bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Perform English Word Stress on English Pronunciation
Authors: Ambalegin Ambalegin , Afriana Afriana
Published: August 2023

Word stress is a suprasegmental feature in English pronunciation. The word stress supports the correct articulation of English pronunciation. This qualitative research revealed the position of stress in English words. This research captured the pattern of English word stress. There are several phonologists discussing the word stress such as Chomsky, Hale, and Giegerich. The data taken was from the Oxford English Dictionary and from the English native spoken by observing, reading, listening, and noting. The way to analyze the data applied the textual analysis. The result of this research is the pattern of the English word stress articulation. From this research, it is known that the number of syllables determines the position of the stress. The ultimate stress occurs in two-syllable words. The penultimate and antepenultimate syllables occur in the words which have more than two syllables. The stress in the first syllable occurs in one-syllable, two-syllable, three-syllable, and four-syllable words. Stress does not fall on the affixes. However, the stress falls on the preposition for phrasal verbs. There is variation of stress position on the compound nouns and noun phrases due to their formation. Knowing stress’ position while pronouncing English helps distinguish the meaning literally.
ANALISA PENGARUH TEMPERATUR UDARA DAN TEMPERATUR BAHAN BAKAR TERHADAP PERFORMA MOTOR BAKAR
Authors: Nafi Maula
Published: August 2023

ABSTRAK

            Temperatur merupakan tingkatan panas dari kegiatan molekul di dalam atsmosfer, temperatur udara merupakan aspek yang dapat merubah kandungan dalam udara itu sendiri, sama halnya dengan temperatur bahan bakar yang dapat merubah kandungan maupun sifat dan karakter dalam bahan bakar itu sendiri. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh perubahan temperatur udara dan bahan bakar terhadap performa motor bakar itu sendiri, dengan cara mevariasikan temperatur udara dan bahan bakar dengan 3 temperatur udara yaitu 29˚C, 35˚C & 39˚C serta 3 temperatur bahan bakar yaitu 26˚C , 34˚C  & 42˚C, dan jenis bahan bakar yang di gunakan adalah bensin dengan RON 90 alat uji yang di gunakan adalah motor Honda Blade 110CC di atas mesin dyno test. Dari pengujian ini di dapat hasil Daya konsumsi bahan bakar spesifik yang terbaik ada pada pada sampling A1 dengan daya  6,79 HP  dengan konsumsi bahan bakar spesifik 0,119 Kg/Hp.jam  untuk Temperatur udara 29˚C dengan temperatur bahan bakar 26˚C, dan Torsi terbesar pada samplng C1 sebesar 0.87 Kg.m untuk temperatur udara 26˚C dengan temperatur bahan bakar 39˚C sehingga menunjukkan hasil pembakaran terbaik pada performa motor bakar teresebut.
The Role of Peritoneal Immunity in Peritoneal Endometriosis and Related Infertility
Authors: Huang Qiongxiao , Yu Yiqi , Xu Weihai , Li Shishi , Zhou Yier , Shu Jing
Published: August 2023

Endometriosis is defined as a disorder in which the glands and stroma of the endometrium grow and shed periodically outside the uterine cavity. Highly prevalent in women of reproductive age, the most common clinical manifestations are chronic pelvic pain and infertility. The pathogenesis of endometriosis may be multifactorial, including factors of anatomy, immunity, inflammation, hormones (estrogen), oxidative stress, genetics, epigenetics, and environment. There are generally three types of endometriotic disease, namely peritoneal, ovarian, and deep infiltration. For the same patient, there may be a single or multiple types concurrently. The different manifestations of these types suggests that they each have their own etiology. Numerous studies have shown that the evasion of endometrial cells from peritoneal immune surveillance helps establish and maintain peritoneal endometriosis, but the specific mechanism is not well understood. Likewise, the molecular mechanisms of endometriosis-related infertility have not been clearly elucidated. This review attempts to identify the role of peritoneal immunity in peritoneal endometriosis and related infertility, especially in the aspects of molecular mechanisms.
One-Pot Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Garcinia gummi-gutta: Characterisation, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-Cancerous and Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Kurian Jissa Theresa , Balasubramanian Balamuralikrishnan , Meyyazhagan Arun , Pappuswamy Manikantan , Alanazi Amer M. , Rengasamy Kannan RR. , Arumugam Vijaya Anand , Sebastian Joseph Kadanthottu , Chen Jen-Tsung
Published: August 2023

