bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic characterization of a non-transgenic Aβ1–42 amyloidosis model: synaptic plasticity and memory deficits in female and male mice
Authors: Jiménez-Herrera Raquel , Contreras Ana , Djebari Souhail , Mulero-Franco Jaime , Iborra-Lázaro Guillermo , Jeremic Danko , Navarro-López Juan , Jiménez-Díaz Lydia
Published: September 2023

Background

The amyloid-β (Aβ) cascade is one of the most studied theories linked to AD. In multiple models, Aβ accumulation and dyshomeostasis have shown a key role in AD onset, leading to excitatory/inhibitory imbalance, the impairments of synaptic plasticity and oscillatory activity, and memory deficits. Despite the higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in women compared to men, the possible sex difference is scarcely explored and the information from amyloidosis transgenic mice models is contradictory. Thus, given the lack of data regarding the early stages of amyloidosis in female mice, the aim of this study was to systematically characterize the effect of an intracerebroventricular (icv.) injection of Aβ1–42 on hippocampal-dependent memory, and on associated activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal CA1–CA3 synapse, in both male and female mice.

Methods

To do so, we evaluated long term potentiation (LTP) with ex vivo electrophysiological recordings as well as encoding and retrieval of spatial (working, short- and long-term) and exploratory habituation memories using Barnes maze and object location, or open field habituation tasks, respectively.

Results

Aβ1–42 administration impaired all forms of memory evaluated in this work, regardless of sex. This effect was displayed in a long-lasting manner (up to 17 days post-injection). LTP was inhibited at a postsynaptic level, both in males and females, and a long-term depression (LTD) was induced for the same prolonged period, which could underlie memory deficits.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our results provide further evidence on the shifting of LTP/LTD threshold due to a single icv. Aβ1–42 injection, which underly cognitive deficits in the early stages of AD. These long-lasting cognitive and functional alterations in males and females validate this model for the study of early amyloidosis in both sexes, thus offering a solid alternative to the inconsistence of amyloidosis transgenic mice models.
Perioperative mortality of emergency and elective surgical patients in a low-income country: a single institution experience
Authors: Degu Samrawit , Kejela Segni , Zeleke Henok TekleSelassie
Published: September 2023

Background

The perioperative mortality rate is an indicator of access to safe anesthesia and surgery. Studies showed higher perioperative mortality rates among low- and middle-income countries. But the specific causes and factors contributing to perioperative death have not been adequately studied in the Ethiopian context.

Methods

This is a retrospective institutional study of the largest academic medical center in Ethiopia. Data of all patients who were admitted to surgical wards or intensive care and underwent surgical interventions were evaluated for perioperative mortality rate determination. All mortality cases were then evaluated in depth.

Results

Of the 3295 patients evaluated, a total of 148 patients (4.5%) died within 30 days of surgery. By the 7th postoperative day, 69.5% of the perioperative mortality had already occurred. Septic shock contributed to 54.2% of deaths. Emergency surgery patients had more than a twofold higher mortality rate than elective surgery patients (p value < 0.001) and had a 2.6-fold higher rate of dying within 7 days of surgery (p value of 0.02). Patients with ASA performance status of 3 or more had a 1.7-fold higher rate of death within 72 h of surgery (p value of 0.015).

Conclusion

More than two thirds of patients died within 7 postoperative days. More emergency patients died than elective counterparts, and emergency cases had a higher rate of dying within 7 days of surgery. Poor ASA performance score was associated with earlier postoperative death. Further prospective multi-institutional studies are warranted to elucidate the factors that contribute to higher postoperative mortality in low-income country patients.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of common infections in primary care and the change to antibiotic prescribing in England
Authors: Yang Ya-Ting , Zhong Xiaomin , Fahmi Ali , Watts Simon , Ashcroft Darren M. , Massey Jon , Fisher Louis , MacKenna Brian , Mehrkar Amir , Bacon Sebastian C. J. , Goldacre Ben , Hand Kieran , van Staa Tjeerd , Palin Victoria
Published: September 2023

Background

There is concern that the COVID-19 pandemic altered the management of common infections in primary care. This study aimed to evaluate infection-coded consultation rates and antibiotic use during the pandemic and how any change may have affected clinical outcomes.

Methods

With the approval of NHS England, a retrospective cohort study using the OpenSAFELY platform analysed routinely collected electronic health data from GP practices in England between January 2019 and December 2021. Infection coded consultations and antibiotic prescriptions were used estimate multiple measures over calendar months, including age-sex adjusted prescribing rates, prescribing by infection and antibiotic type, infection consultation rates, coding quality and rate of same-day antibiotic prescribing for COVID-19 infections. Interrupted time series (ITS) estimated the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on infection-coded consultation rates. The impact of the pandemic on non- COVID-19 infection-related hospitalisations was also estimated.

