bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between circulating inflammatory biomarkers and functional outcome or perihaematomal oedema after ICH: a systematic review & meta-analysis
Authors: Kirby Caoimhe , Barrington Jack , Sondag Lotte , Loan James J.M. , Schreuder Floris H.B.M. , McColl Barry W. , Klijn Catharina J.M. , Al-Shahi Salman Rustam , Samarasekera Neshika
Published: November 2023

Background Currently, there are no specific medical treatments for intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), but the inflammatory response may provide a potential route to treatment. Given the known effects of acute brain injury on peripheral immunity, we hypothesised that inflammatory biomarkers in peripheral blood may be associated with clinical outcome following ICH, as well as perihaematomal oedema (PHO), which is an imaging marker of the neuroinflammatory response. Methods We searched OVID Medline and EMBASE on 07 April 2021 for studies of humans with ICH measuring an inflammatory biomarker in peripheral blood and PHO or clinical outcome. Risk of bias was assessed both by using a scale comprising features of the Newcastle-Ottawa Assessment Scale, STROBE-ME and REMARK guidelines, and for studies included in meta-analysis, also by the QUIPS tool.We used random effects meta-analysis to pool standardised mean differences (SMD) if ≥1 study quantified the association between identical biomarkers and measures of PHO or functional outcome. Results Of 8,615 publications, 16 examined associations between 21 inflammatory biomarkers and PHO (n=1,299 participants), and 93 studies examined associations between ≥1 biomarker and clinical outcome (n=17,702 participants). Overall, 20 studies of nine biomarkers (n=3,199) met criteria for meta-analysis of associations between inflammatory biomarkers and clinical outcome. Death or dependency (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 3‒6) 90 days after ICH was associated with higher levels of fibrinogen (SMD 0.32; 95%CI [0.04, 0.61]; p=0.025), and high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) (SMD 1.67; 95%CI [0.05, 3.30]; p=0.04). Higher WBC was associated with death or dependency at 90 days (pooled SMD 0.27; 95% CI [0.11, 0.44]; p=0.001; but the association was no longer significant when the analysis was restricted to studies with a low risk of bias (pooled SMD 0.22; 95% CI -0.04-0.48). Higher CRP seemed to be associated with death or dependency at 90 days (pooled SMD 0.80; 95% CI [0.44, 1.17]; p<0.0001) but this association was no longer significant when adjusted OR were pooled (OR 0.99 (95% CI 0.98-1.01)). Conclusions Higher circulating levels of, fibrinogen and HMGB1 are associated with poorer outcomes after ICH. This study highlights the clinical importance of the inflammatory response to ICH and identifies additional research needs in determining if these associations are mediated via PHO and are potential therapeutic targets. Registration PROSPERO (CRD42019132628; 28/05/2019).
The genome sequence of the pond olive, Cloeon dipterum
Authors: Farr Andrew , Skipp Susan J. , Macadam Craig R. , Price Benjamin W. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Cloeon dipterum (the Pond Olive; Arthropoda; Insecta; Ephemeroptera; Baetidae). The genome sequence is 190.1 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 5 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 29.66 kilobases in length.
Exploring static and dynamic functional brain networks in adolescent depression using a co-produced novel irritability paradigm
Authors: MacSweeney Niamh , Cabral Joana , Stolicyn Aleks , Louvet Perrine , Zafar Simal , Klinkhamer Laura , Casey Hannah , Atkinson Kimberley , Chan Stella W. Y. , Lawrie Stephen M. , Whalley Heather C. , Romaniuk Liana
Published: November 2023

Background Irritability is a core symptom of depression in adolescence and a risk factor for emotion regulation problems. However, its neural correlates are not well understood. Existing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research on irritability typically overlooks its social context. Methods Here, we pilot a novel naturalistic fMRI paradigm targeting the social nature of irritability that was co-produced with young people (N = 88) and apply it in an independent sample of youth (N = 29, mean age 18.9 years, 77% female) with self-reported low mood that were aged 16 to 20 years. Participants were also fluent English speakers, free from MRI contraindications, and did not report a diagnosis of a neurological or neurodevelopmental condition. Our aim was to investigate whether graph theoretic and dynamical properties of functional brain networks differed between a resting state scan and our irritability paradigm. We also examined whether these brain features were associated with depressive symptoms and trait irritability. Results Using Leading Eigenvector Dynamics Analysis (LEiDA), we found that the dynamic properties of brain networks comprising default-mode and fronto-parietal regions differed significantly during the irritability paradigm compared to the rest condition. While no gross static topological differences were found between these two conditions, we found that some dynamic and topological features of emotion-related brain networks were related to trait irritability and depressive symptoms in our sample. Conclusions Although the current findings are preliminary due to the pilot nature of this study, this work showcases the feasibility of co-produced research in neuroimaging and lays a strong foundation for further study.
Supplemental information for "Effectiveness of Residue and Tillage Management on Runoff Pollutant Reduction from Agricultural Areas"
Authors: Prasad Laxmi , Thompson Anita , Arriaga Francisco J , Koropeckyj-Cox Lydia , Yuan Yongping
Published: November 2023

  

