bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spinal TNF-α receptor 1 is differentially required for phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF) over the course of motor neuron death in adult rats
Authors: Lewis Ryan D. , Keilholz Amy N. , Smith Catherine L. , Burd Ethan A. , Nichols Nicole L. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionIntrapleural injections of cholera toxin B conjugated to saporin (CTB-SAP) result in selective respiratory (e.g., phrenic) motor neuron death and mimics aspects of motor neuron disease [(e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)], such as breathing deficits. This rodent model allows us to study the impact motor neuron death has on the output of surviving phrenic motor neurons as well as the compensatory mechanisms that are recruited. Microglial density in the phrenic motor nucleus as well as cervical gene expression of markers associated with inflammation (e.g., tumor necrosis factor α; TNF-α) are increased following CTB-SAP-induced phrenic motor neuron death, and ketoprofen (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) delivery attenuated phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF) in 7 day (d) CTB-SAP rats but enhanced pLTF in 28d CTB-SAP rats.MethodsHere, we worked to determine the impact of TNF-α in the phrenic motor nucleus by: 1) quantifying TNFR1 (a high affinity transmembrane receptor for TNF-α) expression; 2) investigating astrocytes (glial cells known to release TNF-α) by performing a morphological analysis in the phrenic motor nucleus; and 3) determining whether acute TNFR1 inhibition differentially affects phrenic plasticity over the course of CTB-SAP-induced motor neuron loss by delivering an inhibitor for TNF-α receptor 1 (sTNFR1i) in 7d and 28d male CTB-SAP and control rats.ResultsResults revealed that TNFR1 expression was increased on phrenic motor neurons of 28d CTB-SAP rats (p &lt; 0.05), and that astrocytes were increased and exhibited reactive morphology (consistent with an activated phenotype; p &lt; 0.05) in the phrenic motor nucleus of CTB-SAP rats. Additionally, we found that pLTF was attenuated in 7d CTB-SAP rats but enhanced in 28d CTB-SAP rats (p &lt; 0.05) following intrathecal sTNFR1i delivery.ConclusionThis work suggests that we could harness TNFR1 as a potential therapeutic agent in CTB-SAP rats and patients with respiratory motor neuron disease by increasing compensatory plasticity in surviving neurons to improve phrenic motor neuron function and breathing as well as quality of life. Future studies will focus on microglial and astrocytic cytokine release, the role they play in the differential mechanisms of pLTF utilized by 7d and 28d CTB-SAP rats, and potential therapies that target them.
Effects of fertilization on litter decomposition dynamics and nutrient release in orchard systems
Authors: Nie Huayue , You Chunhe , Gao Jixi 
Published: December 2024

