bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspilia africana (Pers.) C.D. Adams and Manihot esculenta Crantz Exhibit Antibacterial Activity against Resistant Salmonella typhi Strains
Authors: Agyen Richard , Boakye Yaw Duah , Agana Theresa Appiah , Boamah Vivian Etsiapa , Osei Akoto Clement , Owusu Michael , Adu Francis , Agyare Christian
Published: August 2024

Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella typhi, has plagued underdeveloped countries for many years. Recently, there has been a surge in S. typhi strains identified to be multidrug‐resistant in endemic areas. Aspilia africana and Manihot esculenta have been reported to exhibit activity against S. typhi; however, this study aimed to investigate the effect of A. africana and M. esculenta against resistance strains of S. typhi. The leaves of the plants were extracted using distilled water (hot (AQH) and cold (AQC)), methanol (MET), ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether. The extracts were screened in vitro for anti‐Salmonella effects against fourteen S. typhi isolates (five multidrug‐resistant (MDRST), five ciprofloxacin‐resistant (CRST), three nalidixic acid‐resistant (NARST), and one sensitive isolate (SS)) using agar well diffusion and microbroth dilution methods. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, saponins, glycosides, and flavonoids in all polar solvent extracts. Alkaloids were found in all extracts, while triterpenoids were present in all except the aqueous extracts. The AQC of A. africana had the best inhibitory effect on the MDRST and NARST with diameter zones of inhibitions (DZOIs) of 40.0 ± 2.08 mm and 34.0 ± 3.22 mm, respectively. Methanol extract of A. africana had the best inhibitory effect on CRST and SS with DZOIs of 34.0 ± 2.08 and 43.0 ± 3.06 mm, respectively. The AQC and AQH of A. africana and AQH of M. esculenta produced the best MICs and MBCs of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/mL against the MDRST. There was no significant difference in ZOIs of the different solvent extracts against test organisms at p < 0.05. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of the extracts showed compounds such as n‐hexadecanoic acid, 9,12,15‐octadecatrienoic acid (9.55%), and 2H‐benzo[F]oxireno[2,3‐E]benzofuran‐8(9H)‐one in the A. Africana extracts and D‐mannose, 3‐nitrophenyl, methanol acetate (ester), and 9‐octadecenamide in the M. esculenta extracts. The leaves of M. esculenta and A. Africana are effective against multidrug‐resistant Salmonella isolates.
Real‐World Image Deraining Using Model‐Free Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Yu Rongwei , Xiang Jingyi , Shu Ni , Zhang Peihao , Li Yizhan , Shen Yiyang , Wang Weiming , Wang Lina
Published: August 2024

We propose a novel model‐free unsupervised learning paradigm to tackle the unfavorable prevailing problem of real‐world image deraining, dubbed MUL‐Derain. Beyond existing unsupervised deraining efforts, MUL‐Derain leverages a model‐free Multiscale Attentive Filtering (MSAF) to handle multiscale rain streaks. Therefore, formulation of any rain imaging is not necessary, and it requires neither iterative optimization nor progressive refinement operations. Meanwhile, MUL‐Derain can efficiently compute spatial coherence and global interactions by modeling long‐range dependencies, allowing MSAF to learn useful knowledge from a larger or even global rain region. Furthermore, we formulate a novel multiloss function to constrain MUL‐Derain to preserve both color and structure information from the rainy images. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real‐world datasets demonstrate that our MUL‐Derain obtains state‐of‐the‐art performance over un/semisupervised methods and exhibits competitive advantages over the fully‐supervised ones.
Multipath Branch Model‐Aided Differential Evolution Algorithm Based on Regional Error
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Yi-Xuan , Lin Zhong-Chao , Zou Yu-Jia
Published: August 2024

This paper introduces a general approach to multiobjective optimization design. In surrogate model‐aided algorithms, the prediction accuracy of the surrogate model plays a key point in determining the optimization results. In order to overcome the defect of a single model in the adaptive antenna optimization problem and improving the efficiency and accuracy of the model, a method called multipath branching model‐aided differential evolution algorithm analysis (MMDEA‐RE) is proposed. The key innovations include: A novel combination model integrating Gaussian process, multilayer perceptron, and radial basis function. Compared with the traditional single model, the combination model can deal with complex and diverse optimization problems more effectively and has stronger robustness and versatility. A method of regional error analysis near the prediction point is proposed, which can select a suitable model with high prediction accuracy after a few iterations. The effectiveness and superiority of MMDEA‐RE are demonstrated by the optimization of two linear array antennas and one 5G antenna. The contribution of this study is to improve the accuracy and generality of surrogate models in antenna design. This proposed method has practical implications and potential applications for improving antenna optimization techniques.
Targeting Galectin-1 Overcomes Paclitaxel Resistance in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Liting , Tian Jie , Wang Keke , Ma Yijie , Chen Xiaojie , Luo Hui , Lu Bingbing , Wang Nan , Wang Penglei , Liu Xuejiao , Zhao Ran , Zhao Simin , Wang Jiutao , Nie Wenna , Ge Hong , Liu Wenting , Gu Tingxuan , Liu Kangdong , Lee Mee-Hyun , Li Xiang , Dong Zigang
Published: August 2024

