bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quercetin Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Brain Tissue of APP/PS1 Double Transgenic AD Mice by Regulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO‐1 Pathway to Improve Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Cheng Meijia , Yuan Changbin , Ju Yetao , Liu Yongming , Shi Baorui , Yang Yali , Jin Sian , He Xiaoming , Zhang Li , Min Dongyu
Published: August 2024

Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate whether quercetin ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease (AD)–like pathology in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice and its hypothesized mechanism, contributing to the comprehension of AD pathogenesis.

Methods: A total of 30 APP/PS1 transgenic mice were randomized into model group (APP/PS1), quercetin group (APP/PS1+Q), and donepezil hydrochloride group (APP/PS1+DON). Simultaneously, there were 10 C57 mice of the same age served as a control group. Three months posttreatment, the effects of quercetin on AD mice were evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) test, Y maze experiment, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting.

Results: Results from the water maze and Y maze indicated that quercetin significantly improved cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 transgenic AD mice. Additionally, serum enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results demonstrated that quercetin elevated MDA, superoxide dismutase (SOD), CAT, GSH, acetylcholine (ACh), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels in AD mice. Hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining, Nissl staining, and hippocampal tissue thioflavine staining revealed that quercetin reduced neuronal damage and Aβ protein accumulation in AD mice. Western blot validated protein expression in the Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)/HO‐1 pathway associated with oxidative stress and apoptosis, confirming quercetin’s potential molecular mechanism of enhancing AD mouse cognition. Furthermore, western blot findings indicate that quercetin significantly alters protein expression in the Keap1/Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway. Moreover, molecular docking analysis suggests that Keap1, NQO1, HO‐1, caspase‐3, Bcl‐2, and Bax proteins in the Keap1/Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway may be potential regulatory targets of quercetin. These findings will provide a molecular basis for quercetin’s clinical application in AD treatment.

Conclusion: Quercetin can improve cognitive impairment and AD‐like pathology in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice, potentially related to quercetin’s activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway and reduction of cell apoptosis.
Risk Factors of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Special Emphasis on Areca Nut Usage and Its Association with Clinicopathological Parameters and Recurrence
Authors: Hashmi Atif Ali , Mudassir Ghazala , Rashid Khushbakht , Malik Umair Arshad , Zia Shamail , Zia Fazail , Irfan Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Introduction. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent type of head and neck cancer and is associated with high mortality, particularly in Southeast Asian countries. Areca nut usage, smoking, and alcohol consumption are the most common risk factors for OSCC. Areca nut chewing is highly prevalent in Pakistan and has been attributed to an increase in OSCC cases. This study aimed to determine the association between areca nut usage and various clinicopathological features of OSCC and further evaluate the association of clinicopathological parameters of OSCC with tumor recurrence. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted using the data of 228 patients with OSCC resected at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, over 5 years between 2018 and 2022. Clinicopathological data were collected from hospital archives, and associations between various risk factors and clinicopathological parameters were determined. Results. Males were more commonly affected (77.2%), and the most common age group was <50 years (54.4%). Areca nut usage was reported in 59.6% of cases, and the buccal mucosa was the most common site (62.7%). Areca nut usage was significantly associated with male gender, greater tumor size, greater depth of invasion (DOI), higher tumor stage, nodal stage, presence of perineural invasion (PNI), and recurrence. In addition, multivariate analysis revealed that OSCC recurrence was significantly associated with older age, larger tumor size and DOI, nodal metastasis, and areca nut usage. Conclusion. Areca nut‐related OSCCs were associated with poor prognosis and recurrence in our study population. Furthermore, OSCC recurrence was associated with various clinicopathological parameters, such as larger tumor size, a higher DOI, and nodal metastasis.
Figure 2 from Characterizing Relationships between T-cell Inflammation and Outcomes in Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma According to Mesenchymal and Adrenergic Signatures
Authors: Kaufman Maria E. , Vayani Omar R. , Moore Kelley , Chlenski Alexandre , Wu Tong , Lee Sang Mee , Desai Ami V. , He Chuan , Cohn Susan L. , Applebaum Mark A.
Published: August 2024

Lineage-specific genes near ssSEs have significantly higher expression and reflect tumor biology. A, Of the 712 genes with significantly higher expression in MES compared to ADRN cells near SEs, the 157 genes near ssSEs had higher expression in diagnostic biopsies than the 555 genes near double-stranded SEs. B, Of the 957 genes with significantly higher expression in MES compared to ADRN cells near SEs, the 371 genes near ssSEs had higher expression in diagnostic biopsies than the 586 genes near double-stranded SEs. C and D, ADRN signature genes were enriched for pathways related to their neural phenotype. E and F, MES signature genes were enriched for pathways related to the extracellular matrix and collagen binding as has been described for these cell types.
Figure 1 from Characterizing Relationships between T-cell Inflammation and Outcomes in Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma According to Mesenchymal and Adrenergic Signatures
Authors: Kaufman Maria E. , Vayani Omar R. , Moore Kelley , Chlenski Alexandre , Wu Tong , Lee Sang Mee , Desai Ami V. , He Chuan , Cohn Susan L. , Applebaum Mark A.
Published: August 2024

