bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rate of convergence for rational and conjugate rational Fourier series of functions of generalized bounded variation
Authors: Khachar Hardeepbhai , Vyas Rajendra
Published: November 2022

In this article, extending the results of Fourier and conjugate Fourier series, the rates of convergence for rational and conjugate rational Fourier series for functions of generalized bounded variation are estimated.
Unique common fixed points through a unified condition
Authors: BOUHADJERA Hakima
Published: November 2022

Fixed point theory is a crucial branch in mathematics with a colossal number of applications in countless subjects. It furnishes preeminent tools and resources for elucidating varied problems which at first glance do not look like a fixed point problem. Since and even before 1912 till now several authors launched the existence and uniqueness of common fixed points for pairs of single and set-valued maps satisfying certain compatibilities on different spaces. This paper proves existence and uniqueness of a common fixed point for pairs of occasionally weakly biased maps. This unique common fixed point is guaranteed under the concept of modified contractive modulus function. Our theorems improve some results existing in the fixed point literature.
The modern agoras - the relationship between urban open public space and political expression. The case study of the city of Poznań, Poland
Authors: Wronkowski Adam , Lorek Artur
Published: November 2022

Contemporary urban public open spaces are stages of political expression, reminiscent of the historical Greek agoras which performed similar functions thousands of years ago. What has clearly changed, however, is the form of political expression. Rather than individual speeches by ancient thinkers and politicians, we increasingly deal with collective protests and assemblies presenting the views of the communities involved. Nowadays public assemblies also take place in a much larger number of public spaces, depending on the needs. They are chosen on the basis of 3 main categories of factors: spatial, semiotic and reception-related, which may overlap. The main objective of this paper is to determine the role of urban public open spaces as places of expression of political views during public assemblies. The study was based on the analysis of data from the Municipality of Poznań, as well as individual in-depth interviews with people involved in the organisation of public assemblies in Poznań in 2019 and representatives of local associations.
University campuses’ role in accelerating the natural urban transformation process
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed M.S. , Ukai Tetsuya , Hall Michael W.
Published: November 2022

University campuses have proven to play a significant role in the production of cities due to their impact as knowledge and innovation hubs. Therefore, this paper examines the impact caused by building new campuses in suburban areas to see to what extent a campus can affect the transformation process of its respective city. Kyushu University’s Ito campus area was selected to be analysed using space syntax, spacematrix and Mixed-use index to see the impact caused by the campus since 1993 till 2017. Results have shown that after Ito campus establishment, urbanization started to be expanded throughout the area after it was limited to accessible parts around major routes and stations. Therefore, the location of the campus is considered as a vital decision that needs to be taken with the engagement of the city, with stakeholders, and business owners to harness a successful campus-city relationship.
Antifascist Mothers and Folk Healers: Queer Reinterpretations of Polish and Regional Cultural Archetypes in Familia
Authors: Pokrowiecki Michał
Published: November 2022

The article serves as an analysis of Familia, a Polish independent fiction podcast from 2020 produced by the Teraz Poliż theatre as a response to increase of state supported homophobic propaganda in the recent years. By pointing out similarities and differences between the podcast in question and mainstream Polish audio series, as well as drawing comparisons to popular globally distributed independent audio fiction produced in English, the author aims to prove the unique position of Familia as a sole representative of a politically conscious podcast drama presenting a specifically Polish perspective on queer emancipation. The author then proceeds to analyse the narrative content of the podcast, presenting the ways in which the story plays with elements of traditional, Polish national identity, reframing them via a radical lens as potential symbolic tools for LGBTQ+ emancipation and antifascist resistance in everyday life, while at the same time warning of the limited scope of use for such tools.
Los procesos de movilidad social en el litoral atlántico andaluz a finales de la Edad Media: la familia Estopiñán y la Cuenca del Guadalet / The Processes of Social Promotion in The Atlantic Andalusian Coast at The End ff The Middle Ages: The Estopiñán Family and The Guadalete Basin
Authors: Marín Bueno Juan , Ruiz Pilares Enrique
Published: November 2022

A finales del medievo, Cádiz y su entorno presentaron un fuerte dinamismo económico relacionado con el comercio marítimo, atrayendo a numerosas familias de comerciantes procedentes de otras regiones. Los Estopiñán, de origen aragonés, establecieron vínculos con la Casa Ducal de Medina Sidonia, que controlaba varios señoríos en la región. Entre los miembros más destacados del linaje se encuentra Pedro de Estopiñán y Virués, conocido especialmente por dirigir la conquista de Melilla en 1497. Sin embargo, junto al servicio cortesano y militar, también fue importante su participación en la explotación vitivinícola y su exportación directa hacia Flandes. Esta otra faceta de su vida, similar a la de algunos de sus familiares, constituye el objeto de nuestro trabajo. De este modo, tomando como ejemplo su biografía, trataremos de explicar las diferentes vías de ascenso social que el mar ofrecía en la Andalucía atlántica al término de la Edad Media.
Notariado Público de Jerez de La Frontera en el Quinientos / The Public Notaries in Jerez de La Frontera at the 16th Century
Authors: Rojas Vaca Mª Dolores
Published: November 2022

