bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Structure/Pattern of Healing Miracle Narratives in the Gospels Performed Through “Touching” Jesus
Authors: Aryeh Daniel Nii Aboagye
Published: December 2024

The structure/pattern of miracle narratives of Jesus in the gospels has been a critical area of attention for many form critics. The healing miracles of Jesus in the gospels have been studied and a general structure/pattern deduced. Although the structure/pattern propounded fit some healing miracles in the gospels, it does not adequately fit a group of healing miracle narratives in which victims (sick folks) touch Jesus. This study focuses on the Lukan version of the narrative of the woman with the hemorrhage (Luke 8:43-48) to propound a specific structure/pattern for healing miracle narratives in which victims touch Jesus to appropriate a healing miracle. Even though some aspects of the structure/pattern of healing miracles in which victims touch Jesus may share some similarities with the general structure/pattern of healing miracles asserted by form critics, no doubt, the structure/pattern of healing miracles in which victims touch Jesus is unique.
Performance enhancement of piezoelectric smart backing ring (PSBR) considering the effect of installation on the dynamics of vehicle-floating slab track systems
Authors: Du Chengyun , Wang Jianjun , Cao Yalei , Xiang Hongjun , Liang Junrui , Li Xin , Tang Lihua
Published: December 2024

The current research on piezoelectric energy harvesting in the field of rail transport mainly focuses on the structural design of piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs). The effect of installation of PEHs on the dynamics of the vehicle-track system has not been fully understood, which, however, is critical for ensuring operational safety due to the additional devices attached to the track structure. On the other hand, these PEHs may have lower performance with improper design parameters without the understanding of the coupled dynamics of the vehicle-track system. In this paper, employing the piezoelectric smart backing ring (PSBR), a dynamic model of the vehicle-floating slab track-energy harvester coupled system is developed to study the effect of installations on its dynamic behavior. In the model, the energy harvester is introduced by only considering its equivalent stiffness. Both single and multiple energy harvesters are considered. The results indicate that when the equivalent stiffness exceeds 1×109 N/m, the installation of the harvester has almost no effect on the dynamic performance. Further, with the guidance of the developed model, two kinds of improved designs are proposed based on the piezoelectric tube stacks (PTSs) for performance enhancement. The improved design I is realized by decreasing the cross-sectional area and the number of piezoelectric stacks (PSs), and the improved design II is realized by further increasing the layer number of the PS on the basis of improved design I. The energy harvesting performance (EHP) of two improved designs is tested under both harmonic and steel-spring fulcrum forces, and comparisons are also made with the experimental results of the previous design. The results demonstrate that, in comparison to the previous design, both of the improved designs exhibit enhanced electrical outputs, notably in terms of the open circuit voltage amplitude (OPVA) and maximum average power (MAP) under harmonic force conditions, as well as the voltage peaks, power peaks, root mean square (RMS) power and maximum total energy (MTE) across ten cyclic steel-spring fulcrum force signals. In particular, for the improved design II, the MTE can reach up to about 2.4129 J for ten cyclic signals, marking a significant enhancement of roughly 2.86 times compared to the previous design. The present work provides a valuable guidance for the optimization design and installation of PSBRs.
Optimized neural network-based modeling of dynamic hysteresis in piezoelectric actuators
Authors: Jin Jiaxi , Sun Xuan , Chen Zhaobo
Published: December 2024

Piezoelectric actuators exhibit dynamic hysteresis phenomena between output displacement and input voltage during voltage control, which significantly impacts control precision. This paper proposes an optimized neural network model (ONN) that combines convolutional neural network with long short term memory network. Additionally, the input space is expanded by introducing rate-related components. The optimization of ONN model’s hyperparameters is achieved by improved sparrow search algorithm, incorporating the sine-cosine algorithm and the Cauchy mutation mechanism. Compared to traditional phenomenological models, the ONN model more accurately characterizes the amplitude-dependent and rate-dependent dynamic hysteresis of piezoelectric actuators, while also demonstrating a certain predictive capability. The model proposed in this paper is of paramount significance for enhancing the control precision of piezoelectric actuators and designing relevant controllers.
EXPRESS: Brand-to-Brand Engagement on Social Media: Typology and Implications
Authors: Dineva Denitsa , Lee Zoe , Mangió Federico
Published: December 2024

Brand-to-brand (Br2Br) engagement on social media, where official brand accounts interact using various dialog strategies, is a growing trend in interactive marketing. This paper investigates the nature, nuances, and impact of Br2Br engagement on both participating brands and observing consumers, drawing from Language Expectancy Theory. To do this, we employ a mixed-methods approach, combining field data, qualitative and automated text analyses, and an experimental causal-chain mediation survey. In Study 1, we compare the effects of B2C versus Br2Br posts on consumer engagement, revealing that Br2Br posts generate higher engagement. Next, in Study 2, using typological theory building, we develop a framework of four overarching Br2Br engagement strategies—PR Hijacking, Praising, Teasing, and Spotlighting—differentiated by emotional tone and motivation. In Study 3, a causal-chain mediation analysis demonstrates that Teasing, as a violating strategy, leads to negative consumer responses, while Praising, PR Hijacking, and Spotlighting align with consumer expectations and result in favorable brand outcomes. These findings enhance the understanding of B2C and Br2Br communications on social media and provide actionable insights for digital marketers to optimize Br2Br engagement content.
Analysis of a university-NGO research partnership with and for children and young people in Covid-19
Authors: Tiplady Lucy , Todd Liz , Bramhall Luke , Butler Suzanne , Dalziel Gwen , Gathercole Cathryn
Published: December 2024

