bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latinas and Latinos on TV: Colorblind Comedy in the Post-Racial Network Era, Isabel Molina-Guzmán (2018)
Authors: Flores Nicolás Ramos
Published: September 2022

Review of: Latinas and Latinos on TV: Colorblind Comedy in the Post-Racial Network Era, Isabel Molina-Guzmán (2018)

Tucson, AZ: The University of Arizona Press, 137 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-81653-724-2, p/bk, $19.95
Cocinando letras
Authors: Oliva Lozano Mónica
Published: September 2022

El taller 'Cocinando letras' dentro del proyecto 'Sin perfil. El libro como experiencia diversa' realizado con la Fundación San Martín de Porres, recoge la experiencia artística de una propuesta inclusiva entre el alumnado de la Facultad de Bellas Artes de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid y un grupo de personas sin hogar en riesgo de exclusión social. La propuesta, inscrita en el proyecto Aprendizaje-Servicio UCM, contempla un programa de actividades basado en la realización de tipos móviles y en la composición tipográfica posterior; punto de partida para el análisis de la estética relacional surgida en torno a la 'mesa' como marco referencial en el que poder debatir las barreras sociales que giran alrededor del acto alimenticio. Fruto de esta experiencia artística es el libro arte textil 'Sin perfil', y la performance 'Sopa de letras' realizada durante el banquete final del evento.
Devenir narradora
Authors: Delgado Ureña Diana
Published: September 2022

Escribir desde los afectos como metodología de investigación. En este artículo planteo la noción de cuerpo vibrátil de Suely Rolnik y la aproximación que hace Walter Benjamin a la figura del narrador como coordenadas para organizar una práctica de escritura para la investigación en artes. Las impresiones sensibles, corporales, sensoriales, imaginativas y reflexivas que emergen del intercambio con la práctica artística tienen la potencia de producir un campo de acción micropolítica. Este territorio se puede rastrear como un conocimiento situado y singular desde la escritura, y más en concreto desde la narración como aproximación a la experiencia sensible. El punto de partida es mi posición como espectadora-investigadora en prácticas escénicas contemporáneas. Desde esta posición situada llamo la atención sobre el germen de transformación subjetiva que es capaz de generar el encuentro con una práctica artística. De esa interacción emerge un devenir narradora-investigadora donde la escritura se transforma en una práctica que intenta hacer resonar la potencia de transformación micropolítica que el trabajo de les artistas es capaz de promover.
Arteaz idatzi / artea idatzi
Authors: Meléndez Arranz Jesús
Published: September 2022

Lehenengoz, aditz inguru: Aditz predikatiboak: aditz iragangaitzak eta iragankorrak. Horren arabera arteaz esan eta artea izan. Artea predikatua denean, Arteaz berba egiten dugu, Arteaz idazten dugu: Berbekin, Arteaz idazten dugunean: Artea, idazkeraren nolabaiteko zioa da eta nonbaiten Artea daukagu. Horregatik, Artea predikatua denean, errefentzialtasun funtzioa tartean dago. Eta hori dagoelako, testua irakurtzen dugunean, berba ez omen da, Artea da gugana datorrena, idatzitako zeinuen atzetik, kanpoan, zoruan, kutxan, Museoan, horman… Artea bera dago. Arteaz idatziz gero: subjektua, aditza, predikua, sintaxia, gramatika. Zer, zelan, non, norentzat, zertarako.  Aditz asko -ekintzak-, adjektibo ugari -kategoria eta irizpidea definitzekoak, iritzia ere-. Aditz, adjektibo eta sustantiboei esker, kontzeptualizazio nahia, diskurtso sortu: Kritika, Estetika, Pedagogia ohikoenak. Artistek  sortutako testuak ezin ahaztu: tratatuak, gutunak, XX. mendeko manifestuak. Intimoak, publikoak, sentiberak, programatikoak, pedagogikoak. Artistaren berba denean, sarri askotan, nork bere buruarentzako aitorpena, memoralia, autoanalisia. Arteaz idazterakoan, testuaren bestaldean egongo denarekin nolabiteko begirunea ere kontuan izango dugu, bestela idatzitakoa alperrik izango da. (Zerbait esan nahi badugu, berbak zerbait garraiatzea nahi izango badugu, jakina). Bestarengan ondorioa, eragina izango delakoan, komunikazio egokirako ere, berbak beharrezkoak dira. Gertaera bat: berba Artea denean/Artea berba denean. Idaztea Artea da. Literatura, lettera = verba. Berba gehienetan literatura denean: ipuin, narrazio, poema, egunerokoa, izenburuak dira… Zilegiak baina literatura. Artea literaturan: ipuinean, narrazioan, poeman, Artea predikatua baino bilbearen pertsonaia. Horrez gain, Artetik idazteak, beste gauza bat dateke ere. Artetik idaztea esateak, leku batetik idaztea baino ez du adierazten. Predikatua, ordea, ez da hain argi geratzen, ez baitu predikaturik ziurtatzen, beharbada.  Testua iragangaitza izan daiteke, objektua, berba konstelazioa, zeinua. Artea bertan dago, Artea bera da. Funtzio poetikoa. Funtzio poetikoaren mutur-muturrekoan: Berba: berba adierazle legez, adierazirik gabeko zeinua. Funtzio erreferentziala eta poetikoa beharbada ere, berbatik kanpo:  Azken muturrean edukirik gabeko ikus zeinua. Hasierara itzul gintezke eta aditzen inguruan itsatsitakoa irakurri. Arteaz idaztea: diskurtsiboa. Artea idaztea: tautologia.
Sportfunkciókkal kapcsolatos preferenciák a magyar atlétikában = Preferences related to sport functions in Hungarian athletics
Authors: Hargitai Dávid Máté
Published: September 2022