Estudio del notariado público de Jerez de la Frontera en el siglo XVI, partiendo, esencialmente, de la información aportada por las Actas Capitulares y los protocolos notariales de la ciudad. Realizado en su vertiente institucional y, con preferencia, desde la óptica de los documentos de la práctica sin desdeñar el marco legal, se abordan aspectos tales como requisitos personales y técnicos de entrada a los oficios, número de notarios ejercientes, nombramiento y vías oficiales y privadas de acceso, así como lugar y circunstancias de trabajo con la casuística pertinente.
Nacimiento, apogeo y destrucción de Siŷilmāsa: una aproximación a la historia política de la ciudad de las caravanas durante los siglos medievales / Birth, Rise and Destruction of Sijilmasa: An Approach to The Political History of The City of Caravans During The Medieval Centuries
Authors: de Villar Iglesias José Luis
Published: November 2022

El objetivo de este artículo es sintetizar la agitada historia política de la antigua ciudad de Siŷilmāsa desde mediados del siglo VIII hasta el siglo XIV. Durante estos siglos, fue el asentamiento principal en el oasis del Tāfīlālt, situado en el extremo suroriental de Marruecos. Durante tan prolongado periodo, Siŷilmāsa fue el más importante emporium en el comercio del oro y de los esclavos procedentes del Sudán Occidental. Con esta síntesis, pretendemos poner en evidencia hasta qué punto el dominio de la ciudad de las caravanas fue un objetivo estratégico de primer orden que compartieron todas las estructuras políticas con ambiciones imperiales en el Occidente islámico durante los siglos medievales.
Better care for all
Authors: Hammond Andrea
Published: November 2022

Andrea Hammond shares how to aid higher risk patients in achieving the best dental care possible.
A venture into volunteering
Authors: Haslam Sarah
Published: November 2022

Sarah Haslam sits down and discusses the beginnings of her career as a dental nurse within the general practice, hospitals and volunteering in multiple community settings.
Normal variation of infant hip development
Authors: Hareendranathan Abhilash R. , Wichuk Stephanie , Punithakumar Kumaradevan , Dulai Sukhdeep , Jaremko Jacob
Published: November 2022

Aims

Studies of infant hip development to date have been limited by considering only the changes in appearance of a single ultrasound slice (Graf’s standard plane). We used 3D ultrasound (3DUS) to establish maturation curves of normal infant hip development, quantifying variation by age, sex, side, and anteroposterior location in the hip.

Methods

We analyzed 3DUS scans of 519 infants (mean age 64 days (6 to 111 days)) presenting at a tertiary children’s hospital for suspicion of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Hips that did not require ultrasound follow-up or treatment were classified as ‘typically developing’. We calculated traditional DDH indices like α angle (αSP), femoral head coverage (FHCSP), and several novel indices from 3DUS like the acetabular contact angle (ACA) and osculating circle radius (OCR) using custom software.

Results

α angle, FHC, and ACA indices increased and OCR decreased significantly by age in the first four months, mean αSP rose from 62.2° (SD 5.7°) to 67.3° (SD 5.2°) (p < 0.001) in one- to eight- and nine- to 16-week-old infants, respectively. Mean αSP and mean FHCSP were significantly, but only slightly, lower in females than in males. There was no statistically significant difference in DDH indices observed between left and right hip. All 3DUS indices varied significantly between anterior and posterior section of the hip. Mean 3D indices of α angle and FHC were significantly lower anteriorly than posteriorly: αAnt = 58.2° (SD 6.1°), αPost = 63.8° (SD 6.3°) (p < 0.001), FHCAnt = 43.0 (SD 7.4), and FHCPost = 55.4° (SD 11.2°) (p < 0.001). Acetabular rounding measured byOCR indices was significantly greater in the anterior section of the hip (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We used 3DUS to show that hip shape and normal growth pattern vary significantly between anterior and posterior regions, by magnitudes similar to age-related changes. This highlights the need for careful selection of the Graf plane during 2D ultrasound examination. Whole-joint evaluation by obtaining either 3DUS or manual ‘sweep’ video images provides more comprehensive DDH assessment. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(11):913–923.
Potential SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitors of cytidine derivatives: Molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations, ADMET, and POM analyses for the identification of pharmacophore sites
Authors: M. A. Kawsar Sarkar , Hosen Mohammed A. , Ahmad Sajjad , El Bakri Youness , Laaroussi Hamid , Ben Hadda Taibi , Almalki Faisal A. , Ozeki Yasuhiro , Goumri-Said Souraya
Published: November 2022

