bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rabies in the Republic of Kazakhstan: spatial and temporal characteristics of disease spread over one decade (2013–2022)
Authors: Kabzhanova Anar M. , Kadyrov Ablaikhan S. , Mukhanbetkaliyeva Aizada A. , Yessembekova Gulzhan N. , Mukhanbetkaliyev Yersin Y. , Korennoy Fedor I. , Perez Andres M. , Abdrakhmanov Sarsenbay K.
Published: September 2023

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease that remains endemic in Kazakhstan despite the implementation of annual vaccination campaigns. Using data collected over a 10-year time period, the objective of this study was to provide updated information on the epidemiological situation of the disease in the country, and quantitative data on the species-specific spatial distribution of rabies and on the epidemiological features associated with that clustering. Five significant (p < 0.05) clusters of disease were detected. Clusters in southern Kazakhstan were associated with companion animals, which are likely explained by the maintenance of a domestic cycle of the disease in the most densely populated region of the country. Livestock cases were most frequent in clusters in the eastern (where wildlife cases were also frequent) and western regions of Kazakhstan, with higher probability of occurrence in spring and summer, compared to the rest of the year. The results here are consistent with differential patterns for disease transmission in Kazakhstan and will contribute to the design and implementation of zoning approaches to support the progressive control of rabies in the country.
Kobiety Bracławszczyzny z drugiej połowy XVI wieku
i pierwszej dekady XVII wieku przez pryzmat antroponimii
Authors: Denysiuk Vasyl , Zelinska Oksana
Published: September 2023

This article analyses the specific nature of nominations of women in official documents of the Bratslav Voivodship in the period 1566–1606. The authors attach a particular attention to extralinguistic factors that are required for the correct interpretation of using various means of anthroponymic identification of women in the analysed texts. A comparison to the results of the Ukrainian, Polish, and Belarusian onomastics provides grounds for the ascertainment of the popularity of the female name Anna and the popularisation of the name Maria in the Polish‑Lithuanian Commonwealth under the Ukrainian influence. Like in the neighbouring Polish lands, is the bi-lexical (through the first name and surname) method of anthroponymic identification of women prevalent in the Bratslav region’s documents.
Rozwój językowy dziecka oraz rola polskiego logopedy
w warunkach dwujęzyczności polsko-szwedzkiej: opinie rodziców dzieci polonijnych
(studia przypadku)
Authors: Mroczek Anna , Młyński Rafał
Published: September 2023

This text presents the survey carried out among parents on the issue of speech development in their children raised in the environment of Polish–Swedish bilingualism in Sweden and convictions about the role of a speech-language pathologist in bilingual upbringing. The aim of this study is to fill the gap in speech-language pathology research on the parental perception of bilingualism in their children. Thematic analysis, a method applied in speech-language pathology abroad, was employed to obtain the results. The selected themes and the accompanying notions were characterised by diversity and multi-sidedness, which permits the conclusion on the holistic need to consider the subject of Polish–Swedish bilingualism in children.

Keywords: bilingualism – children – opinions – parents – Polish-Swedish bilingualism – speech development – speech-language pathologist.
Polityczność Rady Konstytucyjnej V Republiki Francuskiej i jej konsekwencje ustrojowe
Authors: Ujazdowski Kazimierz Michał
Published: September 2023

When the Constitutional Council was established in 1958, it was described as a political and judicial body. Since then, its powers and systemic importance have increased rapidly. However, the political-judicial nature of the Council has not changed. The Council’s political character is expressed in its domination by individuals belonging to the political elite and high government officials. Undoubtedly, the persistent distrust in the French republican tradition of entrusting judges with control decisions of vital importance to the state is significant. In addition, the well-thought-out mechanism of appointing its members promotes the independence and legitimacy of this institution. It is also necessary to point out the symbiosis of the political and bureaucratic elites in France and the still-held view that it is responsible for decisions of crucial importance to the state and citizens.
Organy kierownicze Folketingu i Stortingu oraz ich rola ustrojowa
Authors: Osiński Joachim , Zawiślińska Izabela
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this article is to analyse the legal regulations concerning the governing bodies of the parliaments in Norway and Denmark, as well as selected elements of the system practice related to their functioning in the last several years. A comparative study of the aforementioned institutions in both parliaments makes it possible to identify similar elements, as well as to point out existing differences, especially in the system practice. One common feature is the axiology underpinning the activities of the governing bodies and the resulting high political culture characterising the deputies in charge in the Storting and the Folketing. The analyses made are based on the assumptions and categories of neo-institutional methodology in political science. The main thesis of the article is that the high efficiency and professionalism of both parliaments, as determined by objective indicators, is the result of a consensual and pragmatic attitude of those elected to leadership positions and proposed by the party groups. This attitude is fostered by the widespread occurrence of minority parliamentarism in political practice in both states.
Research on Speed Control Methods and Energy-Saving for High-Voltage Transmission Line Inspection Robots along Cable Downhill
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Liu Xu , Ning Cheng , Liu Lanlan , Tian Wang , Wang Haoyang , Zhang Daode , Li Huaxu , Zou Dehua , Kuang Jianghua
Published: September 2023

