bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial spillover of local general higher education expenditures on sustainable regional economic growth: A spatial econometric analysis
Authors: Ma Congying , Wu Hongchao , Li Xiuhong
Published: November 2023

The ability of fair investments in local general higher education to drive sustainable regional economic growth is explored. Based on spatial theory, the exploratory spatial data analysis method is used to examine the spatial characteristics of local general higher education expenditures in China’s 30 provinces from 2000 to 2021. The spatial Durbin model is employed to analyze the impact of education expenditures on regional economic growth. The results reveal that education expenditures had positive spatial autocorrelation. Education expenditures promoted regional economic growth, and the long-term effect was greater than the short-term effect. These expenditures also had a positive spillover effect, showing that strategic spatial interactions between provinces positively influence growth. The positive spillover effects nationwide and in the eastern region were significantly greater than the direct effect, whereas the spillover effects in both the middle and western regions were negative.
Incised valleys drive distinctive oceanographic processes and biological assemblages within rhodolith beds
Authors: Castro Guilherme M. , Vargens Rafaela P. , Carlos-Júnior Lélis A. , Cardoso Fernando C. , Salomon Paulo S. , Tenório Márcio M. B. , Bastos Alex C. , Oliveira Natacha , Ghisolfi Renato D. , Cordeiro Ralf T. S. , Moura Rodrigo L.
Published: November 2023

Continental shelves encompass gently sloped seascapes that are highly productive and intensively exploited for natural resources. Islands, reefs and other emergent or quasi-emergent features punctuate these shallow (<100 m) seascapes and are well known drivers of increased biomass and biodiversity, as well as predictors of fishing and other human uses. On the other hand, relict mesoscale geomorphological features that do not represent navigation hazards, such as incised valleys (IVs), remain poorly charted. Consequently, their role in biophysical processes remains poorly assessed and sampled. Incised valleys are common within rhodolith beds (RBs), the most extensive benthic habitat along the tropical and subtropical portions of the mid and outer Brazilian shelf. Here, we report on a multi-proxy assessment carried out in a tropical-subtropical transition region (~20°S) off Eastern Brazil, contrasting physicochemical and biological variables in IVs and adjacent RBs. Valleys interfere in near bottom circulation and function as conduits for water and propagules from the slope up to the mid shelf. In addition, they provide a stable and structurally complex habitat for black corals and gorgonians that usually occur in deeper water, contrasting sharply with the algae-dominated RB. Fish richness, abundance and biomass were also higher in the IVs, with small planktivores and large-bodied, commercially important species (e.g. groupers, snappers and grunts) presenting smaller abundances or being absent from RBs. Overall, IVs are unique and vulnerable habitats that sustain diverse assemblages and important ecosystem processes. As new IVs are detected by remote sensing or bathymetric surveys, they can be incorporated into regional marine management plans as conservation targets and priority sites for detailed in situ surveys.
Fixed-time event-triggered control for multi-agent systems with input delay
Authors: Wang Linling , Xu Xiaoyan , Han Bing
Published: November 2023

An in-depth study on the fixed-time event-triggered obstacle avoidance consensus control in heterogeneous USV-AUV systems with input delay and uncertain disturbances are conducted in this paper. When initial state of the system fails to achieve consensus, the desired heterogeneous USV-AUV formation can be achieved by fixed-time consensus control, within a fixed predetermined time, regardless of the initial states. Besides, an event-triggered communication strategy among the agents is introduced in the system, significantly reducing communication energy consumption. By employing the proposed control strategy, the Zeno behavior also can be avoided. Additionally, an obstacle avoidance control algorithm for the heterogeneous USV-AUV system based on improved artificial potential fields (IAPF) is designed, which helps in avoiding both static and dynamic obstacles. Compared to existing research, this algorithm reduces control input jitter, resulting in smoother obstacle avoidance paths. Through extensive simulation experiments and comparisons with other methods, effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm is validated.
The association between polypharmacy and health-related quality of life among non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Adjeroh Leonie , Brothers Todd , Shawwa Khaled , Ikram Mohammad , Al-Mamun Mohammad A.
Published: November 2023

Background and objective

The United States government spends over $85 billion annually on treating non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with CKD are prescribed a multitude of medications to manage numerous comorbidities associated with CKD. Thus, this study aims to investigate the association between polypharmacy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in non-dialysis CKD patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) from 2010 through 2019. We classified polypharmacy into three groups based on the number of medication classes: ≤ 4 (minor polypharmacy), 5 through 9 (major polypharmacy), and ≥ 10 (hyperpolypharmacy). To measure HRQoL, a Physical Component Summary (PCS) and a Mental Component Summary (MCS) were obtained from the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey version 2 and Veteran’s Rand 12 item. We applied multivariable ordinary least squares regression to assess the association between polypharmacy and HRQoL in non-dialysis CKD patients.

Results

A total of 649 CKD patients (weighted n = 667,989) were included. Patients with minor polypharmacy, major polypharmacy, and hyperpolypharmacy were 22.27%, 48.24%, and 29.48%, respectively. Major polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy were significantly and negatively associated with lower PCS scores when compared with minor polypharmacy [Beta = -3.12 (95% CI: -3.62, -2.62), p-value<0.001; Beta = -4.13 (95CI: -4.74, -3.52), p-value<0.001]. Similarly, major polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy were significantly and negatively associated with lower MCS scores when compared to minor polypharmacy [Beta = -0.38 (95% CI: -0.55, -0.20), p-value<0.001; Beta = -1.70 (95% CI: -2.01, -1.40), p-value<0.001]. The top 5 classes of medications used by CKD patients were antihyperlipidemic (56.31%), beta-adrenergic blockers (49.71%), antidiabetics (42.14%), analgesics (42.17%), and diuretics (39.65%).