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 is one of the optimum targets for antiviral drug design and development. The hydroxyl groups of cytidine structures were modified with different aliphatic and aromatic groups to obtain 5´-O-acyl and 2´,3´-di-O-acyl derivatives, and then, these derivatives were employed in molecular modeling, antiviral prediction, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, pharmacological and POM studies. Density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G++ level analyzed biochemical behavior and molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) of the modified cytidine derivatives. The antiviral parameters of the mutated derivatives revealed promising drug properties compared with those of standard antiviral drugs. Molecular docking has determined binding affinities and interactions between the cytidine derivatives and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. The modified derivatives strongly interacted with prime Pro620 and Lys621 residues. The binding conformation and interactions stability were investigated by 200 ns of molecular dynamics simulations and predicted the compounds to firmly dock inside the RdRp binding pocket. Interestingly, the binding residues of the derivatives were revealed in high equilibrium showing an enhanced binding affinity for the molecules. Intermolecular interactions are dominated by both Van der Waals and electrostatic energies. Finally, the pharmacokinetic characterization of the optimized inhibitors confirmed the safety of derivatives due to their improved kinetic properties. The selected cytidine derivatives can be suggested as potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. The POM Theory supports the hypothesis above by confirming the existence of an antiviral (Oδ-—O’δ-) pharmacophore site of Hits.
Impact on outcomes of measuring lactates prior to ICU in unselected heterogeneous critically ill patients: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Tamakawa Taro , Endoh Hiroshi , Kamimura Natuo , Deuchi Kazuki , Nishiyama Kei
Published: November 2022

Background

Elevated blood lactate levels were reported as effective predictors of clinical outcome and mortality in ICU. However, there have been no studies simply comparing the timing of measuring lactates before vs. after ICU admission.

Methods

A total of 19,226 patients with transfer time ≤ 24 hr were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database (MIMIC-IV). After 1:1 propensity score matching, the patients were divided into two groups: measuring lactates within 3 hr before (BICU group, n = 4,755) and measuring lactate within 3 hr after ICU admission(AICU group, n = 4,755). The primary and secondary outcomes were hospital mortality, hospital 28-day mortality, ICU mortality, ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and restricted mean survival time (RMST).

Results

Hospital, hospital 28-day, and ICU mortality were significantly higher in AICU group (7.0% vs.9.8%, 6.7% vs. 9.4%, and 4.6% vs.6.7%, respectively, p<0.001 for all) Hospital LOS and ICU LOS were significantly longer in AICU group (8.4 days vs. 9.0 days and 3.0 days vs. 3.5 days, respectively, p<0.001 for both). After adjustment for predefined covariates, a significant association between the timing of measuring lactate and hospital mortality was observed in inverse probability treatment weight (IPTW) multivariate regression, doubly robust multivariate regression, and multivariate regression models (OR, 0.96 [95%CI, 0.95-0.97], OR 0.52 [95%CI, 0.46-0.60], OR 0.66 [95%CI, 0.56-0.78], respectively, p<0.001 for all), indicating the timing as a significant risk-adjusted factor for lower hospital mortality. The difference (BICU-AICU) of RMST at 28- days after ICU admission was 0.531 days (95%CI, 0.002-1.059, p<0.05). Placement of A-line and PA-catheter, administration of intravenous antibiotics, and bolus fluid infusion during the first 24-hr in ICU were significantly more frequent and faster in the BICU vs AICU group (67.6% vs. 51.3% and 126min vs.197min for A-line, 19.6% vs.13.2% and 182min vs. 274min for PA-catheter, 77.5% vs.67.6% and 109min vs.168min for antibiotics, and 57.6% vs.51.6% and 224min vs.278min for bolus fluid infusion, respectively, p<0.001 for all). Additionally, a significant indirect effect was observed in frequency (0.19879 [95% CI, 0.14061-0.25697] p<0.001) and time (0.07714 [95% CI, 0.22600-0.13168], p<0.01) of A-line replacement, frequency of placement of PA-catheter (0.05614 [95% CI, 0.04088-0.07140], p<0.001) and frequency of bolus fluid infusion (0.02193 [95%CI, 0.00303-0.04083], p<0.05).

Conclusions

Measuring lactates within 3 hr prior to ICU might be associated with lower hospital mortality in unselected heterogeneous critically ill patients with transfer time to ICU ≤ 24hr, presumably due to more frequent and faster therapeutic interventions.
The Austrian Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA): A cross-sectional survey
Authors: van Dun Patrick L. S. , Arcuri Lorenzo , Verbeeck Johan , Esteves Jorge E. , Cerritelli Francesco
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Since the previous survey of the osteopathic profession in Austria was almost a decade ago, an update was necessary. The Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA) project was developed as a Europe-based survey, whereby an updated profile of the profession not only provides new data for Austria, but also allows for a clear comparison with other European countries.

Methods

A voluntary, online-based, closed-ended survey was distributed across Austria in the period between April and August 2020. The original English OPERA-questionnaire, composed of 52 questions in seven sections, was formally translated in German and adapted to the Austrian situation. Recruitment was performed through social-media and an e-based campaign.

Results

The survey was completed by 338 individuals, of which 239 (71%) were female, and the median age was 40–49 years. Almost all respondents had preliminary healthcare training, mainly in physiotherapy (72%). The majority of respondents were self-employed (88%) and working as sole practitioners (54%). The median number of consultations per week was 21–25 and the majority of respondents scheduled 46–60 minutes for each consultation (69%). The most commonly used diagnostic techniques were: palpation of position/structure, palpation of tenderness and visual inspection. The most commonly used treatment techniques were cranial, visceral and articulatory/mobilisation techniques. The majority of patients estimated by respondents consulted an osteopath for musculoskeletal complaints mainly localised in the lumbar and cervical region. Although the majority of respondents experience a strong osteopathic identity, only a small proportion (17%) advertise themselves exclusively as osteopaths.