To ensure the safe operation of high-voltage transmission line inspection robots during downhill descents without power and extend their range after a single charge, this paper proposes an energy-saving speed control method for the inspection robot’s walking wheel motor on downhill slopes by integrating feedback braking and fuzzy PID control. By combining the parameter equation of the overhead catenary line and the structural characteristics of the overhead transmission line, this paper analyzes the relationship between the driving torque of the inspection robot’s wheels and the horizontal displacement along the transmission ground wire before and after descending. Based on this analysis, a speed control and energy recovery scheme is developed for the inspection robot, which combines front-wheel feedback braking with rear-wheel regenerative braking. The fuzzy PID method is utilized to adjust the PWM duty cycle to achieve energy-efficient speed control of the inspection robot’s rear walking wheels. Additionally, to improve the energy density and specific power of the robot’s energy storage unit, a composite power source consisting of lithium batteries and supercapacitors is employed to recover energy from the front walking wheels through feedback braking. The combined simulation results indicate that, compared to fuzzy control and PID control, fuzzy PID control better regulates the robot’s speed under varying slopes, wind resistance, and cable roughness. A downhill speed control system for the inspection of the robot’s walking wheel motor was designed, and its effectiveness was validated through simulated high-voltage line experiments. The fuzzy PID control was demonstrated to effectively maintain the rear walking wheel speed within the targeted range during downhill descents. When descending along a fixed 30° angle cable, the fuzzy PID control resulted in an increase of 5.28% and 14.26% in the state of charge (SOC) of the supercapacitor compared to PID control and fuzzy control, respectively. Moreover, when descending along fixed angle cables of 10°, 20°, and 30°, as well as a variable angle cable ranging from 30° to 0°, the SOC of the supercapacitor increased by 17.55%, 26.25%, 38.45%, and 31.29%, respectively. This demonstrates the effective absorption of regenerative braking energy during the robot’s downhill movement.
Visual Explanations of Differentiable Greedy Model Predictions on the Influence Maximization Problem
Authors: Michelessa Mario , Hurter Christophe , Lim Brian Y. , Ling Jamie Ng Suat , Cautis Bogdan , Hargreaves Carol Anne
Published: September 2023

Social networks have become important objects of study in recent years. Social media marketing has, for example, greatly benefited from the vast literature developed in the past two decades. The study of social networks has taken advantage of recent advances in machine learning to process these immense amounts of data. Automatic emotional labeling of content on social media has, for example, been made possible by the recent progress in natural language processing. In this work, we are interested in the influence maximization problem, which consists of finding the most influential nodes in the social network. The problem is classically carried out using classical performance metrics such as accuracy or recall, which is not the end goal of the influence maximization problem. Our work presents an end-to-end learning model, SGREEDYNN, for the selection of the most influential nodes in a social network, given a history of information diffusion. In addition, this work proposes data visualization techniques to interpret the augmenting performances of our method compared to classical training. The results of this method are confirmed by visualizing the final influence of the selected nodes on network instances with edge bundling techniques. Edge bundling is a visual aggregation technique that makes patterns emerge. It has been shown to be an interesting asset for decision-making. By using edge bundling, we observe that our method chooses more diverse and high-degree nodes compared to the classical training.
Adhesive Capsulitis of the Ankle (Frozen Ankle): An Infrequent Syndrome
Authors: Aguilar-Núñez Daniel , Hamed-Hamed Dina , Aguilar-García María , Cuevas-Cervera María , Pérez-Montilla José Javier , González-Muñoz Ana , Pruimboom Leo , Navarro-Ledesma Santiago
Published: September 2023

Adhesive capsulitis, characterized by progressive fibrosis, causes a gradual, painful loss of both active and passive articular motion, leading to the final contracture of the joint capsule. The condition commonly referred to as “frozen ankle” (FA), which Goldman was the first to use, relates to the ankle joint and is challenging to both diagnose and treat. Data acquired from people who suffer from this type of damage in other joints such as the shoulder, hip, and wrist also exists. Despite the fact that a well-defined model for the medical management of FA does not exist, a wide spectrum of local treatments, both surgical and non-surgical, exist. This review gives an overview of the current scientific position of the frozen ankle in terms of evolutionary factors, etiology, the different mechanisms of action involved, current treatment options, and other possible interventions based on recent discoveries of pathophysiological mechanisms. The application of extracorporeal shockwave therapy, stretching exercises, and corticosteroid injections combined with physical therapy modalities that enhance pain management, range of motion, and functional capacity is highly advisable for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as “frozen joints”. Furthermore, the addition of interventions both impacting and analyzing chronic hypoxia, low-grade inflammation, and sedentary life is proposed.
Knowledge Graph Engineering Based on Semantic Annotation of Tables
Authors: Dorodnykh Nikita , Yurin Aleksandr
Published: September 2023