Resistance to paclitaxel poses a major obstacle in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treatment. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying paclitaxel resistance could help identify prognostic biomarkers and improved therapeutic strategies. In this study, we established a patient-derived xenograft model of acquired paclitaxel resistance and used RNA sequencing to identify galectin-1, encoded by LGALS1, as a key mediator of resistance. Integrative analysis of clinical data and physiological studies indicated that serum galectin-1 levels were elevated in resistant patients and correlated with treatment outcomes before and during taxane therapy. Importantly, exposing cells to serum from resistant patients resulted in increased paclitaxel resistance compared to serum from sensitive patients, which was closely associated with galectin-1 concentrations in the serum. The specific clearance of galectin-1 from resistant patient serum significantly restored paclitaxel sensitivity, and inhibiting galectin-1, through knockdown or the pharmacologic inhibitor OTX008, increased sensitivity to paclitaxel. Galectin-1 inhibition reduced the activity of β-catenin, thereby inhibiting stem cell properties induced by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, galectin-1 regulated MDR1 transcription through increased nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, thus increasing resistance to paclitaxel. Combining OTX008 with clinical taxane formulations effectively reversed paclitaxel resistance in vitro and in vivo. Elevated galectin-1 levels thus serve as an indicator of response to paclitaxel therapy in ESCC, offering a therapeutic intervention strategy to overcome drug resistance.

Significance: Galectin-1 is a key mediator of paclitaxel resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma that can be targeted to improve taxane efficacy, suggesting broad therapeutic potential for treating various cancer types.
Supplementary Table 5 from Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Ly Ann , Chou Emily , Wang Liang , Zhang Paul , Prado Kris , Gu Yiqian , Pellegrini Matteo , Chin Arnold I.
Published: August 2024

Normalized gene expression of RNA sequencing
Supplementary Table 4 from Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Ly Ann , Chou Emily , Wang Liang , Zhang Paul , Prado Kris , Gu Yiqian , Pellegrini Matteo , Chin Arnold I.
Published: August 2024

Genes and level of expression by z score of 271 IFNgamma induced and FOXP3-dependent genes
Supplementary Figure 4 from Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Ly Ann , Chou Emily , Wang Liang , Zhang Paul , Prado Kris , Gu Yiqian , Pellegrini Matteo , Chin Arnold I.
Published: August 2024

FOXP3 antibodies not sufficient for ChIP Sequencing
Supplementary Figure 2 from Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Ly Ann , Chou Emily , Wang Liang , Zhang Paul , Prado Kris , Gu Yiqian , Pellegrini Matteo , Chin Arnold I.
Published: August 2024

Dependency on FOXP3 in IFNgamma- and cisplatin-mediated PD-L1 expression in SW780 cells
Nocturnal Hemodynamics in Somali Americans: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Greenlund Ian M. , Kantas Dimitrios , Prakash Sakthi Surya , Bock Joshua M. , Covassin Naima , Somers Virend K.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Cardiovascular health disparities are present within several minority communities, but it is unclear if such disparities are present in a growing African American subpopulation, Somali Americans, who differ genetically and culturally from African Americans of Western African ancestry. Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring remains a gold standard measure to examine 24-h BP patterns to stratify cardiovascular risk profile. We sought to examine differences in the 24-h BP profile in a sample of young Somali Americans and compare their BP patterns to White study participants. We hypothesized that their BP and heart rate (HR) would be higher compared to closely matched White participants. Methods: We recruited 50 participants (25 Somali) in whom BP recordings were obtained every 20 min throughout the entire 24-h monitoring period to quantify BP, HR, and ambulatory arterial stiffness. Daytime BP/HR was quantified between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and nighttime BP/HR was assessed between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Results: Daytime BP and HR were similar between racial groups (p > 0.05). Nighttime BP was similar between groups (p > 0.05), but Somali American individuals exhibited a higher nocturnal HR compared to White participants (p = 0.013). Nocturnal dipping in diastolic BP and HR dipping was attenuated in Somali Americans compared to White adults (p = 0.038, 0.007). Somali participants also had higher ambulatory arterial stiffness (p = 0.045). Conclusion: Twenty four-hour hemodynamics, specifically ambulatory arterial stiffness, nocturnal BP, and nocturnal HR, differ in young Somali Americans compared to White adults. These findings provide new insight into potential cardiovascular health disparities and future cardiovascular risk within the burgeoning Somali American community.
Association of Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 Expression in the Prognosis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Prabhuvenkatesh Deeksheetha , Ramani Pratibha , Yuwanati Monal B. , Sukumaran Gheena
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common mucosal neoplasm that affects the head and neck region. It is the 6th most common cancer globally, most commonly seen in South Asian countries. Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), like insulin receptor, is an adapter protein that integrates multiple transmembrane signals from growth factors and hormones, to regulate cell growth, survival, differentiation, and metabolism. Evidence suggests that IRS-1 plays a vital role in cancer progression and nodal metastasis. The aim was to assess the prognostic implications of the IRS-1 expression in HNSCC from evidence-based results. Methods: A systematic literature search was done to identify articles describing IRS-1 and HNSCC carried out for PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, using MeSH terms. Results: A total of 486 cases of HNSCC were included in this systematic review. Out of 3 studies, increased/high expression of IRS-1 was 67%. 64% of the cases in stage I and stage II (TNM staging) showed higher expression of IRS-1, whereas 70% of stage III and stage IV cases showed upregulation of IRS-1. IRS-1 was equally upregulated in cases with lymph node metastasis as well as in cases without any lymph node metastasis. 74% of the patients who showed high expression of IRS-1 showed high mortality during the follow-up period of 13 months. Conclusion: This review concluded that elevated levels of IRS-1 expression were associated with poor prognosis and increased lymph node metastasis.
A importância do Plano de Execução BIM como exigência em contratos para projetos do setor público
Authors: Weibull Jon Karl , Congro Marcello , Corseuil Eduardo Thadeu , Roehl Deane
Published: August 2024

