bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Supplementation of Microalgae and/or Nanominerals Mitigate the Negative Effects of Heat Stress in Growing Rabbits
Authors: Bashar Amr M. , Abdelnour Sameh A. , El-Darawany Abdelhalim A. , Sheiha Asmaa M.
Published: November 2023

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most significant environmental factors that result in fluctuations and shrinkage in rabbit growth, health, and overall productivity. This study aims to investigate the effects of dietary mineral nanoparticles (selenium or zinc) and/or Spirulina platensis (SP) independently and in combination on stressed growing rabbits. A total of 180 weaned growing New Zealand White rabbits were included in this study and randomly divided into six dietary treatments. Rabbits received a basal diet (control group; CON group) or fortified with SP (1 g/kg diet), selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs, 50 mg/kg diet), zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs, 100 mg/kg diet), and a mixture of SP and SeNPs (SPSeNPs) or SP and ZnNPs (SPZnNPs) groups for 8 weeks during summer conditions. The obtained results demonstrated a significant increase in the final body weight and weight gain (p < 0.05). Additionally, the feed conversion ratio was improved during the periods from 6 to 14 weeks in the treated rabbits compared to those in the CON group. Dietary supplements considerably improved (p < 0.05) the blood hematology (WBCs, Hb, RBCs, and Hct) and some carcass traits (liver weights and edible giblets). All dietary supplements significantly decreased serum levels of total glycerides (p < 0.0001), AST (p = 0.0113), ALT (p = 0.0013), creatinine (p = 0.0009), and uric acid (p = 0.0035) compared to the CON group. All treated groups (except ZnNPs) had lower values of total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin in a dose-dependent way when compared to the CON group. The values of IgA, IgG, and superoxide dismutase were significantly improved (p < 0.05) in all treated rabbits compared to the CON group. Compared with the CON group, the levels of T3 (p < 0.05) were significantly increased in all treated growing rabbits (except for the ZnNP group), while the serum cortisol, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl were significantly decreased in the treated groups (p < 0.05). Dietary supplements sustained the changes in hepatic, renal, and cardiac impairments induced by HS in growing rabbits. Adding SP (1 g/kg diet) or SeNPs (50 mg/kg diet) in the diet, either individually or in combination, improved growth performance, blood picture, and immunity-antioxidant responses in stressed rabbits. Overall, these feed additives (SP, SeNPs, or their mixture) can be applied as an effective nutritional tool to reduce negative impacts of summer stress conditions, thereby maintaining the health status and improving the heat tolerance in growing rabbits.
A New Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere? With, against, and beyond Habermas
Authors: Susen Simon
Published: November 2023

The main purpose of this paper is to assess the validity of the contention that, over the past few decades, the public sphere has undergone a new structural transformation. To this end, the analysis focuses on Habermas’s recent inquiry into the causes and consequences of an allegedly ‘new’ or ‘further’ [erneuten] structural transformation of the political public sphere. The paper is divided into two parts. The first part considers the central arguments in support of the ‘new structural transformation of the public sphere’ thesis, shedding light on its historical, political, economic, technological, and sociological aspects. The second part offers some reflections on the most important limitations and shortcomings of Habermas’s account, especially with regard to key social developments in the early twenty-first century. The paper concludes by positing that, although the constitution of the contemporary public sphere is marked by major—and, in several respects, unprecedented—structural transformations, their significance should not be overstated, not least due to the enduring role of critical capacity in highly differentiated societies.
Journey of Violence: Refugee Women’s Experiences Across Three Stages and Places
Authors: Borges Gabriela Mesquita
Published: November 2023

This article examines violence experienced by refugee women across three distinct (geographic and symbolic) stages and places: in their countries of origin, during the displacement journey, and in the country of asylum. Drawing from a criminological and gender perspective, 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted with refugee women, 14 women were from the Middle East, and 10 women were from Africa, currently residing in Portugal. This study focused on understanding the individual dimensions that provide insight into women’s meanings, intersubjective constructions, and perceptions of their refugee process, using the narrative paradigm. Grounded theory and abduction approaches were used to focus on participants’ active construction of meaning. The research highlights that individual memories of harm and suffering among refugee women are profoundly influenced by encounters with gendered, structural, and symbolic forms of violence. The article presents a three-part analysis of women’s violence narratives, shedding light on their processes of becoming refugees.
How Adolescents in Residential Care Perceive their Skills and Satisfaction with Life: Do Adolescents and Youth Workers Agree?
Authors: Gallardo-Masa Coral , Sitjes-Figueras Rosa , Iglesias Edgar , Montserrat Carme
Published: November 2023

