bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex and neo-sex chromosome evolution in beetles
Authors: Bracewell Ryan , Tran Anita , Chatla Kamalakar , Bachtrog Doris
Published: November 2024

Beetles are the most species-rich group of animals and harbor diverse karyotypes. Most species have XY sex chromosomes, but X0 sex determination mechanisms are also common in some groups. We generated a whole-chromosome assembly of Tribolium confusum, which has a neo-sex chromosome, and utilize eleven additional beetle genomes to reconstruct karyotype evolution across Coleoptera. We identify ancestral linkage groups, termed Stevens elements, that share a conserved set of genes across beetles. While the ancestral X chromosome is maintained across beetles, we find independent additions of autosomes to the ancestral sex chromosomes. These neo-sex chromosomes evolve the stereotypical properties of sex chromosomes, including the evolution of dosage compensation and a non-random distribution of genes with sex-biased expression. Beetles thus provide a novel model to gain a better understanding of the diverse forces driving sex chromosome evolution.
Assessing the feasibility of an integrated collection of education modules for fall and fracture prevention (iCARE) for healthcare providers in long term care: A longitudinal study
Authors: Rodrigues Isabel B. , Ioannidis George , Kane Lauren L. , Hillier Loretta M. , Adachi Jonathan , Heckman George , Hirdes John , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna , Jaglal Susan , Kaasalainen Sharon , Marr Sharon , McArthur Caitlin , Straus Sharon , Tarride Jean-Eric , Abbas Momina , Costa Andrew P. , Lau Arthur N. , Thabane Lehana , Papaioannou Alexandra
Published: November 2024

Falls and hip fractures are a major health concern among older adults in long term care (LTC) with almost 50% of residents experiencing a fall annually. Hip fractures are one of the most important and frequent fall-related injuries in LTC. There is moderate to strong certainty evidence that multifactorial interventions may reduce the risk of falls and fractures; however, there is little evidence to support its implementation. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility (recruitment rate and adaptations) with a subobjective to understand facilitators to and barriers of implementing the PREVENT (Person-centred Routine Fracture PreEVENTion) model in practice. The model includes a multifactorial intervention on diet, exercise, environmental adaptations, hip protectors, medications (including calcium and vitamin D), and medication reviews to treat residents at high risk of fracture. Our secondary outcomes were to determine if there was a change in knowledge uptake of the guidelines among healthcare providers and in the proportion of fracture prevention prescriptions post-intervention. We conducted a mixed-methods longitudinal cohort study in three LTC homes across southern Ontario. A local champion was selected to help guide the implementation of the model and promote best practices. We reported recruitment rates using descriptive statistics and challenges to implementation using content analysis. We reported changes in knowledge uptake and in the proportion of fracture prevention medications using the McNemar’s test. We recruited three LTC homes and identified one local champion for each home. We required two months to identify and train the local champion over three, 1.5-hour train-the-trainer sessions, and the local champion required three months to deliver the intervention to a team of healthcare professionals. We identified several facilitators, barriers, and adaptations to PREVENT. Benefits of the model include easy access to the Fracture Risk Scale (FRS), clear and succinct educational material catered to each healthcare professional, and an accredited Continuing Medical Educational module for physicians and nurses. Challenges included misperceptions between the differences in fall and fracture prevention strategies, fear of perceived side effects associated with fracture prevention medications, and time barriers with completing the audit report. Our study found an increase knowledge uptake of the guidelines and an increase in the proportion of fracture prevention prescriptions post-intervention.
Prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infection, and contributing factors in Alamata district of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Bugssa Gessessew , Teklehaymanot Tilahun , Medhin Girmay , Berhe Nega
Published: November 2024

Background

Intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni continues to be a significant public health problem in Ethiopia. This study investigated the prevalence and intensity of S.mansoni infection, and contributing factors in Alamata district of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted and 1762 participants were enrolled from five clusters in Alamata district. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and risk factors. Stool samples were examined using Kato-katz technique to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Median, inter quartile range (IQR), mean, frequency, and percentage were used to descriptively summarize data. The Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the differences in mean rank of egg load between different groups. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between the odds of being infected with S.mansoni and the different socio-demographic and other factors. The strength of these associations was reported using odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence intervals, and a P-value below 5% was used to report statistical significance.

Results

Out of 1762 residents included in the study 941 (53.4%) were females. The age varied from 5–80 years, with a median age of 25 years (IQR = 27), the overall prevalence of S.mansoni was 21.5% with males accounting for 26% (204/821) of the infections. The proportion of infection was higher among the age groups of 15–19 and 20–29 years at 32.7% and 33.1%, respectively. The mean egg count among the infected study participants was 146.82 eggs per gram of feces (epg) ± (243.17 SD). Factors significantly associated with increased odds of infection were living in Waja cluster (AOR:8.9; 95% CI, 3.5–23.2; P< 0.001); being in the age groups 10–14 (AOR:6.0, 95% CI: 3.1–11.7, P<0.001), 15–19 (AOR:5.8, 95% CI:2.8–12.2, P<0.001), and 20–29 (AOR:3.5, 95% CI:1.8–6.8; P<0.001) years; having direct contact with water while crossing river (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5–3.8, P<0.001); and swimming (AOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.01–2.0, P = 0.035).

