bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ethics of Inter-disciplinarity and the Academic Industry
Authors: Klabbers Jan
Published: April 2024

This contribution discusses the way the academic international law industry is organized and the impact this has on scholarship, which is often expected to be inter-disciplinary, with all the pitfalls this entails. These include ethical challenges, with the contribution offering a response to some of these. In the process, it briefly sketches the Nordic academic landscape.
Gender and the Performance of Death Rituals in Classical Athens 480–332 BCE
Authors: Salem Radwa
Published: April 2024

Death rituals play a significant role in maintaining the cultural system of different societies by providing a specific form of behaviour in response to death. To that end, the significant role of women as patrons of culture can be identified by studying their role in the performance of death rituals. Classical Athens provides a good case study as women performed most phases of the mortuary treatment, and their role is recognised in both the textual and material evidence. This gives us the opportunity to diverge from the ‘typical male perspective’-approach to the mortuary evidence, which focuses on the socio-political and economic dimensions, and shed light on the agency of women. The female agency was responsible for the continuity of some ancient rituals despite the laws made to restrict them. Moreover, relatively wealthier women were indirect agents influencing the Athenian public life by using excessive death rituals to reallocate power in society after the loss of powerful individuals.
The Ghadar Movement in Thailand, 1914–1917: Overseas Indian ‘Rebels’ and Their Multinational Asian Assistants
Authors: Wibulsilp Pimmanus
Published: April 2024

The Ghadar Movement was an effort by a group of overseas Indians from diverse diasporas around the Indo-Pacific region to set up an armed revolution to free India from the grip of British colonialism. This work mainly argues that Thailand was not merely functioning as a passage of the Ghadarites from abroad to return to India through its borders, but instead that different parts of the country were harboring their various clandestine and seditious missions. These activities were not only carried out by the overseas Indians travelling from abroad, but also by many “local Indians” in Thailand who turned themselves into active underground revolutionaries. By analyzing several cases of multinational Asian “allies” of the Ghadarites in Thailand, this study furthers the discussion initiated by previous scholars on the possible links between the Ghadar Movement and the tide of “Pan-Asianism” flourishing in different parts of Asia during the early twentieth century.
Liberating Thai History: The Thai Past in an Asian Century
Authors: Subrahmanyan Arjun
Published: April 2024

The nationalist plot of modern Thai history stresses the kingdom’s exceptionalism as the only un-colonized state in Southeast Asia and highlights the steadiness of unbroken monarchy. Critics of the established narrative by contrast argue that Siam/Thailand bore many similarities to neighboring satellites of the Western powers that subordinated traditional authority and hence was a “semi-colony” of the West rather than a truly independent state. This paper argues that the semi-colonial view remains a better frame to study modern Thai history and that semi-coloniality produced a hybrid political culture among an educated new generation born around 1900. The young generation forged the popular struggles that after the 1932 end of the absolute monarchy sought to build a more fair and equitable society. These aspirations and the hybrid political culture of the time are a crucial but often overlooked part of modern Thai history.
Report of stray sightings of Dendrelaphis proarchos (Wall, 1909) (Serpentes: Colubridae) in Surat, Gujarat, western India
Authors: PARMAR DIKANSH S. , THAKUR MEHUL N. , AGARWAL ISHAN , GANESH S.R. , VOGEL GERNOT
Published: April 2024

We here report on likely human-mediated, stray sightings of Dendrelaphis proarchos (Wall, 1909) in an unnatural range—Surat, Gujarat in western India. This population shows the following characters: (1) vertebral scales distinctly enlarged, larger than the dorsals of the first row; (2) 185–194 ventrals; (3) 139–142 divided subcaudals in complete tails; (4) 15 dorsal scale rows at midbody; (5) cloacal shield undivided; (6) one loreal scale; (7) three supralabials touching the eye; (8) a moderate first sublabial that touches two infralabials; (9) 11–12 temporal scales; (10) preoculars 1 or 2; (11) two or three postoculars; (12) maximum total length 1150 mm; (13) interparietal spot absent; (14) a black temporal stripe that does not starts on the postnasal or loreal but starts on the center of the eye follows postoculars (middle or second postocular) covers the majority of the temporal region and extends onto the neck; (15) a distinct, bright ventrolateral stripe bordered by one black line at the bottom; (16) dorsal interstitial color blue and (17) tongue color red with black tip. Data from a partial fragment of the mitochondrial 16S gene also reveal genetic congruence with published sequences from Sagaing and Ayeyarwady in Myanmar and Mizoram, India, further attesting the morphological conclusions. Absence of any sighting of this form in the wild despite long-term (> 15 years) studies in south Gujarat by us, the lack of previous reports of this population especially in natural habitats in Gujarat by colleagues, and reports of many such stray populations of non-native herpetofauna in the coastal port city of Surat together, indicate an unnatural, probably human-mediated, transportation of D. proarchos to Surat. Such likely human-mediated introductions of species outside their native range are a cause for concern and require awareness campaigns among snake rescuers not to ‘release’ such snakes in the Gujarat forests, but to keep them in zoos or return to the actual point of wild origin, if known or feasible.
A new species of the genus Nanosesarma Tweedie, 1950 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from India
Authors: TRIVEDI JIGNESHKUMAR N. , PADATE VINAY P. , NG PETER K. L.
Published: April 2024