Adolescents in residential care display a self-perception of their own skills that may differ from how their youth workers perceive them. This difference in perceptions may influence the way youth workers see the adolescents they serve and can have an impact on the development of these children. Moreover, how adolescents perceive their own skills may also influence other aspects, such as the degree of satisfaction they have in different areas of their lives. This article analyses perceptions of cognitive, emotional and social skills and their relationship with life satisfaction in a sample of adolescents in residential care in different European countries (Spain, Poland and Germany). At the same time, the relationships these adolescents establish within the residential setting, both with other peers and with the youth workers involved in their education, have also been used to assess their satisfaction. The research has collected quantitative data through 2 questionnaires, one for the children (N = 238) and one for their youth workers (N = 217). The results show that, in most aspects, the adolescents’ self-perceptions and evaluations are higher than those attributed to them by their youth workers. Another important finding is that the average scores for satisfaction with aspects of life are low, many of them below 7 points (out of 10). Regression analyses indicate that higher skill ratings are associated with higher well-being. This article highlights the importance of changing the perspective of youth workers to a more positive one that supports, empowers and accompanies adolescents in residential care.
A new inter-disciplinary relationship: introducing self-organized criticality to failures in aviation security
Authors: McFarlane Paul
Published: November 2023

This paper introduces the concept of self-organized criticality (SOC) to research on, and debates about, preventing the occurrence of human-mediated failures in aviation security. It aims to persuade readers (policymakers, security professionals, and academics) from different fields that this is a good topic for further research and one that is worth pursuing. This paper views aviation security as a complex system that produces risky behaviors because of chance interactions between many forms of human error. By rethinking the Bak-Tang-Wiesenfeld (BTW) sandpile model, the paper uses the explanatory nature of SOC to explore whether criticality may be viewed as a crucial component of aviation security. It elaborates on the effects of arbitrary interactions between various types of error using the BTW sandpile model’s illustrative characteristics. The paper concludes by speculating that SOC can be used to generate new ways of thinking about interventions to mitigate failure and that academics and security professionals from various fields could collaborate to develop fresh ideas and integrated concepts to further our understanding of a crucial subject for the aviation industry.
Study of the growth mechanism of a self-assembled and ordered multi-dimensional heterojunction at atomic resolution
Authors: Liu Zunyu , Zhao Chaoyu , Jia Shuangfeng , Meng Weiwei , Li Pei , Yan Shuwen , Cheng Yongfa , Miao Jinshui , Zhang Lei , Gao Yihua , Wang Jianbo , Li Luying
Published: November 2023

Multi-dimensional heterojunction materials have attracted much attention due to their intriguing properties, such as high efficiency, wide band gap regulation, low dimensional limitation, versatility and scalability. To further improve the performance of materials, researchers have combined materials with various dimensions using a wide variety of techniques. However, research on growth mechanism of such composite materials is still lacking. In this paper, the growth mechanism of multi-dimensional heterojunction composite material is studied using quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) antimonene and quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) antimony sulfide as examples. These are synthesized by a simple thermal injection method. It is observed that the consequent nanorods are oriented along six-fold symmetric directions on the nanoplate, forming ordered quasi-1D/quasi-2D heterostructures. Comprehensive transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations confirm the chemical information and reveal orientational relationship between Sb2S3 nanorods and the Sb nanoplate as substrate. Further density functional theory calculations indicate that interfacial binding energy is the primary deciding factor for the self-assembly of ordered structures. These details may fill the gaps in the research on multi-dimensional composite materials with ordered structures, and promote their future versatile applications.

Graphical Abstract
Terahertz Irradiation Improves Cognitive Impairments and Attenuates Alzheimer’s Neuropathology in the APPSWE/PS1DE9 Mouse: A Novel Therapeutic Intervention for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Jun , Chen Yixin , Zhao Yarui , Wang Panpan , Ding Hongbin , Liu Cong , Lyu Junhong , Le Weidong
Published: November 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration in the brain. In recent years, considering the unsatisfied benefits of pharmacological therapies, non-pharmacological therapy has become a research hotspot for AD intervention. Terahertz (THz) waves with a range between microwave and infrared regions in the electromagnetic spectrum and high permeability to a wide range of materials have great potential in the bioengineering field. However, its biological impacts on the central nervous system, under either physiological or pathological conditions, are poorly investigated. In this study, we first measured the 0.14 THz waves penetration across the skull of a C57BL/6 mouse and found the percentage of THz penetration to be ~70%, guaranteeing that THz waves can reach the relevant brain regions. We then exposed the APPSWE/PS1DE9 mouse model of AD to repeated low-frequency THz waves on the head. We demonstrated that THz waves treatment significantly improved the cognitive impairment and alleviated AD neuropathology including Aβ deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation in the AD mice. Moreover, THz waves treatment effectively attenuated mitochondrial impairment, neuroinflammation, and neuronal loss in the AD mouse brain. Our findings reveal previously unappreciated beneficial effects of THz waves treatment in AD and suggest that THz waves may have the potential to be used as a novel therapeutic intervention for this devastating disease.
De relatie tussen ziekenhuisopname door COVID-19 en ervaren, mentale en fysieke gezondheid na twaalf maanden
Authors: Kuijs Lobke , van Jaarsveld Cornelia H. M. , Raaijmakers Fieke , Hassing Robert-Jan , Wevers Kirsten , Croezen Simone
Published: November 2023

Samenvatting

Inleiding

In dit onderzoek kijken we naar de prevalentie van restklachten, ervaren gezondheid, en mentale en fysieke gezondheid twaalf maanden na een COVID-19-besmetting bij personen die wel en niet zijn opgenomen in het ziekenhuis vanwege een COVID-19-besmetting.

