bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic and clinical features of dengue fever infection in Pakistan: a cross-sectional epidemiological study
Authors: Zohra Tanzeel , Din Misbahud , Ikram Aamer , Bashir Adnan , Jahangir Haroon , Baloch Imran Sikandar , Irshad Sundas , Waris Abdul , Salman Muhammad , Iqtadar Somia , Ayaz Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Background

Dengue fever caused by dengue virus is a tropical disease and is among the deadliest vector-borne diseases. The humid and hot summers of Pakistan support the probation of the vectors responsible for the transmission of viral and other parasitic diseases.

Methodology

A retrospective study, from 2012- 2019, of dengue infected individuals from the Punjab province of Pakistan was carried out to analyze epidemiology, clinical and laboratory findings of subjects with dengue virus infection. Data was derived from National Institute of Health (NIH) followed by Dengue control program of Pakistan, covering the incidence rate in 36 districts of Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) respectively. Patients data including the presence of dengue specific antigen or/and antibodies such as NS1 and IgG/IgM were observed. The study also included the analysis of demographic data, geographic data, and the month-wise distribution of dengue cases to examine seasonal trends.

Results

We analyzed 25,682 dengue infected individuals. The statistical analysis revealed a significant association between genders in which male population was more affected by dengue than females. It was also noted that the middle age group was the most affected age group while the highest number of cases were reported in October. Rawalpindi and Lahore were the most affected cities in Punjab province while Islamabad represented the highest number of cases during the recent outbreak in 2019. The IgM and IgG antibodies were highly prevalent among the infected patients.

Conclusion

Dengue is endemic in Pakistan, circulating throughout the year. Highest number of cases were observed in the month of October, September and November respectively. Association between climate change and vector-borne diseases need to be investigated in Pakistan as they significantly influence the timing and intensity of dengue and other disease outbreaks. Further exploration of hematological parameters is required to better diagnose and treat the disease. For the effective control of dengue outbreaks, awareness campaigns on sewage management and vector control along with social factors are strongly recommended for better control and eradication of the disease.
Do improvements in infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices endure the test of time?
Authors: Winters Solis , Martinez Sebastian , Johannsen Julia
Published: April 2024

Background

Reducing malnutrition is a key priority for governments in low- and middle-income countries given its lasting effects on child development, health, income, and economic growth. Strategies to improve recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, especially during the first two years of life, are considered among the most effective.

Methods

In this paper, we evaluate the long-run impacts of an innovative education strategy based on interactive play and performing arts implemented in El Alto, Bolivia on caregivers’ IYCF knowledge and practices. Two thousand and fifteen households were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Two rounds of data were collected approximately 30 and 42 months after baseline. We estimate short-term (30 month) and longer-term (42 month) intent-to-treat effects using multivariate linear regression analysis, with and without controlling for covariates.

Results

The program significantly increased caregiver IYCF knowledge by 0.13 SDs in the short run, and this effect grew over time. The program also improved adherence to recommended IYCF practices by 0.23 standard deviations (SDs) in the short term, but the effect on practices dissipated over time, and no longer-term impacts were detected. Caregivers with above median baseline knowledge, number of children, and age appear to have benefited most from the program.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that entertainment-education interventions are a promising model for improving and maintaining IYCF knowledge. However, their ability to sustain more permanent changes in IYCF practices is less certain. Further evidence is needed to identify other avenues for producing long-term, sustainable behavior change, especially among indigenous populations in Latin America, where literature on education and behavior-change interventions related to IYCF practices is limited.
Four microRNA gene polymorphisms are associated with Iraqi patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Jameel Zahraa Isam
Published: April 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause to global cancer-related mortality. The development of colorectal cancer is linked to hereditary variables that exhibit variability.

Objectives

The objective of this investigation was to assess the potential correlation between microRNA gene polymorphisms and colorectal cancer (CRC) throughout the Iraqi population.

Methods

DNA samples were obtained from a cohort of 100 individuals diagnosed with the (CRC) disease, as well as 100 samples as control group. Four primers were designed to amplify four specific high-frequency variants found within microRNA molecules. These variants include Mir146a G\C, Mir423 A\C, Mir196a2, and Mir370. The genotyping of the PCR fragments was performed using the single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method, followed by direct sequencing of each genotype.

Results

Genotyping experiments confirmed the variability of four targeted variants, namely Mir146a G\C, Mir 423 A\C, Mir196a2, and Mir370 tend to exhibit a significant association with (CRC). Individuals with Mir146a: GC and Mir 423 A\C genotype showed a possible association with the increased risk of (CRC), respectively (P = 0.001; OD 0.50; CI 95% 0.33–0.76; P = 0.002; OD 0.53; CI 95% 0.36–0.80). Individuals with Mir196a2: TT and Mir370 GG genotype exhibited a potential association with (CRC) (P = 0.017; OD 0.44; CI 95% 0.22–0.86; P ≤ 0.001; OD 0.24; CI 95% 0.11–0.50).

