bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crisis Communication and Crisis Management During COVID-19 1
Authors: Wodak Ruth
Published: January 2025

This chapter presents results from a comparative and qualitative discourse-historical analysis of governmental crisis communication in Austria, Germany, France, Hungary and Sweden, during the global COVID-19 pandemic lockdown from March 2020 to May 2020 (a 'discourse strand'). By analysing a sample of important speeches and press conferences by government leaders (all performing as the 'face of crisis management'), it is possible to deconstruct a range of discursive strategies announcing/legitimising restrictive measures in order to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic where everybody is in danger of falling ill, regardless of their status, position, education and so forth. I focus on four frames that have been employed to mitigate the 'dread of death' (Bauman, 2006) and counter the 'denial of death' (Becker, 1973/2020): a 'religious frame', a 'dialogic frame', a frame emphasising 'trust', and a frame of 'leading a war'. These interpretation frameworks are all embedded in 'renationalising' tendencies, specifically visible in the EU member states where even the Schengen Area was suddenly abolished (in order to 'keep the virus out') and borders were closed. Thus, everybody continues to be confronted with national biopolitics and body politics (Wodak, 2021).
«Más allá de los inhibidores de futuro»
Authors: Iturraspe Juan Ignacio
Published: January 2025

Los planteamientos que se esgrimen en este breve artículo buscan interpelar aquellos lugares de enunciación, producción y reproducción sociales que se han visto cooptados discursivamente con el objetivo de perpetuar un determinado tipo de alienación subjetiva y su consecuente inoperancia política. Siguiendo tropos extraídos de lecturas metamodernas en el campo de la política, epistemología y sociología, además de intuiciones y nociones provenientes de casos clínicos psicoanalíticos discutidos in extenso en campos de transferencia y discusión entre analistas y analizantes, la pregunta que estructura el siguiente escrito es la siguiente: ¿dónde ha ido a parar la agencia política? ¿Qué se ha institucionalizado en su lugar? ¿Cómo recobrar dicha dimensionalidad crítica?
La Municipalidad de San Salvador (El Salvador): su funcionamiento institucional y financiero (1871-1876)
Authors: Acosta Rodríguez Antonio
Published: January 2025

Este trabajo estudia la actividad política, económica y social de la Municipalidad de San Salvador, capital de El Salvador, a partir de la revisión de asuntos tratados en ella entre 1871 y 1876, los años de Santiago González como presidente de la República. Entre dichos asuntos se hallan las obras públicas y privadas, la educación infantil, el abastecimiento de agua de la ciudad, la situación de los presidiarios, etc. Todo ello ocurría en un permanente déficit de los fondos municipales producido por la constante regresividad fiscal, con el consiguiente provecho de empresarios del sector comercial —y de otros sectores— y con la derivada de una creciente desigualdad social.
What Can Art Do? "Visible: Art As Policies for Care. Socially Engaged Art (2010-ongoing)"
Authors: Saviotti Alessandra
Published: January 2025

This paper reviews the book Visible: Art As Policies for Care. Socially Engaged Art (2010-ongoing).  The publication, edited by Martina Angelotti, Matteo Lucchetti, and Judith Wielander, explores the evolution and transformative potential of socially engaged art practices from 2010 to the present. Organized into five sections, the book provides a comprehensive overview of diverse artistic manifestations, featuring insights from artists, anthropologists, activists, and the constituencies they engage. This review examines the key themes addressed in the research, alongside the methodological approaches employed, which include storytelling and subjective perspectives, in line with the framework of autoethnographic writing.
Los síntomas de la gentrificación vistos “desde abajo”. Del Poblenou al 22@: una aproximación etnográfica a la reconversión social del espacio público en Barcelona
Authors: Navas Perrone María Gabriela , Espinoza Zepeda Horacio , Dalmau Torvà Marc
Published: January 2025

El artículo evidencia lo que denominamos “síntomas” de la progresiva gentrificación del territorio del Poblenou de Barcelona, como efecto del plan 22@. Inicialmente, se introduce el debate sobre la gentrificación, abordando su origen clásico en diálogo con las nuevas corrientes críticas que cuestionan su universalidad. A continuación, se describe la transformación del territorio, que ha devenido un laboratorio de experimentación urbana, detallando las presiones inmobiliarias y sus consecuencias. En el argumento central se comparan las dinámicas del espacio público de dos de sus barrios más afectados, a través de observaciones en la zona del núcleo antiguo y de la Supermanzana. Haciendo uso de una metodología de corte etnográfico, se aportan evidencias sobre las particularidades cualitativas de la gentrificación "desde abajo". En este contexto de mercantilización urbana, las conclusiones subrayan la necesidad de proteger las dinámicas de la vida pública para mitigar los efectos depredadores de la mercantilización urbana en el tejido comercial y social.
"Adieu to Liberty and Property": Sir Nicholas Morice, Humphry Morice, and the Defense of a Tory Political Economy in the Age of Walpole
Authors: Mitchell Matthew David
Published: January 2025