A new species of mangrove sesarmid crab, Nanosesarma gomantaka n. sp. is described on the basis of specimens collected from Chapora Estuary in Goa State, India. Nanosesarma gomantaka n. sp. closely resembles N. pontianacense (De Man, 1895) from Southeast and East Asia in having an elongated carapace, arcuate frontal lobes with a median notch and the presence of strong proximal spine on outer surface of male cheliped dactylus, but can be distinguished by the generally more arcuate frontal lobes with deep V-shaped median notch, the tip of the external orbital angle not extending beyond the rudimentary epibranchial tooth, and the proportionately more slender male first gonopod, with a straight distal portion bent at an obtuse angle.
A Comparison of Channel Selection for the Assimilation of CrIS Radiances for NWP
Authors: Coursol Laurence , Heilliette Sylvain , Gauthier Pierre
Published: April 2024

With hyperspectral instruments measuring radiation emitted by Earth and its atmosphere in the thermal infrared range in multiple channels, several studies were made to select a subset of channels in order to reduce the number of channels to be used in a data assimilation system. An optimal selection of channels based on the information content depends on several factors related to observation and background error statistics and the assimilation system itself. An optimal channel selection for the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) was obtained and then compared to selections made for different NWP systems. For instance, the channel selection of Carminati has 224 channels also present in our optimal selection, which includes 455 channels. However, in terms of analysis error variance, the difference between the two selections is small. Integrated over the whole profile, the relative difference is equal to 15.3% and 4.5% for temperature and humidity, respectively. Also, different observation error covariance matrices were considered to evaluate the impact of this matrix on channel selection. Even though the channels selected optimally were different in terms of which channels were selected for the various matrices, the results in terms of analysis error are similar.

Significance Statement

Satellites measure radiation from Earth and its atmosphere in the thermal infrared. Those radiance data contain thousands of measurements, called channels, and thus, a selection needs to be done retaining most of the information content since the large number of individual pieces of information is not usable for numerical weather prediction systems. The goal of this paper is to find an optimal selection for the instrument CrIS and to compare this selection with selections made for different numerical weather prediction systems. It was found that even though the channels selected optimally were different in terms of which channels were selected compared to other selections, the results in terms of precision of the analysis are similar and the results in terms of analysis error are similar due to the nature of hyperspectral instruments, which have multiple Jacobians overlapping.
Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and suicide in first-degree relatives of patients hospitalized in intensive care units in Turkey
Authors: Yanmaz Başak Merve , Yüce Aktepe Melike , Erdoğan Ali , Çakin Özlem
Published: April 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depression, anxiety disorder, hopelessness, and suicide among first-degree relatives of patients hospitalized in medical and anesthesia intensive care units at an academic medical centre.

Methods

In this case–control study conducted in Türkiye, 32 first-degree relatives of 32 patients hospitalized for 14 days or more in intensive care units and 32 healthy volunteers were assessed. The Beck Depression Scale (BDS), Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) were administered to participants.

Results

The mean age of patients’ relatives was 42.1 ± 11.6 years and that of the controls was 43.0 ± 11.3 years. The median scores for the BDS, BHS, and SPS were significantly higher among the relatives of the patients than among controls ( P = .008, P = .013, and P = .001, respectively). Based on cutoff scores for the BDS and BAS, significant depressive symptoms were observed in 56.3% of the relatives of the patients and significant anxiety symptoms were observed in 46.9%. Among patients’ relatives, the median score for the BDS was significantly higher among female participants than among male participants ( P = .038).

