bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinician perspectives on how change occurs in multi-family therapy for adolescent anorexia nervosa: a qualitative study
Authors: Baudinet Julian , Eisler Ivan , Roddy Michelle , Turner Jasmin , Simic Mima , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: July 2024

Background

Multi-family Therapy (MFT) is being increasingly used in specialist eating disorder services internationally. Despite evidence of its efficacy, little is understood about the treatment mechanisms and what specifically promotes change. This study aimed to understand clinician perspectives on how change occurs during MFT.

Methods

Clinicians with (a) 5 or more years’ experience facilitating MFT and (b) who had facilitated a minimum of two MFT groups were eligible for this study. Two individual interviews and four semi-structured focus groups were conducted online. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Twelve clinicians (five systemic/family psychotherapists, five clinical psychologists, and two consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists) from six different specialist services in the UK participated. Four main inter-connected themes describing how change is perceived to occur were generated; (1) Intensity and immediacy, (2) Flexibility, (3) New ideas and channels of learning and (4) Containment.

Conclusions

Current data matches closely with young person and parent experiences of MFT and intensive day treatment and how they perceive change to occur. Quantitative data are now needed to evaluate the impact of these factors on outcome.

Plain English Summary

Multi-family Therapy (MFT) is being increasingly used in specialist eating disorder services internationally. While there is evidence that it is helpful, little is understood about how the treatment works and what specifically promotes change. This study aimed to understand how clinician believe change to occur during MFT for young people and their family members. Clinicians with (a) five or more years’ experience facilitating MFT and (b) who had facilitated a minimum of two MFT groups were eligible for this study. Two individual interviews and four semi-structured focus groups were conducted online. Recordings were written out word-for-word and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, a commonly used method for analysing this type of data. Twelve clinicians (five systemic/family psychotherapists, five clinical psychologists, and two consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists) from six different specialist services in the UK participated. Four related themes describing how change is perceived to occur were generated; (1) Intensity and immediacy, (2) Flexibility, (3) New ideas and channels of learning and (4) Containment. Current data matches closely with young person and parent experiences of MFT and intensive day treatment and how they perceive change to occur. These factors now need to be tested in future research.
Late La Tène bronze rivets from selected sites in Bohemia: material research
Authors: Msallamova Sarka , Zlamalova Cilova Zuzana , Cistakova Viktoria , Benes Zdenek , Dudak Jan , Zemlicka Jan , Tymlova Veronika , Krejci Jan , Mikova Jitka , Soucek Josef
Published: July 2024

The study presented focuses on material research of La Tène rivets and represents the very first study conducted into this class of archaeological finds from the Bohemian region. The rivets examined come from two significant archaeological sites situated in this geographical area—a hillfort Kolo near Týnec nad Labem and an oppidum in Stradonice. The sets of the rivets selected for the study were dated to the Late La Tène period (second–first century BC)—in the context of Western Europe, the term Celtic period can also be found. Thorough material research of the objects utilised a range of methods such as scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analyser, atomic absorption spectrometry, X-ray micro-tomography scanning, laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and Raman spectrometry. As a result, the research has identified and described three different technologies used to produce the rivets. The rivets uncovered there were mostly produced by casting from a bronze alloy or by putting wrought iron pins into the bronze melt of rivet heads. In addition, a minority of the rivets were produced using forged wrought iron with their heads plated with a very thin bronze plate. The results of the elemental analysis showed that several of the rivets and most of the rivet heads were made of bronze alloys with a tin content of 2–10 wt.%. The lead content of bronze alloy rivets from both sites varies from 0.2 to 10.1 wt.%. It can be assumed, that lead was intentionally added to the bronze melt used to produce the majority of the artefacts examined. Also, several bronze rivet heads were found to be decorated with enamel, which is a type of soda-lime-silica high lead glass coloured with crystals of Cu2O (the Colour of the enamel was predominantly red). In conclusion, two different groups of enamels were distinguished: (a) enamels with PbO up to 20% and (b) enamels with a higher content of PbO reaching up to 40%.
An ensemble machine learning model for predicting one-year mortality in elderly coronary heart disease patients with anemia
Authors: Cheng Longcan , Nie Yan , Wen Hongxia , Li Yan , Zhao Yali , Zhang Qian , Lei Mingxing , Fu Shihui
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study was designed to develop and validate a robust predictive model for one-year mortality in elderly coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with anemia using machine learning methods.

Methods

Demographics, tests, comorbidities, and drugs were collected for a cohort of 974 elderly patients with CHD. A prospective analysis was performed to evaluate predictive performances of the developed models. External validation of models was performed in a series of 112 elderly CHD patients with anemia.