Az elmúlt évtizedekben a sport nagy változásokon ment keresztül. A magyar hivatásos sportnak jelentős kihívást jelent, hogy hogyan lehet mind sportszakmai, mind gazdasági szempontból sikeres, melyet az érintettek preferenciái is befolyásolnak. A tanulmány ezért érintetti megközelítés alapján elemzi a kiemelt sportágként kezelt atlétika egyes érintettjeinek sportággal való kapcsolatát. A kutatás fókusza a sport egyes funkcióira építve különböző dimenziókon keresztül vizsgálja a magyar hivatásos atlétika sportklubjainak belső érintetti preferenciaeltéréseit. A kutatás kvalitatív fázisa az atlétika érintett struktúráját tárta fel mini-fókuszcsoportos interjúk formájában (H1), valamint lehetővé tette az attitűdök és lehetséges preferenciák megismerését. A kutatás második szakasza a feltárt érintett csoportok bevonásával történő, nagy mintán végzett kérdőíves felmérésre épült, melynek keretében faktorelemzéssel ellenőrizte a szerző a sportágat alkotó sportfunkciókat (H2), valamint ezek eltérő szintű megjelenését az érintett csoportokban (H3).
Inteligencia artificial aplicada al método Backward Seismic Analysis
Authors: Möller-Acuña Patricia-Andrea , Pineda-Nalli Patricio-Andrés
Published: September 2022

Este trabajo presenta aplicaciones del método Backward Seismic Analysis (BSA) para estanques de acero de acuerdo con una base de datos que recopila más de 382 estanques de acero en operación durante terremotos de subducción: el ocurrido en Valdivia en 1960, en Chile Central en 1985, en Tocopilla en 2007, el último de gran magnitud registrado en el Maule en 2010, en Alaska en 1964 y otros de Estados Unidos entre 1933 y 1995 (subductivos y corticales). Se ha registrado que gran parte de los estanques sin sistemas de anclajes han fallado durante grandes terremotos. Estos han sido diseñados principalmente con los códigos API 650-E, AWWA-D100 y NZSEE, los cuales proponen procedimientos equivalentes para estimar las demandas sísmicas, pero con métodos de diseño distintos. Durante diferentes conferencias se evaluaron las causas que originaron las fallas, concluyendo que los estanques estaban diseñados principalmente con el estándar API 650-E y no disponían de sistemas de anclajes. Además, los códigos de diseño más utilizados no consideran en la actualidad los aspectos relevantes que condicionan la respuesta sísmica de los estanques de acero. Este trabajo desarrolla un modelo de predicción basado en la información histórica ya descrita, capaz de predecir de manera eficiente si un estanque presentará fallas durante algún terremoto. Se evaluaron diversos algoritmos, encontrando que el método Random Forest exhibe los mejores resultados. Los resultados obtenidos en la predicción de fallas de estanques alcanzan más del 90 % de eficiencia en la mayoría de los escenarios evaluados.
Kedudukan Wanita dalam Sistem Hukum Kewarisan Islam
Authors: Muhyidin Muhyidin
Published: September 2022

Fokus penelitian ini adalah praktik pembagian warisan di kalangan komunitas umum di Kotamadia Semarang. Tujuan utama penelitian ini adalah mendeskripsikan praktik pembagian dalam huku kewarisan Islam. Selanjutnya ingin dikaji apakah tetap bersikukuh pada hukum kewarisan Islam ataukah telah terjadi praktik yang berbeda. Dari deskripsi tersebut, selanjutnya diusahakan menemukan factor-faktor yang diasumsikan memberikan kontribusinya terhadap praktik pembagian waris tersebut.
Implementasi Syarat Tambahan Hak Remisi Pelaku Tindak Pidana Korupsi Melalui PP No. 99 Tahun 2012 (Studi pada Kantor Wilayah Kementerian Hukum dan HAM NTB)
Authors: Sukarno Sukarno
Published: September 2022

Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 99 Tahun 2012 Tentang Perubahan Kedua Atas Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 32 Tahun 1999 Tentang Syarat dan Tata Cara Pelaksanaan Hak Warga Binaan Pemasyarakatan mengatur tentang Pelaksanaan Hak Warga Binaan Pemasyarakatan termasuk salah satunya adalah Remisi terhadap narapidana korupsi. Menurut Pasal 1 Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 32 Tahun 1999.  Rumusan masalah dalam penelitian ini adalah apakah syarat tambahan telah dilaksanakan, bagaimana prosedur dalam melaksanakan syarat tambahan,Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah normatif-empiris yaitu meneliti implementasi ketentuan hukum normatif (PP No. 99 Tahun 2012) Berdasarkan hasil penelitian Kantor Wilayah Kementerian Hukum dan HAM NTB telah melaksanakan ketentuan pengusulan remisi sesuai dengan PP 99 Tahun 2012 dengan berpedoman pada : Surat Edaran Menteri Hukum dan HAM RI, Peraturan Menteri Hukum dan HAM RI dan Surat Ditjen Pemasyarakatan. Selain Remisi Umum narapidana korupsi juga mendapatkan Remisi Khusus dan Remisi Tambahan. Kesimpulan dan saran yang dapat diberikan oleh penulis yaitu PP No. 99 Tahun 2012 dalam pemberian remisi bagi narapidana korupsi telah dilaksanakan dengan baik oleh Kantor Wilayah Kementerian Hukum dan HAM NTB,  termasuk dalam koordinasi dan kerjasama antara penegak hukum yang dilakukan dalam rapat atau sidang TPP Kantor Wilayah.
Harmonisasi Hukum: Pemilu Serentak dan Ketenagakerjaan, Analisis Yuridis terhadap Kematian KPPS Tahun 2019
Authors: Benuf Kornelius
Published: September 2022