Methode

We hebben een online vragenlijstonderzoek gedaan bij personen die positief getest zijn bij de GGD’en Noord- en Oost-Gelderland en Gelderland-Midden (n = 8232) en bij patiënten die opgenomen zijn geweest in ziekenhuis Rijnstate (n = 125).

Resultaten

De opgenomen personen rapporteren vaker restklachten (83,5%) en ervaren gemiddeld meer restklachten (3–4 klachten) dan niet-opgenomen personen (45,9% en 1–2 klachten). Ziekenhuisopname vergroot de kans op een slechte ervaren gezondheid (oddsratio (OR) = 2,50; 95%-betrouwbaarheidsinterval (BI) 1,84–3,38) en meer beperking bij lichte (OR = 2,34; 95%-BI 1,77–3,10), matige (OR = 1,80; 95%-BI 1,37–2,35) en forse fysieke inspanning (OR = 2,57; 95%-BI 1,97–3,36), maar niet op een slechte mentale gezondheid (OR = 1,32; 95%-BI 0,94–1,86).

Conclusie

Personen die zijn opgenomen in het ziekenhuis vanwege een COVID-19-besmetting bezitten twaalf maanden na besmetting vaker en meer restklachten dan niet-opgenomen personen. Daarnaast heeft ziekenhuisopname invloed op de ervaren gezondheid en beperking van fysieke inspanning twaalf maanden na besmetting.
Flow cytometric analysis and sorting of plant chromosomes
Authors: Doležel Jaroslav , Urbiš Petr , Said Mahmoud , Lucretti Sergio , Molnár István
Published: November 2023

Flow cytogenetics is a high-throughput technique that classifies large populations of mitotic chromosomes according to their fluorescence and light scattering as they move in a single file rapidly in a narrow stream of liquid. Flow karyotyping can detect structural and numerical chromosome changes, and chromosomes purified by sorting have been used to discover the three-dimensional organization of DNA, characterize the proteome, and describe the organization of the perichromosomal layer at the nanometre level. However, the most frequent and important use of flow cytogenetics has been the isolation of different chromosomes. Chromosome sorting has made it possible to dissect nuclear genomes into small and defined parts, therefore allowing targeted, simplified, and more economical genomic analyses. The uses of flow-sorted chromosomes for genome complexity reduction and targeted analysis have expanded hand-in-hand with the progress of molecular biology and genomics techniques. These uses include the targeted development of DNA markers, the construction of chromosome-specific DNA libraries, physical mapping, draft genome sequencing, and gene cloning.

Graphical abstract
Variation and oscillation for semigroups associated with discrete Jacobi operators
Authors: Betancor J. J. , De León-Contreras M.
Published: November 2023

In this paper we prove weighted $$\ell ^p$$

ℓ
p

-inequalities for variation and oscillation operators defined by semigroups of operators associated with discrete Jacobi operators. Also, we establish that certain maximal operators involving sums of differences of discrete Jacobi semigroups are bounded on weighted $$\ell ^p$$

ℓ
p

-spaces. $$\ell ^p$$

ℓ
p

-boundedness properties for the considered operators provide information about the convergence of the semigroup of operators defining them.
Spacecraft Materials’ Reflectivity and Surface Morphology: Aging Caused by Proton Irradiation
Authors: Keil Denise , Sznajder Maciej , Renger Thomas , Bartels Nils , Seefeldt Patric , Riede Wolfgang , Spröwitz Tom , Dekorsy Thomas
Published: November 2023

The radiation environment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is dominated by protons captured by Earth’s magnetic field in the Inner Van-Allen belt. Defunct satellites and other space debris objects can be resident in this environment for several decades and even centuries. So far, there is little knowledge about the impact of long-duration proton exposure to the surface morphology and reflectivity in LEO environment. We report on a laboratory test campaign exposing typical spacecraft materials with protons of 100 keV and 2.5 keV kinetic energy and a fluence corresponding to an in-orbit duration of 100 years and 120 years, respectively, in an 800 km sun-synchronous orbit. Although we find microscopic changes in surface morphology, reflectivity changes of all tested materials were smaller than 15%. This result brings positive news for on-going efforts to use optical methods, e.g. lightcurve measurements or active polarimetry, for characterizing space objects, since it suggests that data can - to a good approximation - be analyzed without accounting for proton induced aging effects that might affect the materials’ optical properties over time.
A WENO SPH scheme with improved transport velocity and consistent divergence operator
Authors: Antona Rubén , Vacondio Renato , Avesani Diego , Righetti Maurizio , Renzi Massimiliano
Published: November 2023

The Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (ALE-SPH) formulation can guarantee stable solutions preventing the adoption of empirical parameters such as artificial viscosity. However, the convergence rate of the ALE-SPH formulation is still limited by the inaccuracy of the SPH spatial operators. In this work, a Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory (WENO) spatial reconstruction is then adopted to minimise the numerical diffusion introduced by the approximate Riemann solver (which ensures stability), in combination with two alternative approaches to restore the consistency of the scheme: corrected divergence SPH operators and the particle regularisation guaranteed by the correction of the transport velocity. The present work has been developed in the framework of the DualSPHysics open-source code. The beneficial effect of the WENO reconstruction to reduce numerical diffusion in ALE-SPH schemes is first confirmed by analysing the propagation of a small pressure perturbation in a fluid initially at rest. With the aid of a 2-D vortex test case, it is then demonstrated that the two aforementioned techniques to restore consistency effectively reduce saturation in the convergence to the analytical solution. Moreover, high-order (above second) convergence is achieved. Yet, the presented scheme is tested by means of a circular blast wave problem to demonstrate that the restoration of consistency is a key feature to guarantee accuracy even in the presence of a discontinuous pressure field. Finally, a standing wave has been reproduced with the aim of assessing the capability of the proposed approach to simulate free-surface flows.
Artificial intelligence in endocrinology: a comprehensive review
Authors: Giorgini F. , Di Dalmazi G. , Diciotti S.
Published: November 2023