Conclusions

First-degree relatives of patients hospitalized in intensive care units have a higher prevalence of depression, hopelessness, and suicidality. Female relatives scored higher on depressive symptoms than male relatives. Psychiatric evaluation/screening of the relatives of patients hospitalized in intensive care units in Turkey is essential.
Event-triggered adaptive control for quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle with prescribed performance
Authors: Cao Chengjie , Luo Zijuan , Zhao Zhongyuan
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes an event-triggered adaptive control algorithm with prescribed performance for quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The dynamic uncertainty and unknown external interference of the system are compensated by the property of approximation in a radial basis function (RBF) neural network. Based on this, introduce a performance constraint function to ensure that the trajectory tracking error of quadrotor UAV converges to a preset area, thereby guaranteeing transient and steady-state performance. In addition, design an event-triggered adaptive controller with the combination of the event-triggered mechanism, reducing the controller’s update frequency. Simulation results demonstrate that this algorithm exhibits strong anti-interference properties and effectively resolves the flight control problem of quadrotor UAV.
Adding to the Evidence Base: Effects of I-Connect in a Secondary Special Education Rural Classroom
Authors: Kester Jason L. , Bross Leslie Ann
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a technology-based self-monitoring application, I-Connect, to enhance the on-task behavior of five secondary students (ages 15–16) with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and specific learning disability during Biology instruction in a rural special education classroom. We used an A-B-A-B withdrawal design with a generalization condition. The primary dependent variable was percent of intervals with on-task behavior as measured by momentary time sampling procedures. Results indicated overall higher levels of on-task behavior for all students when using I-Connect to monitor their behavior. However, there were also high percentages of overlapping data, and student satisfaction with the application was relatively low. Students used I-Connect in an employability seminar offered at their school as a means to generalize to a different setting. We provide implications for practice in rural settings and suggestions for future research related to I-Connect. We also provide recommendations for enhancing the social validity of technology-based self-monitoring for secondary students with disabilities.
Colonial laws, postcolonial infrastructures: Land acquisition, urban informality, and politics of infrastructural development in Pakistan
Authors: Tassadiq Fatima
Published: April 2024

This article traces (dis)continuities in colonial logics across disjunctures of decolonisation and democratisation through a large infrastructure project in contemporary Lahore, Pakistan. Analysing Lahore’s Orange Line Metro Train, a project constructed under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the article shows how colonial extractive and racial logics can limit the redistributive potential of typically inclusive infrastructures like mass transit by continuing to shape the conditions of their development and (re)producing precarious configurations of citizenship in the postcolony. It finds that Pakistan’s colonial-era land acquisition law erased a range of land relations and rights from recognition and thus compensation by the state. In an instance of informal policy making, the state eventually created an ad hoc ‘grant-in-aid’ scheme to compensate landowners in informal settlements. However, the scheme continued the property centric politics of recognition embedded in the expropriation law by only compensating people with long-term land claims. The public script of the scheme invoked welfare obligations of the state but structured these through moral-legal norms of property. The postcolonial state thus bypassed the transition from colonial subjects to citizens and instead repositioned people as humanitarian subjects. The article thus highlights the contradictions of developing subsidized public infrastructure in postcolonial cities, where construction becomes another conduit of imposing land commodification and disciplining pro-poor self-built neighbourhoods that have escaped the rigidity of private property.
RNF213 variant and autophagic impairment: A pivotal link to endothelial dysfunction in moyamoya disease
Authors: Shin Hee Sun , Park Geun Hwa , Choi Eun Sil , Park So Young , Kim Da Sol , Chang Jaerak , Hong Ji Man
Published: April 2024

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is closely associated with the Ring Finger Protein 213 ( RNF213), a susceptibility gene for MMD. However, its biological function remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate the role of RNF213 in the damage incurred by human endothelial cells under oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). We analyzed autophagy in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from patients carrying either RNF213 wildtype (WT) or variant (p.R4810K). Subsequently, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with RNF213 WT (HUVECWT) or p.R4810K (HUVECR4810K) and exposed to OGD for 2 h. Immunoblotting was used to analyze autophagy marker proteins, and endothelial function was analyzed by tube formation assay. Autophagic vesicles were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Post-OGD exposure, we administered rapamycin and cilostazol as potential autophagy inducers. The RNF213 variant group during post-OGD exposure (vs. pre-OGD) showed autophagy inhibition, increased protein expression of SQSTM1/p62 ( p < 0.0001) and LC3-II ( p = 0.0039), and impaired endothelial function ( p = 0.0252). HUVECR4810K during post-OGD exposure (versus pre-OGD) showed a remarkable increase in autophagic vesicles. Administration of rapamycin and cilostazol notably restored the function of HUVECR4810K and autophagy. Our findings support the pivotal role of autophagy impaired by the RNF213 variant in MMD-induced endothelial cell dysfunction.
Unpacking the Antecedents of Word of Mouth and Electronic Word of Mouth in the Opera Sector: A Multimethodological Study Based on PLS and NCA
Authors: Ouazzani Yacine , Calderón-García Haydeé , Tubillejas-Andrés Berta
Published: April 2024