A table is a convenient way to store, structure, and present data. Tables are an attractive knowledge source in various applications, including knowledge graph engineering. However, a lack of understanding of the semantic structure and meaning of their content may reduce the effectiveness of this process. Hence, the restoration of tabular semantics and the development of knowledge graphs based on semantically annotated tabular data are highly relevant tasks that have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. We propose a hybrid approach using heuristics and machine learning methods for the semantic annotation of relational tabular data and knowledge graph populations with specific entities extracted from the annotated tables. This paper discusses the main stages of the approach, its implementation, and performance testing. We also consider three case studies for the development of domain-specific knowledge graphs in the fields of industrial safety inspection, labor market analysis, and university activities. The evaluation results revealed that the application of our approach can be considered the initial stage for the rapid filling of domain-specific knowledge graphs based on tabular data.
Effect of Incorporating a Biowax Derived from Hydroprocessing of Crude Palm Oil in a Facial Cream and a Blemish Balm Cream
Authors: Aguilar Laura , Hernández Jonathan , López-Giraldo Luis Javier , Mercado Ronald
Published: September 2023

Most waxes used as cosmetic ingredients are derived from the petrochemical industry. A modern alternative to this complex synthesis approach is the hydrotreatment of palm oil; thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of incorporating a biowax derived from hydroprocessing of crude palm oil as a new natural cosmetic ingredient in facial cream and BB cream. Therefore, two water in oil (W/O) emulsions, one including pigments, with five different weight percentages were developed and subjected to further sensory evaluation by a trained panel to estimate the level of acceptance. Moreover, resistance to centrifugation, pH, spreadability, phase separation, viscosity and storage modulus were the parameters evaluated in a preliminary stability study using thermal stress. Sensory analysis showed that the highest level of acceptance was obtained between 3% and 9 wt% biowax. For both prototypes, increasing biowax percentage led to a greater effect on stickiness, the viscosity increased, and extensibility decreased. The formulations were able to maintain their pH. The best stability for BB cream was observed at 9%, since the changes in the properties were slight. For facial cream, the emulsion was more stable at intermediate biowax content. It was observed that biowax exhibits favorable characteristics as an emollient or thickening agent. Finally, the formulations with the best stability and sensory characteristics were obtained at 9 wt% biowax.
A Simple Model of the Rise and Fall of Civilizations
Authors: Nyman Rickard , Ormerod Paul , Bentley R. Alexander
Published: September 2023

The literature on the fall of civilizations spans from the archaeology of early state societies to the history of the 20th century. Explanations for the fall of civilizations abound, from general extrinsic causes (drought, warfare) to general intrinsic causes (intergroup competition, socioeconomic inequality, collapse of trade networks) and combinations of these, to case-specific explanations for the specific demise of early state societies. Here, we focus on ancient civilizations, which archaeologists typically define by a set of characteristics including hierarchical organization, standardization of specialized knowledge, occupation and technologies, and hierarchical exchange networks and settlements. We take a general approach, with a model suggesting that state societies arise and dissolve through the same processes of innovation. Drawing on the field of cumulative cultural evolution, we demonstrate a model that replicates the essence of a civilization’s rise and fall, in which agents at various scales—individuals, households, specialist communities, polities—copy each other in an unbiased manner but with varying degrees of institutional memory, invention rate, and propensity to copy locally versus globally. The results, which produce an increasingly extreme hierarchy of success among agents, suggest that civilizations become increasingly vulnerable to even small increases in propensity to copy locally.
Efficient, Formal, Material, and Final Causes in Biology and Technology
Authors: Ellis George F. R.
Published: September 2023

This paper considers how a classification of causal effects as comprising efficient, formal, material, and final causation can provide a useful understanding of how emergence takes place in biology and technology, with formal, material, and final causation all including cases of downward causation; they each occur in both synchronic and diachronic forms. Taken together, they underlie why all emergent levels in the hierarchy of emergence have causal powers (which is Noble’s principle of biological relativity) and so why causal closure only occurs when the upwards and downwards interactions between all emergent levels are taken into account, contra to claims that some underlying physics level is by itself causality complete. A key feature is that stochasticity at the molecular level plays an important role in enabling agency to emerge, underlying the possibility of final causation occurring in these contexts.
A Nexus-Based Impact Assessment of Rapid Transitions of the Power Sector: The Case of Greece
Authors: Koutsandreas Diamantis
Published: September 2023