Abstract: Like any broad political dichotomy, the contrast between a Tory land-based and a Whig labor-based political economy can conceal nuances within individual commitments and actions. Devon squire and Tory MP Sir Nicholas Morice's letters to his cousin, London slave merchant and Whig MP Humphry Morice, demonstrate this. Sir Nicholas often amiably derided Humphry's mercantile urbanity, and more acidly mocked Humphry's friendship with Robert Walpole. Yet this posed no obstacle to Humphry assisting Sir Nicholas when Walpole came to appear, at least to Sir Nicholas, as a threat to the customary rights of landholders generally and the Morice interests in particular.
On the Limits of "Playing Crazy": Madness and Motherhood in Toni Morrison's Beloved
Authors: Fox Regis M.
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This essay contributes to scholarship on twentieth-century African American literature which thematizes Black women's madness. In interrogating antebellum Black madness as at once threatening and emancipatory, I undermine marginalization of the "mad Black woman" and the associated occlusions she represents, necessarily expanding the interpretive frameworks by which we most commonly account for Black women's political consciousness. One such mode of consciousness—"playing crazy"—entails a bevy of activities and behaviors discharged by historically disempowered groups to alter, even if temporarily, existing terms of intra-racial and interracial belonging. Analyzing Toni Morrison's neo-slave narrative Beloved (1988) as a site of departure from representations of "playing crazy" in contemporary African American vernacular traditions, drama, short and long fiction, I draw attention to contexts and consequences of gendered performances of "affliction." In Morrison's hands, the persona of the "mad Black woman" contributes to a unique legacy of Black struggle and Black being.
"I see the blade continue cutting": The Circuitry of Healing in Jean Toomer's Pastoral Poetry in Cane
Authors: Fillman Robert
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This article explores how Jean Toomer's pastoral celebration of the rural South and its predominantly Black workforce is shadowed by the problem of alienation, which arises from both the rapid industrialization of agricultural labor and the region's longer history of enslavement. Through an analysis of three pastoral poems—"Reapers," "Beehive," and "Harvest Song"—I show that the poetry in Cane evolves from a reliance on pastoral idealization and poetic artifice to a more realistic depiction of labor struggles. This progression reflects a cycle of healing in Toomer's work, where moments of affirmation give way to equally powerful expressions of loss, and vice versa. Influenced by socialist politics and progressive views on race, Toomer increasingly decouples race and class signifiers from his formulations, challenging the inherited conventions of the pastoral mode and contributing to a distinctively modernist form.
When and How Does Placement
onto Academic Probation Affect
Six-Year College Graduation?
Authors: Bowman Nicholas A. , Fenton-Miller Solomon
Published: January 2025

Many undergraduates are placed onto academic probation at some
point during their enrollment. Prior research findings are mixed on whether
and when academic probation affects the likelihood of college graduation.
The present study examined the impact of probationary placement on sixyear
graduation using regression discontinuity analyses overall and within
several subgroups that have received little or no attention to date. Academic
probation often led to sizable declines in the chances of graduation, especially
when students were placed on probation as a result of low semester Grade
Point Average (GPA). Transfer students exhibited especially adverse effects of
probationary placement based on semester GPA. Academic probation based
on overall GPA had sizable negative effects among students in their third or fourth year of college and among students who had previously been placed
on probation at least once. Additional analyses indicated that roughly half of
the impact of academic probation (based on both overall and semester GPA)
on six-year graduation was driven by university attrition that occurred before
students even started the semester in which they would be considered “on
probation”; therefore, institutional efforts targeted toward the probationary
semester would be too late to reach this group. Implications for policy, practice,
research, and assessment are discussed.
Proper 5’-3’ cotranslational mRNA decay in yeast requires import of Xrn1 to the nucleus
Authors: Jordán-Pla Antonio , Zhang Yujie , García-Martínez José , Chattopadhyay Shiladitya , Forte Anabel , Choder Mordechai , Pelechano Vicent , Pérez-Ortín José E.
Published: January 2025

The budding yeast Xrn1 protein shuttles between the nucleus, where it stimulates transcription, and the cytoplasm, where it executes the major cytoplasmic mRNA decay. In the cytoplasm, apart from catalyzing 5’→3’ decay onto non translated mRNAs, Xrn1 can follow the last translating ribosome to degrade the decapped mRNA template, a process known as “cotranslational mRNA decay”. We have previously observed that the import of Xrn1 to the nucleus is required for efficient cytoplasmic mRNA decay. Here by using an Xrn1 mutant that cannot enter the nucleus, but is otherwise functional in ribonuclease activity, we show that nuclear import is necessary for proper global cotranslational decay of mRNAs along coding regions and also affects degradation in the of 5’ region of a large group of mRNAs, which comprise about 20% of the transcriptome. Furthermore, a principal component analysis of the genomic datasets of this mutant and other Xrn1 mutants also shows that lack of a cytoplasmic 5’→3’ exoribonuclease is the primary cause of the physiological defects seen in a xrn1Δ mutant, but also suggests that Xrn1 import into the nucleus is necessary for its full in vivo functions.
Muscular TOR knockdown and endurance exercise ameliorate high salt and age-related skeletal muscle degradation by activating the MTOR-mediated pathway
Authors: Wang Shi-jie , Wen Deng-tai , Gao Ying-hui , Wang Jing-feng , Ma Xing-feng
Published: January 2025

