bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of International Civil Society Organizations in democratization: A crisp-set QCA approach to anti-corruption in Ghana
Authors: Graham Ebenezer Kurtis , Kocadal Özker
Published: November 2023

An anti-corruption strategy is essential in the process of continuous democratisation for effective governance. The objective of our study is to examine the mechanisms that contribute to an effective anticorruption strategy in a case study of civil society organisations in Ghana. These CSO cases illustrate the efforts of non-state actors to promote democracy in their interactions with Ghana’s government. A model of anticorruption strategy and the crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis (cs-QCA) method were employed to examine 264 cases of local civil societies in Ghana that responded to questions on the conditions for an effective anticorruption strategy. Our results indicate that no single condition is sufficient as an anti-corruption strategy. However, the role of international civil society organisations (RISCO) is necessary for any anticorruption strategy. RISCO has to be combined with freedom of expression, good leadership, fear of punishment, and training to provide an effective strategy. On the other hand, despite the fear of punishment, social trust and leadership, rules and regulations, and training, the absence of RISCO explains all ineffective anticorruption strategies. Therefore, Ghana’s anti-corruption strategy must always consider the role of organisations such as Amnesty International (AI), Transparency International (TI), and the Global Organization of Parliamentarians against Corruption (GOPAC) in mitigating corruption. Policymakers should therefore promote the presence of international civil society in Ghana because they ultimately contribute to democratization in addition to all government effort.
Effect of bariatric and metabolic surgery on rheumatoid arthritis outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Miladi Saoussen , Makhlouf Yasmine , Boussaa Hiba , Zakraoui Leith , Ben Abdelghani Kawther , Fazaa Alia , Laatar Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Obesity is a growing and debilitating epidemic worldwide that is associated with an increased inflammation. It is often linked to rheumatic diseases and may impact negatively their natural history. The use of bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) has increased thanks to its positive effect on major comorbidities like diabetes type 2. This systematic review provides the most up-to-date published literature regarding the effect of BMS on outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

This systematic review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews guidelines. Original articles from Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane, published until June 16th 2023, and tackling the effect of BMS on disease outcomes in patients with RA were included.

Results

Three studies met the inclusion criteria. They were published between 2015 and 2022. The total number of RA patients was 33193 and 6700 of them underwent BMS. Compared to non-surgical patients, weight loss after BMS was associated with lower disease activity outcomes at 12 months (p<0.05). Similarly, prior BMS in RA patients was significantly associated with reduced odds ratios for all the morbidities and in-hospital mortality compared with no prior BMS (36.5% vs 54.6%, OR = 0.45, 95% CI (0.42, 0.48), p< 0.001) and (0.4% vs 0.9%, OR = 0.41, 95% CI (0.27–0.61), p < 0.001) respectively.

Conclusion

To conclude, published data indicate that BMS seems a promising alternative in reducing RA disease activity as well as morbidity and mortality in patients with obesity.
Consecutive treatments of methamphetamine promote the development of cardiac pathological symptoms in zebrafish
Authors: Zhang Jimmy , Nguyen Anh H. , Jilani Daniel , Trigo Torres Ramses Seferino , Schmiess-Heine Lauren , Le Tai , Xia Xing , Cao Hung
Published: November 2023

Chronic methamphetamine use, a widespread drug epidemic, has been associated with cardiac morphological and electrical remodeling, leading to the development of numerous cardiovascular diseases. While methamphetamine has been documented to induce arrhythmia, most results originate from clinical trials from users who experienced different durations of methamphetamine abuse, providing no documentation on the use of methamphetamine in standardized settings. Additionally, the underlying molecular mechanism on how methamphetamine affects the cardiovascular system remains elusive. A relationship was sought between cardiotoxicity and arrhythmia with associated methamphetamine abuse in zebrafish to identify and to understand the adverse cardiac symptoms associated with methamphetamine. Zebrafish were first treated with methamphetamine 3 times a week over a 2-week duration. Immediately after treatment, zebrafish underwent electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement using an in-house developed acquisition system for electrophysiological analysis. Subsequent analyses of cAMP expression and Ca2+ regulation in zebrafish cardiomyocytes were conducted. cAMP is vital to development of myocardial fibrosis and arrhythmia, prominent symptoms in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Ca2+ dysregulation is also a factor in inducing arrhythmias. During the first week of treatment, zebrafish that were administered with methamphetamine displayed a decrease in heart rate, which persisted throughout the second week and remained significantly lower than the heart rate of untreated fish. Results also indicate an increased heart rate variability during the early stage of treatment followed by a decrease in the late stage for methamphetamine-treated fish over the duration of the experiment, suggesting a biphasic response to methamphetamine exposure. Methamphetamine-treated fish also exhibited reduced QTc intervals throughout the experiment. Results from the cAMP and Ca2+ assays demonstrate that cAMP was upregulated and Ca2+ was dysregulated in response to methamphetamine treatment. Collagenic assays indicated significant fibrotic response to methamphetamine treatment. These results provide potential insight into the role of methamphetamine in the development of fibrosis and arrhythmia due to downstream effectors of cAMP.
Emissions reduction strategy in a three-stage agrifood value chain: A dynamic differential game approach
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Fan Xiaoli , Zhao Qilan , Cui Pengfei
Published: November 2023

