bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in frontal plane kinematics over 12-months in individuals with the Percutaneous Osseointegrated Prosthesis (POP)
Authors: Darter Benjamin J. , Syrett E. Daniel , Foreman K. Bo , Kubiak Erik , Sinclair Sarina
Published: February 2023

Background

A bone-anchored prosthesis (BAP) eliminates the need for a conventional socket by attaching a prosthesis directly to the user’s skeleton. Currently, limited research addresses changes in gait mechanics post BAP implantation.

Objective

Examine changes in frontal plane movement patterns after BAP implantation.

Methods

Participants were individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation (TFA) enrolled in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Early Feasibility Study examining the Percutaneous Osseointegrated Prosthesis (POP). The participants completed overground gait assessments using their conventional socket and at 6-weeks, 12-weeks, 6-months, and 12-months following POP implantation. Statistical parameter mapping techniques were used in examining changes in frontal plane kinematics over the 12-months and differences with reference values for individuals without limb loss.

Results

Statistically significant deviations were found pre-implantation compared to reference values for hip and trunk angles during prosthetic limb stance phase, and for pelvis and trunk relative to the pelvis angles during prosthetic limb swing. At 6-weeks post-implantation, only the trunk angle demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the percent of gait cycle with deviations relative to reference values. At 12-months post-implantation, results revealed frontal plane movements were no longer statistically different across the gait cycle for the trunk angle compared to reference values, and less of the gait cycle was statistically different compared to reference values for all other frontal plane patterns analyzed. No statistically significant within-participant differences were found for frontal plane movement patterns between pre-implantation and 6-weeks or 12-months post-implantation.

Conclusions

Deviations from reference values displayed prior to device implantation were reduced or eliminated 12-months post-implantation in all frontal plane patterns analyzed, while within-participant changes over the 12-month period did not reach statistical significance. Overall, the results suggest the transition to a BAP aided in normalizing gait patterns in a sample of relatively high functioning individuals with TFA.
Herbal formula PM012 induces neuroprotection in stroke brain
Authors: Wu Kuo-Jen , Wang Yu-Syuan , Hung Tsai-Wei , Bae Eun-Kyung , Chen Yun-Hsiang , Kim Chan-Kyu , Yoo Dai-Won , Kim Gyeong-Soon , Yu Seong-Jin
Published: February 2023

Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability world-wide. Limited pharmacological therapy has been used in stroke patients. Previous studies indicated that herb formula PM012 is neuroprotective against neurotoxin trimethyltin in rat brain, and improved learning and memory in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. Its action in stroke has not been reported. This study aims to determine PM012-mediated neural protection in cellular and animal models of stroke. Glutamate-mediated neuronal loss and apoptosis were examined in rat primary cortical neuronal cultures. Cultured cells were overexpressed with a Ca++ probe (gCaMP5) by AAV1 and were used to examine Ca++ influx (Ca++i). Adult rats received PM012 before transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Brain tissues were collected for infarction and qRTPCR analysis. In rat primary cortical neuronal cultures, PM012 significantly antagonized glutamate-mediated TUNEL and neuronal loss, as well as NMDA-mediated Ca++i. PM012 significantly reduced brain infarction and improved locomotor activity in stroke rats. PM012 attenuated the expression of IBA1, IL6, and CD86, while upregulated CD206 in the infarcted cortex. ATF6, Bip, CHOP, IRE1, and PERK were significantly down-regulated by PM012. Using HPLC, two potential bioactive molecules, paeoniflorin and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, were identified in the PM012 extract. Taken together, our data suggest that PM012 is neuroprotective against stroke. The mechanisms of action involve inhibition of Ca++i, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Post COVID-19 condition after Wildtype, Delta, and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection and prior vaccination: Pooled analysis of two population-based cohorts
Authors: Ballouz Tala , Menges Dominik , Kaufmann Marco , Amati Rebecca , Frei Anja , von Wyl Viktor , Fehr Jan S. , Albanese Emiliano , Puhan Milo A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Post COVID-19 condition (PCC) is an important complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection, affecting millions worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of post COVID-19 condition (PCC) with novel SARS-CoV-2 variants and after prior vaccination.

Methods

We used pooled data from 1350 SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals from two representative population-based cohorts in Switzerland, diagnosed between Aug 5, 2020, and Feb 25, 2022. We descriptively analysed the prevalence and severity of PCC, defined as the presence and frequency of PCC-related symptoms six months after infection, among vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals infected with Wildtype, Delta, and Omicron SARS-CoV-2. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess the association and estimate the risk reduction of PCC after infection with newer variants and prior vaccination. We further assessed associations with the severity of PCC using multinomial logistic regression. To identify groups of individuals with similar symptom patterns and evaluate differences in the presentation of PCC across variants, we performed exploratory hierarchical cluster analyses.

