bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of gauze pad made from coconut tree fiber infused with guava derived phenolic compounds
Authors: Suarez R , Peñamante E , Carrillo L , Delfin R , Gotostos T M , Patingan J , Provido A V , Ramos C M , Tugade C
Published: July 2024

Gauze pad wound dressing plays a crucial role in protecting the wound and preventing it from factors that can prolong the healing process. However, due to the porous nature of gauze pads, it cannot completely block microbes from getting into the wound. This study analyzes coconut tree fiber as a gauze pad infused with guava derived phenolic compounds, known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The research assesses the extract’s effectiveness, focusing on phenolic compounds, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial effects. By employing the disk diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, the study reveals that both 50% and 30% extracts exhibit inhibitory activity, with mean zones of inhibition at 8.5 mm and 8.33 mm, respectively, showing the antimicrobial property for both 50% and 30% extracts. The samples also demonstrated notable DPPH radical scavenging capacities for concentrations ranging from 0.006 to 1.27 (%w/v) for the 50% extract sample and from 0.006 to 1.25 for the 30% extract sample, ranging from 1.98% to 68.5% and 7.94% to 69.5%, respectively, indicating antioxidant property for both samples. The researchers have determined that there is no significant difference (p-value = 0.9187, α = 0.05) between the scavenging activity of both 50% and 30% extract. Furthermore, a minimal disparity in total phenolics was observed, with the former containing 1.25 and the latter 1.24 weight percent gallic acid. To determine if there is any negative skin reaction, a patch test was conducted in collaboration with a dermatologist using Stanford Health Care Medicine Standard. The test revealed no adverse skin reactions after three days of no removal usage of the coconut tree fiber gauze pad infused with phenolic compounds, as compared to a commercially available gauze pad. This study underscores the promise of guava extract and its antibacterial properties, particularly against skin pathogens, and its safe application when integrated with coconut fiber. This combination holds potential as a natural antimicrobial agent with diverse applications.
Generating synthetic building electrical load profiles using machine learning based on the CRISP-ML(Q) framework
Authors: Magdaong J B , Culaba A B , Ubando A T , Lopez N S
Published: July 2024

This study presents a machine learning application for generating synthetic building electrical load profiles. The implementation followed the Cross Industry Standard Process for the development of Machine Learning Applications with Quality assurance methodology, or CRISP-ML(Q) framework, to ensure a systematic machine learning development process. The model training performance was evaluated using the mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error (RSME), and coefficient of determination (R2) which were observed to be 0.0739, 0.1119, and 0.5728, respectively. These metrics remained consistent during the model testing phase, suggesting robust model performance. During the initial simulation experiment, the MAE and RMSE of the generated synthetic load profile were found to be 0.014 and 0.016, respectively, underscoring high model accuracy. Additional evaluation experiments showed that the developed machine learning application can generate realistic building load profiles using high-level parameters such as building type, average daily load, and peak demand. This study can aid in the development of demand-side management strategies and building energy management systems by providing realistic building electrical load profiles especially when real-world data is limited. For future work, researchers can consider integrating additional model features, refining data processing methods, and developing an agile version of the CRISP-ML(Q) framework.
Challenging factors across industry players in implementing the green building concept in Malaysia
Authors: Wei C L , Shakur E S A , Othman M , Wai C W , Sulaiman Z , Cheng E H , Thing A F
Published: July 2024

This study examines the obstacles to implementing the green building concept in Greater Kuala Lumpur, a relatively novel concept in Malaysia. The country currently lacks awareness regarding existing green building technologies. In 2007, a Zero Energy Building in Kuala Lumpur, constructed based on the Green Building Concept, faced challenges, ultimately unable to effectively reduce energy consumption after three years of efforts. The research focuses on evaluating internal factors and external factors that pose challenges to the Green Building Concept among industry players in Greater Kuala Lumpur. The study involved 100 respondents in the property and construction field, utilizing a cluster sampling technique. Survey results revealed that both external and internal factors act as barriers to the implementation of the green building industry in Malaysia. The Relative Important Index identified high cost and pricing factors as significant external challenges, with relative importance indices of 0.946 and 0.936, respectively. Internally, the lack of consumer demand emerged as the most formidable obstacle, boasting a high relative importance index of 0.936. Additionally, the study highlighted the lack of incentive support as a notable internal factor, with a relative importance index of 0.934. To address these challenges, the study recommends collective responsibility among all stakeholders in the property and construction industry, including architects, property agents, the government, universities, and clients. Establishing a collaborative ecosystem can foster the growth of the green building industry in Malaysia, promoting sustainability and contributing to economic development.
Green stock investment preferences among adult investors in east Malaysia
Authors: Eaw H C , Loebiantoro I Y , Jap K P , Shakur E S A , Voon A
Published: July 2024