Plant litter decomposition is a significant ecosystem function that regulates nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and biomass production. It is heavily regulated by nutrient intake. The effects of exogenous nutrients on litter decomposition are not yet fully understood. To determine how Eriobotrya japonica litter decomposition responds to adding nutrients, we used the decomposition litter bag method in the laboratory for 180 days. There were five different nutrient treatment levels were used: control (no addition), low nitrogen addition (LN; 100 kg N·ha−1·year−1), high nitrogen addition (HN; 200 kg N·ha−1·year−1), phosphorus addition (P; 50 kg P·ha−1·year−1), and micronutrient addition (M; 50 kg M·ha−1·year−1). According to a repeated-measures analysis of variance, adding N reduced the remaining mass (p &lt; 0.01) by 4.1% compared to the CK group. In contrast, adding M increased the remaining mass (p &lt; 0.01) by 6.8% compared to the CK group. Adding P had no significant effect on the remaining mass. Although the amount of residual carbon (C) was unaffected, adding N increased the level of residual N in the litter. Litter C content, K content, N concentration, and C/N ratio were linearly correlated to the remaining litter (p &lt; 0.01). Although adding nutrients decreased soil enzyme activity later in the decomposition process, no significant correlation was detected between enzyme activity and the remaining mass. N fertilization treatments decreased the soil microbial diversity index. The addition of nitrogen and micronutrients reduced the abundance of Acidobacteria, while HN addition increased the abundance of Actinobacteria. The addition of micronutrients increased the abundance of Proteobacteria. These results imply that N-induced alterations in the element content of the litter regulated the effects of nutrient inputs on litter decomposition. This study can be a reference for the fertilization-induced decomposition of agricultural waste litter.
Occupational injuries among healthcare workers: a nationwide study in Turkey
Authors: Medeni İrem , Alagüney Mehmet Erdem , Medeni Volkan 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe health sector is a field where employees are frequently exposed to occupational injuries due to high-risk working conditions. This study aimed to examine the distribution and causes of occupational injuries experienced by healthcare workers in the last 5 years in Turkey.Materials and methodsIn this population-based and national-scale study, occupational injuries reported to the Ministry of Health from healthcare organizations in 81 provinces of Turkey between 01.01.2019 and 31.12.2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Variables such as age, gender, title, place of employment, types of injuries, causes, and outcomes of occupational injuries were evaluated.ResultsA total of 68,563 occupational injuries were reported between the years analyzed. 64.5% of the injuries affected female workers. Occupational injuries occurred most frequently during the summer months and in hospitals. According to age groups, the highest rate of occupational injuries was observed in the 20–29 age group with 39.3%. Among the types of occupational injuries, sharps injuries were the most common, with 55.3%. It was followed by slips, trips, and falls (13.2%). As a result of occupational injuries, 76.2% of healthcare workers were able to return to work without long-term absence. Over the 5 years, 61 healthcare workers lost their lives due to occupational injuries. Nurses and midwives were the occupational groups most exposed to injuries, followed by cleaning staff.ConclusionTurkey's healthcare workers have a high exposure rate to occupational injuries. Women and young workers are the most affected groups. Strengthening the occupational safety culture and providing safe working environments is necessary.
Evaluation of the impact of a 3-week specific-sport rehabilitation program on neuromotor control during single-leg countermovement-jump tests in professional soccer players with lower-limb injuries
Authors: Memain Geoffrey , Carling Christopher , Bouvet Jean , Maille Pascal , Tamalet Bertrand , Fourcade Paul , Yiou Eric 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study investigated the evolution of neuromotor control during a typical short sport-specific rehabilitation program (SSR) in professional soccer players who had incurred a major lower-limb injury (n = 15, chondral and muscle injuries, ACL-reconstruction).MethodsAll injured participants (n = 15) were in the on-field rehabilitation phase of their specific sport rehabilitation process, prior to return to play. An experimental group (EG, chondral and muscle injuries, ACL-reconstruction) followed a 3-week SSR-program composed of muscular and core strengthening (weightlifting, functional stability, explosivity and mobility exercises), running and cycling, neuromotor reprogramming, cognitive development and specific soccer on-field rehabilitation (acceleration, braking, cutting, dual-contact, high-speed-running, sprint, jump, drills with ball). Neuromotor control via analysis of movement kinematics, muscle activation and kinetic parameters was evaluated using a single-leg Countermovement-Jump, pre- and post- rehabilitation program. A control group (n = 22) of healthy soccer players of similar standards performed the same single-leg Countermovement-Jump to provide reference values regarding the level to be attained by the injured players for return to play.ResultsIn the experimental group, almost all kinetic analyses values progressed during the program and significantly for concentric Rate-of-Force-Development (p &lt; 0.05), height jump (p &lt; 0.001) and Reactive-Strength-Index Modified (p &lt; 0.001) but remained lower than control group values for RSI-Mod (p &lt; 0.05) and RFDconcentricLate (p &lt; 0.001). Activation changed (p &lt; 0.05) for all muscles except for rectus femoris and medial gastrocnemius in the pushing phase and rectus femoris during landing in the EG. Activation of all muscles decreased for EG, except for semitendinous which increased. Regarding kinematic analyses during the landing phase, there were a significant decrease in peak trunk flexion (p &lt; 0.001) and lateroflexion (p &lt; 0.001) and an increase in peak knee flexion (p &lt; 0.001) for both legs. Trunk flexion (p &lt; 0.001) and lateroflexion (p &lt; 0.001) values were again higher for EG while knee flexion remained significantly lower than the CG (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe SSR generally improved neuromotor control suggesting that the present specific sport rehabilitation program, albeit of only three weeks duration, was effective in aiding elite footballers recover their neuromotor qualities although this was potentially insufficient to return to the values observed in healthy players.
A Representative Analysis of Nonparticipation in Workplace Health Promotion in Germany Using Multivariable Methods
Authors: Pache Birgit , Herbig Britta , Nowak Dennis , Janssen Christian 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesStudies have identified sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors that promote participation in workplace health promotion activities. The present study therefore focuses on what influences nonparticipation within a representative sample of the German population.MethodsIn the analysis of possible factors influencing nonparticipation, company characteristics are accounted for in addition to sociodemographic and health behaviour-related variables. The data used for the analysis are from the GEDA study 2014/2015-EHIS of the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin.ResultsAge largely increased the probability of nonparticipation (OR: between 1.30 and 1.92, p: between &lt;0.001 and 0.033). Other possible influencing factors, such as weight, smoking status, alcohol consumption, exercise status and diet, seemed to play a rather minor role in the present analysis. Self-rated belonging to a certain socioeconomic status group also had a significant influence (OR: 0.76, p: &lt;0.001).ConclusionThe influencing factors seem to be of a sociodemographic and socioeconomic nature. These determinants should be accounted for to reduce nonparticipation. However, a comparison with current or longitudinal data would be needed to prove to what extent the results are still valid or influenced by a cohort effect.
Generative AI and the End of Education
Authors: Stockman  
Published: December 2024

