%, with power savings of 0.332–0.635 kW. The study can be used to support engineers and researchers in fast identifying effective solutions in terms of design for the next generation of centrifugal compressors.
Examining Factors in the Decision to Sperm Bank by Adolescent and Young Adult Males Diagnosed With Cancer: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Sandheinrich Taryn , Chase Jo-Ana , Armer Jane
Published: September 2024

Background: Despite American Society of Clinical Oncology and Children's Oncology Group recommendations, the rate of sperm-banking for newly diagnosed adolescent and young adult males with cancer remains between 18% and 35%. The purpose of this study was to examine recent literature regarding decision-making and fertility preservation prior to the initiation of therapy for adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer. Method: A search of multiple online databases was undertaken for peer-reviewed studies between the years of 2010 and 2022. The databases CINAHL, PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, Google Scholar, and forward citation search was employed using the same Boolean search phrases in each database. Some 402 articles were then screened for relevance by title, abstract, and full review based on inclusion/exclusion criteria for synthesis. Results: Ten articles met criteria to be included in this review. Three themes were identified as impacting the decision to cryopreserve sperm prior to the initiation of therapy. Provider recommendation, parent recommendation, and referral for fertility specialist consult emerged as statistically significant factors in the decision to attempt sperm banking. Discussion: While the most significant factor impacting the decision to preserve fertility, parents reported they were more likely to recommend this to their child if they received clear recommendations from the medical team. Pediatric oncology physicians and nurses are in a unique position to positively impact quality of life and psychosocial outcomes in survivors of pediatric cancer by providing up-to-date evidence-based information, risk assessment, recommendations, and/or referral to fertility preservation specialists to families and patients.
Prehospital neurological emergencies– a survey on the state of prehospital neurological assessment by emergency medical professionals
Authors: Brauckmann Vesta , Hudasch Dominica , Gräff Pascal , Riecke Torben , Aktas Gökmen , Mayor Jorge , Macke Christian
Published: September 2024

Background

Neurological emergencies are one of the major diagnosis groups in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with the highest rate of misdiagnosis. Despite the knowledge of time sensitivity and the importance of prehospital factors, prehospital delay is common. Although several stroke triage scales have been developed, a gold standard in the prehospital setting is lacking.

Objectives

Our aim was to evaluate the perception of neurological emergencies by EMS personnel and to identify current problems, difficulties and opportunities for improvement in the prehospital management of stroke, seizure, non-specific neurological symptoms, and paediatric neurological emergencies.

Methods

The study was conducted as an online survey through SoSci Survey and was made available from March 1st to June 30th 2023 to all personnel working in emergency medical services. The access link was distributed through snowballing, social media, and through a QR code on a promotional poster. The survey was completed anonymously. The final survey consisted of 30 questions in German on the topics of neurological emergencies, general neurological assessment, specific neurological examination including paediatric assessment, stroke, and seizures, and finally suggestions for improvement.

Results

The largest group of participants were paramedics, who estimated to encounter neurological emergencies at a general rate of 20–60%. When unease was felt, the main reasons were ambiguity of symptoms and insufficient admission capacity of hospitals. The biggest challenges were highly varied. Almost 80% of participants assumed that the neurological assessment would be omitted in difficult patient groups such as demented, intoxicated or children. 75% felt uncomfortable making a paediatric assessment, 50% were unfamiliar with the Paediatric Glasgow Coma Scale.

Conclusions

Support through more standardized practical training and defined, uniform guidelines is needed. There was also a clear need for peer collaboration, feedback and case sharing. Digitalization, the usage of telemedicine and updated versions of the documentation protocols including paediatric adaptations to current guidelines could further improve current neurological assessment in the prehospital setting.
Iran’s health insurance ecosystem: challenges and strategies
Authors: Rahimisadegh Rohaneh , Noori Hekmat Somayeh , Mehrolhassani Mohammad Hossein , Jafari Sirizi Mohammad
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Identifying and exploiting stewardship and financing challenges in Iran’s health insurance system as an ecosystem is essential to achieving predetermined goals. This study aimed to determine the challenges and strategies in the Iranian health insurance ecosystem to provide relevant evidence to healthcare managers and policymakers to improve its functions and perform necessary reforms.

Method

This qualitative study was conducted at the national level in Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the directed content analysis method. The study participants included managers and experts in health insurance and faculty of universities of medical sciences, who were selected by purposive sampling.

Results

The challenges and strategies expressed by participants were categorized into two functions: stewardship and financing. Four main themes, ten subthemes, 22 challenges, and 24 strategies were identified in the stewardship function, along with three main themes, 12 subthemes, 17 challenges, and 16 strategies in the financing function. The major challenge in the Iranian health insurance ecosystem was the complexity and conflict of interests between multiple actors with different roles, which led to fragmentation, diverse structures, and a gap between other functions and objectives, hindering the effective functioning of the ecosystem.

Conclusion

In order to deal with the challenges of the health insurance ecosystem, it is suggested to create a coherent insurance system through a single utility system, and by paying more attention to health-oriented services, the health insurance ecosystem becomes a health-oriented system instead of being treatment-oriented. In addition, in order to strengthen the governance of the country’s health insurance ecosystem, the number of actors with multiple roles should be reduced and the roles of the actors should be clarified and separated in order to prevent conflicts of interest and structural corruption in this ecosystem.
Multilocus sequence typing and phenotypic properties of Streptococcus mutans from Thai children with different caries statuses
Authors: Lapirattanakul Jinthana , Nomura Ryota , Okawa Rena , Tantivitayakul Pornpen , Kaypetch Rattiporn , Lehrkinder Anna , Lingström Peter , Birkhed Dowen , Matsumoto-Nakano Michiyo , Nakano Kazuhiko
Published: September 2024

Background

Streptococcus mutans is studied for its acidogenic and aciduric characteristics, notably its biofilm formation in the presence of sucrose, toward its role in the caries process. Variations in both genotype and phenotype have been reported among clinical isolates of S. mutans. This study aimed to examine genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of S. mutans obtained from Thai children with varying caries statuses.

Methods

We determined the presence of S. mutans and caries status in 395 children aged 3–4 years. From 325 children carrying S. mutans, we selected 90 with different caries statuses—caries-free (CF; n = 30), low severity of caries (LC; n = 30), or high severity of caries (HC; n = 30). Three isolates of S. mutans were taken from each child, thus, a total of 270 isolates were obtained. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to genotype the isolates and assess their clonal relationships. The properties, including biofilm formation, collagen binding, and acid production and tolerance were also evaluated.

Results

Children with carious lesions showed a higher detection rate and number of S. mutans in saliva than those without caries. S. mutans from individuals with HC status showed the lowest biofilm formation ability, while this group had the highest detection rate of collagen-binding isolates. There was no difference in acid production or tolerance by caries status. Genotyping by MLST did not reveal any clone of S. mutans specific to CF status. This result remained even when we included MLST data from the open-access PubMLST database. MLST did identify clones containing only strains from caries-affected hosts, but tests of their phenotypic properties did not reveal any differences between S. mutans from these clones and clones that were from both caries-free and caries-affected children.

Conclusions

The clonal relationships of S. mutans indicated by MLST were not associated with the status of dental caries in the host.