Results

The overall one-year mortality was 43.6%. Risk factors included heart rate, chronic heart failure, tachycardia and β receptor blockers. Protective factors included hemoglobin, albumin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), aspirin, clopidogrel, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and statins. Compared with other algorithms, an ensemble machine learning model performed the best with area under the curve (95% confidence interval) being 0.828 (0.805–0.870) and Brier score being 0.170. Calibration and density curves further confirmed favorable predicted probability and discriminative ability of an ensemble machine learning model. External validation of Ensemble Model also exhibited good performance with area under the curve (95% confidence interval) being 0.825 (0.734–0.916) and Brier score being 0.185. Patients in the high-risk group had more than six-fold probability of one-year mortality compared with those in the low-risk group (P < 0.001). Shaley Additive exPlanation identified the top five risk factors that associated with one-year mortality were hemoglobin, albumin, eGFR, LVEF, and ACEIs/ARBs.

Conclusions

This model identifies key risk factors and protective factors, providing valuable insights for improving risk assessment, informing clinical decision-making and performing targeted interventions. It outperforms other algorithms with predictive performance and provides significant opportunities for personalized risk mitigation strategies, with clinical implications for improving patient care.
Profiling of rhizosphere bacterial community associated with sugarcane and banana rotation system
Authors: Yao Ziting , Khan Abdullah , Xu Yuzhi , Pan Kaiyuan , Zhang Muqing
Published: July 2024

Background

Guangxi is the leading sugarcane-producing area in China. Due to the Panama disease outbreak in banana gardens, sugarcane and banana rotation was recommended. A field experiment with the newly released sugarcane cultivar Zhongzhe 1 (ZZ1) was conducted to understand the role of the sugarcane–banana rotation system in shaping the rhizosphere microbiota. Fields in the region possess characteristics of red laterite soil.

Results

Using Illumina HiSeq sequencing to analyze soil samples’ 16S rRNA V3-V4 region, the preceding banana rotation field had relatively greater bacterial diversity than the monoculture sugarcane field. Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria were the dominant phyla, with distinct taxa enriched in each environment. However, the preceding sugarcane monoculture field enriched functional groups related to nitrogen fixation and cellulolysis. Network analysis highlighted contrasting network structures between sugarcane and banana rhizospheres, suggesting differential stability and susceptibility to environmental influences. Furthermore, correlations between soil properties and bacterial alpha-diversity underscored the influence of preceding crops on rhizosphere microbial communities.

Conclusion

This research enhances our understanding of crop rotation effects on soil microbial ecology and provides insights into optimizing agricultural practices for enhanced soil health and crop productivity. Future studies should explore the underlying mechanisms driving these interactions and evaluate the long-term impacts of crop rotation on soil microbial dynamics.

Graphical abstract
Diversity, distribution, and relative abundance of medium and large-sized mammals in Chukala Mountain Forest, East Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Nimona , Gadisa Tsegaye , Habtamu Tadesse , Kuma Tolera
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the diversity, distribution, and relative abundance of medium and large-sized mammals in the biodiverse Chukala Mountain Forest of East Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia, during March to August 2020. Three distinct habitat types—Montane forest with grassland (Panthera pardus, Papio anubis), woodland (Lepus fagani), and riverine forest (Procavia capensis)—were surveyed using line transects. Over four months, surveys were conducted bi-monthly, focusing on parameters such as species richness, and population distribution. Analysis revealed twelve mammal species spanning five orders and eight families, with olive baboons (Papio anubis) prevailing as the most abundant species, while leopards (Panthera pardus), bush hares (Lepus fagani), and rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis) were less frequently encountered. Woodland habitats exhibited the highest species richness (H = 1.700), followed by montane forest with grassland (H = 1.156) and riverine forest (H = 1.070). Notably, montane forest with grassland and riverine forest habitats shared similar species compositions across seasons (SI = 1). In conclusion, these findings provide valuable insights into the mammalian diversity and ecology of the Chukala Mountain Forest, highlighting the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in the region. Based on the findings, it is recommended to implement conservation measures focusing on preserving and enhancing the habitats of less common species such as the leopard, bush hare, and rock hyrax. Continual monitoring and research are recommended to track population dynamics and guide conservation initiatives for long-term ecosystem preservation. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of proactive conservation measures in maintaining the ecological integrity of this vital ecosystem.
A phase 2, multicenter study of TILs treatment in advanced tumors with alterations in the SWI/SNF complex: The TILTS study.
Authors: Martin-Liberal Juan , Garralda Elena , Donas Jesus Garcia , Soto Juan Jose , Codony Carles , Martín-Lluesma Silvia , Muñoz Susana , Galvao Vladimir , Lostes-Bardaji M. Julia , Rotxés Marta , Querol Sergio , Rodriguez Luciano , Muñoz Ainhoa , Moreno Rafael , Garcia del Muro Xavier , Alemany Ramón , Gros Alena , Piulats Josep M.
Published: July 2024

