Present Article Research Articles

ВАДСТЕНСКИЙ ДИАРИЙ И ВАДСТЕНСКИЙ МОНАСТЫРЬ

Diarium Vadstenense, the chronicle of Vadstena Abbey (the principal cloister of the Birgittine order) is one of the most interesting narrative sources of medieval Scandinavia. The present article focuses on the types of entries, their aims and their data. I pay attention to individual cases, to data concerning the health and the diseases of the Birgittines, as well as their age and death. I demonstrate that life expectancy of the Birgittines was high enough. Special attention in my article is paid to the question of the character of Vadstena Abbey. Can we regard Vadstena Abbey as a mixed community of men and women, a so-called double cloister? Or should we treat it as two separate monasteries behind one fence? I demonstrate that Vadstena Abbey must be regarded as a single mixed congregation. The brethren and the sisters lived in proximity. Both communities were subject to Mother Superior. The economy was common. Both parts of the monastery interacted constantly. The usual definitions – brethren (fratres) and sisters (sorores) were of the same type. Both communities are frequently called the same name – a convent, and often the expression “both convents” is used. The level of integration of the two parts of Vadstena Abbey was high; the monastery mentioned must be regarded as a single institution.

Beyond the negativity of the emotion of fear: religious fear as a case in point

Fear is regularly cited as a typical example of a ‘negative emotion’. The present article considers alternative perspectives, seeking to develop a theoretical framework that takes into account the possibility of perceiving fear as an emotion that can carry ‘positivity’. As a test case of a possible positive function of fear, I analyse the religious discourse surrounding fear in Israeli ultra-Orthodox society, where fear is often regarded as a positive emotion. I argue that the ‘positive’ traits that the ultra-Orthodox ascribe to fear can be employed as a model for elucidating the ‘positive’ functions of fear in other contexts as well. The article’s first two parts are devoted to clarifying the relativist stance regarding the essence of fear and presenting the test case of religious fear. In the following parts I isolate three perspectives offered by the religious approach that may also shed light on a general understanding of how fear operates as a ‘positive’ emotion: (1) broadening the range of reactions to fear beyond the ‘fight or flight’ response; (2) the epistemological function of fear in constructing truth and knowledge; (3) the possibility that the very experience of fear can be framed and felt as positive. In conclusion, I will argue that the case of fear shows that the broad categorisation into ‘negative’ and ‘positive’ within the emotional realm may impair the theoretical and scholarly understanding of emotions, and I will propose an alternative approach to this categorisation.

Inventing with bacteriology: controversy over anti-cholera therapeutic serum and tensions between transnational science and local practice in Tokyo and Berlin (1890-1902).

The present article examines the material, epistemological, and social dimensions of late nineteenth-century anti-cholera serum controversies that unfolded in Tokyo and Berlin. It seeks to shed light on the conflicting values embedded in the construction of scientific evidence during the transnational exploration of bacteriology as an effective response to controlling epidemics. Driven by Japanese health authorities' initiatives, Japanese bacteriologist Kitasato Shibasaburo participated in the elaboration of bacteriological research oriented toward therapeutic application during his stay in Berlin. This work coincided with the rise of a controversy over anti-cholera serum in relation to the animal experiments conducted by Richard Pfeiffer, a German bacteriologist. After presenting a series of animal experiments and certain clinical cases conducted in Germany, France, and Egypt in the context of the controversies, the article analyzes a therapeutic trial conducted by Kitasato in Japan during an 1895 cholera epidemic. His strategy, bringing new data to the transnational debate through an intensive investment of resources in the trial, provoked criticism from his Japanese and German colleagues. These critics questioned Kitasato's method and pointed out the low social value of this experimental serum therapy, performed in highly equipped conditions. Through this case study, the present article highlights: a) a strong tension between transnational research interactions among bacteriologists and local medical practices during public health campaigns against epidemics at the turn of the twentieth century; b) the importance of analyzing the interconnected effects of local, national and transnational frameworks of medical science when examining the increasingly intertwined relationships between laboratory science and clinical medicine.