Background: Methods like the bio-synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using plant extracts have become promising due to their eco-friendly approach. The study aimed to examine the utilization of Garcinia gummi-gutta fruit phytochemicals as agents in the biosynthesis of Ag NPs, evaluation of the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancerous properties, as well as the photocatalytic ability of bio-synthesized Ag NPs against Crystal Violet (CV), a triphenylmethane dye. Methods: The characterization of the physical properties of the Ag NPs synthesized via the green route was done using UV–Vis spectrophotometry (UV–Vis), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Zeta potential analysis, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The dye degradation efficiency of CV was determined using synthesized Ag NPs under UV light by analyzing the absorption maximum at 579 nm. The antimicrobial efficacy of Ag NPs against E. coli, S. aureus, Candida tropicalis, and Candida albicans was examined using the broth dilution method. The antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of the synthesized Ag NPs were assessed using the DPPH and MTT assays. Results: The UV analysis revealed that the peak of synthesized Ag NPs was 442 nm. Data from FTIR, XRD, Zeta potential, SEM, and TEM analysis confirmed the formation of nanoparticles. The SEM and TEM analysis identified the presence of spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 29.12 nm and 24.18 nm, respectively. Maximum dye degradation efficiency of CV was observed at 90.08% after 320 min without any silver leaching, confirming the photocatalytic activity of Ag NPs. The bio-efficiency of the treatment was assessed using the Allium cepa root growth inhibition test, toxicity analysis on Vigna radiata, and Brine shrimp lethality assay. Conclusions: The findings revealed the environmentally friendly nature of green Ag NPs over physical/chemically synthesized Ag NPs. The synthesized Ag NPs can effectively be used in biomedical and photocatalytic applications.
PinX1-Promoted Autophagy Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Apoptosis by Inhibiting the NF-κB/p65 Signaling Pathway in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Mengxue , Chen Fang , Yu Chaosheng , Cai Zhimou , Zhong Qingwen , Feng Jialian , Li Guanxue , Shen Congxiang , Wen Zhong
Published: August 2023

Background: The role of Pin2 telomeric repeat factor 1-interacting telomerase inhibitor 1 (PinX1) in tumorigenesis and development has been extensively studied. As we previously demonstrated, PinX1 plays an important role in modulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the relationship between PinX1, autophagy, and cell function in NPC remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which PinX1 regulates autophagy in NPC, and to explore its biological role and clinical significance in disease progression. Methods: The proliferative capacity of NPC cells was assessed by MTT and xenograft tumorigenicity assays. Autophagic flux was monitored using a tandem monomeric DAPI–FITC–LC3 reporter assay. The rates of apoptosis and the cell cycle in NPC cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. The activation of autophagy and the signaling status of the AKT/mTOR and NF-κB/p65 pathways were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Results: In addition to promoting autophagy and apoptosis, PinX1 overexpression suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and decelerated cell-cycle progression in NPC cells. These effects were reversed by inhibiting autophagy with 3-methyladenine. Mechanistic investigations clarified that PinX1 overexpression significantly reduced the expression of p-AKT, p-mTOR, p65, and p-p65. Chloroquine treatment in PinX1-overexpressing cells did not significantly alter p-AKT and p-mTOR levels, whereas 3-MA treatment in PinX1-overexpressing cells resulted in increased p65 and p-p65 expression, relative to untreated PinX1-overexpressing cells. Conclusions: It appears that PinX1 promotes autophagy by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which then inhibits NF-κB/p65 pathways, and consequently inhibiting cell proliferation and causing cell apoptosis in NPC cells.
Non-Coding RNA in Cholangiocarcinoma: An Update
Authors: Li Jiehan , Bao Haolin , Huang Ziyue , Liang Zixin , Lin Ning , Ni Chunjie , Xu Yi
Published: August 2023

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is one of the most common tumors with high malignancy. Its incidence is increasing year by year, and it is insidious and easily metastasized, and most patients are already in advanced stages when they are diagnosed. Surgery is an essential treatment for CCA, but the 5-year survival rate is still unsatisfactory due to the low early diagnosis rate and high malignancy of CCA. Therefore, exploring the molecular mechanisms of CCA to find reliable biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets is essential to improve the early diagnosis and survival rate of CCA. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is a class of RNA without protein-coding ability, mainly including microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA). In recent years, numerous pieces of evidence have shown that aberrantly expressed ncRNAs can regulate the occurrence and development of CCA through various mechanisms such as mediating epigenetic, sponge miRNAs regulating the expression of target genes and participating in regulating cancer-related signaling pathways, which provides new approaches and ideas for early diagnosis, prognosis assessment and therapeutic targeting of CCA. In this paper, we review the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs and circRNAs regulating the progression of CCA in recent years and discuss their potential clinical value in CCA.
Effect of Physical Exercise on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Purkinje Cell Survival in the Cerebellum of 3xTg-AD Mice
Authors: Jin Youngyun , Kim Taewan , Kim Taewoon
Published: August 2023

Background: The cerebellum is an area of the brain that is prone to damage in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As a non-pharmacological intervention for AD, exercise training has shown an ameliorating effect on AD pathology; however, the target regions have mostly been the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The main aim of this study was to explore the influence of 12 weeks of treadmill running on the accumulation of AD-related proteins, dysfunction of mitochondria, and subsequent neuronal cell death in the cerebellum of triple transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice. Methods: Four-month-old 3xTg-AD mice were allocated into two groups: an AD control group (AD, n = 10) and an AD exercise group (AD-Exe, n = 10). The AD-Exe mice underwent training on a motorized animal treadmill 5 days a week for 12 weeks. After sacrifice, the cerebellum was collected and biochemically analyzed. Results: The AD-Exe mice expressed reduced levels of extracellular β-amyloid plaques and phosphorylated tau (p-tau), and showed improved Purkinje cell survival and mitochondrial function compared with AD mice. Conclusions: These findings suggest that engaging in exercise training can offer protection against the progression of AD in the cerebellum by enhancing mitochondrial function and promoting cell survival.
Research Progress in Immunotherapy of Gliomas
Authors: Duan Zhi-hong , Wei Zi-long
Published: August 2023