To gain a deeper understanding of the ways institutions work in partnership in research in times of adversity, this paper analyses what happened when people from two very different organizations, a university and a children’s charity, worked together on the VOICES research project during Covid-19. VOICES looked at how nearly 2000 children and young people in North East England were experiencing the pandemic. It was ambitious in its range of research methods (drawings, writing, focus groups and comics). We set out to co-produce all aspects of the research across the two organizations, and to find ways to work in partnership with children and young people. Universities have not always been successful in researching with NGOs as equal partners. The cross-agency University-NGO team surmounted methodological difficulties in the unprecedented social upheaval of the pandemic to talk to almost 2000 children. This paper analyses team actions and practices that enabled effective partnership despite the uncertainties. Research questions considered: 1) What team actions helped the project to go well; 2) What were difficulties in how the research team worked together? Were they overcome and if so how? Data included meeting notes and research team interviews. Analysis found a number of elements that characterized the effective ways that the team worked together including: trust building, being listened to, transparency in decision-making and creating a space together. Difficulties included recruiting schools and youth organizations during Covid-19, research team staffing problems, and adapting research methods to Covid-19 restrictions the team. Using ideas from socio-cultural historical activity theory we explore the development of common knowledge and relational agency between team members and to analyze how relational expertise enabled problem solving and expansive learning so that we had agile responses to the challenges.
“I Love My Kids, This Abortion is not Because I Don’t”: The Meanings of Motherhood and Abortion on U.S. Television, 2013—2023
Authors: Herold Stephanie
Published: December 2024

Over the last decade, depictions of characters who obtain abortions onscreen have come closer to representing the reality of abortion seekers, addressing, though not eliminating, documented discrepancies across race, class, and barriers to abortion care. Yet year after year, portrayals of characters parenting at the time of their abortions represent less than 10% of the total characters who have abortions, a striking departure from reality, where most people who have abortions are raising children. This paper is a qualitative content analysis of the twenty-three characters onscreen from 2013 to 2023 shown parenting at the time of their abortions. I incorporate the theory of the abortion imaginary to explore how these representations are materially different from the majority of televisual abortion representations in that they offer a window into the (im)possibilities within motherhood. These portrayals may disrupt some stereotypes about abortion seekers, but they also reinforce conservative ideals about intensive, all-consuming, self-sacrificing motherhood.
Deep learning enhanced transmembranous electromyography in the diagnosis of sleep apnea
Authors: Mandeville Ross , Sedghamiz Hooman , Mansfield Perry , Sheean Geoffrey , Studer Chris , Cordice Derrick , Ghanbari Ghodsieh , Malhotra Atul , Nemati Shamim , Koola Jejo
Published: December 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is widespread, under-recognized, and under-treated, impacting the health and quality of life for millions. The current gold standard for sleep apnea testing is based on the in-lab sleep study, which is costly, cumbersome, not readily available and represents a well-known roadblock to managing this huge societal burden. Assessment of neuromuscular function involved in the upper airway using electromyography (EMG) has shown potential to characterize and diagnose sleep apnea, while the development of transmembranous electromyography (tmEMG), a painless surface probe, has made this opportunity practical and highly feasible. However, experience and ability to interpret electrical signals from the upper airway are scarce, and much of the pertinent information within the signal is likely difficult to detect visually. To overcome this issue, we explored the use of transformers, a deep learning (DL) model architecture with attention mechanisms, to model tmEMG data and distinguish between electromyographic signals from a cohort of control, neurogenic, and sleep apnea patients. Our approach involved three strategies to train a generalizable model on a relatively small dataset including, (1) transfer learning using an audio spectral transformer (AST), (2) the use of 6,000 simulated EMG recordings, converted to spectrograms and using standard backpropagation for fine-tuning, and (3) application of regularization to prevent overfitting and enhance generalizability. This DL approach was tested using 177 transoral EMG recordings from a prior study’s database that included six healthy controls, five moderate to severe OSA patients, and five amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with evidence of bulbar involvement (neurogenic injury). Sensitivity and specificity for classifying neurogenic cases from controls were 98% and 73%, respectively, while classifying OSA from controls were 88% and 64%, respectively. Notably, by averaging the predicted probabilities of each segment for individual patients, the model correctly classified up to 82% of control and OSA patients. These results not only suggest a potential to diagnose OSA patients accurately, but also to identify OSA endotypes that involve neuromuscular pathology, which has major implications for clinical management, patient outcomes, and research.
Impact of smartphone addiction on health status, mental well-being, and sleep quality among medical students in Sudan
Authors: Amin Mohammed Hammad Jaber , Alhadi Hadia Abdelbagi , Mohamed Asma Eltayeb Abdalla , Yacoub Hiba Kamal Eldin Taha , Khalifa Rabeia MohammedAhmed Hassan , Dafallah Ibrahim Abusufian Elkabashi , Yasin Fatima Mohamed Osman , Taha Amira Mohamed , Adam Mohammed Yousif Abdalla , Abualabasher Majdy Osama
Published: December 2024

Background

Smartphone use has rapidly increased worldwide. It was estimated that worldwide use of smartphones surpassed 4.3 billion in 2023, which means 54% of the world's population now uses smartphones. However, research shows that excessive smartphone use poses health risks and decreases sleep quality, which can be detrimental for students. This study investigates the impact of problematic smartphone usage on health status, mental health, and sleep quality among medical students enrolled in Sudanese universities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024, targeting medical students and recent graduates from Sudanese universities through an online survey. Data were collected using validated scales for smartphone addiction, sleep quality, suboptimal health status, and mental health. Descriptive and correlation analyses were performed using SPSS software v28.0.0.

