bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the genetic diversity of the Japanese population: Insights from a large-scale whole genome sequencing analysis
Authors: Kawai Yosuke , Watanabe Yusuke , Omae Yosuke , Miyahara Reiko , Khor Seik-Soon , Noiri Eisei , Kitajima Koji , Shimanuki Hideyuki , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Hata Kenichiro , Hattori Kotaro , Iida Aritoshi , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Kaname Tadashi , Kanto Tatsuya , Matsumura Ryo , Miyo Kengo , Noguchi Michio , Ozaki Kouichi , Sugiyama Masaya , Takahashi Ayako , Tokuda Haruhiko , Tomita Tsutomu , Umezawa Akihiro , Watanabe Hiroshi , Yoshida Sumiko , Goto Yu-ichi , Maruoka Yutaka , Matsubara Yoichi , Niida Shumpei , Mizokami Masashi , Tokunaga Katsushi
Published: December 2023

The Japanese archipelago is a terminal location for human migration, and the contemporary Japanese people represent a unique population whose genomic diversity has been shaped by multiple migrations from Eurasia. We analyzed the genomic characteristics that define the genetic makeup of the modern Japanese population from a population genetics perspective from the genomic data of 9,287 samples obtained by high-coverage whole-genome sequencing (WGS) by the National Center Biobank Network. The dataset comprised populations from the Ryukyu Islands and other parts of the Japanese archipelago (Hondo). The Hondo population underwent two episodes of population decline during the Jomon period, corresponding to the Late Neolithic, and the Edo period, corresponding to the Early Modern era, while the Ryukyu population experienced a population decline during the shell midden period of the Late Neolithic in this region. Haplotype analysis suggested increased allele frequencies for genes related to alcohol and fatty acid metabolism, which were reported as loci that had experienced positive natural selection. Two genes related to alcohol metabolism were found to be 12,500 years out of phase with the time when they began to increase in the allele frequency; this finding indicates that the genomic diversity of Japanese people has been shaped by events closely related to agriculture and food production.
An experimental study to decipher the implications of antigenic sharing between Proteus mirabilis and mouse spermatozoa in eliciting an antisperm immune response: A potential culprit in immune infertility
Authors: Soni Thomson , Jawanda Ishwerpreet Kaur , Kumari Seema , Prabha Vijay
Published: December 2023

The present study aims to investigate the antigenic cross reactivity between the receptor from Proteus mirabilis and spermatozoa against a common sperm immobilization factor, SIF, by calorimetric and competitive inhibition studies, and the immunogenicity of this receptor to evoke the formation of antisperm antibodies and their subsequent role in fertility outcome. The sperm binding receptor from Proteus mirabilis (PM-SBR) was extracted from ultrasonicated cell debris by treating it for 12 h at 37°C with 1 M NaCl. After being purified by gel permeation chromatography, its molecular weight as determined by SDS-PAGE was observed to be ≈ 47 kDa. The detrimental impacts of Sperm immobilizing factor (SIF) on spermatozoa viz. motility, viability, and morphology were mitigated when SIF was preincubated with various concentrations of PM-SBR. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, the entropy of the SIF-PM-SBR interaction was found to be -18.31 kJ/mol, whereas the free energy was 28.4 J/mol K. FTIR analysis was used to evaluate the binding interactions between PM-SBR and SIF. In addition, mice that were administered antibodies against PM-SBR were unable to conceive, in contrast to mice that were administered Phosphate buffer saline (PBS) or pre-immunization serum as controls. In light of this, we may conclude that anti-PM-SBR antibodies act as anti-sperm antibodies. Our work found that molecular mimicry between Proteus mirabilis and spermatozoa may cause antisperm immune reactivity. As a result of an immunological response to PM-SBR, infected individuals may produce antibodies against an epitope similar to one found on spermatozoa which helps in developing new strategies for managing autoimmune responses and infertility.
Knowledge, attitude and practices of farmers and experts about the effects of pesticide residues on agricultural product users and ecosystems: A case of Fogera District, Ethiopia
Authors: Abaineh Abebaw , Ejigu Dessalegn , Atlabachew Minaleshewa , Dejen Eshete , Tilahun Gashaw
Published: December 2023