Conclusion

Our study found that both major polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy were associated with lower HRQoL among non-dialysis CKD patients. This study highlights the need for further evaluation of the combination of medications taken by non-dialysis CKD patients to minimize unnecessary and inappropriate medication use.
Host biomarkers and combinatorial scores for the detection of serious and invasive bacterial infection in pediatric patients with fever without source
Authors: Lacroix Laurence , Papis Sebastien , Mardegan Chiara , Luterbacher Fanny , L’Huillier Arnaud , Sahyoun Cyril , Keitel Kristina , Mastboim Niv , Etshtein Liat , Shani Liran , Simon Einav , Barash Eran , Navon Roy , Gottlieb Tanya M. , Oved Kfir , Eden Eran , Combescure Christophe , Galetto-Lacour Annick , Gervaix Alain
Published: November 2023

Background

Improved tools are required to detect bacterial infection in children with fever without source (FWS), especially when younger than 3 years old. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of a host signature combining for the first time two viral-induced biomarkers, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and interferon γ-induced protein-10 (IP-10), with a bacterial-induced one, C-reactive protein (CRP), to reliably predict bacterial infection in children with fever without source (FWS) and to compare its performance to routine individual biomarkers (CRP, procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cell and absolute neutrophil counts, TRAIL, and IP-10) and to the Labscore.

Methods

This was a prospective diagnostic accuracy study conducted in a single tertiary center in children aged less than 3 years old presenting with FWS. Reference standard etiology (bacterial or viral) was assigned by a panel of three independent experts. Diagnostic accuracy (AUC, sensitivity, specificity) of host individual biomarkers and combinatorial scores was evaluated in comparison to reference standard outcomes (expert panel adjudication and microbiological diagnosis).

Results

241 patients were included. 68 of them (28%) were diagnosed with a bacterial infection and 5 (2%) with invasive bacterial infection (IBI). Labscore, ImmunoXpert, and CRP attained the highest AUC values for the detection of bacterial infection, respectively 0.854 (0.804–0.905), 0.827 (0.764–0.890), and 0.807 (0.744–0.869). Labscore and ImmunoXpert outperformed the other single biomarkers with higher sensitivity and/or specificity and showed comparable performance to one another although slightly reduced sensitivity in children < 90 days of age.

Conclusion

Labscore and ImmunoXpert demonstrate high diagnostic accuracy for safely discriminating bacterial infection in children with FWS aged under and over 90 days, supporting their adoption in the assessment of febrile patients.
The BREAK study protocol: Effects of intermittent energy restriction on adaptive thermogenesis during weight loss and its maintenance
Authors: Cortez Filipa M. , Nunes Catarina L. , Sardinha Luís B. , Silva Analiza M. , Teixeira Vítor H.
Published: November 2023

Background

Adaptive thermogenesis, defined as the decrease in the energy expenditure components beyond what can be predicted by changes in body mass stores, has been studied as a possible barrier to weight loss and weight maintenance. Intermittent energy restriction (IER), using energy balance refeeds, has been pointed out as a viable strategy to reduce adaptive thermogenesis and improve weight loss efficiency (greater weight loss per unit of energy deficit), as an alternative to a continuous energy restriction (CER). Following a randomized clinical trial design, the BREAK Study aims to compare the effects of IER versus CER on body composition and in adaptive thermogenesis, and understand whether participants will successfully maintain their weight loss after 12 months.

Methods

Seventy-four women with obesity and inactive (20–45 y) will be randomized to 16 weeks of CER or IER (8x2 weeks of energy restriction interspersed with 7x1 week in energy balance). Both groups will start with 2 weeks in energy balance before energy restriction, followed by 16 weeks in energy restriction, then 8 weeks in energy balance and finally a 12-month weight maintenance phase. Primary outcomes are changes in fat-mass and adaptive thermogenesis after weight loss and weight maintenance. Secondary outcomes include weight loss, fat-free mass preservation, alterations in energy expenditure components, and changes in hormones (thyroid function, insulin, leptin, and cortisol).

Discussion

We anticipate that The BREAK Study will allow us to better understand adaptive thermogenesis during weight loss and weight maintenance, in women with obesity. These findings will enable evidence-based decisions for obesity treatment.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05184361.
Incidence trends and survival analysis of appendiceal tumors in the United States: Primarily changes in appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Wang Dan , Ge Heming , Lu Yebin , Gong Xuejun
Published: November 2023

Background

Appendiceal tumors are considered to be a relatively rare tumor of the gastrointestinal tract and the prognosis is unclear. This study comprehensively investigated trends in the epidemiology and survival of appendiceal tumors in the United States over the past approximately 20 years.

Methods

Patients with pathologically confirmed appendiceal tumors from 2000 to 2017 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated by SEER*Stat 8.4.0. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze survival and prognostic factors were investigated by a multivariate Cox proportional risk model.