Results

Records from 24 million patients were included. The rate of infection-related consultations fell for all infections (mean reduction of 39% in 2020 compared to 2019 mean rate), except for UTI which remained stable. Modelling infection-related consultation rates highlighted this with an incidence rate ratio of 0.44 (95% CI 0.36–0.53) for incident consultations and 0.43 (95% CI 0.33–0.54) for prevalent consultations. Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) saw the largest reduction of 0.11 (95% CI 0.07–0.17). Antibiotic prescribing rates fell with a mean reduction of 118.4 items per 1000 patients in 2020, returning to pre-pandemic rates by summer 2021. Prescribing for LRTI decreased 20% and URTI increased 15.9%. Over 60% of antibiotics were issued without an associated same-day infection code, which increased during the pandemic. Infection-related hospitalisations reduced (by 62%), with the largest reduction observed for pneumonia infections (72.9%). Same-day antibiotic prescribing for COVID-19 infection increased from 1 to 10.5% between the second and third national lockdowns and rose again during 2022.

Conclusions

Changes to consultations and hospital admissions may be driven by reduced transmission of non-COVID-19 infections due to reduced social mixing and lockdowns. Inconsistencies in coding practice emphasises the need for improvement to inform new antibiotic stewardship policies and prevent resistance to novel infections.
Economic effects of food supply chain re-localization on the Croatian economy
Authors: Mikulić Davor , Lovrinčević Željko , Keček Damira
Published: September 2023

Securing the availability of healthy food at affordable prices is of fundamental public interest. The formerly prevailing paradigm of the absolute superiority of free trade in the global food market is changing in favour of re-localization after vulnerabilities were exposed by the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent disorder in the global food market. Re-localization of food production could also have a positive impact on the environment, public health and sustainable local development. This paper analyses the trends and current conditions in the Croatian food market regarding the potential economic benefits of re-localization of food production. The purpose of the paper is to estimate the economic benefits of food re-localization in Croatia. The method of input–output analysis is applied to test hypotheses. Direct, indirect and induced effects of re-localization of food production are estimated and the results compared with other countries. The results confirm previous findings that re-localization of food production could stimulate the domestic economy. The multipliers estimated for Croatian agricultural and food production do not deviate significantly from the results published for other economies. Output multipliers related to the Croatian food sector are slightly lower than those estimated for new European Union members, while multipliers for the Croatian agriculture sector are in line with those estimated for the same group of countries. It is found that expenditures on domestic food products induce significantly larger economic effects in Croatia than expenditures on imported food. Import substitution and re-localization would also positively affect public finances. Re-localizing 10% of imports of agri-food products could increase the Croatian GDP by 0.32%. The employment effects would be even larger since labour intensity in the food and agriculture sectors is high.
Anxiety and Depression Symptoms among Youth Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Network Analysis
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Jin Yu , Xu Shicun , Luo Xianyu , Wilson Amanda , Li Hui , Wang Xiaofeng , Sun Xi , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: September 2023

Background

Previous studies have frequently reported a high prevalence of co-occurring anxiety and depression among people who experienced stressful events in childhood. However, few have noted the symptomatic relationship of this comorbidity among childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors. Therefore, this study’s objectives were as follows: (1) to examine the relationship across symptoms between anxiety and depression among CSA survivors; (2) to compare differences between male and female network structures among CSA survivors.

Methods

A total of 63 Universities and Colleges in Jilin Province, China, covered 96,218 participants in this study, a sub-set data of which met the criteria of CSA was analyzed with the network analysis. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), measured CSA. Anxiety was measured by the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and depression was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The sex difference between anxiety and depression among CSA survivors was compared.

Results

3,479 college students reported the experience of CSA (CTQ-SF total scores ≥ 8), with a prevalence of 3.62% (95% CI: 3.50–3.73%). Among CSA survivors, control worry, sad mood, and energy were central and bridge symptoms of the anxiety and depression network. Meanwhile, male CSA survivors appeared to have a stronger correlation between guilt and suicide, but female CSA survivors seemed to have a stronger correlation between control worry and suicide. Moreover, the edge of control worry-relax-afraid was stronger in the male network, while the edge of restless-relax was stronger in the female network.

Conclusion

Control worry, sad mood, and energy are crucial to offer targeted treatment and to relieve anxiety and depression symptoms for CSA survivors. Guilt needs more attention for male CSA survivors, while control worry remains more important for female CSA survivors to reduce suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
Vegetation diversity pattern during spring season in relation to topographic and edaphic variables in sub-tropical zone
Authors: Ali Hazrat , Muhammad Zahir , Majeed Muhammad , Aziz Robina , Khan Adam , Mangrio Wali Muhammad , Abdo Hazem Ghassan , Almohamad Hussein , Al Dughairi Ahmed Abdullah
Published: September 2023

Background

The present study was conducted to explore the diversity pattern of spring vegetation under the influence of topographic and edaphic variables in sub-tropical zone, District Malakand. In the present vegetation study, 252 species of 80 families were recorded in the study area. It included 39 species of trees, 43 species of shrubs, 167 species of herbs and 3 climber species. As a whole, 12 communities were established on the basis of topographic and edaphic characteristics in 12 different stations.