Although some progress has been made in tumor treatment, gliomas remain one of the tumors that can still seriously threaten human life and health. Due to the particularity of the immune microenvironment of the central nervous system and the strong invasiveness of tumors, the treatment of gliomas remains a major challenge. Currently, researchers have explored a large number of immunotherapy programs to improve the survival and prognosis of glioma patients, including tumor vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell transfer therapy, viral vector therapy, and genetic engineering therapy. The goal of these programs is to activate or change the immunosuppressive environment and target tumor cells through drugs, combined with surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and anti-angiogenesis drugs, to achieve the purpose of treating glioma. This review briefly describes the immunosuppressive microenvironment of gliomas and summarizes recent immunotherapeutic strategies and their progress. The aim is to summarize the latest immunotherapies for the treatment of gliomas and provide new research directions.
The NEF-SPA Approach as a Framework for Developing a Neurobiologically Inspired Spiking Neural Network Model for Speech Production
Authors: Kröger Bernd J.
Published: August 2023

Background: The computer-based simulation of the whole processing route for speech production and speech perception in a neurobiologically inspired way remains a challenge. Only a few neural based models of speech production exist, and these models either concentrate on the cognitive-linguistic component or the lower-level sensorimotor component of speech production and speech perception. Moreover, these existing models are second-generation neural network models using rate-based neuron approaches. The aim of this paper is to describe recent work developing a third-generation spiking-neuron neural network capable of modeling the whole process of speech production, including cognitive and sensorimotor components. Methods: Our neural model of speech production was developed within the Neural Engineering Framework (NEF), incorporating the concept of Semantic Pointer Architecture (SPA), which allows the construction of large-scale neural models of the functioning brain based on only a few essential and neurobiologically well-grounded modeling or construction elements (i.e., single spiking neuron elements, neural connections, neuron ensembles, state buffers, associative memories, modules for binding and unbinding of states, modules for time scale generation (oscillators) and ramp signal generation (integrators), modules for input signal processing, modules for action selection, etc.). Results: We demonstrated that this modeling approach is capable of constructing a fully functional model of speech production based on these modeling elements (i.e., biologically motivated spiking neuron micro-circuits or micro-networks). The model is capable of (i) modeling the whole processing chain of speech production and, in part, for speech perception based on leaky-integrate-and-fire spiking neurons and (ii) simulating (macroscopic) speaking behavior in a realistic way, by using neurobiologically plausible (microscopic) neural construction elements. Conclusions: The model presented here is a promising approach for describing speech processing in a bottom-up manner based on a set of micro-circuit neural network elements for generating a large-scale neural network. In addition, the model conforms to a top-down design, as it is available in a condensed form in box-and-arrow models based on functional imaging and electrophysiological data recruited from speech processing tasks.
Natural and climatic conditions in the fate of the nomadic peoples of Southern Russia in the 15th – 18th centuries
Authors: Dzhumagulova Aigul , Kolesnikov Ilya , Fomenko Vladimir , Meleshko Olga
Published: August 2023

The article discusses the relationship between natural and climatic conditions and migrations of nomadic peoples (Nogais, Kalmyks and Turkmens) in the steppe regions of the North Caucasus in the 15th - 18th centuries, as well as the influence of these conditions on the organization of the system of governance of nomadic peoples in the region. The study shows that the features of the natural landscape and climate strongly influenced the specifics of the life of nomadic societies, forcing them to develop special tools for adaptation and management in the Pre-Caucasus. The involvement of nomadic peoples in the sphere of influence of Russia and their subsequent entry into the Russian state was an important act to ensure order and stability on the southern borders of the empire.
Design is Everywhere, But Nowhere in Patent Analytics
Authors: Shin Taek-Kyun , Kim Jieun
Published: August 2023

The number of design patents has grown significantly in the last 140 years. However, a data-driven approach for design patents has been overlooked and underutilised in the design management and innovation research communities. Through the prism of a patent professional, data analyst and designer, this photo essay demystifies the complexity of design patent data and sheds light on the underlying value of design as it features among a range of diverse innovation activities. Patent network analysis and visualisation techniques enable the building of a series of patent citation maps and co-inventor networks. Cases from renowned companies—Apple, Dyson, Samsung, and LG electronics— reveal different shapes of innovation activities, focusing on product diversification strategies, collaboration patterns and design-technology cross-pollination flows.
How Do We Get Paid for This? The Relationship Between Strategic Design Management and Pricing Power
Authors: Parkman Ian D.
Published: August 2023