Pesticides are chemicals used to control different types of pests. Though pesticides played a role in improving the quantity and quality of production, they have been threatening ecosystems and posed effects on humans in different parts of the world. Unfortunately, there were no studies made about the effects of pesticide residues on ecosystems and consumers in the Fogera District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Hence, the main objective of this study was to understand the knowledge, attitude, and practices of respondents about the effects of pesticide residues on ecosystems and consumers. A cross-sectional survey complemented by focus group discussions and field observations was used to gather the required data for the study. The close-ended data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regressions, and independent t-test, and data from open-ended questions were grouped and summarized based on their similarities. The findings of the study confirmed that there was significant knowledge, attitude, and practices difference between farmers and consumers about the effects of pesticide residues on ecosystems and humans. Farmers used highly toxic pesticides to control pests and improve the glossiness of vegetables and khat. Though they didn’t use the sprayed vegetables for their home consumption, some of the farmers deliberately supplied pesticide-sprayed vegetables without worrying about the negative effects of the pesticides on the consumers. There were also fishing practices from rivers after intoxicating the fish using the pesticide sprayed feed. This, in turn, might poison individuals who consume the fish. In general, pesticide application practices and consumption of pesticide-sprayed foodstuffs and surface water might pose serious health risks to ecosystems and humans. To minimize the negative effects of pesticides, rigorous awareness-raising on the effects and management of pesticides, enforcement of laws, delineation of the pesticide free buffer zone for waters, the establishment of a clear pesticide supply chain to the end users, ecosystem assessment and food safety monitoring schemes are highly required.
Is the economic uncertainty– human health relationship nonlinear? An empirical analysis for the China
Authors: Guo Ziyu , Hafeez Muhammad , Wang Wenxin , Kaium Md. Abdul , Bilal Ahmer , Zahan Israt
Published: December 2023

The health costs of economic uncertainty always remain a major concern among policymakers of China. The theoretical and empirical literature on the economic uncertainty-human health nexus is still in its infancy stage. This study is firmly rooted in the economic uncertainty theory advanced by Baker, Bloom, & Davis. In this study, the primary objective of the analysis is to estimate the asymmetric impact of economic uncertainty on human health in China’s economy. In order to evaluate the short and long-run estimates of economic uncertainty on human health across various quantiles, we have employed the linear and nonlinear QARDL models. The linear QARDL model shows that the long-run relationship between economic uncertainty and the infant mortality rate is positive and significant at all quantiles, while the long-run relationship between economic uncertainty and the death rate is positive and significant at higher quantiles. The nonlinear QARDL model reveals that, in the long run, the relationship between the positive shock of economic uncertainty and the infant mortality rate is positive and significant at quantiles 0.30 to 0.95, while the long-run relationship between the positive shock of economic uncertainty and the death rate is positive and significant at higher quantiles. The relationship between the negative shock of economic uncertainty and the infant mortality rate is negative and significant at the highest quantiles, while the relationship between the negative shock of economic uncertainty and death rate is negative and significant at higher quantiles in the long run. The findings indicate a positive relationship between economic uncertainty in China and higher rates of infant mortality and death. Thus, adopting suitable policies for controlling economic uncertainty can help in improving human health in China.
Comparison of multimodal attract-and-kill formulations for managing Drosophila suzukii: Behavioral and lethal effects
Authors: Babu Arun , Rhodes Elena M. , Rodriguez-Saona Cesar , Liburd Oscar E. , Fair Conor G. , Sial Ashfaq A.
Published: December 2023

Attract-and-kill (A&K) is a potential alternative control tactic for managing the invasive spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura. Here, we compared the efficacy of two novel A&K formulations based on proprietary blends–ACTTRA SWD OR1 (henceforth OR1) and ACTTRA SWD TD (henceforth TD)–in managing D. suzukii. Using two-choice bioassays, we compared OR1 and TD for their relative attractiveness to adult D. suzukii. Additionally, we tested how the addition of (1) a red dye (visual cue) and (2) the insecticide spinosad (Entrust™) to the OR1 and TD formulations influenced the attraction of adult D. suzukii in the presence of blueberry fruits. Finally, complementary laboratory efficacy (no-choice) bioassays were conducted to assess the mortality of adult D. suzukii exposed to OR1 and TD. A direct comparison between TD and OR1 formulations indicated the TD formulation was ~8 times more attractive than OR1. Adding a red dye to the TD or OR1 formulation did not significantly alter the attraction or mortality of adult D. suzukii compared to the formulation without a dye. Similarly, irrespective of dye status, adding spinosad to either the TD or OR1 formulation did not alter the adult D. suzukii behavioral response to these formulations but resulted in significantly higher D. suzukii mortality. Overall, the TD formulations resulted in significantly higher, or at least comparable, mortality to the OR1 formulations. In summary, our laboratory results demonstrated the higher efficacy of a TD-based A&K product in managing D. suzukii over its well-tested predecessor, the OR1 formulation, confirming its potential as a new behavioral tactic against this pest.
Spontaneous verbal descriptions of vegans, non-vegan vegetarians, and omnivores and relationships between these descriptions and perceivers’ diets
Authors: Nezlek John B. , Forestell Catherine A. , Krishnamurti Harini
Published: December 2023

Participants, 672 US collegians, listed four words/terms that first came to mind when thinking of vegans, non-vegan vegetarians, and omnivores. Participants generated 1264 unique descriptors, which two sets of raters, who were blind to the source of the descriptors, rated on 10 dimensions that included the valence of the descriptors (i.e., positive, negative). A series of multilevel models in which descriptors were nested within persons, found that descriptors referring to environmental issues and health were used more frequently when describing both vegans and vegetarians than when describing omnivores. Descriptors referring to deviance, lifestyle, and politics were used more frequently when describing both vegans and vegetarians than when describing omnivores. Overall, vegans were viewed more negatively than vegetarians who were viewed more negatively than omnivores. These differences were moderated by the extent to which participants restricted meat from their diet. Those who restricted meat from their diets to a greater extent had more negative perceptions and fewer positive perceptions of omnivores, whereas they had more positive perceptions of vegans and vegetarians, and fewer positive perceptions of omnivores. The present study is the first to use spontaneous verbal reports to examine attitudes and perceptions of people based on their eating habits. The results suggest that dietary habits can serve as a basis for social identity, which in turn affects perceptions of others.
Online psychoeducation and digital assessments as a first step of treatment for borderline personality disorder: A protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Choi-Kain Lois W. , Murray Grace E. , Jurist Julia , Ren Boyu , Germine Laura
Published: December 2023