This file presents data for cost-effectiveness analysis and summary statistics of annual runoff, sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus losses of the "Effectiveness of Residue and Tillage Management on Runoff Pollutant Reduction From Agricultural Areas" meta-analysis manuscript published in the "ACPE Special Collection II" of the Journal of ASABE.
Modeling understory shrub diversity related to environmental gradients using Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) in an urban forest in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: KIRANA GABRIELLA RIA , WIBOWO ANDRIO A. , NURDIN ERWIN , WARDHANA WISNU , BASUKRIADI ADI
Published: November 2023

Abstract. Kirana GR, Wibowo AA, Nurdin E, Wardhana W, Basukriadi A. 2023. Modeling understory shrub diversity related to environmental gradients using Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) in an urban forest in Jakarta, Indonesia. Asian J For 7: 74-80. The urban forest is one form of human-made ecosystem in urban environments. One of the most important components of urban forest ecosystem is understory shrubs. The sustainability of understory shrub community is supported by environmental variables suitable to its growth. Nonetheless, there has been limited information on how environmental variables contribute to the presence of shrubs in particular urban settings. This study aims to model the relationships between understory shrub diversity and environmental covariates, including air temperature, humidity, light intensity and wind speed, using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) in Srengseng Urban Forest, Jakarta, Indonesia. The result showed that there were 20 species and 12 families with the most common shrub species being Rivina humilis, followed by Acalypha siamensis, Cordyline fruticosa, Syzigium paniculatum and Caesalpinia pulcherrima. The average Shannon-Wiener diversity index was 0.671 (95% CI: 0.441, 0.901). The AIC models showed that understory shrub diversity was negatively correlated with humidity and positively correlated with light gradients with AIC values of 38.696 and 41.679, respectively. The diversity of understory shrubs in urban forests was significantly supported by sufficient light intensity (R2 = 0.29) and limited by an increase in air humidity (R2 = -0.44). The humidity and light intensity combinations also affect the understory shrub diversity (AIC = 38.900, R2 = 0.256). The results of these studies can help urban forest managers manage urban forests if aiming for biodiversity conservation, especially understory shrub species.
Supporting Employment Desires of Individuals With Intellectual Disability: Communication Is Key
Authors: Narayan Sayuj , Goreczny Anthony J. , Haggey Terrie , Suess Phillip
Published: November 2023

Although there has been increasing interest in and emphasis on helping individuals with an intellectual disability find employment, there remain questions about factors related to employment and needed supports. We surveyed 127 people with an intellectual disability from three counties in southwestern PA. Data analysis revealed 100% of those who discussed employment within the past year ended up working or searching for work. Additionally, those who worked or looked for work in the past year found employment desirable; 100% voiced wanting to work in the next 3 years. Despite this, our findings revealed that no one had spoken to over half of the participants about employment. Discussion focused on importance of talking about employment options and benefits of inclusive community integrated employment.
Lensless single-fiber ghost imaging
Authors: Wakayama Toshitaka , Higuchi Yudai , Kondo Rikuto , Mizutani Yasuhiro , Higashiguchi Takeshi
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate lensless single-fiber ghost imaging, which allows illumination and collection using a single optical fiber without a transmission-type system. Speckle patterns with relative coincidence degrees of 0.14 were formed by image reconstruction using improved differential ghost imaging. Employing fiber with a diameter of 105 µm, we achieved a spatial resolution of 0.05 mm in an observing area of 9mm2, at a working distance of 10 mm. Compared to a conventional neuroendoscope at a power density of 94mW/cm2, our imaging could be realized by extremely weak illumination at a laser power density of 0.10mW/cm2. Using our lensless single-fiber ghost imaging, with 30,000 speckle patterns and implementing a diffuser, we attained an average coincidence degree of 0.45.
The impact of vaccine-linked chemotherapy on liver health in a mouse model of chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Authors: Nguyen Duc Minh , Poveda Cristina , Pollet Jeroen , Gusovsky Fabian , Bottazzi Maria Elena , Hotez Peter J. , Jones Kathryn Marie
Published: November 2023

Background

Chagas disease, chronic infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, mainly manifests as cardiac disease. However, the liver is important for both controlling parasite burdens and metabolizing drugs. Notably, high doses of anti-parasitic drug benznidazole (BNZ) causes liver damage. We previously showed that combining low dose BNZ with a prototype therapeutic vaccine is a dose sparing strategy that effectively reduced T. cruzi induced cardiac damage. However, the impact of this treatment on liver health is unknown. Therefore, we evaluated several markers of liver health after treatment with low dose BNZ plus the vaccine therapy in comparison to a curative dose of BNZ.

Methodology

Female BALB/c mice were infected with a bioluminescent T. cruzi H1 clone for approximately 70 days, then randomly divided into groups of 15 mice each. Mice were treated with a 25mg/kg BNZ, 25μg Tc24-C4 protein/ 5μg E6020-SE (Vaccine), 25mg/kg BNZ followed by vaccine, or 100mg/kg BNZ (curative dose). At study endpoints we evaluated hepatomegaly, parasite burden by quantitative PCR, cellular infiltration by histology, and expression of B-cell translocation gene 2(BTG2) and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) by RT-PCR. Levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were quantified from serum.