Results

Out of 231 respondents (69% female, mean age 22.7), 67.6% exhibited high levels of smartphone addiction. Significant correlations were found between smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality (r = 0.462, p < 0.001), suboptimal health (r = 0.527, p < 0.001), and mental health issues (r = 0.365, p < 0.001). Single students had higher addiction and stress scores, while those living in Sudan showed higher suboptimal health scores.

Conclusions

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is prevalent among Sudanese medical students, negatively affecting mental health and sleep.
Perceptions of dental professionals on the use of silver diamine fluoride with or without light-curing
Authors: Phyo Win Myat , Detsomboonrat Palinee
Published: December 2024

Background

According to anecdotal reports, SDF’s ability to arrest caries can be enhanced by light-curing in a clinical setting. The purpose of the present study was to explore the dental professionals’ perceptions of using SDF and to understand the barriers and enabling factors to using SDF with and without light-curing.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted with dental professionals who had experience with using SDF with and without light-curing. A purposive heterogeneous and convenience sampling approach was applied to ensure the inclusion of participants with different employment and experience levels. Eighteen participants (dental students (undergraduate and postgraduate), dental personnel (practicing dentists and dental hygienists), and academics) with ages ranging from 22 to 53 years old participated in the study. The data were collected through a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire. Manual line-by-line coding and content analysis methods were used for data analysis.

Results

Most participants indicated a preference for light-curing, citing perceived benefits, such as quicker treatment, convenience, better visibility, prevention of saliva contamination, and ensuring thorough SDF coverage. However, some participants voiced concerns, based either on existing practice guidelines or due to insufficient evidence regarding the efficacy of light-curing. Additionally, one participant proposed a hybrid approach based on tooth location, suggesting avoiding using light-curing on anterior teeth, while utilizing it on posterior teeth.

Conclusion

The participants’ responses indicated that the use of SDF with and without light-curing each has its merits. Using SDF with light-curing emerged as the preferred method due to perceived benefits. e.g., quicker treatment, better moisture control. However, concerns regarding existing guidelines and the lack of robust evidence for its efficacy were also identified. This study highlights the need for additional research to address the knowledge gaps and provide stronger evidence to support the use of light-curing after SDF application.
Harnessing 3D models to uncover the mechanisms driving infectious and inflammatory disease in the intestine
Authors: Micati Diana , Hlavca Sara , Chan Wing Hei , Abud Helen E.
Published: December 2024

Representative models of intestinal diseases are transforming our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of disease, facilitating effective drug screening and avenues for personalised medicine. Despite the emergence of 3D in vitro intestinal organoid culture systems that replicate the genetic and functional characteristics of the epithelial tissue of origin, there are still challenges in reproducing the human physiological tissue environment in a format that enables functional readouts. Here, we describe the latest platforms engineered to investigate environmental tissue impacts, host-microbe interactions and enable drug discovery. This highlights the potential to revolutionise knowledge on the impact of intestinal infection and inflammation and enable personalised disease modelling and clinical translation.
Nutritional quality and climate impact of Norwegian adults’ diet classified according to the NOVA system
Authors: Slaathaug Christine , Paulsen Mari Mohn , Jafarzadeh Sepideh , Carlsen Monica Hauger , Andersen Lene Frost
Published: December 2024

Information about how ultra-processed foods (UPF) contribute to the intake of energy and nutrients and environmental impact is important for future food policies and dietary recommendations. This study assessed the contribution of the four NOVA food groups, including UPF, to energy intake, nutritional quality, and climate impact in Norwegian adults' diet. We used dietary data from 348 participants in the Norkost 4 pilot study, collected through two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Foods, beverages, and dietary supplements were classified using the NOVA system. The NOVA system has four groups; NOVA 1: Unprocessed or minimally processed foods, NOVA 2: Processed culinary ingredients, NOVA 3: Processed foods, and NOVA 4: UPF. UPF contributed to 48% of the total energy intake, NOVA 3 with 19%, and NOVA 1 with 28%. Within UPF, bread contributed the most to energy intake. Foods in NOVA 1 had the highest nutrient density (expressed as amount of nutrients provided per unit of energy) for protein, fiber, and several essential micronutrients. UPF had the highest nutrient density for added sugar, fats, and sodium. UPF contributed to 32% of total GWP from the diet, while NOVA 1 contributed to 38%. In conclusion, UPF contributed to about half of the energy intake of Norwegian adults, and had lower nutritional quality compared to NOVA 1. UPF also accounted for about one-third of the GWP from the total diet. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing the intake of UPF in dietary policies and recommendations to improve nutritional quality and reduce environmental impact.
Oral health risks in adults who use electronic nicotine delivery systems and oral nicotine pouches: a critical review of the literature and qualitative synthesis of the available evidence
Authors: Scherer Gerhard , Pluym Nikola , Scherer Max
Published: December 2024

Background

Use of combustible cigarettes (CCs) and smokeless oral tobacco products are well documented risk factors for a variety of oral diseases. However, the potential oral health risks of using recently introduced (since about 2000) non-combustible tobacco/nicotine products (NCPs: electronic cigarettes (ECs), heated tobacco products (HTPs) and oral nicotine pouches (ONPs), remain poorly established.