This article examines the role of epistemic value, and social value on behavioral intentions and the relationship between these three factors as antecedents of word of mouth (WOM) and electronic word of mouth (eWOM) in the opera sector. The effects of these antecedents are investigated using a multimethod approach combining partial least square and necessary condition analysis. A quantitative study was conducted on a sample of 149 operagoers. The results show that epistemic value influences repurchase intentions, while social value does not. Furthermore, epistemic value and social value are positive sufficient and necessary antecedents of WOM, showing relevant results regarding their ultimate role in generating WOM. Similarly, social value is a positive sufficient but not necessary antecedent of eWOM. The findings suggest that cultural managers should emphasize learning experiences regarding the opera, as epistemic value is highly valuable for WOM and the reason for attending another opera.
Thermo-mechanical characterizations and erosion wear studies of fumed silica-reinforced jute/epoxy composites
Authors: Parida Pramod Kumar , Alam Mohammad Irquam , Ghosh Ritwik , Pradhan Arun Kumar , Pandit Mihir Kumar , Maharana Sunil Manohar
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the influence of nano-fumed silica content on thermo-mechanical properties of jute/epoxy composites. The results reveal that jute composites without filler (JJJJ-0) exhibited highest tensile strength (33.01 MPa) and percentage elongation (1.9522%), while composites with 1.5% and 2.5% filler demonstrated the highest tensile modulus (1967 MPa) and flexural modulus (2432.9 MPa), respectively. The observation demonstrates that as the filler content increases in jute composites, tensile strength decreases but flexural strength increases. However, an exception is noted for sample containing excess filler (3.5%), which exhibited the lowest flexural strength (44.36 MPa). The composite with 2.5% filler exhibited the highest flexural strength (53.5 MPa). Thermal analysis indicated that the addition of nanofiller enhanced both the activation energy (Ea) and thermal stability of the jute composites. A four-layer carbon composite without filler (CCCC-0) was also fabricated in order to compare wear and thermal stability performance with jute composites. The wear study was performed at different temperatures and found that JJJJ-3.5 composite exhibited superior wear resistance at ambient temperature, while CCCC-0 composite had better wear resistance at high temperatures. Also, the surface morphology of the eroded surface was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to study the failure mechanism of composites.
Exploring Gender Differences in Computational Thinking Among K-12 Students: A Meta-Analysis Investigating Influential Factors
Authors: Hu Linlin
Published: April 2024

This study employs meta-analysis to synthesize findings from 30 articles investigating gender differences in computational thinking (CT) among K-12 students. Encompassing 51 independent effect sizes, the meta-analysis involves a participant pool of 9181 individuals from various countries, comprising 4254 males and 4927 females. Results indicate statistically significant gender differences in CT (Hedges’s g = 0.091, p < .05), albeit with a modest effect size, revealing higher CT scores among males compared to females. Further moderation analyses unveil the multifaceted nature of these gender differences. Specifically, while gender differences become significant during high school, recent studies suggest a gradual reduction in CT gender differences with societal progress among K-12 students. Moreover, findings illustrate variations in gender differences across geographical regions. Notably, while the overall gender disparity in CT is non-significant in the “East Asia and Pacific” region, it widens in “North America” and “Europe”, with males scoring higher than females. Conversely, in “Europe and Central Asia”, such gender differences present inconsistent outcomes, with females scoring higher than males. Importantly, assessment tool type does not significantly influence gender differences. Lastly, this study offers recommendations to address CT gender gaps, providing valuable insights for promoting gender equality in education.
A Bayesian quasi-likelihood design for identifying the minimum effective dose and maximum utility dose in dose-ranging studies
Authors: Tian Feng , Lin Ruitao , Wang Li , Yuan Ying
Published: April 2024

Most existing dose-ranging study designs focus on assessing the dose–efficacy relationship and identifying the minimum effective dose. There is an increasing interest in optimizing the dose based on the benefit–risk tradeoff. We propose a Bayesian quasi-likelihood dose-ranging design that jointly considers safety and efficacy to simultaneously identify the minimum effective dose and the maximum utility dose to optimize the benefit–risk tradeoff. The binary toxicity endpoint is modeled using a beta-binomial model. The efficacy endpoint is modeled using the quasi-likelihood approach to accommodate various types of data (e.g. binary, ordinal or continuous) without imposing any parametric assumptions on the dose–response curve. Our design utilizes a utility function as a measure of benefit–risk tradeoff and adaptively assign patients to doses based on the doses’ likelihood of being the minimum effective dose and maximum utility dose. The design takes a group-sequential approach. At each interim, the doses that are deemed overly toxic or futile are dropped. At the end of the trial, we use posterior probability criteria to assess the strength of the dose–response relationship for establishing the proof-of-concept. If the proof-of-concept is established, we identify the minimum effective dose and maximum utility dose. Our simulation study shows that compared with some existing designs, the Bayesian quasi-likelihood dose-ranging design is robust and yields competitive performance in establishing proof-of-concept and selecting the minimum effective dose. Moreover, it includes an additional feature for further maximum utility dose selection.
Book review: Vibhuti Patel and Nandita Mondal (Eds.), Gendered Inequalities in Paid and Unpaid Work of Women in India
Authors: Anand Ishan
Published: April 2024