ssSEs identify highly expressed genes unique to the ADRN and MES lineages. A, H3K27ac deposition on ADRN and MES SEs and ssSE in each neuroblastoma cell line. Peaks are higher for ssSEs than double-stranded SEs. B, H3K27ac deposition, KAS-seq pulldown, and RNA expression at MES ssSE, denoted in red, associated with a MES signature gene LUM in representative ADRN and MES isogenic cell lines and C, a ADRN signature gene PRIMA1 in the same representative cell lines. D, Heatmap representing 532 differentially expressed genes that were identified in five ADRN and three MES cell lines in proximity to ssSEs (P < 0.05).
Heracleum munzurense (Apiaceae), a new species from East Anatolia, Turkey and taxonomic position of Tetrataenium lasiopetalum
Authors: DURAN AHMET , LYSKOV DMITRY , SAMIGULLIN TAHIR , PAKSOY MEHMET YAVUZ
Published: August 2024

A new species, Heracleum munzurense (Apiaceae), is described from East Anatolia, Turkey. It grows in damp places formation of the Munzur Mountains in the district of Pülümür (Tunceli Province). The taxonomic affinities of the new species were determined by analyzing morphological data and through a molecular phylogenetic study of nrITS/ETS. The new species is morphologically and genetically related to H. apiifolium and H. pastinaca, but differs mainly in stems, leaves, pedicels, rays and petals pubescence, petals size, fruit hairs, and size features. The anatomical structure of the fruit is given. The diagnostic morphological characters of the new species are discussed. In this study, the geographical distribution of the new species and the related taxa H. apiifolium, H. lasiopetalum, and H. pastinaca is mapped. In addition, the habitat, ecology, phenology, and conservation status of the new species are also provided. Tetrataenium lasiopetalum is also closely related to this group of species. Common morphological features and results of molecular phylogenetic study suggest to transfer this species back to the genus Heracleum.
A new species of Oxalis sect. Holophyllum (Oxalidaceae) from the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, discovered with the help of citizen science
Authors: VASQUES JASMIM C. , VAGO WALGERY A. , FIASCHI PEDRO
Published: August 2024

A new species of Oxalis sect. Holophyllum restricted to the Atlantic Forest of the State of Espírito Santo (Brazil) is described. This species can be distinguished from others of the section by the leaf blades up to ca. 1.6× longer than wide, adaxially with very abundant, patent hairs, phyllodial peduncles shorter than the leaves, distally enlarged and hiding floral buds and young fruits underneath, and flowers with yellow corolla. A morphological description with taxonomic notes and a preliminary assessment of its conservation status are presented here, as well as a photographic plate, and a geographic distribution map for the new species. An identification key for the species of O. sect. Holophyllum with the peduncle wider distally than proximally is also provided.
Review of the Mexican species of Disholcaspis Dalla Torre & Kieffer with the description of eleven new species
Authors: CUESTA-PORTA VICTOR , COOKE-MCEWEN CRYSTAL , MELIKA GEORGE , RANGEL SILVIA ROMERO- , EQUIHUA-MARTÍNEZ ARMANDO , ESTRADA-VENEGAS EDITH G. , TAPIA RICARDO CLARK- , SERRANO-MUÑOZ MIRIAM , CHAGOYÁN-GARCÍA CHRYSTIAN , PUJADE-VILLAR JULI
Published: August 2024

Disholcaspis Dalla Torre & Kieffer, 1910 is reviewed for the first time in Mexico. A total of 23 species have been studied, 12 previously known species, 11 new species, and one new synonym: D. brasoae Cuesta-Porta, sp. nov., D. callosa Pujade-Villar, Kinsey† & Cuesta-Porta, sp. nov., D. carpenteri Pujade-Villar, Cuesta-Porta & Melika, sp. nov., D. cinerosa (Bassett, 1881) (= D. pallens Kinsey, 1938 syn. nov.), D. cordifoliae Cuesta-Porta, Pujade-Villar & Kinsey†, sp. nov., D. crystalae Pujade-Villar, 2018, D. cummingi Pujade-Villar, Melika & Cuesta-Porta, sp. nov., D. familiaris Cuesta-Porta, sp. nov., D. hermesi Cuesta-Porta, Pujade-Villar & Melika, sp. nov., D. insulana Kinsey, 1938, D. laetae Kinsey, 1937, D. largior Kinsey, 1938, D. mexicana (Beutenmüller, 1911), D. nayeliae Cuesta-Porta, Melika & Pujade-Villar, sp. nov., D. potosina Kinsey, 1937, D. pulla Kinsey, 1937, D. punicea Pujade-Villar, Kinsey† & Cuesta-Porta, sp. nov., D. purlans Kinsey, 1937, D. purpurea Kinsey, 1937, D. puta Kinsey†, Cuesta-Porta & Pujade-Villar, sp. nov., D. raptor Pujade-Villar, Kinsey † & Cuesta-Porta, sp. nov., D. regina Kinsey, 1937, and D. unicolor Kinsey, 1920. We provide the descriptions of the new species, the re-descriptions of the previously known species, diagnoses and the first key to species for the Mexican Disholcaspis.
Consanguineous Marriages and Domestic Violence against Women: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Zafar Sameen , Shah Gulzar , Amir-ud-Din Rafi
Published: August 2024

