bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPETITIVE BENCHMARKING ANALYSIS OF ALGERIAN HOTELS WITH THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP): THE USE OF PERFORMANCE GAP
Authors: Kheddache Fares , Smari Marouane
Published: February 2025

This study aims to evaluate the performance of Algerian hotels using competitive benchmarking and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, considering various service quality criteria based on the SERVQUAL model. The research explores the most crucial hotel selection factors from the perspective of Algerian customers and identifies potential service quality improvement areas for hotel managers. The study employs the AHP method to prioritize and rank hotel selection criteria based on hotel managers’ preferences. A competitive benchmarking analysis was conducted by comparing the performance of Algerian four-star and five-star hotels against a global benchmark five-star hotel. The analysis considered 20 sub-criteria categorized under the five SERVQUAL dimensions: Tangibility, Reliability, Assurance, Empathy, and Responsiveness. The results reveal that Algerian customers prioritize factors such as employee behavior, hotel security, flexible check-in/check-out times, and first aid services. Surprisingly, price is considered a less important criterion compared to findings from previous studies. The competitive benchmarking analysis identifies performance gaps between hotels, with the five-star Marriott Constantine Hotel emerging as the service leader. Practical implications and strategic recommendations for hotel managers are provided to address identified service quality gaps. This study contributes to the hospitality literature by applying competitive benchmarking and the AHP method to evaluate hotel service quality in the Algerian context. The research provides valuable insights into Algerian customers’ preferences and offers practical recommendations for hotel managers to enhance service quality and competitiveness.
Influencing factors on the experience of oral symptoms among Korean adolescents: analysis of data from the 2023 Korea Youth’s Risk Behavior Web-based Survey
Authors: Moon Sang-Eun , Yang Jin-Ju , Choi You-Jin
Published: February 2025

Objectives: To investigate the factors influencing the experience of oral symptoms in Korean adolescents. Methods: In total, 52,795 adolescents were selected from the web-based 2023 Korean Youth Risk Behavior survey conducted by the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Data were analyzed in SPSS 21.0 using the combined sample analysis method. Results: After adjusting for all variables, sex, grade, academic achievement, economic status, alcohol consumption, consumption of carbonated beverage and fast food, frequency of brushing, brushing after lunch, sleep, sadness and despair, loneliness, and anxiety disorder were statistically significantly associated with tooth fracture, toothache, gingival pain and bleeding. Conclusions: It is necessary to recognize, at an early stage, the risks factors that might affect dietary intake behavior, oral health behavior, mental health, and oral diseases in Korean adolescents. Based on this, appropriate oral health education should be provided to adolescents and changes should be encouraged to assist in establishing positive oral and mental health behaviors.
Association between health, dietary, and oral health factors and frailty
Authors: Kim Soo-Hwa , Han Su-Jin
Published: February 2025

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of health, diet, and oral health factors on frailty. Methods: The final study sample included 1,126 older adults aged 65 years or older using data from the 8th National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019). All analyses were performed using SPSS (ver. 26.0) software, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Frailty was higher in women, older adults, single individuals, those living alone, those with low household income and education levels, and those living in rural areas. Lack of regular walking, inadequate sleep duration, depressive experiences, underweight status, and diabetes were significantly associated with frailty. Food insecurity and a mean adequacy ratio of 0.75 or lower were associated with higher frailty levels. Total energy intake, as well as carbohydrate, protein, and fat intake, were lowest in the frail group. The analysis of factors affecting frailty showed that sex, age, economic activity, residential area, regular walking, depression, diabetes, mean adequacy ratio, dental examinations, and difficulty chewing were factors affecting frailty. Conclusions: By providing appropriate intervention programs for factors related to frailty, especially those that can be improved, frailty can be prevented, and healthy aging can be achieved.
Whose operation is it anyway? Consensus for surgical supervision code use
Authors: Cohen H , Simson R , Bamford R
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION

Operative numbers are critical for training programme applications, the annual review of competence progression and the Certificate of Completion of Training. This study sought to determine whether there is a consensus among surgeons for supervision codes being applied to general surgical operations.

METHODS

A survey including ten vignettes (representing common surgical procedures) was distributed to doctors who use the surgical e-logbook. Participants were asked to indicate for each vignette whether they would code the operation as ‘assisted’ (A) or ‘supervised with trainer scrubbed’ (STS).