Agrifood systems account for 31% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Substantial emissions reduction in agrifood systems is critical to achieving the temperature goal set by the Paris Agreement. A key challenge in reducing GHG emissions in the agrifood value chain is the imbalanced allocation of benefits and costs associated with emissions reduction among agrifood value chain participants. However, only a few studies have examined agrifood emissions reduction from a value chain perspective, especially using dynamic methods to investigate participants’ long-term emissions reduction strategies. This paper helps fill this gap in the existing literature by examining the impact of collaborations among agrifood value chain participants on correcting those misallocations and reducing emissions in agrifood systems. We develop a dynamic differential game model to examine participants’ long-term emissions reduction strategies in a three-stage agrifood value chain. We use the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation to derive the Nash equilibrium emissions reduction strategies under non-cooperative, cost-sharing, and cooperative mechanisms. We then conduct numerical analysis and sensitivity analysis to validate our model. Our results show that collaboration among value chain participants leads to higher emissions reduction efforts and profits for the entire value chain. Specifically, based on our numerical results, the cooperative mechanism results in the greatest emissions reduction effort by the three participants, which leads to a total that is nearly three times higher than that of the non-cooperative mechanism and close to two times higher than the cost-sharing mechanism. The cooperative mechanism also recorded the highest profits for the entire value chain, surpassing the non-cooperative and cost-sharing mechanisms by around 37% and 16%, respectively. Our results provide valuable insights for policymakers and agrifood industry stakeholders to develop strategies and policies encouraging emissions reduction collaborations in the agrifood value chain and reduce emissions in the agrifood systems.
Associations of production characteristics with the on-farm presence of Fasciola hepatica in dairy cows vary across production levels and indicate differences between breeds
Authors: Oehm Andreas W. , Zablotski Yury , Hoedemaker Martina , Campe Amely , Strube Christina , Jordan Daniela , Springer Andrea , Klawitter Markus , Knubben-Schweizer Gabriela
Published: November 2023

Fasciola hepaticais one of the economically most important endoparasites in cattle production. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the relevance of production level on the associations of on-farm presence ofF.hepaticawith farm-level milk yield, milk fat, and milk protein in Holstein cows, a specialised dairy breed, and in Simmental cows, a dual purpose breed. Furthermore, we investigated whether differential associations were present depending on breed. Data from 560 dairy farms across Germany housing 93,672 cows were analysed. The presence ofF.hepaticaantibodies was determined via ELISA on bulk tank milk samples. Quantile regression was applied to model the median difference in milk yield, milk fat, and milk protein depending on the interaction of breed and fluke occurrence. Whereas a reduction in milk yield (-1,206 kg, p < 0.001), milk fat (-22.9 kg, p = 0.001), and milk protein (-41.6 kg, p <0.001) was evident onF.hepaticapositive German Holstein farms, only milk fat (-33.8 kg, p = 0.01) and milk protein (-22.6 kg, p = 0.03) were affected onF.hepaticapositive German Simmental farms. Subsequently, production traits were modelled within each of the two breeds for low, medium, and high producing farms in the presence ofF.hepaticaantibodies and of confounders. On Holstein farms, the presence ofF.hepaticaseropositivity was associated with lower production, while on German Simmental farms such an association was less evident. This work demonstrates that production level is relevant when assessing the associations between the exposure toF.hepaticawith production characteristics. Moreover, both models indicate a breed dependence. This could point towards a differentialF.hepaticaresilience of specialised dairy breeds in comparison with dual purpose breeds.
Modeling forest landscape futures: Full scale simulation of realistic socioeconomic scenarios in Estonia
Authors: Kaasik Ants , Kont Raido , Lõhmus Asko
Published: November 2023

For political and administrative governance of land-use decisions, high-resolution and reliable spatial models are required over large areas and for various time horizons. We present a process-centered simulation model ‘NextStand’ (a forest landscape model, FLM) and its R-script, which predicts regional forest characteristics at a forest stand resolution. The model uses whole area stand data and is optimized for realistic iterative timber harvesting decisions, based on stand compositions (developing over time) and locations. We used the model for simulating spatial predictions of the Estonian forests in North Europe (2.3 Mha, about 2 M stands); the decisions were parameterized by land ownership, protection regimes, and rules of clear-cut harvesting. We illustrate the model application as a potential broad-scale Decision Support Tool by predicting how the forest age composition, placement of clear-cut areas, and connectivity of old stands will develop until the year 2050 under future scenarios. The country-scale outputs had a generally low within-scenario variance, which enabled to estimate some main land-use effects and uncertainties at small computing efforts. In forestry terms, we show that a continuation of recent intensive forest management trends will produce a decline of the national timber supplies in Estonia, which greatly varies among ownership types. In a conservation perspective, the current level of 13% forest area strictly protected can maintain an overall area of old forests by 2050, but their isolation is a problem for biodiversity conservation. The behavior of low-intensity forest management units (owners) and strict governance of clear-cut harvesting rules emerged as key questions for regional forest sustainability. Our study confirms that high-resolution modeling of future spatial composition of forest land is feasible when one can (i) delineate predictable spatial units of transformation (including management) and (ii) capture their variability of temporal change with simple ecological and socioeconomic (including human decision-making) variables.
Localization of mechanical and electrical defects in dry-type transformers using an optimized acoustic imaging approach
Authors: Zhang Zhanxi , Wang Youyuan , Li Zhihe , Liu Jinzhan
Published: November 2023