The high prevalence of cousin marriages in the patriarchal Pakistani society presents a unique setting to study the impact of consanguinity on domestic violence. Our study investigates the relationship between consanguineous marriages and domestic violence against women, using econometric models and the Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (2012 and 2017–2018). The findings reveal a grim picture of domestic violence, with 6.5% of women experiencing severe physical violence in 2017–2018. We find that consanguineous marriages serve as a protective cushion against domestic violence, while being married to a maternal cousin as compared to a paternal cousin interestingly reduces domestic violence.
They Might Be Giants: The Creative Interplay of Literature and Psychology
Authors: Bey Tass
Published: August 2024

In the sometimes seemingly quixotic quest to overcome the loneliness of our human condition, a main driver of discovery is the interplay of literature and psychology, the core dynamic fueling the human imagination from the picaresque journeys of Cervantes to the royal road that Freud traveled down in his interpretation of dreams. They might be Giants. In her posthumously published paper on loneliness, Dr. Fromm-Reichmann explores the creative interplay between literature and psychology, which stimulates our understanding as readers and our receptivity as an audience, while in turn, inspiring creative artists like Fellini, who began his mythical journey in La Strada, found his guiding ideals in Jungian analysis and who completed the realization of his collective vision in 8 ½.
Examining Texting in the Classroom Between Adolescents Without and With Learning Disabilities: Do Classroom Climate and Academic Boredom Matter?
Authors: Touloupis Thanos
Published: August 2024

The present study investigated texting in the classroom through written (SMS) and instant (social media) messages comparatively between adolescents without and with LD. Also, applying the Social Cognitive Theory, the role of perceived classroom climate and academic boredom in texting in the classroom was co-examined through an explanatory mediation model. Overall, 439 students (59% girls) without LD and 408 students (47% girls) with LD, who both attended randomly selected Greek junior high schools of Mainstream Education and used a mobile phone, completed self-reported scales about the variables involved with reference to the Modern Greek language course. The results showed that texting in the classroom (through written/instant messages) was above average for both student subgroups, regardless of their gender. However, within a comparative perspective, texting in the classroom through instant (social media) messages was higher for students with LD. Furthermore, in the relationship between perceived classroom climate and texting in the classroom (through written/instant messages) academic boredom proved a full mediator for students without LD and a partial mediator for students with LD. The findings imply the need for psychoeducational interventions in the context of specific school courses, to strengthen differentiated dimensions of psychosocial classroom climate for adolescents without and with LD. Thus, positive academic emotions and minimized disruptive texting in the classroom could be achieved.
Examining the Barriers to Licensed Private Cannabis Retailers in Canada: A Quantitative Content Analysis of Canadian News Media Coverage
Authors: Wright-Brown Tanisha , Blackwood Michael , Cooper Thomas , Schwartz Elizabeth , Newell William , Bishop Lisa , Najafizada Maisam , Donnan Jennifer
Published: August 2024

Background

Since the Government of Canada legalized non-medicinal cannabis use/consumption on October 17, 2018, licensed private cannabis retailers have faced numerous challenges. These challenges negatively impacted retail operations and potentially undermined public health and safety. We aimed to identify these challenges to inform policy decisions.

Methods

We conducted a quantitative news media content analysis using Nexis Uni and Eureka databases to identify articles from Canada's highest-circulating newspapers and CBC News website from 2017 to 2022, referencing at least one barrier to private cannabis retailers. We screened and extracted data using Covidence and deductively coded the data using our newly developed comprehensive cannabis retail framework and inductively as new themes emerged. The barriers identified in the media were quantified through descriptive analyses.

Results

The search yielded 9,371 articles, of which 307 relevant articles were included. The main findings revealed that the barriers most commonly reported by the media were related to government regulations, supply chain, and competitors. The salience of these barriers also changed over time. These barriers were most frequently mentioned in the Globe and Mail, Calgary Herald, Toronto Star, and the National Post.

Conclusion

Our framework was suitable for describing the data and identifying several media-portrayed barriers to private cannabis retail operations in Canada and how they differed in salience over time. However, a more in-depth understanding of the barriers from retailers’ perspectives may further support the government's policy agenda of achieving public health and safety. The results from this study may also serve as a baseline measure to evaluate Canada's cannabis retail market and provide new insights into the growing body of literature about the cannabis retail market.
Treatment Needs of Patients With Severe Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: Narasimha Venkata Lakshmi , BA Arvind , Tadepalli Ramana , Kandasamy Arun , Murthy Pratima
Published: August 2024

Background:

People with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) have varied needs while they seek treatment. Understanding and focusing on the needs will improve treatment outcomes. The objective of the study is to qualitatively assess the treatment-related needs of patients with AUDs admitted to a tertiary care treatment center.