RESULTS

A total of 261 responses were received from doctors across all grades. For an appendicectomy vignette describing involvement at each key step but no dissection, 58% of respondents coded it as A and 42% as STS. For a laparoscopic cholecystectomy vignette that described dissecting the gallbladder off the liver and closing the ports, 61% coded it as A and 39% as STS. Consultants were more likely to record a vignette as STS (59% vs 49%, p < 0.001), as were male surgeons (53% vs 47%, p = 0.004). Only 20% of respondents agreed with the statement “I find it easy to understand what supervision code I should record in my logbook”.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that there is little consensus on supervision codes for general surgical operations and considerable ambiguity in the system. The description of the codes on the e-logbook is not fit for purpose and guidance from the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme is minimal. Clearer guidelines are required to enable surgeons in training to apply coding consistently to ensure validity in the use of indicative numbers for applications and as a marker of progress in training.
CONTINGÊNCIA E CIÊNCIA DIVINA NO COMENTÁRIO DE MARCOS JORGE A PERI HERMENIAS I, 9
Authors: Oliveira e Silva Paula
Published: February 2025

Resumo: Neste paper analisamos o comentário do jesuíta Marcos Jorge ao texto de Aristóteles Da Interpretação, I, 9 e mostramos que, para resolver as aporias aí levantadas pelo estagirita, ele adotou a definição escotista de contingência. Com base nesta definição, e ao analisar a questão «Se existe a contingência», este jesuíta pretende defender uma posição compatibilista face à relação entre a existência da presciência divina e a contingência dos agentes livres. Para o fazer, recorre aos argumentos de Tomás na Suma de Teologia I, q. 14, a.3. Porém, por causa da definição de contingência que adotou, na sua explicação fica evidente que estes argumentos são desadequados para defender o compatibilismo. Esta conclusão sugere que, à época, se tornava evidente o imperativo de encontrar novas ferramentas conceptuais para explicar de que modo Deus conhece a contingência.
Palavras chave: futuros contingentes; presciência divina; liberdade humana; ciência divina da contingência.
A SENSAÇÃO (SENSATIO)
Authors: Gonçalves Ferreira Giorgio
Published: February 2025

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir a noção de sensação (sensatio) presente nos escritos do jovem Espinosa (Tratado da Emenda do Intelecto e Breve Tratado) e depois abandonada por suas obras da maturidade (Ética, Tratado Teológico Político e Tratado Político) em prol das noções de afecção e afeto. Com tal análise pretende-se (i) evidenciar a adesão do jovem Espinosa à tese cartesiana da causalidade entre mente e corpo, e, a partir dessa causalidade, (ii) explicar porque, no parágrafo 78 do Tratatado da Emenda do Intelecto, Espinosa considera que uma ideia isolada não é nada mais que uma sensação. Uma vez realizados os dois passos anteriores — e partindo deles —, (iii) serão tecidas algumas considerações acerca da natureza da ideia fictícia, do erro, da ideia falsa e do “sonhar de olhos abertos”. Na sequência, pretende-se (iv) extrair algumas consequências da afirmação de que “uma ideia isolada não é senão uma sensação” conjugada à afirmação de que as sensações nascem de causas externas à mente, isto é, do corpo (TIE, §84) e, enfim, (v) evidenciar que os textos de juventude de Espinosa podem — e devem — ser lidos considerando uma relação de causalidade entre o corpo e a mente.
DE PASCAL A ESPINOSA
Authors: Guimarães Oliva Luís César
Published: February 2025

A partir do próprio percurso intelectual do autor, o artigo pretende explorar o conceito de privação, mostrando como ele tem papel central no pensamento de Blaise Pascal e está por trás da noção teológica de queda, ponto chave para o pensador francês. Em seguida, o artigo explora as noções de mal e privação em Espinosa, sobretudo com base na sua correspondência com Blyenbergh. O artigo mostra que Espinosa radicaliza a solução de Agostinho e Descartes para o mesmo problema, recusando-se a dar qualquer tipo de consistência ontológica para a privação. Tanto quanto a noção de mal, a própria privação só pode ser pensada como o resultado de uma comparação meramente imaginativa, sem nenhuma incidência na realidade. Deste modo, mesmo sem ter isso em vista, Espinosa apresenta uma poderosa crítica ao núcleo do pensamento pascaliano.
IMPACT OF CHEMICAL AGENTS THREATS ON INCREASED HEALTH RISK AMONG AIR FORCE MILITARY PERSONNEL
Authors:   Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland, Rusin Paweł , Pabin Agata ,   Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Kowalczuk Krzysztof ,   Department of Simulator Studies and Aeromedical Training, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Gaździński Stefan ,   Creative Neuroscience Lab – CNS Lab, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Komar Katarzyna ,   Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Maculewicz Ewelina ,   Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
Published: February 2025

Abstract: The specific nature of the work of Air Force soldiers involves exposure to defined chemical agents (jet fuel, kerosene, hydrazine, grease and hydraulic oils, exhaust fumes, deicing agents). Long-term exposure to certain chemical agents, such as jet fuel, following occupational exposure can cause damage to the skin, lungs, cardiovascular system, neurodegenerative changes, as well as genetic changes which in result can activate mechanisms promoting uncontrolled cell proliferation leading in turn to carcinogenic changes. Due to the inhalative nature of exposure and the possibility of direct impact on the upper respiratory tract and lungs, petroleum-based mutagenic chemical agents are an important factor in promoting cancer development. These agents can produce changes in the stability of genetic material that increase the likelihood of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, leukemias, prostate cancer, melanoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, and many other cancers. Effects of jet fuels on DNA methylation level associated with the formation of heritable epigenetic changes have also been observed.
THE IMPACT OF TIRZEPATIDE ON BODY MASS IN THE CLINICAL TRIALS SURMOUNT AND SURPASS
Authors:   Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Kielce, Poland, Brzdęk Kinga , Brzdęk Michał ,   Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Kielce, Poland
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represent significant public health challenges globally, necessitating the development of effective therapeutic interventions. Tirzepatide (TZP), a novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist has emerged as a promising treatment modality for these conditions. The aim of this review is to provide an in-depth analysis of data from clinical trials conducted within the SURPASS and SURMOUNT programs, aiming to evaluate TZP's efficacy and safety in the management of obesity.