The belief that strategic design leads to improved firm competitiveness is broadly recognised in contemporary research. However, much less is understood about the precise, concrete mechanisms by which organizations translate their design-based resources and capabilities into higher performance. This paper provides context to this relationship by introducing the variable of pricing power as a potential element of unobserved “dark matter” that clarifies how design-based differentiation results in product performance. Pricing power is described by Stephan Liozu (2019) as “the ability to increase prices without losing demand”. Remarkably, nowhere in the vast literature on pricing is design mentioned, while in parallel pricing has not appeared to be of particular interest to strategic design researchers. In an effort to spur further interest in this variable a case study is provided, illustrating the process footwear and apparel brand Nike employed to leverage design-based differentiation to support the pricing power of a new offering.
The Fifth Order of Design
Authors: Fonseca Braga Mariana
Published: August 2023

Failures in achieving sustainability are being recognised worldwide. Approaches to tackling sustainability challenges often fail to address the roots of these challenges. This paper contributes to a necessary discussion of an emerging necessity, a research agenda that encompasses the transformative strategic role and value of design in (co-)shaping sustainable and equitable futures. It draws attention to drivers of unsustainability and their complex interplay of design, environmental, economic, societal and individual values that govern our modern society. Richard Buchanan’s four orders of design model is reviewed in the process, with a fifth order being suggested to deal with the change of paradigm that sustainability requires. This comprehensive view is critical to tgetting to grips with global challenges (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) since the shift towards sustainability needs to address the root causes of systemic and interrelated problems that cannot be overcome by reactive marketing and technocratic approaches. Implications for design value, education, skills, and ways of designing are pointed out.
Enhancing Predictive Insight into Fluid Mechanics Complexity through Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Chris
Published: August 2023

Enhancing Predictive Insight into Fluid Mechanics Complexity through Machine Learning
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry: Comparisons between immigrants and US-born workers
Authors: Amaral Ernesto F. L. , Pham Huyen , Robertson Raymond , Wang Suojin , Osejo Nereyda Ortiz
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced employment in the U.S., across many industries. The restaurant industry was particularly hard hit, losing 2.5 million jobs in 2020 alone. Now in the recovery from the pandemic, the restaurant industry is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of workers, forcing many restaurants to raise their offered wages, reduce their hours of service, or close altogether. How have workers been affected by these demand shocks? Understanding the demand for restaurant workers during the pandemic and the recovery has important policy implications because restaurant workers make up the third largest occupation group and have the lowest wages of any occupation group. Foreign-born workers in particular are overrepresented in restaurants and in the back-of-house jobs that are lower paying and more dangerous. Using results from our nationally-representative survey of restaurant owners and hiring managers and our analysis of Community Population Survey data, we found that foreign-born workers fared worse than native-born workers as the restaurant industry shed jobs during the height of the pandemic. Our findings are consistent with previous studies suggesting that foreign-born workers are more vulnerable to negative business cycles than their native-born counterparts. But during the various stages of the recovery, when the restaurant industry experienced worker shortages, we also found that there was very little shifting toward foreign-born workers. These results are at odds with previous studies suggesting that foreign-born workers would be more attractive in these circumstances because they are more adaptable to changing labor demands (including dangerous working conditions like a pandemic) and do not have access to social safety net benefits like unemployment compensation. Part of the explanation for this surprising result may be found in recent, more restrictive immigration policies that have decreased the pool of available foreign-born workers.
BMF CP49: Spicy worries: The impacts of pornography-induced stress and sexual distress on teenagers’ attitudes toward the opposite sex
Authors: Le Tam-Tri
Published: August 2023

BMF CP49: Spicy worries: The impacts of pornography-induced stress and sexual distress on teenagers’ attitudes toward the opposite sex
Memory Consolidation during Ultra-Short Offline States
Authors: Wamsley Erin J. , Arora Madison , Gibson Hannah , Powell Piper Nicole , Collins Megan B
Published: August 2023

Traditionally, neuroscience and psychology have studied the human brain during periods of “online” attention to the environment, while participants actively engage in processing sensory stimuli. But emerging evidence shows that the waking brain also intermittently enters an “offline” state, during which sensory processing is inhibited and our attention shifts inward. In fact, humans may spend up to half of their waking hours offline (Killingsworth & Gilbert, 2010; Wamsley & Summer, 2020). The function of alternating between online and offline forms of wakefulness remains unknown. We hypothesized that rapidly switching between online and offline states enables the brain to alternate between the competing demands of encoding new information and consolidating already-encoded information. N=46 participants (34 female) trained on a memory task just prior to a 30min retention interval, during which they completed a simple attention task while undergoing simultaneous high-density EEG (electroencephalography) and pupillometry recording. We used a data-driven method to parse this retention interval into a sequence of discrete online and offline states, with 5sec temporal resolution. We found evidence for three distinct states, one of which was an offline state with features well-suited to support memory consolidation, including increased EEG slow oscillation power, reduced attention to the external environment, and increased pupil diameter (a proxy for increased norepinephrine). Participants who spent more time in this offline state following encoding showed improved memory at delayed test. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that even brief, seconds-long entry into an offline state may support the early stages of memory consolidation.
The Indonesian version of Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ): Evidence of Validity dan Norms
Authors: Widyastuti Tria , Ramdani Zulmi , Alim Syahrul , Harlianty Rully Afrita
Published: August 2023