Determining the Boundaries of Overlying Strata Collapse Above Mined-Out Panels of Zhomart Mine Using Seismic Data

The present article is devoted to the issue of studying the patterns of displacement of superincumbent rock over panels of a mine obtained using advanced seismic technologies, allowing for the study of the boundaries of caving zones in the depths of rock mass. A seismic exploration has been performed in local areas of Zhomart mine responsible for the development of Zhaman-Aybat cuprous sandstone deposits in Central Kazakhstan at the stage of repeated mining with pulling of previously non-mined ore pillars and superincumbent rock caving. A 2D field seismic exploration has been accomplished, totaling to 8000-line m of seismic lines using seismic shot point. The survey depth varied from 455 m to 625 m. The state-of-the-art technologies of kinematic and dynamic analysis of wavefield have been widely used during data processing and interpretation targeted at identifying anomalies associated with the structural heterogeneity of the pays and rock mass, engaging modern algorithms and mathematical apparatuses of specialized geodata processing systems. The above effort resulted in new data regarding the location and morphology of the reflectors, characterizing geological heterogeneity of the section, zones of smooth rock displacement, and displacement of strata with significant disturbance of the rocks overlying mined-out productive pay. The potential of the application of modern 2D seismic exploration to studying an underworked zone with altered physical and mechanical properties located over an ore deposit has been assessed. The novelty and practical significance of the research lies in the determination of the boundaries of zones of displacement and superincumbent rock caving over the panels obtained using state-of-the-art technologies of seismic exploration. The deliverables may be used to improve the process of recognizing specific types of technogenic heterogeneities in the rock mass, impacting the efficiency and safety of subsurface ore mining, both for localization and mining monitoring.

A critical review on additive manufacturing of sustainable NFRCs: processing and applications

In present era researchers and scientists are rapidly acknowledging the importance of environment friendly procedures, goods, and the recycling of agricultural waste. Therefore, the utilization of natural resources and production of natural fiber reinforced composites (NFRC‘s), is increasing considerable interest among scientists. Although NFRC‘s have promising application potential, certain issues relating to materials and processes must be resolved to attain long-term stability and performance. The current study serves as a first introduction to the many categories and advantages of NFRC‘s and additive manufacturing, accompanied by a concise explanation. Furthermore, the present article provided a concise overview of characteristics and types of NFRC‘s, processing and recent challenges of implementing NFRC‘s in the field of additive manufacturing (AM). Finally, recent challenges encountered in processing NFRCs using additive manufacturing are briefly introduced. The Future scope of AM for sustainable NFRC‘s is very promising, especially in terms of enhancing environmental sustainability, improving efficiency, and enabling novel applications.

Corona crisis disruptions and consequences for demand for freight transport: A screening of the effects for the largest logistics service providers in Norway

AbstractThe present article investigates corona crisis disruptions and consequences for freight transport demand, using shipment data from major logistic service providers in Norway, as well as interviews. We investigate how Covid-19 affected demand for freight transport and transport volumes in different segments, changes for parcel delivery, home-deliveries, which industries were most affected and discussed main issues for LSPs in maintaining robust transport chains. We find temporary reductions in B2B deliveries after the first Norwegian societal lockdown but large volume increases in B2C deliveries, which remained at higher levels and saw further waves of increases. Especially home deliveries and mailbox deliveries of parcels increased, particularly in relation with new infection waves. At an aggregate level, retail trade experienced by far the largest volume increases, followed by transport and storage. The latter can in part be due to increasing low-volume import (parcels) from abroad being attributed to e.g. warehouses or customs. At the other end of the scale, wholesale trade stands out with the largest tonnage decrease, followed by manufacturing.

Association Between Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Periodontal Disease: A Narrative Review

Objective: This review aims to elucidate the link between Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and periodontal disease (PD) and to substantiate whether the autoimmune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HT influence the integrity of oral tissues, eventually inducing the development of PD. Methods: The present article is a narrative review that has been composed conforming to the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines on the topic ‘Association between HT and PD’. Results: Eight studies, including four case–control studies, one cross-sectional study, two case reports, and one bidirectional Mendelian randomization study, were cited. These studies were filtered by language (all in English) and relevance to the topic and were sourced from the Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The results suggest a potential link between HT and PD, indicating that HT may have a direct impact on oral tissues. Conclusion: Existing research shows limited but probable evidence associating HT with PD; nevertheless, further large-scale studies with refined methodologies are required to assess this hypothesis and elucidate the precise mechanisms by which HT may contribute to PD pathogenesis.

Progress in MOFs and MOFs-Integrated MXenes as Electrode Modifiers for Energy Storage and Electrochemical Sensing Applications

The global energy demand and environmental pollution are the two major challenges of the present scenario. Recently, researchers focused on the preparation and investigation of catalysts for their capacitive properties for energy storage devices. Thus, supercapacitors have received extensive interest from researchers due to their promising energy storage features and decent cyclic stability/performance. The performance of the supercapacitors are significantly influenced by the physicochemical properties of the electrocatalyst. In this review article, we have compiled the previous reports on the fabrication of MOFs-based composite materials with MXenes for energy storage and electrochemical sensing applications. The metallic and bimetallic MOFs and MOFs/MXenes materials for supercapacitor applications are reviewed. In addition, MOFs/MXenes-based hybrid composites are also compiled towards the determination of various toxic/hazardous materials, such as metal ions like copper ions, mercury ions, and picric acid. We believe that present review article may benefit the researchers working on the preparation of MOFs-based catalysts for supercapacitor and electrochemical sensing applications.