Conclusion

The study indicates a notable S.mansoni burden in the area, driven by various risk factors. To effectively address this, enhancing diagnostics, implementing targeted mass drug administration, and conducting comprehensive health education campaigns on disease transmission routes are imperative.
Effects of the transtheoretical model-based self-management program on behavioral change in persons with epilepsy: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Cai , Chen Junting , Tan Jin , Xiao Ye , Deng Renli , Huang Hao
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Self-management applications are cost-effective and scalable for epilepsy treatment. However, there is a limited long-term quantitative evidence regarding their effectiveness. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) offers a psychological framework that tailors self-management plans to the individual’s stage of behavioral change. This approach aims to address utilization needs, reduce information overload, minimize the adverse effects of self-management, and enhance the overall effectiveness of interventions for individuals with epilepsy.

Methods and analysis

This will be a randomized, double-blind, the clinical trial involving two groups of adults diagnosed with epilepsy. In addition to treatment as usual (TAU), the intervention group will receive an intervention program constructed from TTM combined with self-management as part of the treatment plan. The control group will receive TAU only. Prior to the intervention, the participants will undergo an initial assessment to determine their current stage of behavioral change to facilitate the implementation of targeted behavior support strategies. Additionally, participants will receive weekly 30-minute educational videos on epilepsy. The goal is to enroll 160 adults who have been diagnosed with epilepsy for at least six months and are receiving medication. Data collection will encompass an assessment of C-ESMS, HADS, QOLIE-31, and LSSS. These parameters will be evaluated at baseline, as well as during follow-up periods at 1, 3, and 6 months post-intervention.

Discussion

Existing self-management interventions for people with epilepsy primarily focus on knowledge and psychological factors. Discrepancies in research design, intervention plans, and patient characteristics have contributed to inconsistent outcomes in previous studies. This study seeks to advance the field by integrating the TTM with empirically supported self-management practices. The delineation of behavioral change stages within the TTM framework is expected to form a structured intervention protocol. This study will inform standardized, evidence-based epilepsy care practices.
Epidemiological survey of anterior segment diseases in Japanese isolated island using a portable slit-lamp device in home-based cases in Miyako Island
Authors: Shimizu Eisuke , Hisajima Kazuhiro , Nakayama Shintaro , Nishimura Hiroki , Khemlani Rohan Jeetendra , Yokoiwa Ryota , Shimizu Yusuke , Kishimoto Masato , Yasukawa Keigo
Published: November 2024

The ophthalmic diseases often affect the elderly and require proper diagnosis, treatments, and follow ups. However, many cases lack adequate eye care due to limited resources and decreased daily living activities among individuals. Despite the importance of ophthalmic home care, epidemiological research in this area has been lacking. This study utilized portable ophthalmological equipment to conduct an epidemiological research of anterior segment diseases in patients receiving home-based medical care in Japanese isolated island “Miyako island”. A retrospective examination was conducted on home visit cases from a single facility in Miyako island (Dr. Gon Clinic). Data from 147 cases were collected and analyzed which the data are all recorded by the home care doctors and send the data to the cloud in order to make a diagnosis by the ophthalmologists. Findings included various anterior segment eye diseases such as Ptosis, meibomian gland dysfunction, conjunctival chalasis, corneal opacity, conjunctival hyperemia, pterygium, and cataract. Notably, over half of the cases (51.67%) had not undergone cataract surgery although the average age are notably high (85.69 ± 12.11 age of years). Among those without surgery, all showed signs of moderate to severe cataracts, with severity increasing with age. Additionally, a shallow anterior chamber depth was observed in one-third of these cases (33.63%) which considerable to receive a surgery to prevent the acute glaucoma attack. From our study, to ensure that patients in remote islands as Miyako island do not miss opportunities for eye care, there is an urgent need for the establishment of a supportive medical system.
Auto QSAR-based active learning docking for hit identification of potential inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum Hsp90 as antimalarial agents
Authors: Matlhodi Thato , Makatsela Lisema Patrick , Dongola Tendamudzimu Harmfree , Simelane Mthokozisi Blessing Cedric , Shonhai Addmore , Gumede Njabulo Joyfull , Mokoena Fortunate
Published: November 2024

