bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of abdominal aortic aneurysm subtypes based on mechanosensitive genes
Authors: Sheng Chang , Zeng Qin , Huang Weihua , Liao Mingmei , Yang Pu
Published: February 2024

Background

Rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is a fatal event in the elderly. Elevated blood pressure and weakening of vessel wall strength are major risk factors for this devastating event. This present study examined whether the expression profile of mechanosensitive genes correlates with the phenotype and outcome, thus, serving as a biomarker for AAA development.

Methods

In this study, we identified mechanosensitive genes involved in AAA development using general bioinformatics methods and machine learning with six human datasets publicly available from the GEO database. Differentially expressed mechanosensitive genes (DEMGs) in AAAs were identified by differential expression analysis. Molecular biological functions of genes were explored using functional clustering, Protein–protein interaction (PPI), and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). According to the datasets (GSE98278, GSE205071 and GSE165470), the changes of diameter and aortic wall strength of AAA induced by DEMGs were verified by consensus clustering analysis, machine learning models, and statistical analysis. In addition, a model for identifying AAA subtypes was built using machine learning methods.

Results

38 DEMGs clustered in pathways regulating ‘Smooth muscle cell biology’ and ‘Cell or Tissue connectivity’. By analyzing the GSE205071 and GSE165470 datasets, DEMGs were found to respond to differences in aneurysm diameter and vessel wall strength. Thus, in the merged datasets, we formally created subgroups of AAAs and found differences in immune characteristics between the subgroups. Finally, a model that accurately predicts the AAA subtype that is more likely to rupture was successfully developed.

Conclusion

We identified 38 DEMGs that may be involved in AAA. This gene cluster is involved in regulating the maximum vessel diameter, degree of immunoinflammatory infiltration, and strength of the local vessel wall in AAA. The prognostic model we developed can accurately identify the AAA subtypes that tend to rupture.
The impact of market-incentive environmental regulation policies on corporate environmental costs: Evidence from China’s carbon trading policy
Authors: Qin Zhilong , Tu Chao , Han Weihui , Jiang Qintong
Published: February 2024

As the world’s largest emitter of carbon, China has implemented a series of environmental regulatory policies to reduce emissions. However, most of these environmental regulations have been at the expense of increased corporate environmental costs. Therefore, research on how to efficiently control these costs is of significant practical importance. This paper uses the China’s carbon trading policy (CTP) implemented in 2013 as a quasi-natural experiment, utilizing data from Chinese listed manufacturing firms between 2008 and 2020. Employing a difference-in-differences (DID) model, the study investigates the impact of market-incentive environmental regulatory policies (ERP) on environmental costs. The findings reveal that CTP significantly reduced the environmental costs of firms, confirming the positive and vital role market-incentive ERP can play in environmental protection and cost control. These conclusions remain robust after a series of stability tests. Mechanism analysis suggests that the cost reductions brought by market-incentive ERP are primarily achieved through increasing green innovation. Heterogeneity analysis shows that non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs), key polluting firms, firms with lower financial constraints, and firms with lower total production efficiency benefit more from market-incentive environmental regulatory policies. This study provides new empirical evidence for government policy-making aimed at achieving long-term sustainable development.
Identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants in indoor dust
Authors: Van Dusen John , LeBlanc Haley , Nastasi Nicholas , Panescu Jenny , Shamblin Austin , Smith Jacob W. , Sovic Michael G. , Williams Amanda , Quam Mikkel B. M. , Faith Seth , Dannemiller Karen C.
Published: February 2024

Environmental surveillance of pathogens underlying infectious disease is critical to ensure public health. Recent efforts to track SARS-CoV-2 have utilized wastewater sampling to infer community trends in viral abundance and variant composition. Indoor dust has also been used for building-level inferences, though to date no sequencing data providing variant-scale resolution have been reported from dust samples, and strategies to monitor circulating variants in dust are needed to help inform public health decisions. In this study, we demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 lineages can be detected and sequenced from indoor bulk dust samples. We collected 93 vacuum bags from April 2021 to March 2022 from buildings on The Ohio State University’s (OSU) Columbus campus, and the dust was used to develop and apply an amplicon-based whole-genome sequencing protocol to identify the variants present and estimate their relative abundances. Three variants of concern were detected in the dust: Alpha, Delta, and Omicron. Alpha was found in our earliest sample in April 2021 with an estimated frequency of 100%. Delta was the primary variant present from October of 2021 to January 2022, with an average estimated frequency of 91% (±1.3%). Omicron became the primary variant in January 2022 and was the dominant strain in circulation through March with an estimated frequency of 87% (±3.2%). The detection of these variants on OSU’s campus correlates with the circulation of these variants in the surrounding population (Delta p<0.0001 and Omicron p = 0.02). Overall, these results support the hypothesis that dust can be used to track COVID-19 variants in buildings.
The art of compensation: How hybrid teams solve collective-risk dilemmas
Authors: Terrucha Inês , Fernández Domingos Elias , C. Santos Francisco , Simoens Pieter , Lenaerts Tom
Published: February 2024