Methods:

A semi-structured questionnaire with anchor questions was developed based on a literature review and key informant interviews. All the interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and color-coded manually. Two reviewers reviewed the codes. Themes and subthemes were generated using thematic inductive analysis.

Results:

Among 15 patients interviewed, all the patients had severe AUD (100%), were married (100%), were primarily males (86.6%), and more than half below the poverty line (53.4%), with a mean age of 41.1 years (SD = 9.5). Four major themes of treatment needs were identified: (a) individual, (b) family-related, (c) hospital-related, and (d) community-related. Among individual needs-medication-related, psychological, and occupational were prominent. Addressing family conflict and supporting the family are the significant subthemes for family-related needs. The behavior of the treating team, environmental needs, and diverse services were significant hospital-related needs. Awareness, accessibility, availability, and affordability of treatment services were the major community-related needs.

Conclusion:

The study highlights diverse needs extending from individual to community among people with AUDs. A holistic treatment model to address these needs will improve the quality of care and treatment outcomes.
Microstructure and wear resistance of cold sprayed CoCrFeNi HEA coatings: Influence of powder particle size and spraying temperature
Authors: Chai Qing , Jiang Chaoxin , Zhang Chao , Yin Shuo
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on the successful fabrication of three distinct types of CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy (HEA) coatings through cold spray (CS) technology, with an emphasis on analyzing the impact of varying crucial CS parameters (spraying temperature and the range of powder particle size), on the coating's microstructure and tribological properties. Contrasted with conventional thermal spraying techniques, lower operational temperature in CS safeguards the materials from undergoing oxidation or phase transitions that are typically induced by high-temperature conditions. Additionally, the high-velocity impact of particles onto the substrate within CS process triggers plastic deformation, resulting in the creation of coatings that are characterized by heightened hardness, and greater density. Such coatings exhibit significantly enhanced performance and durability. The cocktail effect observed in CoCrFeNi HEA is reflected in a suite of exceptional properties that markedly surpass those exhibited by traditional alloys. Chiefly, this phenomenon is manifested through the alloy's exceptionally high hardness and dense structure, positioning CoCrFeNi HEA as a promising candidate for applications in high-wear scenarios. Experimental outcomes indicate that when smaller powder particles and higher spraying temperatures are employed, the porosity of CSed CoCrFeNi HEA coatings was observed to decrease by nearly an order of magnitude, concomitant with a 22.46% enhancement in microhardness. This improvement in microhardness translates into a significant reduction of over 72% in the wear rate, underscoring the positive correlation between enhanced microstructural integrity and wear resistance properties. By meticulously tuning spraying temperature and powder particle size, the resulting microstructure can be rendered increasingly dense and refined.
What are the predictors of political incivility perceptions?
Authors: Bentivegna Sara , Rega Rossella
Published: August 2024

Incivility in public discourse has become a central concern. This research develops an approach based on citizens’ perceptions of incivility to assess predictors of such perceptions. Starting from a definition of the concept in a multidimensional sense, we identified different types of incivility that can be easily translated into operational terms (using vulgar/insulting language, referring to another politician with racist/sexist/religious epithets, lying/inventing facts to attack political opponents, and resorting to violence against political opponents). Through a survey of a representative sample of the Italian population, we found that citizens’ perception of incivility is not uniform but varies depending on the context and individual characteristics (socio-demographic variables, news consumption and relationship with politics). Overall, the importance of disentangling the concept into different types has emerged, because continuing to speak of ‘incivility’ in a broad sense does not help to clarify the phenomenon nor to identify the consequences for citizens’ relationship with politics.
The Influence of Clan Culture on the Demand for Family Commercial Health Insurance: The Case of China
Authors: Li Qingchen , Wang Xiuyan , Zhang Ziyan
Published: August 2024

This article examines the reasons for the underdevelopment of commercial health insurance as a family risk-sharing mechanism, from the viewpoint of traditional Chinese clan culture. Using genealogical data to create city-level indicators of clan culture, this study investigates its impact on the demand for family-oriented commercial health insurance. The results indicate a negative correlation between the intensity of clan culture and the demand for family commercial health insurance, and a smaller percentage of income allocated to health insurance premiums in areas with stronger clan culture. This crowding-out effect primarily occurs through bilateral transfer payments encouraged by mutual aid among clan members.
Successful Management of Febrile Infection–Related Epilepsy Syndrome Using Cytokine-Directed Therapy
Authors: Harrar Dana B. , Genser Ilyse , Najjar Mejdi , Davies Emily , Sule Sangeeta , Wistinghausen Birte , Goldbach-Mansky Raphaela , Wells Elizabeth
Published: August 2024