This paper presents an acoustic imaging localization system designed to pinpoint common defects in dry-type transformers by analyzing the unique sounds they produce during operation. The system includes an optimized microphone array and an improved multiple signal classification algorithm. Sound signal characteristics of typical defects, such as foreign object intrusion, screw loosening, and partial discharge, are investigated. A 64-element, 8-arm spiral microphone array is designed using a particle swarm optimization algorithm. The multiple signal classification algorithm enhances acoustic imaging quality in field environments by transforming the input from time-domain to preprocessed frequency-domain signals. The power spectra of subarray and main array are combined, forming the optimization algorithm’s output. Experimental results demonstrate the system’s effectiveness and accuracy.
Access to therapy for child sexual abuse survivors: Preliminary dialogue of barriers and facilitators between caregivers
Authors: Jin Jonathan , Al-Shamali Huda , Smith-MacDonald Lorraine , Reeson Matthew , Polzin Wanda , Wei Yifeng , Pazderka Hannah , Silverstone Peter H. , Greenshaw Andrew J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Difficulties in access to therapy were highlighted by COVID-19 measures restricting in-person gatherings. Additional challenges arise when focusing on caregivers of child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors in particular, which are a population that has been historically difficult to engage with due to issues of stigma and confidentiality.

Objectives

To present preliminary qualitative results from caregivers of CSA survivors.

Methods

This study was conducted with caregivers of CSA survivors. Two hybrid webinar/focus groups were conducted using a video conferencing platform in fall of 2021 with two groups of stakeholders (11 caregivers and 5 moderators/clinical staff at Little Warriors, an intensive episodic treatment facility). Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and thematically-analyzed using standard qualitative methodology.

Results

A total of 11 caregivers contributed to the data. Themes include: (1) Challenges of starting and maintaining treatment (i.e., emotional impact of intake day, challenges of enrolling), (2) Therapeutic benefits of specialized treatment (i.e., feeling safe and supported and the importance of trauma-informed care), and (3) Barriers and facilitators of treatment (i.e., avenues to scale-up and self-care).

Conclusion

The importance of a strong therapeutic alliance was highlighted by both caregivers/clinical staff and further support is needed for families post-treatment. The present hybrid webinar/focus group also achieved engagement goals in a population that is typically difficult to reach. Overall, the response rate (12%) was equivalent to reported registrant attendance rates for general business to consumer webinars and the recommended focus group size. This preliminary approach warrants replication in other populations outside our clinical context.
In the key of child major: Engaging with children’s voices through and about music
Authors: Harris Pauline
Published: November 2023

Guided by children’s right as active citizens to be heard and have their views taken into account on matters affecting their lives, this article explores opportunities early childhood music educators can provide for children’s voices to inform their practices. Drawing on experiences from the Children’s Voices project, the author describes ten key principles that guide authentic dialogic encounters with children. Connections are made to research in early childhood music throughout the article. These connections inform how music in its various guises can be used as a medium for engaging with children’s voices and, conversely, how children’s voices can and should inform early childhood music education.
Epizootiology and biological characteristics of echinococcosis in agricultural animals, dogs, wild carnivores, and rodents in the Western region of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Ilana Abirova , Upievich Baitlesov Erbulat , Kenesovich Kereyev Abzal , Bekbosynovna Mamanova Saltanat , Bakitzhanovna Zakirova Faruza , Esmagambetovich Murzabaev Kenzhebek , Maratovich Sengaliyev Yerbol , Garipullievich Satybaev Berik , Gabdullinovich Abdrakhmanov Rinat
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim: Echinococcosis is one of the most dangerous parasitic diseases common to humans and animals. In Kazakhstan, echinococcosis is widespread in animals. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and biological characteristics of echinococcosis in agricultural animals, dogs, wild carnivores, and rodents in the Western region of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Materials and Methods: The study analyzed slaughtered carcasses of cattle (2500), sheep (4200), pigs (250), horses (91), and camels (45). Furthermore, the study analyzed 144 dogs (herding, rural, and urban), 41 wild carnivores (wolves, red foxes, and corsac foxes), and 339 wild rodents (great gerbils, tamarisk jirds, little ground squirrels, yellow ground squirrels, and muskrats). Postmortem and vital examination methods were used in the helminthological studies of dogs, wild carnivores, and rodents. In agricultural animals, localization and intensity were determined by counting echinococcal cysts in parenchymatous organs.