Results

The results of the present study revealed that all diversity indices (species diversity, evenness index, species richness index, maturity index) during spring showed that the communities in plains lying at lower altitudes had higher diversity while the communities formed at high altitudes had lower diversity. The results of the similarity index showed that there was low similarity (below 50%) amongst the communities in different stations.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that variations in topographic and edaphic factors affect species diversity and communities pattern.
A scoping review of emotions and related constructs in simulation-based education research articles
Authors: Ahn Byunghoon , Maurice-Ventouris Meagane , Bilgic Elif , Yang Alison , Lau Clarissa Hin-Hei , Peters Hannah , Li Kexin , Chang-Ou Deuscies , Harley Jason M.
Published: September 2023

Background

While acknowledgement of emotions’ importance in simulation-based education is emerging, there are concerns regarding how education researchers understand the concept of emotions for them to deliberately incorporate emotionally charged scenarios into simulation-based education. This concern is highlighted especially in the context of medical education often lacking strong theoretical integration. To map out how current simulation-based education literature conceptualises emotion, we conducted a scoping review on how emotions and closely related constructs (e.g. stress, and emotional intelligence) are conceptualised in simulation-based education articles that feature medical students, residents, and fellows.

Methods

The scoping review was based on articles published in the last decade identified through database searches (EMBASE and Medline) and hand-searched articles. Data extraction included the constructs featured in the articles, their definitions, instruments used, and the types of emotions captured. Only empirical articles were included (e.g. no review or opinion articles). Data were charted via descriptive analyses.

Results

A total of 141 articles were reviewed. Stress was featured in 88 of the articles, while emotions and emotional intelligence were highlighted in 45 and 34 articles respectively. Conceptualisations of emotions lacked integration of theory. Measurements of emotions mostly relied on self-reports while stress was often measured via physiological and self-report measurements. Negative emotions such as anxiety were sometimes seen as interchangeable with the term stress. No inferences were made about specific emotions of participants from their emotional intelligence.

Conclusions

Our scoping review illustrates that learners in simulation-based education are most often anxious and fearful. However, this is partially due to medical education prioritising measuring negative emotions. Further theoretical integration when examining emotions and stress may help broaden the scope towards other kinds of emotions and better conceptualisations of their impact. We call for simulation education researchers to reflect on how they understand emotions, and whether their understanding may neglect any specific aspect of affective experiences their simulation participants may have.
First application of next-generation sequencing in four families with Wilson disease in Morocco
Authors: Sahli Maryem , Zrhidri Abdelali , El Kadiri Youssef , Cherkaoui Jaouad Imane , Meskini Toufik , Sefiani Abdelaziz
Published: September 2023

Background

Wilson disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by toxic accumulation of copper in various organs, principally in the liver and brain. The disease can be manifested with hepatic, neurologic and ophthalmic signs and in a rare case with psychiatric, hematological, renal and skeletal signs; symptoms vary among and within families. Traditionally, Wilson disease was diagnosed on the basis of biochemical markers which include low ceruloplasmin levels and elevated urinary and hepatic copper. However, theses parameters are not specific and can been seen in other disorders. Genetic testing is now considering the most specific test allowing a precise diagnosis. In this study, we report the results of molecular analysis of four unrelated patients with Wilson disease from Morocco; we used a next-generation sequencing customized multigene panel to investigate the ATP7B gene for the four unrelated patients with Wilson disease.

Results

Genetic tests based on next-generation sequencing allow to the identification of four previously described variants. One in compound heterozygous state and three at homozygous state.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the clinical diagnosis of Wilson disease in these reported families and have implications for their genetic counselling and clinical management. Diagnosis of Wilson disease is a major challenge in clinical practice, and Genetic testing of ATP7B gene should be recommended in patients with suspected Wilson disease.
Adult disclosures of non-recent child sexual abuse: is there a role for restorative justice?
Authors: Keenan Marie , Lyons Olive M.
Published: September 2023

