bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health and risk of death and hospitalization in COVID–19 patients. Results from a large-scale population-based study in Spain
Authors: Moreno-Juste Aida , Poblador-Plou Beatriz , Ortega-Larrodé Cristina , Laguna-Berna Clara , González-Rubio Francisca , Aza-Pascual-Salcedo Mercedes , Bliek-Bueno Kevin , Padilla María , de-la-Cámara Concepción , Prados-Torres Alexandra , Gimeno-Feliú Luis A. , Gimeno-Miguel Antonio
Published: February 2024

The COVID–19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for health care systems globally. This study aimed to explore the presence of mental illness in a Spanish cohort of COVID-19-infected population and to evaluate the association between the presence of specific mental health conditions and the risk of death and hospitalization. This is a retrospective cohort study including all individuals with confirmed infection by SARS-CoV-2 from the PRECOVID (Prediction in COVID–19) Study (Aragon, Spain). Mental health illness was defined as the presence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, anxiety, cognitive disorders, depression and mood disorders, substance abuse, and personality and eating disorders. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the likelihood of 30-day all-cause mortality and COVID–19 related hospitalization based on baseline demographic and clinical variables, including the presence of specific mental conditions, by gender. We included 144,957 individuals with confirmed COVID–19 from the PRECOVID Study (Aragon, Spain). The most frequent diagnosis in this cohort was anxiety. However, some differences were observed by sex: substance abuse, personality disorders and schizophrenia were more frequently diagnosed in men, while eating disorders, depression and mood, anxiety and cognitive disorders were more common among women. The presence of mental illness, specifically schizophrenia spectrum and cognitive disorders in men, and depression and mood disorders, substance abuse, anxiety and cognitive and personality disorders in women, increased the risk of mortality or hospitalization after COVID–19, in addition to other well-known risk factors such as age, morbidity and treatment burden. Identifying vulnerable patient profiles at risk of serious outcomes after COVID–19 based on their mental health status will be crucial to improve their access to the healthcare system and the establishment of public health prevention measures for future outbreaks.
NFAT signaling is indispensable for persistent memory responses of MCMV-specific CD8+ T cells
Authors: Chaudhry M. Zeeshan , Borkner Lisa , Kulkarni Upasana , Berberich-Siebelt Friederike , Cicin-Sain Luka
Published: February 2024

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) induces a unique T cell response, where antigen-specific populations do not contract, but rather inflate during viral latency. It has been proposed that subclinical episodes of virus reactivation feed the inflation of CMV-specific memory cells by intermittently engaging T cell receptors (TCRs), but evidence of TCR engagement has remained lacking. Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) is a family of transcription factors, where NFATc1 and NFATc2 signal downstream of TCR in mature T lymphocytes. We show selective impacts of NFATc1 and/or NFATc2 genetic ablations on the long-term inflation of MCMV-specific CD8+ T cell responses despite largely maintained responses to acute infection. NFATc1 ablation elicited robust phenotypes in isolation, but the strongest effects were observed when both NFAT genes were missing. CMV control was impaired only when both NFATs were deleted in CD8+ T cells used in adoptive immunotherapy of immunodeficient mice. Transcriptome analyses revealed that T cell intrinsic NFAT is not necessary for CD8+ T cell priming, but rather for their maturation towards effector-memory and in particular the effector cells, which dominate the pool of inflationary cells.
Nemesis on Gaius Marius (Plu., Mar. 10.2; 23.1; 26.5)
Authors: Rossini Alessandro
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this essay is to assess the function and content of three occurrences of Nemesis intervening in rebus – always to the detriment of Gaius Marius’ unrestrained ambition – in Plutarch’s biography of this statesman. The motif of Marius’ ‘supernatural’ chastisement is examined from a historical and ultimately meta-historical perspective. Great attention is therefore devoted to Sulla’s Memoirs as a conscious and elaborate recollection of events, a piece of original history, and an explicit source, without losing sight of Plutarch’s own autonomy of thought when it comes to ethics in history.
Sung, Drawn and Quartered: The Roman Ideogram of Bread – Part 1
Authors: Waring Bunny
Published: February 2024

When duplicated, the single icon of a monument, deity, or object, could recall entire narratives of divine intervention, great ancestral feats, and desirable ‘Roman’ attributes. The common, round, and quartered loaf of wheat-bread was produced and eaten by all echelons of Roman society. Despite the fundamentality of this segmented loaf to the daily life, industry, and economy of Rome, its imbuement with ideogrammic qualities of social balance and stability, have yet to be explored. Through select case studies of literary and archaeological evidence this paper will explore the allegorical nature of bread beyond dietetics in two parts: In Part 1 I provide case studies of bread use in different literary genres of ancient Poetry, Historiography, Satire, Biography and Prose, discussing the thematic tropes in which bread appears in Roman narratives. In Part 2 I investigate how these metaphoric characteristics and themes translated visually in the mosaics, frescos, graffiti, and monuments of public and private spaces. I conclude that the panis quadratus was more than an economic and accessible product, and became an ideogram of the social cohesion fundamental to Rome’s Empire; specifically, the circular connections between the natural, mortal and immortal worlds.
Quality of multifamily residential land as a factor supporting sustainable urban development
Authors: Rącka Izabela
Published: February 2024