Conclusions

This study represents the first published document to determine the characteristics of the osteopathic practitioners in Austria using large, national data. It provides new information on where, how, and by whom osteopathic care is delivered. The information provided may contribute to the evidence used by stakeholders and policy makers for the future regulation of the profession in Austria.
Vieira, Místico da Ação Global
Authors: Abrantes Eugénia
Published: November 2022

A obra do Padre António Vieira é um oceano imenso de possibilidades e de novidades interpretativas. Muito se tem escrito sobre as várias facetas da sua vida e do seu pensamento, desde a política à literatura, da economia à antropologia. Poucos ou nenhuns estudos têm focado a dimensão espiritual e mística deste que é justamente considerado um místico da ação e senhor de uma espiritualidade da ação. Com efeito, faltava-nos um livro sobre Vieira, ou melhor, que a partir deste pensador jesuíta do século xvii nos oferecesse um olhar crítico sobre o mundo global que já era o deste escritor e é mais ainda o nosso. Vieira viveu num tempo que denominamos aurora da globalização.
O modo como observou e nos deu a observar esse mundo em transformação permite-nos entender melhor o dos nossos dias, também na medida em que sonhou uma humanidade diferente. Muitas das suas inquietações são as das mulheres e dos homens do século xxi. Algumas das saídas que propôs para as perceções dramáticas das derivas da história humana podem atender às inquietações do coração humano de todos os tempos.
Este livro que o leitor tem em mãos, de Eugénia Abrantes, revisita a obra de Vieira através de abordagens hermenêuticas que beneficiam do diálogo entre as áreas científicas da psicologia, da teologia e da literatura mística, em que a Autora é especialista. Dá-nos a conhecer uma perspetiva inédita do legado de Vieira, articulada com a preocupação de lançar luz sobre o estado atual do mundo, em processo de globalização acelerada e desregulada. Os riscos que Vieira anteviu há 400 anos para o espetáculo da planetarização das relações entre os povos permanecem de uma atualidade aguda. O caminho de espiritualidade que Vieira sugeriu na sua oratória sagrada e na sua obra profética sobre o futuro de Portugal e da humanidade é cuidadosamente apresentado e analisado neste livro como proposta para inverter o que a Autora designa como trajetória de desvitalização espiritual da globalização hodierna
Retrospective study of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in dogs with neurological complications resulting from infection by canine distemper virus
Authors: Brunel Hilana dos Santos Sena , Villaroel Carla Lujan , Dallago Bruno Stéfano Lima , Pogue Robert , Malard Patrícia Furtado
Published: November 2022

Canine distemper virus causes death in a large proportion of infected dogs. For the survivors, various physiological systems can be damaged, including the nervous system, resulting in neurological signs such as ataxia, paresis or plegias, myoclonus, tremors and epileptic crises. Mesenchymal stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the capacity to release trophic factors with neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, and as such may represent an alternative to treat or mitigate the clinical symptoms in dogs with such neurological sequelae. In the current retrospective study, we evaluated clinical data and films from 14 dogs that presented myoclonus, epileptic episodes, and/or ambulatory difficulties after distemper virus infection, and that were treated with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells from a cell bank. The animals that had presented epileptic crises and myoclonus presented a reduction in the frequency of these episodes, and of the 14 animals that presented with ambulatory difficulties, ten regained the ability to walk without aid after the therapy. No animal presented with any adverse reaction to the cell transplant. These results suggest that mesenchymal stem cell therapy may be an alternative for treatment of neurological sequelae, however, further controlled studies should be carried out in order to obtain further data regarding the number of cells to be transplanted, the time interval between transplants, and even about the ideal time for initiation of such therapy.
Effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on daily sperm production, epididymal transit and sperm morphology of pubertal Wistar rats
Authors: Ortolan Lucas de Souza , Vicentine Karina Ferrazzolli Devienne , Acrani Simone
Published: November 2022