It is widely known how the human ability to cooperate has influenced the thriving of our species. However, as we move towards a hybrid human-machine future, it is still unclear how the introduction of artificial agents in our social interactions affect this cooperative capacity. In a one-shot collective risk dilemma, where enough members of a group must cooperate in order to avoid a collective disaster, we study the evolutionary dynamics of cooperation in a hybrid population. In our model, we consider a hybrid population composed of both adaptive and fixed behavior agents. The latter serve as proxies for the machine-like behavior of artificially intelligent agents who implement stochastic strategies previously learned offline. We observe that the adaptive individuals adjust their behavior in function of the presence of artificial agents in their groups to compensate their cooperative (or lack of thereof) efforts. We also find that risk plays a determinant role when assessing whether or not we should form hybrid teams to tackle a collective risk dilemma. When the risk of collective disaster is high, cooperation in the adaptive population falls dramatically in the presence of cooperative artificial agents. A story of compensation, rather than cooperation, where adaptive agents have to secure group success when the artificial agents are not cooperative enough, but will rather not cooperate if the others do so. On the contrary, when risk of collective disaster is low, success is highly improved while cooperation levels within the adaptive population remain the same. Artificial agents can improve the collective success of hybrid teams. However, their application requires a true risk assessment of the situation in order to actually benefit the adaptive population (i.e. the humans) in the long-term.
Intra and inter-rater reproducibility of the Remote Static Posture Assessment (ARPE) protocol’s Postural Checklist
Authors: Pilling Betiane Moreira , Candotti Cláudia Tarragô , Silva Marcelle Guimarães , Frantz Marina Ziegler , Noll Matias
Published: February 2024

With the enforcement of social distancing due to the pandemic, a need to conduct postural assessments through remote care arose. So, this study aimed to assess the intra- and inter-rater reproducibility of the Remote Static Posture Assessment (ARPE) protocol’s Postural Checklist. The study involved 51 participants, with the postural assessment conducted by two researchers. For intra-rater reproducibility assessment, one rater administered the ARPE protocol twice, with an interval of 7–days between assessments (test–retest). A second independent rater assessed inter-rater reproducibility. Kappa statistics (k) and percentage agreement (%C) were used, with a significance level of 0.05. The intra-rater reproducibility analysis indicated high reliability, k values varied from 0.921 to 1.0, with %C ranging from 94% to 100% for all items on the ARPE protocol’s Postural Checklist. Inter-rater reproducibility indicates reliability ranging from slight to good, k values exceeded 0.4 for the entire checklist, except for four items: waists in the frontal photograph (k = 0.353), scapulae in the rear photograph (k = 0.310), popliteal line of the knees in the rear photograph (k = 0.270), and foot posture in the rear photograph (k = 0.271). Nonetheless, %C surpassed 50% for all but the scapulae item (%C = 47%). The ARPE protocol’s Postural Checklist is reproducible and can be administered by the same or different raters for static posture assessment. However, when used by distinct raters, the items waists (front of the frontal plane), scapulae, popliteal line of the knees, and feet (rear of the frontal plane) should not be considered.
The Poetics of Ekphrasis: A Stylistic Approach Marie-Eirini Panagiotidou. West Chester: Springer International Publishing, 2022. 267pp. ISBN: 978-3-031-11312-3
Authors: Moyano-Rejano Rocío
Published: February 2024

The Poetics of Ekphrasis: A Stylistic Approach is a collection of six chapters that seek to explore different modalities and the evolution of ekphrasis in different contexts. This concept, originally defined as "the literary representation of art", has gradually evolved throughout history and has led to the expansion of such a term in an outstanding range of scholarly interest. The term has been, and still is, used to refer to the interaction between the various arts. Nonetheless, in recent years, contemporary ekphrastic practices have subverted the traditional relation of the representational visual text to its verbal representation, to the point of discontinuity (Clüver 2017, 30).
SRG: Energy-Efficient Localized Routing to Bypass Void in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Singh Saurabh , Singh Sarvpal , Prakash Jay
Published: February 2024

The Shift Reverse Gradient (SRG) approach presents a void-size-independent hole bypassing scheme for wireless sensor networks. It does not require establishing any chain or hierarchical tree structure to ensure reliable delivery. The proposed Shift Reverse Gradient (SRG) offers an energy-efficient solution with minimal overhead and consumes minimum power. It has a communication overhead equivalent to greedy forwarding. We have shown through the simulation that SRG energy consumption is minimal and is not much affected by an increase in the void size like other existing void bypassing methods.
El enfoque de la política de comercio exterior en Bolivia y su incidencia sobre las exportaciones tras el ingreso al sistema multilateral de comercio
Authors: Baena Rojas Jose Jaime , Atila-Lijeron Jhonny David , Herrero-Olarte Susana
Published: February 2024

Este artículo pretende caracterizar el comercio exterior de Bolivia, específicamente en el caso de las exportaciones, dado que tras su ingreso al Sistema Multilateral de Comercio se han adoptado medidas que trazaron el devenir de la política comercial de este país andino. En particular, se analizan los principales productos de exportación, la participación de cada departamento en su producción, el comportamiento histórico de las exportaciones y su impacto dentro del comercio mundial, entre otros aspectos.
A contrastive analysis of emotions and thoughts across Arabic and English as foreign languages in narratives written by bilingual Jordanian university students studying in Hungary
Authors: Al-Madanat Dina
Published: February 2024