Conclusions

The study reveals that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNA have a notable and distinct correlation with the heightened susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC).
Breast edema score at breast MRI: its value in prediction of molecular subtype of breast cancer and its impact on axillary LN metastasis
Authors: Abdelbary Ebtsam Ahmed Mohammed , Ibrahim Amal Rayan , Rezk Khalid Mohammad , Omar Nagham Nabil
Published: April 2024

Background

Since many newly diagnosed breast cancer patients have breast MRI, the value of preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging would improve if molecular subtypes could be consistently identified, and prognostic information provided in addition to diagnostic imaging. Breast edema may improve the ability to predict molecular subtypes and clinical and pathological outcomes in invasive breast cancer patients. The prognosis for breast cancer prognosis based on the findings of breast edema by magnetic resonance imaging will be useful in both pretreatment planning and prognosis. Breast edema on T2-weighted images and STIR was scored on a scale of 1 to 4, as follows: (a) breast edema score (BES) 1, no edema; (b) BES 2, peritumoral edema; (c) BES 3, pre pectoral edema; and (d) BES 4, subcutaneous edema (suspicious for occult inflammatory breast cancer “IBC”). Axillary lymph node status and number were also evaluated in T2 and STIR and after contrast administration. The aim of this work was to assess the role of tumour-related breast edema MRI features in distinguishing molecular subtypes of breast cancer and its effect on pathological axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer.

Results

There was a highly significant difference between BES with respect to the molecular subtypes of breast cancer, size of the mass, Ki-67 expression, LN status, and LN number (p < 0.0001, 0.045, < 0.0001, < 0.0001, and < 0.0001 respectively). However, there was no significant difference between BES and histopathological grade in studied masses, such as p-value = 0.49.

Conclusions

Tumour-related breast edema MRI characteristics may be useful in distinguishing molecular subtypes of breast cancer and could be used as a promising feature to improve the predictive performance of pathological axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer, contributing to preoperative treatment planning and prognostic outcome.
Bioanalytical method development and validation for quantification of amivantamab in rat plasma by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Gaddey Pridhvi Krishna , Sundararajan Raja
Published: April 2024

Background

Amivantamab is a monoclonal bispecific anti-EGFR-MET antibody used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. There were no published methods using a liquid chromatographic—tandem mass spectrometric approach to develop and validate a feasible, novel, and thoroughly validated method for quantifying amivantamab in rat plasma.

Results

The liquid–liquid extraction method was used to extract the analyte from rat plasma. The analyte was separated using acetonitrile–ammonium formate buffer (40:60) as a mobile phase on waters, alliance e-2695 model high-pressure liquid chromatographic system having Agilent eclipse C18, 150 mm × 4.6 mm, 3.5 µm column. The overall runtime was 6 min at a 1.0 ml/min flow rate. The method showed significant sensitivity and acceptable linearity over the 5.00–100.00 ng/ml concentration range. Accuracy was proved by mean percent recovery ranging from 98.03 to 99.99%. The intraday precision coefficient of variation (%) ranged between 0.31 and 5.43. Also, the findings such as Cmax, tmax, AUC0− t, AUC0− ∞, and half-life values of amivantamab showed that the technique was helpful for pharmacokinetic studies.

Conclusions

All the validated parameters were found to be within the acceptable range. The validated method was found to be simple, accurate, precise, and reproducible and hence can be used for the routine analysis of amivantamab, such as in-process quality control by liquid chromatographic—tandem mass spectrometry.
historical perspective on niche tourism: recreational trout fishing in South Africa
Authors: Rogerson Christian M. , Rogerson Jayne M.
Published: April 2024

Niche tourism is an important focus in current tourism scholarship. Although the international literature on niche tourism is relatively recent in origin it must be acknowledged that niche tourism is not a new phenomenon and that many types of niche tourism have a long history. The aim in this paper is to address a knowledge gap in current niche tourism literature by examining its under-researched past with a case study of recreational trout fishing in South Africa. Using archival sources this study documents the emergence of trout fishing in South Africa and gives historical insight into its origins as a niche form of rural tourism. The popularisation of recreational trout fishing was given an important boost by the infrastructure and agency of the South African Railways especially its publicity and marketing material. Enhanced automobilities and the emergence of early drive tourism, a by-product of improvements which occurred from the 1930s in South Africa’s road network, further boosted the growth of trout fishing as a niche in rural tourism.
Aproximaciones jurídicas al diferendo por las Islas Malvinas: el principio uti possidetis iuris como elemento clarificador
Authors: Gutiérrez Pérez Alejandro
Published: April 2024

Este capítulo examina la controversia territorial existente entre la República Argentina y el Reino Unido por el territorio de las Islas Malvinas. En este contexto, se realizará un abordaje histórico-jurídico del diferendo para entender las particularidades que reviste el caso. Luego, se introducirán los debates vigentes sobre disputas territoriales en el campo del derecho internacional, con énfasis en el alcance del principio uti possidetis iuris. Esta aproximación permitirá mostrar cómo este principio es el elemento clarificador para dirimir controversias sobre cuestiones territoriales poscoloniales. Por último, se darán algunas consideraciones finales sobre la pertinencia del principio uti possidetis iuris para sustanciar la reclamación por la soberanía territorial de las Islas Malvinas por parte de la República Argentina en un eventual procedimiento ante la Corte Internacional de Justicia (CIJ).
Falsas noticias y covid-19: el acceso a la información y la salud como pilares de los derechos humanos en Brasil y Colombia
Authors: Aparecida Ribeiro Neide , Machado Amorim Ana Paula
Published: April 2024