Results

We found strong evidence that vaccinated individuals infected with Omicron had reduced odds of developing PCC compared to non-vaccinated Wildtype-infected individuals (odds ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.24–0.68). The odds among non-vaccinated individuals were similar after infection with Delta or Omicron compared to Wildtype SARS-CoV-2. We found no differences in PCC prevalence with respect to the number of received vaccine doses or timing of last vaccination. The prevalence of PCC-related symptoms among vaccinated, Omicron-infected individuals was lower across severity levels. In cluster analyses, we identified four clusters of diverse systemic, neurocognitive, cardiorespiratory, and musculoskeletal symptoms, with similar patterns across variants.

Conclusion

The risk of PCC appears to be lowered with infection by the Omicron variant and after prior vaccination. This evidence is crucial to guide future public health measures and vaccination strategies.
Analysis of the core bacterial community associated with consumer-ready Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica)
Authors: Hines Ian S. , Markov Madanick Justin , Smith Stephen A. , Kuhn David D. , Stevens Ann M.
Published: February 2023

Shellfish, such as the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), are an important agricultural commodity. Previous research has demonstrated the importance of the native microbiome of oysters against exogenous challenges by non-native pathogens. However, the taxonomic makeup of the oyster microbiome and the impact of environmental factors on it are understudied. Research was conducted quarterly over a calendar year (February 2020 through February 2021) to analyze the taxonomic diversity of bacteria present within the microbiome of consumer-ready-to-eat live Eastern oysters. It was hypothesized that a core group of bacterial species would be present in the microbiome regardless of external factors such as the water temperature at the time of harvest or post-harvesting processing. At each time point, 18 Chesapeake Bay (eastern United States) watershed aquacultured oysters were acquired from a local grocery store, genomic DNA was extracted from the homogenized whole oyster tissues, and the bacterial 16S rRNA gene hypervariable V4 region was PCR-amplified using barcoded primers prior to sequencing via Illumina MiSeq and bioinformatic analysis of the data. A core group of bacteria were identified to be consistently associated with the Eastern oyster, including members of the phyla Firmicutes and Spirochaetota, represented by the families Mycoplasmataceae and Spirochaetaceae, respectively. The phyla Cyanobacterota and Campliobacterota became more predominant in relation to warmer or colder water column temperature, respectively, at the time of oyster harvest.
Experimental environment improves the reliability of short-latency afferent inhibition
Authors: Ramdeo Karishma R. , Rehsi Ravjot S. , Foglia Stevie D. , Turco Claudia V. , Toepp Stephen L. , Nelson Aimee J.
Published: February 2023

Evidence indicates attention can alter afferent inhibition, a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) evoked measure of cortical inhibition following somatosensory input. When peripheral nerve stimulation is delivered prior to TMS, a phenomenon known as afferent inhibition occurs. The latency between the peripheral nerve stimulation dictates the subtype of afferent inhibition evoked, either short latency afferent inhibition (SAI) or long latency afferent inhibition (LAI). While afferent inhibition is emerging as a valuable tool for clinical assessment of sensorimotor function, the reliability of the measure remains relatively low. Therefore, to improve the translation of afferent inhibition within and beyond the research lab, the reliability of the measure must be improved. Previous literature suggests that the focus of attention can modify the magnitude of afferent inhibition. As such, controlling the focus of attention may be one method to improve the reliability of afferent inhibition. In the present study, the magnitude and reliability of SAI and LAI was assessed under four conditions with varying attentional demands focused on the somatosensory input that evokes SAI and LAI circuits. Thirty individuals participated in four conditions; three conditions were identical in their physical parameters and varied only in the focus of directed attention (visual attend, tactile attend, non- directed attend) and one condition consisted of no external physical parameters (no stimulation). Reliability was measured by repeating conditions at three time points to assess intrasession and intersession reliability. Results indicate that the magnitude of SAI and LAI were not modulated by attention. However, the reliability of SAI demonstrated increased intrasession and intersession reliability compared to the no stimulation condition. The reliability of LAI was unaffected by the attention conditions. This research demonstrates the impact of attention/arousal on the reliability of afferent inhibition and has identified new parameters to inform the design of TMS research to improve reliability.
Frequency and diversity of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales recovered from untreated wastewater impacted by selective media containing cefotaxime and meropenem in Ohio, USA
Authors: Too Rael J. , Gitao George C. , Bebora Lilly C. , Mollenkopf Dixie F. , Kariuki Samuel M. , Wittum Thomas E.
Published: February 2023