Pesta demokrasi sejatinya adalah ajang yang membawa kebahagiaan bagi seluruh rakyat Indonesia. Namun kenyataannya, banyak KPPS yang meninggal dunia. Hal ini dikarenakan beban kerja yang banyak dan waktu kerja yang panjang. Gugurnya para KPPS membawa duka mendalam sekaligus pembelajaran yang sangat berharga bagi pendewasaan politik di Indonesia. Apabila dilihat dari sudut pandang hukum ketenagakerjaan, KPPS bisa dikategorikan sebagai pekerja. Sehingga di sini bisa diberlakukan regulasi mengenai ketenagakerjaan di Indonesia. Tulisan ini ingin menjelaskan mengenai realitas kematian KPPS sebagai refleksi dari harmonisasi hukum Pemilu dengan regulasi ketenagakerjaan di Indonesia.
The Duty of Care in Company Law – Basic Issues. Foreword
Authors: Eichlerová Kateřina
Published: September 2022

Foreword
The Solution of Hungarian Company Law in Connection with Duty of Care and Duty of Loyalty
Authors: Auer Ádám , Papp Tekla
Published: September 2022

The tasks and duties of a company’s directors are diverse and varied in companies. Among these, the duty of care and duty of loyalty is generally widespread in European company law. Our contribution to this topic focuses on company law provisions, legal practice, and professional opinions in Hungary. We do not deal with the sanctioning harmful activity of the director in bankruptcy and compelled cancellation procedures.
The Legal Basis and Contextual Interpretation of the Duty of Care in Company Law in the Slovak Republic: from a “Gentlemanly Amateur” to a Professional Director?
Authors: Patakyová Mária , Grambličková Barbora , Duračinská Jana
Published: September 2022

A director may slip into the fulfilment of their own (opportunistic) interests due to the separation of management and ownership in companies and the fact that the director does not bear the risk of the possible failure of the company. Because there is a tension between the company (and its shareholders) and the director due to differences in their interests and information asymmetry, their relationship is based on trust, which is the core essence of a relationship between these entities (fiduciary relationship). The study focuses on the principal aspects of how Slovak company law deals with the tension between the interests of
the company, its shareholders, and directors, especially from the point of view of compliance with the duty of care.
Jsou rozdílné lhůty pro podání jednotlivých typů správních žalob překážkou na cestě k jednotné správní žalobě?
Authors: Codl Daniel
Published: September 2022

The thesis first deals with the current state of legal regulation of procedural time limits for filing lawsuits against a decision of an administrative body, for protection against inactivity of an administrative body and for protection against illegal intervention, instruction, or coercion of an administrative body. The issue of measures of a general nature is left aside, as they are rather similar to judicial review of legislation. The author concludes that although the issue of time limits is one of the key obstacles in examining the (im)possibility of introducing a universal administrative legal action, as it is not the only problem and therefore this question remains open. However, the current state of the legal deadlines de lege ferenda requires some improvements, in particular, the possibility of waiving a missed deadline and introducing more permeability between different types of actions by making the deadlines more standardized.
International Commercial Arbitration as a Modern Self-Regulation Tool in Hybrid War
Authors: Honcharenko Olena M. , Bakalinska Olga O. , Belianevych Olena A. , Bevz Svitlana I. , Chernenko Olena A.
Published: September 2022

One of the tools of self-regulation, which helps to settle a dispute between commercial counterparties from different states is international commercial arbitration. International commercial arbitration is an alternative to the dispute resolution process in state courts, that is – it is an alternative to the mechanisms of the state process. The problem of considering international commercial arbitration through the prism of self-regulation has not been studied from all perspectives and diversity. This issue is especially relevant when businesses seek protection of their violated rights to international commercial arbitration in a hybrid war. It is important to examine: how a self-regulatory instrument is able to implement protection when war is waged. The question arises whether private jurisdiction can provide adequate protection to commercial entities. What is the role of international commercial arbitration? How the public authorities will implement the decisions made by the arbitration against the aggressor state (the state violating investment obligations). Settlement of disputes in a hybrid war can be called “hybrid investment disputes” or “hybrid commercial disputes” depending on the object of the dispute.
Matěj Gregárek. Stát oběma nohama na zemi: symetrické přístupy k legitimitě státu
Authors: Maršálek Pavel
Published: September 2022