The analysis of the real estate market is one of the basic tasks of a real estate valuer. Proper analysis should be preceded by determining the spatial extent of the market. It is most often assumed that comparative properties should be located on the local market, usually seen as the market of a given town or commune. In contrast, in the absence of local market transactions, the analyzed area is extended to the regional, national and, in specific cases, even international markets. The purpose of the article is to define the boundaries of the local market in the example of the city of Poznań (Poland). The market research was mainly based on statistical analysis. The results of the conducted research show that in the case of undeveloped land for multifamily housing in Poznań, the local market should be narrowed to specific city zones, not treating the city area uniformly. Additionally, it should be noted that investors make decisions about the location of residential investments, considering land prices and real estate development opportunities, which vary in different parts of the city. The quality of life of residents and the degree of sustainable development of the city that can be achieved depend on the developers' decisions on the choice of location, as well as on the spatial and technical solutions used.
Treatment Decision for Locally Resected T1 Colorectal Carcinoma–Verification of the Japanese Guideline Criteria for Additional Surgery Based on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Oka Shiro , Tanaka Shinji , Kajiwara Yoshiki , Saito Shoichi , Fukunaga Yosuke , Takamatsu Manabu , Kawachi Hiroshi , Hotta Kinich , Ikematsu Hiroaki , Kojima Motohiro , Saito Yutaka , Yamada Masayoshi , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Sekine Shigeki , Nagata Shinji , Yamada Kazutaka , Kobayashi Nozomu , Ishihara Soichiro , Saitoh Yusuke , Matsuda Kenji , Togashi Kazutomo , Komori Koji , Ishiguro Megumi , Kuwai Toshio , Okuyama Takashi , Ohuchi Akihiro , Ohnuma Shinobu , Sakamoto Kazuhiro , Sugai Tamotsu , Katsumata Kenji , Matsushita Hiro-o , Yamano Hiro-o , Eda Hirotsugu , Uraoka Toshio , Akimoto Naohiko , Kobayashi Hirotoshi , Sugihara Kenichi , Ueno Hideki
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION:

To verify the value of the pathological criteria for additional treatment in locally resected pT1 colorectal carcinoma (CRC) which have been used in the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR) guidelines since 2009.

METHODS:

We enrolled 4,667 patients with pT1 CRC treated at 27 institutions between July 2009 and December 2016 (1,257 patients with local resection alone [group A], 1,512 patients with additional surgery after local resection [group B], and 1,898 patients with surgery alone [group C]). All 5 factors of the JSCCR guidelines (submucosal resection margin, tumor histologic grade, submucosal invasion depth, lymphovascular invasion, and tumor budding) for lymph node metastasis (LNM) had been diagnosed prospectively.

RESULTS:

Any of the risk factors were present in 3,751 patients. The LNM incidence was 10.4% (95% confidence interval 9.4–11.5) in group B/C patients with risk factors, whereas it was 1.8% (95% confidence interval 0.4–5.3) in those without risk factors (P < 0.01). In group A, the incidence of recurrence was 3.6% in patients with risk factors, but it was only 0.4% in patients without risk factors (P < 0.01). The disease-free survival rate of group A patients classified as risk positive was significantly worse than those of groups B and C patients. However, the 5-year disease-free survival rate in group A patients with no risk was 99.6%.

DISCUSSION:

Our large-scale real-world multicenter study demonstrated the validity of the JSCCR criteria for pT1 CRC after local resection, especially regarding favorable outcomes in patients with low risk of LNM.
A Clinicopathological Appraisal of Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumors at a Racially Diverse Safety Net Hospital
Authors: Shaikh Sofia D. , Jacoba Isa , Sun Natalie , Chung Enoch , Kim Haesook T. , Zhao Qing , Weber H. Christian
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding clinicopathological profiling as well as treatment, surveillance, and survival of duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (dNETs).

METHODS:

We clinicopathologically characterized and identified racial differences among patients with dNETs at a large safety net hospital. Tumor grades were updated based on the World Health Organization 2019 NET classification, and overall survival was determined.

RESULTS:

We identified 17 dNETs and found no differences in clinicopathologic characteristics across racial groups. Pathological diagnosis was upgraded in 35% of dNETs, and age >65 years significantly shortened overall survival.