As safe agents of last resort, carbapenems are reserved for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. The impact of β-lactam antibiotics, cefotaxime, and meropenem on the frequency and diversity of carbapenemase-producing organisms recovered from environmental samples has not been fully established. Therefore, this methodological study aimed at determining β-lactam drugs used in selective enrichment and their impact on the recovery of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) from untreated wastewater. We used a longitudinal study design where 1L wastewater samples were collected weekly from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent and quarterly from contributing sanitary sewers in Columbus, Ohio USA with 52 total samples collected. Aliquots of 500 mL were passed through membrane filters of decreasing pore sizes to enable all the water to pass through and capture bacteria. For each sample, the resulting filters were placed into two modified MacConkey (MAC) broths, one supplemented with 0.5 μg/mL of meropenem and 70 μg/mL of ZnSO4 and the other supplemented with 2 μg/mL cefotaxime. The inoculated broth was then incubated at 37° C overnight, after which they were streaked onto two types of correspondingly-modified MAC agar plates supplemented with 0.5 μg/mL and 1.0 μg/mL of meropenem and 70 μg/mL of ZnSO4 and incubated at 37°C overnight. The isolates were identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. Then, up to four distinct colonies of each isolate’s pure culture per sample were tested for carbapenemase production using the Carba-NP test. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) MALDI-TOF MS was used to identify carbapenemase-producing organisms. In total 391 Carba-NP positive isolates were recovered from the 52 wastewater samples: 305 (78%) isolates had blaKPC, 73 (19%) carried blaNDM, and 14 (4%) harbored both blaKPC and blaNDM resistance genes. CPE genes of both blaKPC and blaNDM were recovered in both types of modified MAC broths, with 84 (21%) having a blaKPC gene, 22 (6%) carrying blaNDM and 9 (2%) harbored both a blaKPC and blaNDM of isolates recovered from MAC medium incorporated with 0.5ug/mL meropenem and 70ug/mL ZnSO4. The most prevalent isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter spp.
Acupuncture for autophagy in animal models of middle cerebral artery occlusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Yuan Jingxue , Zhang Ziniu , Ni Jinxia , Wu Xiaona , Yan Haoyue , Xu Jingni , Zhao Qi , Yuan Hongwei , Yang Lei
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Ischemic stroke has high morbidity, disability and mortality rates. The effective treatments recommended by guideline have considerable limitations due to their strict range of adaptation and narrow time window. Acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for ischemic stroke, and the mechanism may be related to autophagy. In this systematic review, we aim to summarize and evaluate the evidence of autophagy in acupuncture therapy for animal models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

Methods

Publications will be retrieved from the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, CVIP and Wanfang databases. We will include animal experimental studies of acupuncture for MCAO, and the control group will receive placebo/sham acupuncture or no treatment after model establishment. Outcome measures must include autophagy and will include neurologic scores and/or infarct size. The Systematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias tool will be used to assess the risk of bias. A meta-analysis will be performed if the included studies are sufficiently homogenous. Subgroup analyses will be conducted according to different intervention types and different types of outcomes. Sensitivity analyses will also performed to explore the heterogeneity and to assess the stability of the results. Publication bias will be assessed by funnel plots. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system will be applied to evaluate the quality of evidence in this systematic review.

Discussion

The results of this study may help to explain autophagy in acupuncture therapy for ischemic stroke. The limitation of this review is that all included studies will be retrieved from Chinese or English medical databases due to language barriers.

Registration

We registered in PROSPERO on May 31, 2022. (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=329917) (CRD42022329917).
Acceptability of PrEP among MSM and transgender communities—Qualitative findings from two metropolitan cities in India
Authors: Ramanaik Satyanarayana , Sinha Anju Pradhan , Mukherjee Aparna , Pujar Ashwini , Subramanyam Kalyani , Gopalan Anjali , Washington Reynold
Published: February 2023

Background

Global evidence suggests that Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) plays a pivotal role in reducing new HIV-infections among key populations (KP). However, the acceptability of PrEP differs across different geographical and cultural settings and among different KP typologies. Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) communities in India have around 15–17 times higher prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than the general population. The low rates of consistent condom use and poor coverage of HIV testing and treatment among the MSM and transgender communities highlight the need for alternative HIV prevention options.

Methods

We used data from 20 in-depth interviews and 24 focused group discussions involving 143 MSM and 97 transgender individuals from the two metropolitan cities (Bengaluru and Delhi) in India to qualitatively explore their acceptability of PrEP as a HIV prevention tool. We coded data in NVivo and conducted extensive thematic content analysis.

Results

Awareness and use of PrEP were minimal among the MSM and transgender communities in both cities. However, on being provided with information on PrEP, both MSM and transgender communities expressed willingness to use PrEP as an additional HIV-prevention tool, to complement inability to consistently use condoms. PrEP was also perceived as a tool that could enhance the uptake of HIV-testing and counseling services. PrEP awareness, availability, accessibility and affordability were identified as determining factors that could influence its acceptability. Challenges such as stigma and discrimination, interrupted supply of drugs and non-community-friendly drug dispensing sites were identified barriers to continuing PrEP.