The target of rapamycin(TOR)gene is closely related to metabolism and cellular aging, but it is unclear whether the TOR pathways mediate endurance exercise against the accelerated aging of skeletal muscle induced by high salt intake. In this study, muscular TOR gene overexpression and RNAi were constructed by constructing MhcGAL4/TOR-overexpression and MhcGAL4/TORUAS-RNAi systems in Drosophila. The results showed that muscle TOR knockdown and endurance exercise significantly increased the climbing speed, climbing endurance, the expression of autophagy related gene 2(ATG2), silent information regulator 2(SIR2), and pparγ coactivator 1(PGC-1α) genes, and superoxide dismutases(SOD) activity, but it decreased the expression of the TOR gene and reactive oxygen species(ROS) level, and it protected the myofibrillar fibers and mitochondria of skeletal muscle in Drosophila on a high-salt diet. TOR overexpression yielded similar results to the high salt diet(HSD) alone, with the opposite effect of TOR knockout found in regard to endurance exercise and HSD-induced age-related skeletal muscle degradation. Therefore, the current findings confirm that the muscle TOR gene plays an important role in endurance exercise against HSD-induced age-related skeletal muscle degeneration, as it determines the activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin(MTOR)/SIR2/PGC-1α and MTOR/ATG2/PGC-1α pathways in skeletal muscle.
Globalizing opposition to pro-environmental institutions: The growth of counter climate change organizations around the world, 1990 to 2018
Authors: Furuta Jared , Bromley Patricia
Published: January 2025

More than two decades of social scientific research has identified the growing network of corporations, think tanks, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations that aim to obstruct climate change action within the United States. Conventional arguments emphasize the role of economic self-interest (e.g., wealthy and powerful corporations) in shaping the rise of an organized “counter climate change movement” that seeks to discredit evidence about anthropogenic climate change and derail solutions to address the problem. In this paper, we track the growth of counter climate change organizations around the world and emphasize the role of reactionary cultural dynamics in driving their emergence. As climate change discourse is infused in more areas throughout society, climate change issues become more salient in the public sphere, generating adversarial grievances, identities, and mobilization among oppositional groups. Drawing on panel logistic regression models for 162–164 countries from 1990 to 2018, we find that counter climate change organizations are most likely to develop in countries with more extensive state policies and structures oriented toward protecting the natural environment, net of a variety of factors that account for a country’s economic interests or its overall capacity to produce domestic associations.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward coronary heart disease secondary prevention among coronary heart disease patients in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Hao , Wu Bo , Guan Wenqi , Zhou Tan , Wang Hongbao , Li Wei , He Xueqin
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward coronary heart disease (CHD) secondary prevention among CHD patients.

Methods

This web-based cross-sectional study enrolled patients with CHD who visited the Yangpu District Central Hospital in Shanghai (China) between October 18, 2022, and March 25, 2023. The administered questionnaire assessed demographic information and KAP; factors associated with good practice were identified by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 507 participants were included in the study, with 361 (71.2%) being male. In terms of education, 125 (24.7%) had a junior high school level or below. The mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 31.28 ± 7.30 (possible range: 0–42), 54.09 ± 3.33 (possible range: 12–60), and 35.48 ± 3.36 (possible range: 11–55), respectively. For specific knowledge items on CHD, 57.6% of participants correctly identified that women are more susceptible to CHD. Physical labor and emotional excitement as triggers for CHD were correctly recognized by 94.1%. The need for long-term medication and follow-up after a CHD diagnosis had the highest correctness rate at 98.8%. Additionally, 84.6% correctly understood that recurrence of CHD is possible after PCI surgery. Multivariate analysis indicated that smoking and diabetes status were significantly associated with Practice scores. Current smokers reported lower practice levels than never smokers (OR = 2.858, 95% CI: 1.442–5.662, P = 0.003). Participants with diabetes reported higher practice levels than those without diabetes (OR = 4.169, 95% CI: 2.329–7.463, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with CHD in Shanghai, China, demonstrated good knowledge and positive attitudes toward CHD secondary prevention, although there were some gaps in actual practice behaviors. Enhancing targeted educational interventions and support systems in clinical settings may help bridge these gaps and improve adherence to recommended preventive practices.
Long-term dynamics of density dependence reveals a more stable effect of the neighborhood on tree growth than tree survival
Authors: Wang Liping , Wu Junjie , Chen Fengxian
Published: January 2025