Power system transformation can unleash wide-ranging effects across multiple, frequently interlinked dimensions such as the environment, economy, resource systems, and biodiversity. Consequently, assessing the multidimensional impacts of power system transformation, especially under rapid transitions, has become increasingly important. Nonetheless, there is a gap in the literature when it comes to applying such an analysis to a Mediterranean country facing structural socioeconomic challenges. This paper explores the potential multifaceted implications of rapidly decarbonizing the Greek power sector by 2035, focusing on the local-level consequences. The evaluation criteria encompass the cost-optimal power mix, power costs, land use, biomass utilization, GDP, and employment. In this effort, a technology-rich cost optimization model representing Greece’s power sector is linked to a global Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) macroeconomic model focusing on the Greek economy. The results indicate that a fast decarbonization of the Greek power sector could trigger positive socioeconomic consequences in the short- and medium-term (GDP: +1.70, employees: +59,000 in 2030), although it may induce negative long-term socioeconomic effects due to increased capital investment requirements. Additionally, the impact on land use may only be trivial, with the potential to decrease over time due to the de-escalation of biomass power generation, thereby reducing the risk of harming biodiversity.
Identification and Analysis of Technical Impacts in the Electric Power System Due to the Integration of Microgrids
Authors: Escobar-Orozco Luisa Fernanda , Gómez-Luna Eduardo , Marlés-Sáenz Eduardo
Published: September 2023

In a modern and technological world that has a great demand for energy, a versatile energy market, and a renewed electric infrastructure capable of expanding the electric power system under the premise of universal access to electricity, that seeks to minimize the effects of climate change, and that requires an improvement in its reliability, security, and resilience, microgrids are born as one of the systems that have the potential to supply each of these requirements in order to guarantee an adequate decarbonization, decentralization, digitalization, diversification, and democratization of the future grid. However, the integration of microgrids into the electric power system will generate impacts that are currently under study. This paper identifies and analyzes the technical impacts in the electric power system due to the implementation of microgrids, based on what has been recognized in the literature, so that those who have purposes of installation, creation, innovation, and research of microgrids, such as grid operators, technology providers, companies, and researchers, can establish criteria and indicators through which the feasibility of projects involving microgrids can be determined. The concept, importance, and characteristics of microgrids are given, along with a technical justification of the impacts. In addition, technical impacts on some study cases of real microgrids around the globe are identified. Finally, an analysis of the identified technical impacts is offered, and conclusions are drawn.
Improving Photovoltaic MPPT Performance through PSO Dynamic Swarm Size Reduction
Authors: Baatiah Adel O. , Eltamaly Ali M. , Alotaibi Majed A.
Published: September 2023

Efficient energy extraction in photovoltaic (PV) systems relies on the effective implementation of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques. Conventional MPPT techniques often suffer from slow convergence speeds and suboptimal tracking performance, particularly under dynamic variations of environmental conditions. Smart optimization algorithms (SOA) using metaheuristic optimization algorithms can avoid these limitations inherent in conventional MPPT methods. The problem of slow convergence of the SOA is avoided in this paper using a novel strategy called Swarm Size Reduction (SSR) utilized with a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, specifically designed to achieve short convergence time (CT) while maintaining exceptional tracking accuracy. The novelty of the proposed MPPT method introduced in this paper is the dynamic reduction of the swarm size of the PSO for improved performance of the MPPT of the PV systems. This adaptive reduction approach allows the algorithm to efficiently explore the solution space of PV systems and rapidly exploit it to identify the global maximum power point (GMPP) even under fast fluctuations of uneven solar irradiance and temperature. This pioneering ultra-fast MPPT method represents a significant advancement in PV system efficiency and promotes the wider adoption of solar energy as a reliable and sustainable power source. The results obtained from this proposed strategy are compared with several optimization algorithms to validate its superiority. This study aimed to use SSR with different swarm sizes and then find the optimum swarm size for the MPPT system to find the lowest CT. The output accentuates the exceptional performance of this innovative method, achieving a time reduction of as much as 75% when compared with the conventional PSO technique, with the optimal swarm size determined to be six.
Biohydrogen Gas/Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol Production from Agave Guishe Juice as a Low-Cost Growing Medium
Authors: Oliva-Rodríguez Alejandra G. , Cervantes-Güicho Vianey de J. , Morales-Martínez Thelma K. , Rodríguez-De la Garza José A. , Medina-Morales Miguel A. , Martínez-Amador Silvia Y. , Reyes Ana G. , Ríos-González Leopoldo J.
Published: September 2023

Different strategies have been assessed for the revalorization of guishe to obtain biomolecules. The juice obtained after the mechanical extraction of guishe is rich in phytochemicals and sugars which can be converted to other products. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the production of hydrogen and butanol at different guishe juice concentrations (and therefore, different sugar concentrations) via fermentation in batch mode using Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824. Fermentation assays were performed in triplicate under anaerobic conditions at 35 °C for 142 h. Guishe juice was supplemented with all components of synthetic medium (salts, vitamins and reducing agents), except glucose, and diluted at different concentrations: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. For comparison purposes, a control was carried out in a synthetic medium using glucose as carbon source. Results showed a maximum butanol concentration of 5.39 g/L using 80% guishe juice, corresponding to a productivity and yield of 0.04 g/L h−1 and 0.24 g/g, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest productivity (1.16 L H2/L d−1; 1.99 mmol H2/L h−1) and yield (18.4 L/kg) of hydrogen were obtained with 40% guishe juice. This study demonstrates the potential of guishe juice to be used as a low-cost substrate for hydrogen and butanol production.
Advanced Mathematical Approaches in Psycholinguistic Data Analysis: A Methodological Insight
Authors: Castro Cecilia , Leiva Víctor , Lourenço-Gomes Maria do Carmo , Amorim Ana Paula
Published: September 2023