DISCUSSION:

Larger-scale studies are needed to determine the significance of these findings.
Living with the dead: mummification and post-mortem treatment in Bronze Age Britain
Authors: Pearson Mike Parker
Published: February 2024

A long-recognised problem in British prehistory is the replacement of formal cemeteries and burials from 1600 bce onwards by deposits with disarticulated human remains, many of them found on settlements. At the Bronze Age settlement site of Cladh Hallan in the Outer Hebrides the human remains include cremation deposits, inhumations, disarticulated bones and body parts of formerly mummified remains recombined as composite skeletons. These mortuary practices, including exhumation, curation and reburial, reveal an intimate relationship between the living and the dead. The burial of mummies beneath house floors and the deposition of other human remains within Cladh Hallan’s roundhouses demonstrate how dwellings were places of spiritual and cosmological meaning as well as practical utility. While later Bronze Age mortuary practices generally provide little indication of the social inequalities apparent in other lines of evidence, the practice of mummification may have served as an indicator of social status.
Recent scientific research, training and consultancy on ancient ceramics at UCL Institute of Archaeology
Authors: Quinn Patrick S.
Published: February 2024

This article considers the range and nature of ceramic analyses at the Institute of Archaeology. It highlights the global reach of such work, the analytical facilities available and the depth to which research informs teaching in the department.
The Archaéo-Sexism exhibition at UCL
Authors: Hawkins Kayt , Frearson Charlotte
Published: February 2024

The Archaéo-Sexism exhibition comprises 24 posters, primarily illustrated personal testimonies of sexism in archaeological fieldwork, with the aim of promoting diversity and equality through better ethics in the world of research. The testimonies relating to sexist behaviours were collected by the Paye ta Truelle project in 2017, as part of the reaction to the global expansion of the #MeToo movement. A selection of these testimonies were illustrated in conjunction with the Archéo-Ethique Association to create a travelling exhibition. Funding from UCL in 2022 enabled the printing of this French-language exhibition for English-speaking audiences and the opportunity to use the exhibition to promote discussions around sexist behaviours in UK-based academic and commercial archaeological practice.
Behavioral Finance: Hippocrates Personality and Behavioral of Islamic Finance on Investment Decision Gen Z
Authors: Effendi Kharisya Ayu
Published: February 2024

This study aims to analyze Hippocrates' personality and an investor's financial behavior in making investment decisions. A quantitative research design was used to test the research hypotheses. The respondents consisted of Muslim students from universities in Bandung who belong to the category of Generation Z. The data analysis technique used was the Structural Equation Model (SEM) AMOS. The Hippocrates personality has a significant effect on financial behavior, and financial behavior has a significant effect on investment decisions. However, the Hippocrates personality does not have a significant effect on investment decisions. The findings of this research indicate that financial behavior needs to be improved by applying Sharia financial concepts so that it can support investment activities that are in line with Sharia principles. Personality Hippocrates emphasized choosing investments that are in line with the student's personality characteristics. This personality type is more inclined towards the behavior of calculating the appropriate risks and benefits of the investments made. The novelty of this research is demonstrated by the Islamic financial perspective which examines the relationship between Hippocrates' personality and financial behavior on investment decision-making. The expected implication is that Islamic finance can increase investment by knowing the Hippocratic personality type and financial behavior among Gen Z Muslims.
Originality/Value: The originality of this research is found in studying personality types according to Hippocrates (129-200 BC) and the perspective of Islamic Finance in making investment decisions.
“Let’s have a cup of tea” – Scandinavian crime fiction through Hungarian eyes. Zoltán Kőhalmi’s practical guide to crime writers
Authors: Soós Anita
Published: February 2024

In recent decades, a wide range of Scandinavian crime novels have conquered Hungarian readers, providing a more sophisticated perspective on the existing image of Scandinavian cultures and societies, with their intriguing social content and appealing landscapes. This wave of crime fiction has not only contributed to a better understanding of Scandinavia, but also drawn attention to the genre itself, which culminated in a parody written by a Hungarian stand-up comedian, Zoltán Kőhalmi. In his incorporation of all the obligatory ingredients of Scandinavian crime novels, the comedian not only reuses the self-image that Scandinavian crime narratives convey, he pillories the genre requirements by exaggerating the use of the most well-known characteristics. The analysis of Kőhalmi’s satirical use of Scandinavian crime narratives serves as a case study for a closer understanding of conceptions of Scandinavia in contemporary Hungary.
Short‐chain mono‐carboxylates as negative modulators of allosteric transitions in Gloeobacter violaceus ligand‐gated ion channel, and impact of a pre‐β5 strand (Loop Ω) double mutation on crotonate, not butyrate effect
Authors: Van Renterghem Catherine , Nemecz Ákos , Medjebeur Karima , Corringer Pierre‐Jean
Published: February 2024

Using the bacterial proton‐activated pentameric receptor‐channel Gloeobacter violaceus ligand‐gated ion channel (GLIC): (1) We characterize saturated, mono‐carboxylates as negative modulators of GLIC (as previously shown for crotonate; Alqazzaz et al., Biochemistry, 2016, 55, 5947). Butyrate and crotonate have indistinguishable properties regarding negative modulation of wt GLIC. (2) We identify a locus in the pre‐β5 strand (Loop Ω) whose mutation inverses the effect of the mono‐carboxylate crotonate from negative to positive modulation of the allosteric transitions, suggesting an involvement of the pre‐β5 strand in coupling the extracellular orthotopic receptor to pore gating. (3) As an extension to the previously proposed “in series” mechanism, we suggest that a orthotopic/orthosteric site—vestibular site—Loop Ω—β5‐β6 “sandwich”—Pro‐Loop/Cys‐Loop series may be an essential component of orthotopic/orthosteric compound‐elicited gating control in this pentameric ligand‐gated ion channel, on top of which compounds targeting the vestibular site may provide modulation.
Antitumor activity of 5-hydroxy-3′,4′,6,7-tetramethoxyflavone in glioblastoma cell lines and its antagonism with radiotherapy
Authors: Papapetrou Panagiota , Dimitriadis Kyriakos , Galani Vasiliki , Zoi Vasiliki , Giannakopoulou Maria , Papathanasopoulou Vasiliki A. , Sioka Chrissa , Tsekeris Pericles , Kyritsis Athanassios P. , Lazari Diamanto , Alexiou George A.
Published: February 2024