In light of increasing concerns about environmental issues and a heightened focus on green stocks prompted by global warming and the COVID-19 pandemic, this research study aims to analyse the determinants influencing the investment intentions of working adults in Sarawak, Malaysia, regarding green stocks. This study emphasises comprehending how factors such as attitudes, social influences, affect, and perceived customer effectiveness impact the investment intentions of working adults in green stocks. This research adopts a quantitative methodology, employing hypothesis testing to analyse data obtained from 150 respondents in East Malaysia, who were selected using a convenience sampling technique and responded through a Google Form. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27, with a comprehensive assessment of variable validity and reliability through various tests. Six hypotheses were formulated to establish a significant correlation between the dependent variable intention to invest in green stocks and the independent variables’ social factors, attitude, affect, perceived customer effectiveness, and financial literacy. Four independent variables significantly influence the dependent variable when investing in green stocks. Further, perceived customer effectiveness directly impacts investors’ intentions. Thus, financial literacy indirectly influences the intention to invest in green stocks through its mediation with attitude. The findings result in practical implications related to the determinants of green stock investment intention among working-age adults in Sarawak. To begin with, this study contributes to the body of knowledge concerning green investments by investigating the factors influencing the Sarawak residents’ intention to invest in green stocks, utilising the theory of interpersonal behaviour. Previous research has predominantly relied on the theory of reasoned action and the “theory of planned behaviour” to elucidate the factors impacting green investment intention. Therefore, this study’s adoption of the theory of interpersonal behaviour offers a special perspective and potential reference for future researchers. The knowledge gained from this study is pertinent to a broad spectrum of stakeholders, encompassing policymakers, government, professionals, and educators. It offers valuable insights that can shape decision-making and the development of strategic initiatives within green investments.
Exergy assessment of a semi-transparent building integrated photovoltaic facade for mild weather conditions of Srinagar
Authors: Hazarika P , Shyam  , Gaur A
Published: July 2024

Effective utilization of solar energy reduces the dependence on fossil fuel usage along with achieving the objective of carbon neutrality. The current work aims to numerically assess the performance of a facade based semi-transparent BIPVT system while considering four different weather conditions in a month for the climate of Srinagar, India. In the proposed configuration, the BiSPVT facade serves the dual purpose of generating electrical power gain and providing pre-heated air for space heating. PV module surface was cooled by flowing air through the air channel. Movement of air through the cavity takes away the heat from the PV module back surface reducing the temperature of the solar cells resulting in enhanced module efficiency. System performance has been evaluated in terms of obtained energy and exergy using a 1-D numerical model developed in MATLAB. The Exergy analysis presented shows an informative means of estimating system functioning based on qualitative aspect of useful energy gained. For a mild cold weather condition of Srinagar, with minimum ambient temperature dropping to 1.2 °C, useful daily exergy gain of 0.0545 kWh/m2 has been achieved signifying the increase of space heating during winters of cold climatic regions. Maximum temperature difference between room and ambient was obtained as 9.76 °C using the BiSPVT façade. Results shows that the proposed BiSPVT system was able to produce monthly electrical and thermal exergy gain of 12.56 kWh/m2 and 16.81 kWh/m2 respectively. Exergy efficiency of the system was determined in the range of 18.2%-19%. Further, environmental assessment of the PV façade system based on CO2 emission gave an estimated amount of 0.387-ton CO2 emission reduction for the month of November leading to environmental cost reduction of 5.615$/month.
Analysis and modeling of fresh air systems usage behavior in residential buildings in Beijing during heating season
Authors: Liu K , Zhang X H , Cao R K , He Z R , Li T , Liu Y Q , Gao S J , Pan S
Published: July 2024

Fresh air systems (FAS) represent an excellent solution for improving indoor air quality. Because FAS has a significant impact on buildings’ energy consumption, it is vital to investigate FAS usage behavior. At present, there is a research gap with respect to individualized FAS usage behavior and prediction models for residential buildings. From November 15th, 2018 to March 15th, 2019, this paper conducted a field measurement and modeling study of FAS usage behavior in thirteen Beijing households. During heating season, the FAS is used intermittently, with an average daily opening duration of 17.5 hours. Based on the “average daily opening duration”, two FAS usage behaviors were identified: economical households and conventional households. The average daily indoor particles matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentration was observed to be lower in FAS-using households (16.19 μg/m3, 12.30 μg/m3) than in non-FAS-using households (46.1 μg/m3). Outdoor PM2.5 concentration is a motivating factor for FAS opening. The paper used binary logistic regression to predict the FAS status of both economical and conventional households (two classified models), as well as for all tested households (unclassified model). These results suggest that classified models (84.1%, 83.5%) have greater accuracy than the unclassified model (75.9%), opening the possibility of using the average daily opening duration to classify and examine FAS usage behavior. The study provides accurate field data for evaluating FAS usage behavior, as well as a reference for further simulating the energy consumption of FAS-using households.
Optimizing wind-catching butterfly roofs to improve cross natural ventilation performance in apartment buildings
Authors: Fu Xiaohui , Tai Vin Cent , Moey Lip Kean
Published: July 2024

