bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Dimorphism in the Physiopathology and Immune Response during Acute Toxocara canis Infection
Authors: Del Río-Araiza Víctor Hugo , Alcalá-Canto Yazmín , Garay-Canales Claudia Angélica , Nava-Castro Karen Elizabeth , Morales-Montor Jorge
Published: March 2024

Background: Toxocara canis (T. canis) is a helminth parasite of zoonotic and veterinary health significance that causes the disease known as Toxocariasis. This disease has been associated with conditions of poverty, especially in tropical climate zones throughout the world. Although it rarely causes important clinical manifestations, T. canis can lead to blindness, meningoencephalitis, or other nervous manifestations in humans. Moreover, some studies show its importance in the development of tumor growth, which have been associated with the parasite’s ability to modulate the host’s immune response. While different studies have evaluated the immune response during this disease, currently, there are no studies where the infection is analyzed from the perspective of sexual dimorphism. Methods: To evaluate sex differences in susceptibility, we analyzed lesions and parasite loads in lung and liver at 7 days post-infection. In addition, immune cell subpopulations were analyzed in spleen, mesenteric and peripheral lymph nodes. Finally, the production of cytokines and specific antibodies were determined in the serum. Statical analyses were performed using a Two-way ANOVA and a post-hoc Bonferroni multiple comparison test. Results: Female rats had a higher number of larvae in the liver, while male rats had them in the lungs. The percentages of immune cells were evaluated, and in most cases, no significant differences were observed. Regarding the cytokines production, infection can generate a decrease in Th1 such as IL-1β in both sexes and IL-6 only in females. In the case of Th2, IL-4 increases only in infected males and IL-5 increases in males while decreasing in females due to the effect of infection. IL-10 also decreases in both sexes as a consequence of the infection, and TGF-β only in females. Finally, the infection generates the production of antibodies against the parasite, however, their quantity is lower in females. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that T. canis infection is dimorphic and affects females more than males. This is due to a polarization of the inadequate immune response, which is reflected as a higher parasite load in this sex.
Chronic Viral Infection Compromises the Quality of Circulating Mucosal–Associated Invariant T Cells and Follicular T Helper Cells via Expression of Inhibitory Receptors
Authors: Vimali Jaisheela , Yong Yean K. , Murugesan Amudhan , Tan Hong Y. , Zhang Ying , Ashwin Rajeev , Raju Sivadoss , Balakrishnan Pachamuthu , Larsson Marie , Velu Vijayakumar , Shankar Esaki M.
Published: March 2024

Background: Chronic viral infection results in impaired immune responses rendering viral persistence. Here, we compared the quality of T-cell responses among chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals by examining the levels of expression of selected immune activation and exhaustion molecules on circulating MAIT cells and Tfh cells. Methods: Cytokines were measured using a commercial Bio-plex Pro Human Cytokine Grp I Panel 17-plex kit (BioRad, Hercules, CA, USA). Inflammation was assessed by measuring an array of plasma cytokines, and phenotypic alterations in CD4+ T cells including circulating Tfh cells, CD8+ T cells, and TCR iVα7.2+ MAIT cells in chronic HBV, HCV, and HIV-infected patients and healthy controls. The cells were characterized based on markers pertaining to immune activation (CD69, ICOS, and CD27) proliferation (Ki67), cytokine production (TNF-α, IFN-γ) and exhaustion (PD-1). The cytokine levels and T cell phenotypes together with cell markers were correlated with surrogate markers of disease progression. Results: The activation marker CD69 was significantly increased in CD4+hi T cells, while CD8+ MAIT cells producing IFN-γ were significantly increased in chronic HBV, HCV and HIV infections. Six cell phenotypes, viz., TNF-α+CD4+lo T cells, CD69+CD8+ T cells, CD69+CD4+ MAIT cells, PD-1+CD4+hi T cells, PD-1+CD8+ T cells, and Ki67+CD4+ MAIT cells, were independently associated with decelerating the plasma viral load (PVL). TNF-α levels showed a positive correlation with increase in cytokine levels and decrease in PVL. Conclusion: Chronic viral infection negatively impacts the quality of peripheral MAIT cells and Tfh cells via differential expression of both activating and inhibitory receptors.
A Novel Cholesterol Metabolism-Related lncRNA Signature Predicts the Prognosis of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Their Response to Immunotherapy
Authors: Lei Hui , Xiang Tao , Zhu Hua , Hu Xinyao
Published: March 2024