Results

Curative BNZ treatment significantly reduced hepatomegaly, liver parasite burdens, and the quantity of cellular infiltrate, but significantly elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, and LDH. Low BNZ plus vaccine did not significantly affect hepatomegaly, parasite burdens or the quantity of cellular infiltrate, but only elevated ALT and AST. Low dose BNZ significantly decreased expression of both BTG2 and PPARα, and curative BNZ reduced expression of BTG2 while low BNZ plus vaccine had no impact.

Conclusions

These data confirm toxicity associated with curative doses of BNZ and suggest that while dose sparing low BNZ plus vaccine treatment does not reduce parasite burdens, it better preserves liver health.
Safety and efficacy of paromomycin/miltefosine/liposomal amphotericin B combinations for the treatment of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in Sudan: A phase II, open label, randomized, parallel arm study
Authors: Younis Brima Musa , Mudawi Musa Ahmed , Monnerat Séverine , Abdelrahim Saeed Mohammed , Awad Gasim Khalil Eltahir , Elbashir Ahmed Anas , Ahmed Ali Mujahid , Noureldin Ali , Muthoni Ouattara Gina , Nyakaya Godfrey M. , Teshome Samuel , Omollo Truphosa , Ochieng Michael , Egondi Thaddaeus , Mmbone Mildred , Chu Wan-Yu , Dorlo Thomas P. C. , Zijlstra Eduard E. , Wasunna Monique , Alvar Jorge , Alves Fabiana
Published: November 2023

Background

Treatment for post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) in Sudan is currently recommended only for patients with persistent or severe disease, mainly because of the limitations of current therapies, namely toxicity and long hospitalization. We assessed the safety and efficacy of miltefosine combined with paromomycin and liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) for the treatment of PKDL in Sudan.

Methodology/principal findings

An open-label, phase II, randomized, parallel-arm, non-comparative trial was conducted in patients with persistent (stable or progressive disease for ≥ 6 months) or grade 3 PKDL, aged 6 to ≤ 60 years in Sudan. The median age was 9.0 years (IQR 7.0–10.0y) and 87% of patients were ≤12 years old. Patients were randomly assigned to either daily intra-muscular paromomycin (20mg/kg, 14 days) plus oral miltefosine (allometric dose, 42 days)–PM/MF–or LAmB (total dose of 20mg/kg, administered in four injections in week one) and oral miltefosine (allometric dose, 28 days)–LAmB/MF. The primary endpoint was a definitive cure at 12 months after treatment onset, defined as clinical cure (100% lesion resolution) and no additional PKDL treatment between end of therapy and 12-month follow-up assessment. 104/110 patients completed the trial. Definitive cure at 12 months was achieved in 54/55 (98.2%, 95% CI 90.3–100) and 44/55 (80.0%, 95% CI 70.2–91.9) of patients in the PM/MF and AmB/MF arms, respectively, in the mITT set (all randomized patients receiving at least one dose of treatment; in case of error of treatment allocation, the actual treatment received was used in the analysis). No SAEs or deaths were reported, and most AEs were mild or moderate. At least one adverse drug reaction (ADR) was reported in 13/55 (23.6%) patients in PM/MF arm and 28/55 (50.9%) in LAmB/MF arm, the most frequent being miltefosine-related vomiting and nausea, and LAmB-related hypokalaemia; no ocular or auditory ADRs were reported.

Conclusions/significance

The PM/MF regimen requires shorter hospitalization than the currently recommended 60-90-day treatment, and is safe and highly efficacious, even for patients with moderate and severe PKDL. It can be administered at primary health care facilities, with LAmB/MF as a good alternative. For future VL elimination, we need new, safe oral therapies for all patients with PKDL.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03399955, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03399955

ClinicalTrials.gov ClinicalTrials.gov
Knowing the learning strategy is not enough to use it: Example in reading strategies for Japanese undergraduates
Authors: Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2023

Learning strategies are an important component of self-regulated learning. Learners are expected to use multiple strategies appropriately. This study focused on metacognitive knowledge in the use of learning strategies and attempted to clarify the hierarchical nature of multiple knowledge. Furthermore, the study provided suggestions that could lead to further efficient acquisition of learning strategies. Responses were obtained from 184 Japanese university students regarding the degree of strategy use, knowledge regarding strategy, and perceived benefit and cost of 28 reading strategies. Results of the hierarchical Bayesian modeling showed that strategy use was influenced by knowledge regarding strategy and perceived benefit and cost. Furthermore, the effects of perceived benefit and cost were lower in the absence of knowledge regarding strategy. This implies that to use a learning strategy, the learner must first be aware of it and the degree to which it is used (apart from its theoretical usefulness) is determined by subjective benefit and cost. Therefore, in classroom situations, it is desirable to explicitly teach not only the course content but also strategies appropriate for learning the content. Dependence of the effects of perceived benefit and cost of strategy use on the presence or absence of knowledge regarding strategy suggests a hierarchy of metacognitive knowledge regarding usage of learning strategies.
The CLoCk study: A retrospective exploration of loneliness in children and young people during the COVID-19 pandemic, in England
Authors: McOwat Kelsey , Pinto Pereira Snehal M. , Nugawela Manjula D. , Ladhani Shamez N. , Newlands Fiona , Stephenson Terence , Simmons Ruth , Semple Malcolm G. , Segal Terry , Buszewicz Marta , Heyman Isobel , Chalder Trudie , Ford Tamsin , Dalrymple Emma ,   Consortium, Shafran Roz
Published: November 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic children and young people (CYP) were socially restricted during a stage of life crucial to development, potentially putting an already vulnerable population at higher risk of loneliness, social isolation, and poorer wellbeing. The objectives of this study are to conduct an exploratory analysis into loneliness before and during the pandemic, and determine which self-reported factors are associated with loneliness.