Book review on Gregárek, Matěj. Stát oběma nohama na zemi: symetrické přístupy k legitimitě státu. Praha: Leges, 2018, 200 s.
Confucius Institute and Confucius Classroom closures: trends, explanations and future directions
Authors: Gil Jeffrey
Published: September 2022

Confucius Institutes (CIs) and Confucius Classrooms (CCs) have always been controversial, with concerns raised by politicians, academics, journalists and members of the public about their impact on the universities, schools and countries which host them. Such concerns have grown to the extent that closures of CIs and CCs have become common. This article analyses data on the closure of CIs and CCs to determine what they mean for this language and culture promotion project. It maps out the scope and scale of closures, explains the reasons behind them, outlines China’s reaction to them and finally speculates about the future of CIs and CCs. It finds that closures have been confined to North America, Australia and Europe due to deteriorating relations with China. However, closures have not occurred in South America, Africa or the Middle East, and new CIs continue to open in these regions. This is due to opinions towards China being largely positive and a need for resources for Chinese language and culture education. Overall, the number of closures is also small, with many times more CIs and CCs still in existence than those which have closed. It would take a long time for all CIs and CCs to be shut down based on current closure rates. China has also demonstrated a willingness to modify how CIs and CCs are managed to ensure their continued existence. The article concludes that the spate of closures which have taken place in recent years does not signal the end of CIs and CCs. Closures will likely keep occurring in North America, Australia and Europe, but CIs and CCs will continue in South America, Africa and the Middle East as long as China is willing and able to support them.
Auch ein solches Phänomen erinnert sich nicht von selbst: Der 11. September 2001 als Geschichtszeichen in Historiographie und Politik
Authors: Bahners Patrick
Published: September 2022

This essay discusses the perception of 11 September 2001 as a caesura in historiography and politics. Based on a critical review of recent publications in history and reflections of key politicians, such as former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the contribution scrutinizes the conventions of the historical discipline as well as popular narratives on history. In this respect, 9/11 has not triggered a sequence of separate events embedded in their social, political, economic and other context, but has generated as a particular historical event specific conditions for a historical assessment of globalization after 9/11 as well as space for political action as such.
Selection and validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis of different organs at various development stages in Caragana intermedia
Authors: Liu Jinhua , Yang Chuang , Bai Mingzhu , Yan Feng , Qin Haiying , Wang Ruigang , Wan Yongqing , Li Guojing
Published: September 2022

Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is a technique widely used to investigate the expression of genes. An appropriate reference gene (RG) is essential for RT-qPCR analysis to obtain accurate and reliable results. Caragana intermedia plays an important role in afforestation as a bush. However, due to the lack of appropriate RGs, the research on development-related genes is limited. In this study, the selection for suitable RGs of different organs at various development stages to normalize the results of RT-qPCR about development-related genes was performed. To test the expression stability across all samples, we used the software algorithms such as geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder to evaluate all the candidate RGs. Our results showed that CiEF1α was the most stable RG with little fluctuation among all samples. In addition, CiGAPDH in roots, CiSKIP1 in stems and leaves, and CiEF1α in different organs were selected as the most stable RGs. To confirm the applicability of the most stable RGs, the relative expression of CiWRKY17 was normalized using different candidate RGs. Taken together, our research laid a foundation for the study of development-related genes in C. intermedia.
Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing technique for diagnosing a specific case of necrotizing meningoencephalitis caused by human herpesvirus 2
Authors: Li Xin , Li Jing , Shi Yawei , Wu Guode , Wang Manxia , Zhang Ye , Xia Han
Published: September 2022

Reactivation of latent human herpesvirus 2 (HHV-2) can cause spontaneous recovering aseptic meningitis and recurrent meningitis in adults, but it rarely affects the brain parenchyma to cause encephalitis. Here, we report the case of a 37-year-old male patient admitted to our hospital due to fever with a progressive headache for 3 days and paroxysmal episodes of unconsciousness for 1 day. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed viral meningoencephalitis. Then, metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was applied, which detected 12,024 unique sequences of HHV-2 in cerebrospinal fluid (2022), indicating HHV-2 encephalitis. After antiviral treatment, the patient’s symptoms improved, and he was discharged. During the 1-month follow-up, the patient recovered without any new symptoms, but a brain MRI revealed significant atrophy of the original foci. The patient was finally diagnosed with HHV-2 necrotizing meningoencephalitis, which is extremely rare. mNGS helped with the clinical diagnosis and strengthened our understanding of HHV-2 infections in the central nervous system.
Nano-material utilization in stem cells for regenerative medicine
Authors: Sawah Darin , Sahloul Maha , Ciftci Fatih
Published: September 2022

The utilization of nanotechnology in regenerative medicine has been globally proven to be the main solution to many issues faced with tissue engineering today, and the theoretical and empirical investigations of the association of nanomaterials with stem cells have made significant progress as well. For their ability to self-renew and differentiate into a variety of cell types, stem cells have become popular candidates for cell treatment in recent years, particularly in cartilage and Ocular regeneration. However, there are still several challenges to overcome before it may be used in a wide range of therapeutic contexts. This review paper provides a review of the various implications of nanomaterials in tissue and cell regeneration, the stem cell and scaffold application in novel treatments, and the basic developments in stem cell-based therapies, as well as the hurdles that must be solved for nanotechnology to be used in its full potential. Due to the increased interest in the continuously developing field of nanotechnology, demonstrating, and pinpointing the most recognized and used applications of nanotechnology in regenerative medicine became imperative to provide students, researchers, etc. who are interested.
A novel scoring system combining Modified Early Warning Score with biomarkers of monocyte distribution width, white blood cell counts, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio to improve early sepsis prediction in older adults
Authors: Lin Sheng-Feng , Lin Hui-An , Pan Yi-Hsiang , Hou Sen-Kuang
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study aims to investigate whether combining scoring systems with monocyte distribution width (MDW) improves early sepsis detection in older adults in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