Background: The survival rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is low and the prognosis is poor. Metabolic reprogramming is still an emerging hallmark of cancer, and reprogramming of cholesterol metabolism plays a crucial action in tumor pathogenesis. Increasing evidence suggests that cholesterol metabolism affects the cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and resistance to chemotherapy of HCC. To date, no long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature associated with cholesterol metabolism has been developed to predict the outcome of patients with HCC. Methods: The RNA-seq data as well as the prognostic and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to assess cholesterol metabolism-related lncRNAs correlated with the prognosis of patients with HCC in order to construct a prognostic signature. Functional differences between low- and high-risk groups were investigated using genomic enrichment analysis (GSEA). Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves were applied to explore the overall survival (OS) of the low- and high-risk groups. Single-sample genomic enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was applied to investigate the association between this predictive signature and immune function. We subsequently examined how this signature relates to treatment response in HCC patients. Results: A prognostic signature comprising six lncRNAs related to cholesterol metabolism was constructed (AC124798.1, AL031985.3, AC103760.1, NRAV, WAC-AS1 and AC022613.1). We found that low-risk groups showed a better prognosis than high-risk groups. In HCC patients, the cholesterol metabolism-related lncRNA signature may be served as an independent prognostic factor. Cholesterol metabolism-related lncRNA signature had higher diagnostic efficiency compared to clinicopathologic variables. After stratifying patients according to different clinicopathological variables, patients with low-risk had a longer OS compared with high-risk patients. The ssGSEA demonstrated that this signature was closely related to the immune status of HCC patients. GSEA analysis demonstrated that immune- and tumor-related pathways were predominantly enriched in the high-risk group. High-risk patients were more responsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Conclusions: This cholesterol metabolism-related lncRNA signature can predict the prognosis of HCC patients and guide the clinical management of HCC patients, including immunotherapy.
Harnessing Big Data in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Machine Learning Applications for Clinical Practice and Pharmaceutical Trials
Authors: Tan Ee Ling , Lope Jasmin , Bede Peter
Published: March 2024

The arrival of genotype-specific therapies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) signals the dawn of precision medicine in motor neuron diseases (MNDs). After decades of academic studies in ALS, we are now witnessing tangible clinical advances. An ever increasing number of well-designed descriptive studies have been published in recent years, characterizing typical disease-burden patterns in vivo and post mortem. Phenotype- and genotype-associated traits and “typical” propagation patterns have been described based on longitudinal clinical and biomarker data. The practical caveat of these studies is that they report “group-level”, stereotyped trajectories representative of ALS as a whole. In the clinical setting, however, “group-level” biomarker signatures have limited practical relevance and what matters is the meaningful interpretation of data from a single individual. The increasing availability of large normative data sets, national registries, extant academic data, consortium repositories, and emerging data platforms now permit the meaningful interpretation of individual biomarker profiles and allow the categorization of single patients into relevant diagnostic, phenotypic, and prognostic categories. A variety of machine learning (ML) strategies have been recently explored in MND to demonstrate the feasibility of interpreting data from a single patient. Despite the considerable clinical prospects of classification models, a number of pragmatic challenges need to be overcome to unleash the full potential of ML in ALS. Cohort size limitations, administrative hurdles, data harmonization challenges, regulatory differences, methodological obstacles, and financial implications and are just some of the barriers to readily implement ML in routine clinical practice. Despite these challenges, machine-learning strategies are likely to be firmly integrated in clinical decision-making and pharmacological trials in the near future.
Tanshinone IIA Regulates Synaptic Plasticity in Mg2+-Free-Induced Epileptic Hippocampal Neurons via the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ma Meile , Hua Xi , Jia Chen , Xiao Nan , Zhang Li , Wei Liming , Jiao Haisheng
Published: March 2024

Background: Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) is an element of the effective ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Labiatae), exhibits a significant therapeutic effect in brain neuroprotection. The focus of this study was the examination of synaptic plasticity of in Mg2+-free-induced epileptic hippocampus neurons and how TSIIA protects against it. Methods: The purity of the primary hippocampal neurons extracted from Sprague Dawley rats was assessed within 24 hours by microtubule-associated protein (MAP2) immunofluorescence staining. A hippocampal neuron model for Mg2+-free-induced spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharge was developed, five experimental groups were then randomized: blank (Blank), model (Model), TSIIA (TSIIA, 20 µM), LY294002 (LY294002, 25 µM), and TSIIA+LY294002 (TSIIA+LY294002, 20 µM+25 µM). FIJI software was used to examine variations of neurite complexity, total length of hippocampal neurons, number of primary dendrites and density of dendritic spines. Developmental regulation brain protein (Drebrin) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and the relative expression of phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt)/Akt, BDNF, synaptophysin (SYN) and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD-95) determined by Western blot. Results: In contrast to the model group, TSIIA drastically reduced damage to synaptic plasticity of hippocampal neurons caused by epilepsy (p < 0.05). The TSIIA group showed a significant increase in the relative expression of PSD-95, SYN, BDNF, and p-Akt/Akt (p < 0.01). Conclusions: TSIIA was effective in reducing harm to the synaptic plasticity of hippocampal neurons induced by persistent status epilepticus, with the possible mechanism being regulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase 56 (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway.
The Impact of PCSK9 Gene Polymorphisms on Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Jianhong , Li Shuang , Ren Yi , Wang Guiquan , Li Weirong
Published: March 2024