Methods

This review evaluates published human studies on detrimental oral health effects in people who use NCPs compared to those smoking cigarettes and those not using any tobacco/nicotine product (NU). We identified 52 studies, predominantly focusing on adults who used electronic cigarettes as an NCP. The studies exhibited significant heterogeneity regarding design, populations, endpoints and quality. Reported outcomes, based on both single and grouped endpoints were qualitatively evaluated by comparing people who use NCPs with NU and with people smoking CCs. Significant increases (indicating a worsening in oral health), significant decreases (indicating a lower level of detrimental effects) and no significant difference between groups were assigned scores of + 1, -1 and 0, respectively. Scores from studies belonging to the same single or grouped endpoints were averaged to a summary score ranging from − 1 to + 1.

Results

The qualitative meta-analysis revealed that comparisons of EC versus NU groups yielded mean scores of 0.29 for pre-cancerous lesions (N = 14 observations), 0.27 for inflammatory processes (N = 83), 0.43 for oral clinical parameters (N = 93) and 0.70 for shifts in the oral microbiome (N = 10). The corresponding values for the EC versus CC group comparisons amounted to -0.33 (N = 15), -0.14 (N = 76), -0.27 (N = 78) and 0.57 (N = 7). Most studies had significant limitations regarding group sizes, duration of NCP use (mostly only a few years) and validity of self-reported exclusive NCP use. Notably, the implications of dual use (EC + CC) and prior CC use were often not adequately considered.

Conclusions

The evaluated studies suggest that use of ECs is associated with relatively fewer detrimental oral health effects compared to smoking, yet oral health status remains poorer compared to not using any tobacco/nicotine products. These results have to be interpreted with caution due to a number of limitations and uncertainties in the underlying studies, particularly the potential biases and confounding factors inherent in cross-sectional study designs.
RBM47 promotes cell proliferation and immune evasion by upregulating PDIA6: a novel mechanism of pancreatic cancer progression
Authors: Ma Yihui , Liu Enjie , Fan Huijie , Li Chenfei , Huang Pei , Cui Meiying , Wang Zhengyang , Zhou Jing , Chen Kuisheng
Published: December 2024

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a lethal malignancy characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality. We found the highly expressed RNA-binding motif protein 47 (RBM47) in PC progression. The RBM47 expression was negatively correlated with natural killer (NK) cell infiltrate in PC. Moreover, RBM47 was predicted to bind to the 3′-UTR region of Protein Disulfide Isomerase Family A Member 6 (PDIA6), an oncogene of the development of PC. Therefore, we supposed that RBM47 might affect PC progression by regulating PDIA6.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis was performed to screen the candidate gene affecting PC progression using public databases. Loss- and gain-of-function effects of RBM47 on cell proliferation, tumor growth, and immune evasion were determined by CCK-8, EdU incorporation, colony formation assays, the xenogeneic tumor model, and co-culture system of PC and NK-92 cells. RBM47-RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) followed by PCR and dual luciferase reporter assay were used to detect whether RBM47 could interact with the PDIA6 mRNA and how RBM47 would regulate the transcriptional activity of PDIA6, respectively. Simultaneous overexpression of PDIA6 in RBM47 knockdown PC cells was conducted to clarify whether PDIA6 would mediated effects of RBM47. Given the important role of cellular metabolism in cells proliferation and immune evasion, PC cells with RBM47 knockdown were subjected to metabolomics analysis to further investigate how RBM47 regulate PC progression.

Results

RBM47 overexpression drove PC progression by promoting cell proliferation and xenografted tumor growth. Consistently, our results showed that RBM47 overexpression weakened sensitivity of PC cells to cytotoxic NK cells. However, RBM47 knockdown exhibited the opposite effects on proliferation and immune evasion of PC cells. RBM47 was able to bind to the 3′-UTR region of PDIA6, maintained PDIA6 mRNA stability, and increased the PDIA6 expression in PC cells. Rescue experiments supported that PDIA6 overexpression reversed the suppressing effects of RBM47 knockdown on cell proliferation and immune evasion. RBM47 knockdown significantly changed metabolites of PC cells.