Methods: A literature review was conducted focusing on the full accessibility of sources. Databases such as PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched. Searches were performed using keywords such as: "tirzepatide", "tirzepatide and ob esity", "GIP and GLP 1 receptor agonists", "tirzepatide and SURPASS", "tirzepatide and SURMOUNT".

Results: The comprehensive trials reveal evidence supporting benefits in weight reduction among patients with T2DM. Furthermore, the favorable safety profile observed in these trials enhances TZP's appeal as a therapeutic option for individuals with obesity and T2DM.

Discussion and conclusion: In conclusion, TZP emerges as a promising therapeutic agent with the potential to revolutionize the management of obesity and T2DM, offering comprehensive benefits beyond glycemic control and weight reduction. Despite these promising results, further research is warranted to elucidate TZP's impact on weight in populations with obesity without diabetes, as well as its long-term safety and economic implications. Such investigations will be crucial in forming personalized treatment strategies and optimizing the clinical utility of TZP in diverse patient populations.
Women’s political voice supporting men’s paternity leave
Authors: Paul Anju Mary , Khamitkhanova Aiganym
Published: February 2025

Do countries with greater women’s political representation offer better policy protections for male workers with family caregiving responsibilities via stronger paternity leave policies? Using data from the Global Care Policy Index project on a diverse set of 30 countries’ paternity leave policies, we find that the share of women’s representation in their country’s national parliament is strongly and positively correlated with more robust and longer paternity leave coverage. Qualitative evidence from five case studies – Sweden, Iceland, the UK, Sri Lanka and Nigeria – with varying paternity leave policies demonstrates how this relationship works on the ground.
Personalisation in racially minoritised groups within UK adult social care: a systematic review
Authors: Tawodzera Obert , Stevenson Lesley , Bowes Alison
Published: February 2025

Although evidence shows that personalisation improves access to health and social care for UK’s racially minoritised groups, research suggests that uptake is low due to racism, discrimination and negative experiences with mainstream services. A systematic literature review of 45 articles found that racially minoritised individuals choose personalisation for greater control and choice over their care but face systemic barriers, including a complicated adult social care system that fails to respond to cultural and linguistic values. Recommendations to improve uptake include involving racially minoritised communities in service planning, attracting a diverse workforce, tackling racism and discrimination, bridging the information gap, and funding racially minoritised community organisations.
Beyond the law and the outlaws: anarchafeminism and Rote Zora
Authors: Marneros Christos
Published: February 2025

The radical-feminist, urban-guerrilla group, Rote Zora (Red Zora), operated in West Germany between 1974 and 1995 and was responsible for several bombings and arsons. The attacks were aimed against those the group considered as ideological enemies; these ‘enemies’ were targeted because they were promoting and engaging in sexist practices and reactionary politics to maintain and extend the hegemony of the capitalist, imperialist and patriarchal society of the West.

The article aims to contribute to the emerging discussion, and hopefully to give some visibility to the important tradition of anarchafeminism. As such, by means of a close reading of Rote Zora’s interviews, communiqués and actions, I want to highlight the importance that these texts may have in advancing and enriching an anarchafeminist theory and practice that can oppose different forms of oppression, coming both from the apparent enemies (the law, patriarchy, the state, capitalism, the police) and from the enemy within (any tendencies of domination and/or the neglect of certain groups and sensitivities within radical groups themselves).
The sexual economy of consent: cruel optimism, capitalism and an alternative
Authors: Sikka Tina
Published: February 2025

This article critically examines the failures of consent as the dominant form of contemporary sexual ethics by drawing on feminist new materialism and Lauren Berlant’s theory of cruel optimism using a political economic lens. I make the case that sexual consent is built on capitalist property relations that are raced, gendered and classed and thus needs to be challenged. Drawing on formative critique, historical analysis and case studies, and engagement with media coverage, this article makes the case for change and offers two possible ways forward, one rooted in Lauren Berlant’s work on sexual relationality and another in the form of a pleasure and care-centred ethic of embodied and relational sexual Otherness.
There’s More Than One Way to Skin a Cat: Animal Impersonation on the Pantomime Stage
Authors: Sladen Simon
Published: February 2025