5-Hydroxy-3′,4′,6,7-tetramethoxyflavone (TMF) is a plant-origin flavone known for its anti-cancer properties. In the present study, the cytotoxic effect of TMF was evaluated in the U87MG and T98G glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines. The effect of TMF on cell viability was assessed with trypan blue exclusion assay and crystal violet staining. In addition, flow cytometry was performed to examine its effect on the different phases of the cell cycle, and in vitro scratch wound assay assessed the migratory capacity of the treated cells. Furthermore, the effect of in vitro radiotherapy was also evaluated with a combination of TMF and radiation. In both cell lines, TMF treatment resulted in G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, reduced cell viability, and reduced cell migratory capacity. In contrast, there was an antagonistic property of TMF treatment with radiotherapy. These results demonstrated the antineoplastic effect of TMF in GBM cells in vitro, but the antagonistic effect with radiotherapy indicated that TMF should be further evaluated for its possible antitumor role post-radiotherapy.
Silicotungstic acid supported on Bi-based MOF-derived metal oxide for photodegradation of organic dyes
Authors: Zhang Qiuyun , Luo Linmin , Lei Yanhui , Xie Feiran , Li Weihua , Zhao Yongting , Wang Jialu , Zhang Yutao
Published: February 2024

In this article, Bi-based metal–organic framework-supported silicotungstic acid (STA) was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and used as a precursor for the preparation of the Bi-based MOF-derived catalyst (STA@C-Bi-BDC). Using a combination of FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDS, N2 adsorption–desorption, TG, UV-Vis DRS, and XPS techniques, the successful immobilization of STA groups on Bi-MOF-derived C-Bi-BDC was assessed. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared catalysts was investigated in the degradation of the RhB dye process under visible light. Within 120 min of visible light exposure, the high degradation rate of RhB (92.7%) by STA@C-Bi-BDC system was achieved, which was a lot larger than the STA (39.4%), C-Bi-BDC (59.2%), and STA@Bi-BDC (74.0%) system, and cyclic experiments exhibit that the STA@C-Bi-BDC is a relatively stable photocatalyst. More importantly, the catalyst shows high applicability for the degradation of other dyes. This study reveals a comprehensive strategy for the design of efficient Bi-based MOF-derived photocatalyst for organic dye-based wastewater treatment.
Late diagnosis of the X-linked MCT8 deficiency (Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome) in a teenage girl with primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Sriram Swetha , Shahid Nabiha , Mysliwiec D Diana , Lichter-Konecki Uta , Yatsenko Svetlana A. , Garibaldi Luigi R.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To report an unusual case of MCT8 deficiency (Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome), an X-linked condition caused by pathogenic variants in the SLC16A2 gene. Defective transport of thyroid hormones (THs) in this condition leads to severe neurodevelopmental impairment in males, while heterozygous females are usually asymptomatic or have mild TH abnormalities.

Case presentation

A girl with profound developmental delay, epilepsy, primary amenorrhea, elevated T3, low T4 and free T4 levels was diagnosed with MCT8-deficiency at age 17 years, during evaluation for primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated balanced t(X;16)(q13.2;q12.1) translocation with a breakpoint disrupting SLC16A2. X-chromosome inactivation studies revealed a skewed inactivation of the normal X chromosome.

Conclusions

MCT8-deficiency can manifest clinically and phenotypically in women with SLC16A2 aberrations when nonrandom X inactivation occurs, while lack of X chromosome integrity due to translocation can cause POI.
The importance of professional responsibility and fetal viability in the management of abortion
Authors: Chervenak Frank , McLeod-Sordjan Renee , Moreno Jonathan D. , Pollet Susan , Bornstein Eran , Dudenhausen Joachim , Grünebaum Amos
Published: February 2024

In June 2022, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision ended the constitutional right to the professional practice of abortion throughout the United States. The removal of the constitutional right to abortion has significantly altered the practice of obstetricians and gynecologists across the US. It potentially increases risks to pregnant patients, leads to profound changes in how physicians can provide care, especially in states with strict bans or gestational limits to abortion, and has introduced personal challenges, including moral distress and injury as well as legal risks for patients and clinicians alike. The professional responsibility model is based on the ethical concept of medicine as a profession and has been influential in shaping medical ethics in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. It provides the framework for the importance of ethical and professional conduct in obstetrics and gynecology. Viability marks a stage where the fetus is a patient with a claim to access to medical care. By allowing unrestricted abortions past this stage without adequate justifications, such as those concerning the life and health of the pregnant individual, or in instances of serious fetal anomalies, the states may not be upholding the equitable ethical consideration owed to the fetus as a patient. Using the professional responsibility model, we emphasize the need for nuanced, evidence-based policies that allow abortion management prior to viability without restrictions and allow abortion after viability to protect the pregnant patient’s life and health, as well as permitting abortion for serious fetal anomalies.
Implication as Inclusion and the Causal Asymmetry
Authors: Saudek Daniel
Published: February 2024