Comparison of treatment models for single primary advanced gallbladder cancer

PurposeTreatment for advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains controversial, with various recommendations regarding the choice and combination of surgery and adjuvant therapy. The present article is targeting for the exploration of optimal treatment models for advanced GBC.MethodsAJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer, 8th edition) stage III and stage IV GBC, were defined as advanced GBC. Patients with advanced GBC were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and departmental cohort. Because of the most representative, only gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBAC) patients were selected. Based on their surgical status (No, Non-radical and Radical surgery), chemotherapy status (Chemotherapy, No chemotherapy), and radiotherapy status (Radiotherapy, No radiotherapy), treatment models were categorized. For the purposes of evaluating the treatment outcomes of various treatment models and determining the risk element for cancer-specific survival (CSS), Cox regression analysis was applied. Kaplan-Meier curves were used before and after adjusting for covariates, with log-rank tests used to analyze discrepancies between curves. Immunotherapy was analyzed using clinical data from departmental cohort. Finally, to compensate for the limitations of the database, a review examines the progress in treatment models for advanced GBC.Results5,154 patients aged over 18 years with solitary primary advanced GBC were identified from the SEER database. In advanced GBC patients, the treatment model has emerged as a significant prognostic factor. “Radical surgery + Chemotherapy + Radiotherapy” models maximally improved the CSS of advanced GBC before and after adjusting for covariates, while “No surgery + No chemotherapy + No radiotherapy” model had the lowest CSS. The present conclusions were supported even after subgroup analysis by AJCC stage. The efficacy of immunotherapy was demonstrated in the departmental cohort analysis. Additionally, this article provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in various emerging treatment strategies.ConclusionEven when optimal treatment model cannot be pursued, providing comprehensive combinations of treatments to advanced GBC patients whenever possible is always beneficial for their survival.

Genre and Genesis: Locating Covenants in the Qurʾān and the Bible

The present article considers the intersection between genre and covenant in scripture in order to locate historical covenants and to trace their complex textual boundaries. Standing on the shoulders of Smith, Wellhausen, and Gunkel, the joint legacy left behind by Martin and Albrecht Noth is equally significant for both Biblical and Islamic studies. Nothian scholarship laid solid foundations for reconstructing the history of tribal traditions. Both of them together created a common frame of reference for studying primary and secondary themes (Themen), literary and documentary forms (Formen), introductory and concluding formulas (Formeln), and theological and political perspectives (Tendenzen), in addition to geographical, transitional, and framing devices (Schemata). In spite of this shared scholarly heritage, it appears that both Biblical and Qurʾānic studies have either been talking at cross-purposes or have reached a critical crossroads, as has happened in the case of covenant. All things considered, genre and tradition criticism allow us to move forward beyond the Methodenstreit in covenant studies.

Neutrino oscillation in the presence of background classical sources

Abstract The presence of background classical sources affects a quantum field theory significantly in different ways. Neutrino oscillation is a phenomenon that confirms that neutrinos are massive fermions in nature, a celebrated result in modern physics. Neutrino oscillation plays an important role in many astrophysical observations. However, the interactions between the background classical sources with neutrinos are not often considered. In the present article, we show the effect of some classical sources, namely matter currents, electromagnetic waves, torsion, and gravitational waves on neutrino oscillation. It is shown explicitly that the above sources can change the helicity state of neutrinos during neutrino oscillation.

Responsible Leadership - Knowledge Status and Future Research Agenda

The present review article deals with the highly relevant and rich research field of responsible leadership (RL). It summarizes existing literature using a wide scope of 96 peer-reviewed journal articles and subsequently provides recommendations for future research paths. The current state of knowledge is depicted in relation to five knowledge areas: In the first area, the conceptualisation of RL, works addressing fundamental views on RL, the development of frameworks and the application of specific philosophies or theories are introduced. In the second area, the operationalisation of RL, results of studies dealing with the development of measurement instruments or applying quantitative empirical study designs in order to test specific research questions are presented. The third area, RL antecedents, covers the depiction of empirically investigated antecedent variables pertaining to either a personal or a contextual level. In the fourth area, RL consequences, empirically examined impacts of RL at a micro, meso and macro level are summarised and further works dealing with effects of RL on relationships between other variables discussed. Finally, the fifth area of RL promotion presents works that are empirically testing RL development interventions that take place either in the context of higher education or work. Derived potential lines of research relate to these five areas of knowledge and address identified research gaps of content-related, empirical and methodological nature.