Vibhuti Patel and Nandita Mondal (Eds.), Gendered Inequalities in Paid and Unpaid Work of Women in India. Springer Nature, 2022, 277 pp., ₹10,858, ISBN 978-9811699733 (Hardcover).
Book review: Sudha Pai, D. Shyam Babu and Rahul Verma (Ed), Dalits in the New Millenium
Authors: Devi Rama
Published: April 2024

Sudha Pai, D. Shyam Babu and Rahul Verma (Ed), Dalits in the New Millenium, Cambridge University Press, 2023, xiii + 455 pp., 1147
Real-world Outcomes in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Based on Interphase Fluorescent In situ Hybridization: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Jain Punit , Jain Poonam , Tikoo Agnivesh , Singh Tejinder , Patkar Salil , Lokhande Vaishali , Mishra Anand , Agarwal Bharat , Haridas Ashwathy , Khandelwal Kanika
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Limited data exist on interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (iFISH)-based survival outcomes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) from India.

Objectives:

To study the demographics and iFISH-based survival outcomes in NDMM patients treated with proteasome inhibitors from a community-based cancer setup.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed the records of 25 patients treated with proteasome inhibitors between June 2017 and April 2023 using five high-risk (HR) iFISH markers based on mSMART 3.0.

Results:

The median age was 60 years (range 34–87). HR iFISH was detected in 12 (48%) patients. With a median follow-up of 27 months, the overall response at the last follow-up was 80% (very good partial response - 52%, complete remission - 20%, and partial response - 8%), with 8 (32%) relapses. Twenty (80%) patients remain alive, with five deaths in HR (sepsis [ n = 3]). The 2.5-year overall survival in HR and standard risk was 55.6% ± 15.2% and 100% ( P = 0.01), and event-free survival was 32.4% ± 16.5% and 77.8% ± 13.8% ( P = 0.02), respectively.

Conclusions:

Using limited iFISH HR markers helps in the early and effective stratification of NDMM in the real world. Sepsis remains an important cause of mortality in an Indian setup.
Designing the optimal path curve based on spline functions for mobile robot using the combination of bee colony algorithm and genetic algorithm
Authors: Min Lin Xing , Xia Luting , Ge Zhen , Hong XinHui , Zhao Ruoyi , Jalalnezhad Mostafa
Published: April 2024

This research focuses on the routing algorithm for mobile robots, considering factors such as time, path length, and energy consumption. Various algorithms have been used to plan trajectory curves, including classical methods, probabilistic algorithms, and meta-heuristic algorithms. The artificial bee colony algorithm was used to generate practical path curves without collisions, which were then used to create the optimal path length. The basic model was a projection of the path curve using random initial paths. Spline interpolation was used to obtain the middle points of the path, making the path smooth. The proposed model has less time and length in all environments and better satisfies linear and rotational speed limitations, indicating potential for improvement.
Deep venous thrombosis in patients with atresia of the inferior vena cava and right kidney hypoplasia (KILT syndrome): Systematic review of the literature
Authors: Pantic Nikola , Cvetkovic Mirjana , Milin-Lazovic Jelena , Vukmirovic Jelica , Pavlovic Aleksandar , Virijevic Marijana , Pravdic Zlatko , Kozarac Sofija , Sabljic Nikica , Suvajdzic-Vukovic Nada , Dragas Marko , Mitrovic Mirjana
Published: April 2024

Inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies are uncommon congenital causes of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). KILT syndrome (kidney and IVC abnormalities with leg thrombosis) has only been described as case reports in the literature. Therefore, the characteristics, evaluation, and management of patients with KILT syndrome have not yet been standardized. This study aimed to systematically review and analyze the clinical and radiographic data and treatment of previously reported cases of KILT syndrome. In this systematic review, we performed a literature search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in December 2023, with no restrictions on the publication date. After duplicate extractions, 4195 articles were screened. Case reports and case series reporting on KILT syndrome were included. In addition to previously published cases, we included a new case of a previously healthy 25-year-old man with KILT syndrome in the analysis. A total of 34 cases were therefore included in this study. The majority (76.5%) were male patients with a median age of 24 years. In most patients, unprovoked bilateral iliofemoral thrombosis was diagnosed, and 64.7% had left kidney abnormalities. Our study suggests that anomalies of the IVC should be suspected in all young patients, especially male patients, with proximal, recurrent, or idiopathic DVT. If an IVC anomaly is confirmed, the kidneys should be examined to monitor and preserve healthy kidneys in cases of KILT syndrome. The data collected from all patients emphasize the requirement of long-term anticoagulation and risk factor control. Surgical measures may be effective for treating symptomatic refractory cases.
Person- and identity-first language in autism research: A systematic analysis of abstracts from 11 autism journals
Authors: Zajic Matthew Carl , Gudknecht Juliette
Published: April 2024