Background

Treatment trials for borderline personality disorder (BPD) have consistently demonstrated that approaches that are diagnostically tailored are superior to those which are not. Currently, gold standard treatments for BPD are highly intensive, lengthy, and specialized, leading to a critical gap between the supply and demand of effective, evidence-based treatment for patients who receive a diagnosis of BPD. Psychoeducation, which is a common component of most treatments known to be effective, is a low-cost, low-burden intervention proven to relieve symptoms. The present study builds on psychoeducation research, assessing online video prescriptions as a means of disseminating information patients need to know about their diagnosis and care.

Methods

This article presents the study protocol for a safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy trial of psychoeducational video prescriptions and online assessment with feedback for newly diagnosed individuals with BPD. We aim to recruit 100 adults recently diagnosed with BPD to be randomly assigned to receive videos about BPD or videos about non-BPD mental health topics that are matched in length in the first step of the study. All participants will complete daily surveys about their emotions, interpersonal interactions, and behaviors, as well as self-report assessments and cognitive tests at 4 different time points. Half of the participants in the intervention group will receive feedback on their symptom ratings and cognitive test performance to assess whether there is incremental value in tailoring this online set of interventions with individualized feedback unique to each participant. This study aims to assess the effects of BPD-focused psychoeducational videos with and without personalized feedback, on BPD and depressive symptom severity as well as core mechanisms of the disorder such as loneliness, rejection sensitivity, cognitive control difficulties, and self-clarity. Results will inform efforts to progress to a larger, more definitive trial.

Trial registration

Clinical trials registration: The protocol is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05358925.
Robustness of performance during domain change in an esport: A study of within-expertise transfer
Authors: Thompson Joe , O’Camb Justin W. , Barrett Robin C. A. , Harrison Scott , Blair Mark R.
Published: December 2023

Research on the transfer of skill from the circumstances in which it was learned to partially or completely novel tasks or situations is a foundational topic in the study of learning, memory, education, and expertise. A long history of transfer research has led to the conclusion that skill learning is generally domain specific. One important transfer problem occurs when a domain of expertise undergoes a fundamental shift, as when experts must adapt to changes in technology, rules, or professional practice. Here we examine skill maintenance in StarCraft 2, a video game of skills which undergoes frequent changes due to updates and includes a variety of gameplay options. Of particular interest are two competing predictions about how transfer will interact with expertise in this domain. The first approach emphasizes perceived similarity of the domains and predicts that skilled individuals will exhibit more favourable transfer than novices as these people will know enough to avoid processes, methods, and strategies which no longer apply after a domain change. The second emphasizes maximal adaptation to task constraints and predicts that experts will suffer the most during a domain change because of the loss of exploitable affordances. Neither approach did a good job explaining behaviour after the major game update called ‘StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm,’ perhaps because transfer was generally strong across all players. However, when examining transfer in the context of larger changes to gameplay, transfer seemed slightly better in more experienced players. The theoretical implications of this apparent interaction effect, and of the apparent resilience of more experienced StarCraft 2 players to transfer costs, are discussed.
Analysis of flow field characteristics of sand removal hydrocyclone applicable to solid fluidization exploitation of natural gas hydrate
Authors: Wei Na , Qiao Yi , Fan Shuanshi , Cai Meng , Li Haitao , Zhou Shouwei , Zhao Jinzhou , Zhang Liehui , Coffin Richard Banks
Published: December 2023

With the development of economy and society, the consumption of fossil energy is gradually increasing. In order to solve the current energy dilemma, Natural gas hydrate (NGH) is considered as an ideal alternative energy. At the same time, solid fluidization exploitation is an ideal method. However, in the process of that, sand and hydrate ore bodies enter the closed pipeline together, which will block the pipeline and increase the difficulty of exploitation. Therefore, the pre-separation of sand by hydrocyclone plays an important role in solid fluidization exploitation. In this study, the numerical simulation method was used to study the internal flow field characteristics of the hydrocyclone, and the effects of different flow rate, different flow ratio, different sand content and different particle diameter on the phase distribution were investigated. The results show that: at the same axial position, the increase of flow rate and sand content makes the sand phase more distributed at the edge of the flow field. Under the same working conditions, the sand gradually migrates to the center of the flow field with the increase of the axial distance. By calculation, it is obtained that under the optimum working condition of the flow rate is 4.83m3/h, the flow ratio is 20%, the sand content is 20%, and sand diameter is 80μm, the maximum Es is 22.1% and the minimum is 86.1%. Finally, a comprehensive analysis of the hydrocyclone in this study shows that this hydrocyclone is only applicable to rough pre-separation of sand in the process of solid fluidization exploitation. Through the study of the internal flow field characteristics and phase distribution law of the hydrocyclone, this study provides a reference for the practical engineering application of sand phase pre-separation in the solid fluidization exploitation of NGH.
Increased interpretation of deep learning models using hierarchical cluster-based modelling
Authors: Gjelsvik Elise Lunde , Tøndel Kristin
Published: December 2023