TPS2674

Background: Tumors associated with SWI/SNF complex (SWI/SNFc) mutations, mainly SMARCA4 and SMARCB1 loss, are a heterogeneous group of malignancies with rhabdoid features that typically affect young patients (pts). These are aggressive malignancies with poor prognosis for which no standard treatment is available. Despite not having a high tumor mutation burden, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are usually present in high numbers. The biologic reasons for this feature are not clearly understood but might be associated to changes in gene expression due to aberrant chromatin remodeling. However, these TILs indicate that tumor antigens are recognized by lymphocytes unveiling a vulnerability that can be exploited by immunotherapy. The objective of the TILTS study is to develop a personalized adoptive cell therapy using TILs in pts affected by these tumors. Methods: Single arm, multi center, phase 2 study of TILs in pts with advanced tumors associated with SWI/SNFc mutations. Pts are treated at 3 centers in Spain: Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Barcelona, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, and Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal (HM CIOCC), Madrid. Primary endpoint is overall response rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1. Secondary endpoints include toxicity evaluation, duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS). After informed consent is obtained, tumor resection is performed. Total volume of tumor resected should be at least 1.5 cc to assure TIL isolation. Eligible pts enter the treatment phase. TILs are produced under GMP conditions. During the TILs manufacturing process, pts are allowed to receive standard treatment if clinically indicated. Before TIL infusion, pts receive non-myeloablative preconditioning lymphodepletion with daily intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide (60 mg/kg; IV x2 doses) and daily fludarabine (25 mg/m2; IV x5 doses). Infusion of autologous TILs is given on Day 0 followed by administration of IL-2 at 600,000 international units (IU)/kg every 8-12 hours for a maximum of 6 doses. After 4 weeks, a new tumor biopsy is optional. First image evaluation is performed after 8 weeks from TIL infusion. Pts without progression enter the follow-up phase. An ancillary translational study will explore mechanisms of immunogenicity, antigen recognition, TILs anti-tumor activity, and changes in the stool microbiome and specific TCR population during treatment. Also, tumor immune microenvironment will be analyzed. Clinical trial information: 2023-504632-17-00 . [Table: see text]
Phase 1 study of AM003, a novel individualized immunotherapy, in a basket of advanced solid tumors.
Authors: Carmi Levy Irit , Amitzi Leanne , Lavi Erez , Zilony - Hanin Neta , Pode Zohar , Berger Raanan , Smith Karen
Published: July 2024

TPS2692

Background: Aummune is developing a unique individualized immunotherapy (‘AM003’), designed to have three activities mediated by three different domains: (1) the ‘Variable Domain, identified de novo for each individual patient, based on its ability to specifically induce cell death on patient’s tumor cells; (2) the ‘General Domain’, designed to engage with immune T cells to cause tumor cell lysis; and (3) a ‘CpG-rich Domain’ that stimulates Antigen Presenting Cells. Aummune’s process begins with sampling the patient’s tumor (via biopsy) and healthy cells (PBMCs). The cancerous cells are grown in a 3D culture and once the cells propagate and reach a critical biomass, they are subjected to Aummune’s proprietary platform for the identification of the Variable Domain. Once a tumoricidal sequence is identified, it is manufactured and the drug product (DP) is assembled at the production facility. Following release, the DP is shipped to the medical site for treatment of the patient. Methods: AM003 is being evaluated as an immune-oncology agent in advanced/metastatic relapsed/refractory solid tumors. A First-In-Human Phase 1, open-label multicenter, dose-escalation study of AM003 is ongoing with the following cohorts: (1) 34mg (2) 68mg and (3) 136 mg of AM003 monotherapy administered intratumorally / local subcutaneously once per week for 4 weeks, followed by 6 doses administered every 2 weeks. Key inclusion criteria include (i) histologically confirmed locally advanced/metastatic solid tumors who received and progressed after, or were intolerant to, at least 1 prior systemic therapy and are not candidates for any therapy known to confer clinical benefit. (ii) lesions that are safely amenable to IT injection. The primary objective is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of AM003. Additional objectives include assessment of preliminary evidence of clinical benefit, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics measurements as well as identification of biomarkers. Endpoints: AEs are assessed according to CTCAE v5, treatment response is determined according to RECIST 1.1 and iRECIST, changes in putative markers are evaluated based on multiple analyses methodologies. 10 patients were included in the dose-escalation part: 1(n=4), 2 (n=3), and 3 (n=3). Cohorts 1, 2 and 3 have been completed without DLTs. The DSMB last reviewed the escalation data in January 2024 and concluded that the trial can continue as planned. Enrollment of 136mg dose expansion is ongoing and completion of the trial will be mid 2024. Clinical trial information: MOH_2022-03-29_010690 .
Hypoxemic Cardiac Arrest from Aspiration of a Cracker in the Postanesthesia Care Unit: A Case Report
Authors: Quinn Jacqueline A. , Nanda Monika
Published: July 2024

