bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastric carcinoma of the fundic gland type developed 32 years after Helicobacter pylori eradication for duodenal ulcer: a case report
Authors: Suto Daisuke , Sato Kiichi , Yoshida Masashi , Ota Hiroyoshi , Otake Takaaki , Osawa Yosuke , Nakazato Yoshimasa , Ohdaira Hironori , Suzuki Yutaka , Kohgo Yutaka
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Gastric cancer has been reported to occur with mild to moderate mucosal atrophy, particularly after the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (HP) more than 10 years previously. However, no conclusion has been reached on how many years of esophagogastroduodenoscopy should be performed after HP eradication.

Presentation of case:

This was a case of gastric carcinoma of the fundic gland type (GCFGT) 32 years after the eradication of HP, which is the longest posteradication period reported. A 62-year-old male patient was diagnosed with GCFGT after HP eradication and regular esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which revealed a white raised lesion on the anterior wall of the upper part of the body. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed for GCFGT, and the vertical and horizontal margins were negative.

Clinical discussion:

In this case, HP was eradicated in 1990, and GCFGT developed 32 years later. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest case in which gastric cancer appeared after HP eradication. HP eradication therapy for a duodenal ulcer was first reported in 1990, supporting that this is the longest case.

Conclusions:

This is the first case of gastric cancer more than 20 years after the eradication of HP. The endoscopic findings of this case are typical of GCFGT and may be useful when encountering such cases in the future. Therefore, the risk of gastric cancer should be considered for an extended period even after the eradication of HP, and regular esophagogastroduodenoscopy is recommended even after the eradication of HP.
An unusual initiation of an ocular form of MuSK-positive myasthenia gravis after magnesium administration: a rare case report
Authors: Almohamed Ahmad , Karaja Saja , Qatza Ayham , Halloum Mai , hamsho Ghina , Katmeh Wisal , Kazkz Waddah
Published: May 2024

Introduction and importance:

The primary clinical symptom in people with myasthenia gravis (MG) is muscle weakness that gets worse with activity and gets better with rest; often, the first symptoms are ocular ones, such as ptosis and double vision. On the other hand, individuals with anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase may present with unusual symptoms. Nonetheless, it is hypothesized that muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies may be present when no antibodies are present, along with bulbar and respiratory symptoms.

Case presentation:

A 26-year-old pregnant patient was referred to the Neurology Department after experiencing tongue enlargement. A neuro-ophthalmic assessment revealed ptosis with lateral diplopia in the right eye, bulbar palsy, facial weakness, weakness in the palate and pharyngeal reflex, dizziness, and hearing loss in her right ear. The patient was given magnesium sulfate for 2 days since pre-eclampsia was suspected; however, this treatment exacerbated the development of symptoms and was discontinued. Her MG symptoms gradually improved after starting medication. Nonetheless, bilateral weakness in the neck and limb flexion persisted. Following a few days of therapy, there were no indications of diplopia, swallowing was normal, and the muscular weakness was somewhat improved.

Clinical discussion:

The patient was put on drug treatment for MG (predlon 60 mg daily, amioran 50 mg twice daily, and mistenon).

Conclusion:

Treating severe MG patients with a customized approach aims to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Reduce muscle weakness, eradicate circulating antibodies, and suppress the abnormal immunological response. Minimizing side effects while attaining ideal symptom control is the ultimate objective.
Guillain–Barre syndrome following Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccination: a case report
Authors: Chaudhary Aashutosh , Khadka Shrekshya , Dulal Aliza , Adhikari Rojeena , Bhardwaj Sushant , Pandey Abhishek , Chaudhary Ashlesha , Bhusal Suzit , Acharya Smriti
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) is one of the mRNA vaccines currently approved by the WHO and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) against COVID-19.

Case presentation:

Here, the authors report a case of an 8-year-old female with Guillain–Barré syndrome following the second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccination requiring respiratory support who was managed with intravenous immunoglobulin.

Discussion:

There have been reports of Guillain–Barré syndrome following the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination. In the authors’ case, as the symptoms of Guillain–Barré syndrome occurred right after the vaccination, there could be an association, and this report can add to the existing literature and raise awareness about the possible adverse effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination.

Conclusion:

Although most adverse effects following Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccination have been reported as non-serious, clinicians must be aware of serious adverse effects that, although rare, can follow the administration of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination and require prompt recognition and management.
Spleen autotransplantation on liver versus greater omentum for simultaneous injuries of liver and spleen: an experimental study
Authors: Eslamian Mohammad , Sheikhbahaei Erfan , Sanei Behnam , Rahmati Alireza , Moslehi Masoud , Zefreh Hamidreza , Ghaedi Arshin , Firouzfar Alireza
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

In a simulated situation of simultaneous spleen and liver trauma, we aimed to compare the outcomes of treating both injuries with spleen autotransplantation on the omentum (SAO) alongside hepatorrhaphy versus spleen autotransplantation as a patch on the liver parenchyma.