Los modelos integrados de información (BIM) han surgido para ser discutidos por el área de Arquitectura, Ingeniería, Construcción y Operaciones (AECO) en la década de 1970. Se estudiaron exhaustivamente los factores críticos de éxito y las barreras para la adopción de BIM, lo que llevó a la elaboración de varias guías y protocolos. Muchos de estos estudios traen el BIM Execution Plan (BEP) como una parte importante en el éxito de los desenvolvimientos de modelado de información de construcción. Este artículo propone una revisión bibliográfica mediante la consulta de artículos publicados en revistas científicas nacionales e internacionales, guías BIM y normas ISO 19650 para justificar las mejores prácticas en la elaboración de documentos PEB, contratos y sus interacciones. Con base en este análisis, se sugieren lineamientos para la elaboración del BEP basados en la literatura estudiada, alineados a la norma ISO 19650 y adaptados para el sector público. Además, se detallan los diferentes modelos de contrato utilizados a nivel internacional, comparándolos con los modelos legalmente disponibles para licitar en Brasil. En este sentido, el modelo de régimen diferenciado de contratación pública puede modificarse para satisfacer las demandas colaborativas de BIM, y así extraer mejor los beneficios que ofrece la metodología.
Seasonal changes in waterbird assemblages in Chambal River at Mukundra Hills National Park, Rajasthan, India
Authors: George Arun , Sharma Megha , Duraisamy Kavin , Suresh P.C. Sreelekha , Joy Bijo , Gopi Govindan Veeraswami , S.A. Hussain  , Johnson J.A.
Published: August 2024

The seasonal pattern of species diversity and abundance of waterbirds of the Chambal River in the extent of Mukundra Hills National Park, Rajasthan, India was evaluated. The pre-monsoon (March–April 2021) and post-monsoon surveys (August–September 2021) were carried out using the direct count method with the help of a motorboat to monitor the population status of waterbirds. A total of 44 species of waterbirds belonging to 15 families and nine orders were identified, including 11 winter migratory species. Forty species of birds were recorded during pre-monsoon and 27 species during post-monsoon seasons. The species richness and relative abundance varied significantly between observed seasons (x2 = 532.77, df = 43, p <0.05). Breeding activities of three species were recorded, namely, Grey Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, and the ‘Near Threatened’ Woolly-necked Stork. The present study reveals the status of waterbirds in the protected area of Mukundra Hills National Park.
Conservation imperatives for swallowtail butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae): a case study in the north bank landscape of river Brahmaputra, Bodoland Territorial Region, India
Authors: Choudhury Kushal
Published: August 2024

The decline of swallowtail butterflies in forest habitats, which was not a significant concern about two decades ago, has now garnered attention worldwide, leading to their designation as globally endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. A recent study conducted in the north bank landscape (NBL) of river Brahmaputra, specifically under the Bodoland Territorial Region in India, has shed light on the remarkable diversity of swallowtail butterfly species in the area. The study documented a total of 35 species representing eight different genera. Notably, three species are endemic to northeastern India, and 12 enjoy federal protection. The findings suggest that the studied landscape plays a crucial role in supporting larval host plants and adult resources of swallowtail butterflies along with the other abiotic factors. These butterflies depend on 25 plant species from six families as essential food sources. Unfortunately, these host plants, valued for their traditional medicinal properties, are being overexploited. Urgent conservation measures are imperative to safeguard the habitats of swallowtail butterflies and other wildlife in the NBL under Bodoland Territorial Region, as they face significant threats from practices such as agriculture, illegal tree felling, forest fires, and cattle farming.
Population-Based Estimates of the Prevalence of Children With Congenital Heart Disease and Associated Comorbidities in the United States
Authors: Parker Devin M. , Stabler Meagan E. , MacKenzie Todd A. , Zimmerman Meghan S. , Shi Xun , Everett Allen D. , Bucholz Emily M. , Brown Jeremiah R.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common birth defects and previous estimates report the disease affects 1% of births annually in the United States. To date, CHD prevalence estimates are inconsistent due to varied definitions, data reliant on birth registries, and are geographically limited. These data sources may not be representative of the total prevalence of the CHD population. It is therefore important to derive high-quality, population-based estimates of the prevalence of CHD to help care for this vulnerable population.