Conclusions

Using qualitative data from two Indian settings, this study provides community perspectives and recommendations to stakeholders and policymakers for introduction of PrEP into programs as a prevention tool among MSM and transgender communities in India.
Peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and salivary cortisol levels in college students with different levels of academic stress. Study protocol
Authors: Castillo-Navarrete Juan-Luis , Guzmán-Castillo Alejandra , Bustos Claudio , Rojas Romina
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential for brain physiological processes influencing memory and learning. BDNF levels can be affected by many factors, including stress. Stress increase serum and salivary cortisol levels. Academic stress is of the chronic type. BDNF levels can be measure from serum, plasma or platelets, and there is still no standard methodology, which is relevant to ensure reproducibility and comparability between studies.

Hypothesis

(i) BDNF concentrations in serum show greater variability than in plasma. (ii) In college students with academic stress, peripheral BDNF decreases and salivary cortisol increases.

General objective

To standardize plasma and serum collection for BDNF levels and to determine whether academic stress affects peripheral BDNF and salivary cortisol levels.

Design

Quantitative research, with a non-experimental cross-sectional descriptive design.

Participants

Student volunteers. Under convenience sampling, 20 individuals will be included for standardization of plasma and serum collection and between 70 and 80 individuals to determine the effect of academic stress on BDNF and salivary cortisol.

Peripheral blood and salivary cortisol sampling, measurements

12 mL of peripheral blood (with and without anticoagulant) will be drawn per participant, separated from plasma or serum and cryopreserved at -80°C. Additionally, they will be instructed in the collection of 1 mL of saliva samples, which will be centrifuged. Val66Met polymorphism will be performed by allele-specific PCR, while BDNF and salivary cortisol levels will be determined by ELISA.

Statistical analysis

(i) descriptive analysis of the variables, through measures of central tendency and dispersion, and the categorical variables through their frequency and percentage. (ii) Then a bivariate analysis will be performed comparing groups using each variable separately.

Expected results

We expect to (i) determine the analytical factors that allow a better reproducibility in the measurement of peripheral BDNF, and (ii) the effect of academic stress on BDNF and salivary cortisol levels.
A new strategy to prevent biofilm and clot formation in medical devices: The use of atmospheric non-thermal plasma assisted deposition of silver-based nanostructured coatings
Authors: Gallingani Tommaso , Resca Elisa , Dominici Massimo , Gavioli Giuliana , Laurita Romolo , Liguori Anna , Mari Giorgio , Ortolani Luca , Pericolini Eva , Sala Arianna , Laghi Giulia , Petrachi Tiziana , Arnauld Gaëlle Francoise , Accorsi Luca , Rizzoli Rita , Colombo Vittorio , Gherardi Matteo , Veronesi Elena
Published: February 2023

In industrialized countries, health care associated infections, the fourth leading cause of disease, are a major health issue. At least half of all cases of nosocomial infections are associated with medical devices. Antibacterial coatings arise as an important approach to restrict the nosocomial infection rate without side effects and the development of antibiotic resistance. Beside nosocomial infections, clot formation affects cardiovascular medical devices and central venous catheters implants. In order to reduce and prevent such infection, we develop a plasma-assisted process for the deposition of nanostructured functional coatings on flat substrates and mini catheters. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are synthesized exploiting in-flight plasma-droplet reactions and are embedded in an organic coating deposited through hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) plasma assisted polymerization. Coating stability upon liquid immersion and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization is assessed through chemical and morphological analysis carried out by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the perspective of future clinical application, an in vitro analysis of anti-biofilm effect has been done. Moreover, we employed a murine model of catheter-associated infection which further highlighted the performance of Ag nanostructured films in counteract biofilm formation. The anti-clot performances coupled by haemo- and cytocompatibility assays have also been performed.
Serum leucine-rich α2 glycoprotein as a potential biomarker for systemic inflammation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ohmichi Takuma , Kasai Takashi , Shinomoto Makiko , Kitani-Morii Fukiko , Fujino Yuzo , Menjo Kanako , Mizuno Toshiki
Published: February 2023

There is ample epidemiological and animal-model evidence suggesting that intestinal inflammation is associated with the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Leucine-rich α2 glycoprotein (LRG) is a serum inflammatory biomarker used to monitor the activity of autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether serum LRG could be used a biomarker of systemic inflammation in PD and to help distinguish disease states. Serum LRG and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in 66 patients with PD and 31 age-matched controls. We found that serum LRG levels were statistically significantly higher in the PD group than in the control group (PD: 13.9 ± 4.2 ng/mL, control: 12.1 ± 2.7 ng/mL, p = 0.036). LRG levels were also correlated with Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and CRP levels. LRG levels in the PD group were correlated with Hoehn and Yahr stages (Spearman’s r = 0.40, p = 0.008). LRG levels were statistically significantly elevated in PD patients with dementia as compared to those without dementia (p = 0.0078). Multivariate analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between PD and serum LRG levels after adjusting for serum CRP levels, and CCI (p = 0.019). We conclude that serum LRG levels could be considered a potential biomarker for systemic inflammation in PD.
Human ACE2 expression, a major tropism determinant for SARS-CoV-2, is regulated by upstream and intragenic elements
Authors: Snouwaert John N. , Jania Leigh A. , Nguyen Trang , Martinez David R. , Schäfer Alexandra , Catanzaro Nicholas J. , Gully Kendra L. , Baric Ralph S. , Heise Mark , Ferris Martin T. , Anderson Elizabeth , Pressey Katia , Dillard Jacob A. , Taft-Benz Sharon , Baxter Victoria K. , Ting Jenny P-Y , Koller Beverly H.
Published: February 2023