Methods:

A total of 24 rats were separated into two groups: the SAO and the spleen autotransplantation on the liver. They underwent a uniform and simultaneous procedure involving full-thickness injuries to the left lobe of the liver and grade 4 spleen injuries. We measured hemoglobin, white blood cell (WBC), complement (C3 and C4), and immunoglobulin G, M, and A (IgG, IgM, IgA) levels before and 4 weeks after the surgery. We utilized Technetium-99m scintigraphy to evaluate the posttransplant splenic graft functions 4 weeks after the surgery.

Results:

The two groups had no significant difference in the hematologic and immunologic factors before surgery. However, both procedures significantly reduced hemoglobin, C3, IgG, and IgA levels (all P<0.05). WBC counts significantly increased in the SAO group, whereas the IgM level decreased after the intervention (P<0.05). WBC was increased in the SAO group, while IgM and IgA were decreased in the SAO group. The Technetium uptake was similar between the two groups (P=0.3).

Conclusions:

In simultaneous spleen and liver injuries, the autotransplantation of splenic into the liver parenchyma appears to be a promising surgical approach for preserving spleen function and hepatorrhaphy at the same time instead of doing them separately.
Courtship song differs between African and European populations of Drosophila melanogaster and involves a strong effect locus
Authors: Lollar Matthew J , Kim Elizabeth , Stern David L , Pool John E
Published: May 2024

The courtship song of Drosophila melanogaster has long served as excellent model system for studies of animal communication and differences in courtship song have been demonstrated among populations and between species. Here, we report that flies of African and European origin, which diverged approximately 13,000 years ago, show significant genetic differentiation in the use of slow versus fast pulse song. Using a combination of quantitative trait mapping and population genetic analysis we detected a single strong QTL underlying this trait and we identified candidate genes that may contribute to the evolution of this trait. Song trait variation between parental strains of our recombinant inbred panel enabled detection of genomic intervals associated with six additional song traits, some of which include known courtship-related genes. These findings improve the prospects for further genetic insights into the evolution of reproductive behavior and the biology underlying courtship song.
Technology and communal culture of sharing and giving: implications on household savings behavior in Fiji
Authors: Reddy Mahendra
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study examines how the introduction of mobile money transfers, while making it efficient and convenient to access funds, has affected rural households’ savings behavior and the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes Fiji’s most recent agricultural census data to model the agricultural household’s saving decision. The study estimates an probit model to examine rural households' savings behavior. Furthermore, it utilizes time series secondary data to examine how funds transfer has been channeled to rural households in Fiji.

Findings

Firstly, the results demonstrate that with the mobile money transfer platform launch, the banking sector has lost substantial money previously used to pass through its system, thus losing service fees and interest income. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that those using mobile wallet platforms to receive money are more likely not to have a savings account with the bank. Noting the cultural systems and social settings of the native households and the ease of payments via the mobile platform, they tend to spend more on consumption rather than saving, thus making these households more vulnerable during shocks such as natural disasters.

Originality/value

While mobile money transfer is hailed as a revolution, no research has yet picked up the downside to it, that of undermining the very effort by policymakers to get low-income rural households to save. Secondly, this study also highlights how mobile money transfer deprives the banking system of a significant transfer fee income and a source of funds to pool and lend to earn interest income. Furthermore, this study brings to the forefront a dichotomy about how a rural indigenous community sees the welfare and prosperity of their community much differently than what economics textbooks portray.
Stemming the tide: linking AI technology with workers retention
Authors: Moin Muhammad Farrukh , Zhang Justin Zuopeng
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The objective of this research is to examine the association of artificial intelligence (AI) awareness on workers' retention and the boundary conditions in the context of project organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected time-lagged data from project organizations in China.

Findings

The results showed that AI awareness predicted workers' turnover intention. Moreover, this association was moderated via supervisor support.

Practical implications

This research provides several practical implications aimed at timely communication, training and automation guide for helping firms to foster healthy workplace climate, support and workers’ retention.

Originality/value

The rise of AI and its potential impact on manpower is a popular topic. Yet, the evidence of project workers’ awareness of such potential effects on their retention is scant. Therefore, this study broadens our understanding of the association of AI awareness on turnover intention and boundary conditions in the context of project organizations.
Engaging in co-creation experiences: the role of affective image and satisfaction
Authors: Islam Md Rabiul , Loureiro Sandra Maria Correio , Carvalho Inês , Ramires Ana
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study proposes a conceptual model and aims (1) to understand how co-creation experience influences guest engagement, (2) to analyse the effect of satisfaction and affective image between co-creation experience and guest engagement, and (3) to analyse the effect of guest engagement on behavioural intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based online survey was conducted targeting U.S.-based hotel customers. Developed on Qualtrics and distributed via Mechanical Turk, the survey garnered 465 useable responses from individuals who had visited international chain hotels within the last year. Data analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in IBM SPSS Amos.