A 71-year-old woman with coronary artery disease presented for carotid artery revascularization. After general anesthesia, the patient arrived in stable condition to the postanesthesia care unit. While awaiting transfer to her inpatient room, telemetry alarms alerted her nurse, who found the patient unresponsive, cyanotic, and pulseless. Advanced cardiovascular life support was initiated, with return of spontaneous circulation obtained after 1 round of chest compressions. On oropharyngeal examination, food particles were observed and suctioned. The patient then coughed up additional cracker pieces. This case highlights the risk of aspiration from dry, solid foods in the elderly during the postanesthesia recovery period.
Appealing to the World: Du Bois and the Transnational Politics of Petition
Authors: Dahl Adam
Published: July 2024

As a mode of radical, anti-colonial politics, the petition and related genre of the appeal would seem to hold little promise. This paper uncovers the radical and transnational politics of petitioning in W. E. B. Du Bois's work with and against the United Nations in the 1940s. Examining a range of petitions beyond the more widely examined Appeal to the World (1947), this article argues that Du Bois subverts the familiar genre conventions of the petition and appeal. The effect is not an appeal to a higher political authority to correct domestic injustices but to contest the shape of the international order itself by highlighting the transnational connection between colonial domination and racial exclusion within the domestic jurisdiction of imperial nation-states and the racial hierarchies of the international order. Instead of leaving the authority of the international order defined by the primacy of the sovereign state system intact, Du Bois contests this authority by exposing how racial hierarchy and colonial rule cut against enshrined divisions between internal state sovereignty and international law. The essay closes by exploring how other anti-colonial figures in the twentieth century such as B. R. Ambedkar and Malcolm X similarly turned to the transnational politics of appeal.
The Myth of Westphalian Common Sense: Abjuration and Republicanism in Quilombos's Palmares
Authors: Grovogui Siba N'Zatioula
Published: July 2024

The essay addresses a concern that significant dimensions of the consciousness and language associated with modern revolutions have gone missing from discussions related to agency. It centers on Quilombos, who in the early seventeenth century created Palmares as a unique constitutional experiment and yet have been excluded from disciplinary common sense in political and international theories on the matters of modern consciousness, constitutionalism, and republicanism. The essay revisit questions of world-historical events that cast Africans as outside of time. The author counters disciplinary common sense by revisiting the moral statuses of modern political apologias, which are associated with the will to independence, and abjurations, taken to be formative expressions of self-determination. Both modern apologias and abjurations are taken to be the point of origination of modern consciousness associated with the birth of modern republicanism. Quilombo revolution demonstrates that political rationality, which underpins political action, is an expression of cognitive, material, and symbolic conditions due to time. The associated consciousness and actions may simultaneously take place across multiple spaces. This is to say that the expression of political subjectivity, which is a matter of consciousness and language, may in time be more widespread than parochial or national histories suggest. The Dutch and Quilombos revolutions prove this point.
KEY CONCEPTS OF THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE "RUSSIAN IDEA" IN A PHILOSOPHICAL ASPECT
Authors: Khvoshchevskaia Irina V.
Published: July 2024

The author of the article presents a study on the dialectics of the universal spirit from the perspective of Russian philosophy. The interrelation of concepts such as "national spirit," "folk soul," "national self-consciousness," "national character," and others is analyzed. The significance of the "Russian idea" for Russian self-consciousness is shown, revealing the uniqueness of the worldview of the Russian people, basic traditional values, and the distinctive path of civilization development. A historical overview and the stages of the development of ideas about the "Russian idea" are provided, highlighting the peculiarities of the development of national self-consciousness.
The author elaborates on the idea that the "Russian idea" is one of the philosophical foundations of national self-consciousness, representing a unique understanding of the Russian soul and national character. The author employs methods of historical-philosophical analysis and the cultural studies method, allowing for an analysis of the course of historical changes in ideas about the Russian idea over centuries.
Geographic Information System (GIS) for ecology: a bibliometric network analysis
Authors: Alcaras Emanuele , Amoroso Pier Paolo , Figliomeni Francesco Giuseppe , Parente Claudio
Published: July 2024

Introduced in 1960s to store, analyse, and manipulate data collected for the Canada Land Inventory by mapping information about soils, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, waterfowl, forestry and land use, since their origins Geographic Information Systems (GISs) have had a fundamental role in the study of the environment. As computers systems for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth's surface, GISs have quickly become an effective and powerful tool for addressing ecological issues, analysing the relationship between living things and their habitats, assessing the environmental impact of man-made transformations of a territory. This article aims to show and discuss the results of a study concerning quantitative distribution of GIS for ecology in literature from Scopus database using bibliometric analysis. Bibliometric analysis is a scientific computer assisted review methodology to explore the major research interests in scientific literature, so to identify core research authors, as well as their relationship, by covering articles, conference papers, book chapters and reviews related to a given topic or field. The high number of scientific manuscripts published on the subject (5,204) in the analysed period (1979-2021), remarked the soundness of this topic. While China shows the greatest number of published documents, USA is the country with the most cited documents. Specifically, “remote sensing”, “spatial analysis” and “land use” are the keywords most frequently linked to GIS and ecology, so to underline respectively three aspects: the relevance of environment monitoring by           satellite, airplane or drone, the utility of relating ecological questions to the geo-localization, the necessity of produce thematic maps for describing the economic and cultural activities (e.g., agricultural, residential, industrial, and recreational uses) that are practiced at a given place. Since the study shows that trend of publications focusing on the application of GIS for ecology is increasing, further growing is expected in the next future, also considering the ductility that these computer systems provide in different fields.
The Scientific Research on Environmental Accounting: A Bibliometric Network Analysis
Authors: El Alam Razane , Grande Umberto , Buonocore Elvira , Paletto Alessandro , Franzese Pier Paolo
Published: July 2024