In this prospective observational study, we enrolled older adults aged ≥60 years who presented with confirmed infectious diseases to the ED. Three scoring systems—namely quick sepsis-related organ failure assessment (qSOFA), Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), and National Early Warning Score (NEWS), and biomarkers including MDW, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), were assessed in the ED. Logistic regression models were used to construct sepsis prediction models.

Results

After propensity score matching, we included 522 and 2088 patients with and without sepsis in our analysis from January 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021. NEWS ≥5 and MEWS ≥3 exhibited a moderate-to-high sensitivity and a low specificity for sepsis, whereas qSOFA score ≥2 demonstrated a low sensitivity and a high specificity. When combined with biomarkers, the NEWS-based, the MEWS-based, and the qSOFA-based models exhibited improved diagnostic accuracy for sepsis detection without CRP inclusion (c-statistics=0.842, 0.842, and 0.826, respectively). Of the three models, MEWS ≥3 with white blood cell (WBC) count ≥11 × 109/L, NLR ≥8, and MDW ≥20 demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy in all age subgroups (c-statistics=0.886, 0.825, and 0.822 in patients aged 60–74, 75–89, and 90–109 years, respectively).

Conclusions

Our novel scoring system combining MEWS with WBC, NLR, and MDW effectively detected sepsis in older adults.
First-principles study of the mechanical and thermodynamic properties of ordered phase Mg3Cd under high pressure
Authors: Huang Zai Gao
Published: September 2022

The mechanical and thermomechanical properties of superlattice Mg3Cd (D019) in the pressure range 0–50 GPa were investigated using the first-principles method. The lattice constants, unit cell volume, and density were investigated. The calculated lattice constants are in good agreement with experimental and other theoretical values. The elastic moduli (such as bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus) of polycrystalline materials were derived from the single-crystal elastic constants. In addition, Poisson’s ratio, B/G, and Cauchy pressure were investigated. The calculated results show that Mg3Cd is a ductile material and exhibits metallic properties under various pressures. The dependence of thermodynamic properties on temperature and pressure are also discussed by using the quasi-Debye model approximation.
IMF Advice on Capital Flows: How Well is it Supported by Empirical Evidence?
Authors: Montiel Peter J.
Published: September 2022

The 1997–98 Asian financial crisis marked a turning point in the IMF’s previously negative views on the usefulness of capital account restrictions, culminating eventually in the publication of the Fund’s new Institutional View (IV) on the topic in 2012. The IV acknowledged that full capital account liberalization may not always be appropriate, accepted that new restrictions could at times have a useful role to play even in countries that had previously liberalized, and spelled out a specific set of circumstances under which the deploying of new restrictions could be justified as temporary measures in response to large capital flows. This paper documents the important role that empirical research, both by the profession at large as well as by the Fund’s own staff, played in supporting the first two components of the IV. It argues, however, that, empirical support is lacking with respect to the third component of the IV: the conditions under which the deployment of temporary capital account restrictions may be desirable. The conditions stipulated under the IV, which have the effect of considerably restricting the scope of circumstances in which the use of restrictions may be appropriate, are not fully justified by empirical evidence or recent experience and are best understood simply as a vestige of the institution’s pre-IV hostility to the use of restrictions.
Towards HIPC 2.0? Lessons from Past Debt Relief Initiatives for Addressing Current Debt Problems
Authors: Essers Dennis , Cassimon Danny
Published: September 2022

When the COVID-19 pandemic added to already elevated debt vulnerabilities in low-income countries, the G20 launched the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) and the Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the DSSI, which have provided limited relief so far. For several countries, deeper and more wide-ranging debt treatments will likely be needed to secure future debt sustainability. This paper looks at the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, the largest and most comprehensive debt relief effort for low-income countries to date, as a potential reference point for the 2020s. While the HIPC initiative appears to have been a qualified success, its replication in the current context would be infeasible and undesirable. Creditor base heterogeneity justifies a more flexible, differentiated approach to debt restructuring. Yet, the HIPC experience holds valuable lessons. “Delay and replay” tendencies should be avoided. Involving commercial creditors is a real challenge, requiring carrots and sticks. And imposing extra conditionality on debt relief proceeds could be helpful but should not be overdone. Even if the Common Framework is unlikely to suffice in case of a systemic debt crisis, its inter-creditor dialogue could perhaps serve as the basis for a more inclusive advisory body or forum for debt restructuring.
A Mountain of Debt: Navigating the Legacy of the Pandemic
Authors: Kose M. Ayhan , Ohnsorge Franziska , Sugawara Naotaka
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a massive increase in global debt levels and exacerbated the trade-offs between the benefits and costs of accumulating government debt. This paper examines these trade-offs by putting the recent debt boom into a historical context. It reports three major findings. First, during the 2020 global recession, both global government and private debt levels rose to record highs, and at their fastest single-year pace, in five decades. Second, the debt-financed, massive fiscal support programs implemented during the pandemic supported activity and illustrated the benefits of accumulating debt. However, as the recovery gains traction, the balance of benefits and costs of debt accumulation could increasingly tilt toward costs. Third, more than two-thirds of emerging market and developing economies are currently in government debt booms. On average, the current booms have already lasted three years longer, and are accompanied by a considerably larger fiscal deterioration, than earlier booms. About half of the earlier debt booms were associated with financial crises in emerging market and developing economies.
How did the dietary habits of patients with chronic medical conditions change during COVID-19?
Authors: Patel Sahil K. , Gupta Adarsh
Published: September 2022