El objetivo de este capítulo es tratar el acceso a la información y la salud en tiempos de la pandemia de covid-19, derechos humanos consagrados en Brasil y Colombia. Con internet, el flujo de difusión de las informaciones cambió a una velocidad nunca imaginada por los usuarios de la red y sus proveedores. Sin embargo, internet no es un ambiente donde todo esté permitido. Por tanto, el límite entre la libertad de pensamiento y expresión, y la difusión de hechos falsos, que provocan daños a la vida y a la salud de las personas, es un problema que debe ser investigado. Los mensajes publicados en la web que dificultan la comprensión de la prevención y el tratamiento del covid-19 son serios obstáculos para los organismos gubernamentales y las empresas privadas en la lucha contra la enfermedad. El problema se centra en la desinformación que se publica en internet sobre el tratamiento del covid-19 que lo dificulta e, incluso, lleva a las personas a la muerte. Las falsas noticias generan inseguridad y hacen que un número considerable de personas rechacen la vacunación, lo cual supone un riesgo para estas personas, y puede conllevar mutaciones en el virus que, sin duda, retrasan la lucha contra la pandemia, incluido un aumento de muertes. Por ende, se justifica la necesidad de estudiar la tensión existente entre el pleno ejercicio de la ciudadanía de las libertades de expresión e información, y la censura aplicada a la eliminación de contenidos y bloqueo del perfil del usuario en la web cuando se comprueba que se trata de falsa información. La metodología utilizada será exploratoria y netnográfica a través del estado de la cuestión y el análisis de las políticas de Facebook, Instagram y WhatsApp, y la legislación vigente de ambos países. El resultado preliminar de la investigación puede implicar sugerencias de adecuación a los protocolos adoptados por las redes virtuales y las normas que establecen sanciones para los usuarios que van más allá de la libertad de expresión al publicar información falsa sobre la prevención y el tratamiento del covid-19.
Panorámica de la protección internacional de la identidad cultural de los pueblos indígenas desde el derecho ambiental
Authors: García García Sara , Merino Calle Irene
Published: April 2024

Es notorio el clamor de los pueblos indígenas por el reconocimiento de su vínculo con la naturaleza, entendido no solo como un recurso económico del cual valerse, sino con una transcendencia cultural que otorga identidad a esas comunidades. Se tratará de reflejar ese vínculo a través del marco jurídico con el que se ofrezca una auténtica protección de futuro a ese binomio inseparable comunidades indígenas-medio ambiente. El derecho ambiental actual está desarrollando una figura a través de la cual atender de forma real y efectiva al valor cultural que la humanidad reconoce en el medio ambiente: el servicio ambiental, fuertemente desarrollado en Europa y utilizado también en América Latina. Una de sus dimensiones es cultural (reconocida por diversos instrumentos internacionales), y su desarrollo y aplicación específicos puede ofrecer una solución a esta eterna demanda de los pueblos indígenas. Existe una atención incipiente que en lo jurídico aúna ambas realidades en los ordenamientos de Perú y Argentina. Por ello, se analizará la adecuación de esos procedimientos y se observará si la protección otorgada del derecho ambiental en el ámbito internacional satisface a estas necesidades y responde al aspecto cultural y no solo económico que se oculta tras esa identidad con el medio ambiente.
O Negacionismo ao Genocídio Armênio no Século XXI: Uma Análise dos Tratados de Sèvres, Lausanne e suas Relações com o Negacionismo Turco
Authors: Silveira Porto Lauren da
Published: April 2024

Perpetrado pelo império turco Otomano o genocídio armênio (1915-1923) tem estimativa de morte de 1,5 milhões de armênios, somados as perdas culturais e a grande diáspora decorrente de tal fato histórico. Embora sejam inúmeras as provas do massacre sistematizado do povo da Armênia, são muitos os países do Sistema Internacional que assumem posturas controversas acerca do genocídio, principalmente o Estado da Turquia. Assim, o presente trabalho explicita o Tratado de Sèvres que continha artigos que responsabilizavam os perpetuadores do genocídio armênio e o Tratado de Lausanne que retifica o anterior e demarca as atuais fronteiras Turcas. Com isso, é possível notar as conexões dos Tratados de Sèvres e de Lausanne com a continua perpetuação do negacionismo ao genocídio armênio do Estado turco trazendo à tona a importância do tema para as Relações Internacionais e para os debates de Direito Internacional público.
El estoppel y el carácter vinculante en el derecho internacional de un acuerdo celebrado entre un Estado y un grupo armado en un proceso de paz con participación de terceros: protocolo establecido en caso de ruptura de la negociación de diálogos de paz, Gobierno colombiano-ELN
Authors: Infante Martínez Elquin Andrés
Published: April 2024

Este capítulo explora los elementos esenciales del estoppel y sus efectos jurídicos como principio general del derecho en el ordenamiento jurídico internacional, para considerar si este concepto podría influir en el carácter vinculante de los acuerdos celebrados entre un Estado y un grupo armado no estatal, en un proceso de paz relacionado con un conflicto armado no internacional en el que participan terceros Estados. Para ello, se analizará si, a partir del estoppel como fuente del derecho internacional y la participación de Cuba como Estado garante del proceso de paz entre el Gobierno colombiano y el Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN), el Protocolo establecido en caso de ruptura de la negociación de diálogos de paz, Gobierno colombiano-ELN, suscrito por ambas delegaciones negociadoras, sería vinculante internacionalmente para el Estado colombiano.
La violencia sexual como crimen de lesa humanidad en el Proceso de Reorganización Nacional en Argentina, 1976-1984
Authors: Hernández Medina Andrea Carolina
Published: April 2024