Background: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene are known to be associated with susceptibility to several cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke (IS). The aims of this study was to evaluate associations between PCSK9 gene polymorphisms and the risk of IS. Based on previous reports linking PCSK9 SNPs to plasma lipid levels and to atherosclerosis, and to inconsistencies in the reported associations between the SNPs, plasma lipid levels and IS risk, we choose the PCSK9 rs505151, rs529787, and rs17111503 to performe the association analysis. Methods: Using multiple databases, all relevant case-control and cohort studies that matched our search criteria were collected. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Demographic and genotype data were extracted from each study, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata/MP 17.0. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed and random effects models. Results: A critical evaluation was conducted on ten case-control studies, involving a total of 2426 cases and 2424 controls. Pooled results from the allelic models indicated the PCSK9 rs505151 G allele (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.06–1.87, p = 0.019, I2 = 53.9%) and the PCSK9 rs17111503 A allele (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.22–1.55, p < 0.001, I2 = 43.5%) were significantly associated with IS. Study qualities ranged from moderate (n = 4) to good (n = 6). Begg’s and Egger’s tests results indicated there was no evidence of publication bias in the findings (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated that G allele variant of PCSK9 rs505151 and A allele variant of PCSK9 rs17111503 were associated with an increased risk of IS. Based on our findings, these SNPs could serve as potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of IS. The integration of information on genetic polymorphism into IS risk prediction model may be beneficial in routine clinical practice.
Blocking Pannexin 1 Channels Alleviates Peripheral Inflammatory Pain but not Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathy
Authors: Lemes Julia Borges Paes , Malange Kaue Franco , Carvalho Nathalia Santos , Neves Amanda Ferreira , Urban-Maldonado Marcia , Kempe Paula Regina Gelinski , Nishijima Catarine Massucato , Fagundes Cecilia Costa , Lotufo Celina Monteiro da Cruz , Suadicani Sylvia Ottile , Parada Carlos Amilcar
Published: March 2024

Background: Pannexin1 (Panx1) is a membrane channel expressed in different cells of the nervous system and is involved in several pathological conditions, including pain and inflammation. At the central nervous system, the role of Panx1 is already well-established. However, in the periphery, there is a lack of information regarding the participation of Panx1 in neuronal sensitization. The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is a critical structure for pain processing and modulation. For this reason, understanding the molecular mechanism in the DRG associated with neuronal hypersensitivity has become highly relevant to discovering new possibilities for pain treatment. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of Panx1 in acute nociception and peripheral inflammatory and neuropathic pain by using two different approaches. Methods: Rats were treated with a selective Panx1 blocker peptide (10Panx) into L5-DRG, followed by ipsilateral intraplantar injection of carrageenan, formalin, or capsaicin. DRG neuronal cells were pre-treated with 10Panx and stimulated by capsaicin to evaluate calcium influx. Panx1 knockout mice (Panx1-KO) received carrageenan or capsaicin into the paw and paclitaxel intraperitoneally. The von Frey test was performed to measure the mechanical threshold of rats’ and mice’s paws before and after each treatment. Results: Pharmacological blockade of Panx1 in the DRG of rats resulted in a dose-dependent decrease of mechanical allodynia triggered by carrageenan, and nociception decreased in the second phase of formalin. Nociceptive behavior response induced by capsaicin was significantly lower in rats treated with Panx1 blockade into DRG. Neuronal cells with Panx1 blockage showed lower intracellular calcium response than untreated cells after capsaicin administration. Accordingly, Panx1-KO mice showed a robust reduction in mechanical allodynia after carrageenan and a lower nociceptive response to capsaicin. A single dose of paclitaxel promoted acute mechanical pain in wildtype (WT) but not in Panx1-KO mice. Four doses of chemotherapy promoted chronic mechanical allodynia in both genotypes, although Panx1-KO mice had significant ablation in the first eight days. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Panx1 is critical for developing peripheral inflammatory pain and acute nociception involving transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) but is not essential for neuropathic pain chronicity.
Analisis Kepatuhan Pajak Berdasarkan Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Anugrah M Sahib Saesar , Fitriandi Primandita
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kepatuhan pajak dengan menggunakan model Theory of Planned Behavior. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan menggunakan data primer berupa kuesioner penelitian yang disebar langsung kepada Wajib Pajak. Analisis data dilakukan dengan metode SEM â€“ PLS dan pengolahan data dilakukan dengan aplikasi SmartPLS. Penelitian dilakukan terhadap Wajib Pajak Orang Pribadi yang terdaftar di KPP Pratama di lingkungan Kantor Wilayah DJP Papua, Papua Barat, dan Maluku. Sebanyak 140 orang responden terkumpul dan menjadi data penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa sikap dan norma subjektif berpengaruh signifikan terhadap niat kepatuhan pajak, sementara niat kepatuhan pajak dan kontrol perilaku persepsian juga berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepatuhan pajak. Adapun kontrol perilaku persepsian tidak menunjukan pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap niat kepatuhan pajak
PREDICTING INDONESIA SOVEREIGN DEBT MANAGEMENTâ€™S RISK OCCURRENCE USING MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS
Authors: Darmawan Reza , Hadie Putra Hermulia , Fridayanto Rinto
Published: March 2024