How does causation in the physical world relate to implication in logic? This article presents implication as fundamentally a relation of inclusion between propositions. Given this, it is argued that an event cannot “causally imply” another, also given the laws of nature. Then, by applying the notion of inclusion to physical objects, a relation “within the possibilities of” is developed, which generates a partial order on sets of entities and is independent of time. Based on this, it is shown that changes of physical objects in time (at any rate, a great many of them) imply, and thus counterfactually depend on, what we call “causes” – an asymmetric dependence which is robust despite the perspectival nature of the concept of “cause”.
Asymmetrical novel hyperchaotic system with two exponential functions and an application to image encryption
Authors: Shukur Ali A. , AlFallooji Mohanad A. , Pham Viet-Thanh
Published: February 2024

In this article, asymmetrical novel system with two exponential functions, which can show hyperchaotic behavior, has been proposed. Although new system possesses only one unstable equilibrium. The dynamical behaviors of such system are discovered by computing the Lyapunov exponents and bifurcation diagram. Furthermore, the synchronization of the proposed system are also presented by an adaptive synchronization approach of two identical hyperchaotic systems. An application to image encryption has been obtained.
A comprehensive review of noise pollution monitoring studies at bus transit terminals
Authors: Kumari Supriya , Sharma Anjali , Ghosh Ashok Kumar
Published: February 2024

This article systematically reviews research on noise pollution monitoring conducted over the past 23 years at various bus transit terminals located worldwide. About 18 articles were identified using PRISMA method and were evaluated to provide summary of prior research work to examine accuracy, authenticity, and reliability of noise monitoring results with respect to chosen methodology and extent of noise pollution at bus transit terminals. It examines important indicators of noise pollution and the analysis parameters such as noise sampling, noise descriptors, processing of acquired data, noise mapping, etc., and compares it with the regulations and standard guidelines notably ISO 1996-2:2017 and American National Standards Institute/ASA S12.18-1994 (R2009) and their prior versions aiming to identify research gaps. The studies have primarily focused on noise monitoring, revealing widespread excessive noise pollution exceeding permissible levels at bus terminals globally. This article underscores significant research deficiencies in noise pollution monitoring at bus terminals, emphasizing the challenge of conducting quantitative meta-analyses and statistical comparisons due to variations in parameters and qualities. Noise pollution standards are breached in all terminals covered in the identified literature; hence, noise mitigation measures must be implemented at these bus terminals. The study suggests that noise monitoring must be carefully devised with respect to individual site operations and noise sources and in compliance with standard guidelines to improve the accuracy of the results. There is a need for uniform guidelines that can be followed globally for environmental noise monitoring as there are only a few countries that have guidelines for noise monitoring. The outcomes of this research will be helpful in guiding noise monitoring, mapping, and mitigation strategies as well as designing transit terminals to improve overall acoustical ambiance for more passenger footfall for sustainable transportation.
Biology of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on different types of plants feeds: Potency as a pest on various agricultural plants
Authors: Dono Danar , Wulansari Retno , Hidayat Yusup , Widayani Neneng Sri
Published: February 2024

Spodoptera frugiperda is a new invasive and highly polyphagous pest that attacks corn in Indonesia. The availability of abundant plant species allows pests to switch to other host plants to maintain their population. The aim of this research is to examine the development, reproduction, nutritional indices, and life table of S. frugiperda in several plant species. The plants tested were corn, rice, broccoli, oil palm, and baby corn as controls. Ten individual insects were used and the experiments were repeated five times for each plant species. The test results show that different types of plant feed affect the development time, imago life span, fecundity, and fertility of S. frugiperda. Baby corn fruit and broccoli had higher net reproduction value (R
0), intrinsic growth rate (r), gross reproduction rate (GRR), shorter mean generation period (T), and population doubling time (DT) than corn and rice leaves. On oil palm leaf feed, no population parameters could be determined because no larvae developed into adults and had the lowest nutritional indices parameters, so that, oil palm could not be exploited as a host plant. Also, the nutritional indices of several feed plant species tested provided information that broccoli could be the most suitable host compared to other plants tested when there was no corn in the field.
Price-Cap Regulation of Firms That Supply Their Rivals
Authors: Kim Soo Jin , Nayeem Omar A. , Yankelevich Aleksandr
Published: February 2024