Durante el siglo XX América Latina se convirtió en un subcontinente de gobiernos dictatoriales inobservados e invisibilizados para el resto del sistema internacional. Entre las distintas y diversas dictaduras que pulularon en casi todos los rincones de ese territorio, los derechos humanos de millones de personas se violaron o vieron amenazados directamente, sin contar con ningún mecanismo de prevención contra sucesos ultraviolentos y completamente deshumanizantes. Los repertorios de violencia sexual han sido ampliamente aplicados en los distintos contextos sociales y se han ejecutado en algunos procesos de represión dictatorial. Por años, se libró una verdadera batalla jurídica en busca de que la violencia sexual se tratase como crimen de lesa humanidad, y aunque estos se han incluido como tales, los vacíos siguen siendo enormes. En el denominado Proceso de Reorganización Nacional en Argentina, muchos de los militares y policías que apoyaban el proceso de tortura y desaparición forzada utilizaron este tipo de repertorios contra las detenidas/desaparecidas, quienes, por la falta de mecanismos adecuados en la jurisdicción argentina y por el temor a la revictimización, la culpa, la condena social y la vergüenza, callaron durante décadas. Hasta hace un poco más de un año (2020), se condenó en Argentina a algunos de los perpetradores de estos vejámenes por este tipo de crímenes. Los actos de violencia sexual en los centros clandestinos de detención en Argentina se realizaban para amedrentar, instigar, dominar, castigar y obtener datos e información por parte de las detenidas/desaparecidas, por lo que se cumple ampliamente con el elemento de intencionalidad como conducta tortuosa.
Análisis del tratamiento de la doctrina de las manos limpias en fallos de arbitraje de inversión en Suramérica
Authors: Arévalo Moscoso María Alejandra , Giraldo Silva James , Sánchez Enríquez Mauricio Javier
Published: April 2024

: Uno de los debates contemporáneos en el derecho internacional tiene que ver con la desarmonización entre el derecho internacional de las inversiones, el derecho internacional de los derechos humanos y el derecho internacional ambiental. En este contexto, la clean hands doctrine, o doctrina de las manos limpias, podría constituirse en una fórmula útil para enfrentar esta descoordinación, en tanto ataca la admisibilidad de una reclamación arbitral cuando un inversionista tutelante ha vulnerado derechos humanos o desprotegido el medio ambiente en el Estado receptor de la inversión. Esta doctrina no ha sido analizada en detalle en controversias de inversión suramericanas; por ello, haciendo uso de la metodología censitaria, este capítulo analiza el tratamiento de la doctrina de las manos limpias en fallos de arbitraje de inversión en la región. Entre los principales hallazgos se destaca que se encontraron 14 casos concluidos referentes a la doctrina; la doctrina, cuyo tratamiento y aplicación son escasos en la región, ha sido mayoritariamente invocada como presupuesto de admisibilidad; los tribunales no niegan de plano la presencia de la doctrina en el arbitraje de inversiones; existe un problema de suficiencia probatoria en cabeza del Estado demandado al esgrimir la doctrina, lo cual le impide acreditar su aplicación.
Toward an Evolutionary Theory of Shadow Options: Emergent Functions of Corning’s Glass-Based Innovations
Authors: Andriani Pierpaolo , Cattani Gino
Published: April 2024

By integrating Herbert Simon’s theory of artifact and Brian Arthur’s concept of functionality in technology, we propose a novel conceptual framework for analyzing the process by which shadow options embedded in a firm’s existing technologies emerge and are converted into real options. We apply this framework to examine the shadow options of Corning’s photosensitive glass technologies. The core of our model is that technologies subsume options, most of which are shadow because they refer to functions of those resources that were unknown when they were originally acquired or created. Shadow options are hidden in functionalities. Functionalities and functions are relational entities that exist at the interface between an artifact’s inner and outer environments. The transformation of shadow into real options occurs along a continuum, with two distinct types represented at its extremes: the Schumpeterian and Kirznerian types. We examine organizational attributes that enable Schumpeterian and Kirznerian shadow options and explain how firms can systematically pursue an innovation strategy that exploits the shadow options embedded in their technologies.
UK survey on experiences of men with non-cancer-related lymphoedema: part one
Authors: Cooper-Stanton Garry , Gale Nicola , Sidhu Manbinder , Allen Kerry
Published: April 2024

This initial article delves into the methodology, methods and theories, while the subsequent article will centre on the discoveries, discussion and conclusion. The study aimed to address the research question: how do men perceive their engagement in the self-management of non-cancer-related lymphoedema? An interpretivist qualitative methodology was employed, utilising an online survey based on the validated lymphoedema quality of life tool (LYMQoL). The data underwent inductive narrative inquiry. The study incorporated theories such as hegemonic masculinity and the health, illness, men and masculinities (HIMM) framework. The findings will be detailed in the second article in this series. This article has delineated the objective, methodologyand methods, employing a qualitative interpretivist approach through narrative inquiry. The study incorporated masculinity theories, including hegemonic masculinity and HIMM. The second article will present the findings and their significance within the broader literature.
Taking a reading on NHS patient safety: views from the ombudsman
Authors: Tingle John
Published: April 2024

John Tingle, Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, discusses several reports where the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman addresses some critical NHS patient safety issues
Near-infrared technology for improved PIVC placement: a clinical technology implementation model
Authors: Hart Charlotte , Weathers Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

Aims:

To share lessons learned from an evidence-based practice (EBP) initiative that implemented near-infrared (NIR) technology in a large US hospital system. A Clinical Technology Implementation Model (CTIM©) that can be adapted for use in other health institutions is presented.