Results: Extensiveness of invasion (EI) averaged 19.2% in cattle, 27.5% in sheep, 5.6% in pigs, and 13.3% in camels. Echinococcal cysts mainly affected the liver in sheep (45.4%) and the lungs in cattle (35.5%). The fertility of echinococcal cysts decreased with age in animals. Acephalocysts were registered mainly in cattle. The highest invasiveness of Echinococcus granulosus was found in herding dogs with an EI of 12.5%. Experimental infestations of dogs showed that maturation of echinococcal eggs occurred by days 36–40 and maturation of segments by day 50. Studies of wild carnivores and rodents showed the presence of E. granulosus (imago stage) in wolves, Alveococcus multilocularis (imago stage) in red foxes and corsac foxes, and A. multilocularis (larval stage) in great gerbils and muskrats.

Conclusion: Our data provide evidence of high epizootiological danger for the population and significant damage caused by E. granulosus to animal husbandry in the region. Studies on the spread of echinococcosis suggest the possibility of controlling the situation with human and animal diseases and show the importance of this issue.

Keywords: agricultural animals, dogs, Echinococcus, Kazakhstan, rodents, wild carnivores.
Ten-Day Vonoprazan-Amoxicillin Dual Therapy vs Standard 14-Day Bismuth-Based Quadruple Therapy for First-Line Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Yan Tian-Lian , Wang Jing-Hua , He Xin-Jue , Zhu Ya-Bi , Lu Lin-Jie , Wang Yan-Jiao , Wang Zi-Wei , Gao Jian-Guo , Xu Cheng-Fu , Ma Han , Luan Shuang-Mei , Li Lan , Chen Yi
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Whether 10-day short-course vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy (VA-dual) is noninferior to the standard 14-day bismuth-based quadruple therapy (B-quadruple) against Helicobacter pylori eradication has not been determined. This trial aimed to compare the eradication rate, adverse events, and compliance of 10-day VA-dual regimen with standard 14-day B-quadruple regimen as first-line H. pylori treatment.

METHODS:

This prospective randomized clinical trial was performed at 3 institutions in eastern China. A total of 314 treatment-naive, H. pylori–infected patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either 10-day VA-dual group or 14-day B-quadruple group. Eradication success was determined by 13C-urea breath test at least 4 weeks after treatment. Eradication rates, adverse events, and compliance were compared between groups.

RESULTS:

Eradication rates of VA-dual and B-quadruple groups were 86.0% and 89.2% (P = 0.389), respectively, by intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis; 88.2% and 91.5% (P = 0.338), respectively, by modified ITT analysis; and 90.8% and 91.3% (P = 0.884), respectively, by per-protocol (PP) analysis. The efficacy of the VA-dual remained noninferior to B-quadruple therapy in all ITT, modified ITT, and PP analyses. The incidence of adverse events in the VA-dual group was significantly lower compared with that in the B-quadruple group (P < 0.001). Poor compliance contributed to eradication failure in the VA-dual group (P < 0.001), while not in the B-quadruple group (P = 0.110).

DISCUSSION:

The 10-day VA-dual therapy provided satisfactory eradication rates of >90% (PP analysis) and lower rates of adverse events compared with standard 14-day B-quadruple therapy as first-line H. pylori therapy.

TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER:

ChiCTR2300070100.
Changes in Therapy Are Not Associated With Increased Remission in Patients With Crohn's Disease of the Pouch
Authors: Kayal Maia , Deepak Parakkal , Beniwal-Patel Poonam , Raffals Laura , Dubinsky Marla , Chang Shannon , Higgins Peter D.R. , Jiang Yue , Cross Raymond K. , Long Millie D. , Herfarth Hans H. , Barnes Edward L.
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION:

There is a paucity of data on the real-world effectiveness of therapies in patients with Crohn's disease of the pouch.

METHODS:

This was a prospective multicenter study evaluating the primary outcome of remission at 12 months of therapy for Crohn's disease of the pouch.

RESULTS:

One hundred thirty-four patients were enrolled. Among the 77 patients with symptoms at baseline, 35 (46.7%) achieved remission at 12 months. Of them, 12 (34.3%) changed therapy. There was no significant association between therapy patterns and remission status.

DISCUSSION:

Approximately 50% with symptoms at enrollment achieved clinical remission at 12 months, most of whom did so without a change in therapy.
Increased Grades of Rectal Intussusception: Role of Decline in Pelvic Floor Integrity and Association With Dyssynergic Defecation
Authors: Neshatian Leila , Triadafilopoulos George , Wallace Shannon , Jawahar Anugayathri , Sheth Vipul , Shen Sa , Gurland Brooke
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION:

The natural history of rectal intussusception (RI) is poorly understood. We hypothesized that decline in pelvic floor integrity and function leads to increasing RI grades.

METHODS:

Retrospective analysis of a registry of patients with defecatory disorders with high-resolution anorectal manometry and magnetic resonance defecography was performed. Association of risk factors on increasing RI grades was assessed using logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Analysis included a total of 238 women: 90 had no RI, 43 Oxford 1–2, 49 Oxford 3, and 56 Oxford 4–5. Age (P = 0.017), vaginal delivery (P = 0.008), and prior pelvic surgery (P = 0.032) were associated with increased Oxford grades. Obstructive defecation symptoms and dyssynergic defecation were observed at relatively high rates across groups. Increased RI grades were associated with less anal relaxation at simulated defecation yet, higher rates of normal balloon expulsion (P < 0.05), linked to diminished anal sphincter. Indeed, increased RI grades were associated with worsening fecal incontinence severity, attributed to higher rates of anal hypotension. Levator ani laxity, defined by increased levator hiatus length and its excessive descent at straining, was associated with increasing RI grades, independent of age, history of vaginal delivery, and pelvic surgeries and could independently predict increased RI grades. Concurrent anterior and posterior compartments, and visceral prolapse were associated with higher Oxford grades.