We study price-cap regulation in a market in which a vertically integrated upstream monopolist sells an essential input to a downstream competitor. In the absence of regulation, entry benefits both firms, but may harm downstream consumers because the upstream monopolist can set a high input price that would push downstream prices above the unregulated monopoly level. However, if a regulator caps the incumbent’s upstream and downstream prices, consumers and firms are better off after entry than under a price-cap monopoly. We extend our model to examine the concern that price caps may induce incumbents to forgo cost-reducing investments and dampen entrants’ incentives to self-provision the input.
Lamellar liquid crystals formed from sucrose ester and Brij97 solutions for curcumin delivery
Authors: Guo Fumin , Li Xuepeng , Fan Jun , Ma Xuebin , Wang Zhongni
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the lamellar liquid crystals formed in S1570-Brij97/isopropyl myristate/PEG400 aqueous system were prepared at 37 °C. The effects of PEG400 and curcumin on the S1570-Brij97 lyotropic liquid crystal systems were studied by phase diagram, polarized optical microscopy, small angle X-ray scattering, and rheology. The prepared lamellar liquid crystals show stable structures at 37 °C. The encapsulation of curcumin improves the structural stability of the lamellar liquid crystals, which can be confirmed by their higher η

γ=0.013 and σ

y
values, suggesting that the S1570-Brij97 lamellar liquid crystals are good carriers for curcumin. In addition, the prepared lamellar liquid crystals can effectively protect curcumin from decomposition, and curcumin can be released slowly in the liquid crystals. Therefore, based on the structural stability, protective effect on curcumin, and slow-release behavior, the constructed S1570-Brij97 lamellar liquid crystals have good potential for drug delivery.
A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Integrated Study on Brain Functional Changes in a Neuropathic Pain Rat Model
Authors: Chi Xin-Tian , Yang Wu , Zhang Jian-Bo , Lei Yu-Tao , Tao Chen-Chen , Chen Hong-Ni , Zheng Zi-Kun , Xin Wen-Jun , Xu Ting , Gao Shuang , Zhang Xue-Qin
Published: February 2024

Human and animal imaging studies demonstrated that chronic pain profoundly alters the structure and the functionality of several brain regions and even causes mental dysfunctions such as depression and anxiety disorders. In this article, we conducted a multimodal study cross-sectionally and longitudinally, to evaluate how neuropathic pain affects the brain. Using the spared nerve injury (SNI) model which promotes long-lasting mechanical allodynia, results showed that neuropathic pain deeply modified the intrinsic organization of the brain functional network 2 weeks after injury. There are significant changes in the activity of the left thalamus (Th_L) and left olfactory bulb (OB_L) brain regions after SNI, as evidenced by both the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal and c-Fos expression. Importantly, these changes were closely related to mechanical pain behavior of rats. However, it is worth noting that after morphine administration for analgesia, only the increased activity in the TH region is reversed, while the decreased activity in the OB region becomes more prominent. Functional connectivity (FC) and c-Fos correlation analysis further showed these two regions of interest (ROIs) exhibit different FC patterns with other brain regions. Our study comprehensively revealed the adaptive changes of brain neural networks induced by nerve injury in both cross-sectional and longitudinal dimensions and emphasized the abnormal activity and FC of Th_L and OB_L in the pathological condition. It provides reliable assistance in exploring the intricate mechanisms of diseases.
Lingual Taste Nerve Transection Alters Food Selection, Relative Macronutrient Intake, and Meal Patterns in Rats Consuming a Cafeteria Diet without Changing Total Energy Intake
Authors: Cawthon Carolina R. , Blonde Ginger D. , Spector Alan C.
Published: February 2024

The control of ingestive behavior is complex and involves input from many different sources, including the gustatory system. Signals transmitted via the taste nerves trigger responses that promote or discourage ingestion. The lingual taste nerves innervate 70% of taste buds, yet their role in the control of food selection and intake remarkably remains relatively underinvestigated. Here we used our custom five-item Food Choice Monitor to compare postsurgical behavioral responses to chow and a five-choice cafeteria diet (CAF) between male rats that had sham surgery (SHAM) or histologically verified transection of the chorda tympani and glossopharyngeal nerves (2NX). Compared with SHAM rats, 2NX rats ate significantly more of the high-fat CAF foods. The altered food choices led to dramatically increased fat intake and substantially reduced carbohydrate intake by 2NX vs SHAM rats. Furthermore, whether offered chow or CAF, 2NX rats ate fewer, larger meals each day. Eating rates implied that, compared with SHAM, 2NX rats were equally motivated to consume CAF but less motivated to eat chow. Even with these differences, energy intake and weight gain trajectories remained similar between SHAM and 2NX rats. Although some rats experienced CAF before surgery, contrary to our expectations, the effects of prior CAF experience on postsurgical eating were minimal. In conclusion, although total energy intake was unaffected, our results clearly indicate that information from one or both lingual taste nerves has a critical role in food selection, regulation of macronutrient intake, and meal termination but not long-term energy balance.
The Violation of Leech’s Politeness Maxims and Interlocutor’s Responses in Enola Holmes 2020 Movie
Authors: Fitriana Shofi Anis , Pratama Hendi
Published: February 2024