Linear prediction models based on data with large inhomogeneity or abrupt non-linearities often perform poorly because relationships between groups in the data dominate the model. Given that the data is locally linear, this can be overcome by splitting the data into smaller clusters and creating a local model within each cluster. In this study, the previously published Hierarchical Cluster-based Partial Least Squares Regression (HC-PLSR) procedure was extended to deep learning, in order to increase the interpretability of the deep learning models through local modelling. Hierarchical Cluster-based Convolutional Neural Networks (HC-CNNs), Hierarchical Cluster-based Recurrent Neural Networks (HC-RNNs) and Hierarchical Cluster-based Support Vector Regression models (HC-SVRs) were implemented and tested on spectroscopic data consisting of Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) measurements of raw material dry films, for prediction of average molecular weight during hydrolysis and a simulated data set constructed to contain three clusters of observations with different non-linear relationships between the independent variables and the response. HC-CNN, HC-RNN and HC-SVR outperformed HC-PLSR for the simulated data set, showing the disadvantage of PLSR for highly non-linear data, but for the FT-IR data set there was little to gain in prediction ability from using more complex models than HC-PLSR. Local modelling can ease the interpretation of deep learning models through highlighting differences in feature importance between different regions of the input or output space. Our results showed clear differences between the feature importance for the various local models, which demonstrate the advantages of a local modelling approach with regards to interpretation of deep learning models.
Entomological risk assessment for transmission of arboviral diseases by Aedes mosquitoes in a domestic and forest site in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Akyea-Bobi Nukunu Etornam , Akorli Jewelna , Opoku Millicent , Akporh Samuel Sowah , Amlalo Godwin Kwame , Osei Joseph Harold Nyarko , Frempong Kwadwo Kyereme , Pi-Bansa Sellase , Boakye Helena Anokyewaa , Abudu Mufeez , Akorli Esinam Abla , Acquah-Baidoo Dominic , Pwalia Rebecca , Bonney Joseph Humphrey Kofi , Quansah Reginald , Dadzie Samuel Kweku
Published: December 2023

Dengue, Zika and chikungunya are Aedes-borne viral diseases that have become great global health concerns in the past years. Several countries in Africa have reported outbreaks of these diseases and despite Ghana sharing borders with some of these countries, such outbreaks are yet to be detected. Viral RNA and antibodies against dengue serotype-2 have recently been reported among individuals in some localities in the regional capital of Ghana. This is an indication of a possible silent transmission ongoing in the population. This study, therefore, investigated the entomological transmission risk of dengue, Zika and chikungunya viruses in a forest and domestic population in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. All stages of the Aedes mosquito (egg, larvae, pupae and adults) were collected around homes and in the forest area for estimation of risk indices. All eggs were hatched and reared to larvae or adults for morphological identification together with larvae and adults collected from the field. The forest population had higher species richness with 7 Aedes species. The predominant species of Aedes mosquitoes identified from both sites was Aedes aegypti (98%). Aedes albopictus, an important arbovirus vector, was identified only in the peri-domestic population at a prevalence of 1.5%, significantly higher than previously reported. All risk indices were above the WHO threshold except the House Index for the domestic site which was moderate (19.8). The forest population recorded higher Positive Ovitrap (34.2% vs 26.6%) and Container (67.9% vs 36.8%) Indices than the peri-domestic population. Although none of the mosquito pools showed the presence of dengue, chikungunya or Zika viruses, all entomological risk indicators showed that both sites had a high potential arboviral disease transmission risk should any of these viruses be introduced. Continuous surveillance is recommended in these and other sites in the Metropolis to properly map transmission risk areas to inform outbreak preparedness strategies.
How does equity restriction affect innovation quality? Evidence from listed manufacturing companies in China
Authors: Chang Sang , Wu Jie , Riaz Muhammad , Hu Zhizhong
Published: December 2023