Results

Ultimately, 13,546 patients with appendiceal tumors between 2000 and 2017 were included. The annual incidence of colonic adenocarcinoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma remained relatively stable. Interestingly, the annual incidence of appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors (aNETs) increased significantly, from 0.03 to 0.90 per 100,000 person-years, with the most dramatic increase in the number of patients with localized disease. Patients with aNETs showed a significant improvement in survival between 2009–2017, compared to the period 2000–2008. Moreover, this improvement in survival over time was seen at all stages (localized, regional, distant) of aNETs. However, this improved survival over time was not seen in colonic and mucinous adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions

The incidence of appendiceal neoplasms has increased significantly over the past nearly two decades, which is mainly due to the increased incidence and significant migration to earlier stages in aNETs. We must note that despite the increased incidence of aNETs, survival rates have improved at different disease stages.
Retaining public health volunteers beyond COVID-19
Authors: Retzer Ameeta , Jones Janet , Damery Sarah , Ullah Habib , Omonijo Modupe , Varney Justin , Jolly Kate
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in people’s volunteering behaviours; participation has increased in informal volunteering (giving unpaid help to those who are not a relative) while decreasing in formal volunteering (unpaid help to groups or clubs). There is an interest from stakeholders who have experienced increased participation in maintaining the positive patterns of volunteering, aligning with National Health Service (NHS) objectives and realising benefits in a wider public health context. This research uses a local COVID-19 public health volunteering programme case study to explore the volunteer’s journey and perspective using volunteers’ reported experiences to consider the potential for volunteer retention and role expansion into other public health issues beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Recruitment was undertaken by Birmingham City Council Public Health Team via the COVID-19 Community Champions programme mailing list. Semi-structured focus group discussions, one-to-one interviews and email interviews were conducted with volunteers. Data were analysed through directed thematic analysis using an iteratively developed coding frame.

Results

Data were collected from three focus group discussions, four interviews, and one email interview involving a total of 16 participants. Six themes were identified: volunteer motivations and expectations; volunteer management; programme organisation; feeling valued; continued need for role, and interest in new responsibilities.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the factors which are conducive to volunteer recruitment, retention and re-purposing were: maintaining the original terms of engaging with the volunteering opportunity (including retaining the original brief and remit), adjusting these through consultative processes with an emphasis on seeking permission from the volunteers already involved and ensuring a reliable and consistent management and support structure. While some of the learning is specific to the local volunteer programme in question and the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are lessons that can be generalised to other scenarios and settings.
Protective effects of HSP Inducer on diazinon-exposed stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) fry: Insights on HSP70 gene expression, immune response, and enzyme indices
Authors: Vahdatiraad Leila , Heidari Behrooz , Zarei Sevda , Sohrabi Tooraj , Ghafouri Hossein
Published: November 2023

Aquatic environments face frequent exposure to organophosphate pesticides, such as diazinon, which are frequently utilized in agriculture. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of diazinon exposure on fish and to investigate the potential of the HSP inducer (HSPi) in developing a defense mechanism. To achieve this, several factors were analyzed, including the HSP70 gene expression, levels of immunity markers (lysozyme, IgM, and C3), antioxidant status, and the activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE). Stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) fry, was exposed to diazinon (25, 50, and 75% of 96h-LC50) for 6 days after pre-treatment with an HSP inducer (HSPi), TEX-OE® (a prickly pear cactus extract), for 4 hours. Two HSPi concentrations, 100 and 200 mg.L-1, were used. Pre-treatment with HSPi significantly enhanced HSP70 gene expression in the gill and liver, as well as immune markers in the blood of Acipenser stellatus. Diazinon-treated groups exhibited higher antioxidant activities of SOD, CAT, and T-AOC. Increased activity also observed in control fish pre-treated with HSPi. However, stellate sturgeon receiving both diazinon and HSPi+diazinon experienced a significant decrease in AChE activity in comparison with control group. Cortisol levels were elevated in the fish that were subjected to diazinon. Those subjected to diazinon after receiving HSPi showed a significant decrease in cortisol levels. In conclusion, the study suggests that HSPi-mediated HSP70 induction may have a protective effect. The presence of an HSP inducer offers a potential strategy to mitigate the consequences of diazinon exposure in stellate sturgeon.
Identification and validation of aging-related genes in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zhou Yong , Sun Chao , Ma Yingxu , Huang Yunyin , Wu Keke , Huang Shengyuan , Lin Qiuzhen , Zhu Jiayi , Ning Zuodong , Liu Ningyuan , Tu Tao , Liu Qiming
Published: November 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in the clinic. Aging plays an essential role in the occurrence and development of AF. Herein, we aimed to identify the aging-related genes associated with AF using bioinformatics analysis. Transcriptome profiles of AF were obtained from the GEO database. Differential expression analysis was performed to identify AF-specific aging-related genes. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. Subsequently, the LASSO, SVM-RFE, and MCC algorithms were applied to screen aging-related genes. The mRNA expression of the screened genes was validated in the left atrial samples of aged rapid atrial pacing-induced AF canine models and their counterparts. The ROC curves of them were drawn to evaluate their diagnostic potential. Moreover, CIBERSORT was used to estimate immune infiltration. A correlation analysis between screened aging-related genes and infiltrating immune cells was performed. A total of 24 aging-related genes were identified, which were found to be mainly involved in the FoxO signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, longevity regulating pathway, and peroxisome according to functional enrichment analysis. LASSO, SVM-RFE, and MCC algorithms identified three genes (HSPA9, SOD2, TXN). Furthermore, the expression levels of HSPA9 and SOD2 were validated in aged rapid atrial pacing-induced AF canine models. HSPA9 and SOD2 could be potential diagnostic biomarkers for AF, as evidenced by the ROC curves. Immune infiltration and correlation analysis revealed that HSPA9 and SOD2 were related to immune cell infiltrates. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the potential aging-related genes associated with AF. HSPA9 and SOD2 may play a significant role in the occurrence and development of AF.
Benznidazole treatment leads to DNA damage in Trypanosoma cruzi and the persistence of rare widely dispersed non-replicative amastigotes in mice
Authors: Jayawardhana Shiromani , Ward Alexander I. , Francisco Amanda F. , Lewis Michael D. , Taylor Martin C. , Kelly John M. , Olmo Francisco
Published: November 2023