The present study aimed to explore bilinguals’ narratives in their two languages by examining their emotions by comparing the number of adjectives and adverbs used to describe a photo. The study also examines whether the thoughts expressed in their narratives are similar in Arabic and English. Data were collected from 18 Jordanian Arabic-English bilingual university students residing in Hungary, through narratives formed to describe a thematic apperception test photo. To compare the number of adjectives and adverbs, data were analyzed using SPSS 20, and qualitative thematic analysis was conducted to explore the themes in the narratives. The results of this study indicate that when participants used their first language (L1), they did not tend to employ a greater number of adjectives and adverbs in their writing. In other words, the use of adjectives and adverbs in L1 does not appear to be more frequent than in other languages. Findings also indicate that participants would describe the same photo differently by presenting different thoughts when using their L1 and L2. This study presents further evidence that bilinguals use their two languages differently.
Study on an Information Systems for Visualizing the Effectiveness of Local Cleaning Activities: Case Study of Iwate Prefecture in Japan
Authors: TOMIZAWA HIROKI
Published: February 2024

The microplastics problem requires consideration according to local characteristics. This study is a case study of Iwate Prefecture in Japan. In order to understand the current conditions of collection and cleaning activities for coastal and river debris, Iwate prefectural residents need to be able to visualize the activities they perform in their daily lives, and the system for this is yet undeveloped. The research team designed the system with reference to the stages in SSM. And based on the systems design, we prototyped two systems that focus on data posting for users. After evaluating two prototype applications, we defined the data sets that users would contribute during and after the activities. This paper is useful for areas with similar characteristics.
The problem of authenticity in Anton Holban’s narrative prose
Authors: Teodorowicz Justyna
Published: February 2024

The article discusses the problem of authenticity in the narrative prose written by Anton Holban, a Ro-manian author of the interwar period. Holban, one of the most innovative writers of his time, contributed to the development of the psychological novel. His work has been appreciated by literary critics from the very beginning. We consider the concept of authenticity to be one of the most important in his novels. Strongly autobiographical, they reflect man’s desperate efforts, through insightful and meticulous analysis, to discover the truth about himself and the world about him. However, absolute authenticity proves impossible to achieve, both for the narrator and the writer himself.
A hybrid search space reduction algorithm and Newton–Raphson based selective harmonic elimination for an asymmetric cascade H-bridge multi-level inverter
Authors: Mahesh Aeidapu
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a selective harmonic elimination (SHE) method for an asymmetric cascade H-bridge multi-level inverter (ACHB-MLI) has been performed by using hybrid search space reduction and Newton–Raphson (SSR-NR) algorithm. Three H-bridges are cascaded in a single phase configuration, while each of the bridge is fed with V

dc
, 3V

dc
and 6V

dc
respectively. This particular asymmetric combination of dc sources will produce 10 possible switching combinations and 21-levels in the output voltage ranging from −10V

dc
to +10V

dc
. Hence, there will be 10 SHE equations corresponding to fundamental and harmonics, and the solution will be the 10 switching angles which satisfy those SHE equations. While traditional gradient-based techniques like the Newton–Raphson method can yield the global optimal solution for the SHE equations, they necessitate an initial guess. Conversely, meta-heuristic methods often face challenges related to sub-optimal convergence. To address these issues, a novel the hybrid SSR-NR algorithm has been introduced in this paper. This method combines stochastic and deterministic elements, offering a promising solution for solving the SHE equations. In the first step, the evolutionary SSR algorithm will be used and the output of the SSR algorithm is given to the NR method as an initial guess to converge to the final solution, this way the proposed hybrid SSR-NR algorithm is able to address the drawbacks of both the algorithms such as initial guess requirement for NR method and sub-optimal convergence characteristics of evolutionary algorithms. The simulations were carried out in Matlab/simulink environment for a 21-level ACHB-MLI. The results obtained showcase the efficacy of the proposed SSR-NR algorithm in solving the SHE equations. For demonstrating the effectiveness of SSR algorithm the results were also compared with other algorithms such as particle swarm optimization and grey wolf optimizer as well. Further, the experimental results on a laboratory prototype using dSPACE DS1104 R&D controller board were also presented in the paper, to validate the proposed methodology.
Unleashing the economic potential of wind power for ancillary services
Authors: Baral Sanchita , Xydis George
Published: February 2024

Ancillary services play a significant role in ensuring stable operation of power systems in the growing penetration of renewable energy. Some of the important functions for ancillary support include voltage support, frequency support, and system restoration. This work highlights the possibility of relevant ancillary support from wind power and investigates how such services will impact from an economic point of view. A crucial aspect of ancillary services from wind power relates to tailored and dynamic information about the conditional power production from the turbines and wind parks which could be obtained through accurate wind power forecasting. The study of the impact of forecast accuracy and correlation in errors on the possibility for wind power to provide ancillary services is analyzed. Furthermore, the limitations and challenges associated with the technical capabilities of wind turbines to support such services are reviewed and presented. An initial qualitative assessment of the value of providing such services is carried out and the capabilities combined with electricity market data from Nord Pool taking an example of the western region of Denmark is discussed. The result of this work shows that enhancing ancillary services from wind power combined with more accurate wind forecasting has a positive financial impact on wind power market.
On the maximum atom-bond sum-connectivity index of graphs
Authors: Alraqad Tariq , Saber Hicham , Ali Akbar , Albalahi Abeer M.
Published: February 2024