Context

Previous studies have examined the changes in the dietary habits of general populations during the COVID-19 pandemic but have not focused on specific populations such as those with chronic medical conditions (CMCs). Prior to major vaccination efforts, 96.1% of deaths were attributed to patients with preexisting CMCs, thus it is important to examine how this population has endured changes.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify differences in dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and food attitudes between those with CMCs compared to the populations without chronic medical conditions (non-CMCs) since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An online cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 to July 2021. Participants (n=299) responded to a 58-item questionnaire regarding demographics (n=9), health information (n=8), lifestyle habits (n=7), dietary habits (n=28), and food attitudes (n=6). Frequency counts and percentages were tabulated, and t-test sampling and ANOVA testing were conducted to examine the associations utilizing SPSS V28 at a statistical significance level of p<0.05.

Results

When compared to non-CMC participants, with CMCs had a less frequent change in their diet and had better food attitudes when it came to consumption habits. Non-CMC and CMC participants had no statistically significant differences in overall dietary habits; however, an examination of specific food items reviews significant findings. Compared to non-CMC participants, those with CMCs reported significantly decreased consumption of energy-dense food such as French fries, white pasta, sweets, and salty snacks, with notable exceptions in increased consumption of energy-dense foods, starchy veggies, and vegetable/tomato juice.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that participants with CMCs indicated that fewer changes occurred in participants with a CMC; however, when these participants made changes, they were beneficial to their consumption habits. Future studies should aim to develop interventions for the demographics with poor dietary habits so that those that are most vulnerable may have their needs met.
Genetic analysis of failed male puberty using whole exome sequencing
Authors: Akram Maleeha , Handelsman David J. , Qayyum Mazhar , Kennerson Marina , Rauf Sania , Ahmed Shahid , Ishtiaq Osama , Ismail Muhammad , Mansoor Qaisar , Naseem Afzaal Ahmed , Rizvi Syed Shakeel Raza
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Although at least 598 genes are involved in the development of the hypothalamo–pituitary–testicular (HPT) axis, mutations in only 75 genes have so far been shown to cause delayed puberty.

Methods

Six male patients with failed puberty, manifested as absence of pubertal changes by 18 years of age, underwent whole exome sequencing of genomic DNA with subsequent bioinformatics analysis and confirmation of selected variants by Sanger sequencing. Genes having plausibly pathogenic non-synonymous variants were characterized as group A (previously reported to cause delayed puberty), group B (expressed in the HPT-axis but no mutations therein were reported to cause delayed puberty) or group C (not reported previously to be connected with HPT-axis).

Results

We identified variants in genes involved in GnRH neuron differentiation (2 in group A, 1 in group C), GnRH neuron migration (2 each in groups A and C), development of GnRH neural connections with supra-hypothalamic and hypothalamic neurons (2 each in groups A and C), neuron homeostasis (1 in group C), molecules regulating GnRH neuron activity (2 each in groups B and C), receptors/proteins expressed on GnRH neurons (1 in group B), signaling molecules (3 in group C), GnRH synthesis (1 in group B), gonadotropins production and release (1 each in groups A, B, and C) and action of the steroid hormone (1 in group A).

Conclusions

Non-synonymous variants were identified in 16 genes of the HPT-axis, which comprised 4 in group A that contains genes previously reported to cause delayed puberty, 4 in group B that are expressed along HPT-axis but no mutations therein were reported previously to cause delayed puberty and 8 in group C that contains novel candidate genes, suggesting wider genetic causes of failed male puberty.
Optimization of PID controller for water level control of the nuclear steam generator using PSO and GA
Authors: Safarzadeh Omid , Tizdast Amir
Published: September 2022

The water level control system implicated in the nuclear steam generator has played an essential role in unexpected shutdowns of the power plant. According to reports, about 25% of the emergency power blackouts are caused by improper level control systems. The effectiveness of optimization methods in designing a controller is currently proved in different disciplines. The novelty of this paper is the proportional integral derivative (PID) controller tuning of nuclear steam generator by particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA) for the lowest steady-state error, overshoot, undershoot, and settling time. Different types of the cost function are employed to obtain the controller gains. The integral of the absolute error (IAE), square error (ISE), time-weighted average error (ITAE), time-weighted square error (ITSE), and a weighted function based on overshoot, undershoot, and settling time are used. The gain scheduling of optimized PIDs is used to have an entire operating range control system. The desired load-following and stability of the optimized PID controller are investigated under both time and frequency domains using trajectory tracking, disturbance rejection, and Nichols chart criterion.
Black voices and thoughts in general and special education: introducing the special issue
Authors: Gibson Lenwood
Published: September 2022