This study aims to enhance cross natural ventilation performance in multi-level double-loaded apartments by employing a wind-catching butterfly roof, specifically designed for apartments with a center-to-center opening configuration. A 2k full-factorial design of experiment (DOE) method with a center point is utilized for design optimization. Nine configurations, determined by roof height h and roof angle α, are assessed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). After the initial DOE assessment, three additional butterfly roof designs with varying α values are explored. The dimensionless flow rate (DFR) serves as the objective function for optimization. The optimal design features a butterfly roof with h = 0.01m and α = 30°, demonstrating improvements of 2.5%−4.9% in DFR and 5.3%−9.0% in the pressure coefficient C

p
compared to scenarios without a butterfly roof. Butterfly roofs also increased the velocity magnitudes in the rooms of the leeward block, with configurations h = 0.01m and α = 35° and 37.5° showing the most significant increases of 58.5% − 86.9% on levels 1 to 3. The discharge coefficient C

d
induced by all butterfly roof configurations are within 0.6 − 0.7 on levels 1 to 3, while the C

d
values for levels 4 to 6 are within 0.5 − 0.6. Although butterfly roofs can enhance indoor air quality, they require further research to meet all recommended guidelines. These findings provide valuable insights for architects and urban planners aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of apartment buildings. This research presents a comprehensive evaluation of the potential of butterfly roofs to enhance apartment ventilation and offers recommendations for future design improvements.
Hydrogen adsorption on titanium-decorated carbyne C12 ring: a DFT study
Authors: Pedrosa G R , Ong H L , Villagracia A R
Published: July 2024

In the current landscape of increasing focus on green technology, hydrogen fuel emerges as a pivotal alternative energy source. While existing technology facilitates hydrogen use in fuel cells, the practicality of this fuel could be significantly enhanced with a more efficient and safer storage approach. Researchers are actively exploring one-dimensional systems as potential hydrogen storage solutions, yielding promising outcomes. A notable study delved into the hydrogen storage capacity and performance of a Ti-decorated carbyne ring using density functional theory calculations. The researchers observed a robust, non-deforming bond between the Ti adatom and the carbyne ring, displaying characteristics akin to ionic bonding. Detailed analyses of electronic properties, including density of states and band structure, highlighted a strong interaction through the alignment of p-orbitals with the Ti atom. Upon the adsorption of H2 onto the decorated carbyne ring, it was noted that the Ti-decorated systems could each adsorb up to six H2 molecules, exhibiting weak physisorption energies within the Van der Waals range. The charge density profile indicated a dipole-dipole interaction, affirming the potential of the material as a viable H2 storage medium. In conclusion, as green technology advances, hydrogen fuel, especially when stored innovatively with materials like the Ti-decorated carbyne ring, emerges as a crucial component in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
MFIX–DEM simulation of gas-solid flow dynamics in a dual fluidized bed system
Authors: Banik R K , Das H J
Published: July 2024

To overcome the operational difficulties associated with bubbling and circulating fluidized bed gasifiers, a new gasification technology termed dual fluidized bed gasification (DFBG) has evolved. To strengthen the understanding of the gasification and combustion processes in the DFBG system, a thorough analysis of bed hydrodynamics is of paramount importance. Furthermore, the complexity of the hydrodynamics escalates while incorporating diverse fuels like biomass and coal, along with bed materials fluidized in a single reactor due to its nonlinearity and transience. As a result, the study of hydrodynamics in such a system is indispensable. The present study focuses on the discrete element model (DEM) simulation of the bed hydrodynamic behaviour within the gasifier of a DFBG system. The simulation was conducted using Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges (MFiX) software. The influence of superficial velocity on the number of particles in a gasifier was analyzed using the 2-D discrete element model (DEM). In this numerical investigation, transient variation of pressure drop, axial and radial solid volume fraction, and particle velocity was evaluated, and the data were analyzed using the ParaView software. The simulation results of the gasifier indicated an increase in the bed pressure drop with the rise in inlet air velocity. The effective height of solid volume fraction also increased with the surge in superficial velocity. The solid velocity profile and streamlines were also investigated to understand its variation pertaining to the location within the fluidized bed.
Enhanced proton conductivity and mechanical stability of crosslinked sodium alginate as a biopolymer electrolyte membrane in fuel cell application
Authors: Yusoff Y N , Shaari N , Mohamed M A , Loh K S , Kamarudin S K
Published: July 2024