Environmental accounting refers to methodologies aimed at assessing natural resources and the impacts human activities generate on them. Over the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in environmental accounting both in scientific and policy contexts, which recognize its important role in assessing the environmental costs and impacts generated by humans on natural ecosystems. In this study, we explored the global scientific literature on environmental accounting over the last fifty years. Based on scientific publications data, the VOSviewer software was used to generate network maps on environmental accounting displaying the relationships among scientific journals, keywords, researchers, and countries. In total, environmental accounting resulted to be the subject of 1,603 publications. The main keywords related to environmental accounting were “sustainable development”, “environmental economics”, and “sustainability”, highlighting the important role played by environmental accounting tools for assessing environmental sustainability. In addition, United Kingdom, United States, and Italy, resulted the top countries in the research field of environmental accounting. In conclusion, the application of systems thinking in bibliometric science allowed a broad investigation of the research on environmental accounting, resulting a valuable approach for identifying trends and gaps in this research area.
Evaluating the environmental effects of open dumps and waste farming: A case study
Authors: Ria Ghosh  , Tumpa Hazra  , Indranil Mukherjee  , Ushcats Svitlana , Md WasimAkram  , Md Athar Akram  , Mohd Sayeed Ul Hasan  , Tinku Biswas  , Sheela Malik  , Md Anzar Rabbani  , Oleh Vlasenko
Published: July 2024

Dhapa, the landfill situated in Kolkata, is a very active site for municipal dumping. A humongous amount of municipal solid waste is added in this dump daily and the nearby farmlands produce a significant yield for the local population. The current study seeks to examine the environmental associated with leachate migration due to open dumping of unsorted solid waste in Dhapa, Kolkata, India. Also, the second goal of the study is to assess the risk to public health associated with the consumption of agricultural products possibly contaminated with heavy metals through soil and groundwater. The seasonal soil and groundwater sample, and samples of products grown near the landfill were collected around the periphery of Dhapa. The presence of heavy metals in the samples was determined using classical methods in a specialized laboratory. The soil and groundwater results compared to FAO/WHO, and BIS/WHO was found that toxic metal Cd, Cr, Zn, Pb & Hg were present in high concentrations. For the vegetables grown at the site fields, multiple samples were collected as multiple different vegetables are grown around the year, it was found that mainly Cd, Cr, Zn, Pb and Hg exceeding Indian permissible standards of consumptions many fold. Finally by the use of multiple indices like Average Daily Dose (ADD) & Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) along with Hazard Quotient (HQ) it was found that carcinogenic risk, on human health, was highest in the ground water and vegetables. The current study fills the gap associated with the scientific substantiation of actively developing environmental hazards at the regional level.
Study on ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used by local people inhabiting char area, Kamrup District, Assam, North-East India
Authors: Kalita Chhan Kumar , Mili Chiranjib , Deka Mansh Jyoti , Das Pratisha , Das Sabebaro Namo
Published: July 2024

The inhabitants of char areas of Kamrup district, Assam (India) have relied on medicinal plants to treat various livestock diseases. Due to the lack of proper documentation, these plants have received little attention. Therefore, studying these plant species' diversity, utilisation, and phytochemistry is crucial. By doing so, we can preserve their traditional knowledge and comprehend the possibility of using these plants to develop new drugs. The present investigation documented 30 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 genera and 22 families. These plants were used against the treatment of 12 disease categories. The families Fabaceae and Zingiberaceae, with three species for each, were dominant, while the leaf (22%) and seed (16%) were the most frequently used plant parts. The informant consensus factor (Fic) was found to be highest in neurological disorders and neglected tropical diseases (NTD) with a value of 1.0 each. In contrast, the relative frequency of citation (RFC) was found to be highest in Curcuma longa L. (0.41) and Zingiber officinale Roscoe (0.37). This study provides reliable data on medicinal plants and indigenous ethnoveterinary knowledge that could act as a reference for future researchers dealing with new drug discovery.
Blockchain technology for ecological and environmental applications
Authors: Anuradha Yadav  , Shivani Shivani  , Vijaya Kittu Manda  , Vikramaditya Sangwan  , Demkiv Anna
Published: July 2024