Background and aim

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising technology in the field of endocrinology, offering significant potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, treatment, and management of endocrine disorders. This comprehensive review aims to provide a concise overview of the current landscape of AI applications in endocrinology and metabolism, focusing on the fundamental concepts of AI, including machine learning algorithms and deep learning models.

Methods

The review explores various areas of endocrinology where AI has demonstrated its value, encompassing screening and diagnosis, risk prediction, translational research, and “pre-emptive medicine”. Within each domain, relevant studies are discussed, offering insights into the methodology and main findings of AI in the treatment of different pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus and related disorders, thyroid disorders, adrenal tumors, and bone and mineral disorders.

Results

Collectively, these studies show the valuable contributions of AI in optimizing healthcare outcomes and unveiling new understandings of the intricate mechanisms underlying endocrine disorders. Furthermore, AI-driven approaches facilitate the development of precision medicine strategies, enabling tailored interventions for patients based on their individual characteristics and needs.

Conclusions

By embracing AI in endocrinology, a future can be envisioned where medical professionals and AI systems synergistically collaborate, ultimately enhancing the lives of individuals affected by endocrine disorders.
Italy and the Trap of GVC Downgrading: Labour Dependence in the European Geography of Production
Authors: Cresti Lorenzo , Dosi Giovanni , Riccio Federico , Virgillito Maria Enrica
Published: November 2023

How does Italy position inside the European structure of trade relationships? How labour bilateral flows have changed over time? Which type of employment activity has been outsourced? Which insourced? Focusing on a three-country perspective, what are the employment bilateral relationships between Italy-Germany-Poland (descending periphery-core-ascending periphery)? To address these questions we develop a novel set of bilateral labour dependence indicators inside I-O production networks. Overall, we provide evidence of the reconfiguration of Italy as falling into the trap of GVC downgrading, with an increasing number of trade relationships in employment requirements, particularly in the most strategic productions, as insourced from abroad. The offshoring strategy conducted so far has resulted in a weakening of its internal production capacity and employment absorption, even more harshly when compared to other European countries.
The use of numerical models within the BIM environment, for the issue of Cultural heritage restoration. Buildings designed until 1940 in Albania
Authors: Vesho Nikolla , Guri Merita , Sava Arjola
Published: November 2023

The study is related to the historical and architectural heritage of the city of Tirana, based on the period of Italian influence until 1940. The stock of these buildings represents an interesting case, in terms of research, since they are close to the 100th anniversary after the construction and have great values for the city, as well as architectural heritage. The lifespan of these objects depends on interventions over the years, conservation, updating with digital monitoring technology and the inclusion of BIM and h-BIM tools in the treatment process. It is important to mention that the building does not only need facade maintenance and refinishing, but by getting to know its fragile parts we can have a seismic retrofit strategy ready. Specifically, this research focuses on several digitization processes, 3D models, simulation and intervention proposals. One of the main aspects is the communication between computer models, dealing with the FEM numerical model and the architectural model inside and outside the BIM environment, reducing the gap between them and without major data loss. After analyzing the collapse scenarios, it is intended to increase the accuracy of seismic retrofit interventions, with the sensitivity that belongs to a cultural heritage object. The application of numerical models for legacy objects presents a challenge since the complexity of handling an old building, the parameters of materials, calibrations and approaching the real response of the building in a seismic situation is known. Applications through BIM tools and files with numerous numerical data tend to make a contribution to the field of seismic engineering and heritage restoration in Albania. Variants with proposals on seismic retrofit strategies for protected buildings will be given at the end of this study.
Molecular mechanism analysis of ZmRL6 positively regulating drought stress tolerance in maize
Authors: Zhang Pengyu , Wang Tongchao , Cao Liru , Jiao Zhixin , Ku Lixia , Dou Dandan , Liu Zhixue , Fu Jiaxu , Xie Xiaowen , Zhu Yingfang , Chong Leelyn , Wei Li
Published: November 2023