The atom-bond sum-connectivity (ABS) index of a graph

G

G

with edges

e

1

,

…

,

e

m

{e}_{1},\ldots ,{e}_{m}

is the sum of the numbers

1
−
2

(

d

e

i

+
2

)

−
1

\sqrt{1-2{\left({d}_{{e}_{i}}+2)}^{-1}}

over

1
≤
i
≤
m

1\le i\le m

, where

d

e

i

{d}_{{e}_{i}}

is the number of edges adjacent to

e

i

{e}_{i}

. In this article, we study the maximum values of the ABS index over graphs with given parameters. More specifically, we determine the maximum ABS index of connected graphs of a given order with a fixed (i) minimum degree, (ii) maximum degree, (iii) chromatic number, (iv) independence number, or (v) number of pendent vertices. We also characterize the graphs attaining the maximum ABS values in all of these classes.
Cutaneous signs of selected cardiovascular disorders: A narrative review
Authors: Asif Marium , Yousuf Muhammad Hamza , Farooqui Usman Shakeel , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Ullah Irfan
Published: February 2024

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Clinicians must know cutaneous signs of cardiovascular disease, including petechiae, macules, purpura, lentigines, and rashes. Although cutaneous manifestations of diseases like infectious endocarditis and acute rheumatic fever are well established, there is an indispensable need to evaluate other important cardiovascular diseases accompanied by cutaneous signs. Moreover, discussing the latest management strategies in this regard is equally imperative. This review discusses distinctive skin findings that help narrow the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and recommendations on appropriate treatment.
Urbanity, Decline, and Regeneration in Later Medieval England: Towards a Posthuman Household Microhistory
Authors: Jervis Ben
Published: February 2024

It is proposed that combining a microhistorical approach with the frameworks offered by household archaeology and posthumanism provides a way of rethinking what urbanity means in archaeological (specifically later medieval) contexts. This approach is deployed to challenge generalising approaches which obscure the complexity, vibrancy, and generative capacity of past urbanities. Focussing on the question of the fortunes of later medieval small towns in England, a posthuman household microhistory of two households in the town of Steyning (southern England) is presented. This demonstrates how a focus on the practices undertaken by, and relational constitution of, households can reveal difference and open new avenues for understanding past urbanity.
Studying Disaster in Late Antiquity
Authors: Cohen Samuel
Published: February 2024

This introduction frames a collection of four papers, originally presented at the 13th Shifting Frontiers in Late Antiquity conference, that examine late antique episcopal responses to disaster, typically military defeats caused by the barbarians. To contextualize what follows, this essay begins by introducing various ways disaster researchers define disaster, as well as the related concepts of hazard and vulnerability. The paper also examines several terminological and methodological challenges associated with the application of modern disaster studies to the ancient world. Importantly, disasters cannot be separated from their social context. Indeed, thinking of disasters as social phenomena encourages historians to look beyond the disaster events themselves, to consider why and how those in power reacted (or failed to react) and what the experience was like for the individuals who lived through them. Finally, this essay serves as an argument against the simplistic association of the period of Late Antiquity with disaster.
Doprinos predstavnika kulturne pedagogije hrvatskoj pedagogijskoj baštini
Authors: Bistrić Marija
Published: February 2024

Kulturna pedagogija razvila se u Njemačkoj početkom 20. stoljeća unutar reformne pedagogije, a nastala je kao odgovor na krizu zastarjele normativne pedagogije herbartovskog podrijetla. U Hrvatskoj se pojavila između dva svjetska rata djelovanjem najznačajnijih predstavnika kulturne pedagogije u Hrvatskoj – Stjepana Matičevića, Pavla Vuk-Pavlovića te Stjepana Patakija. U središte svog interesa stavlja odgoj, kulturu, kulturne vrijednosti te odnos između odgajatelja i djeteta, odnosno mladog čovjeka. Cilj rada je utvrditi sličnosti i razlike u stajalištima prema odgoju iz perspektive vodećih hrvatskih predstavnika kulturne pedagogije te utvrditi mjesto kulturne pedagogije u hrvatskoj pedagogijskoj baštini pomoću rada na dokumentaciji. Glavni doprinos predstavnika kulturne pedagogije hrvatskoj pedagogijskoj baštini ogleda se u odvajanju pedagogije od filozofije u samostalnu znanstvenu disciplinu, promoviranju i unapređenju izobrazbe i stručnog usavršavanja odgojno-obrazovnih djelatnika, a zatim i u osuvremenjivanju pedagogijskih misli po uzoru na suvremena pedagoška promišljanja tadašnjih europskih pedagoga. Nadalje, Matičević je 1928. utemeljio prvi studij pedagogije na Sveučilištu u Zagrebu, Vuk-Pavlović svojim je djelom Ličnost i odgoj, napisanom u duhu kulturne pedagogije, hrvatskoj pedagogijskoj baštini ostavio u naslijeđe vrlo vrijednu teoriju odgoja, a zaslugom Patakija osnovan je Pedagoški institut Filozofskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu na kojem je organizirao i pedagoško-metodičko obrazovanje budućih srednjoškolskih nastavnika, što također predstavlja važan doprinos hrvatskoj pedagogiji u cijelosti.
Antropološki dualizam Renéa Descartesa
Authors: Knežić Ivana , Dadić Borislav , Palić Domenika
Published: February 2024