Conclusions

In summary, our findings demonstrate that RBM47 contributes to PC progression, which might be mediated by the upregulated PDIA6 expression and the altered cellular metabolites in PC cells, offering a potential therapeutic target for PC treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Distinct regulation of Tau Monomer and aggregate uptake and intracellular accumulation in human neurons
Authors: Marvian Amir T. , Strauss Tabea , Tang Qilin , Tuck Benjamin J. , Keeling Sophie , Rüdiger Daniel , Mirzazadeh Dizaji Negar , Mohammad-Beigi Hossein , Nuscher Brigitte , Chakraborty Pijush , Sutherland Duncan S. , McEwan William A. , Köglsperger Thomas , Zahler Stefan , Zweckstetter Markus , Lichtenthaler Stefan F. , Wurst Wolfgang , Schwarz Sigrid , Höglinger Günter
Published: December 2024

Background

The prion-like spreading of Tau pathology is the leading cause of disease progression in various tauopathies. A critical step in propagating pathologic Tau in the brain is the transport from the extracellular environment and accumulation inside naïve neurons. Current research indicates that human neurons internalize both the physiological extracellular Tau (eTau) monomers and the pathological eTau aggregates. However, similarities or differences in neuronal transport mechanisms between Tau species remain elusive.

Method

Monomers, oligomers, and fibrils of recombinant 2N4R Tau were produced and characterized by biochemical and biophysical methods. A neuronal eTau uptake and accumulation assay was developed for human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons (iPSCNs) and Lund human mesencephalic cells (LUHMES)-derived neurons. Mechanisms of uptake and cellular accumulation of eTau species were studied by using small molecule inhibitors of endocytic mechanisms and siRNAs targeting Tau uptake mediators.

Results

Extracellular Tau aggregates accumulated more than monomers in human neurons, mainly due to the higher efficiency of small fibrillar and soluble oligomeric aggregates in intraneuronal accumulation. A competition assay revealed a distinction in the neuronal accumulation between physiological eTau Monomers and pathology-relevant aggregates, suggesting differential transport mechanisms. Blocking heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) with heparin only inhibited the accumulation of eTau aggregates, whereas monomers’ uptake remained unaltered. At the molecular level, the downregulation of genes involved in HSPG synthesis exclusively blocked neuronal accumulation of eTau aggregates but not monomers, suggesting its role in the transport of pathologic Tau. Moreover, the knockdown of LRP1, as a receptor of Tau, mainly reduced the accumulation of monomeric form, confirming its involvement in Tau’s physiological transport.

Conclusion

These data propose that despite the similarity in the cellular mechanism, the uptake and accumulation of eTau Monomers and aggregates in human neurons are regulated by different molecular mediators. Thus, they address the possibility of targeting the pathological spreading of Tau aggregates without disturbing the probable physiological or non-pathogenic transport of Tau Monomers.
Terminated Main Himalayan Thrust, evidence of Pre-Siwalik Tertiary rocks beneath and evolution of NW Himalayan foreland basin
Authors: Biswas Madhab , Sain Kalachand
Published: December 2024

Active seismic study in the Himalayan fold-thrust belt is quite rare due to its rugged topography, inhospitability and fragility. This work has brought out subsurface disposition of several geotectonic features from industry-standard seismic data in the NW Himalayan foreland basin and provided their inter-tectonic relations and geodynamic evolution of the study area. The analysis of seismic attributes, computation of interval velocity and digital amplitude tracing have been performed, and all these show that the Surin-Mastgarh Anticline (SMA) and Medlicott–Wadia Thrust (MWT) are not soled at depth with the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT). Other important aspects of this study are the delineation of some new subsurface features such as the Duplex-Thrust Complex (DC) of Late Proterozoic formation above the MHT, a Blind Thrust (BT) in between SMA and MWT, and a synform at the east end of the SMA. The study discovered that the MHT is unusually terminated southward below the SMA at a depth of~ 4700 ms two-way time (TWT), and thus not exposed on the surface as the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT), and is underlain by Pre-Siwalik Tertiary formation. This may provide far-reaching prospects for hydrocarbon exploration and implications on seismicity. The regional tectonostratigraphic evolutionary model, presented here, shows that the less competent Siwalik rocks folded into the SMA, and the MWT and BT, which overrun the northern limb of SMA, are broken parts of DC. The model also elucidates how the Pre-Siwalik Tertiary formations went down beneath the MHT and Late Proterozoic rock came out of the Indian plate to constitute the DC, BT and MWT.
Implementation of malaria vector surveillance and insecticide resistance monitoring interventions in Nigeria
Authors: Obembe Abiodun , Oduola Adedayo O. , Adeogun Adedapo , Inyang Uwem , Oyeniyi Tolulope , Olakiigbe Abiodun , Babalola Ayodele , Inyama Petrus , Lazarus Samdi , Okeke Ifeanyi , Esema Mary , Okoko Okefu Oyale , Omo-Eboh Mamudu , Uhomoibhi Perpetua , Bala Mohammed , Awolola Samson
Published: December 2024

Malaria vector surveillance is required to determine disease transmission dynamics, vector insecticide susceptibility status, suitable control strategies and impact of control interventions. However, capacity and resources for vector surveillance and insecticide resistance monitoring is often inadequate in most countries at risk of vector-borne diseases. Collaborations and linkages between malaria control policy makers and existing research institutions generating vector surveillance research data are often weak, thereby hindering the availability of data for decision-making. A national vector surveillance programme, mobilizing all stakeholders towards quality data generation and policy making, is required for effective data-driven country-wide vector control. This paper provides an analysis and suggested future directions for such synergized national malaria vector surveillance and insecticide resistance monitoring system currently being implemented by all research and policy stakeholders in Nigeria. The harmonized national vector surveillance system described here can be used as a model for the development or improvement of such structures in other countries with high malaria transmission risks.
Development of efficient compositions of hydrophobic materials resistant to chemical and biological environments
Authors: Al-Dulaimi Salman Dawood Salman , Bazhenova S. I. , Stepina I. V. , Erofeeva I. V. , Afonin Victor
Published: December 2024

