bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crossroads: leprosy, Igbo cosmology and cultural worldviews
Authors: Eze Odinaka Kingsley 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis research examines the continuity and changes in Igbo thoughts on leprosy by exploring Igbo cosmology and its relationship with Christian and colonial ideas about the disease. The perception of leprosy in precolonial Igboland reveals a shocking similarity with the later Judeo-Christian identity and the perception of leprosy that dominated the area during colonialism. It argues that colonial and Christian missionary ideas did not radically transform the perceptions of leprosy in south-eastern Nigeria. Instead, what happened was merely an adaptation and continuity of prevailing thoughts about the disease. Using oral evidence, archival materials and existing anthropological works on Igbo worldviews and cosmology, this research shows the changes in the colonial socio-cultural knowledge of leprosy. After careful analysis, it concludes that, while colonial medicine and the missionaries’ idea of leprosy healed leprosy sufferers and transformed their identity, most Igbo people continued conceptualizing the disease as an aberration and maintained the stigmatization of sufferers.
EXIT RIGHTS, SEAMLESS BORDERS AND THE NEW CARCERAL STATE
Authors: Macklin Audrey 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe human right to leave any country protects an intrinsic interest in free movement and is also a vital pre-condition to seeking asylum. The right to leave attracts little academic interest, but it is quietly being eroded. Exit restrictions in States of origin or transit have become an instrument of extraterritorial migration control for European Union Member States seeking to prevent the arrival of unwanted migrants. This article first explores the revival of exit restrictions, focusing on agreements between European destination States and select African States of departure. It argues that the adoption of exit restrictions from one State to prevent entry to another creates the paradox of seamless borders, where regulation of exit and entry are harmonized and fused to serve the singular objective of preventing entry to the destination State. The article further argues that the political and discursive coupling of anti-smuggling and search-and-rescue regimes occlude the rights-violating character of exit restrictions and enables breach of the right to leave to hide in plain sight. Additionally, current approaches to jurisdiction and State responsibility in regional and international courts render the prospect of destination State liability uncertain in circumstances where the destination State does not exercise legal and physical control over enforcement. The article draws on ‘crimmigration’ and border criminology literature to identify the common element of carcerality that connects confinement of migrants to the territory of departure States with migrant detention inside the territory. Beyond lamenting the erosion of exit rights, the article concludes by querying whether the erosion of the right to leave is symptomatic of a larger trend toward the regulation of mobility itself.
Legal Imperatives for the Implementation of Energy Auctions in Nigeria
Authors: Nwangwu George , Nwankwo Chidebe Matthew 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
With the passage of the Climate Change Act, and to help meet its net zero obligations by 2060, Nigeria must transition from its dependence on fossil fuel energy sources to renewable energy. This will involve the procurement of large amounts of renewable energy by the government. In the past, procurement of power from the government-owned bulk trader has been chaotic, with no discernible strategy, and it is doubtful whether the government or Nigeria's citizens have derived value for money from the process. This article suggests a transition from the current, mostly unsolicited, proposal system to energy auctions, as the authors believe that this will help the country achieve low prices for renewable energy. The article also examines polices that have been implemented in other countries to drive energy auctions, with a view to applying relatable practices to the Nigerian exercise.
Nitrogen nutrition for cotton in a semi-arid environment
Authors: Ahmad Shakeel , Abbas Ghulam , Tariq Muhammad , Fatima Zartash , Wahab Ahmad Abdul , Ahmed Mukhtar , Wilkerson Carol Jo , Hoogenboom Gerrit 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is the most significant nutrient affecting crop growth and development for all types of crops, except legumes. The goal of this study was to optimize the N level for cotton grown in a semi-arid environment to enhance growth and development, determine N status, and increase seed cotton yield and biomass. Two independent field experiments each three years in duration were conducted, from 2007 to 2009 (Exp.-I) and 2018 to 2020 (Exp.-II). Experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The N treatments in Exp.-I were comprised of 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200 and 240 kg N/ha, while treatments in Exp.-II were comprised of 0, 70, 140, 210 and 280 kg N/ha. A wide range of data sets for cotton traits were recorded, including canopy height, leaf area index, the N status of the leaf and stem, seed cotton yield and time-series biomass data. The higher N rates 240 and 280 kg N/ha performed better for all these traits. However, the highest leaf N contents were recorded for 210 kg N/ha. Based on these results, it is suggested that under semi-arid conditions, slightly higher rates than optimum or recommended N rates could be applied as a strategy by cotton growers for a higher seed cotton yield. The findings of this study may also increase profitability in other cotton-growing areas that have similar weather conditions.