METHODS:

We performed a descriptive, retrospective 8-year analysis using all-payer claims data from Colorado from 2012 to 2019. Children with CHD were identified by applying
International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision (ICD-9
) and
International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision
(
ICD-10
) diagnosis codes from the American Heart Association–American College of Cardiology harmonized cardiac codes. We included children with CHD <18 years of age who resided in Colorado, had a documented zip code, and had at least 1 health care claim. CHD type was categorized as simple, moderate, and severe disease. Association with comorbid conditions and genetic diagnoses were analyzed using χ
2
test. We used direct standardization to calculate adjusted prevalence rates, controlling for age, sex, primary insurance provider, and urban-rural residence.

RESULTS:

We identified 1 566 328 children receiving care in Colorado from 2012 to 2019. Of those, 30 512 children had at least 1 CHD diagnosis, comprising 1.95% (95% CI, 1.93–1.97) of the pediatric population. Over half of the children with CHD also had at least 1 complex chronic condition. After direct standardization, the adjusted prevalence rates show a small increase in simple severity diagnoses across the study period (adjusted rate of 11.5 [2012]–14.4 [2019];
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The current study is the first population-level analysis of pediatric CHD in the United States. Using administrative claims data, our study found a higher CHD prevalence and comorbidity burden compared with previous estimates.
Higher Risk of Mental Illness in Patients With Diagnosed and Untreated Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm: Findings From a Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Young Goo , An Hyungmi , Kim Ga Eun , Lee Hyang Woon , Yang Na Rae
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

We aimed to investigate the association between a diagnosis of untreated unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) and the development of mental illness.

METHODS:

This retrospective, propensity-score-matched cohort study was based on the nationwide South Korean database. The UIA diagnosis group included participants newly diagnosed with UIA between 2011 and 2019. For a well-matched control group, patients diagnosed with an acute upper respiratory infection but without UIA during the same period were selected through 1:4 matching based on propensity scores, which were calculated using age, sex, economic status, and comorbidities. The study’s outcome measure encompassed the incidence of mental illnesses over a 10-year period, using
International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision
codes for anxiety, stress, depressive, bipolar, and eating disorders, insomnia, and alcohol or drug misuse.

RESULTS:

After propensity score matching, 85 438 participants with untreated UIAs (50.75% male; average age, 56.41 [±13.82] years; follow-up, 4.21 [±2.56] years) and 331 123 controls (49.44% males; average age, 56.69 [±12.92] years; follow-up, 7.48 [±2.12] years) were compared. Incidence rate of mental illness was higher in the UIA group (113.07 versus 90.41 per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio, 1.104 [95% CI, 1.089–1.119]). The risk of mental illness varied slightly by sex (males: hazard ratio, 1.131 [95% CI, 1.108–1.155]; females: hazard ratio, 1.082 [95% CI, 1.063–1.103]). Hazard ratios showed a U-shaped relationship with age, peaking in younger age groups, decreasing in middle-aged groups, and slightly increasing in older age groups, especially in patients with severe mental illness receiving psychotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings indicate a higher risk of mental illness in patients with UIA diagnosis in specific demographic groups, suggesting a possible psychological burden associated with UIAs. Clinicians treating cerebral aneurysms should be aware that the psychological burden caused by the diagnosis of UIA itself could contribute to mental illness and strive to provide comprehensive care for these patients.
Universal Basic Income: Inspecting the Mechanisms
Authors: Jaimovich Nir , Saporta-Eksten Itay , Setty Ofer , Yedid-Levi Yaniv
Published: August 2024

We examine the mechanisms driving the aggregate and distributional impacts of Universal Basic Income (UBI) through model analysis of various UBI programs and financing schemes. The main adverse effect is the distortionary tax increase to fund UBI, reducing labor force participation. Secondary channels are a decline in demand for self-insurance, depressing aggregate capital, and a positive income effect that further deters labor force participation. Due to these channels, introducing UBI alongside existing social programs reduces output and average welfare. Partially substituting existing programs with UBI mitigates the adverse effects, increases average welfare, but does not deliver a Pareto improvement.
Do Tax Deferred Accounts Improve Lifecycle Savings? Experimental Evidence
Authors: Duffy John , Li Yue
Published: August 2024