Benznidazole is the front-line drug used to treat infections with Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. However, for reasons that are unknown, treatment failures are common. When we examined parasites that survived benznidazole treatment in mice using highly sensitive in vivo and ex vivo bioluminescence imaging, we found that recrudescence is not due to persistence of parasites in a specific organ or tissue that preferentially protects them from drug activity. Surviving parasites are widely distributed and located in host cells where the vast majority contained only one or two amastigotes. Therefore, infection relapse does not arise from a small number of intact large nests. Rather, persisters are either survivors of intracellular populations where co-located parasites have been killed, or amastigotes in single/low-level infected cells exist in a state where they are less susceptible to benznidazole. To better assess the nature of parasite persisters, we exposed infected mammalian cell monolayers to a benznidazole regimen that reduces the intracellular amastigote population to <1% of the pre-treatment level. Of host cells that remained infected, as with the situation in vivo, the vast majority contained only one or two surviving intracellular amastigotes. Analysis, based on non-incorporation of the thymidine analogue EdU, revealed these surviving parasites to be in a transient non-replicative state. Furthermore, treatment with benznidazole led to widespread parasite DNA damage. When the small number of parasites which survive in mice after non-curative treatment were assessed using EdU labelling, this revealed that these persisters were also initially non-replicative. A possible explanation could be that triggering of the T. cruzi DNA damage response pathway by the activity of benznidazole metabolites results in exit from the cell cycle as parasites attempt DNA repair, and that metabolic changes associated with non-proliferation act to reduce drug susceptibility. Alternatively, a small percentage of the parasite population may pre-exist in this non-replicative state prior to treatment.
El atomismo como no-mundo. Algunas notas sobre la filosofía política de Hegel
Authors: García González Cristina
Published: November 2023

Mi trabajo recorre algunas ideas de la filosofía política hegeliana basadas en la convicción comunitaria del autor: la visión de la sociedad civil de su tiempo como el mundo del atomismo, la crítica al sufragio como principal método de toma de decisiones políticas, la reflexión sobre la familia, las corporaciones y el Estado como instituciones no regidas por lógicas de contrato entre individuos, y el lugar no prescriptivo que Hegel concedió siempre a la reflexión filosófica.
Technology adoption among higher education students
Authors: Berényi László , Deutsch Nikolett
Published: November 2023

A technológia elfogadottsága döntő jelentőségű az innovációk elterjedésében. A technológiával kapcsolatos személyes vélemények és attitűdök alapvetően meghatározók a fejlődés szempontjából. A kutatás célja, hogy hozzájáruljon a technológia elfogadását befolyásoló tényezők megértéséhez felsőoktatási hallgatók körében. A tanulmány a technológiaelfogadási hajlandóság (TAP) modellben megfogalmazott támogató (optimizmus, jártasság) és gátló (függőség, sebezhetőség) tényezőinek mérését, továbbá a TAP-index kiszámítását használja eszközként. A kutatási minta 873 magyar felsőoktatási hallgató válaszait tartalmazza. Az eredmények mérsékelt technológiaátvételi hajlandóságot mutatnak, amelyet a magas optimizmus vezérel. Az elemzésben a tanulmányok típusa (üzleti, mérnöki, közigazgatási) szerepelt csoportosító tényezőként. Az optimizmus hasonló eredményeket mutat a hallgatók között, de a használatban való jártasság a mérnökhallgatók körében magasabb. A Nemzeti Digitalizációs Stratégia céljait figyelembe véve a jártasság javítására irányuló képzési programokra és több szakmai tapasztalatszerzésre van szükség.
Ensemble adversarial training based defense against adversarial attacks for machine learning-based intrusion detection system
Authors: Haroon Muhammad Shahzad , Ali Husnain Mansoor
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a defence mechanism is proposed against adversarial attacks. The defence is based on an ensemble classifier that is adversarially trained. This is accomplished by generating adversarial attacks from four different attack methods, i.e., Jacobian-based saliency map attack (JSMA), projected gradient descent (PGD), momentum iterative method (MIM), and fast gradient signed method (FGSM). The adversarial examples are used to identify the robust machine-learning algorithms which eventually participate in the ensemble. The adversarial attacks are divided into seen and unseen attacks. To validate our work, the experiments are conducted using NSLKDD, UNSW-NB15 and CICIDS17 datasets. Grid search for the ensemble is used to optimise results. The parameter used for performance evaluations is accuracy, F1 score and AUC score. It is shown that an adversarially trained ensemble classifier produces better results.
An empirical study of relationships between urban lighting indicators and night-time light radiance
Authors: Kekula František , Hrubeš Pavel
Published: November 2023