Density dependence is a vital mechanism for explaining tree species diversity. Empirical studies worldwide have demonstrated that neighbor density influences plant survival and growth in various communities. However, it remains unclear how neighbor density affects plant survival and growth over extended periods. We used data from tree censuses collected every five years from 1981 to 2015 (seven intervals) to assess how density dependence affects adult tree survival and growth by using generalized linear mixed models and the coefficients of variation in Barro Colorado Island plot. Linear regression models were used to assess whether the effects of density dependence on tree survival and growth correlated with species abundance. The results indicated that the effects of tree size (DBH) on tree survival and growth differed across all intervals. We found that the effects of heterospecific neighbor density on tree survival varied over time and consistently had significant negative impacts on tree growth. Conspecific neighbor densities had significant negative effects on tree survival and growth across all intervals. The effect of density dependence on tree growth was more stable than its impact on tree survival. Additionally, the relationship of species abundance and the effect of negative conspecific and heterospecific neighbor densities significantly affected tree growth but not survival, with negative and positive correlations to tree abundance over time, respectively. Our results revealed that neighboring density dependence can predict more accurately of tree growth than survival.
Phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of Tunisian maize landraces
Authors: Hammami Mohamed Dhia Eddine , Madur Delphine , Kthiri Zayneb , Galaretto Agustin , Nicolas Stéphane D. , Charcosset Alain , Combes Valérie , Karmous Chahine , Revilla Pedro
Published: January 2025

Based on history, maize was first introduced into Tunisia and northern Africa, at large, from the south of Spain. Several subsequent introductions were made from diverse origins, generating new landraces by recombination and selection for adaptation to arid environments. This study aimed to investigate the phylogenetic relationships among Tunisian maize landraces with possible sources of introduction from neighboring countries. Ten Tunisian landraces were genotyped with 23656SNPs along with a panel of diversity of 171 landraces originating from Algeria, Europe, and America. The Tunisian maize landraces were very diverse and distinct from those from neighboring countries, and they were classified into three main clusters that could be the basis for investigating heterotic groups. The phylogenetic relationships among Tunisian and other landraces from neighboring countries supported the hypothesis of a first introduction from the south of Spain and subsequent introductions from other countries. These germplasm groups could be the basis for studying heterotic patterns and sample maize germplasm from Tunisia and North Africa in general. The Tunisian maize germplasm could be a basis for identifying sources of favorable alleles to improve tolerance to abiotic stresses.
Transfer accuracy of partially enclosed single hard vacuum-formed trays with 3D-printed models for lingual bracket indirect bonding: A prospective in-vivo study
Authors: Nguyen Viet Anh , Nguyen Thuy Anh , Doan Hong Le , Pham Thi Hanh , Doan Bich Ngoc , Pham Thi Thanh Thuy , Hoang Viet
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the clinical transfer accuracy of partially enclosed single hard vacuum-formed trays based on three-dimensional (3D) printed models for lingual bracket indirect bonding.

Materials and methods

Thirty-two consecutive patients receiving lingual orthodontic treatment were enrolled. Digital models with ideal bracket positions were 3D-printed, followed by fabrication of partially enclosed single hard vacuum-formed trays. Digital impressions captured actual bracket positions and were compared to the ideal positions. One-tailed t-tests assessed if errors were within clinically acceptable thresholds of 0.5 mm for linear measurements and 2° for angular measurements.

Results

Mean bracket transfer errors were 0.052 mm, 0.076 mm, 0.106 mm, 0.795°, 1.344°, and 2.485° for mesiodistal, buccolingual, occlusogingival, rotation, tip, and torque, respectively. Transfer errors were statistically below the clinically acceptable thresholds for all dimensions except torque. Frequencies of acceptable transfer errors were 100%, 100%, 99.3%, 93.1%, 78.3%, and 54.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

Partially enclosed single hard vacuum-formed trays with 3D-printed models transfer lingual brackets with high accuracy in the mesiodistal, buccolingual, and occlusogingival dimensions, rotation, and tip. However, the transfer of torque remains questionable.
In vivo mapping of sodium homeostasis disturbances in individual ALS patients: A brain 23Na MRI study
Authors: Grapperon Aude-Marie , El Mendili Mohamed Mounir , Maarouf Adil , Ranjeva Jean-Philippe , Guye Maxime , Verschueren Annie , Attarian Shahram , Zaaraoui Wafaa
Published: January 2025

Objective

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by significant heterogeneity among patients. 23Na MRI maps abnormal sodium homeostasis that reflects metabolic alterations and energetic failure contributing to the neurodegenerative process. In this study, we investigated disease severity at the individual level in ALS patients using brain 23Na MRI.

Methods

1H and 23Na brain MRI were collected prospectively from 28 ALS patients. Individual map of abnormal total sodium concentration (TSC) was computed using voxel-based statistical mapping for each patient compared to a local database of 62 healthy controls. Clinical data included the revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R), ALSFRS-R slope, ALSFRS-R at 6-month and survival time.

Results

Individual maps quantifying voxels with TSC increase evidenced a high heterogeneity between patients consistent with clinical presentation. The main areas involved were the corticospinal tracts. Half of patients showed abnormal TSC increase within more than 1% of whole brain voxels. Patients with TSC increase had worse clinical severity: higher ALSFRS-R slope (p = 0.02), lower ALSFRS-R at 6-month (p = 0.04), and shorter survival (p = 0.04). ALS patients with limited TSC increase had slower progression of disability or predominant lower motor neuron phenotype or shorter disease duration.