MYB-related genes, a subclass of MYB transcription factor family, have been documented to play important roles in biological processes such as secondary metabolism and stress responses that affect plant growth and development. However, the regulatory roles of MYB-related genes in drought stress response remain unclear in maize. In this study, we discovered that a 1R-MYB gene, ZmRL6, encodes a 96-amino acid protein and is highly drought-inducible. We also found that it is conserved in both barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Aegilops tauschii. Furthermore, we observed that overexpression of ZmRL6 can enhance drought tolerance while knock-out of ZmRL6 by CRISPR-Cas9 results in drought hypersensitivity. DAP-seq analyses additionally revealed the ZmRL6 target genes mainly contain ACCGTT, TTACCAAAC and AGCCCGAG motifs in their promoters. By combining RNA-seq and DAP-seq results together, we subsequently identified eight novel target genes of ZmRL6 that are involved in maize's hormone signal transduction, sugar metabolism, lignin synthesis, and redox signaling/oxidative stress. Collectively, our data provided insights into the roles of ZmRL6 in maize’s drought response.
Responsibility Gaps and Black Box Healthcare AI: Shared Responsibilization as a Solution
Authors: Lang Benjamin H. , Nyholm Sven , Blumenthal-Barby Jennifer
Published: November 2023

As sophisticated artificial intelligence software becomes more ubiquitously and more intimately integrated within domains of traditionally human endeavor, many are raising questions over how responsibility (be it moral, legal, or causal) can be understood for an AI’s actions or influence on an outcome. So called “responsibility gaps” occur whenever there exists an apparent chasm in the ordinary attribution of moral blame or responsibility when an AI automates physical or cognitive labor otherwise performed by human beings and commits an error. Healthcare administration is an industry ripe for responsibility gaps produced by these kinds of AI. The moral stakes of healthcare are often life and death, and the demand for reducing clinical uncertainty while standardizing care incentivizes the development and integration of AI diagnosticians and prognosticators. In this paper, we argue that (1) responsibility gapsaregenerated by “black box” healthcare AI, (2) the presence of responsibility gaps (if unaddressed) creates serious moral problems, (3) a suitable solution is for relevant stakeholders to voluntarilyresponsibilizethe gaps, taking on some moral responsibility for things they are not, strictly speaking, blameworthy for, and (4) should this solution be taken, black box healthcare AI will be permissible in the provision of healthcare.
A systematic literature review of ICT integration in secondary education: what works, what does not, and what next?
Authors: Msafiri Mgambi Msambwa , Kangwa Daniel , Cai Lianyu
Published: November 2023

This study is rigorous of peer-reviewed literature on the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) tools in secondary schools. It analyzed the impact of ICT integration on the teaching and learning process based on 51 sampled studies. The findings are thematically presented under the benefits of improving teaching and learning processes regarding curriculum coverage, equitable access, shared learning resources, and personalized learning. Furthermore, challenges were found in professional development, pedagogical and technological knowledge, and resource maintenance. Among the best practices and strategies to resolve these challenges were regular supply and systems maintenance, curricula realignment, ICT policy formulation, and engaging all stakeholders in ICT integration. Recommendations: practitioners should adopt, adapt, and innovate pedagogical approaches, strategies, and methods to facilitate the use of ICT in teaching and learning and should align and integrate ICT tools with curriculum objectives, content, or standards by exploring and using diverse and dynamic ICT tools and methods in secondary schools.
CCSD: cross-camera self-distillation for unsupervised person re-identification
Authors: Chen Jiyuan , Gao Changxin , Sun Li , Sang Nong
Published: November 2023

Existing unsupervised person re-identification (Re-ID) methods have achieved remarkable performance by adopting an alternate clustering-training manner. However, they still suffer from camera variation, which results in an inconsistent feature space and unreliable pseudo labels that severely degrade the performance. In this paper, we propose a cross-camera self-distillation (CCSD) framework for unsupervised person Re-ID to alleviate the effect of camera variation. Specifically, in the clustering phase, we propose a camera-aware cluster refinement mechanism, which first splits each cluster into multiple clusters according to the camera views, and then refines them into more compact clusters. In the training phase, we first obtain the similarity between the samples and the refined clusters from the same and different cameras, and then transfer the knowledge of similarity distribution from intra-camera to cross-camera. Since the intra-camera similarity is free from camera variation, our knowledge distillation approach is able to learn a more consistent feature space across cameras. Extensive experiments demonstrate the superiority of our proposed CCSD against the state-of-the-art approaches on unsupervised person Re-ID.
Divergent experiences of Syrian refugee girls in Tripoli, Lebanon: a cross-sectional analysis to inform response and programming
Authors: Bakhache Nour , Delisle Victoria , Michael Saja , Davison Colleen M. , Bartels Susan A.
Published: November 2023

Background

In prior studies exploring the experiences of Syrian refugee girls in Tripoli, Beqaa, and Beirut, especially in relation to child marriage, our data showed distinct variations in response patterns from Tripoli relative to the other regions. To gain a deeper understanding of these contrasting experiences and to ascertain the unique needs of Syrian refugees in Tripoli, we conducted a mixed-methods analysis.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods, cross-sectional study in Lebanon in July–August 2016 using Cognitive Edge’s SenseMaker®. Participants were self-identified Syrian refugees and Lebanese men aged 14 and older. For dyad questions, Kruskal–Wallis H tests with chi-squared statistics compared different geographic subgroups and post-hoc Fisher’s Least Squares Difference analysis identified which groups differed. For triad data, geometric means and 95% confident ellipses were used to compare subgroups. Qualitative analysis of narratives from Tripoli complemented the quantitative results.