Here we describe a pediatric patient with febrile infection–related epilepsy syndrome with a good functional and neurologic outcome after treatment with early and aggressive cytokine-directed immunomodulatory therapy and a seizure management strategy that intentionally avoided a barbiturate coma. A 5-year-old previously healthy male presented with staring, behavioral arrest, and encephalopathy evolving to super-refractory status epilepticus. He had had onset of fever 5 days prior. He was treated with early and aggressive immunomodulatory therapy targeted to his evolving cytokine profile. He was also treated with the ketogenic diet, antiseizure medications, and continuous anesthetic infusions. Pentobarbital was purposely avoided. Now, 2½ years later, he attends mainstream school, has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mild neurocognitive impairment, and well-controlled epilepsy. By using cytokine-directed immunotherapy and avoiding a barbiturate coma, we were able to successfully treat a pediatric patient with febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome and achieve a good outcome.
Bridging workforce skills gaps in rural America amid ‘the great resignation' by leveraging a triple helix collaboration
Authors: Thorpe Melynda , Healy Christine , Olsen David
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted the job market through a surge in layoffs and the mass resignation of employees leading to the emergence of ‘The Great Resignation’. This study explores the perspectives of employers regarding skills gaps and hiring challenges with a focus on rural communities. A collaboration led by a prominent rural university department of Community and Workforce Development included industry partners, governmental agencies, a partner university, primary and secondary schools (K-12), vocational institutions, Chambers of Commerce, and Small Business Development Centers. Their objective was to examine the gap between employer needs and worker readiness. Leveraging the Triple Helix approach, a grant was awarded to fund a stackable pathway skills development program for high-demand industries in a rural five-county area. This program, the Industry Engaged Workplace Ready Program Model, is a two-phase, rapid-response approach for meeting emergent workforce needs by providing accessible training, education, networking, and mentoring to employable candidates. Findings revealed success in the program with mixed outcomes and room for program revision.
Numerical investigation into the effects of aft deck angle on the flow characteristics of a serpentine nozzle
Authors: Jiao Liying , Zhou Li , Shi Jingwei , Wang Zhanxue
Published: August 2024

For modern military aero-engine, the serpentine nozzle with aft deck is deployed to meet the requirements of stealth and integrated design. Different from existing studies which emphasize the rectangular nozzles and corresponding infrared radiation impact, the effect of the aft deck angle on flow characteristics of serpentine nozzles with a focus on the internal flow, the shock system, the jet’s evolution, and the performance parameters are systematically investigated in this paper. This study is carried out through three-dimensional numerical simulations, which are validated by the experiment. The results show that the aft deck with different angles has a significant impact on the overall flow characteristics, such as the static pressure and the three-dimensional shock system, as a result of the asymmetry and the contraction/expansion effects on the jet. Specifically, upward-deflected aft decks lead to a re-compression effect and the variation of the internal static pressure value can be up to 7%, whereas for downward-deflected aft decks, the effect on the internal flow can be neglected in under-expansion conditions. In addition, the aft deck angle and the extent of boundary layer separation greatly affect the thrust performance and the vortex evolution, which determines the downstream evolution of the jet cross-section. Effective thrust coefficient is closely tied to the thrust vector angle, with the coefficient reaching its zenith when the thrust vector angle is closest to 0°. This study reinforces understanding of the interrelated problems and may facilitate the development of the optimal aft deck angle for various applications.
Controlling sonic rectangular jet with nozzle trailing edge modification
Authors: Singh Swaraj , Suseela Moorthi Aravindh Kumar , Sundararaj Senthilkumar
Published: August 2024

Sonic rectangular jet emanating from a convergent nozzle of aspect ratio 2 with modified trailing edge in the form of triangular extension on its widest side is investigated experimentally at different nozzle pressure ratios corresponding to underexpanded states of sonic jet. To assess the impact of trailing edge modification on jet mixing, the sonic rectangular jet from aspect ratio two plain convergent nozzle (without trailing edge modification) is also studied. The centerline pressure decay results at nozzle pressure ratios 2, 3, 4 and 5 confirm the superiority of modified jet (jet from trailing edge modified nozzle) over plain jet from the mixing point of view. At all the pressure ratios, the modified jet possessed shorter core and weaker shock and expansion waves compared to plain jet, which is an outcome of faster mixing of modified jet with ambient fluid. The enhanced mixing caused the modified jet to decay faster than the plain jet. An appreciable core length reduction of about 32% is noticed at pressure ratio of 5. The modified jet experienced increased spread along major axis than along minor axis owing to the restriction offered by the triangular extension on jet spread along minor axis. Thus, the axis switching was absent in modified jet compared to plain jet switching axes at all pressure ratios. The shadowgraph images confirmed the presence of weaker waves in the modified jet. Also, the images confirmed the absence of Mach disk in the modified jet at pressure ratio of 5 compared to plain jet.
Does Organic Food Consumers’ Perception of Organisation CSR Matter: Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Anand Tamana , Ramachandran Jayalakshmy , Batra G. S.
Published: August 2024