In an individual decision-making experiment, we investigate the impact of Tax Deferred Accounts (TDAs). We design six treatments to study various channels through which TDAs may affect decisions. Across both student and Mturk samples, we consistently find that TDAs significantly increase retirement wealth compared to environments with only one non-tax advantaged, liquid saving account. This increase is primarily explained by the requirement of making retirement savings decisions precede consumption decisions. Educating participants by providing a tax calculator has minimal effects. Our results highlight the effectiveness of TDAs in enhancing retirement preparedness and the significance of the order of consumption/savings decisions.
What Lies behind the Returns to Schooling: The Role of Labor Market Sorting and Worker Heterogeneity
Authors: Portugal Pedro , Reis Hugo , Guimarães Paulo , Cardoso Ana Rute
Published: August 2024

Do more educated workers earn higher wages partly because they have access to high-paying firms and occupations? We rely on linked employer-employee data to combine the estimation of AKM models with the decomposition of the returns to schooling. We exploit exogenous variation in education driven by changes in compulsory education. We show that education provides access to better-paying workplaces and occupations: 30 percent of the overall return to education operates through the workplace channel and 12 percent through the occupation channel. The remainder is associated exclusively with the individual. Match quality plays a modest role in the returns to education.
Language Barriers in Multinationals and Knowledge Transfers
Authors: Guillouët Louise , Khandelwal Amit K. , Macchiavello Rocco , Malhotra Madhav , Teachout Matthieu
Published: August 2024

We study communication frictions within multinationals (MNCs), hypothesizing that language barriers reduce management knowledge transfers within the organization. A distinct feature of such MNCs is a three-tier hierarchy: foreign managers (FMs) supervise domestic managers (DMs) who supervise production workers. Tailored surveys from our setting – MNCs in Myanmar – reveal that language barriers impede interactions between FMs and DMs. A first experimental protocol offers DMs free English courses and confirms that lowering communications costs increases their interactions with FMs. A second experimental protocol that asks human-resource managers at domestic firms to rate hypothetical resumes reveals that multinational experience and, specifically, DM-FM interactions are valued in the domestic labor market. Together, these results suggest that reducing language barriers can improve transfers of management knowledge, an interpretation supported by improvements in soft skills among treatment DMs in the first experiment. A model in which communication within MNCs is non-contractible – a realistic feature of workplace life – reveals that the experimental results are consistent with underinvestment in language training and provide a rationale for policy intervention.
The First Sale Doctrine and Public Library Provision of Print and Electronic Books
Authors: Reimers Imke , Waldfogel Joel
Published: August 2024

Libraries deliver the majority of US book consumption, and library costs are kept low by the first sale doctrine's guarantee that libraries can lend print books without additional compensation to publishers. However, publishers' decisions to restrict ebook access may threaten libraries. We measure impacts of holdings on circulation; and library holdings choices suggest that library managers value instances of ebook circulation more than print. We use a structural model of patron demand and library holdings to show that more restrictive print book terms would have ten times the negative patron welfare impact of an equivalent restriction on ebooks.
Measuring Economic Growth with a Fully Identified Three-Signal Model
Authors: Civelli Andrea , Gaduh Arya , Yousuf Ahmed Sadek
Published: August 2024

We augment Henderson et al. (2012)'s two-signal model of true GDP growth with a third signal to overcome its underidentification problem. The additional moment conditions from the third signal help fully identify all model parameters without ad-hoc calibrations of the GDP's signal-to-noise ratio. We characterize the necessary properties of the third signal. Using the model, we recover the optimal weight of official GDP in the composite true GDP growth estimates, which varies with the quality of the national statistics. The model improves on existing methodologies that use signals to measure true income.
Three new species of bright-spored myxomycetes from Asia and the second world record of Perichaena maculosa
Authors: VLASENKO ANASTASIA V. , ENKHTUYA OCHIRBAT , DEGIDMAA TURMUNKH , ENKHJARGAL ENKHTAIVAN , CHELOBANOV BORIS P. , VLASENKO VYACHESLAV A.
Published: August 2024

Three new species of myxomycetes are described in the genera Arcyria, Metatrichia and Tubifera. Each species is given a full description, along with details of ecology and distribution. They are compared to morphologically similar species, using both light and scanning electron microscopy. DNA extracted from the 18S nrDNA regions (SSU), confirmed the three new species.
Enabling the Assimilation of CrIS Shortwave Infrared Observations in Global NWP at NOAA. Part I: Background and Methods
Authors: Jones Erin , Garrett Kevin , Ide Kayo , Ma Yingtao , Karpowicz Bryan , Barnet Christopher , Boukabara Sid
Published: August 2024