Results

We collected 1422 narratives from 1346 unique participants, including 464 participants from Tripoli. From the quantitative data, three significant response pattern differences between participants in Tripoli and participants in other locations were noted: (a) Syrian fathers in Tripoli perceived that additional programs/services were needed to support Syrian girls, (b) men in Tripoli reported that financial insecurity had contributed to the experiences of Syrian girls, and (c) Syrian girls and mothers in Tripoli perceived that girls were ‘protected too much’. These differences may be driven by the economic and political subnational differences unique to Tripoli.

Conclusions

Our subnational analysis identified a need for programs and services, financial security, and safety for Syrian girls in Tripoli. Different perspectives in Tripoli highlight that the experiences, concerns, and needs of Syrian refugees in Lebanon are not homogenous across locations. Localized contextualization is needed to guide the development of tailored approaches to support and to inform the distribution of resources.
Translation and Own-language Activities
Authors: Kerr Philip
Published: November 2023

Translation and Own-language Activities provides structured, practical advice and guidance for using students' own languages within ELT classrooms. Taking into account both the growing interest and concerns about use of translation in English lessons, the book presents effective ways of integrating carefully chosen activities, covering themes such as tools, language skills, language focus and techniques. The practical activities range from using bilingual dictionaries to translating long texts, with a number of tasks drawing on easy-to-use web tools. The book also considers the relationship between translation and intercultural understanding.
After the fire: SCOLMA assists the Jagger Library
Authors: McCann Lucy , Rhodes Sarah
Published: November 2023

Following the devastating fire in April 2021 which destroyed many of the African Studies books in the Jagger Library at the University of Cape Town (UCT), SCOLMA offered to coordinate the donation, selection and shipping of replacement books, working in liaison with UCT librarians.
A Closer Look at Indirect Causes of Death After Hurricane Maria Using a Semiparametric Model
Authors: Lugo Oscar , Rivera Roberto
Published: November 2023

Objective:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as well as other recent natural emergencies have put the spotlight on emergency planning. One important aspect is that natural disasters or emergencies often lead to indirect deaths, and studying the behavior of indirect deaths during emergencies can guide emergency planning. While many studies have suggested many indirect deaths in Puerto Rico due to Hurricane Maria; the specific causes of these deaths have not been carefully studied.

Methods:

In this study, we use a semiparametric model and mortality data to evaluate cause of death trends. Our model adjusts for cause of death effect potentially varying over time while also inferring on how long excess deaths occurred.

Results:

From September 2017 to March 2018, after adjusting for intra-annual variability and population displacement, we find evidence of significant excess deaths due to Alzheimer’s/Parkinson, heart disease, sepsis, diabetes, renal failure, and pneumonia and influenza.

Conclusions:

In contrast, for the same time period we find no evidence of significant excess deaths due to cancer, hypertension, respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular disease, suicide, homicide, falling accidents, and traffic accidents.
Rodriguez at Fifty: A Legacy of Intersecting Inequalities
Authors: Walsh Camille
Published: November 2023

Fifty years after the Supreme Court issued its ruling in San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez, the trajectory of school finance desegregation has shifted from expansive federal hopes to narrower state efforts. Attempts to address many of the disparities continue to be constrained by the complex and intersecting nature of the inequalities, rooted in compounding decades of discrimination. This article examines the legal historiography and politics of the Rodriguez decision, analyzing the path from Brown v. Board of Education to Rodriguez in the context of the scholarship around Rodriguez over the last fifty years as well as the wide body of work discussing state-based litigation efforts since the 1973 ruling.
Policy Dialogue: The Rodriguez Decision and Its Legacy
Authors: Baker Bruce , Hinojosa David
Published: November 2023

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the San Antonio v. Rodriguez case, viewed by some as the worst decision in the US Supreme Court’s modern history. As legal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky observed, the court essentially declared that “discrimination against the poor does not violate the Constitution and that education is not a fundamental right.”1 Five decades later, how does this case from the past continue to exert its influence on the present? And how might the present have looked different if the court had reached a different conclusion?

For this policy dialogue, the HEQ editors asked Bruce Baker and David Hinojosa to discuss the Rodriguez decision and its legacy, focusing particularly on how the case has shaped and constrained equity efforts in K-12 education. Bruce Baker is professor and chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Miami. A leading scholar on the financing of public elementary and secondary education systems, he is the author of Educational Inequality and School Finance (Harvard Education Press, 2018) and School Finance and Education Equity (Harvard Education Press, 2021). David Hinojosa is the director of the Educational Opportunities Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, where he spearheads the organization’s systemic racial justice work in guaranteeing that historically marginalized students of color receive equal and equitable educational opportunities in public schools and institutions of higher education. He is a leading litigator and advocate in civil rights, specializing in educational impact litigation and policy.

