bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quo Vadis: AKP'de Kadın Temsili ve Kadın Kolları
Authors: SÜSLÜ Dilan , HALİFEOĞLU Melek
Published: May 2023

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi’nin (AKP) kadın kollarının siyasal temsil noktasında hem parlamentoda temsil düzeyindeki hem de partinin siyasal katılımdaki etkisini anlamaya çalışmaktır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda çalışmanın temel varsayımı, AKP’nin temsil düzeyinde liberal bir yaklaşımı benimsemesine karşın, toplumsal cinsiyet rolleri ve cinsiyet eşitliğine yönelik muhafazakâr bir tutumu sürdürdüğü ve aynı zamanda partinin kadın kollarının ise siyasette aktif bir rol üstlenerek lider kültü etrafında şekillendiğidir. Literatürdeki çalışmalarda, kadın kollarının aracı bir unsur ve siyasetin erkek işi, siyasi dilin erilliği sadece Türkiye’de değil, pek çok gelişmiş batı ülkesinde olduğu görülmektedir. Bu bağlamda, ilk önce kadınların siyasal alandaki mücadele pratikleri hakkında tarihsel bir bakış ele alınacak; sonrasında ise 2002 öncesi ve sonrası kadın kollarının kadının temsiline dair durumu tartışmaya açılacaktır. Faaliyet alanı kadınların yer aldığı ancak erkeklerin giremediği mekânlarla sınırlı kalan kadın kolları, siyasetin doğrudan öznesi değildir. Refah Partisi geleneğinden ayrılarak yükselen AKP, kadın kolları mirasını koruyarak ve hatta geliştirerek ilerlemiştir. Bu çalışma, devraldığı miras üzerinden AKP kadın kollarını anlamayı, kadın kollarının siyasetin erkek egemen yapısını değiştirip değiştirmediğini ve kadınların siyasi katılıma yönelik nasıl hizmet ettiğini anlamaya odaklanmıştır.
Annelerin Toplumsal Cinsiyet Algısı ve Duygu Sosyalleştirme Davranışı ile Çocuğun Anneye Bağlanma Türü Arasındaki İlişki
Authors: KAYA ŞENGÜL Kübra , BAĞÇELİ KAHRAMAN Pınar
Published: May 2023

Bu araştırmanın amacı, 5 ve 6 yaşlarında çocuğu olan annelerin toplumsal cinsiyet algıları ve çocuklarına gösterdikleri duygu sosyalleştirme davranışları ile çocukların annelerine bağlanma biçiminin incelenmesidir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda, toplumsal cinsiyet algısının annelerin doğum öncesi cinsiyet beklentisi ve doğum şekline yönelik seçimlerini ne yönde etkilediği de incelenmiştir. Bu amaçla Bursa’da okul öncesi eğitim kurumlarında eğitim gören toplam 139 olmak üzere, 5-6 yaş kız ve erkek çocuklar ile aynı çocukların anneleri araştırmaya katılmıştır. Araştırma ilişkisel tarama modelinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında çocuklara Tamamlanmamış Oyuncak Bebek Ailesi Hikayeleri (Tobah) envanteri, çocukların annelerine ise Toplumsal Cinsiyet Algı Ölçeği ve Çocukların Olumsuz Duygularıyla Baş etme Ölçeği uygulanmıştır. Araştırma bulguları çocuğun olumlu duygu sosyalleştirme davranışları ile annenin toplumsal cinsiyet algısı arasında anlamlı bir ilişki olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu araştırma annenin toplumsal cinsiyet algısı ile çocuğun annesine bağlanması arasında anlamlı bir ilişki olduğunu da göstermektedir. Araştırma içindeki diğer önemli bulgu da annenin toplumsal cinsiyet algısı ile yaptığı doğum türü ve doğum öncesi cinsiyet beklentisi arasında anlamlı bir ilişki olduğudur. Ancak yapılan bu çalışma, annenin duygu sosyalleştirme davranışı ile çocuğun annesine bağlanması arasında anlamlı bir ilişki olmadığını, sadece kaçınmalı bağlanma türü ile annenin duygu odaklı tepkilerinde zayıf bir ilişkinin olduğunu göstermiştir. Aynı zamanda annenin doğum öncesi cinsiyet beklentisi, çocuğun cinsiyeti ve doğum türü ile annenin olumlu duygu sosyalleştirme davranışının anlamlı bir ilişki içinde olmadığı da belirlenmiştir.
Yerli Polisiyelerin Yüceltilen Erkekleri ve Bastırılan Kadınları
Authors: AÇIK GÜRKAYA Tuğba , YILDIRAN ÖNK Ürün
Published: May 2023