Background:

EBP implementation, including the adoption of new cutting-edge technologies, is crucial to improving patient care. Yet there are significant delays in changes to clinical practice, often due to organisational challenges that stifle the implementation process. The evidence−practice gap is increasingly evident in peripheral intravenous access (PIV). Implementation science offers new insights into the challenges of updating clinical practice, which can support EBP implementation.

Evaluation:

Recent literature on implementation science, change theory, PIV access, NIR technology, and patient outcomes were reviewed. A model that can help nurse managers implement technology that aligns with EBP is presented, drawing on experience from the adoption of NIR vein visualisation to enhance PIV access in a large US hospital system.

Key issue:

A pervasive hesitancy in healthcare to embrace technology, coupled with the challenges of implementing a change to practice, has led to limited application of EBP PIV access guidelines and a stagnant standard of care.

Conclusion:

This article provides nurse managers with the tools necessary to successfully implement EBP, drawing on the experience from implementing NIR in a large US hospital. Nurse managers are uniquely positioned to lead the way in embracing technology to improve care and reduce the evidence−practice gap.
“My father’s brothers loved the hills” - Semitic in Sumerian before and after Akkad
Authors: Cerqueglini Letizia
Published: April 2024

The life and deeds of Sargon of Akkad represent the epitome of the political rise of Semitic peoples in the regions once controlled by Sumer (Zettler 2003). While theories of socio-ethnic conflict between Sumerians and Semites have long since been abandoned (Jacobsen 1939a), in the studies of Sumerian‒ Semitic linguistic contact, the perception of the ‘conquest’ attracts the scholarly attention toward the legacy of the Sumerian substratum in the Semitic superstratum (Woods 2006). While the absorption of lexical, morphological, and syntactic features from Sumerian into East and West Semitic languages has been extensively documented and studied (Zólyomi 2012), Semitic influences in Sumerian have received less attention, especially regarding West Semitic. Here I propose some possible West Semitic lexical borrowings in Sumerian, also discussing those previously offered by other authors (Emelianov 2009, 2010, 2011; Rubio 1999). This study is not comprehensive; it is based on sample observations conducted on the corpus of the Pennsylvania Sumerian Dictionary. Keywords: Sumerian, Semitic, West Semitic, Arabic, language contact
Spuren des Armenischen im Lexikon der arabischen Dialekte der Osttürkei
Authors: Fink Andreas
Published: April 2024

Die anatolisch-arabischen Qəltu-Dialekte stehen seit langer Zeit mit zahlreichen semitischen und nicht-semitischen Sprachen in engem Kontakt. Entsprechende Untersuchungen haben sich bisher v.a. auf Einflüsse aus dem Aramäischen und in geringerem Maße dem Türkischen und Kurdischen konzentriert. Für die nördlichsten Vertreter des Arabischen, namentlich die arabischen Dialekte der Kozluk-Sason-Muş-Gruppe, wurde jedoch bereits mehrfach wenigstens geringer Einfluss des Armenischen vermutet. Für diesen Beitrag wurde daher nach einer Einführung in historische und sprachliche Gegebenheiten Quellenmaterial aus mehreren arabischen Dialekten der Osttürkei gesichtet. Im Anschluss wurden ausgewählte lexikalische Elemente einer etymologischen Analyse unterzogen. Dabei fanden sich neben zahlreichen indirekten Entlehnungen, die wohl über das Kurmandschi-Kurdische oder das Zazaki ins Arabische kamen, auch einige wenige Elemente, bei denen eine direkte Übernahme aus dem Armenischen ins Arabische denkbar ist. Keywords: Anatolisches Arabisch, Armenisch, Sprachkontakt, Osttürkei
The š negator and the negative particle lā in Bedouin dialects of Jordan
Authors: Sigourou Angeliki
Published: April 2024

This paper provides a synchronic fieldwork-based description and analysis of the distribution and use of the innovative š negator and the rather conservative negative particle lā in Bedouin varieties of Jordan. The fieldwork was carried out in August 2021 in the northern, central, and southern part of the country, including areas in the Mafraq, ʿAmmān, ʿAqaba and Maʿān Governorates. The Bedouin tribes under study were Al-Masāʿīd, Al-ʿAḏ āmāt, Aš-Šurufāt, Az-Zubayd, As-Sirḥān, As-Sardīya, Bani Ḫālid, Al-Kaʿābna, Bani ʿAṭṭīya, Bani Ṣaḫar, Az-Zalābya, Az-Zawāyda, Al-Ḥwēṭāt, An-Nʿēmāt, and Al- Bdūl. Based on the collected data of the present research, we find that in general, the Bedouin tribes of Jordan still refrain from a regular use of the š negator with verbal predicates, although they often use it with non-verbal predicates and in the existential negation. This paper also attempts to shed light on the use of the negative particle lā in the aforesaid studied varieties. Although the use of lā has undoubtfully decreased over time, it still remains in various cases in the Jordanian Bedouin dialects. Apart from its expected use in the negative imperative and in negative coordination structures, lā also appears to a lesser but not insignificant extent with verbal and non-verbal predicates. Keywords: Arabic dialectology, negation, Bedouin dialects, Jordan
Adjectives and their nominal patterns in Semitic
Authors: de Ridder Jacob Jan
Published: April 2024