In harsh or corrosive environments, waterproofing is essential for ground-contact structures. Protecting underground structures against groundwater contamination and moisture by waterproofing the base material, usually solid concrete, is beneficial. Long-term insulation system performance depends on component integrity and base material interaction. This study uses a hydraulically modified binder and finely ground construction waste fillers. Optimizing sealant and restoration is the goal. Additionally, this study will explore the characteristics and establish a systematic approach for determining the appropriate waterproofing system composition. The study measures the physical force required to remove the insulating layer in order to assess the adhesive strength of the sealant coating. This paper explains the theoretical conditions that improve the adhesion of the base- sealant sealing layer. A conceptual framework explains the relationship between sealant material adhesive strength, modified binder composition, and base surface moisture content. Empirical testing has proven this model works. A comprehensive study examined how base surface roughness and cracks affect sealant coating performance. We know the ideal strength factors. This study uses global optimization to examine optimized parameters' roles. This study analyzed experimental data statistically and analytically. According to computational analysis and experimental validation, the sealant material has an adhesive strength of 3.8 MPa and a sealant layer strength of 36–37 MPa. This product requires 3.9% acrylic resin, 80 kg/m3 finely broken concrete debris, and 0.38–0.39% plasticizer. For these components, a base surface with 9.7% to 9.8% moisture is ideal.
Selective Colocalization of GHSR and GLP-1R in a Subset of Hypothalamic Neurons and Their Functional Interaction
Authors: Aguggia Julieta , Fernandez Gimena , Cassano Daniela , Mustafá Emilio R , Rodríguez Silvia S , Cantel Sonia , Fehrentz Jean-Alain , Raingo Jesica , Schiöth Helgi B , Habib Abdella M , De Francesco Pablo N , Perello Mario
Published: December 2024

The GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR) and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) are G protein-coupled receptors with critical, yet opposite, roles in regulating energy balance. Interestingly, these receptors are expressed in overlapping brain regions. However, the extent to which they target the same neurons and engage in molecular crosstalk remains unclear. To explore the potential colocalization of GHSR and GLP-1R in specific neurons, we performed detailed mapping of cells positive for both receptors using GHSR-eGFP reporter mice or wild-type mice infused with fluorescent ghrelin, alongside an anti-GLP-1R antibody. We found that GHSR+ and GLP-1R+ cells are largely segregated in the mouse brain. The highest overlap was observed in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, where 15% to 20% of GHSR+ cells were also GLP-1R+ cells. Additionally, we examined RNA-sequencing datasets from mouse and human brains to assess the fraction and distribution of neurons expressing both receptors, finding that double-positive Ghsr+/Glp1r+ cells are highly segregated, with a small subset of double-positive Ghsr+/Glp1r+ cells representing <10% of all Ghsr+ or Glp1r+ cells, primarily enriched in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, we conducted functional studies using patch-clamp recordings in a heterologous expression system to assess potential crosstalk in regulating presynaptic calcium channels. We provide the first evidence that liraglutide-evoked GLP-1R activity inhibits presynaptic channels, and that the presence of one GPCR attenuates the inhibitory effects of ligand-evoked activity mediated by the other on presynaptic calcium channels. In conclusion, while GHSR and GLP-1R can engage in molecular crosstalk, they are largely segregated across most neuronal types within the brain.
Digital Information Provision and Behavior Change: Lessons from Six Experiments in East Africa
Authors: Fabregas Raissa , Kremer Michael , Lowes Matthew , On Robert , Zane Giulia
Published: December 2024

While some studies suggest mobile phone–based information programs change behavior; others find no effect. We evaluate six text message agricultural extension programs, collectively covering 128,000 farmers. A meta-analysis finds a 1.22-fold increase in the odds of adoption of recommended practices (95 percent CI: 1.16, 1.29). We cannot reject similar impacts across experiments. Impacts are increased by message repetition, but not by providing more granular information, using behavioral framings, or complementing texts with phone calls. There is little evidence of message fatigue or crowd-out. Despite modest absolute impacts detectable only with large samples or meta-analysis, texts are inexpensive enough to be cost-effective. (JEL D83, D91, L96, O13, Q12, Q16)
The Simpler the Better? Threshold Effects of Energy Labels on Property Prices and Energy Efficiency Investments
Authors: Sejas-Portillo Rodolfo , Moro Mirko , Stowasser Till
Published: December 2024

Using British data on over 7 million residential property sales, we find that the simplified energy efficiency (EE) information leads to important market effects. UK legislation requires the use of an energy label that shows an EE rating score (1–100) mapped into arbitrary color-coded rating bands (A–G). Applying a regression discontinuity design, we document significant price discontinuities at rating band thresholds, indicating heuristic thinking in the market. These price discontinuities influence market behavior as sellers are more likely to make EE investments if their property is just below a threshold. We discuss policy considerations and avenues for future research. (JEL D91, K32, Q48, R31)
Representações da surdez nas mídias digitais de comunicação na Amazônia Paraense
Authors: Paulo Jeferson Araújo Pilar  , Souza de Lima Jonata , Silvio Santiago Vieira
Published: December 2024