U članku se s pozicije tomističke filozofije kritički analizira Descartesovo dualističko shvaćanje čovjeka s ciljem isticanja novih elemenata njegove filozofske antropologije u odnosu na aristotelovsko-skolastičku filozofsku tradiciju, kao i ukazivanja na njihove posljedice. Pritom se polazi od Descartesova shvaćanja čovjekova načina bivstvovanja, da bi se potom istražilo njegovo objašnjenje osnovnih djelovanja ljudskoga bića – spoznaje i htijenja. U istraživanju je korištena metoda filozofske analize izvornih Descartesovih tekstova – Metafizičke meditacije, Diskurs o metodi, Načela filozofije i Strasti duše. Rezultati istraživanja ukazuju na poteškoće i nedosljednosti Descartesove nove antropologije te na njihove dalekosežne negativne posljedice, kako na teoretskoj, tako i na praktičkoj razini.
Područna osnovna škola i kombinirani razredni odjel: studija slučaja
Authors: Martinko Lucija , Topolovčan Tomislav
Published: February 2024

Područne osnovne škole i nastava u kombiniranim razrednim odjelima specifični su po mnogim školskim i didaktičko-metodičkim obilježjima. Stoga je cilj ove etnografske, naturalističke i fenomenološke studije slučaja triangulacijom kvalitativnih metoda ispitati karakteristike nastave u kombiniranim razrednim odjelima u jednoj područnoj školi te istražiti ima li sličnosti s didaktičko-metodičkim i obrazovnim idejama Deweyeve, Freinetove i Petersenove teorije nastave i škole. Pokazalo se kako se u konkretnom kombiniranom razrednom odjelu područne škole nerijetko organizira nastava usmjerena na učenika, izvanučioničke aktivnosti učenja, individualizirani rad, suživot učenika u školi, suradničko učenje, suradnja škole s roditeljima i lokalnom zajednicom, kombiniraju se i izmjenjuju različite nastavne aktivnosti te je optimalno opremljena okolina učenja. Upravo su to neki od elemenata Freinetovih i Jena plan škola te Deweyevih pedagoških ideja. Stoga je, uspoređujući rezultate konkretne studije slučaja s rezultatima prijašnjih studija ove problematike, opravdano rekapitulirati kako područne škole s nastavom u kombiniranim razrednim odjelima nude mogućnosti organiziranja nastave prema ovim koncepcijama nastave i obrazovanja. Iako nije nužno da područne škole i kombinirani razredni odjeli slijede ijednu od ovih didaktičkih i pedagoških koncepcija. Odnosno, moguće je kazati kako to nije pravilo, ali nije ni iznimka. Rezultati istraživanja su elaborirani, objašnjeni, komparirani i interpretirani u radu.
Wittgensteinovi argumenti za nemogućnost epistemičke privatnosti
Authors: Penava Mate
Published: February 2024

U filozofskom promišljanju ljudskoga uma veliku prekretnicu čini Descartesova filozofija. On ističe da je sadržaj uma svakog pojedinca dostupan samo njemu i nikome drugome. Ovo učenje se često formulira u obliku argumenta o umovima izvan mojega uma, čije postojanje ne možemo sa sigurnošću utvrditi. Sličan problem se javlja i kada se priča o jeziku kojim izražavamo svoje osjećaje, pa se tako kaže da, iako ja mogu primijetiti da drugoga boli, ja ne mogu osjetiti njegovu bol. Stoga je ona privatna, dostupna samo osobi koja ju posjeduje. U radu će se izložiti Wittgensteinova argumentacija protiv mogućnosti epistemičke privatnosti, odnosno, kao što Wittgenstein kaže, ako privatni jezik može i postojati, on ne može igrati nikakvu ulogu u našim jezičnim igrama, ne može biti dio naših oblika života. Njegov argument izložiti će se kroz prizmu nekih kasnijih zastupnika klasičnog shvaćanja njegove misli, kao što bi bili Anthony Kenny, David Stern ili Peter Hacker, a neće se uzimati u obzir neklasične interpretacije kasnije Wittgensteinove filozofije kakve se mogu pronaći kod Fogelina, Kripkea ili Hintikke.
Autonomous Trucks
Authors: Medsker Larry , Szu Harold
Published: February 2024

A short review of the formation of the International Neural Networks Society (INNS) is followed by a research review of how Autonomous Trucks (AT) uses computational intelligence. Using the power of pairs of biological sensor structures -- “agree, signals; disagree, noise” for all weather conditions, and the modern lithium batteries, electrically driven trucks can ship goods non-stop by replacing batteries from depot to depot by former truck divers serving as depot managers. Together these can solve modern supply-chain challenges and promote the 4th economic boom.
Clinical manifestation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Pal Mahendra , Paulos Gutama Kirubel
Published: February 2024