In the evolving landscape of psycholinguistic research, this study addresses the inherent complexities of data through advanced analytical methodologies, including permutation tests, bootstrap confidence intervals, and fractile or quantile regression. The methodology and philosophy of our approach deeply resonate with fractal and fractional concepts. Responding to the skewed distributions of data, which are observed in metrics such as reading times, time-to-response, and time-to-submit, our analysis highlights the nuanced interplay between time-to-response and variables like lists, conditions, and plausibility. A particular focus is placed on the implausible sentence response times, showcasing the precision of our chosen methods. The study underscores the profound influence of individual variability, advocating for meticulous analytical rigor in handling intricate and complex datasets. Drawing inspiration from fractal and fractional mathematics, our findings emphasize the broader potential of sophisticated mathematical tools in contemporary research, setting a benchmark for future investigations in psycholinguistics and related disciplines.
Daily Chronic Stressors in Combination with Resilience Are Associated with Adolescent School Bullying and the Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Tuersunniyazi Maiheliyakezi , Tong Min , Wang Li , Zhang Shumin , Lu Yan , Shi Huijing
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: Previous studies have shown that stress increases the risk of bullying (including perpetration and victimization) in adolescents, and depressive symptoms are associated with both stress and bullying. However, the relationship between stress, depressive symptoms, and bullying has not been fully elucidated. In addition, previous studies have focused only on stressors but have ignored the role of resilience in evaluating individual’s stress. This study aimed to incorporate resilience into the assessment of an individual’s stress, which we named comprehensive stress; to examine the relationship between comprehensive stress and bullying; and then to investigate the potential role of depressive symptoms in this relationship. (2) Methods: We recruited 6353 middle and high school students from the 2021 Shanghai CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Project. After signing informed consent, participants provided demographic information and completed effective measures of stressors, resilience, depressive symptoms, and bullying. (3) Results: Latent profile analysis revealed four profiles of comprehensive stress, labeled as Low stressor–High resilience (37.57%, n = 2216), Moderate high stressor–Average resilience (14.38%, n = 848), Average stressor–Moderate low resilience (33.33%, n = 1966), and High stressor–Low resilience (14.72%, n = 868). In comparison to students in the Low stressor–High resilience profile, students in other profiles demonstrated higher likelihoods of engaging in bullying victimization and perpetration, as well as higher levels of depressive symptoms. Specifically, students in the High stressor–Low resilience profile had the highest odds of bullying victimization (OR = 6.74, 95% CI: 4.92–9.22) and perpetration (OR = 5.15, 95% CI: 3.56–7.46), along with the highest level of depressive symptoms (β = 11.35, Se(β) = 0.17). Students in the Average stressor–Moderate low resilience profile had a moderate increase in the odds of bullying victimization (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.63–3.00) and perpetration (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.91–3.80), as well as a moderate level of depressive symptoms (β = 5.03, Se(β) = 0.13). Students in the Moderate high stressor–Average resilience profile also showed increased odds of bullying victimization (OR = 2.99, 95% CI: 2.12–4.20) and perpetration (OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.88–4.20), as well as a moderate level of depressive symptoms (β = 4.44, Se(β) = 0.16). Depressive symptoms were positively correlated with both perpetration and victimization. Furthermore, the mediating role of depressive symptoms between comprehensive stress and bullying was observed. (4) Conclusions: Combining stressors and resilience is crucial when evaluating an individual’s stress. Comprehensive stress is associated with bullying, and depressive symptoms may partially mediate this relationship.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Swahili Version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-BR45 among Breast Cancer Patients in Tanzania
Authors: Kidayi Paulo L. , Pakpour Amir H. , Saboonchi Fredrik , Bray Freddie , Manhica Hélio , Mtuya Christina C. , Serventi Furaha , Aune Ragnhild E. , Mahande Michael J. , Björling Gunilla
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women in Africa and contributes to premature death and poor quality of life. This study aimed to determine the validity, reliability, and psychometric properties of the Swahili version of EORTC QLQ-BR45 among women with breast cancer in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study design with non-probability convenience sampling was employed. Data were collected in two tertiary hospitals and one national cancer institute; 414 participants completed the EORTC-QLQ-C-30 and EORTC-QLQ-BR45. The reliability of QLQ-BR45 was measured using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s Omega coefficients. The factor structure of EORTC QLQ-BR45 was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistencies for the five dimensions were all above 0.7 indicating satisfaction, except for systemic therapy side effects with a marginal value of 0.594 and significant correlations between the dimensions of QLQ-C30 and BR45. The final model fit well to the data, with the comparative fit index = 0.953, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.947, root mean square error of approximation = 0.041 (90% CI: 0.035, 0.046), and standardized root mean square residual = 0.072. In conclusion, the QLQ BR45 Swahili version displayed good reliability, validity, and psychometric properties and can be used in Swahili-speaking Sub-Saharan countries.
New Devices, Innovative Technologies, and Non-Standard Techniques for Airway Management: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gaszyński Tomasz , Gómez-Ríos Manuel Ángel , Serrano-Moraza Alfredo , Sastre José Alfonso , López Teresa , Ratajczyk Paweł
Published: September 2023