Epidemiology and transmission patterns of Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis within a One Health framework in rural areas of Eastern Algeria
Authors: Maxamhud Sadiya , Reghaissia Nassiba , Laatamna AbdElKarim , Gentekaki Eleni , Tsaousis Anastasios D. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Gastrointestinal infections constitute a significant global health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, caused by various pathogens. Among these, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are noteworthy due to their zoonotic potential. In Algeria, molecular epidemiological data on cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are limited. To fill this gap, the present study aimed to examine the transmission dynamics of Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis in various households. A total of 216 samples were collected from the rural Guelma and Souk Ahras provinces, located in the eastern part of Algeria. These included human and animal faeces, as well as water and soil samples. DNA was extracted, followed by nested PCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene to detect Cryptosporidium spp., while the gp60 gene was amplified for subtyping. Detection of G. duodenalis was performed by qPCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene, followed by amplification of tpi, bg and gdh genes for genotyping and subtyping. Several Cryptosporidium species, including C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. andersoni and C. parvum, were identified in human, animal and environmental samples. The zoonotic C. parvum subtype IIaA17G2R1 was detected in human, animal and soil samples. Giardia duodenalis assemblage B was detected in a human sample, while assemblage E was found in cattle and sheep. The current investigation underscores the importance of the One Health approach in addressing issues related to intestinal parasites, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and control measures in rural settings.
GESTURES, ACTIONS AND PLAY IN BJÖRN HEILE'S 3 × 10 MUSICAL ACTIONS FOR THREE SOCIALLY DISTANCED PERFORMERS
Authors: Campbell Edward , Souza Jonathan De , Jensenius Alexander Refsum 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBjörn Heile's 3 × 10 Musical Actions for Three Socially Distanced Performers features frequent changes in musical material, playing style and instrumental combinations. Throughout a series of short sections, the performers play, sing, speak, conduct and move around, following instructions that appear on tablets. This article reflects on audiences’ experiences of the work and on musical actions more generally. We consider musical actions as short, coherent motion chunks and distinguish between several types of action that appear in the piece: gestures (communicative actions, with or without sound), reactions (where a player responds to another) and interactions (where players mutually coordinate). The musicians’ individual and collective actions create a sense of play: on the one hand, they seem free and depart from standard concert conventions; on the other hand, they seem to be following a set of rules, even if these rules are not explained to the audience. As such, we approach the piece via theories of play and relate it to earlier modernist musical games. Ultimately, 3 × 10 Musical Actions emphasises several aspects of musical actions, as social, functional, expressive, playful and embodied.
OF EMBODIED MUSICAL SPACES AND THEIR CREATIVE AMBIGUITY
Authors: Iddon Martin , Jan Oli , MacDonald Raymond , Schiavio Andrea 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSome musics and musical situations seem to invite the audience to participate; others insist that the audience should absorb the events of performance in rapt attention. A slippage between such distinctions can also arise: a moment where an audience might be uncertain as to whether joining in is desired or welcome. In an examination of such a moment of uncertainty or surprise, at the close of Raymond MacDonald's Stolen in a Dreamland Heist (2021), we suggest that such events point towards and perform the particular creative spaces and spacing effects that arise in musical events in ways which draw attention to the affective bodily relationships between performers and auditors. The article takes the form of its own nested dialogue: an interview with the composer forms its central portion, framed within theoretical examination both of that critical moment within performance and the reflections on it the interview reveals.
Happy to chat? Understanding older people’s attitudes and experiences of talking to strangers
Authors: Yen Dorothy A. , Cappellini Benedetta , Jen Ming-yao , Victor Christina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Extant literature shows that small conversations with strangers can help improve individuals’ wellbeing while reducing feelings of loneliness. Nevertheless, previous studies on talking to strangers tend to focus on young participants in controlled experimental settings, leaving a gap in understanding older adults’ experiences and their likelihood of adopting talking to strangers as part of their daily healthy ageing practices. Considering the problem of worsened social isolation and loneliness among older people during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is even more important to include them in the promotion of social inclusion through micro-conversations with strangers. To understand older adults’ attitudes and experiences of talking to strangers, this study interviewed 19 older people based on their trial of talking to strangers over a three-month period. Findings reveal that their willingness and confidence varied by age and gender, with retired individuals being more active in engaging with strangers. Time constraints and lack of self-efficacy were identified as barriers, particularly among those still working or with caregiving responsibilities. Rather than personal gains, the act of kindness towards others was emphasised as the key motive. These insights are valuable for policy makers and organisations supporting older people’s wellbeing, highlighting the potential for older individuals to serve as conversation initiators, promoting mutual kindness and wellbeing in communities.