We examined the use of person- and identity-first language (PFL, IFL) in scholarly writing about autism by reviewing 12,962 journal abstracts from 11 autism research journals (mostly covering the years 2001–2022). We found a preference for PFL (64.68%) over IFL (15.83%) when considering aggregated, within-journal breakdowns (with abstracts using both representing 19.50%). However, when examining language use longitudinally, we observed a general trend toward increasing use of IFL after years of stable trends showing predominant use of PFL. These trends were not consistent across all reviewed journals, as some journals demonstrated preference for either PFL or IFL across all observed years. Notably, we highlight the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders as a special case that offers a 51-year perspective (1971–2022); here, IFL was predominant until the 1990s, when PFL became a stable majority, and in the late 2010s, IFL started to increase. Journal differences in aggregate breakdowns and longitudinal trends are discussed in line with recent policy changes, journal submission guidelines, and shifting perspectives in autism research. Implications for writing about autistic individuals and the role that language plays within the broader autism research scholarly community are discussed.

Lay Abstract

There are many ways to refer to an individual who is on the autism spectrum. A recommended approach has been to use person-first language (PFL), such as “person with autism.” A different approach is to use identity-first language (IFL), such as “autistic person.” Recent studies focused on different groups of people (e.g. autistic self-advocates, parents, and practitioners) show that some groups prefer PFL (practitioners) while others prefer IFL (autistic self-advocates). However, less is known about how researchers use PFL and IFL in academic writing (e.g. studies published in scientific journals) involving autistic research participants. Our study examined 12,962 journal abstracts (short summaries of scientific articles) from 11 academic journals that publish autism research findings. We wanted to know (a) about the use of PFL and IFL across abstracts, and (b) how PFL and IFL use has changed annually over time. We examined data for all journals individually and grouped together. Our findings showed that journal abstracts generally use PFL (65%) with some using either IFL (16%) or both PFL and IFL (20%). However, journals varied, with some showing a clear majority for PFL and a couple for IFL. Examining trends over time across journals showed that while PFL appeared to be the majority for most journals, IFL has steadily increased in the recent few years. Our study helps us understand how autism researchers write about autistic individuals and offers implications for helping researchers intentionally make choices about the language used in their autism research studies.
The effect of improving psychosocial stressors on psychological distress: a quasi-experiment of Finnish health and social care workers
Authors: Nikunlaakso Risto , Shiri Rahman , Oksanen Tuula , Laitinen Jaana
Published: April 2024

Aims:

To examine how a positive change in one to three psychosocial stressors (job demands, job rewards, and workplace social capital) influenced psychological distress.

Methods:

The analysis included 3605 Finnish health and social services workers who completed surveys in 2019, 2020 and 2021. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the propensity score of experiencing a positive change in one to three psychosocial stressors between 2019 and 2020. We balanced the baseline characteristics with propensity scoring. A generalised linear model with a binomial distribution and a log link function was used to compare the quasi-intervention and quasi-control groups for the risk of psychological distress in 2021.

Results:

Among the total sample, neither improving a single stressor nor two or three stressors affected psychological distress. However, among employees younger than 50 years, improving two or three psychosocial stressors in 2019–2020 decreased the risk of moderate to severe psychological distress in 2021 by 41% (risk ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.36–0.96). Among employees aged 50 years or older, improving job rewards lowered the risk of mild to severe psychological distress by 23% (risk ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.62–0.96).

Conclusions:

The results of this quasi-experiment suggest that the positive effect of improving psychosocial stressors is stronger among younger than older workers. Future interventions should be customised for different ages and aim to improve accumulated work stressors and individual stress-coping skills.
Efficacy of Biomechanics-based Decompression Therapy in Managing Recurrent Diabetic Plantar Ulcers
Authors: Wan Yan , Wang Zheng , Bai Jiao-Jiao , Cai Yun-Min , Ming Yue , Qin Wen
Published: April 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of decompression nursing based on biomechanical principles in managing recurrent diabetic plantar ulcers.

Methods

Sixty-seven patients experiencing recurrent diabetic plantar ulcers who sought medical attention at Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University between January 2021 and December 2022 were selected as participants for this study. The participants underwent biomechanics-based decompression nursing. We compared pre-intervention and post-intervention data to assess the differences in relevant observational indexes.

Results

Post-intervention, patients showed significant improvements in foot comfort scores and adherence to pressure reduction behavior compared with their pre-intervention status, with statistical significance ( P < 0.05). The intervention was effective in 41 cases (61.19%), with 18 cases (26.87%) showing improvement and 8 cases (11.94%) deemed ineffective, culminating in an overall efficacy rate of 88.06%. All 67 patients achieved complete ulcer healing within an average duration of 58.63 ± 18.13 days, without any recorded recurrences.