Kitle iletişim araçlarının toplumsal cinsiyet rollerinin öğrenilmesinde ve pekiştirilmesinde önemli bir etkisi olduğu bilinmektedir. Özellikle bireylerin küçük yaşlardan itibaren tanıştığı bir araç olarak televizyon, diziler aracılığıyla yeniden ürettiği temsillerle toplumsal cinsiyet temelinde incelenmesi gereken ürünler ortaya koymaktadır. Toplumsal cinsiyet ayrımına dayalı davranış kalıplarının çok görüldüğü dizi türlerinden biri olarak polisiyeler ise bu anlamda dikkat çekmektedir. Uluslararası alanyazında polisiye dizilerde toplumsal cinsiyete ilişkin pek çok çalışma olmasına karşın Türkiye’de bu alanda yapılmış araştırmalar oldukça sınırlıdır. Bu noktadan hareketle bu çalışmanın amacı, toplumsal cinsiyet kalıplarının yerli polisiye dizilerdeki ana karakterler üzerinden incelenmesidir. Bu bağlamda Türk televizyonlarında yüksek izlenme oranlarıyla uzun soluklu bir yayın sürdürmüş olan altı yerli polisiye dizi amaçlı örneklem yöntemi ile seçilmiş ve betimsel içerik analizi yöntemiyle incelenmiştir. İncelemenin odak noktasının polis karakterler olması nedeniyle dizi içinde karakterlerin tanıtıldığı ilk iki bölüm toplumsal cinsiyet bağlamında karakterlerin fiziksel özellikleri ve giyimleri, karakterlerin aile ilişkileri, karakterlerin kurumsal ilişkileri, fiziksel güç ve silah kullanımı, karakterlerin dil ve konuşma yapıları ile toplumsal cinsiyete ilişkin söylemleri başlıkları altında çözümlenmiştir. Araştırma bulguları yerli polisiyelerin toplumsal cinsiyet ayrımına dayalı davranış kalıplarını normalleştirdiğini göstermektedir. Yerli polisiye diziler, kahraman erkek polislerle karakterize olan ataerkil otoriteye olan güveni perçinlerken, kadınların erkeğin bir iktidar alanı olarak resmedilen polislikte varoluşunu, erkek gibi olmakla mümkün kılmaktadır. Dolayısıyla kadınlığını bastırdığı polisler karşısında erkek polisleri kahramanlaştırarak var olan ataerkil düzeni yeniden üretmektedir.
Einstein’s Mass-Energy Equivalence and Relativistic Mass derived from Newton’s Second Law of Motion
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: May 2023

The Newton’s second law of motion states that the force acting on a body is equal to the rate of change of its momentum. This paper presents the derivation of Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence and relativistic mass from the Newton’s second law of motion.
DOMESTIC TOURISTS’ SATISFACTION WITH FACILITY QUALITY IN NEW NORMAL ERA AND ITS INFLUENCE ON WORD-OF-MOUTH IN TOURIST DESTINATION
Authors: Akbara Anisa Zahwa
Published: May 2023

In a new normal era, tourism should be able to adapt to the innovation in the tourism sector and attempt to obtain the tourists’ trust back. This study attempted to measure the effect of facility quality satisfaction on word-of-mouth (WOM) behavior among domestic tourists in the new normal era. In addition, this study also aimed to examine tourist satisfaction with tourist destination service. SmartPLS-SEM analysis was used to examine the influence of tourist satisfaction on WOM intention. Whereas, to investigate the key attributes of facility quality affecting tourist satisfaction, importance – performance analysis (IPA) was used. From 100 respondents, this study revealed that facility quality significantly explained tourist satisfaction by 71.7% and 92.2% of variance in WOM behavior. Tourist satisfaction was found to mediate the relationship between facility quality and word of mouth behavior. This study generates crucial elements that tourist destination managers should consider when creating marketing strategies specific to market segments.
ROLE OF E-MARKETING ON SME’S PERFORMANCE IN BANDUNG CITY: A QUALITATIVE APPROACH
Authors: Diandra Didip , Naili Farida  , Andriyansah  , Ahmad Azmy  , Zainur Hidayah
Published: May 2023

Nowadays, e-marketing has been transformed into the most powerful tool for business performance in the digital technology era. The concept of e-marketing has become increasingly important for many entrepreneurs to sustain competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of e-marketing for SME’s Performance in Bandung City and identify the source of resilience adopted by entrepreneurs during covid-19. However, there are few studies which analyze both relations. This research aims to fill the gap. Data were collected and obtained in-depth interviews with the owners of selected SMEs, and focus group discussion (FGD) conducted in Bandung City. Thus, this research was performed by means of a qualitative approach. The results show the multifaced nature of e-marketing evolving the use of the internet, adoption of e-commerce and social media, and the acceptance of technology for business performance. While resilience stands for navigating survival and pace digitalization in time of crisis. This research is limited to the extent of the relationship involved in both cases. The research on e-marketing and resilience is still poorly defined. Future research of quantitative approaches is needed to promote the development of e-marketing concept and its roles in connectivity era.
ANALYSIS OF DEBTORS' PERCEPTIONS OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION USING ELECTRONIC MONEY IN ULTRA MICRO FINANCING
Authors: Nurpramana Dwitya Estu , Tatang Ary Gumanti  , Julia Safitri  , Eka Handriani
Published: May 2023

Ultra-Micro Financing is government policy to support micro business development. The process of fund distribution is done traditionally with cash. Since 2021, a limited trial of fund distribution applying electronic money has been carried out for three distributors. The purpose of the study is to analyze the debtor's perception of the digital transformation using electronic money in Ultra Micro Financing. Primary is data collected by a survey using questionnaire containing questions regarding the use of electronic money, the distribution of the questionnaire was carried out during January – March 2022, and the respondents were 74 Ultra Micro Financing debtors. Tools of analysis id descriptive analysis. The result shows that the debtor's perception of the distribution of Ultra Micro Financing using electronic money is very beneficial. However, the mass use of electronic money needs to consider the debtors’ condition because the adaptability of the use of technology is quite low and requires assistance in its implementation. This research offers a new perspective on the use of electronic money in financing process. The research is limited to the debtors’ perception using electronic money in Ultra Micro Financing. Future research is needed to encourage micro business development through marketplace to promote the products.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE USING A RESOURCE-BASED VIEW STARTUP EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY IN INDONESIA
Authors: Aripradono Heru Wijayanto
Published: May 2023

Education Technology (Edtech) is a slice combination of education and technology that has changed the existing traditional education system. With the development of technology and digital society, the growth of Edtech startups has increased in Indonesia in recent years. The edtech industry has not only developed global education in general but has also contributed to the growth of a fairly new sector of the state's economy. Edtech presents not only development and learning possibilities but also the elimination of global inequality and the inability to have equal rights for Indonesians. This study will look at how the interaction between resources and capabilities creates core competencies to lead to competitive advantage using the concept of Resource Based View at Startup Edtech. This research is a descriptive research which used an exploratory qualitative approach to describe and building an understanding the phenomenon. Data collection was carried out through several stages, starting with documents, case studies and observations. Moreover, the analyzed through data collection, reduction, presentation, and conclusion. Developing and enhancing skills through education and impactful employment are key drivers of the economy, individual and societal well-being. This can be a moment for startups to engage in the Edtech sector, to build a process, approach, and strategy for teaching and learning activities to produce human resources with the skills needed in future jobs. With its advantages, Startup Edtech can play more of a role as an organization that is able to provide value and competitive advantage in today's digital era, especially in the development of education in Indonesia.
ACOMPANHAMENTO TERAPÊUTICO E SAÚDE MENTAL
Authors: Conde Bueno Rinaldo
Published: May 2023

A década de 1960 foi marcante no âmbito das Reformas Psiquiátricas no Ocidente.  Outras formas de tratamento foram experimentadas a partir do que o processo de Desinstitucionalização indicou em relação aos cuidados com as pessoas em sofrimento mental. Nesta pesquisa é feita uma revisão bibliográfica sobre novas formas de assistência em saúde mental, ressaltando a prática do Acompanhamento Terapêutico (AT) como um dispositivo potente nessas novas formas de lidar com a loucura. Ainda que pouco difundido no âmbito nacional em serviços substitutivos ao manicômio, pretende-se com este trabalho uma exposição acerca dos cuidados e possibilidades do AT na luta pela cidadania do louco em seu território. Para tanto, a práxis de um fazer clínico peripatético vai ao encontro das prerrogativas de tratamentos desinstitucionalizantes por vislumbrar o povoamento de novos espaços de vida territoriais e em construções de redes fortes no enfrentamento do estigma do louco e de sua exclusão social.
3D bioprinted hydrogel/polymer scaffold with factor delivery and mechanical support for growth plate injury repair
Authors: Fan Minjie , Qiang Lei , Wang Yiwei , Liu Yihao , Zhuang Hanjie , Guo Ruoyi , Ben Yulong , Li Qiang , Zheng Pengfei
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Growth plate injury is a significant challenge in clinical practice, as it could severely affect the limb development of children, leading to limb deformity. Tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting technology have great potential in the repair and regeneration of injured growth plate, but there are still challenges associated with achieving successful repair outcomes.

Methods: In this study, GelMA hydrogel containing PLGA microspheres loaded with chondrogenic factor PTH(1–34) was combined with BMSCs and Polycaprolactone (PCL) to develop the PTH(1–34)@PLGA/BMSCs/GelMA-PCL scaffold using bio-3D printing technology.

Results: The scaffold exhibited a three-dimensional interconnected porous network structure, good mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and was suitable for cellchondrogenic differentiation. And a rabbit model of growth plate injury was appliedto validate the effect of scaffold on the repair of injured growth plate. The resultsshowed that the scaffold was more effective than injectable hydrogel in promotingcartilage regeneration and reducing bone bridge formation. Moreover, the addition ofPCL to the scaffold provided good mechanical support, significantly reducing limbdeformities after growth plate injury compared with directly injected hydrogel.

Discussion: Accordingly, our study demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D printed scaffolds for treating growth plate injuries and could offer a new strategy for the development of growth plate tissue engineering therapy.
An assessment of the impacts of electronic ticketing on inspections and material procurement for highway construction
Authors: Subramanya Karthik , Kermanshachi Sharareh , Pamidimukkala Apurva , Loganathan Karthikeyan
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The benefits of incorporating technological advancements and digitalization into construction firms’ inspections and material supply procurement operations have been well documented. Despite this and the availability of the technology, however, there is a pervasive lack of understanding in the industry about the appropriate application(s) and benefits for highway construction. This study aims to 1) assess the merits of e-Ticketing technology based on the benefits it provides to the construction industry, and 2) determine the amount of time that it can save inspectors.

Method: A structured survey questionnaire was designed and distributed to a variety of state DOTs to ascertain how they view the benefits of technology, and the advantages cited were ranked according to their importance.

Results and Discussion: The time savings that could be realized by incorporating technology into their operations were estimated by comparing the number of personnel required for inspections before and after implementing e-Ticketing and revealed that 24% of the workforce could be eliminated or reassigned. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing information about how utilizing technology can help state departments of transportation improve the productivity of their workforce, increase safety and morale, minimize schedule delays, mitigate the prevailing shortage of inspection staff, and prepare for the next pandemic or similar event.
CD39 abrogates platelet-derived factors induced IL-1β expression in the human placenta
Authors: Forstner Désirée , Guettler Jacqueline , Brugger Beatrice A. , Lyssy Freya , Neuper Lena , Daxboeck Christine , Cvirn Gerhard , Fuchs Julia , Kraeker Kristin , Frolova Alina , Valdes Daniela S. , Stern Christina , Hirschmugl Birgit , Fluhr Herbert , Wadsack Christian , Huppertz Berthold , Nonn Olivia , Herse Florian , Gauster Martin
Published: May 2023

Tissue insults in response to inflammation, hypoxia and ischemia are accompanied by the release of ATP into the extracellular space. There, ATP modulates several pathological processes, including chemotaxis, inflammasome induction and platelet activation. ATP hydrolysis is significantly enhanced in human pregnancy, suggesting that increased conversion of extracellular ATP is an important anti-inflammatory process in preventing exaggerated inflammation, platelet activation and hemostasis in gestation. Extracellular ATP is converted into AMP, and subsequently into adenosine by the two major nucleotide-metabolizing enzymes CD39 and CD73. Here, we aimed to elucidate developmental changes of placental CD39 and CD73 over gestation, compared their expression in placental tissue from patients with preeclampsia and healthy controls, and analyzed their regulation in response to platelet-derived factors and different oxygen conditions in placental explants as well as the trophoblast cell line BeWo. Linear regression analysis showed a significant increase in placental CD39 expression, while at the same time CD73 levels declined at term of pregnancy. Neither maternal smoking during first trimester, fetal sex, maternal age, nor maternal BMI revealed any effects on placental CD39 and CD73 expression. Immunohistochemistry detected both, CD39 and CD73, predominantly in the syncytiotrophoblast layer. Placental CD39 and CD73 expression were significantly increased in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia, when compared to controls. Cultivation of placental explants under different oxygen conditions had no effect on the ectonucleotidases, whereas presence of platelet releasate from pregnant women led to deregulated CD39 expression. Overexpression of recombinant human CD39 in BeWo cells decreased extracellular ATP levels after culture in presence of platelet-derived factors. Moreover, platelet-derived factors-induced upregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β, was abolished by CD39 overexpression. Our study shows that placental CD39 is upregulated in preeclampsia, suggesting an increasing demand for extracellular ATP hydrolysis at the utero-placental interface. Increased placental CD39 in response to platelet-derived factors may lead to enhanced conversion of extracellular ATP levels, which in turn could represent an important anti-coagulant defense mechanism of the placenta.
Antagonistic transcriptome profile reveals potential mechanisms of action on Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola by the cell-free supernatants of Bacillus velezensis 504, a versatile plant probiotic bacterium
Authors: Zhou Qi , Tu Min , Fu Xue , Chen Ying , Wang Muyuan , Fang Yuan , Yan Yichao , Cheng Guanyun , Zhang Yikun , Zhu Zhongfeng , Yin Ke , Xiao Youlun , Zou Lifang , Chen Gongyou
Published: May 2023

Bacterial leaf streak (BLS) of rice is a severe disease caused by the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) that has gradually become the fourth major disease on rice in some rice-growing regions in southern China. Previously, we isolated a Bacillus velezensis strain 504 that exhibited apparent antagonistic activity against the Xoc wild-type strain RS105, and found that B. velezensis 504 was a potential biocontrol agent for BLS. However, the underlying mechanisms of antagonism and biocontrol are not completely understood. Here we mine the genomic data of B. velezensis 504, and the comparative transcriptomic data of Xoc RS105 treated by the cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of B. velezensis 504 to define differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We show that B. velezensis 504 shares over 89% conserved genes with FZB42 and SQR9, two representative model strains of B. velezensis, but 504 is more closely related to FZB42 than SQR9, as well as B. velezensis 504 possesses the secondary metabolite gene clusters encoding the essential anti-Xoc agents difficidin and bacilysin. We conclude that approximately 77% of Xoc RS105 coding sequences are differentially expressed by the CFSs of B. velezensis 504, which significantly downregulates genes involved in signal transduction, oxidative phosphorylation, transmembrane transport, cell motility, cell division, DNA translation, and five physiological metabolisms, as well as depresses an additional set of virulence-associated genes encoding the type III secretion, type II secretion system, type VI secretion system, type IV pilus, lipopolysaccharides and exopolysaccharides. We also show that B. velezensis 504 is a potential biocontrol agent for bacterial blight of rice exhibiting relative control efficiencies over 70% on two susceptible cultivars, and can efficiently antagonize against some important plant pathogenic fungi including Colletotrichum siamense and C. australisinense that are thought to be the two dominant pathogenic species causing leaf anthracnose of rubber tree in Hainan province of China. B. velezensis 504 also harbors some characteristics of plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium such as secreting protease and siderophore, and stimulating plant growth. This study reveals the potential biocontrol mechanisms of B. velezensis against BLS, and also suggests that B. velezensis 504 is a versatile plant probiotic bacterium.
Case Report: FDG-PET/CT findings in co-infection of visceral leishmaniasis and chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Feng Hui , Dai Wenli
Published: May 2023

Visceral leishmaniasis is an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. Herein, we report a case of an adult male patient with a persistent fever of unknown origin, along with chronic hepatitis B. The patient underwent bone marrow aspiration twice, which revealed hemophagocytosis. Abdomen enhanced CT revealed splenomegaly with a persistent strengthening of multiple nodules, and hemangiomas were diagnosed. A subsequent 18-fluoro-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT scan, which was implemented to search for the reason for the fever, showed diffuse splenic disease uptake, and splenic lymphoma was considered as the diagnosis. His clinical symptoms improved after receiving hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) chemotherapy. However, the patient was readmitted for fever again only 2 months later. Splenectomy surgery is performed to confirm the diagnosis and classification of lymphoma. Visceral leishmaniasis was eventually diagnosed in a spleen specimen and the third bone marrow biopsy. He received treatment with lipid amphotericin B and remained recurrence-free for 1 year. In this paper, we aim to provide detailed information that will help further our understanding of the clinical symptoms and radiographic findings of visceral leishmaniasis.
Oncolytic herpes simplex viruses for the treatment of glioma and targeting glioblastoma stem-like cells
Authors: Kardani Kimia , Sanchez Gil Judit , Rabkin Samuel D.
Published: May 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most lethal cancers, having a poor prognosis and a median survival of only about 15 months with standard treatment (surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy), which has not been significantly extended in decades. GBM demonstrates remarkable cellular heterogeneity, with glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) at the apex. GSCs are a subpopulation of GBM cells that possess the ability to self-renew, differentiate, initiate tumor formation, and manipulate the tumor microenvironment (TME). GSCs are no longer considered a static population of cells with specific markers but are quite flexible phenotypically and in driving tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. In light of these features, they are a critical target for successful GBM therapy. Oncolytic viruses, in particular oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (oHSVs), have many attributes for therapy and are promising agents to target GSCs. oHSVs are genetically-engineered to selectively replicate in and kill cancer cells, including GSCs, but not normal cells. Moreover, oHSV can induce anti-tumor immune responses and synergize with other therapies, such as chemotherapy, DNA repair inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, to potentiate treatment effects and reduce GSC populations that are partly responsible for chemo- and radio-resistance. Herein, we present an overview of GSCs, activity of different oHSVs, clinical trial results, and combination strategies to enhance efficacy, including therapeutic arming of oHSV. Throughout, the therapeutic focus will be on GSCs and studies specifically targeting these cells. Recent clinical trials and approval of oHSV G47Δ in Japan for patients with recurrent glioma demonstrate the efficacy and promise of oHSV therapy.
Examining leopard attacks: spatio-temporal clustering of human injuries and deaths in Western Himalayas, India
Authors: Shivakumar Shweta , Carricondo-Sánchez David , Athreya Vidya , Odden Morten , Dhiman Sat Pal , Vaidyanathan Srinivas , Karanth Krithi K.
Published: May 2023

Shared spaces in Africa and Asia accommodate both humans and big cats. This engenders rare but distinctive cases of human fatalities by lions, tigers, and leopards. Among big cats, leopards have the widest range and occur even among high densities of humans. This increased potential for encounters with humans results in attacks, exemplified most by India where 50% of the states report human injuries and deaths due to leopards. Himachal Pradesh (HP) state reported 30 lethal and 287 non-lethal leopard attacks on humans per year between 2004 – 2015 (N=317). Identifying patterns in big cat attacks on people facilitates targeted interventions for decreasing such fatalities. This study aims to detect if leopards are cluster-causing agents of human injuries and deaths. We identify the patterns of leopard attacks on humans in Himachal Pradesh by examining the following questions: (a) do leopard-attributed attacks on humans cluster in space and time? and among the leopard-attributed attacks (b) do unprovoked attacks on humans cluster spatio-temporally? and (c) what environmental factors are associated with the clustered leopard attacks on humans? We employed a space-time permutation scan statistic commonly used in epidemiology to test for spatio-temporal clustering of leopard attacks. Attacks were spread across 75% (~42,000 km sq.) of HP in 11 out of 12 districts. We found that 23% of attacks clustered into 12 significant spatio-temporal clusters. Nearly 14% of the leopard-attributed attacks (N=317) were unprovoked and attacks displaying “predatory” signs did not form significant clusters. Binomial regression models were run to test association of eight environmental factors with clustered attacks. We found that leopard-attributed attacks farther away from the protected area boundary and closer to the district boundary had higher probability of clustering. The framework developed in this study to identify the outbreak of unprovoked leopard attacks confirms the absence of dedicated “man-eaters” in the study region. This approach can be applied to adaptively manage human-wildlife conflict and it also demonstrates the utility of scan statistic in ecological research.
Prevalence, predictors, and management for balloon uncrossable or undilatable lesions in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with in-stent restenosis chronic total occlusion
Authors: Wang Yong , Hou Ai-jie , Luan Bo , Zhang Xiao-jiao , Li Zhao-yu , Pei Xiao-yang
Published: May 2023

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention for in-stent restenosis (ISR) chronic total occlusion (CTO) has been a great challenge. There are occasions when the balloon is uncrossable or undilatable (BUs) even though the guidewire has passed, leading to failure of the procedure. Few studies have focused on the incidence, predictors, and management of BUs during ISR-CTO intervention.

Methods

Patients with ISR-CTO were recruited consecutively between January 2017 and January 2022 and divided into two groups based on the presence of BUs. The clinical data of the two groups (BUs group and non-BUs group) were retrospectively analyzed and compared to explore the predictors and clinical management strategies of BUs.

Results

A total of 218 patients with ISR-CTO were included in this study, 23.9% (52/218) of whom had BUs. The percentage of ostial stents, stent length, CTO length, the presence of proximal cap ambiguity, moderate to severe calcification, moderate to severe tortuosity, and J-CTO score were higher in the BUs group than in the non-BUs group (p < 0.05). The technical success rate and the procedural success rate were lower in the BUs group than in the non-BUs group (p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that ostial stents (OR: 2.011, 95% CI: 1.112–3.921, p = 0.031), the presence of moderate to severe calcification (OR: 3.383, 95% CI: 1.628–5.921, p = 0.024) and moderate to severe tortuosity (OR: 4.816, 95% CI: 2.038–7.772, p = 0.033) were independent predictors of BUs.

Conclusion

The initial rate of BUs in ISR-CTO was 23.9%. Ostial stents, presence of moderate to severe calcification, and moderate to severe tortuosity were independent predictors of BUs.
Morphological and seismostratigraphic evidence of Quaternary mass transport deposits in the North Ionian Sea: the Taranto landslide complex (TLC)
Authors: Meo Agostino , Senatore Maria Rosaria
Published: May 2023

The Taranto Landslide Complex (TLC) is a large submarine landslide area located along the continental margin of the Puglia Region, in the Gulf of Taranto (North Ionian Sea), between 200 and 800 m water depth. Based on very high-resolution multibeam data, a morphological analysis was performed by measuring different physical and spatial parameters (i.e., surface, headwall height and length, slope in the source area, and blocks in the accumulation zone). In addition, we use nine high-resolution sub-bottom CHIRP profiles to reconstruct the stratigraphic architecture. The main results show five phases of Quaternary mass transport deposits (MTDs) in the study area. The oldest to the youngest are MTD1, with a volume of about 0.032 km3 and an area of about 4 km2; MTD2, which is the largest of the identified deposits, covering an area of ∼26 km2 and having an estimated volume of ∼0.35 km3; and MTD3 and MTD4, with volumes of about 0.033 km3 and 0.035 km3 and an area of 7 km2 and 5 km2, respectively. The final submarine landslide is represented by MTD5, which has a volume of 0.02 km3. The deposits are internally characterized by chaotic acoustic facies with reflectors with moderate amplitude and laterally continuous in time, showing likely erosive characteristics defined as “bounding surfaces”. The main transport direction of the MTDs is from north/northeast to south/southwest. This represents the trend of the continental slope, but there is also slope failure evidence coming from west/northwest to east/southeast (MTD5). The correlation between topographic and seismo-stratigraphic features allows the documentation of the characteristics, distributions, sources, and the triggering mechanisms of the Late Quaternary MTDs in the area. We suggest that still the unknown trigger mechanisms could be based on the performed analysis, related to the anomalously high sedimentation rates and/or sea level fluctuation.
Risk assessment of deep excavation construction based on combined weighting and nonlinear FAHP
Authors: Liu Shihao , Song Zhanping , Zhang Yong , Guo Desai , Sun Yinhao , Zeng Tao , Xie Jiangsheng
Published: May 2023

Deep excavation construction safety has become a challenging and crucial aspect of modern infrastructure engineering, and its risk assessment is frequently carried out using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). However, when using FAHP to evaluate the risks of deep excavation construction, the results of the weightings obtained through subjective weighting are heavily influenced by the subjective factors of the evaluators. In addition, using linear operators to calculate the risk level can easily cause a weakening effect on the influence of prominent risk factors, resulting in poor rationality of the evaluation results. To address these problems, this paper constructs a deep excavation construction risk evaluation model based on combined weighting and nonlinear FAHP. The WBS-RBS method is used to guide the construction of the risk evaluation index system for deep excavation construction. The combined weighting values of subjective and objective weightings are calculated through the game theory combined weighting method. The fuzzy relation matrix is constructed using the membership degree vector obtained from the expert evaluation method. Nonlinear operators are introduced for comprehensive calculation. According to the maximum membership degree principle, the final risk level of the excavation construction is obtained. The newly constructed model is applied to the risk analysis of the deep excavation construction of the Rongmin Science and Innovation Park project in Xi’an. The evaluation result for the excavation construction risk is N= [0.3125, 0.3229, 0.1939, 0.0854, 0.0854], and according to the maximum membership degree principle, the risk level of the excavation is classified as Level 2, which is a relatively low risk. Based on the deep excavation construction of the Rongmin Science and Innovation Park project, this paper discusses the differences between the new model and the traditional FAHP evaluation method, further verifies the reliability of the new model, optimizes the construction plan based on the evaluation results, avoids risks, and determines its guiding significance.
Expression in popular music singing as embodied and interpersonal
Authors: Juntunen Marja-Leena , Arlin Elina P. , Liira Katri
Published: May 2023

This article presents theoretical viewpoints for considering and understanding expression in popular music singing and pedagogy from the perspective of embodiment as outlined in Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenological philosophy. In our study, we apply his interpretations of such notions as intentionality, body schema, gesture, reversibility, and intersubjectivity to bring forth and discuss the holistic, embodied, and interpersonal nature of voice expression in singing. We argue that expression should be viewed as an intentional activity, based on the body’s innate mindful functioning as a whole, and in singing guided by the lyrics and emotions to be communicated. We propose that this requires a “free voice”, based on healthy vocal production, that also allows for the immediacy of expression as and through gestures that bring the meaning into existence. We further argue that expression is an interpersonal, interactive, and intersubjective process in which the performer and listener influence each other in many ways. The reversibility of perception in expression means that perception and the object perceived are intertwined and action and perception are interconnected. There is also a gap in reversibility, which implies that the perception of (one’s own) expression is never complete. In addition to our theoretical arguments, we make pedagogical suggestions, such as that the body itself has a lot of understanding ofhowand should be trusted in singing, both in terms of voice production and expression. The expression should not be primarily approached as a technical issue but taught in connection with and through expression. The expression should be viewedfrom the inside out, not the opposite. This means that expression builds on one’s personality and (emotional) experiences.
Review of effective methods of teaching a foreign language to university students in the framework of online distance learning: international experience
Authors: Akhmetzadina Zulfiya R. , Mukhtarullina Aigul R. , Starodubtseva Elena A. , Kozlova Maria N. , Pluzhnikova Yulia A.
Published: May 2023

The research goal is to analyze the existing and most frequently used methods and competency-based approaches to distance learning of a foreign language. The tasks are formulated to achieve the goal. They involve classifying the methods of foreign language teaching based on the competency approach and identifying the effective methods. The methodological basis of this research includes methods of analyzing the practical experience of foreign language teaching based on a competency-based approach, synthesis of national and international experience, comparison of national models of the language environment, and generalization of sociological data. As a result of the conducted research, it has been revealed that among various methods, approaches related to information and communication technologies [ICT] are utilized most often. We believe that when teachers conduct courses using synchronous computer-mediated communication [SCMC] tools or platforms, students should be given opportunities to express their opinions. Most teachers recognize the creation of instructional videos as the most effective. According to the students, this type of activity also has the greatest learning effect and stimulates creativity. The scientific novelty of the research is the study of foreign language teaching methods based on a competency-based approach within the framework of online distance learning and the relationship of all interested parties, in other words, teachers, students, and educational institutions.
The association between the interval of radioiodine treatment and treatment response, and side effects in patients with lung metastases from differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Wang Hongxi , Shi Lei , Huang Rui , Liu Bin , Tian Rong
Published: May 2023

Objective

Repeat radioiodine (RAI) treatment has been widely implemented for RAI-avid lung metastases and is clinically effective for lung metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We aim to investigate the association between the interval of RAI treatment and short-term response, and the side effects in patients with lung metastases from DTC and to identify predictors for non-effective response to the next RAI treatment.

Methods

A total of 282 course pairs from 91 patients were established and categorized into two groups by the interval of neighboring RAI treatment (<12 and ≥12 months), and the characteristics and treatment response between the two groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors associated with treatment response. The side effects in the former course and the latter course were compared while taking into account the interval.

Results

No significant difference was found between the two groups in treatment response in the latter course (p > 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, age ≥ 55 years (OR = 7.29, 95% CI = 1.66–33.35, p = 0.008), follicular thyroid cancer (OR = 5.00, 95% CI = 1.23–22.18, p = 0.027), and a second RAI treatment as the former course (OR = 4.77, 95% CI = 1.42–18.61, p = 0.016) were significantly associated with a non-effective response. There was no significant difference in the side effects in the former and latter courses between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The interval of RAI treatment does not affect short-term response and side effects of DTC patients with RAI-avid lung metastases. It was feasible to defer repeat evaluation and treatment with an interval of at least 12 months to obtain an effective response and reduce the risk of side effects.
The prevalence and genotype of 21-hydroxylase deficiency in the Croatian Romani population
Authors: Dumic Katja K. , Grubic Zorana , Kusec Vesna , Braovac Duje , Gotovac Kristina , Vinkovic Maja , Vucinic Maja , Dumic Miroslav
Published: May 2023

Objective

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) owing to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathological variants in the CYP21A2 gene. After a high prevalence of classic 21-OHD CAH in the Romani population was reported in the Republic of North Macedonia, we decided to estimate the prevalence of 21-OHD in Croatia and, if high, assess the possible causes and estimate the frequency of particular CYP21A2 variants.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Data from a Croatian 21-OHD genetic database was reviewed, and only Romani patients were included in the study. CYP21A2 genotyping was performed using allele-specific PCR, MLPA, and Sanger sequencing.

Results

According to a survey conducted in 2017, Croatia had 22,500 Romani people and six of them had a salt-wasting (SW) form of 21-OHD. All were homozygous for the c.IVS2-13A/C-G pathological variant in intron 2 and descended from consanguineous families belonging to different Romani tribes. The calculated prevalence of 21-OHD in Croatian Romani is 1:3,750, while in the Croatian general population, it is 1:18,000. Three of the six Romani patients originated from two neighboring villages in North-western Croatia (Slavonia County), as well as the seventh patient who is of mixed Romani/Croatian descent and heterozygous for the c.IVS2-13A/C-G pathological variant (not included in the prevalence calculation).

Conclusion

A high prevalence of SW 21-OHD in the Croatian Romani population caused by the homozygous cIVS2-13A/C-G pathological variant was found. In addition to isolation and consanguinity, other possible reasons could be the heterozygous advantage of the CYP21A2 gene pathological variant and the bottleneck effect as a result of the Romani Holocaust in World War II.
The impact of extreme weather events on fertility preference and gender preference in Bangladesh
Authors: Atiqul Haq Shah Md
Published: May 2023

The link between population dynamics and climate-related severe events is complicated. Extreme weather events (EWEs), along with other factors such as socioeconomic and cultural factors, influence population dynamics, particularly changes in fertility, mortality, and migration. This study focuses solely on the fertility aspect of climate change and aims to investigate it in Bangladesh, which is extremely sensitive to climate change and EWEs such as floods, cyclones, and droughts. On a regular basis, the country is confronted with a number of EWEs. The current study examines how different types of extreme weather events affect vulnerable people’s decisions to have children or to prefer children of a certain gender. People who reside in a particular area may be more vulnerable to particular EWE types, which may result in different preferences for fertility and gender. This study employed individual-level data from three places (flood-prone, drought-prone, and cyclone-prone), each exposed to a distinct hazard, to address this issue, and collected pertinent information from 177 respondents in the susceptible areas using a survey questionnaire. The quantitative results show that the gender of the first child, the perceived risk of infant death due to EWE, the opinion on having more children to recover from the damage and losses caused by EWE, government and non-governmental organization (NGO) support during EWE, and the intended timing of child bearing (after or before EWE) are all significant factors influencing fertility preferences and gender preferences. The findings also indicate that the three regions under investigation have statistically distinct preferences for fertility and gender. There were larger differences between flood-prone areas and drought- and cyclone-prone areas. The complex issue of variations due to different EWEs requires more in-depth studies with larger samples and different methodological techniques.
Brucella abortus modulates macrophage polarization and inflammatory response by targeting glutaminases through the NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Tianyi , Zhang Zedan , Li Yitao , Sun Zhihua , Liu Liangbo , Deng Xingmei , Guo Jia , Zhu Dexin , Cao Shuzhu , Chai Yingjin , Nikolaevna Usevich Vera , Maratbek Suleimenov , Wang Zhen , Zhang Hui
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The mechanism of Brucella infection regulating macrophage phenotype has not been completely elucidated until now. This study aimed to determine the mechanism of Brucella abortus in the modulation of macrophage phenotype using RAW264.7 cells as a model.

Materials and methods

RT-qPCR, ELISA and flow cytometry were used to detect the inflammatory factor production and phenotype conversion associated with M1/M2 polarization of macrophages by Brucella abortus infection. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in regulation of Brucella abortus-induced macrophage polarization. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (Chip‐seq), bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to screen and validate NF-κB target genes associated with macrophage polarization and further verify its function.

Results

The results demonstrate that B. abortus induces a macrophage phenotypic switch and inflammatory response in a time-dependent manner. With the increase of infection time, B. abortus infection-induced M1-type increased first, peaked at 12 h, and then decreased, whereas the M2-type decreased first, trough at 12 h, and then increased. The trend of intracellular survival of B. abortus was consistent with that of M2 type. When NF-κB was inhibited, M1-type polarization was inhibited and M2-type was promoted, and the intracellular survival of B. abortus increased significantly. Chip‐seq and luciferase reporter assay results showed that NF-κB binds to the glutaminase gene (Gls). Gls expression was down-regulated when NF-κB was inhibited. Furthermore, when Gls was inhibited, M1-type polarization was inhibited and M2-type was promoted, the intracellular survival of B. abortus increased significantly. Our data further suggest that NF-κB and its key target gene Gls play an important role in controlling macrophage phenotypic transformation.

Conclusions

Taken together, our study demonstrates that B. abortus infection can induce dynamic transformation of M1/M2 phenotype in macrophages. Highlighting NF-κB as a central pathway that regulates M1/M2 phenotypic transition. This is the first to elucidate the molecular mechanism of B. abortus regulation of macrophage phenotype switch and inflammatory response by regulating the key gene Gls, which is regulated by the transcription factor NF-κB.