Findings

The findings revealed significant direct effects of co-creation experience on affective image and guest satisfaction, with guest satisfaction notably influencing guest engagement, and guest engagement directly influencing behavioural intention. However, both co-creation experience and affective image showed minimal direct impact on guest engagement. The study also highlighted the importance of indirect effects and total effects in understanding the dynamics between the constructs analysed.

Research limitations/implications

The findings revealed significant direct effects of co-creation experience on affective image, with affective image notably influencing guest engagement, and guest engagement directly influencing behavioural intention. Although satisfaction had direct effects on guest engagement, co-creation experience showed minimal direct impact on guest satisfaction and on guest engagement.

Practical implications

This study advises managers to use co-creation primarily to enrich guest experiences and establish emotional connections rather than as a tool for directly enhancing engagement. It recommends that managers invest in strategies to enhance guest engagement beyond co-creation given the direct link between guest engagement and behavioural intentions, and the minimal direct impact between co-creation, guest engagement and satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that affective image is a pivotal mediator between co-creation experience and guest engagement. The findings provide valuable implications for hospitality practitioners in designing and managing co-creation experiences, emphasizing the importance of fostering a positive affective image in the value co-creation process to attain positive behavioural outcomes.
“Only memories:” place-based holocaust education in contemporary Poland
Authors: Yonas Anna Marisa
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this self-study is to analyze my experiences learning in Poland, the country where Nazis imprisoned and murdered my family. I share findings from multiple museum locations, including implications for history teachers, teacher educators and visitors to Holocaust museums.

Design/methodology/approach

I participated in a ten-day professional development seminar designed for American teachers to visit Poland. To allow for self-study after the trip, I maintained a reflexive journal and photographic records of each day I was in Poland. I analyze these data in conjunction with publicly available data from the museums and historical sites I visited in Poland.

Findings

The findings suggest that teachers can face many challenges when learning in a land of traumatic absences. Many challenges stem from the absences of buildings and survivors, as those may be integral to place-based learning. Testimonies and first-person accounts may ameliorate these challenges for teachers engaging in place-based learning. Additionally, teachers may use these accounts to bring a pedagogy of remembrance from Poland to their classrooms.

Originality/value

This study is not under review with another journal.
Blockchain technology, social media sentiment and stock price
Authors: Wenyi Li , Jun Ni , Mengjie Rong
Published: May 2024

We investigate the impact of the announcements by firms to adopt blockchain technology on stock prices and the different characteristics of stock prices under different types of blockchain technologies. Simultaneously, we propose two impact mechanisms: one is investor sentiment, and the other is the firm's governance of social media. We find that the firm's stock price has shown an increasing trend since the release of the announcement of the adoption of blockchain technology. At the same time, firms engaged in blockchain research, development and investment, and that simultaneously deploy other financial technologies, as well as firms that deploy blockchain technology for non‐speculative purposes, have better stock prices. In addition, the layout of a firm's blockchain may affect its stock price by influencing investor sentiment and public opinion.
Quality of life in permanent ostomates – what really matters to them?
Authors: Koneru Sireesha , Patton Vicki , Ng Kheng‐Seong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The impact of a permanent stoma, such as post‐abdominoperineal resection (APR), on quality of life (QoL) is well‐documented. While stoma‐related QoL tools exist, their relationship with stoma satisfaction is unclear. This study aimed to identify which aspects of QoL were most associated with stoma satisfaction.

Methodology

A cross‐sectional study of consecutive patients who had an APR for rectal cancer at an Australian tertiary hospital (2012–2021), identified from a prospectively maintained database, was conducted. The Stoma‐QoL questionnaire was used. Overall patient satisfaction with stoma function, and whether healthcare advice was sought for stoma dysfunction, were explored. Linear regression assessed the association between individual issues examined in the Stoma‐QoL questionnaire and overall patient satisfaction with stoma function.

Results

Overall, 64 patients (62.5% male, mean 68.1 years) participated. Stoma‐QoL score was associated with stoma satisfaction (P < 0.05). QoL items impacting satisfaction were: needing to know nearest toilet location (P = 0.04), pouch smell concerns (P = 0.008), needing daytime rest (P = 0.02), clothing limitations (P = 0.02), sexual attractiveness concerns (P < 0.05), embarrassment (P < 0.05), difficulty hiding the pouch (P = 0.02), concerns about being burdensome (P = 0.04) and difficulty with interpersonal interaction (P = 0.03). Only 11 (17.2%) patients sought healthcare advice for stoma dysfunction.