Methods and findings

Participants from The Children with Long COVID (CLoCk) national study were invited to take part via an online survey, with a total of 31,017 participants taking part, 31,016 of which reported on their experience of loneliness. Participants retrospectively answered questions on demographics, lifestyle, physical health and mental health and loneliness before the pandemic and at the time of answering the survey. Before the pandemic 6.5% (2,006/31,016) of participants reported experiencing loneliness “Often/Always” and at the time of survey completion 17.4% (5,395/31,016) reported feeling lonelier. There was an association between meeting the research definition of long COVID and loneliness [3.49 OR, 95%CI 3.28–3.72]. CYP who reported feeling lonelier at the time of the survey than before the pandemic were assigned female at birth, older CYP, those from Black/African/Caribbean/Black British or other ethnicity groups, those that had 3–4 siblings and lived in more deprived areas.

Conclusions

We demonstrate associations between multiple factors and experiences of loneliness during the pandemic. There is a need for a multi-faceted integrated approach when developing interventions targeted at loneliness. It is important to follow up the CYP involved at regular intervals to investigate the progression of their experience of loneliness over time.
Environmental factors of food insecurity in adolescents: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Capitán-Moyano Laura , Cañellas-Iniesta Nerea , Arias-Fernández María , Bennasar-Veny Miquel , Yáñez Aina M. , Castro-Sánchez Enrique
Published: November 2023

Food insecurity in recent years has increased worldwide due to many planetary events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, the climate crisis, and globalization of markets. Adolescents are a particularly vulnerable group to food insecurity, as they enter adulthood with less parental supervision and greater personal autonomy, but less legislative or institutional protection. The experience of food insecurity in adolescents is influenced by several environmental factors at different levels (interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal), although they are not usually addressed in the design of interventions, prioritizing the individual behavioural factors. We present a scoping review protocol for assessing and identifying the environmental factors that could influence adolescents’ food insecurity. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and the PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) to prepare the protocol. The search strategy will be performed in the following databases: Pubmed/Medline, EMBASE, Biblioteca Virtual de Salud, EBSCOHost, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library Plus. The reference list of the included studies will also be hand-searched. Grey literature will be search through the electronic database Grey Literature Report, and local, provincial, national, and international organisations’ websites. Assessment of eligibility after screening of titles, abstract and full text, and the resolution of discrepancies will be performed by three independent reviewers. This scoping review will contribute to refine the “logic model of the problem” which constitutes the first step in the intervention mapping protocol. The “logic model of the problem” from the intervention mapping protocol will serve to classify and analyse the environmental factors. The findings from this review will be presented to relevant stakeholders that have a role in shaping the environmental factors.
Development and validation of an updated PICC length prediction formula based on anteroposterior chest radiographs for the ultrasound-guided bedside placement
Authors: Lee Hyoung Nam , Lee Sangjoon , Park Sung-Joon , Cho Youngjong , Chung Hwan Hoon
Published: November 2023

Bedside peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement is sometimes required when the patient’s intrahospital transport is restricted, and the ideal catheter length prediction is needed. This study aimed to develop an updated formula that predicts the optimal length of a PICC based on anteroposterior chest radiographs (AP-CXRs). This retrospective study collected PICC procedure data as the training and validation sets in three hospitals, including cubital crease-puncture point distance (CP), the actual PICC length (aCL), and the approach side. Horizontal and vertical measurement variables were set on the AP-CXRs. Two dependent variables were ipsilateral upper arm length (AL) and ideal truncal catheter length (iTCL). Simple and multiple regression analyses were used for formula development, and it was applied to the test set to evaluate the length prediction performance. The study included 309 patients in the training and validation sets and 91 intensive care patients in the test set. The final derived formula was: (AL + iTCL = CP + estimated PICC length, cm) = 19.831 − 0.062 × (contralateral clavicle length, cm) + 0.255 × (2nd ribs horizontal distance, cm) + 0.720 × (humero-vertebral distance, cm) + 0.761 × (thoraco-carinal distance, cm) + 1.024 × (the vertical distance of two vertebral body units, cm). (If approaching from the left, add 2.843cm, and if female, subtract 0.821cm.) In the test set, there was no case of length prediction failure. Moreover, the catheter tip position was evaluated as optimal in 82 cases (90.1%). This study’s results suggest an updated formula to predict the ideal PICC length using only AP-CXRs for bedside placement.
Ressenya del llibre: Robert Martínez-Carrasco i Julia Haba-Osca (ed.) (2022), Gèneres a la frontera del cànon. Una aproximació a la literatura il·lustrada i la seua traducció
Authors: March Tortajada Robert
Published: November 2023

Ressenya del llibre: Robert Martínez-Carrasco i Julia Haba-Osca (ed.) (2022), Gèneres a la frontera del cànon. Una aproximació a la literatura il·lustrada i la seua traducció.
El viaje interior y exterior de los personajes femeninos en las obras de ficción de Laetitia Colombani: La tresse y Le cerf-volant
Authors: Alfaro Amieiro Margarita
Published: November 2023