Embodied music training can help improve speech imitation and pronunciation skills
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Baills Florence , Prieto Pilar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Recent research has shown that music interventions involving body movements are beneficial for reinforcing music learning. Given the reported positive transfer between music training and phonological skills, we investigated, for the first time, the value of an embodied music training program for improving pronunciation skills. In a classroom experiment, 48 Chinese adolescent learners of English participated in three 40-minute sessions of either Dalcroze-inspired embodied music training or treatment-as-usual non-embodied music training. Participants in the embodied music group were involved in a series of activities designed to develop their rhythmic and melodic skills through bodily experiences. Participants in the non-embodied music group followed music lessons designed by their music teacher, appreciating music pieces and receiving music knowledge. Before and after training, participants were tested with a language imitation task using six unfamiliar languages and an oral reading task in second language English. Results show that the embodied music group significantly outperformed the non-embodied music group in both tasks. Overall, our findings suggest that an embodied music training program has beneficial effects on pronunciation skills, supporting an embodied-based language teaching approach.
Drosophila melanogaster: a promising system for space biology research
Authors: Valdivia-Silva Julio Ernesto , Pérez-Tulich Luz , Iza-Zurita Alejandro , Travi-Antonio Giulianna , Ubidia Adolfo , Laván-Quiroz David 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster has given enormous contributions to Space Biology Research. This organism is an important tool to be manipulated in genetic engineering and molecular experiments in order to understand different biological processes homologous to other multicellular systems, including humans. Their milestone contribution in microgravity conditions and radiation, the two most important variables in space, have allowed new knowledge and perspectives on the positive and negative effects on cellular, molecular and genetic levels. In this review, we expose the historical contribution of Drosophila melanogaster in Astrobiology.
Introducing ReChat: A Lab-in-the-Cloud for Text Discussions
Authors: Shen Xiaoxiao , Schulz William Small 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Text is a major medium of contemporary interpersonal communication but is difficult for social scientists to study unless they have significant resources or the skills to build their own research platform. In this paper, we introduce a cloud-based software solution to this problem: ReChat, an online research platform for conducting experimental and observational studies of live text conversations. We demonstrate ReChat by applying it to a specific phenomenon of interest to political scientists: conversations among co-partisans. We present results from two studies, focusing on (1) self-selection factors that make chat participants systematically unrepresentative and (2) a pre-registered analysis of loquaciousness that finds a significant association between speakers’ ideological extremity and the amount they write in the chat. We conclude by discussing practical implications and advice for future practitioners of chat studies.
Climate Change‐Driven Long‐Term Stability Risks of Ubiquitous Moraine Dams in Glacial Lakes on Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau: A Multiphysics Coupling Evolution Perspective
Authors: Zhou Jia‐Qing , Li Qi‐Long , Chen Yi‐Feng , Li Changdong , Jiao Jiu Jimmy , Tang Huiming 
Published: December 2024

AbstractGlacial lake‐moraine dam systems are widespread in cold alpine environments such as the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP). Without climate change, the lake‐dam system exhibits stably dynamic evolution on a hydrological annual cycle. However, climate change may drive subtle alterations in the system's evolution. We developed a fully coupled Thermal‐Hydraulic‐Mechanical simulation platform considering ice‐water phase change, showing robust performance under CMIP6‐derived boundary conditions. Using this platform, we simulated climate warming‐driven multiphysics responses and dam stability evolutions of a homogeneous, simplified conceptual model of the lake‐dam system. We identified critical temperature thresholds for permanently frozen area thawing and abrupt changes in dam stability of this lake‐dam system. Considering the current slope stability situations on the QTP, the SSP 5–8.5 climate warming scenario is conservatively anticipated to pose significant geological safety risks due to potential disaster chains from glacial lake failures. Our study provides insights into profound geological process evolutions driven by climate change.
Continuous Holocene Streamflow Rise and ENSO Linked Floods in the Upper Reaches of Yarlung Tsangpo
Authors: Sun Zhe , Hou Xiaohuan , Ji Kejia , Li Can‐Ge , Wang Mingda , Yuan Kan , Gao Xiaoxue , Hou Juzhi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the long‐term streamflow variability of the Yarlung Tsangpo (called the Brahmaputra River in downstream) is critical for water resources management due to its provision of freshwater for millions of people and its flood risk. However, previous streamflow reconstructions, based on dendrochronology and palaeo‐flood sediments, are either discontinuous or cover only a few hundred years. Here, we provide a continuous palaeolimnological record of the streamflow of the Yarlung Tsangpo upstream. Our results reveal an unexpected streamflow rise after 6,000 years ago, indicating the Westerlies and glacier meltwater replaced Indian Summer Monsoon as the dominant driver of runoff. Furthermore, the relatively frequent palaeo‐flood events during the early and late Holocene may be attributed to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variance. These findings suggest the future occurrence of unsustainable streamflow and an increased flooding risk, as a result of weakening Westerlies, reduced glaciers, and strengthened ENSO activity under climatic warming.