This article aims to test whether organic food consumers’ perception of organisations’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) matters by examining the specific attributes that consumers prioritise in gauging the corporate CSR of organisations manufacturing organic food products in Malaysia. A structured Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data from a total of 313 consumers utilising the survey method. Findings suggest that organisations should prioritise stakeholders’ interest through positive health benefits of organic food products, environmental commitment, product knowledge, trustworthy information and affordable prices rather than using CSR as a growth factor to promote quality and sustainability only. The study emphasises the role of the Malaysian government in enhancing the standards of organic food production and processing, which will motivate many companies to venture into organic farming and lead towards less reliance on imports of organic food. This will build up consumer trust and satisfaction towards organic produce. Lastly, there will be an increase in consumer trust and satisfaction towards organic produce as demand increases after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study is suitable for organic food manufacturers who intend to improve social image, stakeholder experience and value creation, which will help brand their products. The implications of this study are generalisable not only in Malaysia but worldwide since the world is moving towards the new normal, and precautionary measures to combat health issues are prioritised.
Making “strategic autonomy” rhyme with “fiscal austerity?” Unresolved conflicts of (geo)economic ideas in EU infrastructure policy
Authors: Abels Joscha
Published: August 2024

As a reaction to intensifying global competition, measures related to strategic autonomy are gaining traction on the EU level. Yet they coincide with a general return to fiscal consolidation. With current developments more inconclusive than previously suggested, this article asks how the central actors in EU economic policy, both public and private, position themselves in the autonomy-austerity conflict. It introduces a political-economic approach to the role of (geo)economic ideas and state-business relations in EU policy formation. The article focuses on infrastructure policy as a main field within which the conflict unfolds. A content analysis of official documents systematically maps the positions of relevant actors. While an influential group of southern finance ministries, Directorates-General, center-left parties, and trade unions is promoting strategic autonomy, a shrinking constellation around fiscal austerity contains relevant veto players. The deadlock results in the attempt to reconcile both ideas via “targeted flexibility”: consolidation via the expenditure side and a delegitimization of non-investment spending, coupled with a public de-risking of private investments. The approach is supported by European capital, yet highly inconsistent and runs up against pro-austerity forces. The findings have strong implications for the EU’s future geoeconomic strategy and its ability to compete globally.
Fieldwork Locations: Where Sociocultural Anthropologists Conduct Research
Authors: Chibnik Michael
Published: August 2024

Historians of anthropology have observed how the locations where sociocultural anthropologists conduct fieldwork have influenced their methods and theories. This paper provides information about (1) where sociocultural anthropologists publishing in selected well-known journals in recent years have been conducting fieldwork; and (2) how contemporary fieldwork locations resemble and differ from those in the past. The geographical distribution of fieldwork sites by world region prior to the mid-1950s differs considerably from that of more recent years. However, since 1960 the only significant changes have been increases in the proportions of field sites in Europe and the Middle East. In comparison with their populations, fieldwork sites in both the past and present greatly overrepresent some regions and countries and underrepresent other regions and countries. The result is a sampling problem that hinders attempts to make cross-cultural generalizations.
Novel genetic structures associated with adverse response to chemotherapy in breast cancer
Authors: Gholami Morteza , Asouri Mohsen , Ahmadi Ali Asghar , Nasirikenari Mehrab
Published: August 2024

Introduction: The role of genetic variants in response to chemotherapy has been investigated in several studies. This study aimed to investigate genetic variants associated with response to chemotherapy in breast cancer (BC) patients. Methods: Significant variants (p < 5 × 10−8) associated with response to chemotherapy were obtained from GWA studies. Candidate variants were identified by haplotype analysis (r2 ≥ 0.9, D′≥0.9) using 1000Genome LD data. To determine the effects of the variants on gene expression, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) were evaluated. To compare the expression of the identified genes in tumor samples, expression levels were compared between TCGA tumor types and adjacent normal tissues. Results: Six rs3820706, rs147451859, rs4784750, rs17587029, rs16830728, and rs16972207 variants were significantly associated with response to chemotherapy in BC patients (p < 5 × 10−8). Seven novel haplotypic structures were identified to be associated with adverse response to chemotherapy in BC patients. These haplotypes formed two genetic structures associated with neutropenia, leukopenia, chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity (GAG-TTAT), and chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CC-CAACTCCCGTTGCGG). These variants are located on PPCDC, NLRC5, STAM2, and TNFSF13B genes, and the expression of these genes significantly changed in BC tissues than normal tissues (P ≤ 0.05), also showing gene-gene correlation (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: These genetic variants and their associated novel haplotypic structures can predict adverse response to chemotherapy in BC patients and could potentially form BC-associated genetic panel for adverse response to chemotherapy.
Renewing an ‘Armenian’ neighbourhood: Recursive dispossession and the history of extractive sovereignty in Turkey
Authors: von Bieberstein Alice
Published: August 2024