En el marco de la literatura intercultural contemporánea, Laetitia Colombani, de origen corso y nacida en Burdeos en 1976, ilustra el fenómeno del desplazamiento con dos relatos, La tresse (2017) y Le cerf-volant (2021). Si en la primera novela se inicia el viaje de la protagonista desde el norte al sur de la India para alcanzar el sueño que las mujeres de generaciones precedentes no han podido cumplir; en la segunda novela, el viaje ha culminado y en el sur de la India la hija de la protagonista puede iniciar una nueva vida con acceso a la educación gracias al compromiso de otro personaje femenino venido de Europa con el objetivo de reiniciar una nueva vida. Laetitia Colombani sabe encontrar la esencia del viaje interior y exterior, en ambos relatos proyecta la vivencia de las mujeres más desfavorecidas en la India y se percibe el viaje simbólico hacia la transformación social.
La muerte como oportunidad: una aproximación gerontológica a Un político venerable de t. s. Eliot y El sueño de bruno de Iris Murdoch
Authors: Solans García Mariangel
Published: November 2023

Este trabajo examina la perspectiva de la muerte como oportunidad para reflexionar sobre el significado trascendental de la vida a partir de dos obras de destacados autores: el poeta y dramaturgo anglo-estadounidense T. S. Eliot y la escritora y filósofa anglo-irlandesa Iris Murdoch. Las obras analizadas pertenecen a géneros distintos: Un político venerable (1959) es una obra teatral mientras que El sueño de Bruno (1969) es una novela.

Los estudios de la edad destacan la importancia de revisar la vida como una práctica que puede proporcionar coherencia y ayudar a resolver la crisis existencial entre integridad y desesperación. Ambos autores utilizan la vejez y la revisión de la vida para explorar la confesión, el perdón y la redención. A medida que se acerca el final de sus vidas, Bruno y Claverton, protagonistas de ambas obras, llegan a comprender que el amor es lo único que otorga sentido a la existencia.
La derecha retorna al poder en Ecuador: neoliberalismo católico, voto progresista y coalición anti-populista
Authors: Moncagatta Paolo , Espinosa Fernández de Córdova Carlos , Pazmiño Mateo
Published: November 2023

Después de haber sido gobernado por izquierdas populistas durante la mayor parte del siglo XXI, en 2021 el Ecuador eligió al derechista Guillermo Lasso como su nuevo presidente. El artículo explica la coyuntura que llevó a Lasso al poder gracias a la conformación de una «coalición antipopulista» que aglutinó a diversos sectores heterogéneos. Este artículo analiza las fortalezas y las debilidades de esta coalición antipopulista, tanto en la disputa electoral como ya en el ejercicio del poder.
Fenntartható versenyképesség általános vizsgálata 9 közép- és
kelet-európai ország 10 éves távlatában
Authors: Béresné Mártha Bernadett , Kiss Anita , Nagy Tünde Orsolya
Published: November 2023

Nemzeti szinten a versenyképesség a gazdaságpolitikai döntések
központi kérdése, de vizsgálata során a fenntarthatóság fogalmával együtt
kell górcső alá vetni őket. Ennek az az oka, hogy hosszú távon csak azok a
gazdaságpolitikai döntések bizonyulnak helyesnek, melyek az adott nemzet
természeti, társadalmi és gazdasági értékeit megőrizve, fenntartható módon
képesek a versenyképességet növelni. Tanulmányunkban empirikus kutatáson
alapuló, számos szakirodalom felhasználásával szekunder kutatást végezve
azt vizsgáltuk, hogy milyen tényezők befolyásolták a vizsgálatunk alá vont
9 közép- és kelet-európai ország fenntartható versenyképességét 10 év
távlatában, és melyek azok az alapvető tényezők, amelyek figyelmen kívül
hagyásával versenyképességi esélyei a jövőben romolhatnak. Külön fejezetben
bemutattuk a „közepes jövedelem csapdáját”, és az abban való bennragadásra
utaló jeleket. Ismertettük ezen csapda elkerülés és/vagy az abból való
kilábalást segítő tényezőit. Úgy véljük, hogy a világban zajló események,
és az azokra adandó válaszreakciókat alapjaiban meghatározza, hogy az adott
ország éppen csak rövidtávon – tűzoltási jelleggel –, vagy hosszú távon,
stratégiai szemüvegen keresztül vizsgálja meg fenntartható gazdálkodásának,
versenyképességének alapjait. A GSCI-index összetevői annak komplexitásából
kifolyóan világos és reális képet mutatnak be az országok
versenyképességéről. Egy biztos, a jövő teljesen más lesz, mint a múlt és a
jelen. Az elmúlt pár év megtanított minden országot, hogy gazdaságát úgy
kell irányítania, hogy az az állandó változásokra, bizonytalanságokra és a
növekvő kockázatokra felkészült legyen bármikor. Ez azt jelenti, hogy a
versenyképesség alapjait meghatározó tényezőket minden nemzetnek kiemelt
fontossággal kell kezelnie, és mindemellett országának, gazdaságának
ellenálló képességét, válságálló képességét erősítenie szükséges.
Tanulmányunk hétköznapi módon ismerteti a témát. Ajánljuk éppen ezért
mindazok számára, akik felelősségteljesen, hosszú távon gondolkodva, az
országuk nemzeti vagyonának gyarapítását és minden állampolgár jólétének
növelését tarják döntéseik vezércsillagának. Minden további olyan döntés,
mely ezek rovására jön létre, alapjaiban károsítja a nemzetet.
Excel függvények fejlesztése Shapiro-Wilk próbához Royston
algoritmusa alapján
Authors: Fabulya Zoltán , Hampel György , Kiss Anita , Béresné Mártha Bernadett
Published: November 2023