Este artigo investiga a representação da comunidade surda na Amazônia paraense por meio das mídias digitais: no jornalismo profissional e nas redes sociais das associações da comunidade surda. O objetivo é analisar como essas representações influenciam a percepção pública sobre a surdez e a inclusão social dos surdos. Os Estudos Surdos são a lente teórico-metodológica em diálogo com a Netnografia. Os resultados destacam a predominância de temas educacionais como usos e ensino da Libras. A conclusão do estudo aponta para uma crescente conscientização e sensibilidade em relação à comunidade surda na mídia paraense, impulsionada tanto por avanços legais quanto pelo ativismo surdo local.
Estado do conhecimento da memória do turfe no Brasil
Authors: Kociuba da Silveira Felipe Matheus , Ribeiro de Pontes Alysson Rafael , Ribeiro Paulo Sergio , Antunes Alfredo Cesar , Ribeiro de Oliveira Junior Constantino
Published: December 2024

Buscou-se no presente artigo identificar a memória histórico documental do turfe produzida em pesquisas científicas no Brasil. Delimitou-se o Portal de Periódicos da CAPES, a SCOPUS, a SciELO e o Catálogo de teses e dissertações da CAPES. Foram encontrados 13 artigos, 4 dissertações e 2 teses como resultado. Verificou-se que a memória histórica documental construída do turfe através dos artigos é voltada aos aspectos históricos e sociais da modalidade. Nas dissertações e teses, a memória construída é centralizada na história e desenvolvimento do esporte no Brasil, tendo como categoria secundária envolvendo o esporte de rendimento, o mercado de apostas e a formação de atletas.
dimensões do sofrimento social vivenciado por travestis e transexuais
Authors: Boff Rogers Alexander , Cabral Sueli Maria , Strey Marlene Neves , Barbosa Valéria Koch
Published: December 2024

Este estudo objetiva identificar e analisar aspectos que evidenciam as condições de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica de travestis e transexuais da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre/RS e o seu consequente sofrimento social. Trata-se de estudo exploratório e descritivo, com suporte em pesquisa bibliográfica e de campo, cujos dados foram coletados em entrevistas semiestruturadas, posteriormente interpretadas pela técnica de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados apontam que a vulnerabilidade socioeconômica atinge, de forma negativa, todas as esferas da vida dessas pessoas, desde o convívio familiar até as interações sociais, bem como o trabalho e a saúde, acarretando falta de oportunidades e violação de direitos fundamentais, com a consequente imposição de sofrimento social.
Educação Patrimonial e decolonialidade
Authors: Xavier Graciele Mendes de Souza , Márques Fernanda Telles
Published: December 2024

O artigo apresenta resultados de uma pesquisa bibliográfica do tipo estado do conhecimento, realizada em bases indexadoras de dissertações, teses e periódicos. Tem por objetivo refletir sobre a inserção da perspectiva decolonial na educação patrimonial em publicações científicas. Os textos sinalizam para a necessidade de um olhar interseccional, que considere as diversas formas de opressão e desigualdade presentes na sociedade brasileira. Comungam do entendimento que a educação patrimonial decolonial não se define pelos lugares em que pode ser realizada, mas sim pela valorização dos saberes locais, pela ênfase na participação da população e por uma postura crítica diante das formas hegemônicas de produção e circulação do conhecimento.
Inventário
Authors: Ramos Aline
Published: December 2024

O presente artigo propõe abordar o instrumento inventário dentro do contexto do patrimônio cultural. Se estrutura de maneira a trazer reflexões sobre a origem e progressão do conceito ao longo dos anos, a partir de uma revisão feita em diálogo com diferentes autores internacionais e do Brasil, demonstrando como é ampliado o uso do termo juntamente com o entendimento do que é considerado bem cultural, sua preservação e formas de documentar. Após delimitar o inventário com fins culturais, destacam-se aqui breves apontamentos sobre sua origem, como se desenvolve nos outros países e no caso brasileiro, inclusive quanto às implicações jurídicas, e brevemente se rascunha sua aplicação na realidade museológica.
Desvendando Ana C.
Authors: Baptista Bárbara Pinheiro
Published: December 2024

O presente artigo buscou empreender uma síntese biográfica da escritora Ana Cristina Cesar, desvendando a trajetória intelectual da autora a partir do contexto cultural em que estava inserida, marcado pelo autoritarismo da ditadura civil-militar, além de compreender a sua perspectiva sobre os acontecimentos históricos da época por meio do exame de textos críticos e ensaísticos da poeta. Nesse sentido, foram investigados os procedimentos de memória envolvidos nas representações biográficas da poeta, mobilizando referenciais teóricos de Leonor Arfuch e Phillipe Lejeune para tal análise.
estética pela ausência
Authors: Buchweitz Marlise , Mandagará Martins Aulus
Published: December 2024