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), serves as an entry point for SARS-CoV-2, leading to viral proliferation in permissive cell types. Using mouse lines in which the Ace2 locus has been humanized by syntenic replacement, we show that regulation of basal and interferon induced ACE2 expression, relative expression levels of different ACE2 transcripts, and sexual dimorphism in ACE2 expression are unique to each species, differ between tissues, and are determined by both intragenic and upstream promoter elements. Our results indicate that the higher levels of expression of ACE2 observed in the lungs of mice relative to humans may reflect the fact that the mouse promoter drives expression of ACE2 in populous airway club cells while the human promoter drives expression in alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells. In contrast to transgenic mice in which human ACE2 is expressed in ciliated cells under the control of the human FOXJ1 promoter, mice expressing ACE2 in club cells under the control of the endogenous Ace2 promoter show a robust immune response after infection with SARS-CoV-2, leading to rapid clearance of the virus. This supports a model in which differential expression of ACE2 determines which cell types in the lung are infected, and this in turn modulates the host response and outcome of COVID-19.
Bacterial infection promotes tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer via regulating CDC42 acetylation
Authors: Wang Dan-Ni , Ni Jin-Jing , Li Jian-Hui , Gao Ya-Qi , Ni Fang-Jing , Zhang Zhen-Zhen , Fang Jing-Yuan , Lu Jie , Yao Yu-Feng
Published: February 2023

Increasing evidence highlights the role of bacteria in promoting tumorigenesis. The underlying mechanisms may be diverse and remain poorly understood. Here, we report that Salmonella infection leads to extensive de/acetylation changes in host cell proteins. The acetylation of mammalian cell division cycle 42 (CDC42), a member of the Rho family of GTPases involved in many crucial signaling pathways in cancer cells, is drastically reduced after bacterial infection. CDC42 is deacetylated by SIRT2 and acetylated by p300/CBP. Non-acetylated CDC42 at lysine 153 shows an impaired binding of its downstream effector PAK4 and an attenuated phosphorylation of p38 and JNK, consequently reduces cell apoptosis. The reduction in K153 acetylation also enhances the migration and invasion ability of colon cancer cells. The low level of K153 acetylation in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) predicts a poor prognosis. Taken together, our findings suggest a new mechanism of bacterial infection-induced promotion of colorectal tumorigenesis by modulation of the CDC42-PAK axis through manipulation of CDC42 acetylation.
The visual and narrative rhetoric of mental health in Gris
Authors: Baker Marissa M.
Published: February 2023

Interdisciplinary game studies have long been fascinated by video games and their potential to improve mental health. Despite this interest, there is not yet a cohesive rhetorical framework to connect conversations about mental health with specific types of games. Following call to adopt the term ‘cosy’ for games which inspire feelings of safety in players, encourage self-actualization and utilize soft aesthetics helps clarify discussions of the games suited to help improve mental health and allow players to process complex emotions. This article uses a close reading of the Nomada Studios game Gris to argue that considering cosiness when studying the connection between games, emotion and mental health will help researchers find a connection between game aesthetics and the types of psychological issues that a game can address effectively.
Analysing ancient cuneiform inscriptions in the video game Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time1
Authors: Gibson Dylan Lawrence
Published: February 2023

The textured ancient inscriptions that can be found in the video game Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time are central to this study. There are currently no publications that analyse the ancient cuneiform inscriptions in detail. Most sources of information briefly discuss general ‘game studies’ aspects and do not comment on or criticize historical accuracy. There are limited sources that discuss video games using an Assyriological perspective. This article is, therefore, an interdisciplinary study between archaeogaming and Assyriology, which falls within the broader game studies field. The intent is also to address the ongoing downward trend currently experienced in the field of Ancient Studies by bringing more attention to the study of Assyriology, cuneiform studies and philology in gaming (Assyriogaming) using Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time as a reference. The main focus is to decipher, translate and consider how accurate and immersive the in-game cuneiform textures are in relation to the diegetic time period the game is theoretically set in. The analysis will include a storyline synopsis which will briefly discuss the architectural settings and characters. The purpose of this is to expand upon the already existing game studies literature associated with the game to show how additional background information can be used to frame and construct an implied historical context. This historical context can then be used to translate the in-game cuneiform inscriptions demonstrating why the game can be used as an effective Assyriology teaching tool.
Bounce To B(Ounc)E
Authors: Pernančič Radharan
Published: February 2023