Os fitoterápicos são materiais vegetais ativos que têm desempenhado um papel importante na medicina popular, pois favorecem o tratamento de diversas doenças em diversas regiões do mundo. Diferentes sociedades relatam melhora na função sexual com diversos fitoterápicos afrodisíacos, mesmo sem comprovação científica. Os afrodisíacos são geralmente considerados substâncias que aumentam o desejo sexual e/ou o prazer sexual. Um fitoterápico popularmente usado como afrodisíaco é o feno-grego. O feno-grego (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) é uma erva anual que pertence à família Leguminosae. O potencial afrodisíaco do feno-grego ainda é contraditório e pouco estabelecido na literatura. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do feno-grego nos parâmetros reprodutivos masculinos de ratos Wistar. Treze ratos machos púberes foram divididos em dois grupos experimentais (7 tratados e 6 controles). O extrato seco de feno-grego foi adquirido comercialmente e administrado diariamente ao grupo tratado (3mg/animal-1, diluído em 500 µL de água), por um período de 40 dias. O grupo controle recebeu 500 µL de água destilada pelo mesmo período. Foram analisados ​​os seguintes parâmetros: produção diária de espermatozoides; tempo de trânsito dos espermatozoides pelo ducto epididimal; e morfologia espermática. Os resultados do grupo tratado e do grupo controle foram então comparados, utilizando-se o teste estatístico não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney. Em nosso estudo, não houve alteração nos pesos corporais absolutos e relativos dos órgãos reprodutores e glândulas acessórias, bem como na morfologia espermática. No entanto, os ratos púberes tratados com 3 mg/animal-1 por 40 dias apresentaram tendência de diminuição da produção diária de espermatozoides e aumento do tempo de trânsito epididimal, sugerindo um possível efeito negativo na produção e maturação dos gametas masculinos, o que pode levar à redução da fertilidade. Portanto, mais estudos com maior dosagem e/ou tempo de tratamento devem ser realizados para avaliar os efeitos do feno-grego em um ciclo espermatogênico completo.
HANSENÍASE EM UM ESTADO HIPERENDÊMICO: TENDÊNCIA SEGMENTAR E IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE AGLOMERADOS ESPACIAIS DE ALTO RISCO DE TRANSMISSÃO
Authors: Silva Emanuele Rocha da , Adami Marcos , Pereira Waltair Maria Martins
Published: November 2022

Objetivo: Analisar indicadores de hanseníase visando a identificação de áreas de maior risco de transmissão no Pará, de 2004 a 2018. Métodos: Estudo ecológico por dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Pela regressão Joinpoint analisou-se 11 indicadores, pela probabilidade de Poisson analisou-se os três principais e pelo SaTScan™ dispôs-se aglomerados de municípios com alto risco de transmissão. Considerou-se significante p <0,05. Resultados: Dos 57.504 casos novos, menores de 15 anos foram 11,18% (6.431) e 6,69% (3.793) tiveram incapacidade física grau 2 (GIF II) no diagnóstico. Com significância estatística, as tendências das taxas analisadas decresceram; as proporções de GIF II no diagnóstico (variação percentual anual média [AAPC]=6,8%), casos multibacilares (AAPC=2,3%), casos de forma clínica dimorfa (AAPC=2,1%) e contatos examinados (AAPC=5,9%) cresceram. A detecção na população geral foi hiperendêmica nos aglomerados. Conclusão: No Pará há diagnóstico de hanseníase em formas polarizadas e com GIF II, com transmissão nas áreas de maior fluxo migratório.
Processos de erosão em Marília
Authors: Pellerin Joel
Published: November 2022

Processos de erosão em Marilia
Trajectoire des taux de mortalité aux âges extrêmes de la vie
Authors: Dang Linh Hoang Khanh , Ouellette Nadine , Meslé France , Poulain Michel
Published: November 2022

Au cours de la vie des adultes, les taux de mortalité par âge augmentent à un rythme assez proche du rythme exponentiel décrit par le modèle de Gompertz. Aux très grands âges, toutefois, l’évolution de ce risque de décès reste encore un sujet de débat, principalement du fait de données insuffisantes en quantité et en qualité. La disponibilité de données récentes exceptionnellement fiables pour les populations française, belge et canadienne-française au-delà de 90 ans nous donne une nouvelle opportunité de mettre à jour les connaissances sur la trajectoire de mortalité aux âges le plus élevés de la vie humaine et de tester différents modèles pour ajuster ces données. Une décélération du rythme d’accroissement des taux de mortalité est confirmée chez les femmes très âgées et les modèles de type logistique (Beard et Kannisto) donnent toujours les meilleurs ajustements. Chez les hommes, bien que les données n’écartent pas complètement ces modèles logistiques, elles sont le plus souvent ajustées de façon optimale par une croissance exponentielle de type Gompertz. Le nombre de survivants masculins trop faible aux très grands âges pourrait être à l’origine de ce résultat.
Throughout adult lifespan, age-specific death rates increase at a pace which is very close to an exponential pace as depicted by the Gompertz model. At very old ages, however, changes in the risk of death remain a matter of debate, mainly because data are insufficient both in terms of quantity and quality. The availability of exceptionally reliable recent data for the French, Belgian and French-Canadian populations beyond the age of 90 gives us a new opportunity to refine our understanding of the human mortality trajectory at the highest ages and to test different models to adjust these data. A deceleration in the pace of increase of death rates is confirmed among females in very old age and logistic-type models (Beard and Kannisto) always provide the best adjustments. Among males, although the data do not completely rule out these logistic-type models, they are more often optimally described by Gompertz-type exponential growth. The low number of male survivors at very old ages could explain this result.
As Sweet as Their Original Utterance: The Reception of the Bible in Aggadic Midrashim
Authors: Kadari Tamar
Published: November 2022