Radiance observations from Earth-observing satellites have a significant positive impact on numerical weather prediction (NWP) forecasts, but some spectral regions are not fully exploited. Observations from hyperspectral infrared (IR) sounders in the longwave region (650–1100 cm−1), for instance, are routinely assimilated in many NWP models, but observations in the shortwave region (2155–2550 cm−1) are not. Each of these regions provides information on the temperature structure of the atmosphere, but the shortwave IR (SWIR) region is considered challenging to assimilate due to noise-equivalent delta temperature (NEDT) that is highly variable depending on scene brightness temperature and to phenomena that are difficult to model, like nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) and solar reflectance. With recent advances in small-satellite technology, SWIR temperature sounders may provide an agile and cost-effective complement to the current constellation of IR sounders. Therefore, a better understanding of the use and impact of SWIR observations in data assimilation for NWP is warranted. In Part I of this study, as presented here, the amount of unique information [as determined by empirical orthogonal decomposition (EOD)] made available to a data assimilation system by Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) SWIR observations is reviewed, recent advancements to the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) for the simulation of CrIS shortwave radiances are tested, and enhancements to NOAA’s Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) for the assimilation of CrIS SWIR observations are implemented and evaluated. Part II of this study, which seeks to assess the value of assimilating shortwave IR observations in global NWP, is also introduced.
Poverty and Inequality in Jammu and Kashmir: A Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Mushtaq Saeed Owais , Khan Javaid Iqbal , Majeed Mehak
Published: August 2024

The importance of adult equivalence and economies of scale in the estimation of poverty and inequality are well-established. Empirical investigations have validated that all measures of poverty and inequality are sensitive to various choices of equivalence scales. The current research attempts to examine the effects of equivalence scales on poverty and inequality measurement within the region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in order to validate whether poverty estimates are sensitive to these scales or not. Despite being industrially backward and politically fragile, J&K reflects better economic indicators than most other Indian states. The findings of the current study validate the same. The application of adult equivalence generates mixed results, and the economies of scale highlight the fact that standard measures of poverty and inequality are overstated. Most importantly, welfare rank reversal takes place when household size and gender of the household are tested for.

JEL Codes: D63, I32, P43
Right to Privacy in Digital Technology Act: Issues and Policy in India
Authors: Gupta Alok Kumar
Published: August 2024

The privacy of individuals, with the advent of digital technology and information age, has brought several new issues to the fore. Most countries in the world are facing this problem, as they are finding it difficult to strike a balance among the interests of citizens, government, national security, businesses and the corporate sector. The revolutionary growth of digital technology has led to violations of the right to privacy of individuals, which governments have been finding difficult to address. Underlying complexities are growing, given the dynamism of technology and the slowness of legal evolution, as the two are not able to keep pace. Individuals are at the mercy of the state and its agencies, which severely undermines democracy and the democratic ethos of the social, psychological and economic lives of citizens. India is no exception to the problem. Hence, the author has endeavoured to explore the concept of privacy and its changing dimensions, along with legal and policy responses within India.
A DMPC-based three-dimensional cooperative guidance scheme with impact time and impact angle constraints
Authors: Jiang Zijie , Yang Xiuxia , Wang Cong , Zhang Yi , Yu Hao
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a distributed model predictive control (DMPC)-based three-dimensional (3D) cooperative guidance scheme is proposed for multiple interceptors with controllable thrust and constrained acceleration, to simultaneously attack a maneuvering target at desired terminal angles. The cooperative guidance scheme consists of a fractional power function-based extended state observer (FPESO) for disturbance estimation, and a DMPC controller to generate the control actions. By introducing the assumed state trajectory, the DMPC controller (of each interceptor) can simultaneously employ the zebra optimization algorithm (ZOA) to solve the constrained optimization problem, and generate the real-time guidance commands with no need of any global information. For restricting the uncertain deviation between the assumed state trajectory and the actual one, a compatibility constraint is designed, and the terminal ingredients are developed for coupling and decoupling stage costs, respectively. By applying the above designed constraints and the terminal ingredients, the recursive feasibility of the resulting optimization problem and the closed-loop stability of multi-interceptor system are both ensured. Through numerical simulations, it is verified that the proposed cooperative guidance scheme can achieve cooperative interception with impact time and angle constraints in various scenarios, and has advantageous performance.
Asian women’s participation in the synodal process
Authors: Brazal Agnes M.
Published: August 2024

This article aims to explore to what extent Asian women’s participation in the current synodal process has opened up space towards the recognition of their concerns in the Catholic Church. While encouraging broad participation, discussion on taboo issues and local synodal initiatives, it remains to be seen whether this synodal process will usher in the radical reform or transformational level of participation women want to see in the church.
Difficult texts: Job 2.9 – the misunderstood Job’s wife
Authors: Susanta Yohanes Krismantyo , Layantara Jessica Novia
Published: August 2024

Job’s wife is a figure who is often given a negative image. She is considered an unfaithful wife who wants to tempt her husband to leave God. An exploration of the text of Job 2.9 shows that Job’s wife is a figure who is often misunderstood. She is a figure who is honest about suffering.
Analyzing Demand for Customized Obesity Prevention and Management Across Adult Age Groups Using Focus Group Interview
Authors: Park Jinah , Park Shinaeh , Kim Mi So
Published: August 2024