A wide range of airway devices and techniques have been created to enhance the safety of airway management. However, airway management remains a challenge. All techniques are susceptible to failure. Therefore, it is necessary to have and know the greatest number of alternatives to treat even the most challenging airway successfully. The aim of this narrative review is to describe some new devices, such as video laryngeal masks, articulated stylets, and non-standard techniques, for laryngeal mask insertion and endotracheal intubation that are not applied in daily practice, but that could be highly effective in overcoming a difficulty related to airway management. Artificial intelligence and 3D technology for airway management are also discussed.
Correction: Rasteiro et al. Physical Training Programs for Tactical Populations: Brief Systematic Review. Healthcare 2023, 11, 967
Authors: Rasteiro André , Santos Vanessa , Massuça Luís Miguel
Published: September 2023

In the original publication [...]
Phenomic Microglia Diversity as a Druggable Target in the Hippocampus in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Lana Daniele , Magni Giada , Landucci Elisa , Wenk Gary L. , Pellegrini-Giampietro Domenico Edoardo , Giovannini Maria Grazia
Published: September 2023

Phenomics, the complexity of microglia phenotypes and their related functions compels the continuous study of microglia in disease animal models to find druggable targets for neurodegenerative disorders. Activation of microglia was long considered detrimental for neuron survival, but more recently it has become apparent that the real scenario of microglia morphofunctional diversity is far more complex. In this review, we discuss the recent literature on the alterations in microglia phenomics in the hippocampus of animal models of normal brain aging, acute neuroinflammation, ischemia, and neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD. Microglia undergo phenomic changes consisting of transcriptional, functional, and morphological changes that transform them into cells with different properties and functions. The classical subdivision of microglia into M1 and M2, two different, all-or-nothing states is too simplistic, and does not correspond to the variety of phenotypes recently discovered in the brain. We will discuss the phenomic modifications of microglia focusing not only on the differences in microglia reactivity in the diverse models of neurodegenerative disorders, but also among different areas of the brain. For instance, in contiguous and highly interconnected regions of the rat hippocampus, microglia show a differential, finely regulated, and region-specific reactivity, demonstrating that microglia responses are not uniform, but vary significantly from area to area in response to insults. It is of great interest to verify whether the differences in microglia reactivity may explain the differential susceptibility of different brain areas to insults, and particularly the higher sensitivity of CA1 pyramidal neurons to inflammatory stimuli. Understanding the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of microglia phenomics in health and disease is of paramount importance to find new druggable targets for the development of novel microglia-targeted therapies in different CNS disorders. This will allow interventions in three different ways: (i) by suppressing the pro-inflammatory properties of microglia to limit the deleterious effect of their activation; (ii) by modulating microglia phenotypic change to favor anti-inflammatory properties; (iii) by influencing microglia priming early in the disease process.
Glioma Stem Cells Are Sensitized to BCL-2 Family Inhibition by Compromising Histone Deacetylases
Authors: Merati Aran , Kotian Spandana , Acton Alexus , Placzek William , Smithberger Erin , Shelton Abigail K. , Miller C. Ryan , Stern Josh L.
Published: September 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains an incurable disease with an extremely high five-year recurrence rate. We studied apoptosis in glioma stem cells (GSCs) in response to HDAC inhibition (HDACi) combined with MEK1/2 inhibition (MEKi) or BCL-2 family inhibitors. MEKi effectively combined with HDACi to suppress growth, induce cell cycle defects, and apoptosis, as well as to rescue the expression of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins BIM and BMF. A RNAseq analysis of GSCs revealed that HDACi repressed the pro-survival BCL-2 family genes MCL1 and BCL-XL. We therefore replaced MEKi with BCL-2 family inhibitors and observed enhanced apoptosis. Conversely, a ligand for the cancer stem cell receptor CD44 led to reductions in BMF, BIM, and apoptosis. Our data strongly support further testing of HDACi in combination with MEKi or BCL-2 family inhibitors in glioma.
The Germinal Origin of Salivary and Lacrimal Glands and the Contributions of Neural Crest Cell-Derived Epithelium to Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Ono-Minagi Hitomi , Nohno Tsutomu , Serizawa Takashi , Usami Yu , Sakai Takayoshi , Okano Hideyuki , Ohuchi Hideyo
Published: September 2023