This article analyzes the reception of the Bible in a group of midrashim called amoraic midrash, or aggadic midrash, which reveal the centrality of Scripture in the world of the rabbis. Each midrash is organized around a particular biblical book and its verses, bringing a collection of interpretations taught by different rabbis in the land of Israel in the first five centuries of the Common Era. These compositions were redacted towards the end of the Amoraic Period and immediately after and are therefore referred to as midrashei amoraim. The title midrashei aggadah reflects their content, with almost no interpretations dealing with halakhic issues. In this article, I explain the unique fashion in which midrashei aggadah function as a mode of biblical interpretation, the creative ways biblical verses were employed by the rabbis, and the conception of the Bible’s unity evidenced in their midrashim. I then present the main role of biblical verses as an organizing principle in two genres of midrashic compositions. I conclude with the question of the link between midrashei amoraim and the world of the synagogue. Do these midrashim teach us about biblical reception and interpretation solely among the intellectual elite or also among the general public?
Functional assessment of atrial wall excursion and foramen ovale flap tracings in 3rd trimester as predictor of short-term hemodynamic stability in congenital heart defects fetuses
Authors: Sylwestrzak Oskar , Strzelecka Iwona , Silverman Norman H. , Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Right atrium and left atrium of the fetal heart play a fundamental role in fetal heart circulatory physiology.

Methods

Excursion of fetal atria walls and tracings of foramen ovale (FO) flap movement were analyzed by M-mode echocardiography by new FO index to determine fetal and neonatal outcome in the first week and month of life in various congenital heart defects. The study group was divided into 3 subgroups: group A: neonates stable after birth (all on I.V. prostaglandin infusion) for at least 7 days, group B: neonates unstable after birth (despite I.V. prostaglandin infusion) requiring catheterization procedure or early cardiac surgery <6th day of life and group C: fetuses with in utero demise.

Results

The average values of FO index: group A – 32, group B – 20, group C – 12.Schaffe test showed statistical difference of FO index between group A and B (p=0.029) and group A and C (p=0.001), but no difference between group B and C (p=0.24) The FO index of stability was determined by ROC curve analysis. Cut-off point distinguishing between postnatal stability and postnatal instability + in utero demise constituted FO index=25 (specificity 82%; sensitivity 90%).

Conclusions

Prenatal features of atrial M-mode echocardiography shortly before birth might be helpful to predict the short term prognosis of fetal hemodynamic stability or instability shortly after birth regardless of the type of congenital heart defects (CHD).
NiTi-SiC composite coating on Ti6Al4V alloy produced by SHS using induction heating
Authors: Imak Anil
Published: November 2022

In this study, NiTi and NiTi-XSiC (1 wt%, 2 wt%, and 4 wt%) powders were coated on the Ti6Al4V surface by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method using induction heating. Optic microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for the microstructural properties of coatings, energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) for element distribution analysis, and X-ray diffractogram (XRD) for phase component analysis were carried out. The microhardness difference between the coating and the substrate was assessed by using the Vickers hardness scale. The microhardness increased with the addition of SiC, and the highest hardness value was 1416 Hv and detected in the sample NiTi–SiC 4 wt%. Phases formed by diffusion during solidification in the compounds Ti, Al, NiTi, NiTi2, NiAl, Ni3Al, Al3Ti, and TiO2, respectively.
Effects of silver interlayer thickness on the microstructure and properties of electron beam welded joints of TC4 titanium and 4J29 Kovar alloys
Authors: Mo Defeng , Yu Liquan , Shi Xinmin , Zhao Tong , Li Xue , Zeng Zhijiang , Gong Haimei
Published: November 2022

Electron beam welding of TC4 titanium alloy and 4J29 Kovar alloy was performed by using different thicknesses of silver interlayers. The microstructure and the composition of welded joints were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dipersive spectrometry. The mechanical properties of welded joints were evaluated by tensile strength tests. The results indicated that Ag thickness has great effects on the weld appearance, microstructure, and mechanical properties of electron beam-welded joints. In case of 0.3 and 0.4 mm thickness of Ag interlayers, a considerable part of 4J29 and TC4 melts and a large amount of Fe, Ti, and Ni elements diffuse into the molten pool forming intermetallic compounds (IMCs) such as TiFe2, NiTi, and FeTi. In case of 0.6 mm thickness of Ag interlayer, the welded joint exhibits brazing characteristics with little IMCs near the fusion line of 4J29 Kovar alloy side. When the thickness of the Ag interlayer increases to 0.8 mm, the diffusion of Ti and Fe elements is completely inhibited by Ag. As the thickness of the Ag interlayer increases from 0.3 to 0.8 mm, the tensile strength of the welded sample shows a phenomenon that first rises and then falls, and the largest tensile strength is 243 MPa.
The Generic Inhibitory Function of Corollary Discharge in Motor Intention: Evidence from the Modulation Effects of Speech Preparation on the Late Components of Auditory Neural Responses
Authors: Zheng Xiaodan , Zhu Hao , Li Siqi , Tian Xing
Published: November 2022