A playful performance review of a movement intervention. Up-And-Down–And-Up-And (Lov-sreče-lov-sreče-lov) by Jernej Bizjak. The author takes us on a picturesque journey, including an overture and then the main event, “hunting for happiness.” This flamboyant text, chock-full of neologisms and juicy descriptions, invites the reader to take an effortless dive into Bizjak’s simple yet effective intervention.
Exercises in listening to the inaudible: About Cona institute’s programme and the Acoustic Commons network
Authors: Hiršenfelder Ida
Published: February 2023

The activities of the Acoustic Commons network for live environmental streams draw attention to the unique sounds of particular places and explore the acoustic ecology of bio-anthropo-genic locations. The network connects sound ecologists, live streamers, sound artists and experimental musicians who reflect in various ways upon the role of sonic explorations in promoting biocentric thinking that rejects the primacy of human rights and needs over those of other living and nonliving beings such as birds, spiders, trees or stones. Attentive listening goes beyond the notion that music is purely a human activity and opens the ears to sonic structures that may inform human culture in becoming more inclusive of nonhuman entities. Indeed, acoustic sensitivity is one piece of the puzzle in raising awareness and helping prevent numerous sound-sensitive creatures from declining into extinction.
Analysis of coupling system failures on freight trains
Authors: Vukšić Popović Marija , Tanasković Jovan , Starčević Zorica , Međedović Nebojša
Published: February 2023

This paper presents an analysis of train coupling failure that led to trains break apart on the Serbian Railways over 10 years period. Train coupling failure of freight trains with single locomotives was considered. The analysis was done based on accident data combine with FMECA risk assessment. As a result distribution of failure along the train, driving regime and velocity were obtained, as well as the frequency of failure concerning the length and mass of the trains, load status, etc. The systematization of coupling failure helped to establish conditions leading to failure and to define the parameters causing it. Risk factors for coupling failure were determined using FMECA risk assessment. Preventive measures are recommended for the revision of maintenance. Risk analysis of coupling system failure can be different depending on the time of analysis (regulations, exploitation conditions) and the applied maintenance practice. FMECA analysis applied to train coupling systems based on regulation shows different permissible risk values that don't match exploitation data.
ANALISIS PENGARUH KUALITAS PELAYANAN TERHADAP KEPUASAN PENUMPANG BRT TRANS SEMARANG MENGGUNAKAN PARTIAL LEAST SQUARE (PLS) (STUDI KASUS: MAHASISWA UNIVERSITAS DIPONEGORO)
Authors: Tyana Irma Dwi , Widiharih Tatik , Utami Iut Tri
Published: February 2023

BRT Trans Semarang is an integrated bus transportation system that operates in Semarang City and parts of Semarang Regency. This transportation provides service facilities such as the availability of bus stops, air-conditioned rooms to travel route information. The facility is expected to be able to provide service satisfaction for its passengers. This study was conducted to determine the effect of service quality on the satisfaction of Trans Semarang BRT passengers using Partial Least Square (PLS), with a case study of Diponegoro University students. PLS is an alternative approach from covariance-based SEM to variance-based. The advantage of PLS is that it is able to handle covariance-based SEM problems such as measuring data with a certain scale, small sample numbers, abnormal data and the presence of multicholinearity. The quality of this service is measured through the variables of Direct Evidence, Reliability, Responsiveness, Empathy and Guarantee. Passenger satisfaction is measured through a sense of pleasure, a positive impression to others and the absence of complaints. The results showed that the variables that had a significant effect on the satisfaction of Trans Semarang BRT passengers were the variables of Direct Evidence, Reliability and Responsiveness. Variables that do not have a significant effect on the satisfaction of Trans Semarang BRT passengers are the empathy and guarantee variables. The Adjusted R-Square value of 0.414 means that the variables of Direct Evidence, Reliability and Responsiveness affect the satisfaction of Trans Semarang BRT passengers by 41.4%.Keywords : Service Quality, Passenger Satisfaction, BRT Trans Semarang, Partial Least Square (PLS).
Results obtained with EVOagri technology to improve yield using filtered water in Africa, Tibet, Italy and Bulgaria
Authors: Huether Fabio , Ignatov Ignat , Kiselova-Kaneva Yoana , Popova Teodora Petrova , Bankova Ralitsa , Neshev Nikolai , Gluhchev Georgi , Karadzhov Stoil , Valcheva Nedyalka , Vassileva Paunka , Ignatov Alexander I , Angushev Ivan , Todorova Teodora , Angelcheva Mariana
Published: February 2023