At this current time in history, many Black people in the United States are in perilous positions. Moreover, Black students find themselves in similar situations in regards to their education. Over the past two years, the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic and on-going police violence against Black people have created an atmosphere that is suffocating and demoralizing. Strong and continued discourse is needed to provide solutions to on-going social and educational inequities that our students face. These inequities have only been further exacerbated by the pandemic and turbulent political atmosphere. This introduction to the special issue provides the context for why the voices and thoughts of Black scholars matter so much at this time. As it appears, it is wise too not stand idly by when the future of Black students is at stake. Scholars in this special issue are standing up to represent at a time when freedom seems to be in danger at all levels.
Proteomics research of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 disease
Authors: Zhang Nan , Wang Siyuan , Wong Catherine C.L.
Published: September 2022

Currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still spreading in a global scale, exerting a massive health and socioeconomic crisis. Deep insights into the molecular functions of the viral proteins and the pathogenesis of this infectious disease are urgently needed. In this review, we comprehensively describe the proteome of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and summarize their protein interaction map with host cells. In the protein interaction network between the virus and the host, a total of 787 host prey proteins that appeared in at least two studies or were verified by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Together with 29 viral proteins, a network of 1762 proximal interactions were observed. We also review the proteomics results of COVID-19 patients and proved that SARS-CoV-2 hijacked the host’s translation system, post-translation modification system, and energy supply system via viral proteins, resulting in various immune disorders, multiple cardiomyopathies, and cholesterol metabolism diseases.
Mu opioid receptor-mediated release of endolysosome iron increases levels of mitochondrial iron, reactive oxygen species, and cell death
Authors: Halcrow Peter W. , Kumar Nirmal , Hao Emily , Khan Nabab , Meucci Olimpia , Geiger Jonathan D.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Opioids including morphine and DAMGO activate mu-opioid receptors (MOR), increase intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and induce cell death. Ferrous iron (Fe2+) through Fenton-like chemistry increases ROS levels and endolysosomes are “master regulators of iron metabolism” and contain readily-releasable Fe2+stores. However, mechanisms underlying opioid-induced changes in endolysosome iron homeostasis and downstream-signaling events remain unclear.

Methods

We used SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy to measure Fe2+and ROS levels and cell death.

Results

Morphine and DAMGO de-acidified endolysosomes, decreased endolysosome Fe2+levels, increased cytosol and mitochondria Fe2+and ROS levels, depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced cell death; effects blocked by the nonselective MOR antagonist naloxone and the selective MOR antagonist β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA). Deferoxamine, an endolysosome-iron chelator, inhibited opioid agonist-induced increases in cytosolic and mitochondrial Fe2+and ROS. Opioid-induced efflux of endolysosome Fe2+and subsequent Fe2+accumulation in mitochondria were blocked by the endolysosome-resident two-pore channel inhibitor NED-19 and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitor TRO.

Conclusions

Opioid agonist-induced increases in cytosolic and mitochondrial Fe2+and ROS as well as cell death appear downstream of endolysosome de-acidification and Fe2+efflux from the endolysosome iron pool that is sufficient to affect other organelles.
Finance, Investment and Decolonisation in Nigeria
Authors: Lukasiewicz Mariusz
Published: September 2022

Given the relative scarcity of capital and the small volume of savings in most African economies at independence, the establishment of stock exchanges and their regulation showed that several countries considered them as strategic financial intermediaries for channelling capital to their national, and even regional, economies. This article examines the Lagos Stock Exchange’s formative years as a political process of Nigeria’s decolonisation and the First Republic. Originally incorporated as a private limited liability company on 15 September 1960, and as the first stock exchange in West Africa and the region’s largest economy, the new financial intermediary defined the relationship between the post-independence state and the growing capital market during a period of considerable political and economic changes. The role of the post-independence state and state-owned enterprises in facilitating the trade on the Lagos Stock Exchange broadens the analytical scope of this investigation to identify the sources of Nigeria’s development finance. While significant efforts were taken to grow private individual participation in the share trade and ownership, the early years of the Lagos Stock Exchange were ultimately marked by the dominance of institutional investors such as state-owned enterprises and private commercial banks.
New model predicts in-hospital complications in myocardial infarction
Authors:   Cardiology Service, Enrique Cabrera General Teaching Hospital, Havana, Cuba, Martinez-Garcia Geovedy , Rodriguez-Ramos Miguel ,   Cardiology Service, Camilo Cienfuegos General Teaching Hospital, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, Santos-Medina Maikel ,   Cardiology Service, Dr. Ernesto Guevara de La Serna General Teaching Hospital, Las Tunas, Cuba, Carrero-Vazquez Annia Maria ,   Cardiology Service, Enrique Cabrera General Teaching Hospital, Havana, Cuba, Chipi-Rodriguez Yanitsy ,   Cardiology Service, Enrique Cabrera General Teaching Hospital, Havana, Cuba
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Objectives: Ischemic cardiopathy constitutes the leading cause of death worldwide. Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic capacity of the leukoglycemic index as well as to create a predictive model of in-hospital complications in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods: This was a multicentral and cohort study, which included patients inserted in the Cuban Registry of acute myocardial infarction. The study investigated 900 patients with a validation population represented by 233 external subjects. In order to define the performance of the leukoglycemic index were evaluated the discrimination with the statistical C and the calibration by Hosmer – Lemeshow test. A model of logistic binary regression was employed in order to define the predictive factors. Results: Optimal cut point of the leukoglycemic index to predict in-hospital complications was 1188 (sensibility 60%; specificity 61.6%; area under the curve 0.623; p < 0.001). In-hospital complications were significantly higher in the group with the leukoglycemic index ≥ 1188; a higher value was significantly associated with a higher risk to develop an in-hospital complication [RR (IC 95%) = 2.4 (1.804–3.080); p<0.001]. The predictive model proposed is composed by the following factors: age ≥ 66 years, leukoglycemic index ≥ 1188, Killip-Kimball classification ≥ II and medical history of hypertension. This scale had a good discrimination in both, the training and the validation population. Conclusions: The leukoglycemic index possesses a low performance when used to assess the risks for in hospital complications in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction. The new predictive model has a good performance, which can be applied to estimate risk of in-hospital complications. This model would be able to contribute to the health systems of developing countries without additional cost; it enables prediction of the patients having a higher risk of complications and a negative outcome during the hospitable admission.
Construction and Evaluation of the Brucella Double Gene Knock-out Vaccine Strain MB6 Δbp26ΔwboA (RM6)
Authors: Shi Bochang , Li Xinyu , Li Bo , Zheng Naxin , Li Min , Liu Yuan , Li Chunhe , Yan Fang , He Wei , Zhao Liyan , Li Huabin , Tian Chongyu , Zheng Yuanqiang , Zhao Zhongpeng
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Brucellosis is a serious zoonotic infection worldwide. To date, vaccination is the most effective measure against brucellosis. This study was aimed at obtaining a vaccine strain that has high protective efficacy and low toxicity, and allows vaccination to be differentiated from infection.