COVID-19 is a recently emerged infectious disease that has gripped the entire world resulting into high morbidity as well as mortality. SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus, is one of the causes of respiratory infections that can transmit to other individuals through the respiratory particles and cause symptoms like fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath, anorexia, lethargy, and sore throat in infected patients. COVID-19 is difficult to distinguish during the early stages since it has a variety of clinical signs that are often comparable to other respiratory disorder. Presently, molecular tools are employed to confirm the infection due to COVID- 19. Antibiotics should not be used to prevent or treat COVID-19; however treatments, such as colchicines, monoclonal antibodies, and anticoagulants are currently being studied. Home isolation of suspected cases and those with mild illnesses, as well as those with mild infection and contact and droplet precautions, are all part of the prevention strategy.
Evaluation of on-farm diversity status and farmer’s perception for landraces crops at Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia
Authors: Tamiru Chala , Abdela Tahir
Published: February 2024

Ethiopia is centre of origin for crops such as: sorghum, teff, coffee and enset and centre of diversity for many others such as: wheat, barley, Ethiopian mustard, chickpea lentils and finger millet. Similarly in eastern Hararghe its diverse agro-ecology, a total of 15 land race crop species was identified with 36 accessions from 2 regions and 6 woreda. From total 15 farmer variety of crop and 36 accession, sorghum are the highest accession and more cultivated in study area and it account 13 accession (36.1%). From the total survey of woreda, Qarsa is the most diverse crop species since it has a wide agro-ecology and holds ten crop species 66.7% of total crop in study area. Jarso is the second crop diversity in study area it hold eight crop species (53.3%). Sofi and Babile are the third crop diversity in study area it hold four crop species each (26.7%). Expansion of chat and replacement of modern variety in study area are the most loss of farmer variety it holds 45% and 40% respectively. Six farmer crop species in study area like Badu Oanyii, Shakoo, Bukuri, Minjar, Barley and wheat are threatened in study area due to Replacement of modern variety, no good test and low value market, birds’ interest, lack of fodder, weed and drought. Therefore, creating awareness for local farmers on how to manage the crop effectively (sowing, weeding, harvesting and storing) and conserve the landrace variety. More agricultural research should be conducted on the characters and requirement of the crops for various regions and environments to conserve landrace variety.
Factors Influencing Implantation Depth During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Veulemans Verena , Maier Oliver , Zeus Tobias
Published: February 2024

Optimised implantation depth (OID) is crucial to obtain the best haemodynamic and clinical outcome during transcatheter heart valve (THV) deployment. OID ensures a better haemodynamic profile and is associated with a potential reduction in permanent pacemaker implantations, both of which are important during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Apart from patient-related anatomic conditions, many factors, such as THV and wire selection, as well as implantation strategies, can be controlled by the operator and facilitate the implantation process. However, there are only limited data dealing with predictors for OID. Therefore, the aim of this review was to outline factors and tools that might influence the final implantation depth during TAVR procedures, potentially influencing the outcome.
First verified record of Mastigodryas melanolomus (Cope, 1868) (Serpentes, Colubridae) from Isla del Coral, Nayarit, Mexico
Authors: Gómez-Hernández Eduardo A. , Escobedo-Galván Armando H.
Published: February 2024

The occurrence of the Salmon-bellied Racer, Mastigodryas melanolomus (Cope, 1868), on the Isla del Coral in the Paciﬁc coast of Mexico is conﬁrmed through the examination of squamation and the use of other morphological characters. Additionally, we conducted a morphological analysis to assess the differences between M. melanolomus and Masticophis lineatus (Bocourt, 1890), which was previously reported on the island. The results of our analysis suggest a possible misidentiﬁcation of the previous record. Further investigations and explorations will yield additional insights about whether both species occur on Isla del Coral.
Gender discrimination, glass ceiling and other obstacles faced by women in society
Authors: Masood Rameen , Erdoğdu Aylin
Published: February 2024

Glass ceiling refers to the barriers that women face in advancing up the hierarchy at their organizations. It encompasses the hardships and hurdles that women face when they try to ascend the professional ladder to reach the top levels within their professional horizons. The repercussions (for women) resulting from its existence are quite evident; yet they are not talked about much. Women in Germany, Turkey, Pakistan, and many other countries suffer from the detrimental effects of this phenomenon. In this study, the underlying causes of the glass ceiling and gender discrimination are uncovered, alongside the numerous consequences faced by women due to gender inequality that engulfs their ambitions into oblivion.
Розподіл української зернової продукції між внутрішнім та зовнішнім ринком: стан, причини та наслідки
Authors: Мудрак Р. П.
Published: February 2024

Метою дослідження є перевірка припущення про надмірність експорту української зернової продукції. Для цього було сформульовано цілі дослідження: визначення кількісних параметрів розподілу української зернової продукції між внутрішнім та зовнішнім ринком, з’ясування причин та наслідків збільшення експорту української зернової продукції, проведення міжнародних порівнянь обсягів експорту зернової продукції. В якості методів дослідження використано: ряди динаміки, середні величини, статистичні графіки, порівняння. Встановлено наявність стійкої тенденції спрямування української зернової продукції на експорт та скорочення її використання на внутрішньому ринку. З’ясовано, що головними причинами цього є: зменшення внутрішнього попиту на зернову продукцію і стабільно зростаючий глобальний попит на зерно. Обґрунтовано позитивні та негативні наслідки збільшення зернового експорту. За рахунок міжнародних порівнянь встановлено, що Україна має найнижчий показник використання зернової продукції на внутрішньому ринку за усіма напрямами на душу населення порівняно із розвинутими країнами із профіцитним зерновим балансом. Наукова новизна дослідження полягає в: уточненні причин та наслідків збільшення експорту української зернової продукції; пропозиції показника «використання зернової продукції на внутрішньому ринку за усіма напрямами на душу населення порівняно із розвинутими країнами із профіцитним зерновим балансом» для обґрунтування надмірності українського зернового експорту. Практичне значення дослідження полягає у можливості його використання в якості теоретико-методичного обґрунтування нагальної необхідності формування організаційно-економічного механізму галузевого (внутрішнього) ланцюга вартості в агропродовольчому виробництві України.
2018 program of studies: sustainable fluid dynamics
Authors: Balmforth Neil J. , Caulfield Colm-cille
Published: February 2024