Conclusion

While stoma‐specific QoL is associated with stoma satisfaction, individual QoL aspects impact differently on satisfaction in permanent colostomy patients. These findings may help identify focus areas for peri‐operative counselling for clinicians and stomal therapists, highlight the importance of tailored multidisciplinary care in ostomates and suggests that a stoma type‐specific Stoma‐QoL questionnaire is required.
Trust and control dynamics in buyer–supplier relationships: The case of organic honey certification in Cuba
Authors: Busch Maren , Herzig Christian
Published: May 2024

The high complexity of international supply chain (SC) relationships requires mechanisms to build trust among stakeholders. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of developing and maintaining high trust levels in exchange relationships is essential to managing associated SC risks. Third‐party certification (TPC) is a widely used, control‐based governance mechanism in organic food production that aims to help build trust. Drawing on the concepts of trust and control, this article presents an analytical framework for assessing TPC's effects on trust–control dynamics within food SCs. By using qualitative data on a buyer–supplier relationship between Cuba and Europe, this case illustrates the mutually reinforcing relationship between trust and control. We also demonstrate how trust is built across multiple levels. By considering contextual factors, the case illustrates controls' impact on building institutional trust while also pointing out TPC's limited efficacy in enhancing collaboration in SCs.
ABANet: Attention boundary‐aware network for image segmentation
Authors: Rezvani Sadjad , Fateh Mansoor , Khosravi Hossein
Published: May 2024

Deep learning techniques have attained substantial progress in various face‐related tasks, such as face recognition, face inpainting, and facial expression recognition. To prevent infection or the spread of the virus, wearing of masks in public places has been mandated following the COVID‐19 epidemic, which has led to face occlusion and posed significant challenges for face recognition systems. Most prominent masked face recognition solutions rely on mask segmentation tasks. Therefore, segmentation can be used to mitigate the negative impacts of wearing a mask and improve recognition accuracy. Mask region segmentation suffers from two main problems: there is no standard type of masks that people wear, they come in different colours and designs, and there is no publicly available masked face dataset with appropriate ground truth for the mask region. In order to address these issues, we propose an encoder–decoder framework that utilizes a boundary‐aware attention network combined with a new hybrid loss to provide a map, patch, and pixel‐level supervision. We also introduce a dataset called MFSD, with 11,601 images and 12,758 masked faces for masked face segmentation. Furthermore, we compare the performance of different cutting‐edge deep learning semantic segmentation models on the presented dataset. Experimental results on the MSFD dataset reveal that the suggested approach outperforms state‐of‐the‐art, algorithms with 97.623% accuracy, 93.814% IoU, and 96.817% F1‐score rate. Our dataset of masked faces with mask region labels and source code will be available online.
A multi‐scenario analysis of climate impacts on plankton and fish stocks in northern seas
Authors: Sandø Anne Britt , Hjøllo Solfrid S. , Hansen Cecilie , Skogen Morten D. , Hordoir Robinson , Sundby Svein
Published: May 2024

Globally, impacts of climate change display an increasingly negative development of marine biomass, but there is large regional variability. In this analysis of future climate change on stock productivity proxies for the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, and the Barents Sea, we have provided calculations of accumulated directional effects as a function of climate exposure and sensitivity attributes. Based on modelled changes in physical and biogeochemical variables from three scenarios and knowledge of 13 different stocks' habitats and response to climate variations, climate exposures have been weighted, and corresponding directions these have on the stocks have been decided. SSP1‐2.6 gives mostly a weak cooling in all regions with almost negligible impacts on all stocks. SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 both provide warmer conditions in the long term but are significantly different in the last 30 years of the century when the SSP5‐8.5 warming is much stronger. The results show that it is the current stocks of cod and Calanus finmarchicusin the North Sea, and polar cod and capelin in the Barents Sea that will be most negatively affected by strong warming. Stocks that can migrate north into the northern seas such as hake in the Norwegian Sea, or stocks that are near the middle of the preferred temperature range such as mackerel and herring in the Norwegian Sea and cod and Calanus finmarchicus in the Barents Sea, are the winners in a warmer climate. The highly different impacts between the three scenarios show that multiple scenario studies of this kind matter.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of multilayer SiC nanofiber paper‐reinforced SiC composites by the NITE method
Authors: Chen Hao , Chen Jianjun , Yang Jiahao , Ahmad Zahoor , Zhu Mingming , Xiong Yilian , Tao Jiyu , Li Jinxia
Published: May 2024

In this work, stacked SiC fibers paper‐reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (SiCnf/SiC CMCs) were prepared by nanoimpregnation and transient eutectic (NITE) process using ultra‐long single‐crystal SiC nanofibers. The effect of the SiCnf surface modification via boron nitride (BN) interphase deposition as well as the sintering additive (Al2O3–Y2O3) content on the density, microstructure, and mechanical properties of SiCnf/SiC CMCs has been investigated systematically. The results revealed that the laminated SiCnf/SiC CMCs feature a significant saw‐tooth‐like curve on the load–displacement test, which indicates that the obtained laminated structure with the weak interlayer binding owning to the BN coating treatment possesses significant toughening to the SiC ceramics. Specifically, the SiCnf/SiC CMCs with the sintering additive content of 12 wt% revealed a fracture toughness of over 10 MPa m1/2 after 60 min of BN interface deposition, which is 104.31% higher than that of the composites prepared without BN coating.
Joining of silicon nitride ceramic to oxygen‐free copper using Ag–Cu–TiH2 filler
Authors: Tang Liangliang , Yao Dongxu , Xia Yongfeng , Zhao Jun , Zhu Ming , Zeng Yu‐Ping
Published: May 2024