The aims of this study were to collect validity evidence based on internal structure, validity evidence based on relationships with other variables, and devise norms of The Indonesian version of Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ). A total of 609 employees across Indonesia with a minimum working period of three months from various parties were involved in the research (Study 1 = 231, and Study 2 = 378). The results of this study replicated the three-factor model of IWPQ in study 1 and study 2 with independent samples. The Indonesian version of the IWPQ also meets validity evidence based on relationships with the other variable, namely work engagement. This study also produced interpretation norms for the use of the Indonesian version of the IWPQ
Interaction Styles in Context: Comparing Drag-and-Drop, Point-and-Touch, and Touch in a Mobile Spelling Game
Authors: Holz Heiko , Meurers Detmar
Published: August 2023

The choice of appropriate interaction style for children's application has been a divisive subject of debate. For example, drag-and-drop is often said to perform worse than point-and-click in educational applications -- and vice versa. In this paper, we argue for the need to choose the interaction style in context, considering a range of factors. We compare drag-and-drop, point-and-touch, and simple touch for selecting letters to form words in a spelling line as part of an educational spelling game. We evaluate the perceived workload, user experience, preference, and writing times of twenty-five children (8-11 years), eight of whom were dyslexic. We found that touch received better ratings and was ranked highest most often on all subscales compared to drag-and-drop and point-and-touch. Children needed less time using touch and 68% chose it as their favorite interaction style. We also found small advantages for drag-and-drop over point-and-touch, which runs counter to some recent recommendations. This becomes particularly clear when using ranking responses, which support a particularly fine-grained picture.
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor sertraline alters learning from aversive reinforcements in patients with depression: evidence from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Malamud Jolanda , Lewis Gemma , Moutoussis Michael , Duffy Larisa , Bone Jessica Katherine , Srinivasan Ramya , Lewis Glyn , Huys Quentin JM
Published: August 2023

Background: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-line pharmacological treatments for depression and anxiety. However, little is known about how pharmacological action is related to cognitive and affective processes. Here, we examine whether specific rein- forcement learning processes mediate the treatment effects of SSRIs.Methods: The PANDA trial was a multicentre, double-blind, randomized clinical trial in UK pri- mary care comparing the SSRI sertraline with placebo for depression and anxiety. Participants (N=655) performed an affective Go/NoGo task three times during the trial and computational models were used to infer reinforcement learning processes.Results: There was poor task performance: only 54% of the task runs were informative, with more informative task runs in the placebo than the active group. There was no evidence for the preregistered hypothesis that Pavlovian inhibition was affected by sertraline. Exploratory analy- ses revealed that in the sertraline group, early increases in Pavlovian inhibition were associated with improvements in depression after 12 weeks. Furthermore, sertraline increased how fast participants learned from losses and faster learning from losses was associated with more severe generalised anxiety symptoms.Conclusions: The study findings indicate a relationship between aversive reinforcement learn- ing mechanisms and aspects of depression, anxiety, and SSRI treatment, but these relationships did not align with the initial hypotheses. Poor task performance limits the interpretability and likely generalizability of the findings, and highlights the critical importance of developing acceptable and reliable tasks for use in clinical studies.
Nagorno-Karabakh's Right to Self-Determination
Authors: Robertson Geoffrey
Published: August 2023

Historically, Nagorno-Karabakh has always been occupied predominantly by Armenians. It was wrongly allocated to Azerbaijan by Lenin in 1921, but after the collapse of the Soviet Union its people voted for independence and recruited a local army of their own people to fight the civil war, 1991-4. During the siege of Stepanakert (a grave Azeri war crime), the road between that city and Goris (in Armenia) took on the status of a humanitarian corridor, secured by the justifiable capture of the town of Lachin. The author has interviewed some of the war commanders and victims and draws on their evidence, filed with the European Court of Human Rights but never before published, to explain how “the right of belligerent reprisal” arose to justify protecting the civilian population by taking and keeping the corridor. A legal precedent can be found in the “safe havens” established for Iraqi Kurds in Iraq. Nagorno-Karabakh has a strong argument for self-determination, following on from the precedents from East Timor and Kosovo. And it satisfies the tests for statehood laid down in the MonteVideo Convention. Given its vulnerability to Azeri attack by the prolonged illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, it may be that nothing will succeed except secession.
Moral injury in women military members and Veterans: What do we really know?
Authors: Weiss Michelle A. , Hawkins Lataya , Yarvis Jeffrey Scott
Published: August 2023