The 2018 GFD Program theme was Sustainable Fluid Dynamics with Professor Andrew Woods of the University of Cambridge serving as principal lecturer. Andy showed the audience in the cottage and on the porch how to find similarity solutions everywhere, from deep in the earth to high in the atmosphere. He expanded on his lectures with the fellows during “Andy time”, and stayed on throughout the summer to participate in the traditional debates on the porch with participants old and new. Andy also contributed enthusiastically to the supervision of the fellows, particularly when there was an opportunity to squirt food dye into an experiment.
Sex and gender differences in health and disease. Part II. Clinical and medical-social
Authors: Drapkina O. M. , Kim O. T.
Published: February 2024

An important condition for providing quality and safe care is to understand the differences between men and women in epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical performance of diseases, response to treatment and use of medical care. The first part of the review was devoted to the evolutionary mechanisms of differences in life expectancy and potential strategies for increasing life expectancy in men. The second part of the review examines sex and gender differences using the example of 3 groups of diseases, which, according to the World Health Organization, are the main causes of death in the European Region, in the programming of health and disease, as well as the reasons for the male-female health-survival paradox.
Search and replication of associations of genome variants with lipid levels in a Russian sample
Authors: Zaichenoka M. , Ershova A. I. , Kiseleva A. V. , Sotnikova E. A. , Vyatkin Yu. V. , Zharikova А. A. , Pokrovskaya M. S. , Shalnova S. A. , Ramensky V. E. , Meshkov A. N. , Drapkina O. M.
Published: February 2024

Aim. To search associations for lipid profile parameters (lowand highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol levels, triglycerides and total cholesterol) in population samples from two Russian regions and make a replication analysis of a previously published genome-wide association study (GWA study, GWAS) for residents of three other Russian regions.

Material and methods. The study included representative samples from the Vologda (n=689) and Ivanovo (n=1675) regions collected for the Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and their Risk Factors in Regions of Russian Federation (ESSE-RF) study. We assessed lipid profile parameters and performed a targeted sequencing. A linear regression model adjusted for sex, age, and statin use was used to assess the associations of genomic variants with lipid profiles. The work replicated the results of a study by Usoltsev D, et al., 2023, carried out on population samples of individuals from St.Petersburg, Orenburg and Samara regions.

Results. We identified variants for which associations with lipid parameters had previously been identified in a Russian sample. The proportion of replicated variants was 89% and 92% for the samples from the Vologda and Ivanovo regions, respectively. The directions of effects of all replicated variants in the previously published study (samples from the Orenburg and Samara regions and St. Petersburg) and in both studied samples (samples from the Ivanovo and Vologda regions) coincide.

Conclusion. The results of the search for associations with lipid parameters in different Russian samples are consistent with each other.
O processo de elaboração e execução orçamentárias no Brasil: algumas de suas peculiaridades
Authors: PISCITELLI ROBERTO BOCACCIO
Published: February 2024