Complex liquid–solid reactions occur during brazing. A deep understanding of brazing liquid evolution is therefore of important concern for the bonding between filler and substrates. The joining of gas‐pressure‐sintered silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic to oxygen‐free copper (OFC) foil was prepared using Ag–Cu–TiH2 filler at 875°C for 0.5 h. The effect of the Ag:Cu ratio on the interfacial microstructure and peeling strength of the joints was analyzed. The reaction of brazing liquid with Si3N4 ceramic includes reactions with both the β‐Si3N4 and the grain boundary phases (Y–Si–Mg–O–N). The resulting interfacial reaction products include TiN, Ti5Si3, and potential Cu3Ti3O. Based on the phase composition and three‐dimensional morphology of the interfacial reaction products in the Si3N4 ceramic/OFC foil joints, a model for the evolution of the brazing liquid as the reaction proceeds was proposed. Peeling test results indicated that the peeling strength of the joints rises unilaterally with the increase of the Ag:Cu ratio in the filler until reaching the peak value of 24.3 N/mm at the maximum Ag:Cu ratio of 90:10. The mechanisms of the joint peeling fracture were discussed in detail.
Common immunological and prognostic features of lung and bladder cancer via smoking‐related genes: PRR11 gene as potential immunotherapeutic target
Authors: Wang YaXuan , Zhu HaiXia , Zhang Lu , He JiaXing , Bo Ji , Wang JianShe , Ding BeiChen , Ren MingHua
Published: May 2024

Smoking is a well‐known risk factor for non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA). Despite this, there has been no investigation into a prognostic marker based on smoking‐related genes that could universally predict prognosis in these cancers and correlate with immune checkpoint therapy. This study aimed to identify smoking‐related differential genes in NSCLC and BLCA, analyse their roles in patient prognosis and immune checkpoint therapy through subgroup analyses, and shed light on PRR11 as a crucial prognostic gene in both cancers. By examining PRR11 co‐expressed genes, a prognostic model was constructed and its impact on immunotherapy for NSCLC and BLCA was evaluated. Molecular docking and tissue microarray analyses were conducted to explore the correlation between PRR11 and its reciprocal gene SPDL1. Additionally, miRNAs associated with PRR11 were analysed. The study confirmed a strong link between smoking‐related genes, prognosis, and immune checkpoint therapy in NSCLC and BLCA. PRR11 was identified as a key smoking‐associated gene that influences the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy by modulating the stemness of these cancers. A prognostic model based on PRR11 co‐expressed genes in BLCA was established and its prognostic value was validated in NSCLC. Furthermore, it was found that PRR11 regulates PDL1 via SPDL1, impacting immunotherapeutic efficacy in both cancers. The involvement of hsa‐miR‐200b‐3p in the regulation of SPDL1 expression by PRR11 was also highlighted. Overall, the study elucidates that PRR11 modulates patient immunotherapy by influencing PDL1 expression through its interaction with SPDL1, with potential upstream regulation by hsa‐miR‐200b‐3p.
Norms concerning the recognition of victimhood in postconflict societies: An analysis of “whatabouteries” in online sectarian arguments
Authors: Finlay W. M. L. , Cattier J. , Donois K. , Goodings L. , Kaminskiy E. , Owen C. , Storey L. , Swami V.
Published: May 2024

Acknowledging the victims on both sides of a conflict is crucial to peacebuilding and reconciliation. However, recognizing the victims of one community can challenge an opposing group's conflict narrative, particularly when their own group is seen as the primary victim. Suggestions of inclusive victimhood and blame can also threaten the sense of distinctiveness of each group's experience, leading to resistance. This article examines the conflict that arose when historical victimhood was discussed in the online comments sections of U.K. newspapers in response to the 2021 Coroner's Inquest into the Ballymurphy massacre. We focus on one common turn in sectarian argument in Northern Ireland: “Whatabouteries,” and the conflict that arises when whatabouteries appear in discussions. We describe the variety of forms whatabouteries—and responses to them—can take and analyze two extended conflict sequences in which they occur. Responses to such posts often invoke an implicit norm in these discussions: That when the victims of one group are publicly recognized in truth‐finding mechanisms, raising the issue of the opposing group's victims is illegitimate and can be treated as an act of provocation. This illustrates the need for sensitivity and an understanding of local, context‐specific norms when discussing victimhood and violence.
Late Jurassic magmatism in the Ligurian‐Piedmont Ocean constrained by zircon ages of mafic and felsic meta‐intrusives
Authors: de Togni Marcello , Balestro Gianni , Rubatto Daniela , Castelli Daniele , Gattiglio Marco , Festa Andrea
Published: May 2024