Night-time light (NTL) radiance has a great potential in analyses of dynamic changes in patterns of human activities, and socio-economic and demographic factors. However, most of those analyses are focused on factors at global scales such as the population size, gross domestic product, electric power consumption, fossil fuel carbon dioxide emission etc. In this study we investigate the relationships between three urban lighting indicators and monthly averaged NTL radiance obtained from NASAs Black Marble monthly NTL composites for 4 study areas in the Czech Republic at local scale. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify a strength of the correlations between the indicators and radiance at near-nadir for two different snow conditions. The results from the correlation show that radiance has a strong positive correlation with the number of streetlighting points and their total nominal power, while for the average mast height there were observed moderate correlation coefficients. However, the areas with larger scales have higher correlation coefficients. Moreover, we found that the correlation coefficients are higher for snow-covered condition radiances. Generalized linear (GL) regression analysis was used to examine an association between the radiance and selected indicators. Owing to the excess zeros and overdispersion in the data, the zero-inflated regression performs better than the GL regression. Results from the regression analysis evince a statistically significant relationship between the radiance and selected indicators.
Bioética global e o combate à discriminação étnico-racial
Authors: Neto Alberto Paulo
Published: November 2023

A investigação sobre os contextos sociais de inequidade devido a condição étnico-racial é uma questão imprescindível de ser analisada pelos referenciais bioéticos. Esse artigo tem o objetivo de fundamentar o refletir-agir bioético em defesa da igualdade étnico-racial. A Bioética Global de Van Rensselaer Potter, em diálogo com os referenciais teóricos do movimento negro, nos permite investigar o modelo de sociedade comprometida com a análise de problemas globais e a motivação aos sujeitos morais para agirem em suas localidades. Ela se preocupa com a proteção da dignidade humana e critica as formas de discriminação étnico-racial. O racismo é a inferiorização do Outro e o impedimento ao pleno desenvolvimento de suas capacidades em igualdade de condições. A população negra tem sofrido historicamente a discriminação étnico-racial. Nesse sentido, as reflexões bioéticas são direcionadas para esclarecer essa condição de iniquidade e se soma aos movimentos sociais de luta por reconhecimento e equidade racial.
AR as a Digital Tool to Support All Learners in Inquiry-Based Lessons
Authors: Carreon Adam Christopher , Smith Sean
Published: November 2023

This article presents a conceptual understanding of how the powerful digital tool of augmented reality (AR) can be used for enhancing inquiry-based learning lessons (IBLLs). With an increased reliance on technology following the COVID-19 pan-demic, reduced teacher preparation time, and a need to provide students with alternative student-centered lessons, we pro-vide a simplified understanding of the often-complex nature of IBLLs using experiential learning theory (ELT). Further, we highlight the immersive qualities within AR, pair AR with the simplified foundation, provide examples within the research, and offer further applications available to current practitioners.
Ameryka Haupta. Próba entropicznej powieści. Szkice: Luizjana, W barze Harry’ego, Zamierzchłe echa, Oak Alley nad Missisipi, Cyklon
Authors: Szczerbakiewicz Rafał
Published: November 2023

Motyw entropii w twórczości Zygmunta Haupta był unikatowym momentem kojarzącym spekulatywność nowoczesnego scjentyzmu z modernistyczną prozą. Wyjaśnienie naukowe – fizyka – posłużyło interpretacji historii naturalnej i społecznej świata. Drugie prawo dynamiki, na ogół rozumiane w humanistycznym ujęciu jako pesymistyczna perspektywa przemijania energetycznej żywotności życia, świata ludzkiego, cywilizacji, u Haupta rozszerzyło swoje konotacje. Ameryka u progu jej doświadczenia przez pisarza niosła przesłanie zarazem nadziei i beznadziei. W artykule sygnalizuję podobieństwa prozy Haupta i Faulknera. I nakładanie się na formalne podobieństwo pokrewieństwa światopoglądowego. Piszących o Delcie Missisipi nowoczesnych prozaików interesuje brak równowagi między naturą i cywilizacją, który prowadzi do kryzysu tak natury, jak i ludzkiego społeczeństwa. Entropia okazuje się tutaj paradoksalnym śladem nadziei we wzrastającym nieporządku, który może zwiastować „pączkowanie” nowego systemu, a wraz z nim formę młodszej entropii.
„Rękopisy nie płoną”. O rekonstrukcji tekstu opowiadania Zygmunta Haupta Zołota hramota
Authors: Madyda Aleksander
Published: November 2023

Artykuł jest poświęcony rekonstrukcji brakujących fragmentów opowiadania Zygmunta Haupta Zołota hramota, której dokonano na podstawie znajomości całego dorobku pisarskiego, charakteryzującego się powtarzalnością motywów i odpowiadających im sformułowań językowych. Przy wyborze konkretnej leksyki kierowano się również najbliższym kontekstem rekonstruowanego miejsca oraz względami gramatycznymi i stylistycznymi.
Sztuczna inteligencja a wykładnia prawa – propozycja zastosowania systemów AI do ustalania założenia o racjonalnym prawodawcy
Authors: Binkowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2023