Improving the innovation quality of manufacturing companies has currently received increasing attention in the transformation from "Made in China" to "Created in China". Equity restriction is now one of the most talked about issues in China’s corporate governance structures, but we have a limited understanding of the impact of equity restriction on innovation quality. This paper empirically analyzes the relationship and intrinsic mechanism between equity restriction and innovation quality using all A-share listed manufacturing companies in China from 2007 to 2021 as the research sample. First, the Tobit regression model is used to analyze the impact of equity restriction on innovation quality, and the Heckman two-stage model is used for the endogenous test. Then, the three-step regression model with mediating effects is used to validate the intrinsic mechanism of equity restriction to promote innovation quality from two paths, namely equity incentives and R&D investment. The research results show that equity restriction has a significant positive impact on innovation quality; equity incentives and R&D investment play a mediating role between equity restriction and innovation quality. This paper enriches the research on the influencing factors of innovation quality and provides a theoretical basis based on equity restriction for the transformation of manufacturing towards high-quality innovation, and explores the intrinsic mechanisms by which equity restriction affects innovation quality.
Cross-talk between QseBC and PmrAB two-component systems is crucial for regulation of motility and colistin resistance in Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Fernandez-Ciruelos Blanca , Potmis Tasneemah , Solomin Vitalii , Wells Jerry M.
Published: December 2023

The quorum sensing two-component system (TCS) QseBC has been linked to virulence, motility and metabolism regulation in multiple Gram-negative pathogens, including Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and Salmonella enterica. In EHEC, the sensor histidine kinase (HK) QseC detects the quorum sensing signalling molecule AI-3 and also acts as an adrenergic sensor binding host epinephrine and norepinephrine. Downstream changes in gene expression are mediated by phosphorylation of its cognate response regulator (RR) QseB, and ʻcross-talksʼ with non-cognate regulators KdpE and QseF to activate motility and virulence. In UPEC, cross-talk between QseBC and TCS PmrAB is crucial in the regulation and phosphorylation of QseB RR that acts as a repressor of multiple pathways, including motility. Here, we investigated QseBC regulation of motility in the atypical Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strain O125ac:H6, causative agent of persistent diarrhoea in children, and its possible cross-talk with the KdpDE and PmrAB TCS. We showed that in EPEC QseB acts as a repressor of genes involved in motility, virulence and stress response, and in absence of QseC HK, QseB is likely activated by the non-cognate PmrB HK, similarly to UPEC. We show that in absence of QseC, phosphorylated QseB activates its own expression, and is responsible for the low motility phenotypes seen in a QseC deletion mutant. Furthermore, we showed that KdpD HK regulates motility in an independent manner to QseBC and through a third unidentified party different to its own response regulator KdpE. We showed that PmrAB has a role in iron adaptation independent to QseBC. Finally, we showed that QseB is the responsible for activation of colistin and polymyxin B resistance genes while PmrA RR acts by preventing QseB activation of these resistance genes.
Factors Affecting the Plagiarism Behavior of Faculties in Maharashtra
Authors: Linge Ashish , Bapte Vishal Dattatray , Kakde Baldeo
Published: December 2023

The study aims to determine the impact of awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward plagiarism on the plagiarism activity of college teachers in Maharashtra State, India. Two hundred seventy-two college teachers within Maharashtra State, India, participated in the survey. The study used purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The college teachers have a reasonable awareness and moderate knowledge of plagiarism. The college teachers bore a positive attitude toward plagiarism. The results of multiple regression analysis showed a significant influence of all three independent variables on the plagiarism activities of college teachers. Attitude towards plagiarism was forecasted as the highest predictor of plagiarism activities of college teachers, followed by knowledge of plagiarism.
Diskursus Pemolisian Berbasis HAM Sebagai Alternative Access To Justice Dalam Hukum Yang Bias Gender
Authors: Yustika Anindya
Published: December 2023

Konstitusi Indonesia meletakkan perwujudan keadilan sosial sebagai tujuan Negara, tak terkecuali keadilan gender. Namun data dari Komnas Perempuan menyatakan antara 2012-2021 terdapat 49.762 laporan kasus kekerasan seksual yang disinyalir karena masih banyak polisi yang memberi stigma terhadap korban sehingga proses peradilan menjadi bias. Padahal melalui UU Nomor 2 Tahun 2002 dan Perkapolri Nomor 8 Tahun 2009 polisi diharapkan menjadi penegak HAM dalam menjamin rasa aman di masyarakat. Artikel ini menggagas upaya pengaksesan menuju keadilan pada kasus ketidakadilan gender melalui diskresi oleh polisi untuk mencapai keadilan substantif. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian hukum normatif dengan pendekatan konsep. Dari artikel ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa penegakan hukum melalui diskresi dapat dilakukan secara efektif dengan pemahaman prinsip HAM dan kesetaraan gender sehingga hasilnya dapat berpihak pada korban.
Mat og måltid som symbol for modring
Authors: Hovde Johannesen Elisabeth , Nordahl Julie
Published: December 2023

Food and Meals as Symbols for Mothering: An Analysis of the Picturebooks Mor by Kim Fupz Aakeson and Mette-Kirstine Bak and Stripekalven by Marit Kaldhol and Justyna Nyka    

In this article, we analyze the picturebooks Mor (Mother, 1998) by Kim Fupz Aakeson and Mette-Kirstine Bak and Stripekalven (The Striped Calf, 2008) by Marit Kaldhol and Justyna Nyka based on the following question: How do Mor and Stripekalven treat food and meals as markers for both positive and negative aspects of mothering? In the analysis, we draw on, among others, Ulla M. Holm’s theory of mothering as a type of care practice and examine the four different women that act in the books. Our main finding is that the women, who end up practicing mothering, are complex and composite: they are capable of nurturing the children as well as themselves. Our study also reveals that care practices are portrayed as challenging when children are opposed to receiving them. Lastly, we conclude that the female characters in the books who qualify as mothers are ambivalent figures and not unequivocally good.
”Det verkar vara en klurig fråga”
Authors: Dybvik Hilde , Undheim Inga Henriette
Published: December 2023