This research study examines the use of Blockchain technology for ecological and environmental applications. The study presents a conceptual view aided by a literature survey to identify three major Blockchain themes connecting with the research topic - Transparency and Traceability, Conservation and Incentives, and Data Management and Monitoring. The goal of the study is to use the features offered by Blockchain Technology for sustainability, ecology, and environmental applications. As this research shows, technology can help in conservation and incentive practices such as conservation finance, tokenized rewards for ecosystem services, and rewards for sustainable practices. Blockchain has good data management and monitoring practices that can help secure environmental data, monitor various environmental parameters in real time, and provide a decentralized platform/infrastructure for environmental data analytics. Findings from this study can help environmental practitioners and researchers, research bodies, and Governmental agencies keen to use technology to preserve ecology and the environment and encourage sustainable practices.
Kṛpa
Authors: Köhler Frank
Published: July 2024

In a recent study (Pontillo 2016) it has been argued that the Mahābhārata contains traces of a heterodox culture, the Vrātya-culture, and these emerge most clearly in connection with Bhīṣma and Droṇa. In this article it will be strongly suggested that any analysis of these two epic characters should take Kṛpa into account as well, since he has many features in common with them, especially with Droṇa. Furthermore, after a briefly outlined proposal to explain these commonalities, the function of the narrative character of Kṛpa will be examined.
The Landscape of the Battlefield
Authors: Sudyka Lidia
Published: July 2024

The article presents an in-depth analysis of the description of the battlefield found in the poem Varadāmbikāpariṇaya or “The Marriage of Varadāmbikā,” composed in verse and prose (campū) by Tirumalāmbā, a poetess active at Acyutadevarāya’s court, and most likely his wife. The detailed accounts of war campaigns, with depictions of marching troops and battles, concern the figure of Acyutadevarāya’s father, Narasa Nāyaka, whom the authoress calls King Narasiṃha. The verbal portrayal of the battle against the Chola ruler is particularly striking. It is unlikely to find in other works of kāvya literary tradition a similarly dazzling compilation of images painting a word picture of the battleground by means of objects and situations belonging to a sphere of human life so different from the deadly combat.
Acciones performáticas en contextos contenciosos. Análisis de un caso de jóvenes de derecha argentinos
Authors: Capasso Verónica Cecilia , Fernández Mariano , Camezzana Daniela
Published: July 2024

Este artículo analiza una acción performática de la organización de derecha argentina Jóvenes Republicanos (jr). La elección del caso, que condensa rasgos de una categoría más amplia de fenómenos similares, permite testear el funcionamiento de las categorías teóricas y analíticas que estructuran nuestro argumento y contribuye a la caracterización del fenómeno de los movimientos de derecha contemporáneos. El análisis de caso se hará desde un abordaje transdisciplinar que asocia la teoría sociopolítica, los estudios sociales del arte y la performance, y los análisis sobre la mediatización de las sociedades contemporáneas. El propósito es contribuir al análisis de un fenómeno extendido en la vida pública argentina: el de las acciones performáticas realizadas en el marco de acciones contenciosas, considerando su estatuto polivalente: incorporan lenguajes estéticos, cuestionan el valor de lo común y disputan el direccionamiento de la atención pública, política y mediática. Este tipo de performance, cuando adopta una estructura constelar, se convierte en un discurso de potencia ubicua, con capacidad de circular por superficies mediatizadas y trascender el aquí y ahora situado original.
Liderazgo transaccional y transformacional en la dirección de instituciones educativas mexicanas
Authors: Latapí Ramírez Lucía , Llanos Luis Felipe
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: En este artículo de investigación científica se buscó identificar los estilos de liderazgo de los directores de las instituciones educativas mexicanas en su tarea como promotores del éxito y la excelenciaacadémica en sus organizaciones. Se utilizó como eje la teoría del liderazgo de rango completo de Bass y Avolio, en sus tres estilos: transformacional, transaccional y no liderazgo. Metodología: A partir de sesiones con 30 directores de instituciones educativas mexicanas de nivel básico, medio y superior, y el soporte del cuestionario multifactorial de liderazgo (MLQ) se identificaron los tiposde liderazgo de los participantes. Resultados principales: Se identificó que los directores tienen un estilo de liderazgo mixto: transaccional y transformacional. En lo particular se destaca el estilo de influencia idealizada conductual. Conclusiones: Con una adecuada orientación se propone desarrollar los talentos de liderazgo transformacional de los directores de instituciones educativas y su equipo. Estos resultados pueden ser un punto de partida para investigaciones futuras.
Fisioterapia respiratoria: clínica y aplicación de las técnicas de higiene bronquial
Authors: Díaz Castañeda Natalia , Martínez Coronado Sandra , Vargas Pinilla Olga Cecilia , Durán Palomino Diana
Published: July 2024