This paper reviews the prevalent rise of generative artificial intelligence and its impact on HE in the UK. In doing so, it echoes a central thought from Neil Postman's provocatively named book which reflects on the nature and purposes of education. Whilst GenAI may be approached with a constructivist disposition, much of the response in practice and policy is marked by technological determinism. A constructivist approach, however, allows us to (re)consider the nature and value of education. The paper therefore maintains the angle of the educator in asking: what are we trying to do in (higher) education? What is the purpose of Higher Education today? This is a cross-disciplinary question, much like Postman’s propositions were a cross-curricular reflection on the nature of schooling. Postman looked for a unifying narrative that can inspire ‘the ends of education’, or what education actually is and tries to accomplish, before considering its tools and approaches towards those goals. Those ends ensure that education does not become subjected to the false gods, such as economic utility and consumerism. These would spell the demise of any meaningful education, or ‘the end of education’. What appears foundational to these questions is a belief in the nature of human potential. In education, the cultivation of that potential is arguably a fundamental end, whichever way education is organised. Where the cultivation of that potential leads, however, can remain rooted in a humanist framework, it could become posthumanist, or it could be simply bewildering. With the means of generative AI, the analysis raises questions on epistemic threat versus intellectual success, and new horizons of creative possibility in human-computer interaction. The human potentiality of thinking, interpreting, criticality, and scepticism, come forward as retained elements of the humanist narrative. In the dawn of generative AI as a teaching, learning, and assessment instrument, the end of education remains human potential. Higher Education especially, remains the place to critically and ethically stimulate the human mind towards new horizons of knowing.
Artificial Intelligence and Neural Style Transfer in the Context of Art and Design: Ethical and Anticipated Ethical Issues
Authors: Wilson Richard , Hong Eunice 
Published: December 2024