The present study aimed at investigating the violation of politeness maxims of Leech (2014) and the interlocutor’s responses in the movie of Enola Holmes 2020. This study focuses on discussing violations of decency according to Leech and illocutionary acts where there is an action in acting an utterance and a response to what is done. The source of the data was taken from the utterances or dialogue spoken by the characters in this film, the method used is the documentation method by observing the film and then making a transcript of the conversation according to the required data then watching the video and reading the script repeatedly. A qualitative descriptive research design was used in this study. In line with that, Leech's theory of politeness maxims (2014) and illocutionary acts (1993) were used to analyze the research data. Based on the analysis, it was found 7 types of maxims, namely generosity maxim, tact maxim, approbation maxim, modesty maxim, obligation O to S maxim, agreement maxim, and sympathy maxim. Then, the interlocutor’s responses also found 4 types in this movie were Competitive, Convivial, Collaborative and Conflictive, the most appears of violation politeness maxim was Collaborative functions (33,3%), while the most least was Convivial functions (5,5%). There were lots of interlocutor’s reactions by the characters of the movie such as angry, smiling, offended, etc.
Ideational Meaning and Visual Aspect Relations in Virginia Allum’s Videos to Teach English for Nursing
Authors: Arwinda Sherly Arwinda , Fitriati Sri Wuli , Sutopo Djoko
Published: February 2024

English for Nursing (ENP) focuses on developing the need for English, which can support medical personnel's work and fulfill professional assessment needs. Learning English from many media, one of them through video, can give nursing students experience about their work in the real world by studying what the video presents. This recent study aims to explain the realization of ideational meaning and its relations to visual aspect as the semiotic systems in English for Nurses Videos. This study was a qualitative study that used discourse analysis. The data were taken from conversation text and captured images on the three videos on Virginia Allum’s YouTube channel. This study implemented multimodal analysis to observe the ideational meaning as the linguistic and visual aspects of the videos. The ideational meaning was analyzed using SFL to later look for its relationship with the visual aspect. This study found that ideational meaning and visual aspects are related to their video presentation. The type of process is dominated by 77 relational processes, 37 actors, and 11 manner as the circumstance. Visual aspects indicate the characteristics following the themes surrounding the hospital, health, and the identity of the nursing profession itself. Ideas and visuals support each other because they simultaneously provide experience to the viewer through the video being watched without the viewer doing the action themselves. This study suggested that lecturers and students can consider this study’s result to improve the use of videos as multimodal text to support teaching learning activities in English for Nursing.
The Use of Intercultural Approach in SLA to Improve Student’s Communicative Competence in 8th Grade
Authors: Kulsum Umi , Hartono Rudi
Published: February 2024

Intercultural understanding plays a vital role in language education. Having a good cultural or intercultural awareness can help students create good relationships and successful communication. This study aimed at explaining the use of the intercultural approach in second language acquisition to improve the students’ communicative competence in eighth grade. This study used the qualitative approach with narrative study. The data were taken from classroom observation, teacher and students interviews, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using five steps according to Miles and Huberman (1992) and Merriam (1992), namely transcribing the data, coding the data, reducing the data, displaying the data, and drawing a conclusion. This study found that the use of an intercultural approach concerned on its three components, such as knowledge, attitude, and behavior. Those components are provided to the students in the special meeting, but they could also be included in the materials listed in the syllabus. There were four stages of intercultural approach, namely warm-up, communicative activities, product, and discussion. Classroom activities in using intercultural approach were brainstorming, pair or work group, presentation, discussion, and reflection. In addition, the procedures of intercultural approach were exploring local culture, exploring language learning materials, exploring the traditional media and arts through English, exploring IT through English, cultural informants, and face-to-face intercultural communication. The findings of this study are expected to provide additional information regarding the proper use of intercultural approach in second language acquisition to improve the students’ communicative competence in eighth grade.
The Use of Politeness Strategies in Online Teacher-Students’ Virtual Classroom Interaction
Authors: Nuramdani Hamdan
Published: February 2024

This research focused on analysing the politeness strategies in online teachers' and students' virtual classroom interaction at SMPN 16 Cirebon. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to explain the use of positive politeness strategies, negative politeness strategies, bald-on-record strategies, and off-record strategies and the relationship among the politeness strategies in teacher-students virtual classroom interaction in the online teaching-learning process at SMPN 16 Cirebon. The data were collected by using observation with recording and note-taking. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis, Braun and Clarke's theory. The finding showed that positive politeness, negative politeness, bald-on-record, and off-record strategies exist in virtual classroom interaction. The teachers used positive politeness to engage students' attention and build a comfortable situation in the online virtual classroom. At the same time, students used it to respect the teacher before conveying their questions or answering their opinions. The students and teachers use bald-on-record to communicate their feelings in an emergency. Students used off-record to avoid the teacher's questions, while the teacher used it to build the student's thoughts in the beginning activities. All the strategies correlate and impact creating an atmosphere or situation in online virtual classroom interaction.
The Effectiveness of the Explicit and Implicit Grammar Teaching Online to Improve the Grammar Mastery
Authors: Haryono Tan Agung , Fitriati Sri Wuli , Suwandi Suwandi
Published: February 2024