Malaria which is mainly caused by Plasmodium falciparum parasite remains a devastating public health concern, necessitating the need to develop new antimalarial agents. P. falciparum heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), is indispensable for parasite survival and a promising drug target. Inhibitors targeting the ATP-binding pocket of the N-terminal domain have anti-Plasmodium effects. We proposed a de novo active learning (AL) driven method in tandem with docking to predict inhibitors with unique scaffolds and preferential selectivity towards PfHsp90. Reference compounds, predicted to bind PfHsp90 at the ATP-binding pocket and possessing anti-Plasmodium activities, were used to generate 10,000 unique derivatives and to build the Auto-quantitative structures activity relationships (QSAR) models. Glide docking was performed to predict the docking scores of the derivatives and > 15,000 compounds obtained from the ChEMBL database. Re-iterative training and testing of the models was performed until the optimum Kennel-based Partial Least Square (KPLS) regression model with a regression coefficient R2 = 0.75 for the training set and squared correlation prediction Q2 = 0.62 for the test set reached convergence. Rescoring using induced fit docking and molecular dynamics simulations enabled us to prioritize 15 ATP/ADP-like design ideas for purchase. The compounds exerted moderate activity towards P. falciparum NF54 strain with IC50 values of ≤ 6μM and displayed moderate to weak affinity towards PfHsp90 (KD range: 13.5–19.9μM) comparable to the reported affinity of ADP. The most potent compound was FTN-T5 (PfN54 IC50:1.44μM; HepG2/CHO cells SI≥ 29) which bound to PfHsp90 with moderate affinity (KD:7.7μM), providing a starting point for optimization efforts. Our work demonstrates the great utility of AL for the rapid identification of novel molecules for drug discovery (i.e., hit identification). The potency of FTN-T5 will be critical for designing species-selective inhibitors towards developing more efficient agents against malaria.
DE-PASS Best Evidence Statement (BESt): Determinants of self-report physical activity and sedentary behaviours in children in settings: A systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Ling Fiona C. M. , Khudair Mohammed , Ng Kwok , Tempest Gavin D. , Peric Ratko , Bartoš František , Maier Maximilian , Brandes Mirko , Carlin Angela , Ciaccioni Simone , Cortis Cristina , Corvino Chiara , Di Credico Andrea , Drid Patrik , Gallè Francesca , Izzicupo Pascal , Jahre Henriette , Kolovelonis Athanasios , Kongsvold Atle , Kouidi Evangelia , Mork Paul J. , Palumbo Federico , Rumbold Penny L. S. , Sandu Petru , Stavnsbo Mette , Syrmpas Ioannis , Vilela Sofia , Woods Catherine , Wunsch Kathrin , Capranica Laura , MacDonncha Ciaran , Marcuzzi Anna
Published: November 2024

Previous physical activity interventions for children (5-12yrs) have aimed to change determinants associated with self-report physical activity behaviour (PAB) and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), however, the associations between these determinants and PAB/SB in different settings are uncertain. The present study aimed to identify modifiable determinants targeted in previous PAB/SB interventions for children. Intervention effects on the determinants and their associations with self-report PAB/SB were assessed across settings. Search of relevant interventions from pre-defined databases was conducted up to July 2023. Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with modifiable determinants were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were conducted by two independent researchers. Where data could be pooled, we performed Robust Bayesian meta-analyses. Heterogeneity, publication bias and certainty of evidence were assessed. Fifteen studies were deemed eligible to be included. Thirty-seven unique determinants within four settings were identified–school, family, school with family/home, and community with(out) other settings. Ninety-eight percent of determinants belonged to individual/interpersonal determinant categories. Narratively, intervention effects on student perception of teachers’ behaviour (school), self-management, perceived barriers, external motivation, exercise intention, parental modeling on SB (school with family/home) and MVPA expectations (community) were weak to strong, however, corresponding PAB/SB change was not evident. There were negligible effects for all other determinants and the corresponding PAB/SB. Meta-analyses on self-efficacy, attitude, subjective norm and parental practice and PAB/SB in two settings showed weak to strong evidence against intervention effect, while the effect on knowledge could not be determined. Similarly, publication bias and heterogeneity for most analyses could not be ascertained. We found no concrete evidence of association between the modifiable determinants and self-report PAB/SB in any settings. This is presumably due to intervention ineffectiveness. Design of future interventions should consider to follow the systems-based approach and identify determinants unique to the context of a setting, including policy and environmental determinants.
Outlier detection of clustered functional data with image and signal processing applications by archetype analysis
Authors: Alcacer Aleix , Epifanio Irene
Published: November 2024

In this study, we introduce an innovative methodology for anomaly detection of curves, applicable to both multivariate and multi-argument functions. This approach distinguishes itself from prior methods by its capability to identify outliers within clustered functional data sets. We achieve this by extending the recent AA + kNN technique, originally designed for multivariate analysis, to functional data contexts. Our method demonstrates superior performance through a comprehensive comparative analysis against twelve state-of-the-art techniques, encompassing simulated scenarios with either a single functional cluster or multiple clusters. Additionally, we substantiate the effectiveness of our approach through its application in three distinct computer vision tasks and a signal processing problem. To facilitate transparency and replication of our results, we provide access to both the code and the datasets used in this research.
Effectiveness of a community-based intervention package in maternal health service utilization: A cross-sectional quasi-experimental study in rural Ghana
Authors: Aiga Hirotsugu , Kawakatsu Yoshito , Kadoi Nobuhiro , Obeng Emmanuel , Addai Frank Tabi , Ofosu Frederick , Fujishima Kazuki , Omachi Mayumi , Yamaguchi Etsuko
Published: November 2024

Background

We examined the effectiveness of a community-based intervention package that targeted pregnant women for increasing utilization of maternal health services. The intervention package was implemented in Suhum Municipality, Ghana, from March 2019 to April 2022. The package consisted of: (i) maternal health education by female and male peers; (ii) training existing health workers on maternal health; and (iii) strengthening the local community health management committees.

Methods

A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in May 2022. We sampled four groups of women: (i) intervention at baseline; (ii) intervention at follow-up; (iii) control at baseline; and (iv) control at follow-up. Three outcome variables were set, i.e., the proportions of women having utilized: (i) at least four antenatal care (ANC) services; (ii) facility-based delivery (FBD) services; and (iii) post-partum care (PPC) services. To estimate the effectiveness of the intervention package in increasing the service coverages, both crude and adjusted difference-in-differences (DID) estimates were calculated. Significance levels were set at the values of 0.10, 0.05, and 0.01, since the aforementioned service coverages had already been too high to have room for an increase at the significance level of 0.05.