Pensamos sobre a literatura como uma força social e política de memória, contra esquecimentos e retorno de tempos de vulnerabilidade, e analisamos duas narrativas escritas por um filho e uma filha da ditadura militar brasileira, Azul corvo (2010), de Adriana Lisboa, e O inventário das coisas ausentes (2014), de Carola Saavedra. A literatura produzida no século XXI pelos filhos da ditadura militar brasileira (1964-1985) é compreendida, por pesquisadores como Ilana Heineberg (2020), como uma estética dos filhos, pois o texto é formado, muitas vezes, a partir de excertos, memórias fragmentadas e relatos testemunhais de ausências. Nossa reflexão contribui para discutir sobre uma escrita que se molda a partir de silenciamentos, lacunas, faltas e lembranças incompletas.
derrisão transgressora em
Authors: Elias de Paulo Cristiano
Published: December 2024

O presente artigo analisa o filme O Bandido da Luz Vermelha (1968), de Rogério Sganzerla, destacando como o diretor tece uma crítica à sociedade brasileira e à ditadura militar. Lançado à época do AI-5, a obra apresenta um "faroeste do Terceiro Mundo", refletindo a instabilidade social e a desintegração da identidade em um contexto caótico. Sganzerla dialoga com diversas referências cinematográficas e literárias, como a Nouvelle Vague e o Cinema Novo, usando humor ácido e deboche para criticar instituições e expor a violência disseminada pelo Estado e pela imprensa. O filme revela uma sociedade doente, marcada pela corrupção e pela espetacularização da tragédia, e permanece relevante ao abordar temas contemporâneos como fake news e corrupção política.
Outra gramática social é possível
Authors: Ceccon Ortolan Fernanda
Published: December 2024

Este artigo aborda a ideia do conflito no cenário de exclusão das democracias contemporâneas. Analisando a evolução dos direitos humanos no século XX, aponta para as exclusões encobertas pelo discurso liberal universalista, que ignora as violências persistentes a despeito da proteção formal. A partir de Étienne Balibar, abordam-se as contradições do modelo liberal e a exclusão de grupos marginalizados, propondo-se uma visão ampliada dos direitos humanos. Em seguida, exploram-se os impactos do discurso neoliberal do consenso que nega a existência dos conflitos. Através do agonismo de Chantal Mouffe, discute-se a centralidade do conflito para a política, investigando as limitações do pluralismo neoliberal. Por fim, defende-se a necessidade de um novo paradigma fundamental para uma verdadeira democracia pluralista.
Vozes da resistência
Authors: Dourado Silva Sthefanny Melyssa
Published: December 2024

Este artigo explora a ressonância da arte como ferramenta de resistência no Brasil, especialmente no contexto do sexagésimo marco do golpe militar de 1964. Analisando movimentos culturais como a Tropicália e o Rap, destaca-se como a arte contestatória enfrenta a repressão e recontextualiza memórias de luta. A Tropicália desafiou narrativas hegemônicas da ditadura, enquanto o Rap, emergindo nas periferias, deu voz a populações marginalizadas e vinculando a repressão histórica à violência contemporânea. O ativismo cultural através desses dois movimentos é apresentado como um meio de empoderamento e transformação social, garantindo que as memórias de opressão sejam mantidas vivas, promovendo a justiça e a resistência.
Lenços, ventos e a esperança equilibrista
Authors: Sanmartin Stela Maris , Rodrigues Damiani Sarah
Published: December 2024

O presente artigo aproxima elementos simbólicos presentes na obra de Bosco e Blanc (1979) e Krugli (1974). A partir do campo das interartes, a análise deste trabalho se dá por meio de analogias e metáforas, estabelecendo, pela primeira vez, convergências entre obras que se aproximam em tema, eventos narrativos, símbolos e ideias. A escrita empreendida é apoiada na partilha do sensível (Rancière, 2009), na experiência estética (Dewey, 2010) e no espectador emancipado (Rancière, 2014), convidando o leitor a perceber ressonâncias (Freitas, 2012) existentes entre os dois trabalhos apresentados.
Cultura, Política e Resistência da Classe Trabalhadora em Eles Não Usam Black-Tie
Authors: Pecantet Siqueira Gabriela
Published: December 2024

O artigo analisa o filme Eles Não Usam Black-Tie (1981), dirigido por Leon Hirszman e fruto do movimento do Cinema Novo. O filme explora o ambiente operário no contexto da reabertura política no Brasil e o estudo adota uma abordagem crítica alternativa da modernidade, conformada com obras de Antonio Candido, Paulo Arantes e Roberto Schwarz, para examinar como é explorada o embate entre gerações e classes, o sindicalismo e a identidade operária. O filme expressa a coexistência de valores coletivos e individualistas em uma sociedade marcada pela desigualdade e pela luta de classes. Observa-se, nesse contexto, o ressurgimento de um sindicalismo forte no Brasil, entrelaçado a um novo ciclo de modernidade, após um longo período de autoritarismo.
peça Opinião e a resistência artística durante a ditadura militar no Brasil
Authors: Fantinel Fernanda
Published: December 2024

Este artigo explora o impacto cultural e político do Show Opinião no contexto da ditadura militar brasileira, destacando sua relevância como símbolo de resistência. A análise abrange o contexto histórico da montagem, suas influências artísticas, e sua capacidade de adaptação a novos contextos sociais, tanto no Brasil quanto em movimentos internacionais, como o Teatro do Oprimido de Casablanca no Marrocos e o projeto NASHi.etc na Ucrânia. O texto também discute como a proposta de resistência pacífica por meio da arte, originalmente defendida em Opinião, continua a inspirar práticas artísticas engajadas ao redor do mundo.