Online classes have become indispensable in the digital age due to the internet's ability to offer invaluable resources and support for second-language classrooms. This practicality has led to widespread adoption across all academic levels, including higher education, resulting in a significant increase in the utilization of online classes. The purpose of the study was to examine how online explicit and implicit grammar teaching improved the degree of comparison mastery of the learners in Structure 2, a grammar course offered by Unika Soegijapranata in Semarang. Explicit grammar teaching involves presenting the rule and then providing examples to illustrate it, as stated by Larsen-Freeman (2014). On the other hand, implicit grammar teaching emphasizes the significance of learning grammatical rules through immersive experiences by providing various phrases and contextual examples (Thornburry, 1999). A quantitative case study was used to carry out the research. The data were collected by the assessment assigned to 19 students in the forms of pre-test and post-test. The students were grouped into 9 participants for the explicit group, and 10 participants for the implicit group. The data were analyzed via Microsoft SPSS version 22. The finding was that both explicit and implicit grammar teaching online had significant effects on the improvement of competencies. Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of considering these methods by lecturers, higher education institutions, and students involved in the learning process.
Noise as a physical risk factor in furniture industry machines
Authors: Yasar Sekip Sadiye , Komut Osman , Yasar Mehmet , Fidan Muhammed Said
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to determine the risk level of noise, which is an important physical risk, in small and medium-sized furniture industry enterprises. The noise levels of the circular sawing machines, edge banding machines, and mitre cutting machines, which are among the main processing machines of the sector, were measured. The study was carried out in 32 furniture businesses. The possible risks of noise on the operators of the machines in question and other employees were evaluated. Noise level measurements were made with the help of TESTO 815 measuring device. Dunnett’s T3 test was used to detect differences in noise levels for machine operators and other employees. It was determined that the edge banding machine does not pose an occupational health and safety risk in terms of noise risk factors. However, the mitre cutting machine and the circular sawing machine pose a risk for the machine operator in active production by creating noise above the established exposure limit value. The mitre cutting machine carries the same risk for the machine operator when it is in operation but in passive production. The results revealed the need for personal protective equipment for machine operators for mitre cutting and circular sawing machine.
Gendang Melayu Sarawak (GMS) – Sarawak Malay Drum, the dying and forgotten tradition
Authors: Sinin Aaliyawani E. , Hamdan Sinin , Mohamad Said Khairul A. , Abdullah Santrol , Musib Ahmad F.
Published: February 2024

This work was conducted using the Picoscope signal extraction procedure, which revealed significant insights regarding the belian wood and its application in Gendang Melayu Sarawak (GMS) production. The amplitude of belian wood GMS signal remains constant, allowing it to sustain its timbre for a longer duration compared to durian wood GMS using the same procedure. Considering that the dimensions of the big belian (BB) and big durian (BD) GMS are almost the same, both GMS yield almost the same note, i.e. G1# (51.9 Hz). Considering that the dimensions of both the small belian (SB) and small durian (SD) GMS are almost the same, both GMS yield almost similar note, i.e. F3 (174 Hz) and E3 (164 Hz). Although both BB and BD showed consistent harmonics, BD only displays 2 harmonics. The SB and SD both display consistent harmonics. Both BB and BD showed pleasing tonal qualities. These occurred due to the closeness of the principal overtones to the consonant interval.
Are biological pretreatments of lignocellulosic residues a real option for biofuels production?
Authors: Alba Fierro Carlos Antonio , Escobedo Bretado Miguel Ángel , Núñez Ramírez Diola Marina , Martell Nevárez María Angélica , Ríos Fránquez Francisco Javier
Published: February 2024

The use of lignocellulosic residues as feedstocks for biofuels production represents an economic and ecofriendly option, since they are generated as byproducts or wastes from different industrial areas. Nevertheless, a pretreatment method aimed at eliminating the lignin content of these residues must be performed. This is required in order to increase cellulose bioavailability, which favors the production of reducing sugars through microbial or enzymatic attack. Some performed pretreatments can be classified as physical, chemical, and physicochemical methods. Although such methods are the most used pretreatments, they are expensive and generate or make use of harmful compounds. Biological methods, by the action of microorganisms or their enzymes for lignin content reduction, may be regarded as an alternative, being cheaper and more friendly to the environment than the aforementioned methods. However, until now, biological pretreatments have not shown the same yield as the previously mentioned methods in both sugar recovery and biofuel production. In that sense, the aim of this work is to review the efficiency of these methods, with the goal of clarifying their advantages and disadvantages for improvement of biofuel production.
Opening Remarks to Session
Authors:   Chairman-Professor J, Van den Akker J. A.
Published: February 2024

I should like to amplify the title of this session . The papers we shall hear deal with the principles of the connection between measurement on the one hand and computer control on the other and the assumption that the measuring subsystems are accurate and reliable . The programme committee realises the importance of measurement per se, but has considered the subject too large to be included in this symposium. It is often the case that the output of a measuring subsystem is a fairly strong function of variables other than the one that the system is intended to measure, a fact that should be kept in mind.