HEQ policy dialogues are, by design, intended to promote an informal, free exchange of ideas between scholars. At the end of the exchange, we offer a list of references for readers who wish to follow up on sources relevant to the discussion.
A MESOPOTAMIAN TRADITION? AN ANCIENT MAP RELATED TO THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM OF THE OLD ELAMITE PERIOD FROM TAPPEH GĀRĀN, DEH LURAN PLAIN, IRAN
Authors: Zeynivand Mohsen , Sharifi Fereshteh
Published: November 2023

To Professor James Neely

In respect and admiration

Almost 50 years after landmark archaeological activities in the Deh Luran plain in southwestern Iran by Frank Hole, Kent Flannery, James Neely, and Henry Wright, the area was re-surveyed in 2016 and 2019 to assess the destruction of archaeological sites as a result of agricultural and expanded irrigation activities. During the surface survey on Tappeh Gārān two inscribed objects were found. The inscriptions yield some information on the economic and political importance of Tappeh Gārān in the Old Elamite Period. Textual evidence indicates that throughout the 3th to the 1st millennia BCE, Mesopotamian rulers frequently invaded Elam and seized its principal centres, especially Susa. As the main corridor between Elam and its western neighbors, the Deh Luran plain is a major route between the two, especially in regards to the acquisition of raw materials by the Mesopotamians, including different kinds of stone and bitumen. Further, the abundance of water and fertile soil made the Deh Luran plain a desirable target for Mesopotamian polities. The inscribed objects from Tappeh Gārān consist of writings in Akkadian and geometric patterns that we think illustrate the outline of an agricultural scheme.
The effect of source of protein fed during pregnancy and lactation on the development of characteristics of metabolic syndrome in male offspring of obese Wistar rats
Authors: Jahan-mihan Alireza
Published: November 2023

Gestational obesity has major negative impacts on both mothers and their offspring. More than two-thirds of women of reproductive age in the United States are overweight and/or obese. We previously reported that the source of protein in the maternal diet influences the phenotype of offspring born to normal-weight dams. However, whether it has the same effect in obese mothers was unclear. The casein- and soya protein-based diets were fed to obese pregnant Wistar rats and compared for their effects on characteristics of the metabolic syndrome in male offspring. Dams randomized to either a casein (CD) or soya protein (SD) diet (n 12). Pups were weaned to either a CD or SD for 16 weeks. Offspring of SD dams had higher birthweight (P < 0⋅01). Glucose metabolism was not altered at birth but fasting blood glucose (FBG) (P < 0⋅02), insulin (P < 0⋅0002), insulin/glucose ratio (P < 0⋅03), and HOMA-IR index (P < 0⋅0002) were higher in offspring of SD dams at week 17. The pulse rate was higher in dams (P < 0⋅03). Food intake and body weight of offspring were affected by interactive effects of time and dams’ diet (P < 0⋅05). Food intake was not influenced by maternal diet, but it was higher in pups weaned to SD dams (P < 0⋅03) The results of this study indicate that although the source of protein in the maternal diet is still an influencing factor in the outcome of the pregnancy in obese mothers, gestational obesity may mask this effect possibly by imposing general detrimental effects on measured parameters regardless of the source of protein in maternal diet.
ADDITIVE COMPLETION OF THIN SETS
Authors: FANG JIN-HUI , SÁNDOR CSABA
Published: November 2023

Two sets
$A,B$
of positive integers are called exact additive complements if
$A+B$
contains all sufficiently large integers and
$A(x)B(x)/x\rightarrow 1$
. For
$A=\{a_1<a_2<\cdots \}$
, let
$A(x)$
denote the counting function of A and let
$a^*(x)$
denote the largest element in
$A\bigcap [1,x]$
. Following the work of Ruzsa [‘Exact additive complements’, Quart. J. Math.68 (2017) 227–235] and Chen and Fang [‘Additive complements with Narkiewicz’s condition’, Combinatorica39 (2019), 813–823], we prove that, for exact additive complements
$A,B$
with
${a_{n+1}}/ {na_n}\rightarrow \infty $
,
$$ \begin{align*}A(x)B(x)-x\geqslant \frac{a^*(x)}{A(x)}+o\bigg(\frac{a^*(x)}{A(x)^2}\bigg) \quad\mbox{as } x\rightarrow +\infty.\end{align*} $$

We also construct exact additive complements
$A,B$
with
${a_{n+1}}/{na_n}\rightarrow \infty $
such that
$$ \begin{align*}A(x)B(x)-x\leqslant \frac{a^*(x)}{A(x)}+(1+o(1))\bigg(\frac{a^*(x)}{A(x)^2}\bigg)\end{align*} $$

for infinitely many positive integers x.
Near-infrared spectroscopy and electroencephalography neurofeedback for binge-eating disorder: an exploratory randomized trial
Authors: Hilbert Anja , Rösch Sarah Alica , Petroff David , Prettin Christiane , Lührs Michael , Ehlis Ann-Christin , Schmidt Ricarda
Published: November 2023

Background

Binge-eating disorder (BED) co-occurs with neurobehavioral alterations in the processing of disorder-relevant content such as visual food stimuli. Whether neurofeedback (NF) directly targeting them is suited for treatment remains unclear. This study sought to determine feasibility and estimate effects of individualized, functional near-infrared spectroscopy-based real-time NF (rtfNIRS-NF) and high-beta electroencephalography-based NF (EEG-NF), assuming superiority over waitlist (WL).

Methods

Single-center, assessor-blinded feasibility study with randomization to rtfNIRS-NF, EEG-NF, or WL and assessments at baseline (t0), postassessment (t1), and 6-month follow-up (t2). NF comprised 12 60-min food-specific rtfNIRS-NF or EEG-NF sessions over 8 weeks. Primary outcome was the binge-eating frequency at t1 assessed interview-based. Secondary outcomes included feasibility, eating disorder symptoms, mental and physical health, weight management-related behavior, executive functions, and brain activity at t1 and t2.