Discussion

This study mapping sodium homeostasis disturbances at the individual level in ALS patients through 23Na MRI evidenced heterogeneity of TSC increase among patients associated with clinical presentation and disease severity. These findings suggest that TSC increase detected at the individual level by 23Na MRI may be a useful marker of the clinical heterogeneity of ALS patients, a factor that is likely to greatly influence the results of therapeutic trials.
Effects of a 6-month rowing training program in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Real-Pérez Mateo , Fernández-García José Carlos , Gavala-González Juan
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to determine the effects of a rowing training program on physical fitness and body composition in female breast cancer survivors (56.78 ± 6.38 years). Over six months, the participants (n = 40) performed two training sessions per week for an average of 75 minutes, combining resistance and muscle strength exercises with rowing. To evaluate the impact of the program, physical fitness tests and anthropometric measurements were carried out before and after the training protocol. The results show statistically significant improvements in measures such as weight (-1.84 kg), BMI (-0.7 kg/m2), hip (-3.24 cm) and waist circumference (-2.45 cm). In addition, variables associated with physical fitness also improved including leg strength (3.04 cm), dominant handgrip strength (4.24 kgf), non-dominant handgrip strength (3.49 kgf), aerobic endurance (78.35 m) and muscle flexibility (3.96 cm). We can therefore conclude that a rowing-based exercise program is an effective strategy to improve physical fitness in this type of population, yielding improvements in both anthropometric measurements and basic physical capacity variables, essential factors for better health and quality of life.
Experimental study on the effect of CO2 injection on the permeability characteristics of reservoir sandstone
Authors: Liang Bing , Ma Yangqi , Sun Weiji , Qin Xu , Shi Guotao , Liang Bo
Published: January 2025

Using the Ordos Basin dry sandstone and sandstone saturated with different saline concentrations as research subjects, a self-developed constant temperature and pressure CO2 injection simulation device was employed to conduct permeability tests on sandstone under varying effective stresses and CO2 injection pressures. The test results indicated that during the CO2 injection process, the permeability of dry sandstone was two orders of magnitude higher than that of sandstones saturated with different saline concentrations. When the effective stress increases from 10 MPa to 28 MPa, the fissure compressibility of reservoir sandstone is influenced by the saturation of different saline concentrations, with the compressibility coefficients for 0%, 15%, and 30% saline-saturated sandstone being 0.00495 MPa⁻1, 0.00614 MPa⁻1, and 0.01879 MPa⁻1, respectively. The primary reasons for the reduced permeability of sandstone are as follows: supercritical CO2 lowers the mechanical properties of sandstone; high-concentration saline induces crystallization within the sandstone, resulting in a blockage effect. High-concentration saline increases the fissure compressibility of sandstone, decreases the permeability of the sandstone reservoir, and ultimately affects the injectability of the CO2 in the reservoir.
Vanadate reduction by gram-positive fermentative bacteria isolated from deep-sea sediments on the northern Central Indian Ridge
Authors: Kim Bokyung , Woo Dong Kyun , Jeong Juhwan , Sim Min Sub
Published: January 2025

The oxidation states of vanadium determine its mobility and toxicity, and dissimilatory vanadate reduction has been reported in several microorganisms, highlighting the potential significance of this pathway in the remediation of vanadium contamination and the biogeochemical cycle. However, to date, most known microorganisms capable of reducing vanadate are Gram-negative respiratory bacteria belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria. In this study, we isolated Tepidibacter mesophilus strain VROV1 from deep-sea sediments on the northern Central Indian Ridge and investigated its ability to reduce vanadium and the impact of vanadate on its cellular metabolism. A series of culture experiments revealed that the isolated strain efficiently reduces V(V) to V(IV) during fermentation, even at mM levels, and this reduction involves a direct biological process rather than indirect reduction via metabolic products. Vanadium affects microbial carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Notably, in the presence of vanadate, alanine production decreases, suggesting that metabolic flux is diverted from the transamination reaction to vanadate reduction. T. mesophilus VROV1 is the second Gram-positive bacterium identified to reduce vanadium, following Lactococcus raffinolactis, but these bacteria belong to different classes: T. mesophilus is classified as Clostridia, whereas L. raffinolactis is classified as Bacilli. The specific rate of vanadate removal by VROV1 was as high as 2.8 pmol/cell/day, which is comparable to that of metal-reducing bacteria and markedly exceeds that of L. raffinolactis. Our findings expand the distribution of vanadate-reducing organisms within the bacterial domain. Given the wide range of natural habitats of T. mesophilus and its close relatives, we speculate that fermentative vanadate reduction may have a greater impact on the global biogeochemical cycle of vanadium than previously thought.
Creatine kinase and neuromuscular fatigue responses following differing spells of simulated cricket fast bowling
Authors: Bray James W. , Towlson Chris , Hayes Stephen C. , Fogarty Mark
Published: January 2025