The importance of action–perception loops necessitates efficient computations linking motor and sensory systems. Corollary discharge (CD), a concept in motor-to-sensory transformation, has been proposed to predict the sensory consequences of actions for efficient motor and cognitive control. The predictive computation has been assumed to realize via inhibiting sensory reafference when actions are executed. Continuous control throughout the course of action demands inhibitory function ubiquitously on all potential reafference when sensory consequences are not available before execution. However, the temporal and functional characteristics of CD are unclear. When does CD begin to operate? To what extent does CD inhibit sensory processes? How is the inhibitory function implemented in neural computation? Using a delayed articulation paradigm with three types of auditory probes (speech, nonspeech, and nonhuman sounds) in an electroencephalography experiment with 20 human participants (7 males), we found that preparing to speak without knowing what to say (general preparation) suppressed neural responses to each type of auditory probe, suggesting a generic inhibitory function of CD in motor intention. Moreover, power and phase coherence in low-frequency bands (1–8 Hz) were both suppressed, indicating that inhibition was mediated by dampening response amplitude and adding temporal variance to sensory processes. Furthermore, inhibition was stronger for sounds that humans can produce than nonhuman sounds, hinting that the generic inhibitory function of CD is regulated by the established motor–sensory associations. These results suggest a functional and temporal granularity of corollary discharge that mediates multifaceted computations in motor and cognitive control.
Sounding the Alarm: Sex Differences in Rat Ultrasonic Vocalizations during Pavlovian Fear Conditioning and Extinction
Authors: Laine Mikaela A. , Mitchell Julia R. , Rhyner Johanna , Clark Rose , Kannan Akshara , Keith Jack , Pikus MaryClare , Bergeron Emmett , Ravaglia Isabella , Ulgenturk Ece , Shinde Ashwini , Shansky Rebecca M.
Published: November 2022

Pavlovian fear conditioning is a prevalent tool in the study of aversive learning, which is a key component of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Adult rats can exhibit various threat-related behaviors, including freezing, motor responses, and ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). While these responses can all signal aversion, we know little about how they relate to one another. Here we characterize USVs emitted by male and female rats during cued fear acquisition and extinction, and assess the relationship between different threat-related behaviors. We found that males consistently emitted >22 kHz calls (referred to here as “alarm calls”) than females, and that alarm call frequency in males, but not females, related to the intensity of the shock stimulus. Interestingly, 25% of males and 45% of females did not emit any alarm calls at all. Males that did make alarm calls had significantly higher levels of freezing than males who did not, while no differences in freezing were observed between female Alarm callers and Non-alarm callers. Alarm call emission was also affected by the predictability of the shock; when unpaired from a tone cue, both males and females started emitting alarm calls significantly later. During extinction learning and retrieval sessions, males were again more likely than females to emit alarm calls, which followed an extinction-like reduction in frequency. Collectively these data suggest sex dependence in how behavioral readouts relate to innate and conditioned threat responses. Importantly, we suggest that the same behaviors can signal sex-dependent features of aversion.
The Contradictory Syrian Presence in Turkey’s Southern Borderlands
Authors: Dağtaş Seçil , Can Şule
Published: November 2022

The displacement of Syrians into Turkey is approaching its twelfth year, but the conditions of Syrian presence in the country are still fraught with ambivalence. The dramatic changes in migration and border dynamics and the instrumentalization of Syrian migrants in Turkish politics have intensified racially motivated animosity. Yet in border provinces where Syrians are densely concentrated, popular attitudes toward them operate on other axes, which reveal complex entanglements of border politics, migration policies, and citizenship ideologies. This essay describes how these entanglements unfold in the country’s southernmost border province, Hatay, which was controversially annexed from French Mandate Syria in 1939.
Egyptian Universities Search for a New Role
Authors: Cantini Daniele
Published: November 2022

Universities played a central role in Egypt’s 2011 revolution and were heavily affected by the subsequent return to military rule. Egyptian universities have a long history as settings where young activists engage in political action. Today they are institutions with a changing role and scope. The expansion of private, for-profit institutions of higher education over the past decade has called into question the traditional model of public universities with access guaranteed by the state, while campuses have been largely silenced as forums of activism.
The Violent Remaking of Jeddah
Authors:   Anonymous
Published: November 2022

A massive urban renewal project in Jeddah, the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia, has entailed the demolition of many historic quarters with substantial immigrant and working-class populations. Neighborhoods have been targeted with little warning or provision of compensation or alternative housing for many displaced residents. The project is intended to create modern new districts as part of a national economic agenda, but it risks erasing the unique cosmopolitan character of the Red Sea port city.
M1AP interacts with the mammalian ZZS complex and promotes male meiotic recombination
Authors: Li Yang , Wu Yufan , Khan Ihsan , Zhou Jianteng , Lu Yue , Ye Jingwei , Liu Junyan , Xie Xuefeng , Hu Congyuan , Jiang Hanwei , Fan Suixing , Zhang Huan , Zhang Yuanwei , Jiang Xiaohua , Xu Bo , Ma Hui , Shi Qinghua
Published: November 2022