This article examines the views of 29 victim survivors (who were part of a larger study) who retrospectively disclosed non-recent child sexual abuse regarding their reasons for disclosure, the child protection and criminal justice responses to them, and the possible ways for improving system responses to address their needs and interests. The reasons for disclosure centred on a desire to pass the burden of the abuse to someone else, to achieve a subjectively defined form of justice and to regain power and control over their lives. Following disclosure, victim survivors often found themselves involved in two forms of investigation: child protection and criminal justice. The findings suggest that criminal justice systems do not adequately address victims’ needs in these circumstances. They often feel marginal to child protection investigations and feel used instrumentally in those proceedings. However, having social workers ‘rattle the cage’ of perpetrators provided comfort for some victim survivors who failed to get justice through criminal justice mechanisms. Based on the research presented in this study, it is suggested that restorative justice may have something to offer as part of the response to non-recent disclosures of child sexual abuse as part of both criminal justice and child protection investigations and processes.
Long-term Outcomes of Radiation Techniques for the Treatment of Locally Advanced NSCLC
Authors:   Sunvalley Communication, LLC, Hofland Peter
Published: September 2023

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy, also known as IMRT, should be utilized for treatment of locally advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) to reduce the risk of severe pulmonary toxicity and radiation exposure to the heart.
Language Barriers and the Impact on Cancer Care
Authors:   Sunvalley Communication, LLC, Hofland Peter
Published: September 2023

Patients who face language barriers are more likely to consume more healthcare services but are also experiencing more adverse events. These studies show that most of these increased costs were attributable to patients requiring and receiving interpreter services, while medical errors resulting in and adverse events occurred more frequently among patients with limited proficiency in English than among those who were proficient in English
Long-term performance of roof-top GCPV systems in central Viet Nam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hong , Dang Quoc Vuong , Ngo Xuan Cuong , Do Nhu Y
Published: September 2023

In pursuit of the objective of achieving "net zero emissions," many countries worldwide, including Viet Nam, have prioritized the utilization of photovoltaic technology for energy conversion. Specifically, the implementation of roof-top grid-connected photovoltaic systems (GCPV) has emerged as a highly efficient solution in urban areas. These systems offer several advantages, such as minimizing land usage, lowering monthly electricity expenses, preventing building heat, generating income for households, and reducing transmission and distribution costs. This article focuses on a comprehensive long-term analysis conducted on 51 roof-top GCPV systems in the tropical monsoon climate of Hue City, Viet Nam, during the period from 2019 to 2023. The analysis findings reveal that roof-top GCPV systems with a capacity of 3-6 kW are well-suited for households in the central region of Viet Nam, characterized by a tropical monsoon climate. These systems exhibit an average sizing ratio of 1.03. The annual average daily final yield peaked at 3.28 kWh/kWp/day in 2021 and reached its lowest point at 2.97 kWh/kWp/day in 2022. Notably, the typical slope of the yield gradually increases with the installed capacity and the studied year. Furthermore, the monthly average daily final yield demonstrates a seasonal pattern, with higher yields observed from March to August and lower yields from September to January, aligning with the climate of the study area. As the years progress, the capacity factor and performance ratio of roof-top GCPV systems display a declining trend. Throughout the entire study period, these systems successfully mitigated 664 metric tons of CO2 emissions. The evaluation of long-term yield data offers valuable insights for photovoltaic installers, operators, and system owners, aiding in system maintenance and optimizing load utilization across different time periods. Long-term performance can be used by energy managers and owners of roof-top GCPV systems to identify supply shortfalls and initiate countermeasures.
Impact of Microfinance on Women’s Entrepreneurship
Authors: Bosu Champa
Published: September 2023

Microfinance (MF) and its institution’s contribution to poverty reduction, alleviation, and eradication through entrepreneurship has been a debatable issue until now. Especially some controversial roles of the traditional microfinance institutions in different ‘global south’ countries made the situation even more complicated and problematic. Some recent scientific studies and global media reports against the role of microfinance in reducing poverty have given us some space for thoughts on the role of traditional microfinance institutions in entrepreneurship development among rural women. However, many scientific studies and media reports have claimed that microfinance contributes to a reduction in poverty through entrepreneurship by traditional microfinance institutions or commercial banks. However, it is unclear if MF is the most efficient way to reduce poverty without the help of other additional procedures among the poverty-stricken people or areas such as education, politics, health, infrastructure, etc. In the current paper, a critical observation has been made on the roles of microfinance in entrepreneurship development among poor, marginalized women. A literature survey has been made using different sources, such as academic databases, media reports, I/NGO reports, etc. It was found that some of the women who have received loans through microcredit or microfinance institutions used the money for consumption; however, most of the women recipients used the loan for their entrepreneurial activities or businesses to change their financial condition and have successfully brought financial sustainability.
Synthesis of a novel phosphate-containing ligand rhodium catalyst and exploration of its optimal reaction conditions and mechanism for the polymerization of phenylacetylene
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Tang Yuqi , Xu Rui , Yan Dong , Xu Shuangping , Qu Yanqing , Xu Jingyu , Jia Hongge
Published: September 2023