Results

The proportion of women completing at least four ANC services displayed significant DID in both crude and adjusted analyses. The proportions of women utilizing facility-based delivery services and post-partum care services did not display significant DID.

Conclusions

Of the three outcome variables set, only the proportion of women having utilized at least four ANC services significantly increased in the intervention group, compared with the control group. Ghana has been in the transition process of shifting the minimum number of ANC visits from four to eight. Thus, nationwide scaling up of the intervention package is expected to help the transition be smooth by increasing the number of ANC visits.
Food for thought: The impact of short term fasting on cognitive ability
Authors: Landini Austin , Segovia Michelle , Palma Marco , Nayga Rodolfo M.
Published: November 2024

Growing evidence suggests that resource scarcity can severely impede individuals’ cognitive capacity, resulting in sub-optimal decision making. Few experimental studies investigate whether food deprivation as a form of resource scarcity influences decisions in other non-hunger related domains. We examine the effect of short term fasting on cognitive capacity by exogenously manipulating individuals’ fasting time in a laboratory experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) 3-hour fast; 2) 12-hour fast; and 3) control, in which participants were not required to fast and consumed a protein shake upon arriving to the lab. Following the manipulation, participants completed the Raven’s Progressive Matrices test which measures cognitive function. Although we find null treatment effects on cognitive ability, our results provide evidence that short term fasting does not directly inhibit cognition.
Increasing competition for water resources in the food and energy industries
Authors: Liu Xian
Published: November 2024

Exploring the mechanisms of competition for water resources in the regional food and energy industries,taking effective countermeasures in advance will help to promote the sustainable development of the regional food and energy industries. Based on the theory of water footprint, this paper quantifies the water footprint of grain and energy in Shanxi Province, China, and the competition index of energy-grain industry to water resources. Through the ratio of grain blue water and energy water footprint to total water consumption in the region, this study coupled the characteristics of their proportional changes to obtain a competition index that can characterize the competition relationship between regional food and energy industries for water resources. The results showed that (1) In 2000–2021, although the grain yield increased by 81.1%, the grain water footprint only increased by 11.2%, with an average annual growth of 1.0%. The proportion of blue, green and gray water footprints changed from 14.1%, 54.3% and 31.6% in 2000 to 18.8%, 41.2% and 39.9% in 2021, respectively. (2) The energy water footprint increased at an average annual rate of 10.8%, an increase of 544.7% over the period. The coal, natural gas and thermal water footprints in 2021 have increased by a factor of 2.7, 109.2 and 4.0, respectively, compared to 2000. Coal’s share of the energy water footprint is 70.6%. (3) The average value of the food and energy industry’s competition index for water resources is 0.77, increasing from 0.42 in 2000 to 0.94 in 2021, an average annual increase of 4.3%. These results show that the future sustainable development of the region is facing the major challenge. Therefore, from the perspective of reducing the demand for crop and energy water footprint, some suggestions are put forward to effectively promote the healthy development of the region.
Melodic contour supersedes short-term statistical learning in expressive accentuation
Authors: Zhang Haiqin , Chemla Emmanuel , Pelofi Claire , Bonnasse-Gahot Laurent
Published: November 2024

Sensory systems are permanently bombarded with complex stimuli. Cognitive processing of such complex stimuli may be facilitated by accentuation of important elements. In the case of music listening, alteration of some surface features –such as volume and duration– may facilitate the cognitive processing of otherwise high-level information, such as melody and harmony. Hence, musical accents are often aligned with intrinsically salient elements in the stimuli, such as highly unexpected notes. We developed a novel listening paradigm based on an artificial Markov-chain melodic grammar to probe the hypothesis that listeners prefer structurally salient events to be consistent with salient surface properties such as musical accents. We manipulated two types of structural saliency: one driven by Gestalt principles (a note at the peak of a melodic contour) and one driven by statistical learning (a note with high surprisal, or information content [IC], as defined by the artificial melodic grammar). Results suggest that for all listeners, the aesthetic preferences in terms of surface properties are well predicted by Gestalt principles of melodic shape. In contrast, despite demonstrating good knowledge of novel statistical properties of the melodies, participants did not demonstrate a preference for accentuation of high-IC notes. This work is a first step in elucidating the interplay between intrinsic, Gestalt-like and acquired, statistical properties of melodies in the development of expressive musical properties, with a focus on the appreciation of dynamic accents (i.e. a transient increase in volume). Our results shed light on the implementation of domain-general and domain-specific principles of information processing during music listening.
Analysis of quantile regression for race time in standard distance triathlons
Authors: Zhao Junhui , Ma Yongfang , Hu Xiaoxiao
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to quantitatively analyze the impact of split times on overall performance in standard distance triathlon events. It also examines how environmental factors such as water type, temperature, and altitude affect overall race outcomes.

Methods

Quantile regression was employed to analyze the race records of 1,580 triathletes participating in 46 standard distance events in China.

Results

Swim time significantly influences race performance among the top 50% of elite athletes (p < 0.05). For slower elite athletes, bike time is more critical. Temperature has a positive effect on race times, while altitude also shows a significant positive impact, with race times decreasing as altitude increases (up to 1,600 meters in this study’s dataset). River water enhances race times compared to still water, whereas sea water generally slows athletes down.