Development of an eco-fractionation process for Ricinodendron heudelotii oil to obtain α-eleostearic acid and β-eleostearic acid

Abstract The present article studies the transformations and fractionation of the reserve lipids of Ricinodendron heudelotii. The native triglycerides of this oil are composed mainly of conjugated polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular α-eleostearic acid C18:3 n– 5 (9c, 11t, 13t) at 60%. This particular fatty acid of CLnA family exerts many activities potentially beneficial for health: anti-inflammatory, anti-leukemic, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti-ulcer and anti-diabetic. A process for transforming this acid into its isomers β-eleostearic acid and catalpic acid was explored with the aim of obtaining fractions enriched in β-eleostearic acid C18:3 n– 5 (9t, 11t, 13t). The β-eleostearic acid is a fatty acid of great interest because it is even more reactive and more efficient as antioxidant than α-eleostearic acid due to its higher trans content. Isomerization reaction of α-eleostearic acid in oil was carried out using artificial solar radiation treatment. The enrichment of concentrates in β-eleostearic acid was therefore tested using an eco-fractionation process. This process was carried out in two stages. The first step was the Candida rugosa lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of triglycerides from native or isomerized Ricinodendron heudelotii oil. The second step was fractionation of the reaction medium obtained after hydrolysis. Triglyceride hydrolysis was complete, with a yield of free fatty acids of over 95% after 2 h of reaction. Treatment of the reaction media yielded 3 lipid concentrates with new chemical compositions of polyunsaturated fatty acids: a first concentrate, derived from hydrolysis of the native oil, composed of 60% α-eleostearic acid and 22% linoleic acid, and two other concentrates derived from fractionation of the hydrolysate of the oil isomerized by radiation. One was composed of 34% linoleic acid, 21% β-eleostearic acid, 11% α-eleostearic acid and 6% catalpic acid, and the last concentrate was composed of over 80% β-eleostearic acid. In addition to offering nutritional benefits similar to those of α-eleostearic acid, β-eleostearic acid also offers an interesting physical property: a very high melting point of 72 °C. Such a polyunsaturated fatty acid, which is solid at room temperature, could prove to be a raw material of choice, particularly in the world of food formulation, where manufacturers are looking for replacements with physical properties close to those of palm oil (the melting point of palmitic acid is 62 °C). Ricinodendron heudelotii oil has thus demonstrated its major role as a source of the triptych of α-eleostearic, β-eleostearic and linoleic fatty acids.

Amphiphilic Oligonucleotide Derivatives—Promising Tools for Therapeutics

Recent advances in genetics and nucleic acid chemistry have created fundamentally new tools, both for practical applications in therapy and diagnostics and for fundamental genome editing tasks. Nucleic acid-based therapeutic agents offer a distinct advantage of selectively targeting the underlying cause of the disease. Nevertheless, despite the success achieved thus far, there remain unresolved issues regarding the improvement of the pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic nucleic acids while preserving their biological activity. In order to address these challenges, there is a growing focus on the study of safe and effective delivery methods utilising modified nucleic acid analogues and their lipid bioconjugates. The present review article provides an overview of the current state of the art in the use of chemically modified nucleic acid derivatives for therapeutic applications, with a particular focus on oligonucleotides conjugated to lipid moieties. A systematic analysis has been conducted to investigate the ability of amphiphilic oligonucleotides to self-assemble into micelle-like structures, as well as the influence of non-covalent interactions of such derivatives with serum albumin on their biodistribution and therapeutic effects.

Community Legitimisation of Irish Republican Paramilitarism in Belfast: A Criminological Understanding

The present article assesses the extent to which a community context can play the role in legitimising engagement in paramilitary Irish republicanism. The research analyses this specifically in relation to Belfast. Using thematic analysis of 53 primary source interviews with former paramilitaries and community leaders the research identifies three core themes. These are: republican movement integral to community, distrust of criminal justice system and community legitimisation of paramilitary style attacks. The analysis focuses on the utility of criminological theories and approaches to explain the findings. Specifically, the research assesses the applicability of situational action theory. The research found that a multi-theoretical approach is best applied in the explanation of this process.