Due to the chemical properties of Group VIII transition metals and their importance in catalytic processes, the reactions of rhodium and its neighboring organic complexes have received much attention as model systems. In the present experiments, we successfully prepared two new rhodium complexes named [Rh(cod)(TTP)Cl] and [Rh(cod)(CDP)Cl] using tri(o-tolyl)phosphine and clohexyldiphenylphosphine as ligands, respectively, and the proofs of their structures were completed using 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Subsequently, it was applied to the polymerization reaction of phenylacetylene (PA), and the effects of different solvents, time, and temperature on the yield and molecular weight of the polymerization reaction products were discussed. The experimental results show that both complexes can play a catalytic role in the polymerization of PA. From the point of view of polymer molecular weight, the best reaction conditions for both catalysts were 3 h at 20°C in THF solvent (molecular weight up to 2.40 × 105). From the point of view of yield, the best reaction conditions for both catalysts were 4 h at 35°C in THF solvent (yield up to 89.2%).
Conserved vectors and solutions of the two-dimensional potential KP equation
Authors: Khalique Chaudry Masood , Lephoko Mduduzi Yolane Thabo
Published: September 2023

This article investigates the potential Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (pKP) equation, which describes the evolution of small-amplitude nonlinear long waves with slow transverse coordinate dependence. For the first time, we employ Lie symmetry methods to calculate the Lie point symmetries of the equation, which are then utilized to derive exact solutions through symmetry reductions and with the help of Kudryashov’s method. The solutions obtained include exponential, hyperbolic, elliptic, and rational functions. Furthermore, we provide one-parameter group of transformations for the pKP equation. To gain a better understanding of the nature of each solution, we present 3D, 2D, and density plots. These obtained solutions, along with their associated physical characteristics, offer valuable insights into the propagation of small yet finite amplitude waves in shallow water.In addition, the pKP equation conserved vectors are derived by utilizing the multiplier method and the theorems by Noether and Ibragimov.
Analysis of the Impact of Digitalization on the Quality and Availability of Public Services in Ukraine – A Comparative Approach with Insights from Estonia
Authors: Kniazieva Tetiana V. , Kazanska Olenа O. , Orochovska Lyudmila A. , Tsymbalenko Yana Yu. , Dergach Anna V.
Published: September 2023

This article provides an overview of the current state of digitization of public services in Ukraine, exploring its impact on service quality and availability. The rapid advancements in information and communication technology have created opportunities for streamlining bureaucratic processes and improving service delivery. The study aims to analyze the progress and potential of digitization in public services in Ukraine, comparing it with successful examples in Estonia. The research seeks to identify best practices and address existing gaps and challenges in digitalizing public services. The research utilizes various methods, including a comprehensive literature review, analysis of academic articles, government reports, and quantitative data from primary sources such as surveys and databases. A comparative analysis of Estonia’s digitalization efforts is conducted to gain insights into potential lessons and best practices. The findings show that digitization of public services in Ukraine has emerged in response to advancements in technology and citizens’ demand for user-friendly and accessible services. Initiatives like the Diia platform have positively impacted service quality and availability. However, Ukraine’s level of digitization still lags behind some European counterparts. The Ukrainian government’s commitment to digital transformation is evident through various initiatives and targets to improve the digitization rate of public services. Despite the progress made, ongoing efforts are needed to address challenges and invest in digital infrastructure. Prioritizing digital transformation can enhance service efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement, ultimately improving the quality of life for Ukrainians and aligning with EU standards.
Introduction to the Special Issue on “Possession in the languages of Wallacea”
Authors: Gasser Emily , Schapper Antoinette
Published: September 2023

The area between the Wallace Line and Lydekker’s Line in eastern Indonesia and East Timor has long been recognized as a transitional zone between the flora and fauna of Asia and Oceania. More recently, Linguistic Wallacea, shifted slightly eastward from Biological Wallacea, has been established as a transitional zone between the Southeast Asian and Melanesian linguistic types. This volume focuses on grammatical systems of possession in Linguistic Wallacea, discussing both Austronesian and Papuan languages of the region. Typical traits include Possessor–Possessum word order and alienability contrasts, among others. The cross-familial distribution of these features suggests longstanding language contact throughout the area with borrowing both from Papuan languages into Austronesian ones and vice versa.
From possessive to relative clause marker: a grammaticalization pathway in the Timor-Alor-Pantar languages
Authors: Schapper Antoinette
Published: September 2023