Kutatásunk céljaként Excel számolótáblán alkalmazható függvényeket
fejlesztettünk ki, melyek egy statisztikai sokaság normális eloszlásának
tesztelésére alkalmasak. Függvényeink Royston algoritmusát alkalmazzák,
mely a normalitás ellenőrzésére legerősebb Shapiro-Wilk próbának a
kiterjesztése. Így 4 és 2000 közötti elemszámú minta kiértékelése közelítő
számításokkal valósítható meg úgy, hogy szignifikanciaszint kiszámításával
dönthessünk a normalitásról, elkerülve a Shapiro-Wilk próba táblázatban
adott kritikus értékeinek használatát. Az Excel számolótáblán a
kiértékelések automatizálhatók függvények használatával, ezért gyorsabb és
kényelmesebb technikát nyújtva, mint a statisztikai programcsomagok. A
függvények programozását a Microsoft Excel Visual Basic for Applications
szolgáltatása biztosította. Royston képleteit átalakítva olyan függvény is
készült, mellyel a próba kritikus értéke adódik tetszőleges elsőfajú
hibavalószínűséghez.
Multicultural Crisis Management: South Korea's Judicial Interpreting System and Its Missing Blocks
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Ko Miyeon
Published: November 2023

South Korea's judicial interpreting system was introduced in 2005 as a supportive institution for protecting human rights of foreigners under criminal charges. The system was developed by the country's judicature without legislative engagement and has continuously been improved as such. Although certain academic fields have attempted to add legally binding forces to the system, little attention has been paid to the sociological and historical contexts of the system. For the purpose of legislating the system, the elements that hinder the legislating process need to be identified. In this study, the sociological and historical concepts of a “nation”, “nationhood”, and “citizenship” are reviewed to understand South Korea's Nationality Act to briefly discuss its post-modern inclination toward homogeneous nationalism. Based on the theoretical examination, the country's judicial interpreting system that lacks legally binding forces and field-focused practical data are suggested as the two missing blocks of complementing the system. As an initiative step, this paper concludes with the analysis of how the system is applied and practiced on different occasions and what elements are left to be improved.
COVID-19 Epidemiology in India: A Review, Lessons Learned, and Future Policy Development
Authors: Haq Dr Sameer Ul , Shakeel Saila
Published: November 2023

SARS-CoV2, tentatively named Covid-19 by World Health Organization (WHO), has spread throughout the world as a highly contagious disease. The virus had infected more than 200 countries with 769,341,373 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 6,954,279 deaths as of August, 06 2023. To control the disease, WHO-recommended prevention and control measures such as social distancing, limiting public gatherings, and frequent hand washing were initially implemented. Vaccines were developed, and the disease was effectively controlled to a greater extent. While the pandemic claimed many lives and caused an economic meltdown, it also provided an opportunity to learn and prepare for the future. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of strengthening the public health care system. The need for much greater global cooperation has significantly increased, and world health organisations such as WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank have important roles to play. The states should take steps to build long-term capacity to respond to rapidly spreading epidemics, as well as recognise and adequately fund overlooked public health services. There is a need for sophisticated pandemic preparedness programmes to be developed, and this should be done by every country under the WHO umbrella. This will not only help us deal with any future pandemic, but it will also prevent the financial and human devastation.
The effect of ambient temperature on the delay time of perimeter protection
Authors: Ďurica Jakub , Sovjak Radoslav , Boroš Martin , Kuffa Radoslav
Published: November 2023

Perimeter security defines the private space from the public space and also serves as the first barrier between the intruder and the protected interest. Delay time is one of the input parameters used in a quantitative approach to the design of a physical protection system. The objective of the physical protection system is to delay the intruder long enough for the law enforcement to arrive on the scene and apprehend the intruder. Perimeter protection is located in the exterior and is affected by various factors such as ambient temperature. In cold temperatures, the technical parameters deteriorate and the delay time for penetration into the protected object decreases. The paper points out that the delay time is longest at 0 °C and that the delay time decreases as the ambient temperature increases. A further perspective is mentioned on the adaptation of the tests and increasing the degree of subjectivity of the test results.
Introduction
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, Banda Felix , Mwanza David Sani ,   University of Zambia
Published: November 2023

The articles in this special issue cover a range of topics related to coloniality, language ideologies, language policy and classroom practice in Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The findings and conclusions reached have relevance not just to southern African countries, but to the so-called Global South generally.
Prophets without honour at home: A view from the margins
Authors:   University of Limpopo, Sebola Moffat
Published: November 2023