The purpose of developing this predictive model is to predict the potential occurrence of risks in the implementation of projects financed through government loans. It uses data on Indonesian sovereign loans from the MoF DMFAS in the period between 1998 and 2019, consisting of 1930 government loans. Government loan performance is represented by two qualities: timeliness of loan disbursement and rate of loan realization. In the development of the model, the ensemble learning methodology was applied with the voting classifier algorithm. The algorithms used to make predictions for voting classifier include k-NN Classifier, Random Forest, and Logistic Regression. The predictive model developed can accurately predict 73.14% of observations on the rate of disbursement of government loans and is able to predict numerous amendments to drawing limit correctly as much as 89.69% of observations.
SPATIAL REGRESSION AND SPATIAL AUTOCORRELATION ANALYSIS OF THE DETERMINANTS OF POVERTY IN INDONESIA IN 2022
Authors: Noviyanti Ni Komang , Wiguna I Ketut Adi Chandra , Savitri Kadek Shri Yogi
Published: March 2024

Poverty remains a solemn challenge in Indonesia although the country has made significant progress in recent decades. Even though the government's efforts and various poverty alleviation programs have been carried out, the majority of Indonesia’s population lives below the poverty line. This research aims to examine variables that influence Indonesia's poverty rate by Province in 2022 using spatial regression analysis and spatial autocorrelation. The secondary data used comes from 34 Provinces in Indonesia and is obtained based on the results of publications by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). The dependent variable is the percentage of poor people (P0), while the independent variables include average lenght of school (RLS), life expectancy (AHH), open unemployment rate (TPT), and Gini Ratio. The analytical methods used include descriptive analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, and spatial regression analysis. It is hoped that this research can provide relevant policy recommendations for developing poverty alleviation policies in Indonesia.
ScholarOne - Enhancing Urban Student Achievement Through Weighted Student Funding
Authors: Turner Anna , Soniyi Anuoluwapo
Published: March 2024

Limited research has examined the impact of weighted student funding
policy on urban student achievement. This equity-based model allocates
dollars to schools instead of staff. Existing studies suggest
correlations between this model and improved outcomes like test scores
and graduation rates. This research will fill the gap by exploring a
grassroots approach to policy creation and implementation to enhance
student achievement. Research data on districts adopting this approach
show positive correlations between model implementation and quantitative
factors like test scores, graduation rates, and college acceptance
across districts. This research can guide districts considering the
shift towards equity in education.
ScholarOne - Examining Social Intelligence as a Personal Resource in the Job Demands-Resources Model
Authors: Kumar Sudipt , Sahney Sangeeta , Sekar Srinivasan
Published: March 2024

This study examined the impact of Social Intelligence (SI) as a personal
resource on psychological well-being and work engagement employing the
job demands-resources (JD-R) model. The JD-R model posits that personal
resources can directly affect perceptions of job demands and resources,
which can lead to positive job outcomes such as psychological well-being
and work engagement. A total of 218 employees from Indian non-government
organizations (NGOs) participated in the study, and data was collected
using self-administered questionnaires. Partial least squares structural
equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The
findings showed that SI has a significant impact on determining
perceptions of job demands and resources and also exerts direct effect
on well-being and work engagement. This research contributes to the
literature on the management of non-profit organizations in particular
and has implications for management practices in general. However, it
should be noted that the cross-sectional research design of this study
is a limitation.
Sulak military line and Kumyk cordon: history of construction and military-strategic significance
Authors: Gazieva Abidat , Vagabov Makhach , Ozturk Mustafa
Published: March 2024

The article examines the history of the construction of the fortification system of the Sulak cordon, the Kumyk Line and their place and role in military-strategic planning in the development of the region. The Kumyk front line began to be built during the years of A.P. Yermolov, as a springboard for the development of territories that were part of the Left flank of the Caucasian cordon line. The Sulak cordon, the main purpose of which was to cover the Zasulak Kumykia, began to be built in the 40s of the 19th century.
Methods of improving and optimizing college english education level assisted by micro video technology
Authors: Hongyu Guo
Published: March 2024

With the increasing number of teachers and English learners, the usage of teaching resources using micro video has become an important aspect of the modern field of educational technologies. Based on the data presented in the article, micro video technology is used to analyze the factors that affect the quality of teaching English. The process includes data collection, preprocessing and analysis, decision table generation, rule generation, attribute reduction, rule validation, etc. The results of the research presented in this article have important implications for English language teaching at various levels in colleges and universities.
Generalized Bayesian Method for Diagnostic Classification Models
Authors: Yamaguchi Kazuhiro , Liu Yanlong , Xu Gongjun
Published: March 2024