From the shape of our cellphones, the colorful packaging on our foods, to the material in our clothing, every object around us typically has some kind of element of design associated with it. Design is concerned with how users interact with the objects around them. This analysis will be concerned with identifying how AI is being applied in three main categories of design: functional design, visceral design, and behavioral design. Functional designs prioritize the function of objects over form. Visceral designs are concerned with issues of the pure aesthetics of objects. Behavioral designs influence users to act based upon the design of an object, whether it pertains to purchasing the item or using the item in a preferred way. In this analysis, an overlap of these categories will be analyzed through the lens of traditional paintings. A painting reflects a story told by an artist which allows for a variety of interpretations by the perceivers of the artwork. However, what happens when Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used in conjunction with painting? AI when applied to painting uses art-related generative algorithms, and neural networks, which are adapted from models for processing data. AI relies on this type of model to complete in the case of painting, the use of a Neural Style Transfer (NST) to compose a new object of art while employing the style of another artist. Through the lenses of generative AI’s current application and implications related to its future use, this analysis will provide an extensive overview of the convergence of technology, art, and design. This discussion will also address potential ethical and future ethical concerns about authorship, originality, the value of AI-generated art, and the impact on traditional practices of Art and Design from the perspective of painting. As AI technology related to the creation of art continues to develop, anticipatory ethics will attempt to identify ethical issues with this continued development of generative AI in the area of art.
Artificial Intelligence in Banking : The Evidence from Poland
Authors: Klimontowicz Monika 
Published: December 2024

The widespread use of new technologies has reduced the precise boundary between physical and digital realities. Dynamic development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems has contributed to the digital transformation of the global economy. Given its extensive range of potential applications, AI has the potential to impact a multitude of socio-economic domains, including politics, security, health care, medicine, economy, trade, finance, taxes, and production. As the banking sector plays a crucial role in the global economy, the question arises as to whether and to what extent banking market entities are willing to use artificial intelligence solutions in their business processes. This study aims to determine the scope of AI use by key banks operating in the Polish banking market. Achieving this goal requires determining what categories of AI are used by key banks operating in Poland, analysing AI methods used by those banks, and the fields of AI implementation. The research scope covers the analysis of AI applications in the largest banks operating in Poland, which together cover almost half of the market share (PKO Bank Polski S.A., Bank Pekao S.A., Santander Bank Polska S.A., mBank S.A. and ING Bank Śląski S.A). To obtain an up-to-date overview of AI usage, the research period is 2019-2024. The empirical part of the research is supported by an analysis of the widespread use of artificial intelligence and its dynamic international development based on academic papers and industry reports.
Using aquatic insects as indicators of microplastic pollution in rice field ecosystems
Authors: Khamboonruang Pattrawan , Prommi Taeng-On 
Published: December 2024

Aquatic insects may be at risk due to microplastics, which are new pollutants in the water that are known to sink and accumulate in sediments. In this study, the concentration, type, size, and color of MPs in surface water, sediments, and aquatic insects were investigated in rice fields. The MP concentrations in surface water were 85.8 items/L. The MP concentrations in sediment were 0.43 items/g. In predatory aquatic insects, the microplastics discovered were 0.59±0.50–17.00±17.00 items/individual, in scrapers 2.45±2.66–9.00±9.00 items/individual, and in collector-gathering 2.45±2.66–25.00±25.99 items/individual. Fibers were the predominant type of MPs in surface water, sediment, and aquatic insects. The most common MP sizes were <100 µm in aquatic insects, >500 µm in sediment, and 200-250 µm in surface water. The dominant colors of detected MPs were blue in surface water and white/transparent in aquatic insects and in sediment. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (poly (AM-co-AA), poly (vinyl methyl ether) (PVME), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the major polymer types of the selected particles. The results of this study showed the MP concentration in rice fields is relatively high in surface water and aquatic insect samples, although it is lower in sediment samples. This data may assist in extending our knowledge regarding MP pollution in freshwater systems and provides a baseline for future monitoring and assessment of MPs in rice fields.
Line graph of extensions of the zero-divisor graph in commutative rings
Authors: Rehman Nadeem ur , Mir Shabir Ahmad , Nazim Mohd 
Published: December 2024

UDC 512.6
We consider a finite commutative ring with unity denoted by

P
.