LAY SUMMARY

Moral injury describes and explains the biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual wounds service members may develop when they are betrayed by leadership or act, fail to act, or bear witness to acts that are in direct conflict with their moral code. Very little research is focused on moral injury experienced by women service members and Veterans. A woman’s experience in the military is often vastly different from a man’s because they have a higher prevalence of military sexual trauma (the threat or experience of sexual assault or harassment). To date, little research has been conducted about how betrayal, military sexual trauma, and moral injury interact. This article attempts to decipher moral injury from other psychological and combat stress injuries and highlights the unique aspects of moral injury experienced by women combat Veterans.
Investigating factors associated with medicinal cannabis authorization dosage among military Veterans in Canada
Authors: Mejia Angela Czarina , Koehoorn Mieke , Hall Amy , Davies Hugh , VanTil Linda
Published: August 2023

LAY SUMMARY

This work investigated factors associated with medicinal cannabis authorization dosage among 9,104 Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force Veterans in Canada with a valid Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes reimbursement on Dec. 31, 2020, and identified various socio-demographic, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) pensionable conditions, and military service characteristics associated with higher-dose medicinal cannabis authorizations. Among those with higher dose reimbursements were Veterans under the age of 30 years, males, those receiving benefits for health conditions (e.g., hearing loss, musculoskeletal, or mental health conditions), those participating in VAC rehabilitation services, those with an earlier year of reimbursement, those who were released involuntarily from service, and those indicating land military environment service at date of release. In statistical models investigating the impact of multiple factors, some of the strongest associations with higher dosages were observed for Veterans with mental health conditions, those with earlier reimbursements, and province of residence.

Introduction: Since 2008, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) has provided Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force Veterans with reimbursement of Cannabis for Medical Purposes (CMP) authorizations. The authorized dosage and authorization criteria have changed with time. This study investigated factors associated with CMP authorizations and dosage among CMP-authorized Veterans. Methods: CMP authorizations among 9,104 Veterans residing in Canada on Dec. 31, 2020, were linked with VAC reimbursement, VAC client, and military personnel records. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine relationships between CMP dosage and socio-demographic, health, and military characteristics. Results: Among Veterans with CMP authorizations, the strongest associations with a larger authorization dosage (4–10 grams vs. 1–3 grams) were observed for Veterans receiving benefits for mental health conditions in combination with other health conditions (OR = 3.47 compared with those with no mental health conditions). A larger authorization dosage was associated with province of residence (OR = 3.36 for New Brunswick compared with Ontario), earlier year of authorization (OR = 2.19 for 2014) compared with 2016, being male (OR = 1.68), active participation in a rehabilitation program (OR = 1.45), land environment at the time of release from military service (OR = 1.24) compared with air environments, and involuntary release from service (OR = 1.65) and medical release (OR = 1.11) compared with voluntary release. Discussion: Factors associated with larger CMP authorization dosage among military Veterans in Canada appeared multifactorial, spanning socio-demographic, health, and military characteristics. This complexity should be considered by treatment providers and clinicians working with military Veterans.
EXTRACT FROM Bixa orellana L. SEED: DEVELOPMENT OF BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
Authors: Jatobá Leonardo Almeida , Menezes Filho Antonio Carlos Pereira de , Teixeira Marconi Batista , Soares Frederico Antônio Loureiro , Castro Carlos Frederico de Souza , Sharma Porshia , Ventura Matheus Vinícius Abadia
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT: Active biodegradable packaging with Bixa orellana extract has potential for producing new products that combine natural renewable use and food conservation. B. orellana seeds were collected and their extract was produced. The packages were produced and incorporated with different concentrations of B. orellana extract. Phytochemical parameters were tested in several groups of special metabolism; physicochemical for thickness, moisture, solubility, UV-Vis light transmission, color L*, a* and b*; biodegradability in soil and antifungal activity on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum acutatum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The packaging showed potential for use as a new product for food, the large number of phytocompounds allows an active packaging, in addition to physicochemical characteristics of thickness, humidity and ideal solubility and use for foods that need protection at different wavelengths in the UV-Vis that deteriorate important characteristics of the product. Moreover, it demonstrated an effect with biodegradability of less than 40 days and antifungal activity on phytopathogenic fungi that cause deterioration in vegetables of agricultural interest.
Keywords: Bixa genus; bixin; carotenoids; natural Polymer; norbixin; polymer matrix.
 