”It Seems to Be a Complicated Question”: Humor as Strategy in Scandinavian Facts-of-Life-Books 

The aim of this article is to examine how a selection of Scandinavian children’s books, spanning from the 1970s up until today, have addressed questions concerning where children come from. Previous research has shown that various forms of humor have been used in the dissemination of information on intercourse and conception. In our article, we examine how and why humor is used when presenting adult sexuality in books for children. We consider humor to be a strategy to take the edge off a challenging topic. However, this strategy does not come without a cost. With the help of critical theory and humor theory, we problematize the strategic use of humor, as it may contribute to the reproduction of heteronormative notions and patterns. In the article, we map several recurring tactics, which we have categorized into five humoristic expressions: transgression of taboos, humorous recognition, absurd humor, naivistic humor, and anthropomorphic humor.
Inledning: Estetik och pedagogik
Authors: Jönsson Maria , Widhe Olle
Published: December 2023

Inledning: Estetik och pedagogik
Introduktion till årgång 46
Authors: Andersson Maria
Published: December 2023

Introduktion
Relationship between second language vocabulary knowledge and vocabulary learning strategy use: a meta-analysis of correlational studies
Authors: Ueno Shotaro , Takeuchi Osamu
Published: December 2023

This study examined the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs). We conducted a meta-analysis and integrated 159 effect sizes from 25 studies on the correlation between vocabulary knowledge and VLS use. These effect sizes were subjected to a quantitative analysis that measured the extent to which the correlation differed by type of vocabulary knowledge (size vs. depth), vocabulary measurement (size vs. level), and strategy (direct vs. indirect). The results show a small correlation between vocabulary knowledge and VLS use (r = 0.24). The relationship also differed by type of vocabulary knowledge (r = 0.03–0.35 for size; r = 0.15–0.40 for depth), vocabulary measure (r = 0.03–0.43 for size; r = 0.10–0.50 for level), and strategy type (r = 0.03–0.50). The discussion provides possible justifications for the meta-analysis results and recommendations for future VLS studies.
Evaluation of the optimum safety performance of the nuclear reactor compact grounding system under lightning strikes and ground fault
Authors: Adail Ahmed S. , Saad Mohamed H. , Said Abdelrahman
Published: December 2023

The electrical system of a nuclear reactor facility (NRF) must incorporate a grounding grid in order to ensure it functions safely and reliably. Any disturbance in the electrical system affects the nuclear process, so it is, therefore, crucial to estimate the safety performance of the research nuclear reactor facility grounding system. The paper discusses CYMGrd 6.3, which is based on IEEE Standard 80-2013, and the optimization approaches for finding the best grounding grid design for a nuclear reactor facility connected substation of 500/11 kV in the case of a ground fault and lightning strikes. The result shows that the surface, step and touch potentials along the diagonal coordinates of the proposed grounding grid are below the safety limits in case of a ground fault but also results indicate that 100 kA lightning stroke poses a considerable threat to reactor equipment and personnel safety because the measured grid surface potential exceeds the safe ground potential rise of 3.2 kV standard at the striking point in conjunction with the proposed ground grid, so it must be modified. In this paper, three different optimization algorithms are investigated in order to determine the optimal design of the grounding grid with respect to mesh size: gradient method (GM), the genetic algorithm (GA), and simulated annealing (SA). These methods are used to achieve the purpose of obtaining an effective ground grid design. Comparing these techniques of GM and SA is good for quickly locating local minima, but they may fail to identify global solutions. In contrast, a genetic algorithm is often excellent at achieving a global minimum. Also, the utilization of GA, SA, and GM achieve the reduction of the surface potential of a proposed grounding grid by 16 %, 10 %, and 6 % respectively.
Crystal structure of langite from Mine du Pradet (France)
Authors: Paulsen Christian , Galéa-Clolus Valérie , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: December 2023

Cu4(OH)6SO4·2H2O, monoclinic, Pc (no. 7), a = 7.1026(2) Å, b = 6.0143(1) Å, c = 11.1645(3) Å, β = 90.1103(8)°, V = 476.91(2) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F
2) = 0.0206, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0563, T = 100 K.
Crystal structure of 4-bromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, C13H7BrClF3N2
Authors: Qin Jia-Rui , Tang Wen-Hao , Li Kai , Pan Hai-Yu
Published: December 2023

C13H7BrClF3N2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.4183(18) Å, b = 15.185(3) Å, c = 13.1826(18) Å, β = 133.905(8)°, V = 1358.4(4) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0420, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1015, T = 293 K.
Artificial Neural Networks and Time Series of Counts: A Class of Nonlinear INGARCH Models
Authors: Jahn Malte
Published: December 2023