Sztuczna inteligencja rozwija się dynamicznie i jest coraz bardziej obecna w dyskursie publicznym, stąd powszechniejsze stają się pytania o jej potencjalne zastosowanie w dziedzinie prawa. Celem artykułu jest rozważenie, czy AI jest w stanie usprawnić proces stosowania prawa, a mianowicie ustalanie hipotez struktury głębokiej nauki prawa. Przy tym za problem badawczy uznano kwestię możliwości operacyjnych AI, a więc tego, czy sztuczna inteligencja jest w stanie adekwatnie odtwarzać założenie o racjonalnym prawodawcy. Aby rozważyć powyższe zagadnienie, w pierwszej kolejności przeanalizowano dyskusję na temat definicji sztucznej inteligencji oraz metodologiczne kwestie nauki prawa. Wreszcie w kwestii założenia o racjonalnym prawodawcy odtworzono warunki związane z tym konstruktem i zastanowiono się, czy mógłby powstać system adaptujący to założenie.
Względny charakter bezprawności jako mechanizm ograniczający zakres odpowiedzialności za szkodę
Authors: Zagórowski Mateusz
Published: November 2023

Artykuł dotyczy kwestii rozumienia przesłanki bezprawności w reżimie odpowiedzialności deliktowej jako bezprawności względnej. Stanowi analizę dotychczasowego dorobku doktryny i orzecznictwa. Porusza również zagadnienia obecne w najnowszym orzecznictwie dotyczące odpowiedzialności państwa za naruszenie norm jakości powietrza. Celem opracowania jest odpowiedź na pytanie, czy przyjęcie koncepcji bezprawności względnej jest odpowiednim narzędziem do zawężania zakresu odpowiedzialności odszkodowawczej, a także czy rozumienie przesłanki bezprawności jako zjawiska względnego jest odpowiednim sposobem wykładni przepisów polskiego Kodeksu cywilnego. Autor stoi na stanowisku, że używanie mechanizmów zawężających zakres odpowiedzialności z tytułu czynów niedozwolonych jest niezbędne ze względu na zwiększanie się liczby zjawisk mogących powodować masowe formułowanie roszczeń odszkodowawczych. Zdaniem autora koncepcja względnego charakteru bezprawności deliktowej jest w tym zakresie odpowiednim narzędziem.
Urinary phenotyping of SARS-CoV-2 infection connects clinical diagnostics with metabolomics and uncovers impaired NAD+ pathway and SIRT1 activation
Authors: Lonati Caterina , Berezhnoy Georgy , Lawler Nathan , Masuda Reika , Kulkarni Aditi , Sala Samuele , Nitschke Philipp , Zizmare Laimdota , Bucci Daniele , Cannet Claire , Schäfer Hartmut , Singh Yogesh , Gray Nicola , Lodge Samantha , Nicholson Jeremy , Merle Uta , Wist Julien , Trautwein Christoph
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The stratification of individuals suffering from acute and post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection remains a critical challenge. Notably, biomarkers able to specifically monitor viral progression, providing details about patient clinical status, are still not available. Herein, quantitative metabolomics is progressively recognized as a useful tool to describe the consequences of virus-host interactions considering also clinical metadata.

Methods

The present study characterized the urinary metabolic profile of 243 infected individuals by quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Results were compared with a historical cohort of noninfected subjects. Moreover, we assessed the concentration of recently identified antiviral nucleosides and their association with other metabolites and clinical data.

Results

Urinary metabolomics can stratify patients into classes of disease severity, with a discrimination ability comparable to that of clinical biomarkers. Kynurenines showed the highest fold change in clinically-deteriorated patients and higher-risk subjects. Unique metabolite clusters were also generated based on age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Changes in the concentration of antiviral nucleosides were associated with either other metabolites or clinical variables. Increased kynurenines and reduced trigonelline excretion indicated a disrupted nicotinamide adenine nucleotide (NAD+) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) pathway.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the potential of urinary metabolomics for noninvasive diagnostic/prognostic screening and show that the antiviral nucleosides could represent novel biomarkers linking viral load, immune response, and metabolism. Moreover, we established for the first time a casual link between kynurenine accumulation and deranged NAD+/SIRT1, offering a novel mechanism through which SARS-CoV-2 manipulates host physiology.
Effects of minor alloying elements (Si, Mn and Al) on the corrosion behavior of stainless steels in molten carbonate fuel cell cathode environment
Authors: Ahn SooHoon , Kim MinJoong , Kim YoungJun , Youn JuYoung
Published: November 2023

Effects of minor alloying elements (Si, Mn, and Al) on the corrosion resistance behaviors of stainless steel (SS) modified 310S used as a cathode current collector (CCC) material for molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) were examined in a mixture of 62 mol% Li2CO3–38 mol% K2CO3 at 650 °C by measuring the change in corrosion potential and the potentio-dynamic, potentio-static polarization responses. The corrosion potential of modified 310S gradually increased after 9 h of immersion due to an active to passive transition and that of SSs added with minor alloying elements drastically increased before 6 h of immersion due to the reactive alloys. Si, Mn, and Al addition to base SS led to a decrease in corrosion resistance due to the rapid corrosion rate at the cathode operation potential, −40 mV, of the MCFC. The steady state current densities of SSs added with minor alloying elements were higher than that of 310S and modified 310S. Addition of Si, Mn, and Al induced a decrease in corrosion resistance of CCC materials in molten carbonate fuel cell operating temperatures, 650 °C.
Forest biomass assessment combining field inventorying and remote sensing data
Authors: Qasim Mohammad , Csaplovics Elmar , Villegas Mike Harvey Salazar
Published: November 2023