Nafion is a commercial polymer membrane that is commonly used in fuel cell systems, despite its major limitations such as high fuel crossover and high manufacture cost. The production of sodium alginate (SA) blended membrane with crosslinking agent (glutaraldehyde) and plasticizer (glycerol) is one of several current efforts to discover an alternative membrane with improved proton conductivity and mechanical properties. In this study, SA biomembranes were prepared using solution casting method and dried at a certain temperature. Then, the prepared membranes were immersed with 5% glycerol in different concentrations of glutaraldehyde. The cross-linked biomembranes underwent various tests such as liquid uptake, swelling ratio, ion exchange capacity, proton conductivity and mechanical stability. The best membrane achieved the highest proton conductivity with a value of 8.28 mS cm-1 and mechanical stability with a value of 218.00 MPa. Glutaraldehyde made a positive modification and had a beneficial impact on the characteristics of SA. The incorporation of glutaraldehyde and glycerol within the biopolymer notably improved the otherwise lacking mechanical properties of SA.
Strategies and models for optimal EV charging station site selection
Authors: Harshil B , Nagababu G
Published: July 2024

In numerous countries worldwide, adopting electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum as a proactive measure to mitigate the detrimental environmental impacts of traditional fuel-powered automobiles. This shift drives exponential growth in the adoption of EVs, prompting the need for comprehensive analysis to optimize charging infrastructure requirements. Developing reliable and sustainable charging infrastructure depends on practical and strategic site selection of EV charging stations. The main challenge is finding a charging solution that maximizes efficiency within limited financial resources. The present review critically assesses methodologies for selecting optimal EV charging station sites, considering technical, environmental, social, and economic factors. Special emphasis is given to social factors such as population density and service accessibility, as well as technical factors like vehicle battery life, charging time, and grid capacity. Environmental impact and feasibility are also vital criteria under evaluation. Through a synthesis of insights from various studies, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing models used in EV charging infrastructure site selection. The findings contribute valuable insights for decision-makers, city planners, and other stakeholders in creating sustainable EV charging networks amidst the dynamic landscape of electric mobility.
Influence of riboflavin on the corrosion of X80 pipeline steel by Sulfate reducing bacteria
Authors: Fu Lei , Jian Ke , Lin Li , Wang Zhengguo , Yang Hang , Luo Yunrong , Yan Shisen , Zhu Daqian
Published: July 2024

The sulfate reducing bacteria(SRB) is commonly attached to the surface of buried pipeline steel, and the electron shuttle in the corrosion medium can promote the release of electrons from iron oxidation through the bacterial cell wall into the cytoplasm to accelerate the corrosion of anode iron. This study investigated the impact of riboflavin (RF) as an endogenous electron shuttle on the corrosion behavior of X80 pipeline steel in SRB system. The findings indicated that while the type of corrosion products remains unchanged in samples under SRB+10 mg l−1 RF system, there was an expansion in both area and depth of corrosion pits on the sample surface, resulting in a corrosion loss rate approximately 3 times higher than that observed in SRB system. Furthermore, the polarization resistance (Rp) value of the sample in SRB system is about 2 ∼ 5 times that of the sample in SRB+10 mg l−1 RF system. Additionally, the corrosion current density of X80 pipeline steel samples soaked in SRB and SRB +10 mg l−1 RF system for 14 days is 9.31 × 10-6 A·cm−2 and 1.28 × 10−5 A·cm−2, and the addition of 10 mg l−1 RF increases the corrosion current density of SRB system by about 37.49%. These results indicated that the reaction resistance of SRB-induced MIC in X80 pipeline steel was significantly reduced due to the presence of RF.
History and Impact of Israeli Siege and Attacks on Education in Gaza, Palestine
Authors: Hussein Anwar , Wong Shelley , Bright Anita
Published: July 2024

The education system in the Gaza Strip (Palestine) was under the control of the Ottoman Empire (1815–1917) and the British Mandate (1917–1948) and administered by Egypt (1948–1967) and the Israeli government (1967–1993). Since 1993, according to the Oslo Agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization, the education system has been under the Palestinian Authority (PA). However, the PA has no power over who can enter or exit Gaza by land or by sea. Kindergarten (KG) to Grade 12 education in Gaza faces numerous challenges compounded and exacerbated by the devastating impact of the Israeli blockade and military attacks on Gaza since 2006 when HAMAS was democratically elected. The effect of the Israeli siege and wars on Gaza are manifested in substantial damage in educational facilities, lack of safety for students, teachers, and administrators, and increased emotional and psychological trauma. These factors have led to a drop in students’ motivation and achievement, and an increase in school push-out (dropout) rates. The Israeli blockade resulted in a shortage of educational resources and supplies. Further, the Israeli blockade limited Gazan educators’ ability to participate in international conventions and study visits, and their ability to cooperate and coordinate with the PA Ministry of Education in the West Bank. The K-12 education system in Gaza is composed of two stages: Basic stage (Grades 1–10) and secondary stage (Grades 11–12). There are three types of schools serving students: (a) government public schools, (b) United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) schools, and (c) private schools. There are external challenges that face education in general; challenges that face the KG sector in particular; and challenges specific to Grades 1–12 education. Some of these challenges include improving the quality of the education system, flexibility and the ability to adapt to change, developing effective teachers’ preparation and training programs, critical shortage of funds to cover education expenditures, the political situation in Palestine and the rift between Gaza and the West Bank ruling authorities, lack of effective coordination between the Gazan Ministry of Education and UNRWA, and overcrowding. KG to Grade 12 education in Gaza faces numerous challenges compounded and exacerbated by the devastating impact of the Israeli blockade and military attacks on Gaza.
Merchants and Merchant Networks in the Indian Ocean: The Armenians
Authors: Sengupta Santanu
Published: July 2024