Abstract: From the cow in Jack and the Beanstalk to the cat in Dick Whittington and goose in Mother Goose , animals are central characters in many pantomime narratives adapted for the stage from fairy and folktales. This article charts the evolution of the pantomime skin role, from the Victorian practice of specialist animal performers in costumes made from natural materials, to today’s bipedal walking, talking, comedic creatures who constitute fairy-tale best friends and family members. Paying particular attention to key practitioners and their costumes, I explore how pantomimes, and through them fairy tales, capture, embed, and disseminate changing ideas about human and animal relationships.
Trajectories of emotional and behavioral problems in young children during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study
Authors: Landolt Markus A. , Ruther Noëmi , Strebel Nathan L. , Schmidt Stefanie J.
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on mental health of children. This study aimed to explore the trajectories of emotional and behavioral problems in children aged 1–6 years over four time points from April 2020 to May 2021 and to identify predictors of these trajectories. This longitudinal study involved four assessments with anonymous online surveys completed by 527 - 888 parents of children aged 1–6 years in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Emotional and behavioral problems were measured using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/1.5-5). Sociodemographic data, COVID-19 exposure, child worries, and parental mental health were also assessed. The prevalence of clinically significant behavioral problems ranged from 4.2% to 11.5%, higher than the normative 2%. Latent class growth analyses identified two trajectory classes for anxiety and affective problems: low-symptom and high-symptom classes. For oppositional-defiant problems, three classes emerged: low, medium, and high-symptom classes. The high-symptom classes constituted between 13.1% and 15.6% of the sample, depending on the symptom domain. High symptom trajectories showed little change over time and were significantly predicted by parental mental health (anxiety and depression; OR 1.13–1.21) and child worries (OR 1.19–1.24), with female sex being a predictor for high affective problems (OR 1.90). This study shows that a significant minority of young children experienced elevated emotional and behavioral problems during the first year of the pandemic, primarily influenced by parental mental health and child worries. The identification of a relatively stable high-symptom class points to the need for targeted and timely interventions for those at higher risk. These findings emphasize the importance of supporting parental mental health and addressing children’s worries to mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic on young children’s mental health.
The synthetic opioid fentanyl increases HIV replication in macrophages
Authors: Madhuravasal Krishnan Janani , Kong Ling , Meeds Heidi L. , Roskin Krishna M. , Medvedovic Mario , Sherman Kenneth E. , Blackard Jason T.
Published: February 2025

Background

The illicit use of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl has led to a serious public health crisis in the US. People with opioid use disorder are more likely to contract infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis and experience more severe disease. While several drugs of abuse are known to enhance viral replication and suppress immunologic responses, the effects of synthetic opioids on HIV pathogenesis have not been investigated thoroughly. Thus, we examined the impact of fentanyl on HIV replication and chemokine receptor expression in the U937 cell line and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs).

Methods

U937 cells were exposed to varying concentrations of fentanyl. Expression levels of the CXCR4 and CCR5 chemokine receptors were measured in cell lysates. HIV p24 antigen was quantified in culture supernatants by ELISA, and HIV proviral DNA was quantified in cells using SYBR real-time PCR targeting the pol gene. RNAseq was performed to characterize cellular gene regulation in the presence of fentanyl.

Results

Fentanyl induced HIV p24 expression and proviral DNA levels in U937 cells and in primary MDMs. The opioid antagonist naltrexone blocked the effect of fentanyl and reversed the expression of HIV protein and proviral DNA. Fentanyl led to a non-significant decrease in CXCR4 and CCR5 protein levels in U937 cells. RNA sequencing identified several differentially expressed genes in cells infected with HIV and exposed to fentanyl compared to infected cells with no drug exposure. Several microRNAs were also differentially expressed upon fentanyl exposure but not at a statistically significant level.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that the synthetic opioid fentanyl can promote HIV replication in macrophages. As higher HIV levels lead to accelerated disease progression and a higher risk of transmission to others, further research is needed to better understand opioid-virus interactions and to develop new and/or optimized treatment strategies for people living with HIV and opioid use.
Predicting the unpredicted … brain response: A systematic review of the feature-related visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) and the experimental parameters that affect it
Authors: Male Alie G.
Published: February 2025

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, I consider aspects of experimental design that affect the visual mismatch negativity (vMMN)—an electrophysiological (neural) correlate of prediction error in vision that is typically largest between 150 ms and 300 ms in the event-related potential (ERP) at occipito-parietal regions on the scalp. I compiled data from 145 published studies investigating changes in a single property or feature of visual input. This review provides a concise summary of the vMMN literature on unexpected changes in features of visual input, outlining the most used (according to review) and optimal (following discussion on theoretical and practical implications) parameters of experiments investigating feature deviance for posterity as well as contemporary research. The data compiled was analysed to reveal meaningful relationships between aspects of experimental design and vMMN mean amplitude and peak latency. Results suggest that whether a control for adaptation is used, whether attention is towards vs. away from the stimulus of interest, and stimulus presentation time determines mean amplitude. Whether attention is towards vs. away from the stimulus of interest, the time between the stimulus of interest, deviant probability, and the number of standards separating deviants determines peak latency. There is also some indication that magnitude of deviance affects mean amplitude in studies exploring orientation deviance. This review and its findings elucidate potentially fruitful areas of future research.
The effects of plyometric training with speed and weight overloads on volleyball players’ strength, power, and jumping performance
Authors: Iranpour Ahmad Reza , Hemmatinafar Mohammad , Nemati Javad , Salesi Mohsen , Esmaeili Hamed , Imanian Babak
Published: February 2025

Background

The principle of gradual overload is crucial in improving sports performance, yet the effects of combining speed and weight overloads in plyometric training remain understudied.