Forests offer high potential for the fight against climate change. However, forests are faced with increased deforestation. REDD+ is a financial mechanism that offers hope to developing countries for tackling deforestation. Aboveground (AGB) estimation, however, is necessary for such financial mechanisms. Remote sensing methods offer various advantages for AGB estimation. A study, therefore, was conducted for the estimation of AGB using a combination of remote sensing Sentinel-1 (S1) and Sentinel-2 (S2) satellite data and field inventorying. The mean AGB for Sub-tropical Chir Pine Forest was recorded as 146.73 ± 65.11 Mg ha−1, while for Sub-tropical Broadleaved Evergreen Forest it was 33.77 ± 51.63 Mg ha−1. Results revealed weak associations between the S1 and S2 data with the AGB. Nonetheless, S1 and S2 offer advantages such as free data resources that can be utilized by developing countries for forest biomass and carbon monitoring.
Revisiting incidence rates comparison under right censorship
Authors: Martínez-Camblor Pablo , Díaz-Coto Susana
Published: November 2023

Data description is the first step for understanding the nature of the problem at hand. Usually, it is a simple task that does not require any particular assumption. However, the interpretation of the used descriptive measures can be a source of confusion and misunderstanding. The incidence rate is the quotient between the number of observed events and the sum of time that the studied population was at risk of having this event (person-time). Despite this apparently simple definition, its interpretation is not free of complexity. In this piece of research, we revisit the incidence rate estimator under right-censorship. We analyze the effect that the censoring time distribution can have on the observed results, and its relevance in the comparison of two or more incidence rates. We propose a solution for limiting the impact that the data collection process can have on the results of the hypothesis testing. We explore the finite-sample behavior of the considered estimators from Monte Carlo simulations. Two examples based on synthetic data illustrate the considered problem. The R code and data used are provided as Supplementary Material.
The preparation of cellulose acetate capsules using emulsification techniques: high-shear bulk mixing and microfluidics
Authors: Mystek Katarzyna , Andreasson Bo , Reid Michael S. , Françon Hugo , Fager Cecilia , Larsson Per A. , Svagan Anna J. , Wågberg Lars
Published: November 2023

This work describes an emulsification-solvent-evaporation method for the preparation of liquid-filled capsules made from cellulose acetate. Two different emulsification techniques were applied: bulk emulsification by high-shear mixing, and droplet generation using microfluidics. The bulk emulsification method resulted in the formation of oil-in-water emulsions composed of an organic mixture of isooctane and cellulose acetate in methyl acetate, and an aqueous phase of high-molecular-weight polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Upon the solvent evaporation, the emulsion droplets evolved into isooctane-filled cellulose acetate capsules. In contrast, microfluidics led to the formation of monodisperse droplets composed of the aqueous PVA solution dispersed in the organic phase. Upon the solvent evaporation, the emulsion droplets evolved into water-filled cellulose acetate capsules. Owing to the thermoplastic properties of the cellulose acetate, the capsules formed with the bulk mixing demonstrated a significant expansion when exposed to an increased temperature. Such expanded capsules hold great promise as building blocks in lightweight materials.
Blending and functionalisation modification of 3D printed polylactic acid for fused deposition modeling
Authors: Li Yishan , Huang Lijie , Wang Xiyue , Wang Yanan , Lu Xuyang , Wei Zhehao , Mo Qi , Sheng Yao , Zhang Shuya , Huang Chongxing , Duan Qingshan
Published: November 2023

Polylactic acid (PLA) is extensively used as a raw material in fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based three-dimensional printing (3DP), owing to its abundant resources, simple production processes, decent biodegradability, and adequate mechanical strength. However, it has disadvantages such as poor toughness and straightforward bending deformation. Given the considerable application potential of PLA materials in FDM-based 3DP technology, herein, studies conducted over the last 5 years toward the enhancement of the characteristics of PLA for FDM are summarized. In particular, modification approaches (chemical or physical methods) that have been employed to improve the mechanical and processing attributes of PLA are discussed, along with the development of PLA composites with unique functionalities. The insights provided herein can help expand the scope of application of PLA composites in FDM-based 3DP for utilization in fields such as transportation, aerospace engineering, industrial equipment fabrication, consumer/electronic product manufacturing, and biomedicine/medicine.
Die sechste Kirchenmitgliedschaftsuntersuchung: Zentrale Erkenntnisse und Herausforderungen für Religionspädagogik und Gemeindepädagogik
Authors: Ilg Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

Die Kirchenmitgliedschaftsuntersuchungen (KMU) sind die wohl wichtigsten religionssoziologischen Studien für die evangelische (und seit der sechsten KMU auch für die katholische) Kirche in Deutschland. Die aktuelle KMU VI (Erhebungsjahr 2022) nimmt im Vergleich zur Vorgängerstudie aus 2012 das kirchliche Bildungshandeln verstärkt in den Blick. Zentrale Ergebnisse werden vorgestellt: Der Religionsunterricht in seiner konfessionell getrennten Organisationsform hat nur noch einen geringen Rückhalt in der Bevölkerung. Die Arbeit der kirchlichen Kindertagesstätten führt bei den meisten Eltern nicht zu einer Einstellungsänderung gegenüber der Kirche. Bei der religiösen Sozialisation spielen die erstmals abgefragten gemeindepädagogischen Angebote, insbesondere die Konfirmation, eine wichtige Rolle. Der Artikel schließt mit möglichen Konsequenzen für Religions- und Gemeindepädagogik, Kirche und Gesellschaft.
Religiöse Bildungsprozesse im Rahmen der „Kommunikation des Evangeliums“ – Einblicke in die Perspektiven der Subjekte
Authors: Pohl-Patalong Uta
Published: November 2023