Among the major processes that characterized early modernity, the rise of the global oceanic routes and circulation across long distances has been considered crucial. This was facilitated by the formation of merchant networks like that of the New Julfan Armenians. Although the early modern Armenian diaspora in the Indian Ocean arena was a heterogeneous one, the majority of the merchants came from New Julfa, a township near Isfahan. The merchants and mercantile agents from New Julfa formed a massive network that facilitated the circulation of wealth, goods, personnel, information, and culture. Their operations expanded into the Indian Ocean world through the Eurasian caravan route from Narva to India. They were also active on the maritime route from Hormuz to the Philippines, giving the network an amphibious character. The members of the New Julfan network remained connected with each other across Europe, the Mediterranean zone, Russia, and South East Asia. This interconnectedness created a global network that facilitated the exchange of wealth, commodities and information. This makes the New Julfan network critical in understanding the dynamics of the mercantile economy of the early modern Indian Ocean world.

The Armenian network functioned across a range of polities, including the Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, Safavid Empire, Mughal India, and also the emerging European colonial regimes in the Indian Ocean littoral. This provides a privileged vantage point for understanding the political spectrum of the early modern Indian Ocean World, especially in a period that saw the emergence of the European colonial regimes. Armenians as cultural and political brokers in this pluralistic situation played a significant role in the shaping of the early modern milieu. Their diasporic cultural traits and practices added to the socio-cultural setting of the region. Their language and culture of correspondence, self-regulatory mechanisms, and their endeavor to build institutions like churches, schools, and a print culture in the port towns of the Indian Ocean littoral contributed not only to the history of the community but also to the socio-cultural dynamics of the Indian Ocean World.
Monuments of Afrikaner Nationalism
Authors: Barnabas Shanade Bianca
Published: July 2024

Afrikaners are a South African ethnic group descended primarily from Dutch, German, and French immigrants to the cape in the 17th and 18th century. In their early history, they did not have much of a cohesive group identity. Such an identity grew largely out of a shared struggle for legitimacy and self-governance in the face of British rule. The Boers (Dutch for farmers) left the Cape Colony through a series of migrations termed the “Great Trek” in the late 1830s and early 1840s, ultimately forming two independent states in the interior. They fought two major wars with the British over the independence of these states. Politicians and cultural leaders built up a nationalism around the Great Trek. This collective memory was used to cultivate an ethnic unity around the myth of a “chosen people” that was then mobilized toward Afrikaner political and economic freedom, and later dominance, in South Africa.

Heritage, the careful curation of historical narratives for contemporary means, is often used by groups to make claims of belonging, possession, identity and meaning. It is also used to naturalize ideologies. Afrikaner heritage sites and objects conceived before and during the segregationist apartheid era played a major role in this as they were used as rallying points to glorify and affirm Afrikaner nationalism. In the interest of nation building, the approach of the postapartheid government was to endeavor to leave in place monuments such as these, and to instead build new ones articulating different messages. Consequently, while a few inflammatory sculptures and images were removed from government buildings and public spaces, the majority of monuments have been left in place. Some adjustments to the sites of monuments or to their functioning have been undertaken to make them more inclusive. Nonetheless, there remains ongoing debate in the public sphere about what to do with them.
Early Asante, Akan, and Mossi States
Authors: Hargrove Jarvis
Published: July 2024

Areas of West Africa, from its interior to the coastline, encompassing a wide range of empires, kingdoms, people, cultures, and nations have been documented by scholars from around the world. This includes the areas once referred to as the Gold Coast and the region just to its north, the Upper Volta. These areas would become the countries of Ghana and Burkina Faso. These two areas of West Africa are home to several geographical features, such as rivers, rain forests, plateaus, and savanna grasslands, which were vital in the development and protection of people in the region. Further, among the most well-known people of the two regions are the Akan, which consisted of several groups, including the Asante, and to their north beyond the rain forest, the Moss—each of which dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

This work discusses the emergence of the Akan, Asante, and Mossi people of these regions. Each of these groups contributed significantly to the culture, customs, religion, and trade in the region for more than two centuries before the start of the colonial era, following the Berlin Conference of 1884 to 1885. Notably, their transition to becoming a large-scale society, which occurred over years, has been most studied, for its complexity. While the Mossi formed separately of the Akan and Asante, they do share a closeness through migration of people, as well as proximity. Moreover, these groups were instrumental to the further development of the region. Analyzing the early history of each group, it is important to understand the formation of their government hierarchy, military, and trade. Further, other important components of each are the geography of the land consisting of coastline, forest, and rivers. These natural barriers which shaped the culture, customs, protection, political life, and trade of the states.