Interferenzen und Überschreitungen von Literatur und Welterbediskurs am Beispiel von Judith Schalanskys Verzeichnis einiger Verluste (2018)

The present article looks at how the contemporary discourses concerning cultural and natural heritage are literarily reworked in Judith Schalansky’s book An Inventory of Losses (Verzeichnis einiger Verluste, 2018). Schalansky’s hybrid book which consists of twelve micro-narratives around natural and art objects that have been destroyed or lost over the course of time partakes in the cultural discourse on preservation, memory and intergenerational dialogue, contributing its own views on the practices of valuation of old artefacts and knowledge. The present paper focuses on the common aspects – first of all the intertwining of nature and culture – and the key differences – such as the critique on the essentialist concept of sustainability – between Schalansky’s book and the preservation discourse as it is articulated in collective texts such as the World Heritage Convention.

Concealed and compromised: masking, autism and graphic medicine

ABSTRACT While the phenomenon of autistic masking, in which individuals on the autism spectrum conceal their true selves to conform to neurotypical norms, is increasingly examined in psychological contexts, it is comparatively understudied in literary representations. The present article, centred on the 2022 anthology, Sensory: Life on the Spectrum, An Autistic Comics Anthology, curated by Bex Ollerton, close-reads selected autobiographical comics to demonstrate how autistics leverage the graphic medium to depict the lived experiences of masking. The article analyses the compromise of selfhood inherent in this phenomenon, and it investigates the intricacies of identity, neuronormative expectations and the toll of performing neurotypicality. The medium of comics becomes a potent medium to present the impact of masking on neurodivergent individual’s sense of self and belonging. Furthermore, the article underscores the potential of graphic medicine in exposing neuroableism, amplifying neurodivergent voices and advancing discourse on neurodiversity within literary and cultural contexts.

Development of a model-based modular building kit for sensor-integrating machine elements—Theory and application

AbstractIn the Priority Program 2305 of the German Research Foundation, so-called Sensor-integrating Machine Elements (SiME) are to be developed. These are essentially highly standardized components with integrated microelectronics. The present article presents the development of a model-based construction kit to support the design of integrated sensor systems for these new machine elements. A methodical procedure for collecting the development data required for modeling the modular building kit for SiME is presented and applied to four different cases within the project. Use cases, product structure and module diagrams were recorded and modeled for the machine elements screw, gear, coupling and feather key. These are then linked in SysML models to enable sensor systems for SiME to be configured in line with requirements. The modeling of the system architectures deepens the understanding of the underlying mechatronic system architecture and supports the identification of differentiation features as well as synergy potentials.

The Conundrum of Similarity: Tsubouchi Shōyō and H. M. Posnett on the Meaning of Cross-Textual Resemblance

ABSTRACT How can a critic account for a perceived resemblance between texts that are not related by influence? The present article examines how this question was answered by Tsubouchi Shōyō, a key figure in the early history of the academic discipline of comparative literature in Japan. In 1890 or 1891, Shōyō lectured on a then-new field of inquiry: hishō (or hikaku) bungaku. His lectures were avowedly a free adaptation of Hutcheson Macaulay Posnett’s Comparative Literature (1886). Shōyō was among the first generation of Japanese to receive an education in European literatures and undertook pioneering work in what might be called “east-west” criticism, uncovering many similarities between works in Japanese and English. But since there had been almost no exchange between Japanese literature and European literatures for centuries, accounting for those similarities posed a challenge. This might explain why Shōyō found Posnett’s methodology valuable: Posnett applied social science to the study of literature as a way to supersede criticism based on identifiable literary influence. Shōyō’s own comparative criticism, however, differed from Posnett’s: while Posnett maintained that resemblances, even between notionally unrelated texts, must be referable to some commonality of context, Shōyō maintained that cross-textual similarity could arise purely by accident.

Strain Engineered Semiconductor Nanomembranes for Photonic and Optoelectronic Applications

AbstractWhen semiconductor crystals are made into the form of thin sheets, i.e., nanomembranes, their properties and behaviors may be remarkably different from their bulk counterparts. A plethora of fascinating science and important applications arise consequently, some of which are investigated in recent years, and there are still a lot more to be discovered in the future. Nanomembranes (NMs) provide a good platform for strain engineering and offer tremendous research opportunities in photonics and optoelectronics applications. Strain alters energy band line up of a material furthermore influencing its carrier mobility which impacts a wide range of applications. In this article, the strain‐engineered NMs are reviewed using semiconductor materials as a model system for photonics and optoelectronics applications. While many fundamental aspects of NMs are discussed and outlined different methods for strain engineering of NM, the use of semiconductor NMs for photonics and optoelectronics applications is the locus of the present review article.