Objective

This study investigated the effects of plyometric training with speed and weight overloads on isokinetic strength, explosive power, and agility in volleyball players.

Method

Forty male volleyball players were randomly assigned to four groups: plyometric training (PT), plyometric training with speed overload (PTS), plyometric training with weight overload (PTW), and plyometric training with both speed and weight overload (PTSW). Each group completed a four-week plyometric training regimen. Performance metrics, including Sarjent’s jump height (SJH), Spike jump height (SPJH), Sheppard test (ShT), muscle voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), rate of force development (RFD), absolute peak torque (PTQ), relative peak torque (RPT), and average power (AP) of knee extensors and flexors were measured before and after the intervention.

Results

SJH improved significantly in PTS (P = 0.012), PTW (P = 0.041), and PTSW (P = 0.001) compared to PT. SPJH showed substantial gains in PTS (P = 0.002), PTW (P = 0.001), and PTSW (P = 0.001) compared to PT. Average jump height and highest jump in ShT were also significantly higher in PTS, PTW, and PTSW (P < 0.05). Additionally, RFDext240°/s was enhanced considerably in PTS (P = 0.001) and PTSW (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Based on the results, plyometric training with speed and weight overloads (PTSW) demonstrated superior enhancements in isokinetic strength, explosive power, and jumping performance. This combined approach is highly effective and significantly benefits male volleyball players, aiming to enhance their physical abilities.
Estimation of maximum lower limb muscle strength from vertical jumps
Authors: Hou Chuan-Fang , Hsu Chin-Wei , Fuchs Philip X. , Shiang Tzyy-Yuang
Published: February 2025

Determining the one-repetition maximum (1RM) is crucial for organizing training loads, but it also is time-consuming, physically demanding, and poses a risk of injury. Vertical jumps are a less demanding and well-established method to test the ability of the lower limbs to generate great forces over a short time, which may allow for the estimation of 1RM in squatting. The purpose of this study was to develop a model for estimating 1RM back squat from ground reaction forces during vertical jumps. Thirteen healthy participants completed a 1RM back squat test, countermovement jumps, and squat jumps. Five kinematic and kinetic variables (e.g., peak and mean power, relative net impulse, jump height, and peak kinetic energy during various phases) were derived from ground reaction forces collected via a Kistler force plate (1000 Hz). Five out of 5 variables correlated with 1RM in countermovement jump and squat jump (ICC = .96–.98, r = .88–.95, p < .001 and ICC = .97–.99, r = .76–.90, p < .05, respectively). The most accurate stepwise regression model (adjusted R2 = .90, SEE =  13.24 kg, mean error =  7.4% of mean 1RMm, p < .001) estimated 1RM back squat based on peak kinetic energy during countermovement jumps. Estimation errors ranged from 7.4% to 10.7% of mean measured 1RM, with no differences between estimated and measured values (d <  0.01, p = .96–1.00). Estimating 1RM via jump tests may offer a practical alternative to traditional methods, reducing injury risks, testing intervals, and effort. Our study proposes a new possible approach for estimating 1RM back squat from jump forces, providing coaches and sports professionals with a more efficient tool to monitor and adjust training loads.
Epidemiological landscape of androgenetic alopecia in the US: An All of Us cross-sectional study
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Wang Tong , Economopoulos Vasiliki
Published: February 2025

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is extremely prevalent with a multifactorial etiology.

Materials

We conducted a cross-sectional study using the All of US (AoU) dataset Sept 2024 to better understand the epidemiology, social determinants and management of AGA.

Results

Most males were 20–39 years old and females 60–69 years old. Men typically have an earlier onset of AGA than females. Male AGA is generally managed with finasteride; oral minoxidil is prescribed in younger males. Females are prescribed spironolactone and oral minoxidil with finasteride in post-menopausal females. There was very little dutasteride prescribed. Topical minoxidil is available over the counter and was not evaluated. Early in 2011 there were reports of the Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS); subsequently, the finasteride prescription rate fell to about 10–20% of the pre-PFS prescription rate. There was increased reporting for AGA in those who drink, have an annual household income ≥$75,000, and those with a higher level of education. There was also higher reporting of female AGA in those with anxiety and depression. Patients with higher income and education may have less pressing medical concerns enabling them to bring their AGA to the physician’s attention. Females in whom the AGA affects their anxiety and depression may seek help for the AGA as a way to address their underlying disorder.