Calling the West African nations of Ghana and Burkina Faso home in the 21st century, the Akan, Asante, and Mossi have each played a role in the shaping the histories of West Africa. The people of the Gold Coast and Upper Volta regions of West Africa have importance in this area. While the region of West Africa is home to many cultures, these three were indeed instrumental in broadening our knowledge of the area. These groups still have a significant influence across two nations. Finally, scholarship that has been produced on the topic, some of which dates back over one hundred years to the 21st century.
Beer in Africa
Authors: Mager Anne Kelk
Published: July 2024

Beer is a powerful substance, in itself or in the way it is used. It can bring communion with the ancestors, lead to wealth or ruin, generate commensal feelings of well-being, and fuel the dark atrocities of war. Environmental and social conditions shape brewing and consumption rituals and regimes of control. In southern African settler societies, prohibition and restriction on beer brewing and consumption were aimed at the supply of sober labor for the capitalist economy and the generation of revenue from government-owned beer halls for the administration of Black townships and mining compounds. As large numbers of women came to depend on incomes from home brewing and multinational brewers pursued profits in the lucrative African market, consumption increased. Brewers used their economic power to influence government policy and keep regulation at bay. In the late 20th century, competitive beer wars led to increasing concentration and domination of the African market by a handful of players. Weak regulatory regimes led to the abuse of corporate power, and in the genocidal civil wars in Central Africa, multinational brewers became complicit in fueling the conflict. In the new millennium, social pressures and technological developments led to the introduction of a new generation of drinks brewed from traditional grains.
African Antislavery Activism
Authors: Hahonou Eric Komlavi
Published: July 2024

Despite the dominant visibility of international organizations fighting against slavery in Africa (and elsewhere), antislavery activism is not the preserve of social actors external to the African continent. In the early years of independence in a few African countries (e.g., Tunisia, Madagascar), antislavery mobilization animated public scenes without much success. This was followed by a long period when the theme was relatively absent from African public debates. The issue of slavery was then revitalized in the context of political reforms such as democratic decentralization (in the 1990s and 2000s in West Africa) and the Arab Spring (post-2011 contexts in North Africa). Since then, various mobilizations to contest slavery and its long-lasting legacies are gaining public visibility in some African nation-states. African antislavery movements are defined as various forms of resistance against African slavery and its legacies manifested in the form of collective actions initiated by Africans on the continent. In North Africa, the West African Sahel, and Central and Eastern Africa, as well as in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, antislavery activism is embodied by antiracist movements, antislavery associations, civil society organizations, cultural and linguistic associations, political parties, and so forth. Social exclusion related to slavery is being discussed and contested on digital platforms and in fierce social media debates.
Weight-Loss Diets
Authors: Kindinger Evangelia , Vester Katharina
Published: July 2024

Weight-loss dieting refers to purposefully regulating, usually limiting, food intake in order to achieve a specific goal, typically focused on weight management. Weight-loss dieting practices can involve reducing calorie intake, limiting portions, or following a particular eating pattern or regimen—for example, cutting carbohydrates and fats while preferring proteins. Yet dieting is much more than an individual activity. It is influenced by and mirrors a society’s power dynamics and social hierarchies that are also determined by weight and body shape. Looking particularly at the history of this phenomenon in modern industrialized societies like the United States, developments in weight-loss dieting are closely intertwined with gender and citizenship. Weight-loss dieting was a male practice in the 19th century and became a decidedly feminized practice in the 20th century. Furthermore, there have been concerns about the negative effects of weight-loss dieting as voiced by anti-diet nutritionists and the academic field of fat studies. Weight management is expressive of public discourses around health, capitalism, and body politics.
Morphology of Clitic Pronouns in the Romance Languages
Authors: Crysmann Berthold , Luís Ana R.
Published: July 2024

Bound weak pronominals, such as French les in Je les ai vu(e)s ‘I have seen them’ or Italian lo in Giovanni lo vuole ‘John wants it’, are generally known in the literature as clitic pronouns. There are a number of reasons why it has been claimed that these forms behave more like affixes than like independent word forms. Among other aspects, it has been shown that the behavior of Romance clitic pronouns inside the clitic cluster is morphophonologically and morphotactically identical to that of affixes. Likewise, the fact that clitic pronouns both trigger non-productive allomorphy on the verb and undergo allomorphic variation indicates that clitic pronouns attach to the verb in the morphology rather than in the syntax. In this article, we survey the main morphological properties that have been previously documented for Romance clitic pronouns. We show that the Romance languages exhibit a variety of morphological idiosyncrasies and that such variation poses serious challenges to general syntactic principles. Having demonstrated the affixal nature of clitic systems, we then turn to more controversial aspects of clitic pronouns, namely clitic climbing with auxiliaries and complex predicates. These contexts, which pose interesting challenges to both morphology and syntax, have been commonly used to weaken the inflectional approach to clitic pronouns. We survey existing lexicalist accounts of clitic systems and show how the interaction between clitics and syntax can be captured within an inflectional analysis of clitic pronouns.
Data Science and Social Work
Authors: Jung Woojin , Kim Andrew H. , Chear Charles
Published: July 2024