Typological studies have repeatedly expressed doubt about the possibility of relative clause markers grammaticalizing from possessive markers. At the same time, cross-linguistic studies of attribution have provided substantial evidence for markers of adjectival attribution deriving from possessive markers. Given that simple adjectival attributive constructions are accepted to expand readily into relative clause constructions, there is an apparent discordance in the typological literature on the diachronic sources of their markers. Using data from the Timor-Alor-Pantar languages of south-eastern Wallacea, the present article argues that the link between possessive and relative clause markers, by way of an adjectival attributive marker, should also be uncontroversial.
The grammaticalization and dissolution of High Extended Intonation: an inalienable possession paradigm in Roon
Authors: Gil David
Published: September 2023

This paper is concerned with the documentation, typology and diachrony of a single inflectional paradigm expressing inalienable attributive possession in Roon, a language of the South Halmahera West New Guinea subgroup of Austronesian. The paradigm in question exhibits a substantial amount of variation both within and across speakers. Formally, the paradigm is exceptional in that, in some of its variants, it makes use of an H toneme, the only attested usage of tonality in the entire language. Functionally, the paradigm is remarkable in that, in some of its variants, the possessor is distinguished not for person but rather for distal deixis. Historically, the H toneme forming part of the paradigm is argued to derive from the grammaticalization of a High Extended Intonation contour expressing excessivity along a scalar dimension, characteristic of many languages of New Guinea and Australia. In some languages of North West New Guinea, this intonation contour anchors to certain particles, resulting in ideophones such as the Papuan Malay eeeH. One such ideophone, it is suggested, was subsequently incorporated into the expression of inalienable attributive possession in Roon. The proposed analysis thus provides a case study of how intonation may develop into tone, and, more generally, how gesture may be incorporated into grammar.
Possession in Patani
Authors: Rødvand Linn Iren Sjånes
Published: September 2023

This paper provides the first description of the possessive system in Patani, a South Halmahera-West New Guinea language (Austronesian). Possession in Patani involves the interplay of several parameters. Syntactically, there are two broad possessive constructions: direct, and indirect. Morphologically, both constructions make use of pronominal proclitics and possessive suffixes which express the person and number of the possessor. In the direct construction, this possessive marking attaches directly to the noun, whereas the indirect construction makes use of a possessive particle (a relational classifier) on which the possessive marking occurs. Semantically, all nouns which are directly possessed are inalienable nouns expressing kinship, part-of-whole relations, and close association. In the indirect construction, a semantic distinction is made between items related to eating and drinking on the one hand, and general possession on the other. This distinction is signaled through the choice of one of two possessive classifiers. At the same time, there are some idiosyncrasies which are not explained by the main semantic pattern. When both direct and indirect constructions are used together in a sentence, each part maps a different semantic relationship. Typologically, the Patani order is possessor-possessed, as is common in the region. Finally, both the direct and the indirect construction may be used phrasally (‘my house’), or predicatively (‘I have a house’).
Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Frost-Damaged Concrete under Compressive Loading
Authors: Xu Dongyu , Chen Huaicheng , Cao Mei , Cui Yuli , Bai Junsheng , Wang Shoude
Published: September 2023

Freezing and thawing behavior are among the most important factors when determining the durability of engineering structures in cold regions. A kind of acoustic emission (AE) sensor was tailored to evaluate the freezing-thawing characteristics of concrete. The AE test results show that, under uniaxial compression loading, the concrete not experiencing freezing-thawing cycles has a little ring down count (RDC) at the initial loading stage, which then increases because of the appearance of amounts of damage cracks at the later loading period. The AE characteristics of the concrete after freezing-thawing under compressive loading were analyzed. The results show that RDC in the first 100 s of loading is little, which increases suddenly with loading. The RDC and accumulative ring down count of the concrete with different freezing-thawing cycles show the decreasing trend, and the maxima of the accumulative energy decreases with increasing the freezing-thawing cycles.
Electromechanical model of exoskeleton with three mobile links
Authors: A Borisov , A Blinov , L Konchina , K Maslova , M Kulikova
Published: September 2023

The article considers an electromechanical model of an exoskeleton with three links, for which a system of differential equations of motion is written and inverse and direct problems of dynamics are solved. The angles between the links that specify anthropoid motion are figured out analytically. The electric drive controlling torques are found as a result of solving the inverse dynamics problem. The found torques are approximated with stepwise piecewise-constant functions simulating the impulse control of the exoskeleton motion. The solution of the direct problem of dynamics is carried out and the link rotation angles as functions of time are found. The results of the numerical solution of the system of differential equations are compared with the initial motion of the links. It has been found that the results of simulation with impulse control are in good agreement with the original motion. The total energy expenditures have been calculated. The exoskeleton simulation, taking into account the electric drive impacts also has been carried out. For this purpose, a system of differential equations of motion has been compiled; a numerical solution of the Cauchy problem for the compiled system has been carried out. The significance of the electric drive impact on the dynamics of the mechanism has been confirmed.
Differential expression of genes associated with sports injuries
Authors: Molano Tobar Nancy Janneth , Rodriguez Ortiz Alejandra Rocio , Vallejo Felipe García
Published: September 2023