Conclusion

The influence of split times and environmental factors on overall race rime varies according to the athletes’ performance levels. To optimize results, training plans and race strategies should be tailored to each athlete’s capabilities. Additionally, understanding and adapting to environmental conditions in advance is crucial.
Genomic and bioacoustic variation in a midwife toad hybrid zone: A role for reinforcement?
Authors: Ambu Johanna , Dufresnes Christophe
Published: November 2024

Hybrid zones, i.e., geographic areas where diverging lineages meet, hybridize and eventually mix their genomes, offer opportunities to understand the mechanisms behind reproductive isolation and speciation. Hybrid zones are particularly well suited to study reinforcement, i.e., the process by which selection against hybridization increases reproductive barriers, which, in anuran amphibians, is typically expressed by increased divergence in advertisement calls–the main cue to assortative mating–in parapatric ranges. Using mitochondrial barcoding (16S sequences), population genomics (thousands of SNPs) and bioacoustic analyses (four call parameters), we examine the hybrid zone between two incipient species of midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans and A. almogavarii) in southern France, with the purposes of locating their transition, measuring genetic introgression, and documenting potential signatures of reinforcement. We map range boundaries in the Eastern Pyrenees and the southwestern foothills of the Massif Central, namely along the Ariège valley and the Montagne Noire area. Similarly to another transition between these species in Spain, we found the hybrid zone to be narrow, involving geographically restricted gene flow (~20 km wide allele frequency clines) and barrier loci (i.e., loci resisting introgression), both suggestive of partial post-zygotic isolation (hybrid incompatibilities). The calls of the species overlap less inside than outside the hybrid zone, due to a reduction of their standing variation rather than a shift towards distinctive variants. While neutral causes cannot be excluded, this pattern follows the general expectations of reinforcement, yet without reproductive character displacement. Our study highlights the potential of amphibian hybrid zones to assess the genetic and behavioral drivers of reproductive isolation in statu nascendi and under various evolutionary contexts.
Global multiplicity of positive solutions for anisotropic
(
p
,
q
)
-Robin boundary value problems with an indefinite potential term
Authors: Öztürk Eylem , Papageorgiou Nikolaos
Published: November 2024

We consider a nonlinear Robin problem driven by the anisotropic
(
p
,
q
)
-Laplacian plus an indefinite potential term. In the reaction, we have the competing effects of a parametric concave (sublinear) term perturbed by a superlinear one (concave-convex problem). We prove the existence and multiplicity result for positive solutions which is global with respect to the parameter. We also show the existence of a minimal positive solution and determine its dependence on the parameter.
Multiple normalized solutions to the nonlinear Schrödinger–Poisson system with the

L
2

-subcritical growth
Authors: Wei Siwei , Teng Kaimin
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we study the existence of multiple normalized solutions to the following Schrödinger–Poisson system with general nonlinearities:

{

−

ε
2

Δ
u
+
V
(
x
)
u
+
ϕ
u
=
f
(
u
)
+
λ
u

in 

R

3

,

−

ε
2

Δ
ϕ
=

u
2

in 

R

3

,

∫

R

3

|

u

|

2

d

x
=

ε
3

a
2

,
 

where
ε
,
a
>
0
,
λ
∈

R

is an unknown parameter that appears as a Lagrange multiplier,
V
(
x
)
:

R

3

→
[
0
,
∞
)

is a continuous function, and
f
is a differentiable function satisfying

L
2

-subcritical growth. Through using the minimization techniques and the Lusternik–Schnirelmann category, we prove that the numbers of normalized solutions are related to the topology of the set where the potential
V
(
x
)
attains its minimum value.
The Wrestler and His World: Precarious Workers, Post-Truth Politics, and Inauthentic Activism
Authors: Hollin Gregory
Published: November 2024

In this article, I explore attempts to organize a precarious workforce in a setting that is always-already post-truth: professional wrestling. I focus in particular on a nascent, bottom-up unionization effort in the UK that foregrounds the rights of wrestlers who perform for low wages, in unsafe environments, and in the absence of both the state and traditional trade unions. I show that while many wrestlers agree with this movement’s diagnosis of problematic working conditions, there is also widespread skepticism about activists’ motivations, with many wrestlers suggesting that the organization may be telling a self-interested story about work, rather than engaging in a form of work. I argue that wrestlers’ permanent questioning emerges at the intersection of the self-appreciating, entrepreneurial subject and the post-truth, zany situation and conclude that wrestling affords insight into labor organization under employment conditions emblematic of a contemporary post-truth neoliberalism.
Perturbations of tryptophan catabolism via the kynurenine pathway are associated with stage 2 postoperative outcomes in single ventricle heart disease
Authors: Romanowicz Jennifer , Niemiec Sierra , Khailova Ludmila , Lehmann Tanner , Mancuso Christopher A. , Mitchell Max B. , Morgan Gareth J. , Twite Mark , DiMaria Michael V. , Klawitter Jelena , Davidson Jesse A. , Frank Benjamin S.
Published: November 2024