Paleogeographic reconstructions show that the Ligurian‐Piedmont Ocean (LPO) was a relatively narrow oceanic basin but the actual amount of oceanic lithosphere generated and the timing of magmatic accretion are still subjects of debate. New U–Pb dating of zircon from two pairs of FeTi‐oxide metagabbro and metaplagiogranite s.l. of the Susa and Lanzo Valleys Ophiolites (Western Alps) yields Late Jurassic magmatic ages (~150 Ma), 10–15 Ma younger than most of the magmatism in the LPO. The potential significance of the geochronological data presented are discussed in relation to the structural architecture of the LPO, emphasizing that the investigated ophiolites represent the youngest oceanic lithosphere accreted in the Western Alps.
Human lineage mutations regulate RNA-protein binding of conserved genesNTRK2andITPR1involved in human evolution
Authors: Cai Wenxiang , Song Weichen , Yu Shunying , Zhao Min , Lin Guan Ning
Published: May 2024

Background

The role of human lineage mutations (HLMs) in human evolution through post-transcriptional modification is unclear.

Aims

To investigate the contribution of HLMs to human evolution through post-transcriptional modification.

Methods

We applied a deep learning model Seqweaver to predict how HLMs impact RNA-binding protein affinity.

Results

We found that only 0.27% of HLMs had significant impacts on RNA-binding proteins at the threshold of the top 1% of human common variations. These HLMs enriched in a set of conserved genes highly expressed in adult excitatory neurons and prenatal Purkinje neurons, and were involved in synapse organisation and the GTPase pathway. These genes also carried excess damaging coding mutations that caused neurodevelopmental disorders, ataxia and schizophrenia. Among these genes,NTRK2andITPR1had the most aggregated evidence of functional importance, suggesting their essential roles in cognition and bipedalism.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a small subset of human-specific mutations have contributed to human speciation through impacts on post-transcriptional modification of critical brain-related genes.
Patient-Reported Experiences of Supportive Cancer Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Canella Claudia , Naegele Matthias , Ribi Karin , Colomer-Lahiguera Sara , Giacomini Stellio , Van Kim Lê , Eicher Manuela , Witt Claudia M.
Published: May 2024

Background. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people affected by cancer were in need of information about the virus and about the (self-) management of cancer symptoms and treatment. It is important to understand how patients with cancer navigated through the pandemic and to explore their experience relating to their supportive care needs. Aim. This study aimed to describe the experience of Swiss oncological patients during the COVID-19 pandemic with additional supportive cancer care. Methods. A single-center study was conducted in 2021. Patients with melanoma, breast, lung, or colon cancer who received active systemic anticancer treatment at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic and who were additionally seeing either oncology clinical nurse specialists, integrative medicine physicians, or both were included. We conducted semistructured interviews alongside the patient-reported quantitative assessment of distress and resilience. Thematic analysis was performed for the qualitative data and descriptive statistics for the quantitative data. Results. Eighteen patients with cancer were interviewed. Patients seeing an integrative medicine physician highlighted that they positively felt being addressed as a whole person during the consultations. The oncology clinical nurse specialists were perceived as the first point of contact for the patients and had more time during the pandemic compared to what the patients normally received. In general, patients did not experience delays or disruptions in their cancer treatment. As immunosuppressed and fatigued patients with cancer, they felt supported by the restrictions and hygienic measures. Access to vaccination reassured patients against the risk of infection. These results were reflected in the quantitative data, as we found moderate distress levels (M = 4.1; SD = 2.5) and high resilience scores (M = 7.5; SD = 0.9) in this patient population. Conclusion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with cancer felt particularly supported by integrative medicine and cancer nurse consultations. Secured resources for nursing consultations and integrative medicine services can help to address the supportive care needs of patients with cancer.
Extraction, Physicochemical Properties, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Chondroitin Sulfate from Bovine Nose Cartilage
Authors: Shi Chan , Deng Yuxuan , An Xin , Chen Yuan , Lv Xingang , Liu Qian
Published: May 2024

Beef is an important high-nutrition livestock product, and several byproducts, such as bovine cartilage, are produced during slaughter. To effectively utilize these agricultural and pastoral byproducts, combined (trypsin-papain) enzymolysis and cetylpyridine chloride purification methods were used to obtain chondroitin sulfate (CS) from the nasal cartilage of Shaanxi Yellow cattle. The effects of pH, temperature, and time on the CS yield during enzymatic hydrolysis were investigated, and the CS extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology. The best yield of CS was 21.62% under the optimum conditions of pH 6.51, temperature of 64.53°C, and enzymolysis time of 19.86 h. The molecular weight of CS from Shaanxi cattle nasal cartilage was 89.21 kDa, glucuronic acid content was 31.76±0.72%, protein content was 1.12±0.03%, and sulfate group content was 23.34±0.08%. The nasal cartilage CS of the Yellow cattle showed strong DPPH•, •OH, and ABTS+• radical scavenging abilities and ferrous reduction ability in the experimental concentration range. This study could contribute to “turn waste into treasure” and improve the comprehensive utilization of regional characteristic biological resources.
Feature Variable Selection Based on VIS-NIR Spectra and Soil Moisture Content Prediction Model Construction
Authors: Zhou Nan , Hong Jin , Song Bo , Wu Shichao , Wei Yichen , Wang Tao
Published: May 2024