Eines der Begleitprojekte der KMU VI widmet sich der Frage, wie der Prozess, der praktisch-theologisch gegenwärtig häufig als „Kommunikation des Evangeliums“ benannt wird, eigentlich von denjenigen erlebt wird, die an ihm teilnehmen, und welche Wirkung sie diesem zumessen. Das Projekt ist qualitativ ausgerichtet und wertet Gruppendiskussionen aus, die in verschiedenen kirchlichen Handlungsfeldern geführt wurden. In diesem Artikel erfolgt die Darstellung erster Ergebnisse mit dem Fokus auf Bildungsprozesse, die zu einer Stärkung des Subjekts, einem veränderten Verhältnis zur Welt, einem Zuwachs an Eigenständigkeit sowie zu einer kritischen Reflexion persönlicher Überzeugungen führen.
Embodied Futurities
Authors: Tan Jill J
Published: November 2023

This article began as a critical essay of the same title, Embodied Futurities, commissioned to accompanythe exhibition of the performance project and video installation Between Earth and Sky (2018-) bySingaporean artist and cultural worker Alecia Neo. Working with a community of caregivers of personswith mental illness and degenerative disease in Singapore, Neo’s work and this article connect thephysicality of care work and carer-choreographed movements as forms of embodied praxis. This articlefocuses on the co-created work by Neo, the Caregivers Alliance (CAL) caregivers, and the movementartists, as guided by Neo's commitment to socially-oriented art, a school of practice that seeks toproblematise traditional models of authorship or creatorship through dialogic or collaborativeprocesses. Neo’s socially engaged artworks are situated in this article as forms of public pedagogy.Embodied Futurities engages participatory ethnographic methods to develop a critical artswriting model which advocates for enhancing polyvocality in both art-making and critical discoursearound work. Exploring art-making; movement as autopoiesis (Deleuze and Guattari, 1994); living withmental illness and degenerative disease; the act and arc of caregiving; and the everyday choreographyof survival (Cox, 2015), this article’s focal points are drawn from the perspectives voiced by caregivers.Embodied Futurities explores how Between Earth and Sky posits and reorients the body as a site forexpression rather than maintenance, re-envisions the potential of community support networks, andconsiders the possibilities of self-care for carers for whom mutuality may seem remote.
Apresentação
Authors: Janete Espig Márcia , Rodrigues Guelso Amanda , Regina Bueno Cunha Ariane , Luísa Lessa Werner Bethânia , Reisdorfer Douglas , Sedrez Bunde Francine , Brancão Chaves Isabelle , Bergozza Pereira Laura , Amaral Leonardo , Blaskoski Lehugeur Víctor , Borges da Cunha Vitor
Published: November 2023

Apresentação do v. 8, n. 14, 2023
A pimenta americana e o sistema-mundo
Authors: Menozzo da Rosa Arthur
Published: November 2023

O objetivo desse artigo é explorar as relações entre a pimenta americana (Capsicum) e a fome enquanto problema relacionado à desigualdade social e econômica. Para isso, o artigo faz o uso de estudos sobre o Sistema-Mundial Moderno e suas articulações históricas para apontar como a pimenta americana tornou-se elemento cotidiano das comensalidades de variados locais que passaram - ou ainda passam - por processos de pobreza e más condições alimentares. Esses locais, portanto, considerados como periferias globais, usam de um condimento relativamente barato para melhorar as condições palatares.
Apontamentos sobre a Federação Estadual de Teatro Amador - FESTA/CE
Authors: Ferreira Maia Yasmin , Araújo Lima Yanka
Published: November 2023

Este artigo visa discutir a atuação da Federação Estadual de Teatro Amador - FESTA/CE na região do Vale do Jaguaribe3, na intenção de explorar os traços das movimentações e articulações específicas da entidade. Considerando, principalmente, as ações de interiorização efetuadas no interior do Estado, pensando aqui enquanto medidas que provocaram fortes impactos na cena teatral jaguaribana. Para isso, utilizaremos a metodologia da História Oral como instrumento eficaz para a produção e tratamento da fonte oral, nesse caso, levando em conta as narrativas construídas por Francisco Franciner Lourenço Lima, um sujeito atuante do meio teatral russano que participou como membro da FESTA.
A Circunstância e Resistência
Authors: Lucas Emanoel , França Davi
Published: November 2023

O presente artigo visa apresentar a produção da Literatura de Cordel durante a Ditadura Civil-Militar no Brasil entre os anos de 1964 a 1985, analisando os modos pelo qual ela conseguiu ultrapassar os limites da censura extrema, durante o regime, como também entender a produção que apoiava as atitudes dos militares, e os meios pelo qual estes tiveram passibilidade para publicar seus escritos, buscando compreender os usos dos conceitos circunstância e resistência moldados durante o período por uma série de intelectuais e poetas. De tal modo se faz necessário historicizar os termos cunhados, a fim de compreender seus usos e atribuições de significados por parte dos intelectuais que se prestam a pesquisar a produção cordelística.