Preliminary evidence suggests perturbations of the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan metabolism in infants with single ventricle heart disease (SVHD). In 72 infants with SVHD undergoing stage 2 palliation (S2P) and 41 controls, we quantified serum KP metabolite concentrations via tandem mass spectroscopy pre‐S2P and post‐S2P at 2, 24, and 48 h and assessed metabolite relationships with post‐S2P outcomes (length of stay, hypoxemia burden, and intubation duration). Pre‐S2P, SVHD infants had lower tryptophan and serotonin levels and higher kynurenic acid, 3‐hydroxykynurenine, and picolinic acid levels than controls. Post‐S2P, metabolites peaked at 2 h, with return to baseline by 48 h for all except kynurenic acid, which remained elevated. Metabolite concentrations pre‐S2P were poorly associated with outcomes. A lower serotonin peak 2 h post‐S2P was associated with longer length of stay and intubation duration. Multiple metabolites at 24 and 48 h correlated with outcomes; notably, elevated kynurenic acid was associated with worse results for all three outcomes. Our results confirm that interstage SVHD infants have altered KP activity compared to controls. Further, the link between outcomes and KP metabolites post‐S2P—but not at baseline—demonstrates that acute, perioperative changes in tryptophan catabolism may be more important to tolerating S2P physiology than chronic interstage changes.
Estudio comparativo de un nuevo dispositivo para el análisis de la calidad seminal y la evaluación microscópica manual en un laboratorio clínico no especializado
Authors: Jani Erika , Bozzola Margherita , Zagler Elmar Marco , Roccaforte Vincenzo , Massimo Daves
Published: November 2024

Objetivos

En el análisis de líquido seminal se miden una serie de parámetros del semen humano con gran relevancia para los estudios de fertilidad, confirmación de esterilidad tras la vasectomía, el seguimiento de patologías como el varicocele y en aquellos casos en los que se precise conservar el esperma. El examen manual del líquido seminal se caracteriza por una baja reproducibilidad. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la eficacia de un instrumento automático para el análisis del semen comparando los resultados con los obtenidos mediante microscopía manual.

Métodos

Se analizaron 50 muestras (edad 18-59 años) aplicando el método manual y el método automatizado simultáneamente. El análisis manual fue realizado por al menos dos analistas experimentados. La concentración y la motilidad se determinaron mediante análisis manual convencional, así como con el analizador automático LensHooke™, siguiendo la guía más reciente de la OMS.

Resultados

Comparamos la concentración (millones/mL) de espermatozoides obtenida mediante cuantificación manual y automática, aplicando la siguiente clasificación: muestras normales, oligospérmicas, criptospérmicas y azoospérmicas. La prueba de Wilcoxon no mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas. El diagrama de Bland-Altman arrojó un valor levemente superior en la cuantificación manual. Posteriormente, comparamos la morfología y se clasifican las muestras en morfológicamente normales y anormales. A continuación, comparamos la motilidad de los espermatozoides establecida mediante recuento manual y automático, clasificando los resultados como motilidad total normal y astenozoospermia. El análisis estadístico mostró un grado de concordancia moderado en la morfología y muy bueno en la motilidad.

Conclusiones

Los resultados de este estudio demuestran que el dispositivo LensHooke™ posee un nivel de concordancia aceptable con el análisis de líquido seminal mediante microscopía manual. El uso de esta sencilla herramienta podría ayudar a estandarizar los informes de resultados de los laboratorios no especializados.
Ingenieurssolipsismen in Großstadtutopien der 1920er Jahre
Authors: Godel Rainer
Published: November 2024

This article provides an analysis of two dystopian novels: Yevgeny Zamyatin’s Мы (We, 1924/25) and Thea von Harbou’s Metropolis (1925/26). Both novels stand out by engineers as protagonists. Their respective behaviour is driven by their use of building powers, their creative fantasy, but also by their ambition to rule within a seemingly well-ordered world. However, at the diegetic level, a fundamental ambivalence between the positive understanding of the engineer’s contribution to progress and his restricted and selfish solipsism remains unsolved.
Staunen ohne Gott
Authors: Böhmer Sebastian
Published: November 2024

The article differentiates between two meanings and functions of wonder in the horizon of faith in progress around 1900. The topos of (modern) wonders of technology proves to be more than just a rhetorical and didactic device to generate astonishment and admiration; rather, it illustrates technical works as a crucial part in a modernized concept of the history of salvation in the sense of revealing a higher truth.
A Review of the Gas and Vapor Transport Through Single Polymer Films: Implications for Their Use in Book and Paper Conservation
Authors: McGuiggan Patricia M. , Gates Glenn A.
Published: November 2024

Permeability is broadly defined as the ability of a material to allow the transportation of liquids, gases, or vapors through it. Although numerous references can be found in the literature giving the permeability values of polymers, there is no standard unit of gas or vapor transport, making comparisons difficult. This review summarizes the permeability of single polymer films used in book and paper conservation, specifically addressing the permeability of storage materials and processes such as encapsulation. In particular, the permeability of the polymer films to oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, water vapor, and acetic acid is summarized. The permeability was found to differ by over 7 orders of magnitude when comparing different gases and vapors diffusing through the polymer films. The permeability is dependent on the molecular size of the diffusing gas or vapor, with smaller molecules diffusing faster than larger molecules. In addition, the chemistry of the film plays a role. Hydrophilic polymers have a much greater permeability of polar diffusants such as water vapor than hydrophobic polymers. In addition, the permeation increases significantly with temperature. The review provides data of the permeability properties of the films used by conservators and will enable them to make an informed decision of the best material for their application.
Die Auslegung von Umwandlungsverträgen als Rechtsproblem
Authors: Wollenschläger Bernward
Published: November 2024

Als Ende eines historischen Streits wurde die Zurückweisung der Nichtzulassungsbeschwerde durch den Bundesgerichtshof (Beschl. v. 9.12.2023 – II ZR 89/23) im Rechtsstreit um das Schicksal von Steuerverbindlichkeiten der ehemaligen WestLB aus Cum/Ex-Geschäften bezeichnet.