The vertebrate body comprises four distinct cell populations: cells derived from (1) ectoderm, (2) mesoderm, (3) endoderm, and (4) neural crest cells, often referred to as the fourth germ layer. Neural crest cells arise when the neural plate edges fuse to form a neural tube, which eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord. To date, the embryonic origin of exocrine glands located in the head and neck remains under debate. In this study, transgenic TRiCK mice were used to investigate the germinal origin of the salivary and lacrimal glands. TRiCK mice express fluorescent proteins under the regulatory control of Sox1, T/Brachyury, and Sox17 gene expressions. These genes are representative marker genes for neuroectoderm (Sox1), mesoderm (T), and endoderm (Sox17). Using this approach, the cellular lineages of the salivary and lacrimal glands were examined. We demonstrate that the salivary and lacrimal glands contain cells derived from all three germ layers. Notably, a subset of Sox1-driven fluorescent cells differentiated into epithelial cells, implying their neural crest origin. Also, these Sox1-driven fluorescent cells expressed high levels of stem cell markers. These cells were particularly pronounced in duct ligation and wound damage models, suggesting the involvement of neural crest-derived epithelial cells in regenerative processes following tissue injury. This study provides compelling evidence clarifying the germinal origin of exocrine glands and the contribution of neural crest-derived cells within the glandular epithelium to the regenerative response following tissue damage.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Miyako Bidens pilosa in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated BV-2 Microglia
Authors: Tsuruta Komugi , Shidara Takato , Miyagishi Hiroko , Nango Hiroshi , Nakatani Yoshihiko , Suzuki Naoto , Amano Taku , Suzuki Toyofumi , Kosuge Yasuhiro
Published: September 2023

Neuroinflammation is a fundamental feature in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and arises from the activation of astrocytes and microglial cells. Previously, we reported that Miyako Bidens pilosa extract (MBP) inhibited microglial activation and prolonged the life span in a human ALS-linked mutant superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1G93A) transgenic mouse model of ALS (G93A mice). Herein, we evaluated the effect of MBP on microglial activation in the spinal cord of G93A mice and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. The administration of MBP inhibited the upregulation of the M1-microglia/macrophage marker (interferon-γ receptor (IFN-γR)) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6) in G93A mice. However, MBP did not affect the increase in the M2-microglia/macrophage marker (IL-13R) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and IL-10) in G93A mice. BV-2 cell exposure to MBP resulted in a decrease in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) reduction activity and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, without an increase in the number of ethidium homodimer-1-stained dead cells. Moreover, MBP suppressed the production of lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in BV-2 cells. These results suggest that the selective suppression of M1-related pro-inflammatory cytokines is involved in the therapeutic potential of MBP in ALS model mice.
FoxH1 Represses the Promoter Activity of cyp19a1a in the Ricefield Eel (Monopterus albus)
Authors: He Zhi , Chen Qiqi , Xiong Jinxin , Chen Mingqiang , Gao Kuo , Lai Bolin , Ding Wenxiang , Huang Junjie , Zheng Li , Pu Yong , Tang Ziting , Zhang Mingwang , Yang Deying , Yan Taiming
Published: September 2023

Forkhead box H1 (FoxH1) is a sexually dimorphic gene in Oreochromis niloticus, Oplegnathus fasciatus, and Acanthopagrus latus, indicating that it is essential for gonadal development. In the present study, the molecular characteristics and potential function of FoxH1 and the activation of the cyp19a1a promoter in vitro were evaluated in Monopterus albus. The levels of foxh1 in the ovaries were three times higher than those in the testes and were regulated by gonadotropins (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). FoxH1 colocalized with Cyp19a1a in the oocytes and granulosa cells of middle and late vitellogenic follicles. In addition, three FoxH1 binding sites were identified in the proximal promoter of cyp19a1a, namely, FH1 (−871/−860), FH2 (−535/−524), and FH3 (−218/−207). FoxH1 overexpression significantly attenuated the activity of the cyp19a1a promoter in CHO cells, and FH1/2 mutation increased promoter activity. Taken together, these results suggest that FoxH1 may act as an important regulator in the ovarian development of M. albus by repressing cyp19a1a promoter activity, which provides a foundation for the study of FoxH1 function in bony fish reproductive processes.
Stress Response in Toxic Diatoms: The Effects of Abiotic Factors on Growth and RNA Content in Pseudo-nitzschia calliantha and in Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata
Authors: Ambrosino Luca , Miralto Marco , Barra Lucia , Sardo Angela , Chiusano Maria Luisa , Cozza Radiana , Ferrari Michele , Greco Silvestro
Published: September 2023