This article is a personal reflection on how serving as a lecturer of an African language at a multi-lingual South African university has been like thus far for the author. In its narrative and perhaps even autobiographical mode, the article further encapsulates the author’s formative influences towards pursuing, studying, teaching and writing in an African language (Tshivenḓa) within an academic sphere of South Africa. Furthermore, the article foregrounds the challenges faced by a novice lecturer and scholar in marginalised languages such as Tshivenḓa, which include, among others, the lack of intensive mentorship in the teaching and learning of Tshivenḓa, limited opportunities to publish in scholarly and accredited journals, students’ and lecturers’ negative perceptions towards the mother-tongue, minimal reviewers and examiners of journal articles, research proposals, dissertations and theses written in Tshivenḓa. Apart from airing the author’s grievances, the article also vanguards the author’s hope that African languages such as Tshivenḓa will eventually move from the margins to the centre of epistemic and other forms of pedagogic discourse within the South African context, and perhaps even beyond. To this end, some opinions on how this hope can be fulfilled are provided.
Understand Work Alienation, Digital Technology Overload and Job Satisfaction Among Library Professionals in India
Authors: LEELADHARAN M , YADAV NEETU
Published: November 2023

The present study uses a quantitative method and attempts to explain the rationale for work alienation among library professionals working in India during the COVID-19 period. A total of 151 usable survey questionnaires were collected from library professionals working in Central Universities, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), and other important institutions in India. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 software. Results revealed that digital technology complexity (β=0.354) and digital technology overload (0.276) were two important independent variables that were positively related to work alienation and significantly explained the phenomenon among library professionals in India. It was also interesting to note that perceived organizational support (-0.122) and job satisfaction (-0.165) among library professionals were negatively related to work alienation among library professionals. This study proved digital overload and digital complexity as two major antecedents of work alienation while, also confirming that job satisfaction is a major antecedent that reduces work alienation. It urges the top management of the library institutions to provide organizational support to the library professionals to ensure lesser or no work alienation happen among them.
Unregulated Journal Publishing Industry
Authors: Pandita Ramesh , Singh Shivendra
Published: November 2023

The study aims to draw the attention and awareness among the global research and scientific community towards the research journal publishing industry, which more or less is working as a pilfer and has monopolized the journal publishing industry to suit their commercial interests. On one hand the global research and scientific community continues to strive harder to come up with better research findings with the sole purpose to enhance the ease of living in all walks of life by disseminating the same among the end users free of cost, while on the other hand, the big research journal publishing houses have hijacked the industry by turning it into a money minting machine. Researchers are fleeced of their hard earned money by the publishers in the name of Article Processing Charges (APCs) which run anything from USD 1000 to USD 6000 and beyond per publication. Libraries associated with academic and research institutions find it difficult to subscribe journals for their user, given the ever escalating subscription costs. Onus also lies with all the stakeholders includes, government, researchers, academicians and the end users as well, who can’t watch all this happening helplessly from a distance and not putting in any effort to overcome this problem.
Mapping and Visualization of Global Research Output on Military Stealth Technology
Authors: Kuri Ramesh B. , Majumdar Sandip , Singh Kunwar , Patel Ayush Kumar
Published: November 2023

This study was mainly focused on the mapping and visualization of global research output on military stealth technology. The data required for the study was taken from the Scopus database for the years 2001-2021. A total of 299 articles with 1764 citations were found during the search. The majority of papers (74.25%) were published in a multi-authored mode. The overall collaborative index was 2.84. Professors Zhang X and Zhang Y of China were named top contributors, each with seven papers and 139 and 121 citations, respectively. China leads the list of contributing countries, with 108 papers and 731 citations, followed by the United States (51), India (19), the United Kingdom (12), and South Korea (7). As per keyword analysis, "military applications," "radar," and "military vehicles" were the biggest hotspots. The findings revealed that Asian countries are increasingly dominating their western counterparts in global research publications on stealth technology. This scientometric analysis contributes to a better understanding of how countries are implementing new technologies for military assets. Furthermore, it may assist scientists in identifying core areas of interest and future research directions in the field, as well as library professionals in selecting appropriate resources.
Reprogramming of Human Pancreatic Organoid Cells into Insulin-Producing β-Like Cells by Small Molecules and in Vitro Transcribed Modified mRNA Encoding Neurogenin 3 Transcription Factor
Authors: Koblas Tomas , Leontovyc I. , Loukotova S. , Saudek F.
Published: November 2023

Reprogramming of non-endocrine pancreatic cells into insulin-producing cells represents a promising therapeutic approach for the restoration of endogenous insulin production in diabetic patients. In this paper, we report that human organoid cells derived from the pancreatic tissue can be reprogrammed into the insulin-producing cells (IPCs) by the combination of in vitro transcribed modified mRNA encoding transcription factor neurogenin 3 and small molecules modulating the epigenetic state and signalling pathways. Upon the reprogramming, IPCs formed 4.6 ± 1.2 % of the total cells and expressed typical markers (insulin, glucokinase, ABCC8, KCNJ11, SLC2A2, SLC30A8) and transcription factors (PDX1, NEUROD1, MAFA, NKX2.2, NKX6.1, PAX4, PAX6) needed for the proper function of pancreatic β-cells. Additionally, we have revealed a positive effect of ALK5 inhibitor RepSox on the overall reprogramming efficiency. However, the reprogrammed IPCs possessed only a partial insulin-secretory capacity, as they were not able to respond to the changes in the extracellular glucose concentration by increasing insulin secretion. Based on the achieved results we conclude that due to the incomplete reprogramming, the IPCs have immature character and only partial properties of native human β-cells.
Metabolic Tools for Identification of New Mutations of Enzymes Engaged in Purine Synthesis Leading to Neurological Impairment
Authors: Krijt M. , Souckova O. , Baresova V. , Skopova V. , Zikanova Marie
Published: November 2023