Within this framework, the essential graph of

P

is represented as

E
G

(
P
)

with

Z

(
P
)

*

=
Z

(
P
)

∖

{
0
}

as the vertex set, and two distinct vertices

x

and

y

are adjacent if and only if

a
n
n

(
x
y
)

is an essential ideal of

P
.

At the same time, the weakly zero-divisor graph of

P

is denoted by

W
Γ

(
P
)

with

Z

(
P
)

*

=
Z

(
P
)

∖

{
0
}

as the vertex set and an edge is defined between two distinct vertices

u

and

v

if and only if there exist

r
∈
a
n
n

(
u
)

*

and

s
∈
a
n
n

(
v
)

*

such that

r
s
=
0

, where

a
n
n

(
u
)

=

{
v
∈
P
:
u
v
=
0
}

for

u
∈
P
.

In our research, we deal with the conditions under which both

E
G

(
P
)

and

W
Γ

(
P
)

can be classified as line graphs. Furthermore, we explore the scenarios in which these graphs are the complements of line graphs.
Fordlandia
Authors: Jou Florence 
Published: December 2024

Résumé : Cet article prend comme matériau de réflexion un texte poétique que j'ai écrit, intitulé Fordlandia (https://editionsjou.net/fordlandia/). Il mêle des extraits textuels, sonores, vidéos, photographies et notions théoriques pour appréhender mon processus de création.
Négocier et contractualiser la présence juive dans les espaces germaniques
Authors: Sagasser Amélie 
Published: December 2024

Cette contribution est consacrée à la négociation et à la contractualisation de la présence des juifs dans les espaces germaniques du Moyen Âge. En partant des privilèges accordés par l’évêque Rüdiger Huzmann et par l’empereur salien Henri IV, elle analyse comment, et dans quelle mesure, une communauté juive a été intégrée pour la première fois au sein d’une ville, Spire, dans les espaces germaniques à la fin du xie siècle. Au-delà des privilèges accordés, lʼexemple de Spire montre que lʼimplantation des juifs dans la ville tenait à des raisons économiques, mais aussi à des luttes de pouvoir entre souverains séculiers et ecclésiastiques dans lesquelles les évêchés étaient partie prenante. À partir de ce constat, la contribution s’interroge sur une éventuelle influence des collections canoniques afin de démontrer dans quelles mesures les privilèges de Spire (ou dʼautres plus tardifs) sʼinscrivaient (ou non) dans la tradition juridique de lʼépoque, notamment avec Burchard de Worms et son Decretum, mais aussi avec dʼautres collections canoniques qui fixaient un cadre juridique au sein duquel les acteurs séculiers et ecclésiaux pouvaient agir.
Survival status and predictors of mortality in extreme preterm babies: A decade of experience at a tertiary care centre in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gamhewage Nimesha , Perera Kumshika , Weerasekera Medha , Liyanage Guwani 
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Preterm birth and complications are the leading cause of death globally in under-five children. In Sri Lanka, in the absence of a preterm birth database, there is a lack of information about survival and risk factors for mortality in the extreme preterm populations.Objectives: To assess the predictors of mortality in extreme preterm babies.Method: This was a 10-year retrospective analysis of all live births at 22+0 to 27+6 weeks’ gestation in a single centre in Sri Lanka. Records of all extreme preterm babies admitted from 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2022 were reviewed. Survival probability was calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Multivariable cox regression analysis was done to assess the predictors of mortality.Results: Of the 123 records reviewed 55.3% survived. Mean survival time was 64.7 (95% CI: 55.57, 73.86) days. Approximately a quarter of deaths occurred on the first day of life. Period of gestation (OR:0.60, CI: 0.482, 0.739, p<0.001), weight for gestational age (OR: 2.57, CI: 1.476, 4.468, p=0.001) and sepsis (OR: 6.45, CI: 2.006, 20.749, p=0.002) were significantly associated with mortality.Conclusions: In our study 55.3% of extreme preterm babies survived. The mortality decreased with increasing gestational age whilst it increased with sepsis and the presence of small for gestational age.