This study extends the loss function-based parameter estimation method for diagnostic classification models proposed by C. Ma, de la Torre, et al. (2023, Psychometrika) to consider prior knowledge and uncertainty of sampling. To this end, we integrate the loss function-based estimation method with the generalized Bayesian method. We establish the consistency of attribute mastery patterns of the proposed generalized Bayesian method. The proposed generalized Bayesian method is compared in a simulation study and found to be superior to the previous nonparametric diagnostic classification method—a special case of the loss function-based method. Moreover, the proposed method is applied to real data and compared with previous parametric and nonparametric estimation methods. Finally, practical guidelines for the proposed method and future research directions are discussed.
The influence of cooperation and competition on true and false recognition
Authors: Li Yansong , Chen Xi , Elliot Andrew
Published: March 2024

Recent research has revealed that individuals’ true and false recognition is susceptible to social influence arising from competition. Although cooperation and competition represent two fundamental, opposing forms of social interaction, no work to date has examined how memory processes may be distorted by social influence arising from cooperation and whether these two interactive modes may exert similar or differential influences. To address these issues, participants randomly assigned to a competition, cooperation, or control group performed a pictorial variant of the Deese–Roediger–McDermott paradigm. We found that both the cooperation and competition groups showed significant false recognition reduction compared to the control group, while only the competition group showed true recognition reduction relative to the control group. Our signal-detection analysis further revealed that false recognition suppression driven by cooperation and competition is due to a combination of both a reduction in encoded memory information for critical lures and an increase in memory monitoring as evidenced by decreased sensitivity (d') and elevated response bias (C); competition-driven true recognition reduction, however, is due to enhanced monitoring as indexed by increased C. These results provide compelling evidence that cooperation and competition suppress participants’ false recognition by impairing relational encoding and by enhancing retrieval-based monitoring, while competition reduces participants’ true recognition by increasing retrieval-based monitoring. Collectively, these findings lay the foundation for deepening our understanding of how memory is susceptible to social influence arising from interactive contexts.
Free word association is driven by local response chaining of linguistic and sensorimotor relationships
Authors: Dymarska Agata , Connell Louise
Published: March 2024

[Draft version 1. This paper has not been peer-reviewed.] Word associates are commonly collected and employed in cognitive and clinical research, yetthe precise reasons why a particular word is activated as an associate for a given cue remain unclear.We examined the source of responses in a word association task using linguistic and sensorimotorrelationships between words as measures of relatedness, in order to assess whether responses are morelikely to be driven by the cue or by preceding associates. We asked participants to produce up to 20associates for each cue and analysed the strength of relationships and latency for each response.Results showed that word association responses had strong effects of local response chaining, where agiven associate was more likely to be related to the preceding associate than to the cue itself. Ingrowth curve analysis of the timecourse of producing responses, we found little influence of the cueon response times. Instead, the strongest source of facilitation was the sensorimotor and linguisticrelationship of each response with its immediately-preceding associate. These findings suggest thatlinguistic and sensorimotor information underpins word association mechanisms, whereby localchaining from the most recent response is the primary driver of which new associates are activatedand produced. Results support the linguistic-sensorimotor basis of semantic memory as well astheories that people search memory using local rather than global constraints, with implications forusing existing word association norms to investigate semantic memory structure and for the study ofsemantic relatedness in language production and comprehension.
Legitimacy, risk perception, and adolescent crime in a Brazilian birth cohort
Authors: Bauer Andreas , Tankebe Justice , Martins-Silva Thaís , Matijasevich Alicia , Barros Aluísio J. D. , Santos Iná dos , Rodrigues Luciana Tovo , Murray Joseph
Published: March 2024

Background Perceived illegitimacy of the legal system and its agents is a known risk factor for crime. However, most studies are based in high-income countries and rely on cross-sectional designs. The current study investigates this relationship and the moderating role of sanction risk perception in a Brazilian birth cohort. Methods We used data from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study (n = 1,510), a population-based, prospective longitudinal survey. Using adolescent self-reports, we measured perceived legitimacy of the police, the law, and the social system, along with risk perceptions at age 15 years. Past-year violent and non-violent crime were reported at ages 15 and 18 years. Binary logistic regression was used. Results Adolescents perceiving the police as illegitimate had increased odds of engaging in violent crime across adolescence, regardless of perceived risk of punishment. Perceived illegitimacy of the law and the social system was also associated with increased odds of violent crime at age 15 (but not age 18), especially for those perceiving lower risk of punishment. Discussion Police legitimacy emerged as a robust predictor of later crime, indicating that efforts to enhance police legitimacy could have lasting effects on crime reduction. Future legitimacy research may benefit from considering other crime prevention strategies, such as deterrence-based explanations. These may be particularly relevant for understanding the impact of legitimacy domains beyond the police.
Ipseology - A new science of the self
Authors: Jones Jason Jeffrey
Published: March 2024