Following meiotic recombination, each pair of homologous chromosomes acquires at least one crossover, which ensures accurate chromosome segregation and allows reciprocal exchange of genetic information. Recombination failure often leads to meiotic arrest, impairing fertility, but the molecular basis of recombination remains elusive. Here, we report a homozygous M1AP splicing mutation (c.1074 + 2T > C) in patients with severe oligozoospermia owing to meiotic metaphase I arrest. The mutation abolishes M1AP foci on the chromosome axes, resulting in decreased recombination intermediates and crossovers in male mouse models. M1AP interacts with the mammalian ZZS (an acronym for yeast proteins Zip2‐Zip4‐Spo16) complex components, SHOC1, TEX11, and SPO16. M1AP localizes to chromosomal axes in a SPO16‐dependent manner and colocalizes with TEX11. Ablation of M1AP does not alter SHOC1 localization but reduces the recruitment of TEX11 to recombination intermediates. M1AP shows cytoplasmic localization in fetal oocytes and is dispensable for fertility and crossover formation in female mice. Our study provides the first evidence that M1AP acts as a copartner of the ZZS complex to promote crossover formation and meiotic progression in males.
Developing an FASD Health Promotion Social Media Campaign Using Community-Based Participatory Peer Review: Notes From Atlantic Canada
Authors: Dunbar Winsor Katharine , Squires Laura , Peters Adrienne
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Health promotion awareness activities by health agencies, such as those by the Public Health Agency of Canada, aim to increase health literacy, often using social media campaigns to reach large audiences. Objectives: The objective of this research was to explore how community peer-reviewed social media content can facilitate the reach of health promotion campaigns, with specific regard to awareness around fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), alcohol, and pregnancy in Atlantic Canada. Methods: We developed a health promotion social media campaign consisting of 16 digital posters, then implemented a community-based participatory peer-review process to request input and feedback from individuals with lived experiences, caregivers, professionals who work with individuals with FASD, and various advocates for FASD throughout Atlantic Canada. Reviewer comments were then directly applied to update poster content, which was redistributed for secondary approval before circulation on Facebook and Instagram. Results: Reviewer feedback was constructive, with various suggestions for updates being applied to images and text choices. Once posted, the health promotion campaign was well received and reached over half a million viewers across the two platforms in the first three months. Engagement and interactions were overall positive, with minimal negative responses and only one post flagged by the platform as a social issue advertisement. Discussion/Conclusion: With the inclusion of diverse voices from the FASD community in the co-creation of the content, we argue that the campaign’s style, messaging, and language more accurately reflected the intended audiences and was made accessible to a wider demographic, thus strengthening awareness and prevention messages. We explore a health promotion social media campaign development process, providing valuable examples of how to encourage and create more safe spaces that promote open conversations about health and gradually dismantle outdated ideas and systems so we can begin addressing stigma by delivering accurate, non-judgmental health information.
Identifying and Mapping Canadian Registered Dietitians’ Perceptions and Knowledge of, and Experiences with, Weight-Related Evidence in Nutrition Care: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Waugh Rachel , Mireault Amy , Rothfus Melissa A. , Stoneman Scott , Lee-Baggley Dayna , Lengyel Christina , Norris Deborah , Snelgrove-Clarke Erna , Joy Phillip , Grant Shannan
Published: November 2022

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map the currently available peer-reviewed and grey literature exploring Canadian registered dietitians’ (RDs’) perceptions and knowledge of, and experiences with, weight-related evidence in nutrition care. Introduction: Weight, skin fold calipers, body mass index (BMI), and other means of measuring and describing body size, have been associated with risk, progression, and nutrition intervention success with several disease states. Interpretation and application of weight-related evidence can be impacted by several non-medical factors, including practitioner perspective, evidence interpretation and application, lived experience, and bias. Each of these outcomes may differ between RDs and are not easily described or understood. Inclusion Criteria: Original peer-reviewed studies and grey literature published in English that explore Canadian RDs’ perceptions of, knowledge of, and experiences with weight-related evidence in nutrition care will be included. Methods: Following the JBI scoping review design and associated methodology, including the three-step search strategy process, four databases will be searched: CINAHL (EBSCO), MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), and Scopus (Elsevier). Grey literature will be searched using Google Scholar, Google, and Microsoft Bing, and a search strategy specific to grey literature has been developed in partnership with the research team’s librarian (MR). Screening and extraction will be led by two independent reviewers (RW, AM), and conflicts will be resolved either by discussion or through a third reviewer (SG). Data will be presented using diagrams and/or tables, including a narrative summary. The Delphi method will be used for community consultation, that will occur throughout this study.
The Challenge of Pancasila in Fair Law Enforcement
Authors: Nurkhasanah Finda Hastin
Published: November 2022

Pancasila has become a nation of Indonesia as the basis of the agreement of the Republic of Indonesia. Pancasila as the outlook of the nation need to be implemented in everyday life, this has been exemplified by the founders of the nation through hard work and struggle that resulted in the independence of Indonesia. Growing concerns the legal conditions that favor so much of the element of justice makes the thought keen to discuss whether the values taught by the pancasila is still disregarded or ignored. Pancasila which is the ideology of the nation as a way of life and the foundation in the activities of society, nation and state were impressed only used rote without application was included in the legal field. The quality of a country that became the benchmark guarding against the ideology of the nation's highly anticipated to control the implementation of the law with justice is based on the noble values of pancasila. All legislation must be an elaboration of the principles of pancasila. All laws and regulations that are inconsistent with pancasila, null and void. Therefore, in order to understand the accuracy of a legislation then it should be understood by studying the concepts, principles and values contained in pancasila.