DISCUSSION:

Our data suggest that decline in pelvic floor integrity with abnormal levator ani laxity is associated with increased RI grades, a process that is independent of age, history of vaginal deliveries, and/or pelvic surgeries, and perhaps related to dyssynergic defecation.
Direction independent broad-band wide angle metamaterial absorber for “K” band applications
Authors: Dewangan Laxmikant , Patinavalasa Megh Sainadh , Acharjee Juin , Sandiman Shrey Anant , Ghosh Saptarshi , Mishra Nipun Kumar
Published: November 2023

In this work, the design of broadband, wide-angle, direction-independent metamaterial (MM) electromagnetic wave (EM) absorber for K-band frequency application is investigated and validated experimentally. The unit cell of the metamaterial absorber consists of four 90° rotated L-shaped metallic patches imprinted on a dielectric substrate backed by a metallic sheet. The structure yield absorption in the broad frequency ranges from 22.5 to 29.3 GHz for both TE and TM polarized waves with more than 90 % absorptivity having a wide fractional bandwidth of (6.8 GHz) 25.8 %. The structure is four-fold symmetric and hence yields polarization insensitivity for different angles of polarization under both TE and TM polarized waves. The structure is also investigated under oblique incidence where the 80 % absorptivity holds up to 45° incident angles for both TE and TM waves. The absorption mechanism is explained with the help of top and bottom surface current distribution, induced electric field, and parametric analysis. To verify the resonance in the structure, characteristic mode, and equivalent circuit analysis have been carried out and presented. A prototype of the absorber has been fabricated and simulated results are validated with measured results. Measured results are showing good agreement with the simulated responses. The novelty of the proposed absorber lies in its unique metallic pattern on a λ
0/8 (concerning the canter frequency of absorption bandwidth) thin FR-4 substrate while showing the wide absorption bandwidth and direction independence to normal and oblique incidence. The compact nature of the absorber and broadband response with good polarization insensitivity at normal and oblique incidence makes it commercially suitable for the reduction of radar cross section (RCS) in stealth applications at the K-band.
Effect of maceration, ultrasound, and microwave-assisted method of extraction on antioxidant activity and phenolic profile of free, esterified, and bound phenolics of Tulaipanji rice
Authors: Mandal Subhajit , Rahman Md. Latifur , Das Priya , Ashraf Gouhar Jahan , Dua Tarun Kumar , Paul Paramita , Nandi Gouranga , Sahu Ranabir
Published: November 2023

The present work was designed to investigate the effect of maceration, ultra-sound, and microwave-assisted extraction on free, esterified, and bound phenolics of Tulaipanji rice (Oryza sativa L.) flour. Antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH, ABTS, SOD, and reducing power assays. HPTLC analysis was performed for identification and quantification of phenolics in different extracts. Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) were found significantly high (p < 0.05) in microwave-assisted extraction of bound phenolics compared with other methods. Microwave-assisted extracts showed highest DPPH radicals, ABTS radicals, SOD, and reducing power activity. Further, Pearson’s correlation study exhibited a significant positive correlation within % yield, TPC, and TFC. Significant negative correlation was found within % yield, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. The study found that extractive value, antioxidant activity, and phenolic contents varied with the extraction methods. Microwave-assisted extraction technique showed the best performance for extraction as compared to other methods.
Factors dictating the extent of low elongation in high sulfur-containing bainitic steels
Authors: Dong Baoqi , Hou Tingping , Hodgson Peter , Isayev Oleg , Hress Oleksandr , Yershov Serhii , Wu Kaiming
Published: November 2023

The elongation of two low temperature bainitic steels with different sulfur contents was compared under the same heat treatment. Elongations of 1.0 ± 0.5 % and 11.4 ± 1.5 % were achieved for the high- and low-S steels, respectively. A high carbon concentration and fine grain size leading to over stability of the retained austenite in the high-S steel is the main reason for the poor elongation. The differences in carbon concentration and grain size between the two steels can be attributed to pinning by MnS, where the existence of a large number of long slivers of MnS in the high-S steel was responsible for the pinning. The stability of retained austenite was also analyzed by the local tensile elongation and hardness, and the volume fraction of retained austenite that transformed to martensite during the tensile process.
Ein breites Forum für ein neues wissenschaftliches Fach: Info DaF in den 80ern
Authors: Fandrych Christian
Published: November 2023