Conclusions

This study provides a snapshot of the epidemiology and management of AGA in the USA. AGA is linked to the social determinants of health; addressing the AGA may help better manage the underlying mental and physical state.
‘Singing with wonder’: An interview between Sherryl Sewepagaham and Mark Turin
Authors: Sewepagham Sherryl , Turin Mark
Published: February 2025

This interview between Cree scholar and songmaker Sherryl Sewepagaham and Book 2.0 board member Mark Turin explores the role of music and song in language revitalization and cultural traditions. Through their dialogue, Sewepagaham and Turin address complex issues of continuity and change, ethics and access, orality and textuality as well as translation and knowledge mobilization.
Monotype MIDI
Authors: Pickstone Edwin , Maguire Paul , Robertson Frances
Published: February 2025

This interview examines the creative research undertaken by Edwin Pickstone and Paul Maguire, in conversation with Frances Robertson. Edwin and Paul’s exploration of how ‘text events’ can become ‘sound events’ came from an initial starting point that considered the history of print technology and graphic design within circuits of knowledge and invention. Their collaboration started with the Glasgow School of Art (GSA), School of Design Research Cluster project The Visible Word, based in GSA’s Caseroom (Letterpress collection), and has run from June 2022. This interview offers a commentary on work in progress from June 2022 to the present. Since the Visible Word group exhibition in September 2023 their work has continued to develop independently, but it remains poised between the materials and processes of typography and sound composition, informed by both and developing new insights through cross-medium transcoding. There is ambition to realize an album of audio recordings made using the software tool created through the research partnership.
Buried Treasures, the Power of Political Fairy Tales, Jack Zipes (2023)
Authors: Ryan Patrick
Published: February 2025

Review of: Buried Treasures, the Power of Political Fairy Tales, Jack Zipes (2023)

Princeton, NJ and Oxford: Princeton University Press, 272 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-69124-473-0, h/bk, $35, £30
La ocupación mediática del diálogo político: el caso de las disculpas
Authors: Bolívar Adriana
Published: February 2025

El diálogo político se escenifica en la esfera pública fundamentalmente a través de los medios cuya participación es clave para superar las crisis en el diálogo. No obstante, en su presentación de los eventos, ellos ocupan los espacios de comunicación masiva con su propia representación de lo que significa dialogar democráticamente. Uno de los aspectos que atrae más su atención son los conflictos internacionales en los que el diálogo es particularmente tenso porque se producen transgresiones de tipo verbal, legal, territorial, y polarizaciones que llaman la atención de las audiencias y las obligan a tomar posición apoyando o rechazando los modelos mentales e ideológicos que los medios ofrecen. En este contexto, las disculpas políticas son particularmente atractivas. El proceso de negociación y lucha en torno a la disculpa puede ser contradictorio porque, en vez de fortalecer las buenas relaciones, puede debilitar la imagen de los políticos y también profundizar las diferencias y no la cooperación. En este artículo examinamos el macro-diálogo en conflictos diplomáticos en América Latina, y el micro-diálogo en torno a las disculpas de los jefes de estado involucrados en ellos. Se sigue el análisis interaccional que hemos desarrollado en nuestro trabajo investigativo (Bolívar, 1986, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010). Nuestra meta es mostrar, a través del uso de varios corpus, cómo se construye el diálogo conflictivo que alimenta las crisis en el diálogo y que revela las crisis de las democracias.
La clonación y sus metáforas. Sobre cómo el sistema jurídico argentino comprende la clonación humana
Authors: Calise Santiago Gabriel
Published: February 2025

El presente trabajo se propone analizar las argumentaciones utilizadas por la doctrina jurídica argentina, a la hora de tratar el problema de la clonación humana. Para ello se utilizarán herramientas del análisis del discurso, como la teoría de la argumentación y de la metáfora. La comprensión de la clonación, desde las posiciones más radicalmente críticas hasta las más moderadas, es centralmente metafórica, ya que se recurre continuamente a este recurso retórico para poder definirla e interpretar sus características y efectos. En este sentido, la clonación es entendida prevalentemente como una forma industrial o mecánica de reproducción, que, de alguna manera, afectaría la individualidad y la dignidad del ser humano. Sumado a esto, también la ciencia es puesta en discusión, debido a los peligros que las innovaciones tecnocientíficas entrañarían para la especie humana y la falta de límites internos que le indiquen cuándo debe detenerse.
La construcción de identidad de minorías étnicas: un enfoque discursivo psicológico a la autodefinición étnica en acción
Authors: Merino María Eugenia , Tileagă Cristian , Silva Garcés José Alfonso
Published: February 2025