Ipseology is the study of human identity using large datasets and computational social science methods. It is a new way to investigate ipseity at scale. Ipseity refers to selfhood, individuality and the essential elements of identity. At scale means with millions of observations covering substantial temporal periods and geographical areas. One measures ipseity with language. Specifically, the data sought is personally expressed identity text. This text must satisfy all three conditions. It should be personal - the authors are describing themselves. It should be expressed - the authors' text is "published," i.e. the words are available where others might see them. It should describe identity - the explicit purpose of the text is description of the author. Ipseology reduces complexity by focusing on signifiers. Signifiers are linguistic tokens that represent something the author wishes to convey about their identity.
Prospects and Challenges of Trade Policy to Karnali Province Government
Authors: Timilsena Chhetra Mani , Kathayat Bhupal Bikram
Published: March 2024

The study intended to explore the prospects and challenges of trade policy to Karnali Province Government. The study was set up since there was no trade policy formulated by the Karnali Province Government till the date. The study has also consulted the trade policy of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar based on province level and India, China, and the United States as well for national level. It has been explored based on the major five constructs such as socio-economic condition, trade education, geographical condition, connectivity and networking as well as the government priority. The study adopted mixed method research design guided by pragmatic research philosophy. The primary data were collected from political leaders, businessmen, critics and think-tank and ordinary consumer of Karnali Province. The tool for data collection was questionnaire. The study found there are many challenges to Karnali Province government in terms of socio-economic condition, trade education, geographical condition and the connectivity and networking as well as the government priority, however the government can grab them as the opportunities by conducting relevant researches and consulting with all the stakeholders.
Nexus of Gender and Renewable Energy: Importance and Trends in Global and National context
Authors: Joshi Rekha Maskey
Published: March 2024

This is an article on “Nexus of Gender and Renewable Energy: Importance and Trends in Global and National context”. Here, as per objectives of the study, literatures on the respective issues have been reviewed by a desk review process. This paper has highlighted the issues on importance and trends of gender-energy nexus. The reviews have tried to show association between SDG 7: "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.” SDG: 5 is "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls" for sustainable development. The major highlight of the paper is effective Policy implication, participation, importance and trends, poverty and energy justice and transitions are inseparable entities of gender energy nexus. Energy access saves time, reduces drudgery, reduces indoor air pollution levels, improves education and improves health of women, alleviates poverty etc. Energy access creates new opportunities for income generating activities.
Problems and Perspectives of Foreign Migration in Rural Nepal: A Case Study of Narja, Nuwakot
Authors: Neupane Sangita
Published: March 2024

International migration stands as a significant livelihood strategy for individuals in developing countries such as Nepal. The primary objective of this study is to comprehend the underlying factors that drive foreign migration in Narja, Nuwakot. Employing a mixed-method approach, this study combines surveys with qualitative insights gathered through direct questionnaires and interviews conducted with respondents. Data collection took place in September 2023. Our findings revealed that foreign migration has emerged as a noteworthy phenomenon in Nuwakot, propelled by a combination of push and pull factors, including economic opportunities, unemployment, poverty, and aspirations for a better life. These factors collectively influenced the decision of Narja residents for international migration. In our study, a higher percentage of labor migrants were observed in the Gulf states, followed by Malaysia, Australia, USA, and Japan. The majority of these labor migrants were male and predominantly within the age group of 20-40 years. A significant portion of applicants obtained their visas through Recruiting Agencies/Consultancies. Our results demonstrated that over 60.0% of migrants earned an income ranging from Rs. 50,000 to 1,00,000 per month and sent remittances to support their families' livelihoods. While these remittances play a crucial role in sustaining the local economy and enhancing living standards for families, in the long term, they may pose serious threats to the country's human resource and economy.
Advantages of A-USC for CO2 Capture in Pulverized Coal Units
Authors: Hendrix H.L.
Published: March 2024

Increasing the steam temperature of a coal-fired pulverized coal (PC) power plant increases its efficiency, which decreases the amount of coal required per MW of electrical output and therefore decreases the emissions from the plant, including CO2. However, increasing the steam temperature requires that the materials for the boiler pressure parts and steam turbine be upgraded to high-nickel alloys that are more expensive than alloys typically used in existing PC units. This paper explores the economics of A-USC units operating between 595°C and 760°C (1100°F to 1400°F) with no CO2 removal and with partial capture of CO2 at an emission limit of 454 kg CO2/MW-hr (1000 lb CO2/MW-hr) on a gross power basis. The goal of the paper is to understand if the improved efficiency of A-USC would reduce the cost of electricity compared to conventional ultra-supercritical units, and estimate the economically “optimal” steam temperature with and without CO2 removal.
Investigations on Nickel Based Alloys and Welds for A-USC Applications
Authors: Klenk Andreas , Maile Karl
Published: March 2024