The fast-bowling action demands repetitive high-intensity whole body movements, imposing complex physical and perceptual demands on players that vary significantly throughout the season. This study aimed to assess and establish practical methods and metrics for quantifying fatigue after four simulated fast bowling spells. Eleven senior club male fast bowlers (age 27.3 ± 7.0 y; body mass 83.7 ± 11.6 kg; height 1.80 ± 0.06 m) completed four different bouts of the modified Cricket Australia-Australian Institute of Sport bowling skills test over consecutive weeks. Neuromuscular function (countermovement jump [CMJ]) and creatine kinase (CK) levels were assessed at baseline, immediately post- (+0 h), and +24 h post-simulation. Perceptual measures (session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE]) and well-being were recorded pre and post fast-bowling simulations, with physical demands (PlayerLoad™) recorded throughout each simulation. Significant reductions in CMJ height were observed at +0 hours (t = 9.789, P < 0.01, d = 0.50) and +24 hours post-simulation (t = 4.051, P < 0.01, d = 0.21) compared to baseline. Moderate correlations were found between deliveries bowled (r = 0.48, P < 0.01), simulation duration (r = 0.49, P < 0.01), PlayerLoad™ (r = 0.41, P < 0.01), sRPE (r = 0.48, P < 0.01), and the change in CK concentration at +24 hours post-simulation. These findings suggest that lower-body neuromuscular function may be compromised following spells of fast bowing for up to 24 hours. Moreover, a ‘dose-response’ relationship was observed between the change in CK concentrations and PlayerLoad™, sRPE and number of deliveries bowled at +24 hours post-bowling spell. Coaches and support staff could use a combination of tools to monitor training and playing to enhance their ability to make informed decisions about a player’s readiness to perform.
Automated extracellular volume fraction measurement for diagnosis and prognostication in patients with light-chain cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Hwang In-Chang , Chun Eun Ju , Kim Pan Ki , Kim Myeongju , Park Jiesuck , Choi Hong-Mi , Yoon Yeonyee E. , Cho Goo-Yeong , Choi Byoung Wook
Published: January 2025

Aims

T1 mapping on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is useful for diagnosis and prognostication in patients with light-chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA). We conducted this study to evaluate the performance of T1 mapping parameters, derived from artificial intelligence (AI)-automated segmentation, for detection of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and their prognostic values in patients with AL-CA.

Methods and results

A total of 300 consecutive patients who underwent CMR for differential diagnosis of LVH were analyzed. CA was confirmed in 50 patients (39 with AL-CA and 11 with transthyretin amyloidosis), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 198, hypertensive heart disease in 47, and Fabry disease in 5. A semi-automated deep learning algorithm (Myomics-Q) was used for the analysis of the CMR images. The optimal cutoff extracellular volume fraction (ECV) for the differentiation of CA from other etiologies was 33.6% (diagnostic accuracy 85.6%). The automated ECV measurement showed a significant prognostic value for a composite of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization in patients with AL-CA (revised Mayo stage III or IV) (adjusted hazard ratio 4.247 for ECV ≥40%, 95% confidence interval 1.215–14.851, p-value = 0.024). Incorporation of automated ECV measurement into the revised Mayo staging system resulted in better risk stratification (integrated discrimination index 27.9%, p = 0.013; categorical net reclassification index 13.8%, p = 0.007).

Conclusions

T1 mapping on CMR imaging, derived from AI-automated segmentation, not only allows for improved diagnosis of CA from other etiologies of LVH, but also provides significant prognostic value in patients with AL-CA.
Comparative safety and effectiveness of oral anticoagulants in key subgroups of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding: A cohort study based on the French National Health Data System (SNDS)
Authors: Lip Gregory Y. H. , Benamouzig Robert , Martin Anne-Céline , Pesce Giancarlo , Gusto Gaelle , Quignot Nadia , Khachatryan Artak , Dai Feng , Sedjelmaci Fouad , Chaves Jose , Subash Rupesh , Mokgokong Ruth
Published: January 2025

Background

Risk factors and comorbidities can complicate management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. We describe and compare real-world safety and effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs; apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in subgroups of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation at high risk for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, utilizing data from a national quasi-exhaustive French database.

Methods

Anticoagulant-naïve adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with ≥1 gastrointestinal bleeding risk factor, initiating anticoagulant treatment January 2016–December 2019, and covered by the French national health data system were eligible. The following subgroups were evaluated: patients age ≥75 years, receiving concomitant medications, HAS-BLED score ≥3, and chronic kidney disease stage 3–4. Outcomes included major bleeding and stroke/systemic embolism. Patient characteristics were balanced using propensity score matching.

Results

A total of 314,184 patients were identified; characteristics were similar for propensity score-matched subgroups in VKA/DOAC and DOAC/DOAC comparisons. DOACs showed lower risk of major bleeding versus VKAs in all subgroups evaluated (p<0.0001 for all). Apixaban showed lower risk of major bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding versus rivaroxaban in all subgroups (p≤0.05 for all) and versus dabigatran in elderly patients, patients with HAS-BLED score ≥3, and those receiving concomitant medications (p<0.05 for all). Stroke/systemic embolism risk was lower with apixaban versus rivaroxaban in elderly patients, those with HAS-BLED ≥3, and those receiving concomitant medications; risks were similar for other comparisons.