Semitic languages have a large number of nominal patterns for adjectives, the most common of which are *qatal, *qatil, *qatul and *qatāl, *qatīl, *qatūl. These can have a stative or patient character, if the adjective is associated with a transitive verb in similar fashion to the participle (*qātil), which functions as agent noun. With the exception of the participle, adjectives are usually independent of the verbal stem. However, East Semitic and Ethiosemitic languages show evidence for verbal adjectives derived from the secondary verbal stems. The present study will discuss the possible original adjectival patterns in Semitic languages based on the distribution and function of patterns in the various languages as well as adjectives that can potentially be reconstructed to the Proto-Semitic stage. Keywords: adjective, participle, nominal pattern, Proto-Semitic, verbal root
Aid from the Elf-Ruler: Line 1314a and the Pre-Christian Antecedents of Beowulf
Authors: Drout Michael D. C. , Kumar Caiden
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Line 1314b of Beowulf is regularly emended to “alwalda” (Ruler of All) from the manuscript form “alf walda” (Ruler of Elves). But the other instances of “alwalda” in Beowulf do not have visible space between the l and the w , and no plausible motivation for the addition of an f and a space has been proposed if the exemplar read “alwalda.” We contend, therefore, that MS “alf walda” is correct, and that the compound refers to the pre-Christian deity Yngvi-Freyr (to use the more familiar Norse name) rather than to the Christian God. We note that in the same passage in which “alf walda” appears, the Danes are called the “Ingwine” (friends/followers of Ing) and that later in the poem Hrothgar’s daughter is named “Freawaru” (watchful care of Freyr). Connecting this material with archaeological finds at Gamle Lejre that indicate the sacrifice of pigs (Freyr’s sacred animal), the place name Hleiðra (“the place of the tent”), and the statement in line 175 that the Danes made sacrifices “æt hærgtrafum” (at the pagan tabernacles), we argue that “alf walda” is part of a larger pattern of connections between the Danes in Beowulf and pre-Christian Germanic practices that appear to have been understood by one of Beowulf’ s sources (and perhaps by the Beowulf -poet) but which were opaque to later scribes.
Las autoridades mujeres mayas k'iche's en la Alcaldía Indígena de Santa Cruz del Quiché: Aportes y contribuciones históricas-permanentes
Authors: Raguex Rosaura
Published: April 2024

Resumen: El liderazgo y autoridad de mujeres mayas en Guatemala en la política y particularmente en la política indígena, han sido logros históricos y de lucha permanente generadas por ellas. En este sentido, este articulo aborda los aportes y trabajos de mujeres mayas k'iche's en espacios políticos como la Alcaldía Indígena de Santa Cruz del Quiché, particularmente en la restitución del derecho y justicia maya en Santa Cruz del Quiché municipio del departamento de Quiché, Guatemala. En el que se destacan términos y conceptos teóricos con contenido y sentido desde la práctica política colectiva indígena, como poder, gobierno, servicio, liderazgo, los cuales contienen e implican conocimientos ancestrales y de trabajo colectivo como resistencia y organización ante los despojos del Estado. Las luchas, trayectorias y trabajos de mujeres mayas k'iche's en los territorios mayas han sido fundamentales en espacios de poder y gobierno indígena como en el caso de la Alcaldía Indígena de Santa Cruz del Quiché, restituida en el año 2004, una de las Alcaldías Mayas con mayor trayectoria y reconocimiento en la resolución y mediación de conflictos en los pueblos mayas.
Synchronized measurement method of burning rate and combustion temperature of a solid propellant specimen
Authors: Ni Hu , Fan Rong , Hu Haihang , Yang Bin , Wang Zhixin , Cao Di , Yang Yang , Shi Zhiquan
Published: April 2024

To characterize the combustion properties of solid propellants, the synchronized measurement method of burning rate and combustion temperature is proposed combined shadow imaging and radiation imaging. Using spectroscopic and filtering imaging, shadow and radiation images of a solid propellant specimen are obtained synchronously. Burning rate is calculated by burning surface movement velocity of shadow images, and combustion temperature is calculated by radiation image thermometry. Measurement accuracies of burning rate and combustion temperature of the solid propellant specimen are validated by other independent measurement methods. On this basis, the synchronized measurements of burning rate and combustion temperature of different formulations of solid propellant specimens under different working conditions are carried out. The results show that the influence on burning rate and combustion temperature of pressure and formulas is different. Therefore, the synchronized measurement of burning rate and combustion temperature can provide more direct data support for the evaluation of solid propellant combustion performance.
Method for the production of a compact source of atomic line spectra in the vacuum ultraviolet
Authors: Hare Jennifer S. , Wilmouth David M. , Smith Jessica B. , Klobas J. Eric , Toohey Darin W. , Hannun Reem A. , Pittman Jasna V. , Anderson James G.
Published: April 2024