Methods:

Using homologous recombination, we constructed a double gene-deletion Brucella strain MB6 Δbp26ΔwboA (RM6) and evaluated its characteristics, safety and efficacy.

Results:

The RM6 strain had good proliferative ability and stable biological characteristics in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, it had a favorable safety profile and elicited specific immune responses in mice and sheep.

Conclusion:

The RM6 strain may have substantial practical application value.
Ataxin-2 in the hypothalamus at the crossroads between metabolism and clock genes
Authors: Carmo-Silva Sara , Ferreira-Marques Marisa , Nóbrega Clévio , Botelho Mariana , Costa Daniela , Aveleira Célia A , Pulst Stefan M , Pereira de Almeida Luís , Cavadas Claudia
Published: September 2022

ATXN2 gene, encoding for ataxin-2, is located in a trait locus for obesity. Atxn2 knockout (KO) mice are obese and insulin resistant; however, the cause for this phenotype is still unknown. Moreover, several findings suggest ataxin-2 as a metabolic regulator, but the role of this protein in the hypothalamus was never studied before. The aim of this work was to understand if ataxin-2 modulation in the hypothalamus could play a role in metabolic regulation. Ataxin-2 was overexpressed/re-established in the hypothalamus of C57Bl6/Atxn2 KO mice fed either a chow or a high-fat diet (HFD). This delivery was achieved through stereotaxic injection of lentiviral vectors encoding for ataxin-2. We show, for the first time, that HFD decreases ataxin-2 levels in mouse hypothalamus and liver. Specific hypothalamic ataxin-2 overexpression prevents HFD-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Ataxin-2 re-establishment in Atxn2 KO mice improved metabolic dysfunction without changing body weight. Furthermore, we observed altered clock gene expression in Atxn2 KO that might be causative of metabolic dysfunction. Interestingly, ataxin-2 hypothalamic re-establishment rescued these circadian alterations. Thus, ataxin-2 in the hypothalamus is a determinant for weight, insulin sensitivity and clock gene expression. Ataxin-2’s potential role in the circadian clock, through the regulation of clock genes, might be a relevant mechanism to regulate metabolism. Overall, this work shows hypothalamic ataxin-2 as a new player in metabolism regulation, which might contribute to the development of new strategies for metabolic disorders.
Chlorophenol degradation in papermaking wastewater through a heterogeneous ozonation process catalyzed by Fe-Mn/sepiolite
Authors: Cheng Zheng , Yang Rendang , Wang Bin , Yang Fei
Published: September 2022

Heterogeneous Fe-Mn/sepiolite catalysts were prepared by the co-precipitation method, followed by heat treatment. The catalysts were characterized by several techniques; analysis by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the existence of fine Fe and Mn particles in the catalysts. Compared to natural sepiolite, the specific surface area of the Fe-Mn/sepiolite catalyst was increased from 125.2 to 412.7 m2/g, as measured by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The activity of the catalysts was evaluated by the ozonation degradation of p-chlorophenol solution, and the results showed that the catalysts were highly effective, as the removal rate of p-chlorophenol was more than 98.5%, achieved in 25 min at a 20% (w/w) Mn content. The catalysts were then used for chlorophenol degradation in papermaking wastewater through a heterogeneous ozonation process. At optimal conditions, a 98% chlorophenol removal rate and a 58% COD removal efficiency were achieved in 30 min, and pollutants in the treated wastewater were more biodegradable and less toxic than in raw water. Moreover, the prepared catalysts remained stable during successive catalytic ozonation runs. The possible reaction pathway was also proposed.