El presente artículo se propone examinar cómo los miembros de un grupo étnico minoritario dan cuenta de su identidad étnica, como parte de una serie de entrevistas con adolescentes mapuches acerca de qué significa ser mapuche en la sociedad chilena contemporánea. La atención está puesta sobre la realización y exhibición de la autodefinición étnica e identificación grupal. Nos basamos en aportes del campo de la psicología discursiva para explorar algunas características de razonamientos prácticos de sentido común que los miembros de un grupo étnico minoritario usan para negociar, auto-inscribirse o resistir un sentido particular de identidad, y producir identidades observables y comunicables. Tenemos un interés particular en ilustrar cómo la autodefinición étnica puede ser vista como el resultado de un problema práctico e interpretativo para los miembros de una sociedad. Ponemos un énfasis especial en cómo se construye la identidad de las minorías étnicas a través del uso flexible de atributos y características que definen al grupo, y de categorías y de conocimiento categorial de sentido común. Proponemos que comprender el complejo significado e importancia de la autodefinición étnica para los miembros de un grupo minoritario, depende de la estrecha participación con su contexto situacional de producción y el tratamiento de identidades sociales como un rasgo de cómo las personas se describen a sí mismas. Se argumenta que esta visión de autodefinición de minorías étnicas como un problema práctico e interpretativo y como un producto discursivo en acción puede contribuir a los estudios discursivos e interculturales tanto sobre la identificación étnica de los grupos minoritarios así como también de las relaciones interculturales e interétnicas.
Cómo se perciben valoradas y cómo se auto-valoran las personas negras en Cartagena de Indias
Authors: Fonseca Mendoza Clara Inés
Published: February 2025

El propósito de este estudio (orientado por los trabajos de van Dijk, 2000, White, 2001 y Martin, 2004) es el de analizar cómo el grupo Negro en Cartagena percibe ser identificado por el grupo Blancoi y de qué manera se auto-representa. Esta caracterización se hace a partir de estudiar un corpus de narraciones, obtenido mediante entrevistas realizadas a varios miembros de la comunidad Negra cartagenera, quienes reportaron experiencias de racismo, percibidas como racismo cotidiano en el discurso y en la comunicación corriente, que manifiestan conflictos ideológicos entre ambos grupos. El grupo Negro hace inferencias estratégicas de esos discursos y construye modelos de percepción de actitudes negativas, preferentemente relacionadas con el aspecto físico (APRECIACIÓN) y el comportamiento social (JUICIO); a la vez, promueven relaciones de solidaridad presentándose como víctimas, mediante instancias de AFECTO negativo y formulando de sí mismos auto-juicios de CAPACIDAD positiva.
Discurso político: legitimação, naturalização ou banalização da corrupção?
Authors: Silva Valney Veras da , Baptista Lívia Márcia Tiba Rádis
Published: February 2025

Os pronunciamentos parlamentares do período da crise política no Distrito Federal de 2010 apresentam discursos que levam a pensarmos em uma legitimação da corrupção política no Brasil. Por meio da Análise Crítica do Discurso, em concreto do postulado por Teun A. van Dijk (2006), alguns pronunciamentos do Senado Federal sobre essa crise política são analisados, a fim de destacar o que poderia ser uma espécie de legitimação da corrupção política presente nos discursos. Entendendo o discurso como uma prática discursiva, interessará discutir em que consiste a legitimação, a partir de um exame das estratégias linguístico-discursivas empregadas nos pronunciamentos políticos que acabam por produzir efeitos de naturalização ou banalização da corrupção.
Revisión en torno a los estudios de las danzas folklóricas argentinas y sus pedagogías en el Departamento de Folklore, Universidad Nacional de las Artes, Argentina
Authors: Pascuchelli Maria Natalia
Published: February 2025

Este trabajo da cuenta del proyecto de investigación “Miradas decoloniales en torno a los estudios de las danzas folklóricas y sus pedagogías” llevado adelante en el marco del programa Colmenas del departamento de Folklore, Universidad Nacional de las Artes, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Este programa presenta la característica de promover el armado de equipos de investigación interclaustro, lo que permite el trabajo colectivo y colaborativo, en la formación de futuros investigadores y docentes. Este proyecto pretende realizar un balance y reflexión en torno a los estudios y pedagogías de las danzas folklóricas argentinas, en el contexto académico. En primera instancia, la propuesta explora el recorrido de criterios teóricos y su vinculación con procesos históricos y socioculturales en el Departamento de Folklore. Luego se enuncian una serie de fortalezas y debilidades vincula[1]das a aspectos metodológicos de sistematización y prácticas pedagógicas con relación al repertorio de danzas folklóricas. Ante ello, se esbozan algunos desafíos en clave decolonial que permitan generar saberes en contextos situados y su abordaje en el campo de la investigación en artes en consonancia con una mayor vigilancia crítica respecto al campo de estudio
Sex: reverberações dos sentidos de uma publicação fotográfica
Authors: Bracchi Daniela Nery , Ferreira Iollaus César
Published: February 2025