Atomic emission spectra provide a means to identify and to gain insight
into the electronic structure of emitting or absorbing matter.
Detailed procedures are provided for the construction of low-pressure
electrodeless discharge lamps that yield targeted emission in the
vacuum ultraviolet for the spectroscopic study of water vapor and
halogen species aboard an array of airborne observation platforms in
the upper atmosphere, as well as in laboratory environments. While
specific to the production of Lyman-alpha, atomic chlorine, and atomic
bromine emissions in this study, the configuration of the lamps and
their interchangeability with respect to operation lend these
procedures to constructing sources engaging a wide selection of atomic
and molecular spectra with straightforward modifications. The features
and limitations of each type of lamp are discussed, as well as methods
to improve spectral purity and factors affecting operational
lifetime.
Wave optical propagation in realistic lens systems through multi-slice decomposition with phase compensation
Authors: Liu Yingli , Guo Fengxu , Zhang Zijun , Wu Rengmao
Published: April 2024

A fast and accurate optical simulation is essential in the design and analysis of optical systems. We propose a wave propagation method through multi-slice decomposition with phase compensation (MSDP) to calculate the wave propagation in realistic lens systems. An estimation of the phase compensation term for the refraction effect and diffraction effect is given, and a modified phase compensation term is presented for calculation through optical systems with a high numerical aperture or an incident optical field featuring a broad spectrum. The proposed method yields accurate and fast results for micro-optical lens systems with the radius of curvature comparable to an illumination wavelength. In a macroscopic optical system with a high numerical aperture, an object with abundant spatial frequencies is reconstructed from the diffraction patterns produced by a single aspherical lens, further demonstrating the effectiveness and applicability of the method in realistic lens systems.
Multimodal illumination platform for 3D single-molecule super-resolution imaging throughout mammalian cells
Authors: Nelson Tyler , Vargas-Hernández Sofía , Freire Margareth , Cheng Siyang , Gustavsson Anna-Karin
Published: April 2024

Single-molecule super-resolution imaging is instrumental in investigating cellular architecture and organization at the nanoscale. Achieving precise 3D nanometric localization when imaging structures throughout mammalian cells, which can be multiple microns thick, requires careful selection of the illumination scheme in order to optimize the fluorescence signal to background ratio (SBR). Thus, an optical platform that combines different wide-field illumination schemes for target-specific SBR optimization would facilitate more precise 3D nanoscale studies of a wide range of cellular structures. Here, we demonstrate a versatile multimodal illumination platform that integrates the sectioning and background reduction capabilities of light sheet illumination with homogeneous, flat-field epi- and TIRF illumination. Using primarily commercially available parts, we combine the fast and convenient switching between illumination modalities with point spread function engineering to enable 3D single-molecule super-resolution imaging throughout mammalian cells. For targets directly at the coverslip, the homogenous intensity profile and excellent sectioning of our flat-field TIRF illumination scheme improves single-molecule data quality by providing low fluorescence background and uniform fluorophore blinking kinetics, fluorescence signal, and localization precision across the entire field of view. The increased contrast achieved with LS illumination, when compared with epi-illumination, makes this illumination modality an excellent alternative when imaging targets that extend throughout the cell. We validate our microscopy platform for improved 3D super-resolution imaging by two-color imaging of paxillin – a protein located in the focal adhesion complex – and actin in human osteosarcoma cells.
Impact of sanitary and phytosanitary measures on agri-products quality upgrading and environmental protection
Authors: Liu Xuemei , Qiu Haojun
Published: April 2024

Protecting human, animal, and plant life or health from additives, toxins, and contaminants in agri-products and promoting green free trade are the main components of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures. However, the SPS measures are heterogeneous. This study examines the impact of SPS measures on the measured export quality and discusses their influence on the environmental protection of the exporting country. International heterogeneous measures do not necessarily promote quality upgrading but greatly increase transaction costs. By contrast, China’s agri-product’ quality upgrading and environmental pollution are in sharp contrast. Based on a heterogeneous firm-trade model, this study obtains three hypothetical propositions and conducts empirical regressions using the Tobit method. This study finds that heterogeneous SPS measures hinder quality upgrading because firms present a different quality upgrading trend, which in turn impedes the environmental protection of the exporting country; the quality upgrading made by diversified SOEs is higher than that of foreign firms and private firms; the quality upgrading made by general firms is higher than that of processing firms; and protective SPS measures have a stronger negative effect on quality upgrading and environmental protection.
Research on the model of staggered tooth phase to reduce vibration of single-stage gear transmission system: Theoretical analysis and experiments
Authors: Hou Shaoshuai , Li Bin , Zhu Derong , Ye Haichao , Zhang Chunpeng
Published: April 2024