The Spatiotemporal Structure of Induced Magnetic Fields in Callisto's Plasma Environment Due to Their Propagation With MHD Modes
Authors: Strack David , Saur Joachim 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe investigate how the spatiotemporal structure of induced magnetic fields outside of Callisto is affected by their propagation with the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modes. At moons that are surrounded by dense magnetized plasmas like the Galilean moons, low‐frequency induced magnetic fields cannot propagate with the ordinary electromagnetic mode as is implicitly used by standard analytical expressions. Instead, the induced magnetic fields propagate with the MHD modes, which exhibit anisotropic propagation properties and have finite velocities. Using an MHD framework, we model the spatiotemporal effects of the transport on the induced signals and analyze their contribution to Galileo's C03 and C09 flyby observations. We find that the induced magnetic field in Callisto's plasma environment is asymmetric with a pronounced upstream/downstream asymmetry. By neglecting the transport effects, the amplitude of the induced magnetic field is under‐ or overestimated by up to tens of percent, respectively. Additionally, we find that MHD wave and convection velocities are strongly reduced in Callisto's local plasma environment, resulting in an additional temporal delay between the emergence of the induced field at the surface of Callisto or the top of its ionosphere and the measurements at spacecraft location. The associated phase shift depends on the location of the observer and can reach values of several to tens of degrees of the phase of the primary inducing frequency. Transport effects impact the observed induction signals and are consistent with the C03 and C09 magnetic field measurements.
Atmospheric and Surface Dynamics During Winter Warm Spells in the Southern Great Plains: Insights From the 2021 Case Study
Authors: Grace Taylor M. , Pegion Kathleen , Basara Jeffrey B. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTwo 2021 winter warm spell events experienced near record extreme surface temperatures, anomalies exceeding C, during the winter season in 2021 across the Southern Great Plains (SGP). Extreme heat during the winter season results in similar detrimental socioeconomic impacts compared to their counterpart summer heat wave events. Winter warm spell events across the SGP have been historically increasing over the last several decades, and as such, it is crucial to investigate the drivers of these extreme events. In this study, we use ERA‐5 reanalysis data to investigate the atmospheric and surface characteristics associated with these two extreme events (i.e., (a) 29 November–17 December 2021 and (b) 22 December–31 December 2021). A prolonged period of positive geopotential height anomalies amplified subsidence in combination with increased incoming solar radiation and surface heat fluxes aiding extreme surface temperatures during the first winter warm spell event. However, a more prominent atmospheric blocking high (i.e., Alaskan Ridge) initiated and intensified the extreme heat during the second winter warm spell. Increased incoming solar radiation and positive sensible heat flux due to a dry surface fostered extreme heat during the second winter warm spell event. Warm air advection throughout both winter warm spell events supported the extreme surface temperatures. Discovering potential crucial drivers to winter warm spells identifies the sources of predictability to improve prediction of these extreme heat events.
The clinically relevant MEK inhibitor mirdametinib combined with D-cycloserine and prediction error disrupts fear memory in PTSD models
Authors: Raut Sanket B. , Joly Fanny , Haass Nikolas K. , Eri Rajaraman , Canales Juan J. , Benedek David M. , Ursano Robert J. , Johnson Luke R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study establishes mirdametinib as the first MEK inhibitor that can undergo clinical development for psychiatric indications such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is characterized by persistent traumatic memories with limited effective treatment options. A body of evidence suggests that memory storage is dynamic and constantly updated through post-retrieval modification a process termed reconsolidation. Although ERK/MAPK signaling plays a central role in fear memory consolidation, no clinically translatable MEK inhibitor has been tested in experimental models or in clinical trials to disrupt this process. Furthermore, there is need to develop pharmacological and behavioral strategies to labilize the memory to make it susceptible for disruption. Here, we disrupted fear memory reconsolidation with the clinically relevant MEK inhibitor mirdametinib in C57BL/6 mice and tested memory destabilization strategies using an auditory fear conditioning paradigm, with drugs administered following reactivation of memory. We found prediction error effective in labilizing weak fear memory and combined D-cycloserine (DCS) and predication error effective in labilizing strong fear memory. Mirdametinib disrupted the weak fear memory and reduced ERK phosphorylation in lateral amygdala when coupled with prediction error at the time of memory reactivation but required coordinated combination of DCS, prediction error and mirdametinib to disrupt strong fear memory. Barnes maze spatial memory test and open field test revealed that mirdametinib did not affect retrieval of other forms (spatial) of long-term memory and locomotor activity. Furthermore, the effect of mirdametinib was specific to reconsolidation as it had no effect on fear memory when given without reactivation. These translational findings identify a new drug that can be adapted for the treatment of PTSD.