Conclusion

Biomechanics-based decompression nursing demonstrates effective facilitation of wound healing, yielding expeditious recovery, enhanced comfort, and a reduced incidence of recurrence.
Design of a new Robot Operating System-MATLAB-based autonomous robot system and trajectory tracking experiment
Authors: Yu Zhenning , Ge Fengxiang , Wong Seng Fat
Published: April 2024

The trajectory tracking performance of an actual robot is usually used as an important standard to evaluate a nonlinear controller algorithm. The aim of this article is to design a new experimental robot system based on the Robot Operating System-MATLAB framework. To validate the performance, a nonlinear tracking controller includes the following features. Firstly, the surface robot model is in Lie algebra [Formula: see text] format, which keeps the potential of cooperation control between space vehicles. Secondly, the nonlinear controller has good robustness under unknown disturbances. Thirdly, the control algorithm focuses on the practical robot, Turtlebot2. The robot system experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller for trajectory tracking under unknown disturbance. The controller’s potential applications include autonomous robots for indoor examination, extreme condition rescuing, and cooperation between unmanned aerial vehicle and unmanned surface vehicle autodrives.
A Systematic review of the presence and participation of students with intellectual disabilities in Spanish universities
Authors: Serrano Fernández Laura , Viguera Monje Manuel
Published: April 2024

Inclusive education remains a challenge to be embraced by the national educational system, and this challenge becomes even more pronounced when considering the access and participation of young individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) in higher education. The present systematic review aims to delve into the scientific literature addressing the theme of the presence of students with ID in Spanish university classrooms. To achieve this, a thorough examination of 34 scientific articles published between 2012 and 2022 was conducted across the databases of Dialnet, RedALyC, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Through the analysis of the selected studies, a research trend regarding the inclusion of students with ID in Spanish universities is identified, and the results are summarized. These results indicate a disparity between the increasing response of Spanish universities to students with ID and the limited production of scientific literature on the subject. The review concludes by emphasizing the need to promote high-quality inclusive research processes within the university environment, with a focus on accessibility and equal opportunities for young individuals with ID in higher education.
Troublesome Keywords: Drama Books and Subversive Acts in Bengal 1905–1911
Authors: Pandit Mimasha
Published: April 2024

Vernacular word assumed a subversive role in early twentieth-century Bengal. The emergence of Bengali public sphere and the agitation against the partition of Bengal created a detrimental situation in which vernacular words became dangerous, and threatening, to the stability of the British Raj. Subversive vernacular words formed a sub-text in various media that garnered public support against the Raj and in favour of the acts of opposition against the Raj. The present research article evaluates a few of the dramatic texts in print to analyse how the sub-text vernacular word was circulated and how it affected the public mind against the British Raj.
Facies architecture, geochemistry and petrogenesis of Middle Triassic volcaniclastic deposits of Mt. Ivanščica (NW Croatia): evidence of bimodal volcanism in the Alpine-Dinaridic transitional zone
Authors: Smirčić Duje , Vukovski Matija , Slovenec Damir , Kukoč Duje , Šegvić Branimir , Horvat Marija , Belak Mirko , Grgasović Tonći , Badurina Luka
Published: April 2024

During the Middle Triassic, intensive volcanic activity took place along the eastern margin of Pangea, including the Greater Adria promontory, due to the Neotethyan oceanization. This resulted in the formation of various volcanic and volcaniclastic rock types. The region of NW Croatia, acting as a transition zone between the Southern Alps and the Dinarides, showcases the outcrops of these rocks. The present study investigates the facies of volcaniclastic rocks, the distribution of those facies, formation processes, as well as the genesis of the primary magma to gain a better understanding of the complex geodynamics of this region during the Middle Triassic. Six profiles across the Vudelja quarry front were surveyed using drone imaging and samples were collected for detailed petrographic and geochemical analyses. Two groups of volcaniclastic rocks were identified—mafic and intermediate/felsic. The former is represented by (I) autoclastic effusive facies and (II) resedimented autoclastic facies, while the latter is represented by (III) secondary pyroclastic facies. Mafic volcaniclastics were generated through basaltic effusions in marine environments, fragmentation in contact with seawater, mixing with shallow marine carbonate clasts, and subsequent redeposition in deeper marine areas. The secondary pyroclastic facies (III) consists of a regionally distributed felsic Pietra Verde tuff whose deposits may be related to pyroclastic density currents and syn-eruptive resedimentation by turbidite-like currents. Geochemical data indicate that parental magmas responsible for generating the mafic volcaniclastics had a calc-alkaline composition and originated in ensialic and mature arc settings of an active continental margin. The observed chemical composition is likely inherited from older, arc-related lithologies, associated with the subduction of the Paleotethys Ocean. Parental magmas are thought to have formed during continental rifting of the passive Middle Triassic margins of the Greater Adria through (i) partial melting of the heterogeneous lithospheric mantle, which had been metasomatized during an earlier Hercynian subduction, and (ii) subordinate processes related to the melting of the upper continental crust and subsequent fractionation. Ar/Ar dating on plagioclase separates yielded an age of 244.5 ± 2.8 Ma for mafic volcaniclastics. This aligns well with biostratigraphic ages of felsic tuffs which crop out on a broader regional scale of the Dinarides, the Southern Alps, and the Transdanubian Range. The overlapping ages obtained from radiometric dating of mafic volcaniclastics and biostratigraphic ages of the felsic Pietra Verde tuffs strongly suggest that the Greater Adria region experienced concurrent bimodal volcanism during the Middle Triassic.
Ultraviolet C inactivation of Coxiella burnetii for production of a structurally preserved whole cell vaccine antigen
Authors: Mertens-Scholz Katja , Moawad Amira A. , Liebler-Tenorio Elisabeth M. , Helming Andrea , Andrack Jennifer , Miethe Peter , Neubauer Heinrich , Pletz Mathias W. , Richter Ina-Gabriele
Published: April 2024