Data science presents a new and promising frontier for social work both in methodology and in ensuring data justice and equity. Within social work, text documentation and social media are popular forms of non-traditional data, but other forms, such as imagery and connectivity data, also provide new opportunities. Administrative data linkages, particularly within the realm of child welfare, are a common approach to data use. Methodologically, natural language processing and machine learning are some of the widely applied techniques; however, computer vision, combined with spatial analysis, presents areas with significant potential. Various fields or substantive areas in social work leverage data science to predict risk and utilize algorithmic decision-making. Data science has been used around the world in both data rich and data sparse countries. Social workers are called upon to take action and take part in the conversation of data justice and equitable deployment. Professionals in social work are encouraged to have a thorough understanding of and employ a diverse range of data science tools.
New insights into the role of the root system of epiphytic bromeliads: comparison of root and leaf trichome functions in acquisition of water and nutrients
Authors: Takahashi Cassia Ayumi , Mercier Helenice
Published: July 2024

Background

In epiphytic bromeliads, the roots were previously considered to be poorly functional organs in the processes of absorption and metabolization of water and nutrients, while the leaves were considered to always act as protagonists in both functions. More recent discoveries have been changing this old view of the root system.

Scope

In this review, we address previous ideas regarding the function performed by the roots of epiphytic bromeliads (mere holdfast structures with low physiological activity) and the importance of a reduced or lack of a root system for the emergence of epiphytism. We present indirect and direct evidence that contradicts this older hypothesis. Furthermore, the importance of the root absorptive function mainly for juvenile tankless epiphytic bromeliads and the characteristics of the root absorption process of adult epiphytic tank bromeliads are discussed thoroughly from a physiological perspective. Finally, some factors (species, substrate, environmental conditions) that influence the absorptive capability of the roots of epiphytic tank bromeliads are also be considered, highlighting the importance that the absorptive role of the roots has for the plasticity of bromeliads that live on trees, which is an environment characterized by intermittent availability of water and nutrients.

Conclusions

The roots of tank-forming epiphytic bromeliads play important roles in the absorption and metabolization of nutrients and water. The importance of roots is greatest for juvenile tankless bromeliads since the root is the main absorptive organ. In larger plants with a tank, although the leaves become the protagonists in the resource acquisition process, the roots complement the absorptive function of the leaf trichomes, resulting in improved growth of these bromeliad. The physiological and biochemical properties of the processes of absorption and distribution of resources in the tissues appear to differ between absorption by trichomes and roots.
PTFSpot: deep co-learning on transcription factors and their binding regions attains impeccable universality in plants
Authors: Gupta Sagar , Kesarwani Veerbhan , Bhati Umesh , Jyoti  , Shankar Ravi
Published: July 2024

Unlike animals, variability in transcription factors (TFs) and their binding regions (TFBRs) across the plants species is a major problem that most of the existing TFBR finding software fail to tackle, rendering them hardly of any use. This limitation has resulted into underdevelopment of plant regulatory research and rampant use of Arabidopsis-like model species, generating misleading results. Here, we report a revolutionary transformers-based deep-learning approach, PTFSpot, which learns from TF structures and their binding regions’ co-variability to bring a universal TF-DNA interaction model to detect TFBR with complete freedom from TF and species-specific models’ limitations. During a series of extensive benchmarking studies over multiple experimentally validated data, it not only outperformed the existing software by >30% lead but also delivered consistently >90% accuracy even for those species and TF families that were never encountered during the model-building process. PTFSpot makes it possible now to accurately annotate TFBRs across any plant genome even in the total lack of any TF information, completely free from the bottlenecks of species and TF-specific models.
The lifetime risk and impact of vitiligo across sociodemographic groups: a UK population-based cohort study
Authors: Eleftheriadou Viktoria , Ahmed Alia , Nesnas John , Nagra Ranjit
Published: July 2024

Background

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder characterized by depigmented patches of skin, which can have significant psychological impacts.

Objectives

To estimate the lifetime incidence of vitiligo, overall, by ethnicity and across other sociodemographic subgroups, and to investigate the impacts of vitiligo on mental health, work and healthcare utilization.