Extrato das sementes de Bixa orellana L.: desenvolvimento de embalagens biodegradáveis e atividades biológicas
 
RESUMO: Embalagens biodegradáveis ativas com extrato de Bixa orellana apresentam potencial para a produção de novos produtos que aliam o uso renovável natural e a conservação de alimentos. Sementes de B. orellana foram coletadas e o extrato produzido. As embalagens foram produzidas e incorporadas com diferentes concentrações do extrato de B. orellana. Foram testados parâmetros fitoquímicos em diversos grupos do metabolismo especial; físico-químicos para espessura, umidade, solubilidade, transmissão de luz UV-Vis, cor L*, a* e b*; biodegradabilidade em solo e atividade antifúngica sobre Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum acutatum e Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. As embalagens demonstraram potencial para uso como novo produto para alimentos, o grande número de fitocompostos admite uma embalagem ativa, além de características físico-químicas de espessura, umidade e solubilidade ideais e uso para alimentos que necessitam proteção em diferentes comprimentos de ondas no UV-Vis que deterioram características importantes do produto. Além disso, demonstrou efeito com biodegradabilidade inferior a 40 dias e atividade antifúngica sobre fungos fitopatogênicos que causam deterioração em vegetais de interesse agrícola.
Palavras-chave: gênero Bixa; bixina; carotenóides; matriz polimérica; norbixina; polímero natural.
Akademisierung des Hebammenwesens. Eine empirische Studie am Beispiel Bayerns
Authors: Fillenberg Barbara
Published: August 2023

Bayern hat als letztes Bundesland die Vollakademisierung des Hebammenberufs umgesetzt. Diese Umbruchsphase beschreibt die Studie HebSzen im vorliegenden Band. Die Autorin geht dabei der Frage nach dem Verhältnis von außerklinischem Hebammenwissen und akademischer Lehre nach. Empirisch erforscht sie, wie praktisch konserviertes Wissen bisher in die Lehre eingeflossen ist und in Zukunft im Hochschulkontext weitergegeben werden kann.
Morphological changes after open lumbar microdiscectomy at 2-year follow-up
Authors: Şimşek Abdullah Talha , Baysal Begümhan , Adam Baha Eldin , Çalış Fatih , Topçam Arda , Demirkol Mahmut , Doğan Mahmut Bilal , Binguler Ayse Hande Erol , Karaarslan Numan , Balak Naci
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: It is known that a possible decrease in disc height (DH) and foraminal size after open lumbar microdiscectomy (OLM) may cause pain in the long term. However, there is still insufficient information about the short- or long-term pathoanatomical and morphological effects of microdiscectomy. For example, the exact temporal course of the change in DH is not well known. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine morphological changes in DH and foramen dimensions after OLM. METHODS: In patients who underwent OLM for single-level lumbar disc herniation, MRI scans were obtained before surgery, and at an average of two years after surgery. In addition to DH measurements, foraminal area (FA), foraminal height (FH), superior foraminal width (SFW), and inferior foraminal width (IFW), were measured bilaterally. RESULTS: A postoperative increase in DH was observed at all vertebral levels, with an average of 5.5%. The mean right FHs were 15.3 mm and 15.7 mm before and after surgery, respectively (p= 0.062), while the left FHs were 14.8 mm and 15.8 mm before and after surgery (p= 0.271). The mean right SFW was 5.4 mm before surgery and 5.7 mm after surgery, while the mean right IFW ranged from 3.6 mm to 3.9 mm. The mean left SFW was 4.8 mm before surgery and 5.2 mm after surgery, while the mean left IFW ranged from 3.5 mm to 3.9 mm. Before surgery, the FAs were, on average, 77.1 mm2 and 75.6 mm2 on the right and left sides, respectively. At the 2-year follow-up, the mean FAs were 84.0 mm2 and 80.2 mm2 on the right and left sides, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to prevalent belief, in patients who underwent single-level unilateral OLM, we observed that there may be an increase rather than a decrease in DH or foramen size at the 2-year follow-up. Our findings need to be confirmed by studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups.
Identification of novel potential genes in testicular germ cell tumors: A transcriptome analysis
Authors: Zheng Shaokai , Li Ting , Qiu Lianglin
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVE: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), containing pure seminoma and non-seminoma, occupy the most majority of testicular cancers in adolescents and young men, which has increased dramatically in recent decades. Therefore, it is important to find crucial genes for improving diagnosis and prognosis in TGCTs. However, the diagnostic and prognostic markers of TGCTs are limited. METHODS: In this study, our main objective is to explore novel potential genes that can be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in TGCTs. Our study detected 732 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using three microarray expression profiling datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Multiple analysis was performed to identify the roles of DEGs, including pathway and functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, module analysis, and survival analysis. RESULT: In total, 322 upregulated genes and 406 downregulated genes were identified as DEGs The functional and pathway enrichment analysis shows that DEGs were highly enriched in multiple biological attributes such as T cell activation, reproduction in multicellular organism, sperm flagellum, antigen processing and presentation Then, seven potential crucial genes were identified via PPI network analysis, module analysis, and survival analysis. Furthermore, 7 potential crucial genes had shown to play a key role in regulating immune cell infiltration level in patients with TGCTs. CONCLUSION: We identified seven potential crucial genes (LAPTM5, NCF2, PECAM1, CD14, COL4A2, ANPEP and RGS1), which may be molecular markers in improving the way of diagnosis and prognosis in TGCTs.
lncRNA ARAP1-AS1 enhances proliferation and impairs apoptosis of lymphoma cells by sponging miR-6867-5p
Authors: Pang Bo , Gan Yanfang , Wang Jing , Qu Shifang
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Numerous evidence have suggested the vital role of lncRNAs in human tumorigenesis. And lncRNA APAP1-AS1 has been proved to act as an oncogene. OBJECTIVE: Nevertheless, the molecular process underlying ARAP1-AS1 for the lymphoma progression has not been well studied. METHODS: RT-qPCR was used to ascertain the miR-6867-5p and ARAP1-AS1 in lymphoma cells and tissues. The localization of ARAP1-AS1 was determined via subcellular fractionation analysis. A xenograft model was used to investigate the influence of ARAP1-AS1 in formation of tumor in vivo. In addition, interactions between ARAP-AS1 and miR-6867-5p were tested by bioinformatics analysis, RIP assay, luciferase reporter and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Combined with loss-of-function experiments, MTT assays and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate the function of miR-6867-5p and also ARAP-AS1 in proliferation and apoptosis of lymphoma cells, respectively. RESULTS: ARAP1-AS1 was remarkably upregulated in lymphoma cells and tissues, while miR-6867-5p expression was downregulated. Furthermore, high ARAP1-AS1 expression suppressed miR-6867-5p expression in lymphoma cell lines (Raji and CA46), and Pearson’s analysis showed negative correlation between ARAP1-AS1 expression and also miR-6867-5p expression. In addition, knockdown of ARAP1-AS1 resulted in weakened cell viability and uplifted apoptosis rate of lymphoma cells (Raji and CA46) as well as a delay in the tumor growth in vivo. Further investigations illustrated that miR-6867-5p inhibitor reversed all above biological activities. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA ARAP1-AS1 served as a tumor-promoter in lymphoma cells by sponging with miR-6867-5p, which may help to provide potential therapeutic target gene for lymphoma patients.
Circ_0003575 knockdown alleviates ox-LDL-induced human aortic endothelial cell dysfunction in atherosclerosis by miR-637/TRAF6 axis
Authors: Zhang Zhanshuai , Qin Shaoqiang , Wang Rui , Fang Zhiqin , Wang Yaling , Li Fangjiang
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). The present study aimed to determine the functions and mechanism of circ_0003575 in AS. METHODS: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to induce human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) to establish an AS cell model. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and 5’-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were conducted to assess cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was utilized to quantify cell apoptosis. Tube formation assay was performed to analyze angiogenesis ability. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the concentrations of inflammatory factors. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were manipulated for the expression of circ_0003575, microRNA-637 (miR-637) and TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6). Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were adopted to estimate the downstream targets of circ_0003575. RESULTS: Ox-LDL treatment repressed the proliferation and angiogenesis and promoted the apoptosis and inflammation in HAECs. Circ_0003575 knockdown ameliorated ox-LDL-induced injury of HAECs. Circ_0003575 interacted with mi-R-637, which directly targeted TRAF6. Inhibition of miR-637 reversed the impacts of circ_0003575 knockdown on HAEC injury. Moreover, miR-637 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis and inhibited cell apoptosis and inflammation by targeting TRAF6 in ox-LDL-treated HAECs. Further, circ_0003575 silencing inhibited the activation of NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSION: Circ_0003575 knockdown alleviated ox-LDL-induced HAEC damage by regulating miR-637/TRAF6 and NF-κB pathways.
Gap analysis between skills requirements for research support services and LIS/IM curricula
Authors: Irfan Faizan , Rafiq Muhammad , Mahmood Khalid
Published: August 2023