Jung, FAZ v. 14.12.2023.

Im Zentrum der Auseinandersetzung stand mit der Frage, wer die wirtschaftlichen Folgen der Cum/Ex-Geschäfte zu tragen hat, die Auslegung eines Spaltungs- und Übertragungsvertrags zwischen der ehemaligen Landesbank und einer in öffentlich-rechtlicher Form organisierter Abwicklungsanstalt. Die durch den Fall aufgeworfenen Rechtsfragen sind bis heute nicht abschließend geklärt. Der vorliegende Beitrag unternimmt den Versuch einer systematischen Erfassung der Problematik.
EM TORNO DA CULTURA ESCRITA: DA MATERIALIDADE DO IMPRESSO E CAPACIDADE DE PERSUASÃO
Authors: Santos de Santana Márcio
Published: November 2024

O artigo analisa a relação entre o suporte e a função exercida pelo impresso, notadamente três deles: o livro, o jornal e o panfleto. Em cada um dos suportes, uma relação principal é explorada (livro-espaço de sedição; jornal-formação do leitor; panfleto-circulação de ideias). A questão é verificar qual é a principal vantagem operacional oferecida por cada tipo de suporte para as atividades cotidianas da militância.
LA FUNCIÓN CRÍTICA DE LA PSICOLOGÍA DE LA LIBERACIÓN LATINOAMERICANA ANTE LAS DICTADURAS CÍVICO-MILITARES EN LA REGIÓN
Authors: Paredes Alejandro , Veloz Serrade Josué
Published: November 2024

Neste artigo investigaremos alguns aspectos da função crítica da psicologia da libertação latino-americana com base em três escritos importantes para esta tradição teórica. O primeiro deles é um livro escrito durante a ditadura civil-militar chilena, no qual as psicólogas Elizabeth Lira, Eugenia Weinstein, Rosario Domínguez, Juana Kovalskys, Adriana Maggi, Eliana Morales e Fanny Pollarolo demonstram corajosamente o potencial crítico do trabalho psicológico. O segundo é um artigo de Ignacio Martín-Baró, considerado o fundador da psicologia da libertação latino-americana. Nele ele propõe uma crítica à psicologia latino-americana e aos princípios que ela deve seguir para ser emancipatória. Finalmente, o terceiro é um manifesto realizado num congresso de psicologia da libertação, após o assassinato de Ignacio Martín-Baró, no qual é proposta uma agenda futura. Destes três textos pode-se observar que a psicologia da libertação latino-americana se caracteriza por uma prática comprometida com as vítimas estruturais do modelo capitalista, por um quadro teórico próprio e original, por um diálogo com a natureza religiosa dos setores populares e por uma abertura aos novos problemas gerados pela globalização econômica.
CUADERNILLOS DE CDS UTILIZADOS COMO PARATEXTOS EN LA COLECCIÓN COMPOSITORES LATINO-AMERICANOS DE BEATRIZ BALZI
Authors: De Almeida Monteiro da Silva Eliana Maria
Published: November 2024

Este artículo tiene por objetivo analizar el empleo de los cuadernillos como paratextos de los CDs producidos por la pianista argentino-brasileña Beatriz Balzi (1936-2001) en su serie de CDs titulada Compositores Latino-americanos (1984-2000). Para ello utiliza el concepto de paratexto como un conjunto de herramientas verbales o icónicas que prepara al (a la) receptor(a) para la obra que está por conocer (GENETTE, 1987, apud ALVARADO, 1994), así como la idea de música como una forma de lenguaje, capaz de expresar y comunicar la experiencia humana (ADORNO, 2018, apud MEDEIROS; LOPES, 2021).
EXCURSIONES DE LA CRÍTICA: EL RASTREO DE LA NOVELA PICARESCA EN EL RÍO DE LA PLATA
Authors: Panaia Lucas
Published: November 2024

Embora o romance picaresco seja geralmente asociado à Espanha e à Siglo de Oro, hà elementos do gênero que persistiram na literatura latino-americana. Nas crônicas do Novo Mundo, a figura do pícaro serviu para relatar a aventura do europeu ganancioso nas terras da fartura. O Río de la Plata não foge à regra e o aspecto picaresco é muito mais amplo do que a ausência de estudos sisteméticos sobre esse tipo de narrativa nos permite supor, indo desde um tom de humor na gauchesca até o exercício da critica literária.
EL DEVENIR TEORÍA DE LA CRÍTICA LATINOAMERICANA: UNA PROPUESTA
Authors: Alonso Mercedes
Published: November 2024