The cellular pool of purines is maintained by de novo purine synthesis (DNPS), recycling and degradation. Mutations in genes encoding DNPS enzymes cause their substrates to accumulate, which has detrimental effects on cellular division and organism development, potentially leading to neurological impairments. Unspecified neurological symptoms observed in many patients could not be elucidated even by modern techniques. It is presumable that some of these problems are induced by dysfunctions in DNPS enzymes. Therefore, we determined the concentrations of dephosphorylated DNPS intermediates by LC-MS/MS as markers of yet unpublished mutations in PFAS and PAICS genes connected with dysfunctions of carboxylase/phosphoribosylaminoimidazolesuccinocarboxamide synthase (PAICS) or phosphoribosylformylglycinamidine synthase (PFAS). We determined the criteria for normal values of metabolites and investigated 1,447 samples of urine and 365 dried blood spots of patients suffering from various forms of neurological impairment. We detected slightly elevated aminoimidazole riboside (AIr) concentrations in three urine samples and a highly elevated 5-formamidoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (FGAr) concentration in one urine sample. The accumulation of AIr or FGAr in body fluids can indicate PAICS or PFAS deficiency, respectively, which would be new disorders of DNPS caused by mutations in the appropriate genes. Measurement of DNPS intermediates in patients with neurological symptoms can uncover the cause of serious cellular and functional impairments that are otherwise inaccessible to detection. Further genetic and molecular analysis of these patients should establish the causal mutations for prenatal diagnosis, genetic consultation, and reinforce the DNPS pathway as a therapeutic target.
tra region of the natural conjugative Escherichia coli plasmid pRKlOO is F-like
Authors: Starčič Erjavec Marjanca , Gaastra Wim , Žgur-Bertok Darja
Published: November 2023

The aim of the presented study was to identify the similarity of the pRKI00 tra region with tra regions of other conjugative plasmids of Enterobacteriaceae.For this purpose several tra genes were amplified with PCR and the nucleotide sequences of the obtained PCR products were determined. The pRKI OO's nucleotide sequences were compared to the nucleotide sequences deposited in GenBank and the nucleotide divergence between them was calculated. The obtained results clearly demonstrated, that the tra region of pRKI0O is the most similar to the tra region of plasmid F.
Harmful cyanobacterial blooms in Slovenia - Bloom types and microcystin producers
Authors: Sedmak Bojan , Kosi Gorazd
Published: November 2023

Up to now, research on cyanobacteria and their biologically active substances has been directed principally towards their harmful effects on humans, and little has been done to elucidate their ecological role. In order to understand better the biological success of cyanobacterial blooms, and in order to be able to compare the results of different scientific investigations, we must find and agree on a definition of the phenomenon. We propose a definition of harmful cyanobacterial blooms based on the OECD boundary system of eutrophication with the addition of phycocyanin values. We have found a direct linkage between the trophic conditions in the water-bodies and the frequency of formation of cyanobacterial blooms. Specific toxic species and their strains have been studied intensively. However, in order to elucidate the mechanisms that enable cyanobacteria to overtake eutrophic water bodies we must change our approach. Cyanobacterial blooms should not be treated merely as different species or strains but as superorganisms. It is their intraspecific diversity that permits cyanobacteria to be successful in a variable water environment. Wehere focus attention on microcystin producers and microcystins as an adaptation to the limited light conditions, which arise in cyanobacterial blooms. The conclusions are illustrated with some data from surface water-bodies in Slovenia.
In vitro plant regeneration from somatic tissue of strawberry Fragaria x ananassa Duch.
Authors: Berljak Jasna , Marn Mojca , Koron Darinka
Published: November 2023

Successful shoot regeneration in somatic tissue is the basic requirement for in vitro induction of genetic variability as the new tool in plant breeding. Somatic tissue excised from in vitro multiplied strawberry plants were tested on ability for plant regeneration. Leaves, petiole and stipules were inoculated on initial medium with BA and 2,4-D, or on medium with BA only after 1 hour pulse treatment with 2,4-D. Callus was induced on all sliced surfaces of explants inoculated on initial medium with growth regulators BA and 2,4-D during first 7 days of culture. Explants inoculated on initial medium with BA, after pulse treatment with 2,4-D did not develop callus but abundantly produced fenolic compounds, and tured necrotic in the first 24 hours. Spontaneous plant regeneration was noticed on leaves explants with less developed callus tissue on initial medium with growth regulators duringsecond week of culture. High percentage of explants with regenerated shoots were obtained after transfer on hormone-free medium. The highest plant regeneration ability was in leaf tissue, less in petiole and stipules. Callus induced in leaf tissue showed ability for constant plant regeneration during three months of culture and careful 4-week interval transfer on basal MS medium with 4.4¼M BA and 40 g/l sucrose.