Pennate diatoms belonging to the genus Pseudo-nitzschia are important components of phytoplankton assemblages in aquatic environments. Among them, the bloom-forming species Pseudo-nitzschia calliantha and Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata are known as domoic acid producers, and are thus considered harmful for aquatic organisms and for human health. For these reasons, monitoring the abundance of such species, as well as identifying the growth conditions enhancing or inhibiting their growth, could help to predict eventual risks for aquatic communities and for humans by direct or indirect exposure to these toxic algae. In this work, we assessed the effects of different parameters (irradiance, temperature, salinity, and nutrients) on six Pseudo-nitzschia species by evaluating their specific growth rates and total RNA content. Our results—corroborated by statistical analyses of regression and correlation plots of control samples and samples exposed to stressful conditions, showed, as expected, a general decrease in growth rates under suboptimal levels of temperature, irradiance, salinity, and nutrient supply (especially under silicon depletion), that was usually accomplished by a general increase in RNA content inside cells. We hypothesized that increments in RNA levels in cells exposed to unfavorable conditions could be due to a relatively fast activation of the mechanisms of stress response.
Quantitative Methods for Analyzing Second Language Lexical Tone Production
Authors: Zhou Alexis , Olson Daniel J.
Published: September 2023

The production of L2 lexical tone has proven difficult for learners of tonal languages, leading to the testing of different tone training techniques. To test the validity of these techniques, it is first necessary to capture the differences between L1 and L2 tone datasets. The current study explores three analyses designed to compare L1 and L2 tone: (1) using a single deviation score, (2) using deviation score calculations for specific regions of tone productions, and (3) applying a complexity-invariant distance measure to the two time series datasets. These three analyses were tested using datasets sampled from a previous study testing the effects of a visual feedback paradigm on the production of L2 Mandarin tone. Results suggest the first two analyses, although useful for providing an overall evaluation of how L2 speakers’ pretest versus posttest productions compare to L1 speakers, lose critical information about tone, namely pitch height, contour, and the timing of the production. The third analysis, applying the complexity-invariant distance measure to the datasets, can provide the pertinent information lost from the first two analyses in a more robust manner.
Identifying an Optimal Model for Blockchain Technology Adoption in the Agricultural Sector
Authors: Gandhi Maniam Peter Sasitharan , Prentice Catherine , Sassenberg Anne-Marie , Soar Jeffrey
Published: September 2023

Background: Blockchain adoption in agriculture is facing challenges. Some of its key challenges include lack of regulatory framework and unclear policies. Methods: This quantitative research based on a survey aims to examine the factors that influence blockchain implementation in the agricultural sector. Several theories including the technology acceptance model (TAM), the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), and the technology readiness index (TRI) were drawn upon to determine the factors influencing Blockchain adoption. The study was undertaken in Australia with 358 agricultural supply chain experts. Results: A range of novel findings were generated. While perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and attitude positively influenced Blockchain adoption, discomfort and insecurity were considered deterrents. Conclusions: The results can be used by relevant practitioners to improve the supply chain management for agriculture business. The findings can also inform a new direction for the research on the agricultural supply chain and the literature on logistics.
Alloying Effect on Transformation Strain and Martensitic Transformation Temperature of Ti-Based Alloys from Ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Fang Honglin , Xu Xingge , Zhang Hualei , Sun Qiaoyan , Sun Jun
Published: September 2023

The accurate prediction of alloying effects on the martensitic transition temperature (Ms) is still a big challenge. To investigate the composition-dependent lattice deformation strain and the Ms upon the β to α″ phase transition, we calculate the total energies and transformation strains for two selected Ti−Nb−Al and Ti−Nb−Ta ternaries employing a first-principles method. The adopted approach accurately estimates the alloying effect on lattice strain and the Ms by comparing it with the available measurements. The largest elongation and the largest compression due to the lattice strain occur along ±[011]β and ±[100]β, respectively. As compared to the overestimation of the Ms from existing empirical relationships, an improved Ms estimation can be realized using our proposed empirical relation by associating the measured Ms with the energy difference between the β and α″ phases. There is a satisfactory agreement between the predicted and measured Ms, implying that the proposed empirical relation could accurately describe the coupling alloying effect on Ms. Both Al and Ta strongly decrease the Ms, which is in line with the available observations. A correlation between the Ms and elastic modulus, C44, is found, implying that elastic moduli may be regarded as a prefactor of composition-dependent Ms. This work sheds deep light on precisely and directly predicting the Ms of Ti-containing alloys from the first-principles method.
Modeling the Production Process of Fuel Gas, LPG, Propylene, and Polypropylene in a Petroleum Refinery Using Generalized Nets
Authors: Stratiev Danail D. , Dimitriev Angel , Stratiev Dicho , Atanassov Krassimir
Published: September 2023

The parallel processes involved in the production of refinery fuel gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), propylene, and polypropylene, occurring in thirteen refinery units, are modeled by the use of a Generalized Net (GN) apparatus. The modeling of the production of these products is important because they affect the energy balance of petroleum refinery and the associated emissions of greenhouse gases. For the first time, such a model is proposed and it is a continuation of the investigations of refinery process modelling by GNs. The model contains 17 transitions, 55 places, and 47 types of tokens, and considers the orders of fuel gas for the refinery power station, refinery process furnaces, LPG, liquid propylene, and 6 grades of polypropylene. This model is intended to be used as a more detailed lower-level GN model in a higher-level GN model that facilitates and optimizes the process of decision making in the petroleum refining industry.