In several material qualification programs tubes and thick-walled components mainly from Alloy 617 and Alloy 263 were investigated. Results as low cycle fatigue and long term creep behavior of base materials and welds are presented. Numerical models to describe the material behavior have been developed and verified by multiaxial tests. In order to ensure the feasibility of A-USC plants two test loops have been installed in GKM Mannheim – one for tube materials and a new one for thick-walled piping and components. The latter consists of a part with static loading and a part subjected to thermal cycles and is in operation since November 2012. First results of measurements and numerical calculations for a pipe bend (static loading) as well as pipes and a header (thermal cycles) are presented.
Creep Crack Growth Behavior as a Superalloy Selection Consideration for A-USC Power Plant Applications
Authors: Mueller Falk , Scholz Alfred , Oechsner Matthias
Published: March 2024

To improve efficiency and flexibility and reduce CO2 emissions, advanced ultra super critical (AUSC) power plants are under development, worldwide. Material development and its selection are critical to the success of these efforts. In several research and development programs / projects the selection of materials is based on stress rupture, oxidation and corrosion tests. Without doubt, these criteria are important. To improve the operational flexibility of modern power plants the fatigue properties are of increased importance. Furthermore, for a safe operation and integrity issues the knowledge about the crack behavior is essential. Crack initiation and crack growth may be caused by natural flaws or cracks induced by component operation. In order to develop new materials, properties like tensile strength and creep strength are an important part of qualification and subsequent approval by notified bodies. Consequently short term properties as well as time-temperature dependent properties are generated and taken into considerations. In the case of high strength γ'-strengthening nickel-base alloys investigating the creep crack behavior is also strongly recommended. This article shows results of currently investigated nickel-based alloys for newly developed headers, pipes and other high temperature boiler applications and their critical creep crack propagation behavior.
Creep-Rupture Performance of Inconel Alloy 740 and Welds
Authors: Shingledecker J.P.
Published: March 2024

Inconel alloy 740/740H (ASME Code Case 2702) is an age-hardenable nickel-based alloy designed for advanced ultrasupercritical (A-USC) steam boiler components (superheaters, reheaters, piping, etc.). In this work, creep testing, beyond 40,000 hours was conducted a series of alloy 740 heats of varying product form, chemistry, and grain size. Long-term creep-rupture strength was found to be weakly dependent on grain size. Analysis of the time-to-rupture data was conducted to ensure long-term strength projections and development of ASME stress allowables. Testing was also conducted on welded joints in alloy 740 with different filler metal and heat-treatment combinations. This analysis shows the current weld strength reduction factor of 30% (Weld Strength Factor of 0.70) mandated by ASME Code Case 2702 is appropriate for 740 filler metal but other options exist to improve strength. Based on these results, it was found that alloy 740 has the highest strength and temperature capability of all the potential A-USC alloys available today.
Discussion of Delivered Condition Specified in ASME Code Case 2702 on Inconel 740H Used for A-USC Boiler
Authors: Yang Hua-Chun , Wang Lin-Sen , Wang Dong-Ping , Mao Shi-Yong , Yang Xiao-Chuan , Lai Xian-Hong , Yang Jin-Bing , Yang Wen
Published: March 2024

Delivered condition of Inconel740H specified in ASME Code Case 2702 is solution heat treated and aged condition, fabricating performances are also based on the condition, and a re-annealing and aging shall be performed if cold forming to strains is over 5%. These almost harsh requirements bring great inconvenience for its engineering practice and utilization. The comparative bending tests on 740H tubes in solution heat treated + aged condition and solution heat treated condition were performed, and the rules’ reasonability of the specification on delivered condition was discussed and analyzed from point view of deformability and weldability in the paper. The bending test results showed that tube bent was difficult because of its high strength and limited deforming capacity in solution heat treated + aged condition. Therefore, the material supplied in the solution condition may be better from fabricating points. Whether re-solution for the bent tube is performed after bending depends on its bending radius, followed by welding and post weld heat treatment of component (this treatment can also be the aging treatment for annealed sector at the same time), this treating manner can meet regulatory requirements. For solution tubes, however, there are some inconveniences to its engineering application because fewer research studies were carried out on its properties up to now, and no regulations on them were given for the material in the specification. Suggestions are: 1) deeply investigating the properties of tubes in solution condition, including mechanical and fabricating performances, 2) adding the mechanical properties, maximum allowable cold forming to stain without performing re-solution and weld strength reduction factor of solution material to the code case.
Experience in Manufacture of High Chromium Forged Rotor Steels
Authors: Di Gianfrancesco A. , Budano S. , Lombardi P. , Paura M. , Neri S. , Calderini M. , Longari N.
Published: March 2024