Methods

Incident cases of vitiligo were identified in the Optimum Patient Care Database of primary care records in the UK between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2020. The lifetime incidence of vitiligo was estimated at age 80 years using modified time-to-event models with age as the timescale, overall and stratified by ethnicity, sex and deprivation. Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, healthcare utilization and work-related outcomes were assessed in the 2 years after vitiligo diagnosis and compared with matched controls without vitiligo. The study protocol for this retrospective observational study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06097494).

Results

In total, 9460 adults and children were newly diagnosed with vitiligo during the study period. The overall cumulative lifetime incidence was 0.92% at 80 years of age [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90–0.94]. Cumulative incidence was similar in female (0.94%, 95% CI 0.92–0.97) and male patients (0.89%, 95% CI 0.86–0.92). There were substantial differences in lifetime incidence across ethnic groups, listed by Office for National Statistics criteria [Asian 3.58% (95% CI 3.38–3.78); Black 2.18% (95% CI 1.85–2.50); Mixed/multiple 2.03% (95% CI 1.58–2.47); Other 1.05% (95% CI 0.94–1.17); and White 0.73% (95% CI 0.71–0.76)]. Compared with matched controls, people with vitiligo had an increased risk of depression [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.15]; anxiety (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09–1.30); depression or anxiety (aOR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03–1.17); and sleep disturbance [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.15, 95% CI 1.02–1.31]. People with vitiligo also had a greater number of primary care encounters (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.26–1.32) and a greater risk of time off work (aHR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06–1.24). There was little evidence of disparities in vitiligo-related impacts across ethnic subgroups.

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware of the markedly increased incidence of vitiligo in people belonging to Asian, Black, Mixed/multiple and Other groups. The negative impact of vitiligo on mental health, work and healthcare utilization highlights the importance of monitoring people with vitiligo to identify those who need additional support.
Genitourinary disorders and oral medicine
Authors: Chng Wei Qiang , Oh Choon Chiat
Published: July 2024

Scrotal erythema is a rare adverse effect of cabozantinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In patients receiving cabozantinib who develop scrotal erythema, the drug is a specific clue that should be considered by dermatologists when faced with this unique rash, which may be underrecognized.
Protecting children and adults with primary antibody deficiencies against common and emergent pathogens and non-infectious complications
Authors: Neth Olaf , Mahlaoui Nizar , Cunningham-Rundles Charlotte
Published: July 2024

Prevention and treatment of infections are primary goals of treatment of children and adults with primary immune deficiencies due to decreased antibody production. Approaches to these goals include immunoglobulin replacement therapy, vaccination, and prophylactic treatment with antimicrobials. In this review, the infectious and non-infectious complications of antibody deficiencies will be discussed along with the limited number of studies that support the effective use of the available therapies and to drive the development of new therapies. Some illustrative case studies will be presented and the outlook for additional controlled clinical trials and potential for therapies driven by the underlying disease genetics will be considered.
Comprehensive non-invasive haemodynamic assessment in acute decompensated heart failure-related cardiogenic shock: a step towards echodynamics
Authors: Frea Simone , Gravinese Carol , Boretto Paolo , De Lio Giulia , Bocchino Pier Paolo , Angelini Filippo , Cingolani Marco , Gallone Guglielmo , Montefusco Antonio , Valente Eduardo , Pidello Stefano , Raineri Claudia , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria
Published: July 2024

Aims

Haemodynamic assessment can be determinant in phenotyping cardiogenic shock (CS) and guiding patient management. Aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between echocardiographic and invasive assessment of haemodynamics in acute decompensated heart failure-related CS (ADHF-CS).

Methods and results

All consecutive ADHF-CS patients (SCAI shock stage ≥B) undergoing right heart catheterization (RHC) between 2020 and 2022 were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent echocardiography 30 min before RHC. The evaluated haemodynamic parameters and their echocardiographic estimates (‘e’) comprised cardiac index (CI), wedge pressure (WP), pulmonary artery pressures (PAP), cardiac power output (CPO) and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi). Hundred and one ADHF-CS patients (56 ± 11 years, 64% SCAI shock stage C, left ventricular ejection fraction 29 ± 5%) were included. Good correlation was found for CI, systolic PAP, RAP, and CPO (Pearson r > 0.8 for all), moderate correlation for ePAPi (r = 0.67) and PVR (r = 0.51), while estimation of WP was weak. The sensitivity and specificity of eCI to identify low output state (CI ≤2.2 L/min/m2) were 0.97 and 0.73, respectively, those of eWP for elevated filling pressures (WP >15 mmHg) were 0.84 and 0.55, those of ePAPs for PAPs ≥35 mmHg were 0.87 and 0.63, those of eCPO for CPO <0.6 W were 0.76 and 0.85, those of ePAPi for PAPi <1.85 were 0.89 and 0.92. Echocardiographic phenotyping of CS showed a good agreement with invasive classification (K value 0.457, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Echocardiographic estimation of haemodynamics and subsequent phenotypization of CS is feasible with good agreement with invasive evaluation.