With the increasing obesity rates, many studies on obesity prevention and management have been implemented. However, few studies focused on obesity in adulthood and different perceptions of obesity between life cycles. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the demand for customized obesity prevention and management (OPM) strategies across adult age groups. Focus group interviews were conducted to gather insights from three age groups: young adults (20-34 years), middle-aged adults (35-49 years), and seniors (50-64 years). A total of 17 participants took part in the study, with 5 participants in Group 1, 6 participants in Group 2, and 6 participants in Group 3. Thematic analysis and the use of NetMiner version 4.4.3 facilitated data categorization and scrutiny. The study employed qualitative methods to explore perceptions of obesity and preferences for personalized OPM strategies among participants. Diverse perspectives on obesity as a health threat were found among the age groups. While all stressed the importance of personalized OPM, preferences for strategies varied. Diet and exercise combination emerged as a common preference. This study highlighted the need for customized OPM approaches aligned with age-specific preferences.
Tongue Ulceration as a First Symptom of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Case Report
Authors: Hasnaoui Mehdi , Chebil Azer , Masmoudi Mohamed , Ben Hammouda Seifeddine , Jebahi Sameh , Mighri Khalifa
Published: August 2024

Since the introduction of effective chemotherapy, the development of new diagnostic tools, and raising public awareness of the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB), the frequency of this disease has decreased. Pulmonary TB is the most common form of the disease, but TB bacilli can spread to other organs including lymph nodes, and the oral cavity especially the tongue with very unusual features. Oral lesions, although rare, are very important for early diagnosis and interception of primary TB. The bacteriological and histopathological results are important to confirm the diagnosis. Oral TB lesions may be either primary or secondary. The evolution is generally good under a medical treatment. A 35-year-old patient was admitted to our department for an ulcerous tumor in the lateral border of his tongue. The biopsy of the ulceration confirmed the diagnosis of TB. A concomitant pulmonary localization has been found. This case report aims to attract the attention of TB, which can be located in some uncommon regions, and have unusual clinical presentations.
How Runoff Elections and the Form of Local Administration Affect the Costs of Elections
Authors: Taylor J. Benjamin , Swint Kerwin , Reilly Shauna
Published: August 2024

To what extent do states’ administrative and policy choices affect their election costs? Previous scholarship highlights how the costs and demand sides of the public sector cost model correlate with election administration spending, and more recent evidence has added political considerations such as the partisanship of county commissions. Using Georgia’s unique election processes—runoff elections and multiple methods of election administration at the county level—we contribute to understanding election administration expenditures. We demonstrate that general election runoffs and Boards of Election, rather than probate judge-run elections, are related to significant increases in expenditures per registered voter between 2014 and 2020. This further develops the literature regarding procedural costs and the impact of the managerial capacity of election bureaus.
Are narrative story stem methods valid in “non-Western” contexts? A systematic review
Authors: Wan Ming Wai , Taylor Alice , Rainbow Ruby , Liyadi Crystal
Published: August 2024

Narrative story stem techniques (NSSTs) offer insight into attachment and other representational aspects of preschool to young school aged children’s inner lives. While the method moved into the academic and clinical mainstream some 35 years ago, their applicability to “non-Western” contexts remains little understood. This synthesis comprises 31 NSST studies of samples from parts of Africa, East Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, and from US and UK ethnocultural minoritized backgrounds. In the reviewed studies, three specific NSSTs dominated, story stems were used most to evaluate attachment, and some were clinically focused. However, there was also a strong cultural focus and over half of samples were socioeconomically disadvantaged. Studies revealed both universal and culturally specific features of NSSTs. Attachment distributions were as expected, given the high clinical risk in pooled samples (49% secure, 19% avoidant, 12% ambivalent, 20% disorganized), including by clinical and socioeconomic risk status. Gender differences were similar to “Western” findings. However, the growing evidence for convergent validity across cultural groups is tempered by low reporting of psychometrics. Narratives may sometimes reflect children’s unintended interpretations of the task and therefore not activate internal representations, or may reflect reality but lack equivalent meaning in coding schemes. We discuss how researchers and clinicians can enhance the validity of NSSTs by considering the role of culture in the sense-making process. Pending further validation work, NSSTs have the added potential to give a voice to young children from underrepresented backgrounds.
The participatory experiences of pupils with vision impairment in education
Authors: O’Connor Una , McClelland Julie F , Shannon Christine , Saunders Kathryn J , Little Julie-Anne
Published: August 2024

While there has been a long-term commitment to inclusion in mainstream schools for pupils with special educational needs, including vision impairment (VI), the position of these pupils in an inclusive school environment, and the extent to which their educational, social, and emotional needs are met, continues to be problematic. This study investigates the experience of children and young people with VI accessing the curriculum and education, through evaluating the perceived quality of their participation in terms of rights, efficiency, and development. The methodology employed a qualitative approach, comprising face-to-face focus group interviews with pupils with VI. Three focus group sessions took place with 13 pupils with VI aged 8–18 years from primary and post-primary schools. Regarding pupils’ participatory rights, many reported challenges experienced in terms of equal access to education. In some instances, obstacles emerged due to lack of proper engagement with the pupil, or teachers’ actions were seen to reinforce pupil difference, undermining opportunities for more inclusive practice. In terms of development, this was chiefly evidenced by frequent descriptions of ‘missing out’, particularly on the social and peer engagement aspects of school life. Pupils unanimously reported that participation could be more efficient if there was increased awareness of their lived experiences with VI, and positive aspects of empowerment emerged when pupils felt included in decision-making about their needs. This study highlights key challenges for pupils with VI regarding how they access education in Northern Ireland, including issues surrounding their inclusion, everyday discrimination, and a lack of awareness of VI. Although these children and young people demonstrated appeasement and understanding, when insensitivities arose, pupils with VI, while resilient and generally positive about their experience, are faced with challenges that diminish their access, participation, and enjoyment of education.
Impact of the Brownian motion and thermophoretic diffusion during the radiative MHD hybrid nanofluid flow past a stretching sheet
Authors: Gul Humaira , Ayaz Muhammad , Islam Saeed , Ullah Asad , Ismail Emad A. A. , Awwad Fuad A.
Published: August 2024