Neste artigo são debatidas as significações imagéticas e narrativas de uma seleção de fotografias do fotolivro Sex (1992), de Madonna. A metodologia aborda o ponto de vista semiótico, por meio do qual buscamos resgatar significações presentes em diferentes fotografias dessa obra e identificar narrativas paralelas que a compõem. Para tanto, analisamos quatro quadros de imagens que exibem o arco narrativo da publicação, compreendendo aspectos temáticos específicos narrados visualmente ao leitor.
Some considerations on Interactive Art
Authors: Machado Oliveira Andréia , Rebolledo Palazuelos Félix
Published: February 2025

This article explores practices within the field of Art and Technology that focus on interactivity, in particular, interactive art. We examine key concepts relevant to interactive art, such as the role of the interactor, interactive aesthetics, playfulness, and relational architecture, among other elements. In doing so, we consider the interactive works of artists such as Maurice Benayoun, Studio Azzurro, Marcel·lí Antunez Roca, and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Additionally, we question the definition of “interactive art” in light of contemporary computational technologies, particularly those involving artificial intelligence. We seek to to contribute to current debate by prompting reflection on the concept of interactivity and its evolving role in response to current technological advancements that encompass a range of systems designed to mimic human cognitive functions. Ultimately, we offer insights on interactive art, aiming to contribute to a broader understanding of interactivity in art and technology as a systemic, visual, technological, and aesthetic experience.
Peripheral versus non-peripheral optative particles
Authors: Coniglio Marco , Monforte Sergio
Published: February 2025

Discourse particles have been often associated with the sentence peripheries. However, considering for instance optative particles, we observe that their distribution can vary cross-linguistically, since some languages use middle-field particles, while other display left-peripheral particles. In addition, we observe further differences between these two groups, for instance, the grammaticalization process of optative left-peripheral particles is different from that of middle-field particles. Furthermore, the combination with the subjunctive mood does not seem to be sufficient in the case of middle-field particles. Based on these and other properties, we propose a syntactic analysis adopting current views assuming an Agree operation between the optative particles and the left periphery of the clause, in particular with two distinct heads encoding clause type and illocutionary force.
Crystal structure of (4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonyl)ferrocene, C21H16ClFeNO
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Dang Xiaolin , Yu Jingyin , Liu Bin
Published: February 2025

C21H16ClFeNO, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 14.6936(11) Å, b = 9.3784(6) Å, c = 12.7854(8) Å, β = 105.183(2)°, V = 1700.4(2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0584 wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1719, T = 170 K.
Fluorescent discrimination for snake venom via a dual-mode supramolecular sensor array
Authors: Tian Han-Wen , Tian Jia-Hong , Hu Xin-Yue , Guo Dong-Sheng
Published: February 2025

Precise snake venom identification is the prerequisite for clinical treatment, production of antiserum, basic research, and other applications. Unfortunately, it is still a challenging task which mainly originates from their extraordinary complicated protein composition. Differential sensing strategy was applied benefiting from its advantage in discrimination of complex mixtures. Herein, A dual-mode supramolecular fluorescent sensor array based on the heteromultivalent sensing strategy was developed. The heteromultivalent macrocyclic coassemblies with strong and pan-selective binding to proteins were employed to construct sensor units. Fluorescence intensity and anisotropy signals were integrated, which were expected to show multidimensional information of proteins, such as surface groups, protein structures, and molecular weights. Finally, a supramolecular sensor array with the ability of facile, rapid and general species-specific identification and taxonomic classification for snake venom was constructed. The sensor array also demonstrated its advantage in semiquantitative analysis and multi-level identification, suggesting its great potential for practical use.
Enhancing vaginal drug delivery: the nanoemulsion gel strategy
Authors: Basu Biswajit , Ash Dipanjana , Dutta Ayon , Goswami Rajdip , Dutta Swarnali , Garala Kevin , Elossaily Gehan M. , Kapoor Devesh U. , Prajapati Bhupendra G.
Published: February 2025

In the 21st century, 75 % of women encounter vaginal malfunctions (cervicitis, mucoid ectopy, aerobic vaginitis, candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, degenerated vaginitis, desquamative chronic vaginitis, and sexually transmitted infections) that clinically manifest as irritation, awkwardness, irregular bleeding, or evacuation. Vaginal drug delivery, an approach to treat the aforementioned diseases, primarily focuses on vaginal epithelium thickness, cyclic changes, vaginal secretions, mucus and enzymatic activity, pH, local microflora, and the presence of efflux transporters for their fabrication. There has been a growing interest in nanoemulsion gel for drug delivery to the vagina in comparison to conventional vaginal delivery systems (rings and gels). This review provides an in-depth examination of nanoemulsion gel formulation, highlighting key considerations such as the choice of vehicles, gel-forming agents, and permeation enhancers. It further explores formulation techniques, stability issues, and novel approaches like mucoadhesive and controlled-release systems. The biocompatibility and safety of nanoemulsion gels are also critically assessed, along with regulatory aspects. The paper underscores the growing significance of these formulations in the management of various vaginal conditions, including infections, hormonal therapies, and contraceptive applications. As nanoemulsion gels continue to evolve, their role in optimizing vaginal drug delivery systems offers considerable potential for improving therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance.