bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facing the Drive: Berlant, Freud, Non/Sovereignty
Authors: Edelman Lee
Published: September 2024

Abstract: "Facing the Drive: Berlant, Freud, (Non)Sovereignty" reads Lauren Berlant's On the Inconvenience of Other People as a revisionary response to Freud's Beyond the Pleasure Principle . Despite Berlant's explicit argument for the necessary dissolution of sovereign fantasy, Edelman argues that the fantasy of sovereignty returns in the text's inability to face the destitutions of the drive. Tracing the contradictions engendered by the Berlant's attempt to put the "inconvenience drive" in the service of a politicized affect theory, this essay examines how the negativity Berlant wants to qualify, or refute, returns in the tensions that open up between political decision and (non)sovereignty.
Selecting robust silicon photonic designs after Bayesian optimization without extra simulations
Authors: Gao Zhengqi , Zhang Zhengxing , He ZiChang , Gu Jiaqi , Pan David Z. , Boning Duane S.
Published: September 2024

Optimization methods are frequently exploited in the design of silicon photonic devices. In this paper, we demonstrate that pushing the objective function to its minimum during optimization often results in devices that gradually become more sensitive to perturbations of design variables. The dominant strategy of selecting the design with the smallest objective function can lead to fabrication failure or yield loss due to manufacturing process variations. To address this issue, we propose an intuitive selection criterion that can identify designs not only possessing small objective functions but that are also robust to variations. Our simulation results on the Y-splitter, direction coupler, and bent waveguide designs demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve 2x higher coverage of robust designs with almost negligible run time, compared to the two baseline methods.
Polarization OCT optoretinography: verifying light-induced photoreceptor outer segment shrinkage and subretinal space expansion
Authors: Ahmed Shaiban , Son Taeyoon , Ma Guangying , Yao Xincheng
Published: September 2024

Stimulus-evoked intrinsic optical signal (IOS) changes in retinal photoreceptors play a critical role in functional optoretinography (ORG). However, conflicting results regarding light-induced photoreceptor outer segment (OS) elongation and shrinkage have been reported. These discrepancies may stem from the difficulty in reliably identifying OS boundaries, particularly the inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction and OS tip, as well as potential confusion with subretinal space dynamics. In this study, we employed a polarization-resolved full-field swept-source optical coherence tomography (FF-SS-OCT) system capable of recording both parallel-polarization and cross-polarization OCT signals. Parallel polarization OCT is optimized for detecting ballistically reflected photons from layer-like boundaries, while cross-polarization OCT predominantly captures multiply scattered photons. This distinction allows parallel-polarization OCT to minimize the effect of multiply scattered photons on OCT band quantification, facilitating the confirmation of light-driven OS shrinkage and subretinal space expansion in the human retina.
Cu(II)-tyrosinase enzyme catalyst mediated synthesis of mosquito larvicidal active pyrazolidine-3,5-dione derivatives with molecular docking studies and their ichthyotoxicity analysis
Authors: Loganathan Velmurugan , Radhakrishnan SurendraKumar , Ahamed Anis , Gurusamy Raman , H. Abd-Elkader Omar , Idhayadhulla Akbar
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study was to develop pyrazolidine-3,5-dione derivatives with potential as environmentally friendly pesticides for pest control, specifically focusing on their efficacy as larvicidal agents. A novel one-pot synthesis of multicomponent pyrazolidine-3,5-dione derivatives (1a-m) was accomplished via the grindstone method using Cu(II)tyrosinase enzyme as a catalyst under mild reaction conditions, yielding 84%–96%. The synthesised derivatives (1a-m) were characterized using various spectroscopic methods (mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, FT-IR, and 1H and 13C NMR). NMR characterisation using DMSO-d6 as a solvent. The larvicidal and antifeedant activities of the synthesised compounds were screened and in silico computational studies were performed. The larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus and antifeedant activity against Oreochromis mossambicus were evaluated. Among the synthesised compounds, compound 1c demonstrated superior efficacy (LD50: 9.7 μg/mL) against C. quinquefasciatus compared to permethrin (LD50: 17.1 μg/mL). Regarding antifeedant activity, compounds 1a, 1e, 1f, 1j, and 1k exhibited 100% mortality at 100 μg/mL. Molecular docking analysis was performed to assess the binding capacity of a mosquito odorant-binding protein (3OGN) from Culex quinquefasciatus to compound 1c. The results revealed that compound 1c had a docking score of -10.4 kcal/mol, surpassing that of standard permethrin (-9.5 kcal/mol). Furthermore, DFT calculations were conducted to acquire theoretical data aligned with the experimental FT-IR results. According to experimental research, compound 1c demonstrates promising larvicidal activity against mosquito larvae of C. quinquefasciatus.
Exploring the dynamics of sports records evolution through the gembris prediction model and network relevance analysis
Authors: Tang Lu , Yang Mingliang
Published: September 2024

Background

Sports records hold valuable insights into human physiological limits. However, presently, there is a lack of integration and evolutionary patterns in the recorded information across various sports.

Methods

We selected sports records from 1992 to 2018, covering 24 events in men’s track, field, and swimming. The Gembris prediction model calculated performance randomness, and Pearson correlation analysis assessed network relevance between projects. Quantitative study of model parameters revealed the impact of various world records’ change range, predicted value, and network correlation on evolutionary patterns.

Results

1) The evolution range indicates that swimming events generally have a larger annual world record variation than track and field events; 2) Gembris’s predictions show that sprint, marathon, and swimming records outperform their predicted values annually; 3) Network relevance analysis reveals highly significant correlations between all swimming events and sprints, as well as significant correlations between marathon and all swimming events.

Conclusion

Sports record evolution is closely linked not only to specific sports technology but also to energy expenditure. Strengthening basic physical training is recommended to enhance sports performance.
Coordinated active-reactive power optimization considering photovoltaic abandon based on second order cone programming in active distribution networks
Authors: Peng Bo , Wang Yongjie
Published: September 2024

On the basis of predecessors’ coordination optimization of active and reactive power in distribution network, For the necessity of the optimal operation in the distribution network, part of power generated from photovoltaic (PV) cannot be sold to users, and cannot enjoy subsidies. Similarly, the network loss in the power transmission will also bring a certain economic loss. This paper comprehensively considers the economic loss caused by the network loss and PV abandon of the distribution system, and establishes a model to minimize the economic loss. To solve this problem efficiently, the method of DistFlow equation and mixed integer second order cone programming (MISOCP) is used to solve the problem, in this method, the original mixed integer nonlinear programming non-convex problem is transformed into a convex problem, which makes the optimization problem easy to solve. The modified IEEE 33 and IEEE 69 distribution networks are tested by the above method. The optimized results are able to meet the target and have very small relaxation gaps, and the voltage level is also optimized. This coordinated optimization approach helps to optimize the economic operation for active distribution networks with PVs.
Changes in strength performance of highly trained athletes after COVID-19
Authors: Cao Jie , Yang Shengtao , Wang Jinhao , Zhang Peng
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 on strength performance in highly trained athletes.

Method

A force plate was employed to measure squat jump height (SJH), counter-movement jump height (CMJH), and drop jump reactive strength index (DJRSI) in 27 highly trained athletes before infection, and at one week, two weeks, and four weeks post-recovery. Additionally, an Isometric Mid-thigh Pull (IMTP) test was conducted to record maximum isometric strength (MIS) and the rate of force development of the initial phase (RFD 0–50; RFD 0–100). Repeated measures analysis of variance was utilized to compare variations in these indicators across different time points.

Results

One week post-recovery, SJH (-7.71%, P = 0.005), CMJH (-9.08%, P < 0.001), DJRSI (-28.88%, P < 0.001), MIS (-18.95%, P < 0.001), RFD 0–50 (-64.98%, P < 0.001), and RFD 0–100 (-53.65%, P < 0.001) were significantly lower than pre-infection levels. Four weeks post-recovery, SJH (-2.08%, P = 0.236), CMJH (-3.28%, P = 0.277), and MIS (-3.32%, P = 0.174) did not differ significantly from pre-infection levels. However, DJRSI (-11.24%, P = 0.013), RFD 0–50 (-31.37%, P = 0.002), and RFD 0–100 (-18.99%, P = 0.001) remained significantly lower than pre-infection levels.

Conclusion

After COVID-19, highly trained athletes exhibited a significant reduction in maximum strength, explosive strength, reactive strength, and initial phase force generation capability. By four weeks post-recovery, their maximum and explosive strength had returned to near pre-infection levels, yet their reactive strength and initial phase force generation capability remained significantly impaired.
Effect of vaccine dose intervals: Considering immunity levels, vaccine efficacy, and strain variants for disease control strategy
Authors: Ghosh Samiran , Banerjee Malay , Chattopadhyay Amit K.
Published: September 2024

In this study, we present an immuno-epidemic model to understand mitigation options during an epidemic break. The model incorporates comorbidity and multiple-vaccine doses through a system of coupled integro-differential equations to analyze the epidemic rate and intensity from a knowledge of the basic reproduction number and time-distributed rate functions. Our modeling results show that the interval between vaccine doses is a key control parameter that can be tuned to significantly influence disease spread. We show that multiple doses induce a hysteresis effect in immunity levels that offers a better mitigation alternative compared to frequent vaccination which is less cost-effective while being more intrusive. Optimal dosing intervals, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of each vaccination effort, and determined by various factors such as the level of immunity and efficacy of vaccines against different strains, appear to be crucial in disease management. The model is sufficiently generic that can be extended to accommodate specific disease forms.
Unravelling the genetic landscape of cervical insufficiency: Insights into connective tissue dysfunction and hormonal pathways
Authors: Voložonoka Ludmila , Bārdiņa Līvija , Kornete Anna , Krūmiņa Zita , Rots Dmitrijs , Minkauskienė Meilė , Rota Adele , Strelcoviene Zita , Vilne Baiba , Kempa Inga , Miskova Anna , Gailīte Linda , Rezeberga Dace
Published: September 2024

Background

The intricate molecular pathways and genetic factors that underlie the pathophysiology of cervical insufficiency (CI) remain largely unknown and understudied.

Methods

We sequenced exomes from 114 patients in Latvia and Lithuania, diagnosed with a short cervix, CI, or a history of CI in previous pregnancies. To probe the well-known link between CI and connective tissue dysfunction, we introduced a connective tissue dysfunction assessment questionnaire, incorporating Beighton and Brighton scores. The phenotypic data obtained from the questionnaire was correlated with the number of rare damaging variants identified in genes associated with connective tissue disorders (in silico NGS panel). SKAT, SKAT-O, and burden tests were performed to identify genes associated with CI without a priori hypotheses. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using both targeted and genome-wide approaches.

Results

No patient could be assigned monogenic connective tissue disorder neither genetically, neither clinically upon clinical geneticist evaluation. Expanding our exploration to a genome-wide perspective, pathway enrichment analysis replicated the significance of extracellular matrix-related pathways as important contributors to CI’s development. A genome-wide burden analysis unveiled a statistically significant prevalence of rare damaging variants in genes and pathways associated with steroids (p-adj = 5.37E-06). Rare damaging variants, absent in controls (internal database, n = 588), in the progesterone receptor (PGR) (six patients) and glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) (two patients) genes were identified within key functional domains, potentially disrupting the receptors’ affinity for DNA or ligands.

Conclusion

Cervical insufficiency in non-syndromic patients is not attributed to a single connective tissue gene variant in a Mendelian fashion but rather to the cumulative effect of multiple inherited gene variants highlighting the significance of the connective tissue pathway in the multifactorial nature of CI. PGR or NR3C1 variants may contribute to the pathophysiology of CI and/or preterm birth through the impaired progesterone action pathways, opening new perspectives for targeted interventions and enhanced clinical management strategies of this condition.
Traditional uses and anti-bacterial activity of Opuntia ficus-indica stem and fruit extracts in Kasese District, Western- Uganda
Authors: Sitenda Diana , Anywar Godwin , Kakudidi Esezah
Published: September 2024

Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI), also known as prickly pear has been used in traditional folk medicine. This is due to its medicinal properties that contribute to treatment of conditions including asthma, stomach ulceration, and diabetes. We carried out a cross-sectional study in 2018 in Kasese district, western Uganda to determine the traditional uses of O. ficus-indica and the anti-bacterial activity of the stem and fruit extracts of the plant. We interviewed participants using questionnaires and obtained data for the traditional uses. We also used the Agar well diffusion method to measure the antibacterial activity of the fruit and stem extracts of OFI. Data was analysed using SPSS version226.0 and a P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant after performing the one-way ANOVA test. Out of the 56 respondents, results showed that all (100%) of the respondents used prickly pear as food, 90% as ornamental, 80% as anti-ulcer, 60% as anti-constipation herb and 20% use the plant to cleanse the body. On the other hand, both fruit and stem extracts exhibited anti-bacterial activity as determined by the diameters of zones of inhibition: 27mm and 21mm respectively, compared to ampicillin (28mm) which was our positive control. The fruit extracts showed a higher anti-bacterial activity against E. coli bacteria than the stem extract (p<0.05) hence the rejection of the null hypothesis which stated that there is no significant variation in the anti-bacterial activity of Opuntia ficus-indica extracts from the stem and fruit.
Mind control of random number generators and human-computer

interaction anomalies
Authors: Rumyantsev Aleksey
Published: September 2024

Random number generators produce a sequence of numbers that cannot bereasonably predicted better than by random chance. Remote influence of psychics, social andnatural phenomena on statistical behaviour of electronic hardware RNGs has beeninvestigated for decades in a variety of laboratory and global experiments. These studies ofmicro-psychokinesis focus on the assumption of paranormal properties of random processesunderlying generator state at a specific point in time. However, recent psi research has shownimportance of the direct human factor in immediate command/response interaction with acomputer in random search tasks. The present work considers technical means of randomnumber generation as a bridge for enhancing the extrasensory perception abilities by means ofaccurate mechanical human-computer interaction for capturing a current state of machine atmicro-level, reflecting the anomalous behavioural patterns of the generator as a projection ofhuman unconscious interpretation of visual decimal numerical information. Methods formanipulating and forcing random processes into deterministic ones are revealed based onstrong contextual dependencies that are discovered in pairs of adjacent numbers among acontinuous stream of data collected both individually and in batches. Influence of the rangeinput parameters on an output of random number generator is shown in terms of accuracy ofconvergence, contextual impact and specific technical patterns. Fundamental resourcelimitations and simple quality assessment criteria of the HCI process are empirically defined.Recommendations have been developed for remote, scalable, fully automated numerical andassociative human-computer psi tests.
«En Dios sé quién soy». El papel de la experiencia cristiana en la identidad biográfica
Authors: Amo Usanos Rafael , Giménez Rodríguez Carlos
Published: September 2024

La pregunta por la identidad biográfica ha llegado a ser una de las ideas fuerza de nuestro tiempo y ha transformado nuestra propia intimidad. Es lógico pensar que también tiene su lugar en la experiencia cristiana de hoy. Tras una descripción de su definición, elementos y dinamismos, este trabajo pone en paralelo una doble búsqueda. Por una parte, describe cuál es el lugar de esta pregunta en la experiencia cristiana buscándola en testimonios de jóvenes o materiales preparados para ellos. Por otra, realiza una indagación de esta cuestión en la propuesta del magisterio del papa Francisco sobre la santidad al Pueblo de Dios y, especialmente, a los jóvenes. Sobre estos dos caminos, el trabajo termina con un balance teológico y una prospectiva pastoral en los que se sacan a la luz los núcleos teológicos que deben ser profundizados para ofrecer un cristianismo inculturado en este momento cultural.
Bladder preservation with concurrent chemoradiotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer: Retrospective comparison of three regimens
Authors: Miyake Makito , Iemura Yusuke , Oda Yuki , Miyamoto Tatsuki , Nishimura Nobutaka , Haramoto Masaki , Yamaki Kaoru , Asakawa Isao , Anai Satoshi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: September 2024

Objectives: The objectives of the study are to evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes of three bladder preservation regimens: radiotherapy alone (RT-alone group), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) using gemcitabine plus platinum (GP-RT group), and low-dose gemcitabine (LD-Gem-RT group) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Methods: The three oncological outcomes, bladder-intact distant metastasis-free survival (BI-DMFS), cancer-specific survival, and overall survival (OS), were compared among RT alone (n = 10), GP-RT (n = 16), and LD-Gem-RT (n = 11) groups. Treatment-related adverse events were evaluated against the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 5.0). In the LD-Gem-RT group, time-course changes in the domains and scales related to the quality of life were evaluated by utilizing three questionnaires. Results: Age was significantly higher in the RT alone group (84 ± 7.2 years old) than in the GP-RT (74 ± 9.0) and LD-Gem-RT (75 ± 6.7) groups (P = 0.016). At a median follow-up of 26 months, the 2-year BI-DMFS rates were 80, 81, and 55% in the RT alone, GP-RT, and LD-Gem-RT groups, respectively, and the 2-year OS rates were 69, 62, and 81%, respectively. In the CRT groups, only the baseline CRP ≥ 1.0 mg/dL was associated with poor survival outcomes. Common early-onset adverse events included diarrhea, urinary frequency, and hematotoxicity. A questionnaire survey in the LD-Gem-RT group revealed patients experienced significant deterioration in the global health status/quality of life and the physical component summary score. Conclusion: We reported the oncological and functional outcomes of bladder preservation therapy using three different regimens, yielding acceptable outcomes.
USE OF TECHNOLOGICAL POSSIBILITIES OF VIRTUAL REALITY IN COVERAGE OF SPORTS OLYMPIC EVENTS
Authors:   1State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company «South Ural», Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, Dmitrenko E. L. , Gabdrakhmanova A. I. ,   2Database «Iskorka Fund», Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
Published: September 2024

The article deals with a relevant and little-studied topic – the use of VR technology in coverage of sports events at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Thanks to VR technologies, the viewer is able to feel as if they’re at the event, which is important in sports journalism and sports promotion.To study the chosen issue, we examined materials of foreign and Russian scientists, media representatives, broadcasts of sporting events, and journalistic materials. The article describes the history of the use of VR technologies in athletic training and analyzes international coverage, thus identifies the countries where virtual reality is of interest. The article presents a scientific review of the established theories and approaches and the use of virtual reality in professional sports, active video games, and sports journalism. Currently, there are few broadcasts using virtual reality in Russia, but nevertheless, this format is becoming more popular every year. The authors considered the specifics of information transfer using virtual reality gadgets and special equipment. As a result, the features of the use of VR technologies in sports journalism are reflected.
AUTHOR’S COMMENTS IN THE POETICS OF A. S. PUSHKIN OF THE 1830S
Authors:   Orenburg State University, Orenburg, Russian Federation, Zhaplova T. M. , Skibin S. M. ,   Orenburg State Pedagogical University, Orenburg, Russian Federation
Published: September 2024

The subject of our study is the author’s notes (comments) of A. S. Pushkin, found in his book and magazine publications of the 1830s, in which the author explains the historical and everyday realities peculiar to a certain period of development of Russian society. The author’s notes and comments of A. S. Pushkin are an important, but poorly studied category of the text poetics. Analysis and interpretation of Pushkin’s notes helps establish intercontextual ties of these works with the key events of Russian history, revealing Pushkin’s true attitude to them. Considering the poet’s high requirements to the interpretation of events, his clear dissatisfaction with obvious gaps in the interpretation of Russian history, we can subtext in his notes that significantly complements the romanticized idea of heroes and events. The commentary in Pushkin’s later works allows us to clarify some facts of Russian social life. The notes essentially contain an ironic assessment of the techniques peculiar to classicism, sentimentalism and romanticism, couched in the form of parody, which in turn the poet’s demanded of works of the 1830s.
POLYPHONY OF IDEOLOGICAL, THEMATIC, AND MOTIF-IMAGE SYSTEM IN MODERN TEXTS: THE NOVELS OF M. SHISHKIN AND V. SHAROV
Authors:   Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, Grodno, Republic of Belarus, Karol N. B.
Published: September 2024

The article provides a detailed analysis of the ideological, thematic, and motif-image system of M. Shishkin’s The Letterbook and V. Sharov’s Return to Egypt from the point of view of a polyphonic vision of artistic reality. We consider the conceptual component of both works, means of dialogizing the ideological field of the texts, as well as means of reflecting the authors’ point of view in the diegetic space of novels. Based on our analysis of the texts, we conclude that behind the thematic dissimilarity of the analyzed works is the commonality of the ideological structure, characterized by a rhizomatic plurality of images, motifs, and symbols, which in one way or another close at some point. The conceptual space of M. Shishkin’s The Letterbook is organized through a dialogue between the ideas of natural and verbal resurrection, embodied in polar, explicitly un-related images and motifs. Comparison showed the fundamental importance of the ideological polyphony in V. Sharov’s Return to Egypt, in which the main intention of the author is to represent characters’ points of view. We conclude that at present, ideological polyphony is developing in tandem with monologue vision
REVIEW OF THE COLLECTIVE MONOGRAPH «DISSERTATION CULTURE OF THE RUSSIAN HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY: EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICE IN THE PREPARATION AND DEFENSE OF DISSERTATIONS (19th – EARLY 20th CENTURY)» (MOSCOW – SAINT PETERSBURG, 2022)
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, Volkov E. V.
Published: September 2024

The article contains a description and analysis of a collective monograph dedicated to the formation of professional historians in pre-revolutionary Russia. A description of the main definition of this work («dissertation culture») according to the authors of the monograph is presented. The monograph explored and reconstructed the main elements of dissertation culture: dissertation preparation, examination, and dispute (defense). The authors also showed the influence of dissertation defenses on the career of dissertators and their place in the historical and scientific community of pre-revolutionary Russia. The review contains a description of the types of sources used and some theoretical approaches, as well as the structure of the monograph. It is emphasized that the authors of the collective monograph created and analyzed a database of 409 dissertations on history defended at Russian universities in the 19th and early 20th centuries. An attempt was made to create a collective portrait based on the identified information about 280 dissertations authors. A quite convincing picture of the development of the scientific and historical community in pre-revolutionary Russia was obtained based on this metadata. Some comments are made on the content of the monograph, including aspects not studied by the authors. In general, this work deserves high praise and significantly contributes to the development of modern historiography as a direction of intellectual history about the formation of historians in pre-revolutionary Russia as well as the practices and experience of creating, examining and defending dissertations.
Comparative analysis of leaf area index and maize yield estimation assimilating remote sensing and DSSAT crop simulation model
Authors: Thimmareddy Hemareddy , Pazhanivelan S  , Ragunath K P  , Sathyamoorthy N K  , Sivamurugan A P  , Vincent S  , Sudarmanian N S  , Satheesh S  , Pugazenthi K
Published: September 2024

Maize is a global staple crop, impacting food security, economic development, and agricultural sustainability. This study investigates the integration of Sentinel-1A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data with the DSSAT CERES-Maize crop simulation model to estimate Leaf Area Index (LAI) and rabi maize yield in Belagavi district, Karnataka. Field data, including LAI, days to anthesis, silking, grain filling, and farmers' field practices, were collected for model calibration and validation, supplemented by crop-cutting experiments (CCE) to determine actual yields. The study revealed strong correlations between LAI values obtained from remote sensing (RS) and field observations, with RS-derived LAI showing an average agreement of approximately 96.07% compared to field measurements. The DSSAT model exhibited slightly better performance, averaging 97.09%. Statistical analysis for LAI showed an R² value of 0.853 for RS and 0.864 for DSSAT, indicating strong correlations with observed LAI values. For maize yield estimation, the DSSAT model demonstrated higher accuracy with an average yield of 8129 kg/ha, compared to RS-derived yield averages of 7533.9 kg/ha and CCE yield averages of 8096.6 kg/ha. The average concordance between DSSAT and CCE yields was 94.19%, while RS and CCE yields had an average concordance of 92.29%. Statistical analyses revealed coefficients of determination of 0.854 for DSSAT-CCE and 0.867 for RS-CCE comparisons. The study underscores the value of combining RS data with DSSAT for comprehensive and accurate crop yield forecasting, highlighting the potential for improved agricultural assessments and decision-making.
Trzy dekady etyki biznesu w Polsce
Authors: Sójka Jacek
Published: September 2024

The origins of Polish business ethics were closely linked to the democratisation of the Polish political system and the economic transformation of the 1990s. These were formative years for Polish business ethics. The moral aspects of this transformation inevitably became the topic of the day, but also, especially within academic reflection, ethical analyses of the very nature of the market economy and more general questions about morality of capitalism began to emerge. This article recounts three decades of Polish business ethics, covering the 1990s and the first two decades of the 21st century. This story is primarily about people who were actively involved in promoting the new discipline and about institutions they created. However at the end of this period they may have been surprised to witness the political turmoil associated with the rise of populist and anti-liberal tendencies in Polish politics. The question of whether ethical business can exist in a non-democratic environment therefore recurs. However, the answer seems simple: without liberal democracy and the rule of law, ethical business standards will remain an impossible ideal.
Reductive stress in mitochondria isolated from the carotid body of type 1 diabetic male Wistar rats
Authors: Tejeda‐Chavez Hector R. , Montero Sergio , Saavedra‐Molina Alfredo , Lemus Monica , Tejeda‐Luna Julio B. , Roces de Alvarez‐Buylla Elena
Published: September 2024

The carotid body (CB) senses changes in arterial O2 partial pressure (pO2) and glucose levels; therefore, it is key for the detection of hypoxia and hypoglycemia. The CB has been suggested to detect pO2 through an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria. However, the mechanism protecting the chemoreceptor cells and their mitochondria from ROS and hyperglycemia is poorly understood. Here we measured glutathione levels in CB mitochondria of control and in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced type 1 diabetic male Wistar rats. We found a dramatic reduction in total glutathione from 11.45 ± 1.30 μmol/mg protein in control rats to 1.45 ± 0.31 μmol/mg protein in diabetic rats. However, the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione, a measure of the redox index, was increased in diabetic rats compared to controls. We conclude that the mitochondria of CB chemoreceptor cells in type 1 diabetic male Wistar rats were likely under glutathione‐reducing stress.
Embodied Meaning in Comprehending Abstract Chinese Counterfactuals
Authors: Li Xueyan , Zhao Yahui , Wang Huili , Zhang Xue
Published: September 2024

Embodied cognition theories propose that language comprehension triggers a sensorimotor system in the brain. However, most previous research has paid much attention to concrete and factual sentences, and little emphasis has been put on the research of abstract and counterfactual sentences. The primary challenges for embodied theories lie in elucidating the meanings of abstract and counterfactual sentences. The most prevalent explanation is that abstract and counterfactual sentences are grounded in the activation of a sensorimotor system, in exactly the same way as concrete and factual ones. The present research employed a dual-task experimental paradigm to investigate whether the embodied meaning is activated in comprehending action-related abstract Chinese counterfactual sentences through the presence or absence of action-sentence compatibility effect (ACE). Participants were instructed to read and listen to the action-related abstract Chinese factual or counterfactual sentences describing an abstract transfer word towards or away from them, and then move their fingers towards or away from them to press the buttons in the same direction as the motion cue of the transfer verb. The action-sentence compatibility effect was observed in both abstract factual and counterfactual sentences, in line with the embodied cognition theories, which indicated that the embodied meanings were activated in both action-related abstract factuals and counterfactuals.
Lecturers’ Efforts in Building Rapport in the English-Medium Instruction (EMI) Context: Focus on the Use of Communication Strategies
Authors: Yu Shiyan , Kaur Jagdish
Published: September 2024

Past studies reveal the prevalence of anxiety, coupled with low motivation and disengagement among students in English-medium instruction (EMI) programs. Given the detrimental impact these negative emotions can have on learning outcomes, it is imperative that teachers establish positive emotional rapport with their students. This study explores how experienced and highly rated EMI lecturers at a Chinese university’s overseas campus use communication strategies to build rapport with their students during interactive academic activities. It identifies the strategies used by these lecturers and examines how the strategies facilitate the teaching-learning process. The data, consisting of 10 hours of tutorials and 10 hours of supervisor-student supervision meetings, is analyzed using an adapted Conversation Analysis (CA) approach. The analysis reveals three types of communication strategies (CSs) frequently used by lecturers: back-channeling, code-switching, and co-creation of messages. By employing these strategies, the lecturers established a strong rapport with the students, which created an encouraging and supportive learning environment. Consequently, this positive atmosphere facilitated students’ learning of content knowledge through English. The findings of this study have implications for the training of lecturers who encounter difficulties in establishing rapport with multilingual students in the EMI setting.
Quantitative characterization of granite failure intensity under dynamic disturbance from energy standpoint
Authors: Bai Yun , Gao Feng , Luo Ning , Zhang Zhizhen , Xing Yan , Su Shanjie , Hou Peng
Published: September 2024

Quantitative evaluation of rock dynamic disaster intensity is a challenging and difficult task in the field of earth science. In this article, the dynamic compression tests of granite under different impact velocities are carried out, and the energy evolution characteristics of the dynamic failure process of granite are analyzed. The dynamic fracture characteristics of granite were studied by using computed tomography and section scanning equipment. The results show that the energy dissipation and energy accumulation mechanism of granite under dynamic loading are fundamentally changed with the increase of impact disturbance strength, which leads to the transformation of the failure mode from the tension-type sheet crack under low-speed impact to the complex network crack coupled by tension and shear under high-speed impact. At the same time, the greater the impact velocity, the larger the macroscopic crack density, the more uneven the particle distribution on the fracture section, the greater the roughness, and the higher the rock mass fracture degree. In accordance with the results, the energy distribution ratio is proposed to quantitatively characterize the coupling effect of energy dissipation and energy accumulation in the dynamic failure process of granite and to reflect its dynamic failure intensity. The higher the energy distribution ratio, the stronger the energy coupling effect and the more intense the dynamic failure of the rock mass.
Alterations in optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography findings in children with partial biotinidase deficiency
Authors: Karataş Gamze , Çakır Akın , Çakar Nafiye Emel , Çepni Çakır Derya , Karataş Mehmet Egemen , Akpunar Ozan , Kırmacı Kabakcı Aslı , Yıldız Dilan
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate whether retinal neurovascular structural impairment in children with partial biotinidase deficiency (BD) could be detected early via optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA).

Methods

Eighty patients with partial BD and 80 control cases without any known systemic or ocular diseases were enrolled in this prospective study. Retinal neurovascular structures in the macular and optic disc regions were examined in using OCT and OCTA. Data from subjects with partial BD were compared with data from healthy controls.

Results

A statistically significant decrease in the vessel density (VD) was observed in both superior and inferior parts of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) in the partial BD patient group compared with the control group (p<0.05). A significant decrease in the VD was also observed in the superior and inferior peripapillary SCP-DCP regions of the optic disc area in the patients with partial BD (p<0.05). Both the superficial and deep foveal avascular zone (FAZ) areas were significantly enlarged in the partial BD group with respect to the control group (p=0.026, p=0.021 respectively).

Conclusions

In the partial BD patients, the vascular density in the macula and optic disc region is decreased in childhood, when compared to the control group. In patients with partial BD, it would be very useful to detect the early neurovascular changes that may occur during the course of the disease by means of a noninvasive technique such as OCTA.
DNA metabarcoding and macroremains from coprolites reveal insights into Middle and Late Holocene inhabitants of Bonneville Estates Rockshelter, Nevada
Authors: Johnson Taryn , Hockett Bryan , Linderholm Anna
Published: September 2024

The analysis of coprolites provides direct evidence of resources consumed and may be paired with ethnographic data to elucidate the dietary and medicinal use of plants in archaeological communities. This article combines and contrasts the macroscopic analysis and DNA metabarcoding of 10 coprolites from Bonneville Estates Rockshelter, Nevada, USA. While the results from both methods confirm previous understandings of subsistence practices at the site, minimal overlap in identified taxa suggests that each accesses different components of the consumed material. The two methods should therefore be seen as complementary and employed together, where possible.
Transcriptomic Correlates of State Modulation in GABAergic Interneurons: A Cross-Species Analysis
Authors: Keijser Joram , Hertäg Loreen , Sprekeler Henning
Published: September 2024

GABAergic inhibitory interneurons comprise many subtypes that differ in their molecular, anatomical, and functional properties. In mouse visual cortex, they also differ in their modulation with an animal’s behavioral state, and this state modulation can be predicted from the first principal component (PC) of the gene expression matrix. Here, we ask whether this link between transcriptome and state-dependent processing generalizes across species. To this end, we analysed seven single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing datasets from mouse, human, songbird, and turtle forebrains. Despite homology at the level of cell types, we found clear differences between transcriptomic PCs, with greater dissimilarities between evolutionarily distant species. These dissimilarities arise from two factors: divergence in gene expression within homologous cell types and divergence in cell-type abundance. We also compare the expression of cholinergic receptors, which are thought to causally link transcriptome and state modulation. Several cholinergic receptors predictive of state modulation in mouse interneurons are differentially expressed between species. Circuit modelling and mathematical analyses suggest conditions under which these expression differences could translate into functional differences.
Thiosulphate assisted phytoextraction of mercury contaminated soils at the Wanshan Mercury Mining District, Southwest China
Authors: Wang J , Feng X , Anderson C W N
Published: September 2024

Wanshan, known as the â€œMercury Capitalâ€ of China, is located in the Southwest of China. Due to the extensive mining and smelting works in the Wanshan area, the local ecosystem has been serious contaminated with mercury. In the present study, a number of soil samples were taken from the Wanshan mercury mining area and the mercury fractionations in soils were analyzed using sequential extraction procedure technique. The obtained results showed that the dominate mercury fractions (represent 95% of total mercury) were residual and organic bound mercury. A field trial was conducted in a mercury polluted farmland at the Wanshan mercury mine. Four plant species Brassica juncea Czern. et Coss.var. ASKYC (ASKYC), Brassica juncea Czern. et Coss.var.DPDH (DPDH), Brassica juncea Czern. et Coss.var.CHBD(CHBD), Brassica juncea Czern. et Coss.var.LDZY (LDZY) were tested their ability to extract mercury from soil with thiosulphate amendment. The results indicated that the mercury concentration in the roots and shoots of the four plants were significantly increased with thiosulphate treatment. The mercury phytoextraction yield of ASKYC, DPDH, CHBD and LDZY were 92, 526, 294 and 129 g/ha, respectively.
Mining waste contaminated lands: an uphill battle for improving crop productivity
Authors: Kumar B M
Published: September 2024

Mining drastically alters the physico-chemical and biological environment of the landscape. Low organic matter content, unfavourable pH, low water holding capacity, salinity, coarse texture, compaction, siltation of water bodies due to wash off of mineral overburden dumps, inadequate supply of plant nutrients, accelerated erosion, acid generating materials, and mobilization of contaminated sediments into the aquatic environment are the principal constraints experienced in mining contaminated sites. A variety of approaches have been considered for reclaiming mine wastes including direct revegetation of amended waste materials, top soiling, and the use of capillary barriers. The simplest technology to improve crop productivity is the addition of organic amendments. Biosolids and animal manure can support revegetation, but its rapid decomposition especially in the wet tropics, necessitates repeated applications. Recalcitrant materials such as â€œbiocharsâ€, which improve soil properties on a long term basis as well as promote soil carbon sequestration, hold enormous promise. An eco-friendly and cost-effective Microbe Assisted Phytoremediation system has been proposed to increase biological productivity and fertility of mine spoil dumps. Agroforestry practices may enhance the nutrient status of degraded mine spoil lands (facilitation). N-fixing trees are important in this respect. Metal tolerant ecotypes of grasses and calcium-loving plants help restore lead, zinc, and copper mine tailings and gypsum mine spoils, respectively. Overall, an integrated strategy of introduction of metal tolerant plants, genetic engineering for enhanced synthesis and exudation of natural chelators into the rhizosphere, improvement of rhizosphere, and integrated management including agroforestry will be appropriate for reclaiming mining contaminated lands.
Le rôle de l’orphelinat et la vie à Pointe-Noire dans le stade d’âge scolaire et de l’adolescence de Moïse dans le roman Petit Piment : une étude du développement psychosocial d'Erik H. Erikson
Authors: Ambiya Mila , Yulianto Ahmad , Kurniawati Novi , Sunahrowi Sunahrowi
Published: September 2024

Dans le concept de la théorie du développement psychosocial, les conditions environnementales dans lesquelles une personne vit affectent la psychologie de cette personne. Ainsi dans le roman Petit Piment, l’orphelinat et la communauté de Pointe-Noire ont un rôle dans la psychologie du personnage de Moïse. L’orphelinat a un rôle dans le modèle parental et la portée de l’élargissement du monde social de Moïse en tant qu’enfant d’âge scolaire. Puis la condition de la société de Pointe-Noire a un rôle dans le développement son identité de l’ego de Moïse à l’adolescence. Pour décrire ces choses, la chercheuse a utilisé l’étude de la théorie de développement psychosocial d’Erik H. Erikson. L’approche de recherche dans cette étude est une approche qualitative. Ensuite, la méthode d’analyse des données utilisée est la méthode analytique descriptive. Les résultats de cette étude incluent : la parentalité et l'expansion du monde social de Moïse à l'orphelinat ont déclenché une crise psychosociale au stade de l'âge scolaire, à savoir la crise de productivité contre infériorité ; pendant son séjour à Pointe-Noire, l'expansion du monde social de Moïse en tant qu'enfant d'âge scolaire et le contexte social qui y existe créent du courage et développent sa conscience de soi à l'adolescence, ainsi que l'acquisition de la force fondamentale de l'étape de l'adolescence, à savoir la fidélité. De ces résultats, on peut conclure que le modèle parental et l'environnement social dans l'orphelinat et la communauté de Pointe-Noire ont déclenché l'émergence de la nature comme l'âge scolaire, à savoir l’assidu et la nature comme l'adolescence qui sont cohérente et indépendante à Moïse.
Les élements de récit de voyage dans la bande dessinée Chroniques Birmanes par Guy Delisle
Authors: Tajri Alminia , Kurniawati Novi , Yulianto Ahmad , Sunahrowi Sunahrowi
Published: September 2024

La littérature est une représentation de ce qui se passé dans la vie des communautés. Par exemple, la bande dessinée Chroniques Birmanes qui raconte la vie quotidienne de l'auteur lors de son voyage au Myanmar. Le scénario se concentre sur la description des faits qui se sont produits là-bas, mais l'écrivain inclut toujours sa subjectivité sur le pays sous le règne d'un dictateur. La subjectivité de l'écrivain a une grande influence en donnant l'impression aux lecteurs de pouvoir ressentir ses expériences, car le récit de voyage est une fiction de représentation factuelle. Cette recherche utilise une approche qualitative qui s'attache à expliquer des éléments de la littérature de voyage selon le concept de Carl Thompson dans la bande dessinée Chroniques Birmanes de Guy Delisle. La méthode d'analyse des données utilise des méthodes analytiques descriptives et des techniques d'étude de la littérature pour collecter les données. Les résultats de l'étude montrent que le récit de voyage ne contient que des rapports sur les faits d'une région (les éléments de rapportage du monde), mais enregistre également une rencontre entre soi et les autres (les éléments de représentation des autres). Cette rencontre a un impact majeur sur le processus « othering » qui domine le flux de la représentation dans la bande dessinée Chroniques Birmanes. De plus, l'écrivain présente comment son affirmation de soi (les éléments de révélation de soi) pendant le voyage en légitimant sa supériorité culturelle.