Esta obra es el resultado de una revisión de la evidencia científica disponible acerca de las técnicas de higiene bronquial, dirigido a profesionales y estudiantes de la salud que atienden pacientes con enfermedad respiratoria o en alto riesgo de adquirirla. El libro está compuesto por cuatro capítulos que presentan la información a partir de una revisión de las características del sistema respiratorio hasta el análisis de la aplicación clínica de las técnicas. Inicia con los aspectos básicos de la anatomía y la fisiología del sistema respiratorio; sigue con la valoración clínica, en la que se enmarcan tres pilares fundamentales: la recolección de la información, la inspección de signos y sínto¬mas, así como la realización de pruebas diagnósticas. Posteriormente, se relacionan las técnicas de higiene bronquial, que se clasifican en instrumentales, no convencionales y complementarias, cada una con su descripción, maniobra de ejecución, indicaciones y contraindicaciones. Y, finalmente, se presenta la aplicación clínica, con sus respectivas recomendaciones según la evidencia
Exploration Noise for Learning Linear-Quadratic Mean Field Games
Authors: Delarue François , Vasileiadis Athanasios
Published: July 2024

The goal of this paper is to demonstrate that common noise may serve as an exploration noise for learning the solution of a mean field game. This concept is here exemplified through a toy linear-quadratic model, for which a suitable form of common noise has already been proven to restore existence and uniqueness. We here go one step further and prove that the same form of common noise may force the convergence of the learning algorithm called fictitious play, and this without any further potential or monotone structure. Several numerical examples are provided to support our theoretical analysis.

Funding: F. Delarue acknowledges the financial support of the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme [AdG ELISA project, Grant 101054746]. A. Vasileiadis acknowledge the financial support of French ANR project ANR-19-P3IA-0002-3IA Côte d'Azur-Nice-Interdisciplinary Institute for Artificial Intelligence.
Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Narcissistic Behavior Among Students in Medan City
Authors: Hidayat Fadhil Pahlevi , Zulfahmi Zulfahmi , Nasution Ridwan
Published: July 2024

This study explores the influence of social media on the development of narcissistic behavior among students in Medan City, Indonesia. The research employs a qualitative, descriptive approach to understand how social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, and others contribute to both narcissism’s positive and negative aspects. Interviews with respondents reveal a mixed perception of narcissism, with some viewing it as a form of self-appreciation within reasonable limits. In contrast, others see it as an unhealthy phase with negative implications. The study highlights that social media facilitates personality formation and boosts self-confidence but also fosters narcissistic tendencies through excessive self-promotion and attention-seeking behaviors. It concludes that while most respondents do not exhibit severe narcissistic behavior, the potential for harm necessitates mindful social media usage. Recommendations include engaging in meaningful activities, fostering empathy, and providing counseling services to mitigate the adverse effects of narcissism.
Countering Journalist Curse in A Bourdieusian Perspective: Metajournalistic Discourse on Doxing in Remotivi Indonesia
Authors: Krisdinanto Nanang
Published: July 2024

This research explores the phenomenon of doxing as a digital form of attack against journalists, reflecting a shift from physical threats to digital harassment facilitated by the accessibility of digital media. Utilizing a metajournalistic discourse approach, this study examines how Indonesian journalists perceive and respond to the pressures of doxing within the framework of their professional practices and identities. By analyzing metajournalistic discourse documents from the Remotivi website, this research positions journalists as both victims and defenders within their field, facing pressures from both the political and economic spheres. Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical constructs of the journalistic field, capital, and habitus are employed to interpret the responses of journalists to these digital threats. The findings indicate that doxing represents a significant external influence, perpetuating a high degree of heteronomy within the journalistic field. However, there also exists a discursive resistance among journalists, characterized by efforts to define and uphold a journalistic identity aligned with autonomy and ethical norms. This study highlights the need for greater cybersecurity awareness and protections for journalists, emphasizing the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity in the face of evolving digital threats.
Diabetes and kidney care: a dietitian's perspective
Authors: Gregory-Smith Severine
Published: July 2024

This article outlines why diabetes management is important and includes dietary recommendations for patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease
ANN UK Annual Conference 2024
Authors: Brand Sarah , Fox Andrea
Published: July 2024

This year's conference was a huge success with delegates spending 2 days attending varied and important sessions to expand their knowledge
Kidney function and tooth loss in post-menopausal women
Authors: Ellis Peter
Published: July 2024

This article outlines why dental health is important for patients with chronic kidney disease
Flaps or flat: a case report of double free flap survival after a prolonged cardiac arrest
Authors: Atmodiwirjo Parintosa , Ramadan Mohamad Rachadian , Djohan Michael , Amanda Nadira Fildza
Published: July 2024