The hydrological cycle, surface energy balance, and the management of water resources are all significantly impacted by soil moisture. Because it governs the physical processes of evapotranspiration and rainfall penetration, surface soil moisture is a significant climatic variable. In this work, visible-near infrared (VIS-NIR) bands were used to compare and analyze the spectra of loess samples with varying moisture concentrations. The investigation looked at how changes in the soil moisture content impacted the response of the soil spectra. The researchers used a genetic algorithm (GA), interval combination optimization (ICO), and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) to filter feature variables from full-band spectral data. To forecast the moisture content of loess on the soil surface, models like partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) were created. The findings indicate that: (1) the most reliable spectrum preprocessing technique is the first derivative (FD), which can significantly enhance the model’s prediction power and spectral characteristic information. (2) The feature band selection method’s prediction effect of soil moisture content is typically superior to that of full-spectrum data. (3) The random forest (RF) prediction model for soil moisture content with the highest accuracy was built by combining the genetic algorithm (GA) with the FD preprocessed spectra. The results may provide a new understanding on how to use VIS-NIR to measure soil moisture content.
Occlusal Features and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Al-Khatieeb Mustafa M. , Nissan Layth M. , Al-Labban Yasir R. , Abid Mushriq
Published: May 2024

Background. Understanding the correlation between temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) parameters and various occlusal features can play a significant role in diagnosing and treating occlusal problems and their potential consequences on TMD. Objectives. To investigate the relationship of occlusal features and some of the TMD parameters. Study Design and Sampling. The current cross‐sectional study was conducted on 200 TMD patients seeking dental treatment at different dental centers in Baghdad city, aged 18–35 years. All participants underwent assessment for occlusal features, which were molar and canine classifications, overjet, posterior buccal or lingual crossbites, and overbites, and TMD parameters (muscle pain, TMJ pain, and clicking) using the Chi‐square test for statistical analysis. Results. Regarding molar classification, there were strong positive correlations between subjects with TMD and having different molar classifications (class I, II, and III) bilaterally or unilaterally; furthermore, there were strong positive correlations between subjects with TMD and having different canine classifications. Moreover, there were significant correlations between subjects with increased, normal, or decreased overjet and the TMD parameters. In addition, there were weak positive correlations between TMD occurrence and buccal or lingual posterior crossbite. On the other hand, there were significant correlations between subjects with a decreased overbite and the presence of TMD parameters. Conclusion. TMD had a multifactorial background rather than dependability on a specific molar or canine classification type. There was also a correlation between overjet and TMD muscle pain, while decreased overbite was correlated to muscle and TMJ pain. Conversely, there is no vital correlation between posterior buccal or lingual crossbite occurrence and TMD parameters.
The Utility of International Negotiation: Four Hundred Years of Attempts to Negotiate Political and Diplomatic Stability
Authors: Meerts Paul W.
Published: May 2024

This article examines the challenges to international negotiation processes in a world where attempts have been made to create order, but, at present, disorder is on the rise again. Several historical cases are analyzed and compared to detect both positive and negative factors influencing the utility of negotiation processes as an instrument of conflict management and international governance. How has mankind managed to use negotiation as an alternative to warfare? What are the conditions for negotiation effectiveness? What is the utility of negotiation if the context is not ripe for solving problems in a peaceful way? What does history tell us about the ways to deal with interstate wars in the 21st century?
Rethinking the Significance of the Russian and Chinese Revolutions: A Dialogue with Wang Hui
Authors: Murthy Viren , Thomas Saul , Wang Hui , Xu Yuji
Published: May 2024

This is a transcript of a dialogue between faculty and students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the renowned “new leftist” Chinese intellectual, Wang Hui. The immediate theme of the discussion concerned the two major socialist revolutions of the twentieth century, namely the Russian and Chinese revolutions. Wang Hui’s recent work asks how these revolutions and their associated processes problematize typically Eurocentric assumptions about “modernity.” Relatedly, there has been a recent tendency to subsume the Soviet Union and Mao’s China under the history of capitalism. Such revisionist readings of the Russian and Chinese Revolutions echo earlier Marxist arguments about “actually existing” socialism being a form of state capitalism. The various discussants develop different positions on this issue, but they in general affirm the idea that the socialist revolutions partially succeeded in creating an alternative to capitalism, and this legacy continues to be meaningful to our social imagination.
Integrated Research Progress on Desulfurization, Denitrification, and Decarbonization Technologies in Coal-Fired Power Plants
Authors: Ma Hailing , Dong Hang , Wang Wei , Wang Hongxu
Published: May 2024