Time series of counts are frequently analyzed using generalized integer-valued autoregressive models with conditional heteroskedasticity (INGARCH). These models employ response functions to map a vector of past observations and past conditional expectations to the conditional expectation of the present observation. In this paper, it is shown how INGARCH models can be combined with artificial neural network (ANN) response functions to obtain a class of nonlinear INGARCH models. The ANN framework allows for the interpretation of many existing INGARCH models as a degenerate version of a corresponding neural model. Details on maximum likelihood estimation, marginal effects and confidence intervals are given. The empirical analysis of time series of bounded and unbounded counts reveals that the neural INGARCH models are able to outperform reasonable degenerate competitor models in terms of the information loss.
Study of L-tryptophan (a neurotransmitter precursor): spectral, Hirshfeld surface, molecular docking and dynamics simulations
Authors: Fatima Aysha , Kumar Anuj , Saral Abdul Kadar Avuliya , Muthu Sambantham , Afzal Mohd , Haq Nazrul , Nazar Imran , Siddiqui Nazia , Javed Saleem
Published: December 2023

This paper describes both theoretical and empirical studies on essential amino acids and the serotonin precursor L-tryptophan. To analyze the molecular structure, the FTIR technique 1H NMR, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy were performed. The current research used the DFT – B.3.L.Y.P/6-311++G(d,p) methodology to enhance an essential amino acid in the electronic ground state. The spectral studies of the chosen compound were analyzed in gaseous state and various solvent phases, and the outputs were then related with observed experimental information using the Time dependent-DFT methodology. NBO analysis was employed to determine the stabilization energies and electronic transitions. MEP and ELF analyses were accomplished to understand the chemically responsive regions of molecule. Thermodynamic functions of the title chemical are also known at various temperatures. 3D Hirshfeld surface studies and two-dimensional fingerprint images were utilized to offer a thorough explanation of the crystal surface’s interactions with other molecules. To investigate protein-ligand interactions, least binding energy was measured as −7.2 kcal mol−1 in molecular docking. L-Trp and its derivatives were also investigated for drug-likeness, and all substances were found to be of a comparable behavior. Precisely an outcome, this compound could be useful in the advancement of therapies.
Inactivation of ERK1/2 Signaling in Dopaminergic Neurons by Map Kinase Phosphatase MKP3 Regulates Dopamine Signaling and Motivation for Cocaine
Authors: Bernstein David L. , Lewandowski Stacia I. , Besada Christina , Place Delaney , España Rodrigo A. , Mortensen Ole V.
Published: December 2023

The mesolimbic dopamine system is a crucial component of reward and reinforcement processing, including the psychotropic effects of drugs of abuse such as cocaine. Drugs of abuse can activate intracellular signaling cascades that engender long-term molecular changes to brain reward circuitry, which can promote further drug use. However, gaps remain about how the activity of these signaling pathways, such as ERK1/2 signaling, can affect cocaine-induced neurochemical plasticity and cocaine-associated behaviors specifically within dopaminergic cells. To enable specific modulation of ERK1/2 signaling in dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area, we utilize a viral construct that Cre dependently expresses Map kinase phosphatase 3 (MKP3) to reduce the activity of ERK1/2, in combination with transgenic rats that express Cre in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells. Following viral transfection, we found an increase in the surface expression of the dopamine transporter (DAT), a protein associated with the regulation of dopamine signaling, dopamine transmission, and cocaine-associated behavior. We found that inactivation of ERK1/2 reduced post-translational phosphorylation of the DAT, attenuated the ability of cocaine to inhibit the DAT, and decreased motivation for cocaine without affecting associative learning as tested by conditioned place preference. Together, these results indicate that ERK1/2 signaling plays a critical role in shaping the dopamine response to cocaine and may provide additional insights into the function of dopaminergic neurons. Further, these findings lay important groundwork toward the assessment of how signaling pathways and their downstream effectors influence dopamine transmission and could ultimately provide therapeutic targets for treating cocaine use disorders.
The Geometry of Low- and High-Level Perceptual Spaces
Authors: Waraich Suniyya Amna , Victor Jonathan D.
Published: December 2023

Low-level features are typically continuous (e.g., the gamut between two colors), but semantic information is often categorical (there is no corresponding gradient between dog and turtle) and hierarchical (animals live in land, water, or air). To determine the impact of these differences on cognitive representations, we characterized the geometry of perceptual spaces of five domains: a domain dominated by semantic information (animal names presented as words), a domain dominated by low-level features (colored textures), and three intermediate domains (animal images, lightly texturized animal images that were easy to recognize, and heavily texturized animal images that were difficult to recognize). Each domain had 37 stimuli derived from the same animal names. From 13 participants (9F), we gathered similarity judgments in each domain via an efficient psychophysical ranking paradigm. We then built geometric models of each domain for each participant, in which distances between stimuli accounted for participants’ similarity judgments and intrinsic uncertainty. Remarkably, the five domains had similar global properties: each required 5–7 dimensions, and a modest amount of spherical curvature provided the best fit. However, the arrangement of the stimuli within these embeddings depended on the level of semantic information: dendrograms derived from semantic domains (word, image, and lightly texturized images) were more “tree-like” than those from feature-dominated domains (heavily texturized images and textures). Thus, the perceptual spaces of domains along this feature-dominated to semantic-dominated gradient shift to a tree-like organization when semantic information dominates, while retaining a similar global geometry.
Anti-cancer activity of novel Schiff base copper (II) complex: synthesis and characterization
Authors:   Department of Chemistry School of Sciences, ITM University, Gwalior-474005, M.P. India, Kothari R.
Published: December 2023