This case addressed patient and free flap survival after cardiac arrest with the contentious use of vasopressors amid concerns about potential vasoconstrictive effects on flap vitality. A 59-year-old male with mucoepidermoid carcinoma underwent post-total maxillectomy and double free flap reconstruction (free fibular flap and anterolateral thigh free flap). Intraoperatively, he experienced cardiac arrest after anastomosis due to hypovolemia or hypoxia, requiring external cardiac massage and vasopressor administration. Despite the initial restoration of circulation, subsequent cardiac arrest ensued, necessitating further resuscitation. Postoperatively, vasopressors were also administered due to hemodynamic instability. Contrary to concerns, both flaps demonstrated sustained vitality, challenging prevailing apprehensions about vasopressor-induced vasoconstriction compromising flap viability. This observation suggests that vasopressors may not significantly threaten flap viability, prompting reconsideration of hesitations and encouraging further investigation. The study advocates for a judicious evaluation of vasopressor administration in free flap procedures, enriching clinical considerations for optimal patient care.
Obesity in urban Indonesia: evidence from the 2007 and 2018 Basic Health Research
Authors: Ferdina Ayunina Rizky , Arfines Prisca Petty , Aryastami Ni Ketut
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND The prevalence of obesity in urbanizing Indonesia is rising, where the double burden of malnutrition poses a significant challenge. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and increment of obesity-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) of diabetes and hypertension.
METHODS Secondary data from the latest 2018 Basic Health Research (RISKESDAS) were used to analyze the obesity rate and its associations with lifestyle, sociodemographics, and certain comorbidities among urban Indonesians. This study included non-pregnant adults aged ≥18 years who lived in the urban area and whose blood pressure and glucose levels were measured in the survey. Results were compared to a similar study using data from 2007.
RESULTS The proportion of obesity among Indonesia’s urban population was more than doubled from 23.0% in 2007 to 50.1% in 2018 for obesity and 28.0% to 57.2% for central obesity. Additionally, females, individuals with higher socioeconomic status, and higher education levels exhibited a higher obesity prevalence.
CONCLUSIONS Urban Indonesia has witnessed a dramatic rise in obesity prevalence. Our findings highlighted the urgent need for policymakers to consider the escalating prevalence of NCDs associated with obesity. Strengthening and concretizing health promotion and prevention policies at the community level are crucial to combat this alarming public health challenge.
Effect of selective androgen receptor modulator RAD140 on prostate and testosterone levels in Wistar strain rats with bilateral orchidectomy
Authors: Budaya Taufiq Nur , Nurhadi Pradana , Anita Kenty Wantri , Nugroho Prasetyo , Dhani Fauzan Kurniawan
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have been investigated as a potential treatment for hypogonadism, a condition characterized by low testosterone levels in men. The idea is to provide therapeutic benefits similar to traditional testosterone replacement therapy. However, research in this area is still in its early stages, and more extensive studies are needed to establish the efficacy of SARM. This study aimed to determine the impact of SARM RAD140 on testosterone levels, fibromuscular stroma, and prostate mass in rats undergoing bilateral orchidectomy.
METHODS This was an in vivo study using posttest-only control group design in rats (Rattus norvegicus). The positive and negative control groups consisted of rats with and without bilateral orchidectomy, respectively. The treatment groups were rats given SARM RAD140 with and without orchidectomy. Testosterone levels, histopathology, and prostate mass were examined at the end of week 6, and the quantitative data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.
RESULTS This study found no difference in prostate mass (0.598 [0.05] g versus 0.590 [0.07] g, p = 0.984), fibromuscular stroma ratio (0.483 [0.094] versus 0.463 [0.057], p = 0.984), and testosterone level (0.006 [0.005] ng/dl versus 0.014 [0.004] ng/dl, p = 0.098) compared to positive control with orchidectomy and SARM RAD140 administration 6 weeks after treatment.
CONCLUSIONS There were no differences in testosterone levels, prostate mass, or the ratio of fibromuscular stroma to epithelium area in rats undergoing bilateral orchidectomy and placebo surgery with the administration of SARM RAD140.
Adaptive contour-tracking to aid wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography imaging of large objects with uneven surface topology
Authors: Liu Jian , Shi Yaping , Gong Zhaoyu , Zhang Yi , Wang Ruikang K.
Published: July 2024

High-speed and wide-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging is increasingly essential for clinical applications yet faces challenges due to its inherent sensitivity roll-off and limited depth of focus, particularly when imaging samples with significant variations in surface contour. Here, we propose one innovative solution of adaptive contour tracking and scanning methods to address these challenges. The strategy integrates an electrically tunable lens and adjustable optical delay line control with real-time surface contour information, enabling dynamic optimization of imaging protocols. It rapidly pre-scans the sample surface to acquire a comprehensive contour map. Using this map, it generates a tailored scanning protocol by partitioning the entire system ranging distance into depth-resolved segments determined by the optical Raleigh length of the objective lens, ensuring optimal imaging at each segment. Employing short-range imaging mode along the sample contour minimizes data storage and post-processing requirements, while adaptive adjustment of focal length and reference optical delay line maintains high imaging quality throughout. Experimental demonstrations show the effectiveness of the adaptive contour tracking OCT in maintaining high contrast and signal-to-noise ratio across the entire field of view, even in samples with significantly uneven surface curvatures. Notably, this approach achieves these results with reduced data volume compared to traditional OCT methods. This advancement holds promise for enhancing OCT imaging in clinical settings, particularly in applications requiring rapid, wide-field imaging of tissue structures and blood flow.