Der Beitrag zeichnet die Entwicklung von Informationen Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Info DaF) hin zu einer fachwissenschaftlichen Zeitschrift in den 80er Jahren nach, die sowohl stärker wissenschaftliche als auch praktische und sprachenpolitische Schwerpunkte aufwies und sich zu einem wichtigen Forum des Fachdiskurses im neuen universitären Fach DaF und in der internationalen Germanistik entwickelte. Auf die Beiträge zur sprachlichen Vorbereitung auf das Hochschulstudium sowie zu Konzepten einer studienbezogenen Sprachförderung wird dabei etwas näher auch aus heutiger Perspektive eingegangen.
Pentaclethra macrophylla leaves reduce blood glucose level, improve sexual behavior and modulate critical enzymes associated with diabetes-erectile dysfunction morbidity in rats
Authors: Nwagwe Onyinyechi Ruth , Adefegha Stephen Adeniyi , Oboh Ganiyu
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This research work studied the phenolic composition of Pentaclethra macrophylla (PM), the inclusion of dietary supplementation of PM leaves on sexual functions and its connection to inhibit enzymes (arginase and phosphodiesterase-5) and nitric oxide level, linked to type 2 diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction in rats.

Methods

Gallic acid, chlorogenic and ellagic acids, Kaempferol, and epicatechin etc. was spotted with High performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector from PM extract. Twenty-five (25) rats were used for the study. Five rats were placed with basal diet; diets not supplemented with PM leaves (normal rat group) while twenty rats were made diabetic by feeding them with high fat diet for two weeks, prior to single injection with 35 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). After checking with glucometer, experimental animals with blood glucose level >250 mg/dL were accepted as diabetic. The diabetic rats were subsequently divided into four groups of five rats each (n=5). The diabetic rats were placed on basal diet, or diets supplemented with PM leaves (10 % or 5 % inclusion) or sildenafil citrate (SC)

Results

The result revealed that PM supplemented diets caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in blood glucose level, and augmented erectile function by inhibiting arginase and PDE5 activities as well as enhancing nitric oxide level.

Conclusions

In conclusion, dietary inclusion of PM leaves could serve as a potent nutraceutical source in hyperglycemia induced erectile dysfunction management.
The effects of fractional time derivatives in bioheat conduction technique on tumor thermal therapy
Authors: Abbas Ibrahim , Hobiny Aatef , El-Bary Alaa
Published: November 2023

The article utilizes the fractional bioheat model in spherical coordinates to explain the transfer of heat in living tissues during magnetic hyperthermia treatment for tumors. Maintaining therapeutic temperature is crucial in magnetic fluid hyperthermia, which requires accurate estimations of power dissipation to determine the appropriate number of magnetic particles required for treatment. To address this problem, a hybrid numerical approach that combines Laplace transforms, change of variables, and modified discretization techniques is proposed in this paper. The study investigates the impact of the fractional parameter and differences in thermophysical properties between diseased and healthy tissue. The numerical temperature results are presented in a graph, and their validity is demonstrated by comparing them with previous literature.
Telehealth in opioid use disorder treatment: policy considerations for expanding access to care
Authors: Niyibizi Auguste , Haveric Arman , Irio Giselle
Published: November 2023

The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 was intended to address the online diversion of controlled substances. However, it inadvertently limited access to care for patients seeking medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary flexibility in telemedicine prescriptions for MOUD were implemented. Now, with the conclusion of the public health emergency, policymakers need to develop strategies to maintain some of the lifted restrictions in order to maintain increased access to care for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). One potential solution to address these issues is the implementation of a hybrid model combining outpatient clinics and telemedicine. This model offers the opportunity to maintain the benefits of telemedicine while ensuring comprehensive and safe care for OUD patients.
Slavery in First Millennium Arabia: Epigraphy and the Qurʾān
Authors: Grasso Valentina A.
Published: November 2023

It is commonly assumed that slavery was a widespread practice in pre-Islamic Arabia. This assumption is based on references to enslaved people in the Qurʾān. At the same time, it replicates biased accounts of the region’s inhabitants found in (mostly Graeco-Roman) “external” sources. Finally, the claim builds on the existence of “societies with slaves”' and “slave societies” in the surroundings of late antique Arabia. No thorough attempt to examine slavery in pre-Islamic Arabia has been carried out by engaging with the abundant epigraphical records. People in subordinate positions towards other men could carve inscriptions in bronze and leave them in temples (which were open to people of all stations), but it is unclear if these people should be considered “servants” or “enslaved people”. As such, it is impossible to tell if the people mentioned as ʿbd, for example, offered their services as servants or were obliged to do so and worked against their will as enslaved people. Prisoners and privileged guests at royal courts were often one and the same. The presence of captives in these inscriptions points to the fact that some people were bought or sold as personal property in the first millennium. As religious and secular practices overlapped in ancient times, bronze votive inscriptions should not be considered mere votive objects but as holding legal value with a profound ceremonial role in the correct functioning of the stratified society of pre-Islamic South Arabia. In continuity with pre-Islamic times, the Qur’ān regards servants as part of the master’s household and the community of the believers (Ummah): Islam was neither a rupture nor an alien product in the region.
The crystal structure of 2-bromo-5-(4-cyanophenoxy)benzyl 1-methyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine-3-carboxylate, C21H19BrN2O3
Authors: Liu Xianwu , Li Yifan , Liao Changzhou , Luo Yanping , Wang Lanying
Published: November 2023