Conclusions

DOACs were associated with improved safety and effectiveness when compared to VKAs among subgroups of non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Apixaban was associated with lower risks of major bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and stroke/systemic embolism versus rivaroxaban as well as lower risk of major bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding bleed and similar risk of stroke/systemic embolism versus dabigatran among several of these patient subgroups.
Administration of antigenically distinct influenza viral particle combinations as an influenza vaccine strategy
Authors: Zhu Xinyu , Luo Zhaochen , Leonard Rebecca A. , Hamele Cait E. , Spreng Rachel L. , Heaton Nicholas S.
Published: January 2025

One approach for developing a more universal influenza vaccine is to elicit strong immune responses against canonically immunosubdominant epitopes in the surface exposed viral glycoproteins. While standard vaccines typically induce responses directed primarily against mutable epitopes in the hemagglutinin (HA) head domain, there are generally limited or variable responses directed against epitopes in the relatively more conserved HA stalk domain and neuraminidase (NA) proteins. Here we describe a vaccine approach that utilizes a combination of wildtype (WT) influenza virus particles along with virus particles engineered to display a trimerized HA stalk in place of the full-length HA protein to elicit both responses simultaneously. After initially generating the “headless” HA-containing viral particles in the A/Hawaii/70/2019 (HI/19) genetic background and demonstrating the ability to elicit protective immune responses directed against the HA-stalk and NA, we co-formulated those virions with unmodified WT viral particles. The combination vaccine elicited “hybrid” and protective responses directed against the HA-head, HA-stalk, and NA proteins in both naïve and pre-immune mice and ferrets. Collectively, our results highlight a potentially generalizable method combining viral particles with differential antigenic compositions to elicit broader immune responses that may lead to more durable protection from influenza disease post-vaccination.
‘In six months, we’ll be running this planet’: Varying visions of insurgency across the Planet of the Apes franchise
Authors: Schultz Jeff
Published: January 2025

For those who watched the films playing in 1968, the science-fiction classic Planet of the Apes left a lasting impression, not only visually for its surprising verisimilitude but also for the themes it tackled in a time of great social upheaval, bringing with it thoughtful commentary amidst war, inequality, political and societal strife. Insurgency is one of the unheeded themes that permeated the Apes franchise, which is the focus of this article. While some of the film’s themes are seemingly well explored or at least enjoyed sufficient discussion, the role of insurgency remains overlooked, yet extremely relevant today considering so many current conflicts around the world. This article explores the ten Planet of the Apes films in terms of the insurgencies encountered by characters: Taylor, the Mutants, both Caesars, Aldo, Koba, Noa and Mae. Each insurgency is considered to better understand how the series has consistently covered insurgency which continues to challenge modern society today as much as it did in 1968.
Denaturalizing computation: On the Cloud’s terraforming logics
Authors: Gonzalez Monserrate Steven
Published: January 2025

This article theorizes computation as terraforming. Supported by ethnographic research in data centres, science fiction, environmental history, media studies and astrobiology, the author tracks the ways that computers, like humans, have specific metabolic requirements (Goldilocks Zone) and are sensitive to the very changes in environment that their activities are bringing about (Anthropocene). Self-destructive to both the computers and the humans entwined in their operation, this article brings terraforming into conversation with metabolic rift theory, arguing for an alternative Cloud that does not abide by the self-destructive logic of digital capitalism.
Argentina–Qatar: From unlikely partners to a developing partnership (2011–23)
Authors: Fabani Ornela
Published: January 2025

The question that guides this research is: How has the link between Argentina and Qatar evolved and what factors explained this evolution in the period between 2011 and 2023? As regards the methodological design, the work rests on a qualitative design, based on the collection and analysis of data from both primary and secondary sources. Among the former, unstructured interviews with key informants stand out. That said, the investigation shows that the Administrations that have succeeded one another in power in Buenos Aires between 2011 and 2023 have driven political–diplomatic relations with Doha, particularly as a result of the Argentine interest in strengthening economic–commercial ties with Qatar. Ultimately, the search to diversify business partners, to receive investments and to increase the volume of trade explains the deepening of these ties. Especially considering that Qatar is perceived as a potential partner based on its own need to ensure food security, something that Argentina may benefit from. In terms of the prospects of the bilateral relationship, it is clear that Javier Milei’s government is interested in continuing to cultivate its ties with Qatar. In fact, there is still insistence on the need to deepen economic and financial ties. However, the impact that the conflict in the Middle East will have on the bilateral relationship remains to be seen, even more considering Argentina’s alignment with the State of Israel and President Milei’s discourse, which has associated Islam with terrorism.
From analogue to algorithm: How private production reshaped metal aesthetics
Authors: Lux Marian , Herbst Jan-Peter
Published: January 2025

This article examines the impact of private, digitally driven music production on metal music culture. With the increased affordability, functionality and quality of computers and digital production technologies, musicians have been afforded the means to create recordings themselves. Advancements in digital music production, drum sampling and amplifier simulation have enabled high-quality replication of traditional sounds within a private production framework while encouraging sonic exploration. This study investigates the subculture of private metal musicians and the resulting digital production practices and aesthetics. We argue that, although deemed ‘abject’ by some metal purists, genres like djent that heavily rely on digital production have profoundly influenced metal culture. The once rejected ‘abject aesthetic’ of digital production has developed into commercially successful metal and become mainstream. Private production practices have not only shaped the sound of ‘modern metal’ subgenres like djent but also influenced established commercial studios and metal subgenres using their services.
Thunderflix
Authors: Hickam Brian A.
Published: January 2025