Candidate gene studies in sports injuries pose a valid new approach to investigate the genetic basis of these. In this context, our objective was to analyze the differential expression and interaction of genes associated with sports injuries using a bio informatic approach. For this study, we analyzed 31 genes associated with sports injuries previously reported in the literature. Expression analysis was performed using the Z-ratio and a protein-protein interaction network was constructed in STRING 10.0. The GO categories associated with outstanding biological processes in the network were also taken from STRING 10.0. The expression network obtained allowed establishing three clusters with a significant number of interactions, the highest interactions were found in the genes COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL4A1, COL6A1 and COL5A1. According to the Z-ratio, the most over expressed genes were ITGB6 (z-ratio 4.32), COL1A2 (z-ratio 4.07), COL6A2 (z-ratio 3.99) and TIMM17A. In conclusion, the over-expression of genes is presented, which according to the current literature has been analyzed very little, from the sports field associated with sports injuries, a fact that merits further research. Also, we highlight the importance of bioinformatics as a complementary tool to the analysis of sports genomic data.
Management of obesity and other metabolic disorders through faecal microbiota transplant technology
Authors: Pushkala K , Gupta PD
Published: September 2023

The microbiota regulates health and many diseases both infectious and metabolic. The makeup and density of intestinal microbiota can be influenced by diet and therefore, they play a major role in the development of obesity by regulating energy metabolism. Recent evidence, primarily from investigations from animal models, suggests that the gut microbiota affects nutrient acquisition and energy regulation. Gut microbiota regulates obesity by regulating energy absorption, central appetite, fat storage, chronic inflammation, and circadian rhythms. Several members of phylum Proteobacteria, were reported to be obesity-associated. Among non-antibiotic therapeutic method, the faecal microbiota transfer technology seems to be one of the effective therapeutic and management techniques to treat and/or manage some of the metabolic disorders in particular obesity.
Refractory Pityriasis rubra pilaris treated with Adalimumab: a case report
Authors: Carvalho Caio Leal , Garcia de Santana Ivana Nascimento , Rubio Paula Silva , Poit Tassia Cruz , Lapinski Levermann Joelly Taynara , Rallo de Almeida Cristiane Ferreira , Miranda Almeida Mário César
Published: September 2023

Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris (PRP) is a rare inflammatory dermatosis, clinically presenting as a keratinization disorder, with follicular and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, in addition to orange-red scaly plaques, accompanied by characteristic islands of healthy skin. Sometimes, conventional treatment proves to be ineffective, and this work aims to present a case of a patient with failed first and second lines treatment options, responding well to adalimumab. Despite of all options available, more qualified and specific studies are needed to establish a standardized treatment based on evidence of a high scientific level, thus raising the degree of efficacy and therapeutic safety in PRP.
Identifying settlement strategy and land-use continuity of the prehistoric Şorsu Tepe in Nakhichevan, Azerbaijan
Authors: Sarıaltun Savaş
Published: September 2023

This study discusses archaeological research on the Late Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age cultures in the South Caucasus hilly flank belts, focusing on these societies' mobility and settlement strategies. The material record and site selection reflect changes in social structures. Pastoralism has played a significant role in Nakhichevan's history, but detailed records about pastoral activities, mobility patterns, and the evolution of pastoral strategies still need to be included. This study focused on Şorsu Tepe, an archaeological site in the Nakhichevan River Basin. We conducted stratigraphic excavations and sedimentological inquiries to understand the community's settlement tactics and adaptation strategies. The settlement's architectural evidence provides insights into past communities' daily practices, social structures, and organizational patterns. The geographical background of the study area, Nakhichevan, is described, emphasizing its strategic location connecting different regions. The excavation at Şorsu Tepe revealed three stratigraphic levels with distinctive phases, reflecting changing settlement strategies. This research has proposed terms like "Temporary Campsite," "Seasonal/Temporary Campsite," and "Long-term Stay/Seasonal Campsite" to describe the settlement stages. This study highlights the challenges in identifying the distinctions between nomadic and sedentary lifestyles, suggesting that the settlement at Şorsu Tepe could have served as a temporary campsite or summer pasture. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of mobility and settlement strategies in shaping the cultures of the South Caucasus region during the Late Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age.
Energy for treating trauma/PTSD
Authors: Gallo Fred P , Church Dawson
Published: September 2023