C21H19BrN2O3, orthorhombic, Pna21 (no. 33) a = 25.412(3) Å, b = 21.329(2) Å, c = 7.0020(8) Å, V = 3795.2(7) Å3, Z = 8, R

gt
(F) = 0.0390, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1009, T = 100(2) K.
Water uptake as a fuel for soft actuators from cellulose
Authors: Lopes da Costa Lisa , Villares Ana
Published: November 2023

Water plays an important role in the properties of cellulose. In materials design, the water uptake of cellulose has been traditionally seen as a drawback, since water reduces mechanical resistance of paper and cardboard, and at high hydration, cellulose-based products are disintegrated. However, recently, the hydration of cellulose has been considered as an advantage to design water-responsive soft actuators. In Nature, water is the fuel for several plant functions that involve motion, such as the seed release or the plant protection from high temperature and radiation. Inspired by these natural systems, cellulose-based actuators have been designed to display different movements (bending, twisting, curling) in response to water. Biopolymer structuration inducing anisotropy within the system allows the asymmetric expansion of layers, which results in macroscopic movement. This review gives an overview of the soft actuators triggered by the hydration/dehydration processes of cellulose. We present representative examples of water-triggered natural actuators, which have inspired researchers to design anisotropic cellulose-based materials that develop controlled movement in response to water.
PPARα agonist fenofibrate prevents postoperative cognitive dysfunction by enhancing fatty acid oxidation in mice
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Chen Xinlu , Wei Ziqi , Han Xue , Liu Yujia , Ma Zhengliang , Xia Tianjiao , Gu Xiaoping
Published: November 2023

Background

Due to high rates of incidence and disability, postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) currently receives a lot of clinical attention. Disturbance of fatty acid oxidation is a potential pathophysiological manifestation underlying POCD. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a significant transcription factor of fatty acid oxidation that facilitates the transfer of fatty acids into the mitochondria for oxidation. The potential role of PPARα intervention in POCD warrants consideration.

Objective

The present study is aimed to investigate whether PPARα agonist fenofibrate (FF) could protect long-term isoflurane anesthesia-induced POCD model and to explore the potential underlying function of fatty acid oxidation in the process.

Methods

We established the POCD model via 6 h long-term isoflurane anesthesia in vivo with C57BL/6J mice and in vitro with N2a cells. Cells and mice were pretreated with PPARα agonist FF before anesthesia, after which fatty acid oxidation and cognitive function were assessed. The level of fatty acid oxidation-related proteins was determined using western blotting. The contextual fear conditioning test was utilized to evaluate mice’s learning and memory.

Results

Our results showed that 6 h long-term isoflurane anesthesia induced contextual memory damage in mice, accompanied by decreases of fatty acid oxidation-related proteins (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A, and PPARα) both in the hippocampus of POCD mice and in N2a cells. In the N2a cell model, pretreatment of PPARα agonist FF led to the upregulation of fatty acid oxidation-related proteins. In vivo results showed that preconditioned FF reached similar effects. More crucially, FF has been shown to reduce cognitive damage in mice after long-term isoflurane anesthesia. Additionally, our data showed that after blocking fatty acid oxidation by Etomoxir, FF failed to protect cognitive function from long-term isoflurane anesthesia.

Conclusions

Pretreatment of PPARα agonist FF can protect against long-term isoflurane anesthesia-induced POCD by enhancing fatty acid oxidation.
Effect of ionic strength on DNA–dye interactions of Victoria blue B and methylene green using UV–visible spectroscopy
Authors: Rahman Faizan Ur , Khan Shahab , Rahman Maooz Ur , Zaib Rukhsana , Rahman Mudassir Ur , Ullah Riaz , Zahoor Muhammad , Kamran Abdul Waheed
Published: November 2023

Victoria blue and methylene green dyes have both been extensively studied due to their numerous applications, including their ability to bind to DNA. Dyes are very important in everyday life with applications in textile, cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industries. It has been found that some of them adversely affect human health causing severe abnormalities. Among these abnormalities, cancer is of great concern due to its fatal and almost non-recoverable nature. In this work we have studied the binding of two dyes namely Victoria blue B (VBB) and Methylene green (MG) with double stranded DNA (Salmon sperm). The interactions were studied in the presence of different concentrations of buffer solutions at a constant pH. The selected dyes showed interactions with double-stranded DNA through intercalation and electrostatic modes. Upon increasing ionic strength of the buffer the binding constant (K

b
) value for MG was decreased whereas increased for VBB, which conclude that, at higher ionic strength (0.5 M) the DNA–MG interactions is lower and DNA–VVB interactions is maximum. The carcinogenicity of a given dye is indicated from its binding constants in the current study. Based on the recorded K

b
values of the selected dyes it was concluded that proper disposing and precautions should be taken while utilizing/dealing these dyes in order to minimize/avoid their impact on environment and human health.
President Welcome
Authors: Weldon John
Published: November 2023

From the President of IBILTA
“Let’s See If We’ve Been Missing Out!”
Authors: Bimm Morgan
Published: November 2023