Based on ethnographic research on an urban regeneration project targeting the historically Armenian quarter of a provincial capital in the Kurdish parts of Turkey, the article engages with two related, but separate strands of anthropological scholarship on the ‘fragmented’ nature of sovereignty to think through the relation of sovereignty and extraction. It does so, firstly, in relation to contemporary transformations of statecraft under conditions of financialised neoliberalism and authoritarianism, and secondly, in relation to the historically contingent constellation of property relations, racialisation and violence in the transition from Ottoman Empire to Turkish nation-state. The first leads me to argue that ‘fragmentation’ emerges here as a project internal to the practices of statecraft, that is, not primarily driven by market mechanisms, nor as something that extends beyond the nation-state. The historical account is offered as a case that further extends our scholarly archive of modern sovereignty as a global form intimately entangled with extraction and dispossession.
What is the interest in research on challenging schools? A literature review with scientific mapping
Authors: Latorre Medina María José
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the scientific production and performance of the concept ‘challenging schools’ from 2000 to today through a bibliometric analysis complemented by scientific mapping. The study resorted to different processes to quantify, analyse, evaluate, and estimate the scientific output by means of specific software such as SciMAT, Analyze Results, and Creation Citation Report. The concept was run through 88 scientific publications dating from 2000 to 2022 extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) citation database. The findings suggest that the evolution of the study of the schools facing challenging circumstances is constant and continuous and has followed a stable trend. The results also reflect the related themes that are of greatest scientific interest throughout each of the decades, climate being relevant in each of the periods. Furthermore, the study reveals the thematic evolution, the birth of new motor themes, as well as others lacking in depth analyses that merit further exhaustive investigation. This study thus paves the way for future research on the subject.
Study on the corrosion and damage behaviours of P110 tubing of deep shale gas wells
Authors: Hou Duo , Wu Xu , Zhang Zhi , Zhu Dajiang , Li Yufei , Lu Qi
Published: August 2024

This study conducts weight loss corrosion experiments by a high-temperature autoclave to investigate the corrosion behaviours and the damage rules of mechanical properties of P110 tubing under coupling working conditions of multiple factors (temperature 50–155 °C, CO2 content 1%–2%, Cl− content 10,000–20,000 mg/L). It analyses the characteristics of corrosion products of P110 steel using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). In addition, the 3D morphology and size of local corrosion pits are measured microscopically. The mechanical properties’ damage behaviours at different tubing positions are analysed by constant-load tensile stress corrosion tests. The results showed that the average corrosion rate of the tubing reaches the maximum value of 1.627 mm/a at the middle section of the shale gas well. With an increase in temperature and CO2 partial pressure, the depth of the local corrosion pits on the tubing rises from 3.8 to 25.0 μm. The yield strength and tensile strength of the tubing at the bottom-hole section reduced by less than 8%, and the coupling damage effect of stress and corrosive mediums is serious. The tubing shows a sensitivity to stress corrosion cracking at the bottom-hole section. It was recommended that corrosion inhibitors should be cyclically added to inhibit CO2 corrosion to control the corrosion rate of the tubing within the range of medium-degree corrosion, thus ensuring that the strength reduction of P110 tubing under the corrosion working conditions containing CO2 and sulphate-reducing bacteria coupled with tensile stress is within the controllable range of safety factor.
Spinal arteriovenous fistula leading to acute paraplegia after a lumbar nerve root block: Successful embolization with complete neurological recovery—a case report
Authors: Gonzalez-Morgado Diego , de Dios-Lascuevas Marta , Blasco-Casado Ferran , Segura-Navarro Xurxo , Tomasello-Weitz Alejandro , Piñana Carlos , Haddad Sleiman
Published: August 2024

Spinal arteriovenous fistulas (SAVFs) are the most common type of vascular malformation of the spine in adult patients. They can lead to acute or progressive myelopathy due to venous congestion of the medullary veins. While most SAVFs are acquired, their pathophysiology remains unclear. The natural history of the disease and its clinical presentation are highly influenced by the location of the fistula and various factors may trigger sudden neurological decline. We present a case of a patient who developed a complete spinal cord injury after a lumbar nerve root block, likely due to an undiagnosed SAVF. The patient underwent endovascular embolization, resulting in a complete recovery of neurological function.
‘I have gained insight, direction, affirmation, and a network’. Examining the impact of the UK's first LGBTQ+ specific leadership development programme in higher education
Authors: Lee Catherine , Burman Daniel
Published: August 2024

This article explores the UK's first specific lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) leadership development programme in higher education. It assesses the programme's value for the participants, who comprised of 12 colleagues in academic and professional services roles in one English Post 92 University. The year-long programme offered leadership training, mentoring and networking to LGBTQ+ staff in aspiring to leadership roles. It adopted Whitmore's GROW coaching model and promoted authenticity in the workplace and authentic leadership. The article contends that leadership development initiatives for those with protected characteristics are important in an evolving higher education landscape which is ever more complex. Despite tensions with the concept of authenticity, the article is rooted in a post-structuralist theoretical framework that rejects essentialist views of gender and sexuality. Instead, it aligns with a Butlerian paradigm, where gender and sexual identities are diverse, fragmented and perpetually evolving in relation to others and within systems of power and knowledge. The leadership programme did not assume that LGBTQ+ individuals are intrinsically different from their heterosexual and cisgender peers. However, it developed in its participants, the insight to see that their distinct life experiences as an LGBTQ+ person in a hetero- and cisnormative society had given them a distinct set of attributes conducive to effective and authentic leadership.
Estimation of surface quality for turning operations using machine learning approach
Authors: Dewangan Avinash , Neigapula Venkata Swamy Naidu , Soni Dheeraj Lal , Vaidya Shailesh
Published: August 2024