A novel thiosemicarbazone substituted schiff base ligand and its Cu(II) complex have been prepared and characterized. Schiff bases are considered as an important pro ligand in coordination chemistry because they easily form stable complexes with biologically active transition metal ions. Such as Cu 2+, Zn2+, Ni2+ etc. In this paper, novel Cu (II) complexes of thiosemicarbazone ligands were synthesised by refluxing thiosemicarbazone substituted pro ligands with copper salts in 1:1 molar ratio in absolute ethanol under thermal condition at 80o c for 5-6 hour. The resulting brown coloured copper complexes were filtered and recrystallized from petroleum ether. In this synthesis, we use absolute ethanol as a polar environment for the synthesis of copper complexes from schiff base ligands because the use of polar solvent medium in synthesis plays a very important role in reducing minimum possibilities of side reactions which hinders the proper conversion of ligands into copper complexes and also reducing the reaction time. All synthesized compounds were characterized through various spectroscopic and pharmacological techniques. FT-IR, UVVis, NMR, Mass, TGA-DTA, XRD spectra techniques were used to confirm the structures of copper complexes and ligands. All compounds are thermal stable up to 350o c. The good results of pharmacological activities of compounds like in-vitro anti -oxidant and anti - cancer activity against DPPH and cisplatin drug, explained the presence of biologically active functional groups are present in ligands as well as their copper complexes. Results found that the copper complexes were more active than the ligands. The synthesis of copper complexes from thiosemicarbazone schiff base ligands in proper stoichiometic ratio is an excellent method of preparing pharmacological active compounds which can be considered as good anti -cancer drug candidate for the treatment of cancer.
Development of Additional Professional Competencies of Future Teachers in Terms of Social Partnership
Authors:   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Novitskaya Victoria A. , Savinova Lyudmila Yu. ,   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia
Published: December 2023

The article reveals conceptual approaches to the creation of a model for developing advanced competencies of future teachers on the example of a social partnership project with the “Panorama TVˮ regional publishing house, part of the “Media Pressˮ joint stock company. It describes the mechanics of the implementation of a joint student project related to the release of the children’s periodical “Umnyashkiˮ, dedicated to introducing young citizens of Saint Petersburg to the history of urban areas through entertaining tasks and game exercises by the student community of the Institute of Childhood of Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia. The text of the article describes the key stages of the student project communityʼs work on the issues of the journal, provides examples and types of tasks, reveals the ways of the project team interaction. Conclusions are drawn about the importance of involving the Universityʼs social partners in the process of training future teachers in order to develop and build additional competencies that allow taking into account the needs of the regionʼs education system, the challenges of the teaching profession, advancing demands to improve the effectiveness of professional activity of a specialist in the field of modern childhood.
Didactic Model of Project-based teaching of Artificial Intelligence Technologies to Schoolchildren
Authors:   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Chikova Olga A. , Kamenev Roman V. ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Gaar Nadezhda P. ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Sartakov Igor V. ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University
Published: December 2023

Domestic research in the field of theory and methodology of teaching artificial intelligence technologies to schoolchildren does not pay sufficient attention to project-based learning as an approach of productive didactics. The basis of the proposed model is the concept of scientific and methodological support for teaching staff in the process of interaction between a pedagogical university and basic schools, implemented through a specialized center that functions as an element of the Unified Federal System of Scientific and Methodological Support for teaching staff and management personnel. Based on a comparative analysis of foreign scientific and methodological literature, a didactic structural model of project-based learning is proposed, which includes seven components: (1) formulating expected learning outcomes, (2) understanding the concept of training materials, (3) developing skills, (4) developing a project topic, (5) submitting a project proposal, (6) completing project objectives, (7) submitting a project report.
A Plea for Chivalry in Hašt Bihišt VI: Restoring Sermon 11 of ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib
Authors: Dehqan Mustafa
Published: December 2023

The important role that the Hašt Bihišt VI of Idrīs Bidlīsī (1457–1520) and the detailed accounts he devoted to the reign of Murād II (1421–1444; 1446–1451) played in the development of early modern Ottoman historiography cannot be denied. Although the work was popular in the Ottoman world, especially its court circles, where its handsome copies were avidly produced, it was never prepared as a critical edition in its original Persian in the modern Ottoman studies departments. The following discussion concentrates on an editorial emendation that shows the carelessness of Bidlīsī in the transmission of his quotations. The formation of the Sufi and Shiite elements within Book VI of Hašt Bihišt is only briefly discussed.