Q fever, a worldwide-occurring zoonotic disease, can cause economic losses for public and veterinary health systems. Vaccines are not yet available worldwide and currently under development. In this regard, it is important to produce a whole cell antigen, with preserved structural and antigenic properties and free of chemical modifications. Thus, inactivation of Coxiella burnetii with ultraviolet light C (UVC) was evaluated. C. burnetii Nine Mile phase I (NMI) and phase II (NMII) were exposed to decreasing intensities in a time-dependent manner and viability was tested by rescue cultivation in axenic medium or cell culture. Effects on the cell structure were visualized by transmission electron microscopy and antigenicity of UVC-treated NMI was studied by immunization of rabbits. NMI and NMII were inactivated at UVC intensities of 250 µW/cm2 for 5 min or 100 µW/cm2 for 20 min. Reactivation by DNA repair was considered to be unlikely. No morphological changes were observed directly after UVC inactivation by transmission electron microscopy, but severe swelling and membrane degradation of bacteria with increasing severity occurred after 24 and 48 h. Immunization of rabbits resulted in a pronounced antibody response. UVC inactivation of C. burnetii resulted in a structural preserved, safe whole cell antigen and might be useful as antigen for diagnostic purposes or as vaccine candidate.
Phenotypic and yield responses of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris l.) varieties to different soil moisture levels
Authors: Geleta Refisa Jebessa , Roro Amsalu Gobena , Terfa Meseret Tesema
Published: April 2024

Background

Morphological plasticity is one of the capacities of plants to modify their morphological appearance in response to external stimuli. A plant’s morphology and physiology are constantly tuned to its variable surroundings by complex interactions between environmental stimuli and internal signals.

In most of plant species,, such phenotypic and physiological expression varies among different varieties based on their levels of particular environmental stress conditions. However, the morphological and yield responses of common bean varieties to different environmental conditions are not well known. The purpose of the study was to evaluate morphological and yield response of common bean to soil moisture stress and to investigate the morphological mechanism by which common bean varieties tolerate fluctuations in moisture stress.

Methods

A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of different moisture levels on the phenotypic and yield responses of common bean varieties. A factorial combination of five common bean varieties (Hirna, kufanzik, Awash-1, Ado, and Chercher) and three moisture levels (control, waterlogging stress, and moisture deficit stress) was used in three replications. Moisture stress treatments were started 20 days after planting, at the trifoliate growth stage. To evaluate the response of each variety, morphological and yield data were collected at week intervals.

Main results

The results indicated that moisture levels and varieties had a significant influence on all growth parameters. Crop phenology was significantly influenced by the interaction effect of moisture level and variety. Exposing Hirna variety to moisture stress led to extended flowering and pod setting by 23 and 24 days, respectively, compared to the other treatments. The results showed that the phenotypic responses to moisture deficit and waterlogging stress varied between varieties. Waterlogging stress had a stronger reduction effect on the fresh weight, dry weight and leaf area of common bean varieties than moisture deficit and the control. Pods per plant, seeds per plant, grain yield per plant, and harvest index were significantly influenced by the varieties, moisture stress levels and their interaction. Except for Chercher and Hirna. However, varieties Ado, kufanzik and Awasha-1 did not show significant differences on the time of flower initiation due to moisture level. Biomass and growth in leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, leaf area, leaf number and plant height were significantly influenced by moisture level. When moisture deficit and waterlogging stress occurred, Ado and Awash-1 were more responsive to moisture stress than Hirna, Chercher, and Kufanzik.

Conclusion

Hence, Hirna and Kufanzik varieties were found to be tolerant because they produced higher yields than the Chercher, Awash-1, and Ado varieties.