El artículo reconstruye el diálogo que, entre las décadas de 1950 y 1970, tuvo lugar en los estudios literarios rioplatenses en torno de la categoría literatura fantástica. El punto de partida es “Ensayo de una tipología de la literatura fantástica (a partir de la literatura hispanoamericana)” que Ana María Barrenechea publica en 1972. La propuesta es trascender la discusión explícita con Todorov para centrarse en la que tiene lugar dentro de la región con otras posiciones críticas que, en los mismos años, se ocupan del tema: lo arquetípico que propone Jorge B. Rivera, los raros que designa Ángel Rama y la magia que Emir Rodríguez Monegal toma de Borges. A partir de ese recorrido, se indaga en el modo en que la circulación y reelaboración de las categorías dan lugar a una teoría literaria latinoamericana y se discuten sus condiciones de posibilidad.
“LA FIESTA DE LAS BALAS”. HISTORIOGRAFÍA DE LA NOTA ROJA EN MÉXICO: CARLOS MONSIVÁIS ANTE EL “NARCO”
Authors: Battista Lo Bianco Lucía
Published: November 2024

El presente trabajo busca reconstruir los planteos del cronista mexicano Carlos Monsiváis, compilados en el libro Los mil y un velorios. Crónica de la nota roja en México, originalmente publicado en 1994. Se trata de un volumen que realiza una genealogía del género de noticia o crónica policial y su devenir histórico en los diarios del país, desde el inicio del siglo pasado hasta nuestros días. Fue reeditado quince años después, en 2009, y, tal como indica el autor en una nota preliminar, adquirió un nuevo significado en ese contexto de espiralización de la violencia en el marco de la “guerra contra el narcotráfico”. Se constata que el propio género de nota roja fue sufriendo transformaciones conforme transmutaban los crímenes; se pasó de los asesinatos a las masacres y, por lo tanto, de la singularidad y el nombre propio al anonimato masivo sin justicia. Es por ello que nos interesa revisar los postulados de Monsiváis sobre el género periodístico referido, con la hipótesis de que la nota roja funcionaría como “hipotexto” (GENETTE, 1989) de ciertas narrativas posteriores sobre el crimen, que aumentarían su promoción luego en el nuevo milenio. La nota roja, a través de su soporte –el periódico–, mediante su circulación y consumo masivo, fideliza un público urbano que da rienda suelta al cultivo en la lectura de sus pasiones morbosas, y establece ciertos modos de representación y ficcionalización espectacularizantes del crimen, que serán la condición de posibilidad de los productos múltiples de la llamada “narcocultura” (novelas, cuentos, crónicas, series televisivas), aparecidos a principios de siglo.
“UN DÍA ME IRÉ DE GOLPE […] Y TODO SERÁ DESPERDIGADO, OLVIDADO, PERDIDO”. ÁNGEL RAMA EN LA INESTABILIDAD DE LA CRÍTICA
Authors: Croce Marcela
Published: November 2024

La “función crítica” es un concepto que permite verificar la manifestación de la práctica en textos que no se reconocen vehículos de la crítica. Una discursividad múltiple compone ese repositorio, de la cual este artículo se enfoca sobre la correspondencia intelectual. Para ello escoge Una vida en cartas, selección de la correspondencia de Ángel Rama editada en 2022 por la hija del autor y la antigua discípula Rosario Peyrou. Por razones puramente didácticas y organizativas el trabajo se divide en tres grandes períodos, que no son en absoluto etapas cerradas sino que en ocasiones se superponen y frecuentemente se intercomunican con los otros momentos. La voluntad de la indagación es estudiar la crítica libre de los condicionamientos profesionalizantes y de las exigencias de las publicaciones académicas, allí donde es posible restituir juicios de primera mano y relaciones intelectuales con proyecciones afectivas que van desde la confidencia hasta el debate directo y el reproche virulento.
AXOLOTLS SUELTOS EN EL RÍO DE LA PLATA. UNA LECTURA SOBRE LAS NARRATIVAS PERSONALES DE ÁNGEL RAMA Y JORGE LAFFORGUE
Authors: Martínez Pandiani Yamila
Published: November 2024

En este trabajo se rastrea cómo circula y cómo opera la crítica literaria en dos narrativas personales, las de los críticos y gestores culturales latinoamericanos Ángel Rama y Jorge Lafforgue. Dado que la crítica se desenvuelve a través de alternativas formales diversas, se aventura que la intervención crítica adopta también en ellos diferentes configuraciones. Tanto Rama como Lafforgue hacen uso de una serie de mecanismos de autorreferencia para articular la imagen autoral con sus postulaciones ensayísticas. En definitiva, Diario 1974-1983 y Cartografía personal. Escritos y escritores de América Latina (2005) son textos anfibios, que articulan múltiples discursos sociales mediante formas disímiles de autofiguración.
LAS DERIVACIONES DE UNA OPERACIÓN CRÍTICA. FERNANDO ORTIZ: TRANSCULTURACIÓN Y MOVILIDAD
Authors: Maiz Claudio
Published: November 2024

Nuestro propósito es trazar un recorrido de perspectivas teórico-metodológicas que provienen de una cultura literaria centrada en el libro, el autor, la imprenta y autocentradas en los confines nacionales. El otro extremo de la senda lo ocupan otras concepciones caracterizadas por la expansión, el relacionamiento la acción en espacios supranacionales. El debate sobre la literatura mundial mostró que el camino de literaturas definidas por el factor del Estado-nación no era el más conveniente para los estudios literarios latinoamericanos. Ha quedado al descubierto que el reconocimiento de la presencia del elemento exógeno procedente de diversos espacios posee la capacidad de producir rupturas y consecuencias determinantes en las historias literarias nacionales. En el recorrido propuesto la noción de transculturación de Fernando Ortiz cobra nuevas dimensiones a la luz de las corrientes interculturales.