The effectiveness of the application of EVOagri technology for purification of water and its use in agriculture in some African countries (Zimbabwe, Burundi, Egypt and Uganda), Nepal (Asia) and in Europe (Italy and Bulgaria) was evaluated. The performance of EVOdrop turbine for water filtration was analysed and the physicochemical composition of water was tested. This was determined in compliance with Ordinance No. 9/2001, published in the Official State Gazette, issue 30, and decree No. 178/23.07.2004, Bulgaria, European Union on the quality of water intended for drinking and household purposes. The results showed a significant increase in production yield of the tested Solanum spp. and lettuces in Zimbabwe, as well as of dill, spinach and onions in Egypt. Treatment of high-salt irrigation water in Burundi with EVOagri reduced its toxic effect upon vegetable plants. In Uganda, plants absorbed 23% less water, when filtered with EVOagri technology. In Italy, 21% water conservation was achieved through the usage of EVOagri technology. Stimulation of seed-germination after soaking with EVOagri water was established in Burundi and Nepal. The importance of the type and composition of irrigation water for crop growth was proved by the experiments in Bulgaria. In Bulgaria, onion seeds were planted in two separate pots. The first one was watered with tap water and this was taken as the control sample with tap water. The second one was watered with EVOdrop filtered water which was saturated with EVOdrop hydrogen technology (EVOwater). In Bulgaria, under natural conditions, Evodrop water was also tested in beans and the growth result was 11 % better than the control sample.
Three decades of relations between the European Union and Moldova – from cooperation to the membership perspective
Authors: Tkachuk Olesia
Published: February 2023

The research objective of the article is to analyze the evolution of bilateral relations between the European Union and Moldova from the 1990s to the present, with a particular focus on the participation of the Republic of Moldova in the European Neighborhood Policy and Eastern Partnership, as well as the signing and implementation of the Association Agreement. Contemporary challenges and threats (including Russian aggression against Ukraine) have had a significant impact on the security of the EU, as well as the development of relations between the EU and neighboring countries. In particular, the prospect of membership in the EU structures was opened up to Moldova (and Ukraine). In the paper, the author poses a research hypothesis that despite the fact that Moldova has been granted the status of an EU candidate country, the republic still has a significant internal problem, the lack of solution to which may largely postpone the commencement of accession negotiations or even hinder EU-Moldova cooperation.
Dostępność cyfrowa w Unii Europejskiej – praktyka i założenia teoretyczne
Authors: Włodyka Ewa Maria
Published: February 2023

Na świecie w 2021 r. prawie pięć miliardów ludzi korzystało z internetu – czyli 62,5% populacji Ziemi (Kemp, 2022). Liczby te są zgodne z ogólnoświatowymi trendami w obszarze gospodarki, z charakterystycznymi dla jej kolejnych etapów rozwoju (aktualnie – Przemysł 4.0) cechami. Za trendami w sektorze biznesu podążają zmiany w sektorze publicznym, co znajduje odzwierciedlenie w funkcjonowaniu administracji publicznej. Zwiększający się udział internetu wpływa na wzrost wykorzystywania w coraz szerszym zakresie nowoczesnych technologii informacyjno-komunikacyjnych, tzw. ICT w administracji publicznej i poprzez podmioty publiczne. Jednocześnie 80 mln Europejczyków żyje z niepełnosprawnością (Polska Akademia Dostępności, 2015), podlegając wykluczeniu pod kątem dostępności cyfrowej. Polityki publiczne Unii Europejskiej oraz państw członkowskich na przykładzie Polski kształtują równy dostęp do usług online swoich obywateli.
Integracja Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej w myśli politycznej Karola Stefana Frycza (1910–1942)
Authors: Meller Arkadiusz
Published: February 2023

Artykuł koncentruje się wokół osoby przedstawiciela młodego pokolenia polskiego obozu narodowego, jakim był Karol Stefan Frycz. Często w swoich poglądach wyłamywał się z kanonów myśli politycznej Narodowej Demokracji. Przykładem takiej płaszczyzny były stosunki międzynarodowe i jego wizja integracji Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej. Jako jeden z nielicznych przedstawicieli ruchu narodowego w sposób pozytywny wypowiadał się na temat idei jagiellońskiej. W koncepcji Karola Stefana Frycza Polska, z racji swoich doświadczeń historycznych, potencjału ludnościowego oraz gospodarczego, powinna odgrywać wiodącą rolę w Europie Środkowo-Wschodniej.