Driven by the need to reduce CO2 emissions through increased steam temperature and pressure in new power plants, research in Europe led to the development of enhanced high-chromium steels with improved creep resistance and service temperature stability. After years of development, Rotor E, a steel composition created during the COST programs (501, 522, and 536), has become a commercially available product. While traditionally forged and remelted using electroslag remelting (ESR), this paper demonstrates the successful production of large rotor components using a conventional process without ESR, achieved through tailored process control. This paper details Società delle Fucine's (SdF) current production of Rotor E using a conventional route based on ladle furnace and vacuum degassing, as well as the mechanical and creep behaviors of the resulting forged products. Additionally, SdF produced a prototype FB2 rotor using a conventional process. FB2, a 10% Cr steel containing cobalt and boron but lacking tungsten, emerged from the COST 522 program as the best candidate for scaling up from a laboratory experiment to a full-sized industrial component. Notably, the addition of boron effectively improved the microstructure's stability and consequently enhanced the creep resistance of these new, advanced martensitic steels. Finally, the paper will present updates on the long-term characterization program for the FB2 steel trial rotor.
Formation of Diffusion Zones in Coated Ni-Al-X Ternary Alloys and Ni-Based Superalloys
Authors: Suzuki A. S. , West G. D. , Thomson R. C.
Published: March 2024

Coatings are an essential part of the materials system to protect the turbine blades from oxidation and corrosive attack during service. Inter-diffusion of alloying elements between a turbine blade substrate and their coatings is a potential concern for coated turbine blades at ever increasing operating temperatures because this can cause the formation of undesirable Secondary Reaction Zones (SRZs), which may degrade the mechanical properties of coated Ni-based superalloys. Understanding the effects of each element on the SRZ formation is essential in order to understand both the mechanism and inter-diffusion behaviour between coatings and substrates. In this research, a number of simpler aluminized ternary Ni-Al-X (where X is Co, Cr, Re, Ru or Ta) alloys were investigated in order to elucidate the separate effects of each element on the microstructural evolution, especially at the coating/substrate interface. The aluminized ternary alloys developed distinctive diffusion zones, depending on the third alloy element, ‘X’. Specifically, it has been found that both Ni-Al-Re and Ni-Al-Ta alloys developed a continuous SRZ-like diffusion layer. This diffusion zone persisted in the Ni-Al-Re alloys after high temperature exposure, indicating that Re has a stronger effect on SRZ formation than Ta.
Development and Evaluation of Large-Scale Rotor Forging for Over 700 °C-Class A-USC Steam Turbine
Authors: Miyashita Shigekazu , Yoshioka Yomei , Kubo Takahiro
Published: March 2024

A Ni-based superalloy named "TOS1X-2" has been developed as a material for A-USC turbine rotors. TOS1X-2 is based on Inconel Alloy 617 and has a modified chemical composition to achieve the higher strength needed for over 700°C-class A-USCs. Aging heat treatment conditions were determined from the mechanical properties and microstructure. We manufactured an actual-scale rotor model made of TOS1X-2. A 31 ton ingot was manufactured, followed by forging of the model rotor with a diameter of 1100 mm and length of 2400 mm without any defects. Metallurgical and mechanical analyses of the model rotor were carried out. All metallurgical and mechanical features of the TOS1X-2 rotor model satisfied the requirements for not only 700°C-class but also over 700°C-class A-USC turbine rotor.
Similar and Dissimilar Welding of Nickel-Based Superalloys for A-USC Steam Turbine Rotors in NextGenPower Project
Authors: Hreben Stanislav , Vitek Petr , Zednik Vaclav , Prchlik Lubos
Published: March 2024

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has become promising technology to reduce CO2 emissions. However, as a consequence of CCS installation, the electrical efficiency of coal fired power plant will drop down. This phenomenon requires increase in base efficiency of contemporary power plants. Efficiency of recent generation of power plants is limited mainly by maximum live steam temperature of 620°C. This limitation is driven by maximal allowed working temperatures of modern 9–12% Cr martensitic steels. Live steam temperatures of 750°C are needed to compensate the efficiency loss caused by CCS and achieve a net efficiency of 45%. Increase in the steam temperature up to 750°C requires application of new advanced materials. Precipitation hardened nickel-based superalloys with high creep-rupture strength at elevated temperatures are promising candidates for new generation of steam turbines operating at temperatures up to 750°C. Capability to manufacture full-scale forged rotors and cast turbine casings from nickel-based alloys with sufficient creep-rupture strength at 750°C/105 hours is investigated. Welding of nickel-based alloys in homogeneous or heterogeneous combination with 10% Cr martensitic steel applicable for IP turbine rotors is shown in this paper. Structure and mechanical properties of prepared homogeneous and heterogeneous weld joints are presented.
Supercritical Unit Experience with Grade T23 Evaporator Tube Failures
Authors: Dupont Eric
Published: March 2024

Xcel Energy’s Comanche Unit 3 experienced widespread cracking of T23 membrane wall tubes within the evaporator section, initially occurring during the boiler construction phase, primarily at shop and field tube butt welds. The majority of the tube cracking was attributed to stress-corrosion cracking (SCC), and a lesser number of fabrication-related hydrogen induced cracking (HIC), weld solidification cracking, and brittle cracking within tube swage sections were also experienced. Hundreds of tubes were replaced prior to Unit commissioning, due to both actual tube leaks and those replaced due to weldment cracking and other identified weld defects during radiographic testing. Elevated stress levels and material susceptibility (i.e. hardness in the as-welded condition) were considered the critical factors in the tube cracking.