Contemporary music analysis podcasts are engaged in an ongoing project of deconstructing pop songs and recoding them as valuable cultural objects. In this article, I understand podcasting as an extension of the popular music press and trace the affective strategies hosts use to elevate and evaluate pop songs new and old. I argue that music podcasts have seen a slow but steady departure from the conventions of critical distance and affectless, disembodied engagement to adopt an embodied, emotive response to the music that moves them. Drawing on theories of feminist affect, fan studies, and reactivity, I read the incorporation of fannish affect and the celebration of male creators’ emotive response to pop music as a continuation of a middlebrow sensibility that informs the popular music press writ large. Popular music analysis podcasts, on their surface, are a project of taking pop music seriously. When we scratch this surface, however, what we find is a mixed bag of tactics that seek to affirm the majority white, majority male creators as uniquely positioned to analyze, evaluate, and respond to music, much of which they are encountering considerably after it has already achieved the success that codes these songs as “popular” in the first place.
USP3 plays a critical role in the induction of innate immune tolerance
Authors: Duan Tianhao , Feng Yanchun , Du Yang , Xing Changsheng , Chu Junjun , Ou Jiayu , Liu Xin , Zhu Motao , Qian Chen , Yin Bingnan , Wang Helen Y , Cui Jun , Wang Rong‐Fu
Published: November 2023

Microbial products, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), can elicit efficient innate immune responses against invading pathogens. However, priming with LPS can induce a form of innate immune memory, termed innate immune “tolerance”, which blunts subsequent NF‐κB signaling. Although epigenetic and transcriptional reprogramming has been shown to play a role in innate immune memory, the involvement of post‐translational regulation remains unclear. Here, we report that ubiquitin‐specific protease 3 (USP3) participates in establishing “tolerance” innate immune memory through non‐transcriptional feedback. Upon NF‐κB signaling activation, USP3 is stabilized and exits the nucleus. The cytoplasmic USP3 specifically removes the K63‐linked polyubiquitin chains on MyD88, thus negatively regulating TLR/IL1β‐induced inflammatory signaling activation. Importantly, cytoplasmic translocation is a prerequisite step for USP3 to deubiquitinate MyD88. Additionally, LPS priming could induce cytoplasmic retention and faster and stronger cytoplasmic translocation of USP3, enabling it to quickly shut down NF‐κB signaling upon the second LPS challenge. This work identifies a previously unrecognized post‐translational feedback loop in the MyD88–USP3 axis, which is critical for inducing normal “tolerance” innate immune memory.
Noaiwia
Authors: Lipovsky Caroline
Published: November 2023

This article focuses on the linguistic landscape of Noaiwia, one of thirteen villages located on Nguna Island off the north coast of Efate, Vanuatu. It contributes to the understanding of the linguistic landscape of a small village in a previously undocumented rural setting in the understudied islands of Southeast Asia and Oceania. Using a corpus of photographs and detailed qualitative interpretation of the visual and verbal signs found around the village, the analysis first highlights the near absence of the island’s indigenous language in the public space. An analysis of the signage found at the school further suggests the exclusive presence and high status of the English language. A contrastive analysis also shows a different linguistic landscape from the one found in Vanuatu’s capital city Port Vila. Finally, the article looks at the presence of the Chinese language on a water tank, a reflection of China’s 21st Century Maritime Silk Road programme in the Pacific. The results are discussed in relation to the status of indigenous languages and Bislama, the islands’ lingua franca, language policy in education in Vanuatu, and language ideology in a globalised world.
Constructing multiculturalism and national identity in Penang, Malaysia
Authors: Ong Teresa Wai See , Ting Su Hie
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on examining how multiculturalism is constructed in public spaces in Penang, Malaysia. In doing so, we argue for the significance of murals in constructing multiculturalism symbolically. Data consist of 10 photos of murals displayed during the 2020 Penang International Container Art Festival in both urban and rural areas in Penang, a state with a long history of multiethnic communities living together. The analysis shows that multiculturalism is portrayed according to specific themes – occupation, living culture, and imagination – which are marshalled to create a sense of identity and belonging. Such sense is deeply imbricated in the making process of Penang’s national identity in which a series of compromises and accommodations is much needed to achieve the vision of multiculturalism. The findings contribute to the current discussion of finding a balance between studies related to urban- and ruralscapes and offer a creative sociolinguistic perspective on understanding multiculturalism.
Concluding remarks
Authors: Sloboda Marián
Published: November 2023

Concluding this issue of Sociolinguistic Studies on the crossing of the urban-rural border or divide in Linguistic Landscape research, this article takes up the questions formulated in the opening contribution by Yao and Xu. It thus addresses communicative affordances of rural vs. urban spaces, and sign-making and sign usage in rural areas. Drawing on the findings of the four studies from the Asian Pacific and Oceania included in this issue as well as the work by Charles Goodwin, this article suggests that Linguistic Landscape research of rural areas could pay more attention to how social practices of people build on each other, reuse the material culture accumulated in an environment by their predecessors and in this way develop certain types of infrastructure for its population, which changes the nature of rural space.