The article aims to analyze the effects of thermophoretic and Brownian motion on steady three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics with fully developed natural convective hybrid nanofluid flow past a bidirectionally extending sheet. We assumed the water-based copper and aluminum nanoparticles suspension under the influence of the rotational effect, nonlinear chemical reaction, thermal radiations, viscous dissipation, and heat source. The flow field is modeled with the help of the basic equations. Furthermore, the problem is reduced to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with the similarity variables. The reduced system of ODEs is solved with the semianalytical method (homotopy analysis method). The results for the state variables are displayed through graphs tables for various pertinent parameters. The thermal profile falls with the higher values of the Brownian and thermophoresis parameters, while the concentration profile shows an opposite trend with the increasing values of the Brownian parameter. Also, the slip parameter decreases both the thermal and concentration profiles as well as the surface drag. The velocity profiles along both directions fall with the higher magnetic strength and porosity parameters. The heat source and radiations parameter enhances the thermal profile with increasing values. The study also recommends the opposite trends for the axial and transverse velocities with increasing value of the stretching ratio factor. The proposed method convergence is present through [Formula: see text] curves for the regions [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] The skin friction and Nusselt number are displayed through tables numerically for various values of volume fraction and other important parameters.
Influence of thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, and joule heating on entropy generation and flow of a Maxwell hybrid nanofluid over an exponentially stretching sheet with couple stress effects
Authors: Kathyayani Gandrakota , Gowd Poojari Prakash
Published: August 2024

Using a numerical technique, this study explores the flow and thermal aspects of a Maxwell hybrid nanofluid across an exponentially stretched sheet. The analysis incorporates the effects of thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, Joule heating, and chemical reaction. We use the in-built MATLAB function bvp4c to successfully solve the governing equations after we convert them to ordinary differential equations. The key novelty of this work lies in employing the Maxwell hybrid nanofluid, a more complex fluid than traditional nanofluids or regular Maxwell fluids and conducting a multifaceted analysis that considers factors like couple stress, chemical reaction, and entropy generation optimization alongside flow and heat transfer. The findings demonstrate that the Maxwell parameter and the magnetic field parameter both reduce fluid velocity due to opposing forces and enhanced elasticity, respectively. The temperature profile exhibits a rise with increasing thermal radiation, volume fraction of nanoparticles, and Eckert number due to enhanced radiative absorption, improved heat transfer, and internal heat generation respectively. As the Brinkman number and volume percentage of copper nanoparticles increase, the entropy generation becomes more intense and the Bejan number decreases as a result of enhanced viscous dissipation and friction. Between the values of 0.1 and 0.7 for Maxwell parameter, the friction factor exhibits a decrement of 0.1077. The Nusselt number, signifying heat transfer efficiency, reduces with the Eckert number but increases with the radiation parameter and volume fraction of nanoparticles. Between the values of 0.1 and 0.7 for Eckert number, the friction factor exhibits a decrement of 0.1077. Lastly, a steeper concentration gradient causes the Sherwood number, which is an indication of the mass transmission rate, to rise with the Schmidt number. it is detected that the rate of heat transfer increases at a rate of 0.0721 when chemical reaction values lie between 0 and 1.8.
Microstructure, wear and residual stresses of selective laser melting AlSi10Mg solid cylinder
Authors: Vemanaboina Harinadh , Padamurthy Ankammarao , Gandla Praveen Kumar , Muppa Lakshman Rao , Lakshmi Kala Koyyagura
Published: August 2024

Advanced industrial processing technique selective laser melting (SLM) can handle various materials. Although titanium alloys are the main material used in SLM, aluminium alloys may be employed in the future. However, producing aluminium alloys is more complicated. This work uses SLM to make an AlSi10Mg solid cylinder. The aim is to study the mechanical properties and microstructure of products. Layer thickness increases defects; thus, research advises avoiding it. The optical microscope study proved the conduction melting process's stability and hole-freeness. EDX mapping and SEM were used to compare the chemical makeup of as-cast and SLM materials. An unusual microstructure showed consistent alloying component distribution. Investigations examine wear, hardness and residual stresses. Extreme hardness was found. The component has evenly distributed compressive residual stresses within material yield limits.