Traditional treatments for trauma and PTSD are often ineffective or take extensive time to relieve trauma/PTSD. However, newer methods, such as energy psychology, are showing promise in providing rapid and lasting relief. Energy psychology is based on the concept of subtle energies in the body that can be utilized to heal trauma. Most energy psychology methods involve tapping on specific acupoints while attuning the traumatic memory. Many studies suggest that energy psychology is a promising new treatment for trauma and PTSD, in addition to several other psychological problems. It is a safe and effective way to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. The case study in the article describes how energy psychology was used to help a young woman who was suffering from PTSD after a car accident. In just one session, the woman's symptoms were significantly reduced, and she was able to recall the traumatic event without distress. This case study provides further evidence of the effectiveness of energy psychology in treating trauma and PTSD. In addition to subtle energies, the article also discusses other feasible active ingredients of this approach, including reciprocal inhibition, expectation of success, and pattern interruption and disruption
Assessing the impact of multisensory attributes of Textile-based Assistive Devices (TADs) on the experiences of end-users
Authors: Kate Annett-Hitchcock Kate , Nartker Kate , Porterfield Anne
Published: September 2023

Researchers have defined and measured functional attributes of assistive devices, yet there are multiple dimensions of a device worn temporarily or for life that remain unexamined. The purpose of this study was to explore how the sensory attributes of assistive devices impact consumers in order to build a foundation for a holistic approach to product development. Two online surveys targeting wearers of textile-based assistive devices (TADs) (n=29) and caregivers (n=8) were used for data collection. Survey questions related to sensory experiences (visual, tactile, auditory, olfactory) and describe how device usage and purchasing was impacted. Results suggest that multisensory experiences of users and caregivers involve more complexity than functionality alone. Multisensory effects were diverse in both groups. Some expressed a desire for their device to be more visible and expressive, while others chose not to use, expressing fear of judgment based on visibility. Insight into multisensory aesthetics and how design can be used to conceal, reveal, or provide opportunities for self-expression, as well as avoid embarrassment for the wearer, will help designers understand how assistive devices can be improved and developed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Findings suggest that existing measures of success should include questions about sensory attributes.
Traces of 'Woke' in 20th-Century U.S. History
Authors: Martschukat Jürgen
Published: September 2023

In recent years, attacks on wokeness have undermined the scope and methods of history education in U.S. American schools and colleges. Current critiques by conservatives that wokeness curtails American freedom ignores the significance of wokeness in the struggle for Black freedom. This article historicizes ‘woke,’ puts the term into context and elucidates its meaning and significance for the fight against inequality and discrimination in the United States. The article does not offer a comprehensive history of ‘woke,’ but follows individual traces of the term’s use, from references in 1930s folk music to the racism of the Southern criminal justice system, to labour movement rhetoric and policies in West Virginia in the 1940s, and Martin Luther King’s speech at Oberlin College at the height of the civil rights movement in 1965.
SISTEMAS FOTOVOLTAICOS EN SECTORES DEL ECUADOR CON DIFÍCIL ACCESO Y/O DESPROVISTOS DE SERVICIO ELÉCTRICO: UN ESTUDIO DESDE LAS EXPERIENCIAS LATINOAMERICANAS
Authors: Ávila-Paredes Marco Vinicio , Flores-Lazo Elizabeth Teresa , Cobos-Torres Juan Carlos , Alvarez-Vera Manuel Salvador
Published: September 2023

La investigación analizó la implementación de energía solar fotovoltaica en sectores del Ecuador con difícil acceso y/o desprovistos de servicio eléctrico, con énfasis en la amazonia ecuatoriana, basado en experiencias de países Latinoamericanos. La metodología tuvo un nivel de alcance exploratorio y descriptivo, con enfoque cualicuantitativo, no experimental de corte transversal; su enfoque cualitativo respondió a una revisión sistemática y su enfoque cuantitativo a un estudio basado en metaanálisis, de la aplicación de criterios de inclusión se obtuvo un total de 103 trabajos investigativos, cantidad reducida a 56 con la aplicación de criterios de exclusión; clasificada la información, 32 resultaron idóneos para el proceso descriptivo de revisión sistemática y 24 para metaanálisis. Al finalizar la investigación se determinó que la implementación de energía solar fotovoltaica en sectores de difícil acceso y/o desprovistos de servicio eléctrico financieramente no es viable en sectores rurales e incluso urbanos, ya que la vida útil de los paneles solares oscila entre los 10 a 25 años y la recuperación de inversión se proyecta a largo plazo (10 años), implicando con ello elevados costos y un elevado riesgo para inversionistas y el estado; por otro lado, las condiciones geofísicas de la región amazónica del Ecuador es idónea para su implantación; sin embargo, la falta de políticas públicas e incentivos que impulsen el cambio de matriz energética y consecuentemente la implementación de este y otros sistemas de energía renovable no ha sido efectivo. Por otro lado, la evaluación de impacto ambiental refleja resultados positivos, pues su implementación reduciría los niveles de contaminación y alinearía al país eficientemente a los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible (Agenda 2030).