Aiming at the problems of high vibration and high noise in gear transmission systems, a model of gear with staggered tooth phase structure(GSTPS) for reducing vibration is proposed. Without changing the overall structure of the gear transmission system, the purpose of reducing mesh stiffness fluctuations is achieved by staggering adjacent gears at a certain angle along the axis, thereby the vibration of the gear transmission system could be reduced. The characterization method of time-varying mesh stiffness of the GSTPS is studied. Then, the impact of different staggered tooth phases(STP) on reducing vibration of the transmission system are researched, and the basis for selecting the optimal STP are obtained. The experimental platform for reducing vibration with STP is established. And some experimental studies were conducted to validate the theoretical model.
Prioritization of control measures in leakage scenario using Hendershot theory and FBWM-TOPSIS
Authors: Laal Fereydoon , Khoshakhlagh Amirhossein , Moradi Hanifi Saber , Pouyakian Mostafa
Published: April 2024

Currently, there is increasing concern about the safety and leakage of process industries. Therefore, the present study aims to prioritize control measures before and after the leakage scenario by using the Hendershot theory and MCDM techniques. In this study, two proactive and reactive layers were selected before and after leakage of tanks, respectively. Then, criteria and alternatives were selected to perform fuzzy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS) and find the best alternative based on the literature review and Hendershot approach. The linear model of the fuzzy Best-Worst method (FBWM) was constructed and resolved using Lingo 17 software. Subsequently, criteria were assigned weights based on thorough calculations of the inconsistency rate. The weight of study experts was equal to 0.25. The results of FBWM showed that the reliability index with a weight of 0.3727 was ranked first and the inconsistency rate (ξ˜*/ξ) was calculated to be equal to 0.040. Inherent Safety Design (ISD) (0.899) and passive safety (0.767) also ranked first before and after tank leaks, respectively. Using the FBWM method leads to fewer pairwise comparisons and at the same time more stability. Although ISD and passive strategies are more valid and strict, elements of all strategies are necessary for a comprehensive process safety management program.
Health and lifestyle advisors in support of primary care: An evaluation of an innovative pilot service in a region of high health inequality
Authors: Ingle Lee , Martindale Rachel , Salami Boluwatife , Fakorede Funsho Irete , Harvey Kate , Capes Sarah , Abt Grant , Chipperfield Sarah
Published: April 2024

Introduction

A health and lifestyle advisor service embedded within primary care was piloted in Kingston-upon-Hull from January 2021. We aimed to evaluate the first two years of service delivery by identifying patient demographics referred to the service, reason for referral, determine uptake and retention rates, and monitor individual lifestyle-related risk factor changes following discharge.

Methods

Anonymised data were extracted from the SystmOne database for all patients referred to the service between January 2021 and January 2023.

Results

In the initial two years of the service, 705 unique patients were referred at a mean rate of ∼29 per month. Each unique patient received a median (robust median absolute deviation; [MAD]) of 3 (Steel N, et al 2018) planned consultations prior to discharge over this period. The majority of referrals were for symptom management and health promotion purposes (95%). Of those referred, 69% attended their appointments, and 14% did not attend. The majority of referrals were white British (55%), however, the service did receive a substantial number of referrals from minority ethnic groups, with only 67% of referrals speaking English as their main language. Eighteen distinct languages were spoken. Most referrals were classified as class I obese (59.4%). Across initial and final appointments, median (robust MAD) systolic blood pressure was 130 (15) mmHg and 130 (15) mmHg, and median (robust MAD) waist circumference was 103.0 (13.3) cm and 101.0 (13.3) cm.

Conclusion

The evaluation highlighted the demand for this service embedded within primary care settings in Kingston-upon-Hull. Service engagement was evident, and a large proportion of those who engaged were from minority ethnic groups. A high proportion of referrals presented with obesity and/or hypertension which requires further investigation.
Assessing the causal link between liver function and acute pancreatitis: A Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Zhang Chun , Lin Feng , Guo Deng-fang , Wang Qing-lin , Xiao De-xian , Lin Jian-yuan , Chen Shi
Published: April 2024

A correlation has been reported to exist between exposure factors (e.g. liver function) and acute pancreatitis. However, the specific causal relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to infer the causal relationship between liver function and acute pancreatitis using the Mendelian randomisation method. We employed summary data from a genome-wide association study involving individuals of European ancestry from the UK Biobank and FinnGen. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SCNPs), closely associated with liver function, served as instrumental variables. We used five regression models for causality assessment: MR-Egger regression, the random-effect inverse variance weighting method (IVW), the weighted median method (WME), the weighted model, and the simple model. We assessed the heterogeneity of the SNPs using Cochran’s Q test. Multi-effect analysis was performed using the intercept term of the MR-Egger method and leave-one-out detection. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to evaluate the causal relationship between liver function and acute pancreatitis risk. A total of 641 SNPs were incorporated as instrumental variables. The MR-IVW method indicated a causal effect of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) on acute pancreatitis (OR = 1.180, 95%CI [confidence interval]: 1.021–1.365, P = 0.025), suggesting that GGT may influence the incidence of acute pancreatitis. Conversely, the results for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (OR = 0.997, 95%CI: 0.992–1.002, P = 0.197) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR = 0.939, 95%CI: 0.794–1.111, P = 0.464) did not show a causal effect on acute pancreatitis. Additionally, neither the intercept term nor the zero difference in the MR-Egger regression attained statistical significance (P = 0.257), and there were no observable gene effects. This study suggests that GGT levels are a potential risk factor for acute pancreatitis and may increase the associated risk. In contrast, ALP and AST levels did not affect the risk of acute pancreatitis.