Review of: Thunderflix
El largo y tortuoso camino jurisprudencial en torno a la acumulación del permiso por nacimiento y cuidados de las familias monoparentales
Authors: Niño Bravo Eder
Published: January 2025

El presente artículo se propone examinar la evolución de la doctrina judicial en lo que concierne a la acumulación del permiso por nacimiento y cuidado del menor en el contexto de las familias monoparentales; ya que se trata de una de las grandes demandas del colectivo y objeto de actualidad jurídica y social. De este modo, en primer lugar, se realiza una reseña sobre la realidad socio-económica de las familias monoparentales. En segundo lugar, se hace referencia a la normativa de aplicación tanto comunitaria como nacional, para continuar, finalmente, analizando de manera crítica los diferentes pronunciamientos de los Tribunales, así como los recientes pronunciamientos contrapuestos de la Sala de lo Social y del Contencioso-Administrativo del Tribunal Supremo; finalizando con el pronunciamiento del Tribunal Constitucional del 6 de noviembre de 2024.
From Villainess to Gilead’s Nemesis: The (Un)easy Rehabilitation of Aunt Lydia
Authors: Feldman-Kołodziejuk Ewelina
Published: January 2025

The article takes under scrutiny the evolution of the key antagonist from Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, namely, Aunt Lydia. In the sequel to her most popular novel, that is, The Testaments, the author boldly rewrote the villainous Aunt as Gilead’s undercover agent, forcing the reader to reconsider their own perception and reception of this character retrospectively. Predictably, many critics and fans found the said transformation implausible. Taking The Testaments as a point of departure, the article rereads the original tale, which, astonishingly, discloses a number of equivocal passages that in fact might provide credibility to Atwood’s audacious refashioning of Aunt Lydia as a Mayday spy. The article offers a reevaluation of Aunt Lydia’s villainy in The Handmaid’s Tale through the lens of her undercover identity, revealed in The Testaments. Firstly, it dissects the techniques and ploys the author used in the sequel to breed readers’ empathy for hitherto despised Aunt Lydia. It focuses on the overlap between the transformation of her character and the shift from the original novel’s criticism of second wave feminism towards the sequel’s embrace of the fourth wave. Finally, and most importantly, it discusses a selection of equivocal fragments from The Handmaid’s Tale that specifically pertain to Aunt Lydia.
Enabling Frameworks for Sustainable Energy Transition
Authors: Polack Anthony
Published: January 2025

This paper examines enabling frameworks that encourage the investment needed for sustainable energy transitions, including policy, laws, regulations, standards, governance institutions and implementation tools. It recommends measures to accelerate transitions and suggests ways to overcome potential barriers, providing policy-makers and other key stakeholders with examples that might be replicated in Commonwealth countries to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and stimulate economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19.
The Digital Infrastructure Divide in the Commonwealth
Authors: Kumar Radika , Strazdins Niels
Published: January 2025

This paper assesses infrastructure using various parameters including access, affordability and performance. It considers the hard/soft infrastructure divide, which includes literacy as a human capital investment in the digital economy. Furthermore, it assesses the gender digital divide in relation to digital infrastructure for sustainable and inclusive development. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of sound digital infrastructure for economic sustainability in Commonwealth member countries. It has also resulted in a major digital infrastructure divide that has affected economic activities across the Commonwealth.
Overview of Youth Development in Ghana
Authors: Secretariat Commonwealth
Published: January 2025

Over the past two decades, Ghana has improved its social, economic and political structures and reduced inequalities across its population. Nevertheless, a variety of socioeconomic issues still have a particular impact on the youth demographic, including underemployment, a lack of access to quality education, poverty, crime, migration and low civic participation. As the majority of Ghana’s population is under the age of 25, improvements for this demographic have the potential to facilitate a more sustainable and resilient society long-term.

Overview of Youth Development in Ghana presents pragmatic policy- and programme-related recommendations for how Ghana can move forward, mainstreaming youth issues in its development strategies. For each socio-economic issue, it provides a baseline evaluation that can inform revisions of current policies as well as support the creation of new policies to ensure future success in youth development.
PJ Harvey
Authors: Streight Irwin H.
Published: January 2025

This chapter examines three songs on the 1998 recording Is This Desire? by British alt-rock diva PJ Harvey that draw heavily on the texts of three of O’Connor’s short stories–“Good Country People,” “The River,” and “The Life You Save May Be Your Own.” This chapter shows that the lyrics to these songs are largely pastiches of descriptive phrases and bits of dialogue lifted from individual stories—”found lyrics” of a sort. Reviewers at the time did not notice, nor did Harvey acknowledge, that she drew on O’Connor’s stories in forming these song narratives. No other songwriter in this study has so informed his or her work with O’Connor’s own words, the chapter argues. It is suggested that Harvey’s lyrical bricolage in these songs raises interesting issues of artistic inspiration and influence.
Bonus Track
Authors: Streight Irwin H.
Published: January 2025

This brief chapter is a collection of paragraphs describing performers and bands whose stage names are derived from the title of O’Connor’s first novel or from one of her fictional characters.