Frycz uważał, że Polska wspólnie z Węgrami oraz Rumunią powinna na arenie międzynarodowej zapoczątkować proces zastąpienia Małej Ententy nowym regionalnym sojuszem. Karol Stefan Frycz uważał także, że Polska była powołana do tego by rozstrzygać wszelkie spory terytorialne między państwami Europy Centralnej oraz powinna dążyć do osłabienia pozycji międzynarodowej Niemiec.
Mieczysław Stolarczyk, Główne tendencje ewolucji globalnego i europejskiego systemu międzynarodowego w okresie pozimnowojennym i ich niektóre implikacje, Mysłowice 2022, ss. 561.
Authors: Stypa Łukasz
Published: February 2023

Recenzja
German reactions to political changes in Italy after 2016
Authors: Kruk Aleksandra
Published: February 2023

The article presents the view of German politicians and journalists on the political processes taking place in Italy, mainly concerning electoral rivalry after 2016. Opinions are analyzed on the causes of instability in the Italian political system, which led to early election in 2022, instead of holding it in 2023. After the government crisis, Italy opts for reforms that will reduce the effects of the energy crisis and tensions caused by the migration crisis and the war in Ukraine. Political rivalry in Italy takes place between the political parties that form an extreme right-wing or left-wing coalition. The main opponent of Enrico Letta, Giorgia Meloni from the Brothers of Italy party, calls for the strengthening of the position of the Italian nation and the position of Italy in the European Union.
Positioning performance with dual-frequency low-cost GNSS receivers
Authors: Kazmierski Kamil , Dominiak Kamil , Marut Grzegorz
Published: February 2023

In this study, positioning quality is tested with the use of low-cost in-house developed receivers. The analyzes consider the practical use of low-cost devices in surveying works. In the network solution, the accuracy of the GNSS positioning based on low-cost receivers can be characterized by the repeatability of the baseline length of 1 and 6 mm in 24 h and 10 min observation sessions, respectively. The field experiment of 4 GNSS receivers and 3 GNSS low-cost receivers allowed for establishing a precise geodetic control network. The accuracy of the control point coordinates determined with low-cost GNSS receivers equals a maximum of 17 and 40 mm for the horizontal and height components, respectively. Therefore, low-cost GNSS receivers can provide positioning accuracy at the some centimeter level and can support land surveying and geodetic monitoring activities.
Precise genome editing with base editors
Authors: Liu Hongcai , Zhu Yao , Li Minjie , Gu Zhimin
Published: February 2023

Single-nucleotide variants account for about half of known pathogenic genetic variants in human. Genome editing strategies by reversing pathogenic point mutations with minimum side effects have great therapeutic potential and are now being actively pursued. The emerge of precise and efficient genome editing strategies such as base editing and prime editing provide powerful tools for nucleotide conversion without inducing double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs), which have shown great potential for curing genetic disorders. A diverse toolkit of base editors has been developed to improve the editing efficiency and accuracy in different context of application. Here, we summarized the evolving of base editors (BEs), their limitations and future perspective of base editing-based therapeutic strategies.
Der kommende Gott
Authors: Wallach Steffen
Published: February 2023

Der vorliegende Beitrag lädt zur Beschäftigung mit dem Advent ein. Er knüpft zum Einstieg bei einem für dieses Vorhaben geeigneten Advents- und Weihnachtslied an: bei Alle Jahre wieder. Das Gedicht, das diesem populären Lied zugrunde liegt, entpuppt sich im Gegenlicht der religionsphilosophischen Einlassungen von Jean-Luc Nancy und Giorgio Agamben als kompaktes poetisches Pendant zu einer Theologie des Advents, die getragen wird von der Struktur eines dem Erscheinen zuvorkommenden (Heran-)Kommens und die in dieser prozessierenden Präsenz (man könnte auch sagen: dieser Ereignishaftigkeit) eine Grundfigur des (christlichen) Lebens erkennt.
Spheres of interest: Space and social cognition in Phola deixis
Authors: González Pérez Manuel David
Published: February 2023

After a period of space-centred description of demonstratives, recent research has highlighted the role of attention, psychological proximity and shared knowledge in determining deictic choice. While convincing evidence has been presented that mental states may define deictic reference (e.g. in Turkish, Jahai or Kogi), there is also neuroscientific data suggesting that spatial cognition is often drawn upon in the process and that spatial and attentional perspectives may interact with each other. Pragmatic analysis of deictic usage in some languages (e.g. Yucatec or Lao) suggests that demonstrative systems may respond to multidimensional search spaces that include not only spatial but also embodied, perceptual and social access to referents. On the basis of observational data from Phola, a Tibeto-Burman language of Southwest China, the present article contributes to these research endeavours by explicitly exploring how speaker and addressee demonstratives may independently respond to both spatial and sociocognitive modes of access to a referent. Advancing the notion of spheres of interest as a descriptive heuristics to capture this fluidity, it is shown how deictic choice not only passively reflects aspects of context but also actively projects intersubjective appraisals and expectations onto material and social reality.
Psalms 135.13–136.7, 140.10–142.1 in Codex Climaci Rescriptus
Authors: Malik Peter
Published: February 2023

This article offers a new edition of the LXX Psalms portion of Codex Climaci Rescriptus, an important, though somewhat neglected, Sinaitic Palimpsest. The edition is based on the post-processed multispectral images, produced by Early Manuscripts Electronic Library in cooperation with the Lazarus Project. The new technology has aided in correcting various errors in the editio princeps and uncovering hitherto unseen textual and paratextual elements.