In the production process of coal-fired power plants, the substantial emissions of SO2 and NOx pose a significant environmental threat if not appropriately addressed. Effectively reducing the emissions of these harmful substances has become a crucial task for national
ecological pollution prevention and control. This research aims to comprehensively analyze the overall effectiveness of flue gas desulfurization and denitrification technologies through energy-saving and environmentally friendly approaches. By integrating various modern technological means,
the goal is to facilitate the rational application of desulfurization and denitrification technologies in production, minimizing adverse effects and promoting the orderly progression of subsequent work to prevent various environmental issues.
Menopause depression: Under recognised and poorly treated
Authors: Kulkarni Jayashri , Gurvich Caroline , Mu Eveline , Molloy Grace , Lovell Sonya , Mansberg Ginni , Horton Shelly , Morton Erin , Uppal Talat , Cashell Ceri , de Castella Anthony , Reisel Dan , Dear Linda , Weatherburn-Reeves Naomi , Harris Katie , Pietrobon Kerry , Teagle Kelly , Kim Bo Youn , Newson Louise , Szoeke Cassandra
Published: May 2024

Menopause is a biological process experienced by all people assigned female at birth. A significant number of women experience mental ill health related to the major brain gonadal hormone shifts that occur in their midlife. There is poor understanding and management of the complex mental ill health issues, with the biological brain hormone changes receiving little formal attention. The current treatment advice is to manage this special type of mental ill health in the same way that all mental ill health is managed. This leads to poor outcomes for women and their families. Many women leave the workforce earlier than expected due to menopause-related depression and anxiety, with subsequent loss of salary and superannuation. Others describe being unable to adequately parent or maintain meaningful relationships – all ending in a poor quality of life. We are a large and diverse group of national and international clinicians, lived experience and social community advocates, all working together to innovate the current approaches available for women with menopausal mental ill health. Above all, true innovation is only possible when the woman with lived experience of menopause is front and centre of this debate.
Concept-Focused and Procedure-Focused Instruction on the Algebra Performance of Grade 9 Students With and Without Mathematics Difficulty
Authors: Lee Jihyun
Published: May 2024

Developing both conceptual and procedural knowledge is important for students’ mathematics competence. This study examined whether Grade 9 general education mathematics teachers’ self-reported use of concept-focused instruction (CFI) and procedure-focused instruction (PFI) were associated differently with ninth graders’ algebra achievement after 2.5 years, depending on students’ mathematics difficulty (MD) status. Data for this study were drawn from the High School Longitudinal Study for the years 2009–2010 and 2011–2012 ( N = 19,104). Multiple regression analyses indicated that students with MD who participated in Grade 9 mathematics classrooms where teachers self-reported the use of less CFI and more PFI were more positively associated with having higher algebra achievement after 2.5 years. Conversely, students without MD in classrooms where mathematics teachers self-reported the use of more CFI and less PFI were positively associated with having higher algebra achievement after 2.5 years. However, this study’s findings do not suggest that teachers should disregard CFI and provide only PFI when teaching students with MD. Because the data set did not include any variable to discover whether teachers provided sufficient support (i.e., evidence-based practices) for students with MD, who have more constraints in their cognitive skills compared to students without MD, to benefit from CFI, the findings of this study should be interpreted cautiously. Directions for future research and practical implications are discussed.
Sending the B team: The impact of lesser signals of resolve
Authors: McManus Roseanne W , Sendinç Tuba
Published: May 2024

When signaling resolve, is it necessary to go ‘all-in’ and send the strongest possible signal or can sending a lesser signal be effective? Prior research suggests that sending a lesser signal is an admission of irresolution, akin to sending no signal. We make the novel claim that lesser signals of resolve can actually be worse for credibility than sending no signal, particularly in general deterrence situations. We theorize that while the absence of a signal may go unnoticed, a lesser signal puts a spotlight on irresolution. Building on prior findings that high-level visits can function as signals of extended deterrence commitment, we test our theory using new data on visits abroad by the US president, vice president, secretary of state, and secretary of defense. We find that only presidential visits are effective at deterring military challenges against the country visited. Visits by lesser officials, whom we dub the ‘B Team’, actually increase the risk of deterrence failure.
Do Local Fiscal Decisions Impact Economic Growth: The Case of Wisconsin
Authors: Deller Steven , Maher Craig
Published: May 2024

This study revisits how local fiscal policies, specifically taxing and expenditures, affect economic growth. Using a panel (1990–2020) of Wisconsin general-purpose governments, we estimate a fixed effects variable parameter model and find that taxes have a dampening effect on the growth rate in income prior to the Great Recession but a positive effect over recent years. We also find that the impact of taxes on growth varies across community income levels. For lower income places taxes have a dampening effect on growth, but a positive effect in higher income areas. The results suggest that the impact of fiscal policies on economic growth vary over time and income levels. As such, blanket statements that high taxes harm the business climate and hence economic growth are generally not supported by the research.