The primary goal of this study was to identify gaps in curriculum coverage and required skills for research support services (RSS) in university libraries in the Punjab province of Pakistan. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used to meet its objective. To collect data for the quantitative strand, a cross-sectional survey with a closed-ended questionnaire was conducted. The population for the cross-sectional survey was reference/research librarians working in university libraries in the Punjab province. SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data. In the qualitative strand, the curriculum documents of seven LIS/IM schools in the Punjab province were examined by using the content analysis technique. Results of both strands were compared for gap analysis. The findings revealed a gap between the skills required for RSS and the offerings of LIS/IM schools. The findings have practical implications for LIS/IM schools that will help to realign their curricula to meet market needs.
Personal digital legacy: Findings from an exploratory study among citizens of Croatia
Authors: Cupar Drahomira , Ivanović Martina Dragija , Grgeč Antonija
Published: August 2023

The digital content that users create over their lifetime can become part of their own digital legacy, so it needs to be organised and preserved if we want to make it accessible in the future. This paper presents the results of the exploratory study conducted in Croatia in 2022. The aim of the research was to determine the opinions and attitudes of the participants included in the study about their own personal digital legacy and to examine in what way and to what extent users organize their personal digital content for the future. The purpose of this research is to raise awareness about the importance of organizing digital content and preserving one’s personal digital legacy. In this study, two research questions were answered: a) Are respondents aware of their own personal digital legacy and what are their attitudes/opinions about the subject?; and b) In what way and to what extent the respondents organize and preserve their personal digital legacy? Results showed that respondents in this study are (still) not aware of the significance of the personal digital legacy and the value and potential obstacles for accessing it can have to their potential heirs.