The present article examines the effects of machining parameters on machined surfaces to determine optimum turning parameters for AISI-316 under dry machining environment. L27-OA with different levels of Cutting Speed (CS), Feed Rate (FR) and Depth-of-Cut (DOC) is used for experimentation. Surface Roughness (Ra) and Material Removal Rate (MRR) are considered as the response parameters. Among three Machine Learning (ML) models viz. Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) and Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR), GBR yielded the best results, with significantly higher R2scores and lower RMSE values. An integration of GBR-PSO algorithms is used to determine 50 sets of, Pareto solutions and desirability analysis rendered the most suitable input parameter values as 111.66 m/min for CS, 0.15 mm/rev for FR and 1.23 mm DOC. At validation stage, Raand MRR predicted by ML have a nominal difference of 15.19% and 0.115% compared to measured values.
Need for an Artificial Intelligence-based Diabetes Care Management System in India and the United States
Authors: Mayya Veena , Kandala Rajesh N.V.P.S. , Gurupur Varadraj , King Christian , Vu Giang T. , Wan Thomas T.H.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Diabetes mellitus is an important chronic disease that is prevalent around the world. Different countries and diverse cultures use varying approaches to dealing with this chronic condition. Also, with the advancement of computation and automated decision-making, many tools and technologies are now available to patients suffering from this disease. In this work, the investigators attempt to analyze approaches taken towards managing this illness in India and the United States.

Methods

In this work, the investigators have used available literature and data to compare the use of artificial intelligence in diabetes management.

Findings

The article provides key insights to comparison of diabetes management in terms of the nature of the healthcare system, availability, electronic health records, cultural factors, data privacy, affordability, and other important variables. Interestingly, variables such as quality of electronic health records, and cultural factors are key impediments in implementing an efficiency-driven management system for dealing with this chronic disease.

Conclusion

The article adds to the body of knowledge associated with the management of this disease, establishing a critical need for using artificial intelligence in diabetes care management.
The Z-scores of cardiac indices among healthy children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chinawa Josephat M. , Chinawa Awoere T. , Chukwu Bartholomew F. , Peter Igoche D.
Published: August 2024

Background

The application of z-scores in normalizing the cardiac size function and structural dimension will be of immense benefit to the clinician, especially in evaluating children with cardiac anomalies. However, heterogeneity in the obtained z- score results is high, thus a subgroup analysis by region (or continent) to assist healthcare practitioners is necessary.

Objectives

The review aimed to ascertain the overall mean z-scores for cardiac structures and function.

Methods

A thorough search of several databases, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar was made. Articles published between January 1999 and December 2023 were recruited, of which the last search was done in December 2023. Keywords used in the search were “z-scores”, Children; echocardiography; cardiac structures; cardiac function; and body surface area (BSA)”. We restricted our search to children. Besides, additional relevant articles were manually searched. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was used to highlight selected studies using a pre-defined search protocol. The I2 statistics were used to ascertain statistical heterogeneity.

Results

Two hundred and forty citations were identified in our search strategy, of which a total of 34 studies were identified. Twenty-four were excluded from the thirty-four studies. A total of 11 studies met our inclusion criteria shown in the PRISMA. Apart from different z scores reading obtained from various countries and regions, some authors focused on few cardiac parameters while others were exhaustive. The mean z-scores of the cardiac structures from various countries/regions range as follows; The range of Z scores obtained by different studies and regions above are as follows; MV;-1.62-0.7 AV: -1.8 -0.5 TV: -2.71 -0.7; PV ; -1.52- (-0.99) MPA; -1-81 -0.8 LPA;-1.07-0.4; RPA;-0.92- 0.1 IVSD; -0.1.77–1.89 LVPWD; -0.12-1.5 LVPWS; -0.1-0.15 LVPWS; 0.03–0.18 LVIDD; -1.13- (-0.98) LVIDS; -0.84-10.3 respectively. The mean z-score from the pooled studies showed mitral valve diameter as -0.24 ± 0.9 and pulmonary valve annuls as -1.10 ± 0.3. The left ventricular end diastolic diameter is -0.93 ± 0.3 while the left ventricular end systolic diameter is -0.05 ± 0.5. The total pooled sample size of the eleven included studies was 9074 and the mean at 95% interval was 824.9 ± 537.344. The pooled mean is presented under the model of the Mean raw (MRAW) column. The heterogeneity discovered among the selected studies was statistically significant.

Conclusion

Due to heterogeneity involved in the reportage of the z-scores of cardiac structures and function, it may be necessary for every region to use their z-scores domiciled in their locale. However, having a pooled mean z-score of cardiac structures and function may be useful in the near future.