Results

In 72 patients (intent-to-treat), the results showed feasibility of NF regarding recruitment, attrition, adherence, compliance, acceptance, and assessment completion. Binge eating improved at t1 by −8.0 episodes, without superiority of NF v. WL (−0.8 episodes, 95% CI −2.4 to 4.0), but with improved estimates in NF at t2 relative to t1. NF was better than WL for food craving, anxiety symptoms, and body mass index, but overall effects were mostly small. Brain activity changes were near zero.

Conclusions

The results show feasibility of food-specific rtfNIRS-NF and EEG-NF in BED, and no posttreatment differences v. WL, but possible continued improvement of binge eating. Confirmatory and mechanistic evidence is warranted in a double-blind randomized design with long-term follow-up, considering dose–response relationships and modes of delivery.
Must We Always Pursue Economic Growth?
Authors: Carroll Jeffrey
Published: November 2023

Must we always pursue economic growth? Kogelmann answers yes. Not only should poor countries pursue growth, but rich countries should as well. Kogelmann aims to provide awealth-insensitive argument– one demonstrating all countries should pursue growth regardless of their wealth. His central argument – the no halting growth (NHG) argument – says no country experiencing growth should stop it, because doing so requires undermining the conditions causing it and those conditions are independently morally desirable, so they should not be undermined. For countries not growing, he may argue that they have an obligation to implement the conditions that cause growth because they are independently morally desirable. Call this the implementation argument. I contend that neither argument is wealth-insensitive as each fails to establish an obligation to pursue growth. I attempt to diagnose how this could be and propose that it is a product of attempting to answer three questions about growth simultaneously.
The Bernoulli clock: probabilistic and combinatorial interpretations of the Bernoulli polynomials by circular convolution
Authors: El Maazouz Yassine , Pitman Jim
Published: November 2023

The factorially normalized Bernoulli polynomials$b_n(x) = B_n(x)/n!$are known to be characterized by$b_0(x) = 1$and$b_n(x)$for$n \gt 0$is the anti-derivative of$b_{n-1}(x)$subject to$\int _0^1 b_n(x) dx = 0$. We offer a related characterization:$b_1(x) = x - 1/2$and$({-}1)^{n-1} b_n(x)$for$n \gt 0$is the$n$-fold circular convolution of$b_1(x)$with itself. Equivalently,$1 - 2^n b_n(x)$is the probability density at$x \in (0,1)$of the fractional part of a sum of$n$independent random variables, each with the beta$(1,2)$probability density$2(1-x)$at$x \in (0,1)$. This result has a novel combinatorial analog, theBernoulli clock: mark the hours of a$2 n$hour clock by a uniformly random permutation of the multiset$\{1,1, 2,2, \ldots, n,n\}$, meaning pick two different hours uniformly at random from the$2 n$hours and mark them$1$, then pick two different hours uniformly at random from the remaining$2 n - 2$hours and mark them$2$, and so on. Starting from hour$0 = 2n$, move clockwise to the first hour marked$1$, continue clockwise to the first hour marked$2$, and so on, continuing clockwise around the Bernoulli clock until the first of the two hours marked$n$is encountered, at a random hour$I_n$between$1$and$2n$. We show that for each positive integer$n$, the event$( I_n = 1)$has probability$(1 - 2^n b_n(0))/(2n)$, where$n! b_n(0) = B_n(0)$is the$n$th Bernoulli number. For$ 1 \le k \le 2 n$, the difference$\delta _n(k)\,:\!=\, 1/(2n) -{\mathbb{P}}( I_n = k)$is a polynomial function of$k$with the surprising symmetry$\delta _n( 2 n + 1 - k) = ({-}1)^n \delta _n(k)$, which is a combinatorial analog of the well-known symmetry of Bernoulli polynomials$b_n(1-x) = ({-}1)^n b_n(x)$.
Active frequency selective surfaces: a systematic review for sub-6 GHz band
Authors: Suri Ashish , Jha Kumud Ranjan
Published: November 2023

Radar absorption structures made of an active frequency selective surfaces (AFSS) have enormous potential in the aviation, naval, and other industries. In this research paper, a systematic review (SR) is carried out in the field of the AFSS to bring uncertainties, obstacles, challenges, classifications, applications, and design issues that arrive in the development of the sub-6 GHz architecture. To bias the AFSS component, as per the signal requirements, a unique set of circuits (PIN diode) is required, with ON and OFF state and a transmission zone. The bandwidth of which is determined by the bias voltage supplied. It can behave as a complicated hybrid impedance structure by providing ON and OFF biasing voltage to a PIN diode embodied in an FSS structure. Higher manufacturing costs of AFSS components, more significant complexities involved, a large amount of power consumption, and reactive impedance losses are some common limitations faced while implementing and designing an AFSS. Many envisioned problems are corrected with the AFSS design, current or creative implementations, and processing parameters are investigated progressively. It implies that new AFSSs will be an alternative to regular FSSs in the future. This paper is based on Kitchenham’s three-phase review procedure and supplements it with results, views, and recommendations from other leading experts in the field.