RESUMO O artigo aborda a questão dos diversos custos da Administração Pública Federal brasileira - fiscal, monetária, das empresas públicas, e das instituições previdenciárias - o procedimento para elaboração, discussão, aprovação e - sobretudo - execução e respectiva avaliação. Procura mostrar claramente a dissociação entre custo e planejamento também com a falta de objetividade em estabelecer regras para a distribuição dos recursos. Em paralelo posiciona-se a fragilidade dos sistemas de acompanhamento e controle inviabilizando o cumprimento das finalidades, convencionalmente expressas na proposição, e não constitui para a reformulação dos princípios e métodos de trabalho até agora adotados.
Comparative ex vivo morphometric tomographic study of lumbar spine between dog and rabbit
Authors: Lacowicz C. , Maciel J.V.B. , Fernandes A. , Ferreira A.A. , Dornbusch P.T.
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT The study of spinal surgery in dogs has limitations for the standardization of the sample, due to the difficulty of obtaining animals of the same breed, sex, and age. Thus, the use of the rabbit as an animal model is suggested. Morphometric studies are important to assess the anatomical compatibility between the two species. Furthermore, the growing interest in the rabbit as a pet and the common occurrence of iatrogenic fractures in its caudal lumbar spine emphasize the need for these studies. Eight spinal segments (L1-S3) from adult dogs, between 3 and 5kg, and eight from New Zealand rabbits, between 3 and 5kg, adults, were submitted to cone beam computed tomographic examination. In the generated images, the length, height and width of the body and vertebral foramen were measured, in addition to the thickness of the cortical bone. The lumbar vertebrae of rabbits are longer than those of dogs, but they are smaller in width and height. The thickness of the cortical bone of the two species is similar. The morphometric differences found restrict the use of the rabbit as an animal model for the development of experimental surgeries in dogs.
Mycological diversity in whole-plant corn silages inoculated with Lentilactobacillus buchneri or Lentilactobacillus farraginis
Authors: Morais L.B. , Carvalho B.F. , Batista L.R. , Schwan R.F. , Ávila C.L.S.
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT The objective was to investigate the effect of wild lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains on the fungal and chemical composition of whole-plant corn silage. Three treatments were evaluated: CON-without inoculation, LB-inoculated with Lentilactobacillus buchneri (CCMA 1366), and LF-inoculated with L. farraginis (CCMA 1362). The silages were stored for 29, 103, and 193 d. The highest acetic acid (19.7 g/kg DM) and 1,2-propanediol (6.3 g/kg DM) concentrations were found in the LF, the highest aerobic stability was observed in this silage after 29 d (158.3 h). The yeast population was below the detection level at 29 d in the LF and 103 and 193 d in all silages. Seven genera of filamentous fungi (FF) were identified before ensiling; none of these were found after ensiling. At 29 d, Monascus pilosus was identified in the LB after aerobic exposure but did not produce citrinin. At 103 and 193 d, there was Aspergillus fumigatus predominance. A. flavus was identified at 103 d in the CON and LB; none produced B1, B2, G1, or G2 toxins. LAB strains modified the silages’ chemical and FF composition, and LF increased aerobic stability and reduced FF’s yeast population and diversity.
The effect on fattening performance and carcass characteristics of adding artichoke vinegar to the drinking water of broiler chickens
Authors: Şengül Ö. , İbrahim A.K.
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTS This study was carried out to investigate the effects of adding artichoke vinegar to the drinking water of broilers on their fattening performance and carcass characteristics. In the experiment, 204-day old broiler chickens were used, and the study was continued for 42 days. In the study, 4 different groups were formed, one of which was the control group, and the other 3 were different doses of vinegar (0.5%, 1.0 and 1.5). The experiment was carried out in 3 replications and 17 birds were included in each replication. During the fattening period, the live weight, feed consumption, vinegar water consumption and slaughter weight of the chickens were measured. After slaughter, characteristics such as hot carcass weight, hot carcass yield, internal organ weights and abdominal fat weights were determined. According to the results obtained, in the 0-6 weeks period, the daily average live weight gain, daily average feed intake, total feed intake, feed conversion ratio, average daily water intake and total water intake of the broilers were significantly higher than the values obtained in the treatments with vinegar (P<0.05, P<0.01). It was determined that the groups showed significant differences in terms of traits such as abdominal fat weight and percentage, liver weight, heart weight and percentage, and kidney weight and percentage. As a result, it can be said that the artichoke vinegar added to the drinking water of broilers has significant effects on some performance characteristics and has the best effect when used at 1.5% level.
Characterization of vesicular glands, study of vesiculitis and its association with other accessory sex glands in bulls
Authors: Lima U.A. , Freire L.Q.B. , Lima W.S.M. , Sancler-Silva Y.F.R. , Mesquita E.P. , Oliveira D. , Torres M.B.A.M. , Carneiro G.F.
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to elucidate histological characteristics of the vesicular glands as well as to investigate vesiculitis and its association with ampolititis and prostatitis. Sex gland samples from 40 bulls were collected. The vesicular glands were descriptively evaluated, the number of acini was counted in an area of 25mm2, compared to the number of acini between healthy and pathological glands, the data were submitted to the Student's T test at 5%. Inflammatory tissue was investigated in the ampullae of the vas deferens and in the prostates, the chi-square test at 5% was performed to assess the association between the inflamed glands. Regarding inflammation in the gland (vesiculitis), 30 animals (75%) were positive. The vesicular glands presented an average of 355 ±76.4 acini/25mm2. When comparing the amounts of acini between the glands with and without vesiculitis, no significant difference was observed, p=0.930. When performing the chi-square test to assess the association between vesiculitis and ampolititis or vesiculitis and prostatitis, the results were p=0.356 and p=0.300 respectively. Despite the high incidence of inflammatory reaction in the glands, no association was observed between the accessory sex glands studied here.
Multiple Linear Regression versus Automatic Linear Modelling
Authors: Genç S. , Mendeş M.
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT In this study, performances of Multiple Linear Regression and Automatic Linear Modelling are compared for different sample sizes and number of predictors. A comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation study was carried out for this purpose. Random numbers generated from multivariate normal distribution by using RNMVN function of IMSL library of Microsoft FORTRAN Developer Studio composed the material of this study. Results of the simulation study showed that the sample size and the number of predictors are the main factors that lead to produce different results. Although both methods gave very similar results especially when studied with large sample sizes (n≥100), the Automatic linear modelling is preferred for analyzing data sets due to its simplicity in analyzing data and interpreting the results, ability to present results visually and providing more detailed information especially studying large complex data sets. It will be beneficial to use the Automatic linear modelling especially in analyzing massive and complex data sets for the purposes of investigating the relationships between one continuous dependent and 10 or more predictors and determine the factors that affect the response or target variable. At the same time, it will also be possible to evaluate the effect of each predictor with a more detailed response.