bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Video-based feedback
Authors: Gladovic Cedomir
Published: May 2024

Sufficient feedback is in the core of Student centred-learning. Text based feedback has certain limitations and can be seen by students as generic rather than personalised. Video feedback is welcoming alternative to personalised and individualised reflection on student's works and greatly valued by students. Such personalised connection between tutor and students increases student's own motivation and enhances possibility for self-assessment and self-reflection. Computer software for screen capture and audio narration have been used to create videos which are provided to students as a video-based feedback. The video-based feedback has been made using student's electronic submissions and narration which are audio and video recorded. Webcam has been used to capture tutor's facial expression to make whole experience even more personalised. Initial video-based feedback pilot created positive reaction among students indicating that further experimenting is greatly desirable.
Luka krytyczna (w polskim literaturoznawstwie teoretycznym po 1989 roku)
Authors: Pertek Grzegorz
Published: May 2024

W artykule podjęta została próba opisania transformacji polskiego literaturoznawstwa teoretycznego po 1989 roku. Autor wskazuje na kilka istotnych elementów, które decydowały o jej specyfice. Pisze o różnicy pomiędzy przełomem (anty)strukturalistycznym a dwoma wcześniejszymi przesileniami: antypozytywistycznym i antymarksistowskim, o znaczeniu braku sporu o strukturalizm w latach 90. i przyczynach jego „zniknięcia”, a także o roli, jaką odegrała w tym procesie recepcja francusko-amerykańskiego poststrukturalizmu, recepcja swoista, gdyż obciążona czymś, co autor nazywa luką krytyczną, przyjęła formę teoretyczno-metodologicznego „spektaklu”, odgrywanego do dziś.
Sodium nitroprusside restored lipopolysaccharide‐induced learning and memory impairment in male rats via attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Hosseini Zeinab , Beheshti Farimah , Hosseini Kakhki Faezeh Sadat , Hosseini Mahmoud , Anaeigoudari Akbar
Published: May 2024

Inflammation and oxidative stress upset memory. We explored influence of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on memory deficits resulted from lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Groups include control, LPS, LPS + SNP 1 mg/kg, LPS + SNP 2 mg/kg, and LPS + SNP 3 mg/kg. Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests and biochemical measurements were carried out.In Morris water maze, LPS prolonged time and distance for finding the platform. In probe trial, it diminished time spent and traveled distance in the target zone. Injection of 2 and 3 mg/kg of SNP overturned the effect of LPS. In passive avoidance task, LPS postponed entrance into darkroom and reduced time spent in light room and incremented time spent in darkroom in 3, 24, and 72 h after electrical shock. All three doses of SNP restored the effects of LPS. Biochemical experiments confirmed that LPS elevated interleukin‐6 and malondialdehyde concentration and declined total thiol content and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in the hippocampus and cortex tissues. SNP particularly at a 3 mg/kg dose ameliorated LPS effects on these parameters.SNP attenuated memory disabilities resulting from LPS through modifying inflammation and boosting antioxidant defense.
Israel, Hamas, Palästina – Ein Thema für zivilgesellschaftliche Organisationen in Deutschland
Authors: Ernst-Pörksen Michael
Published: May 2024

Israel im Krieg. Krieg in Palästina. Mord und Vernichtung, Geiselnahme und Abriegelung. Eine deutsche Öffentlichkeit schaut zu, ihr engagierter Teil will, muss etwas tun, aber was? Eingreifen, ja, aber wo hinein? Und wie, wenn Betroffene hierzulande (Familienangehörige, Freunde und Freundinnen) ihrem Schmerz Ausdruck verschaffen wollen, müssen, aber nur bedingt können und dürfen? Michael Ernst-Pörksen bietet keine Lösungen an, aber spricht sich dafür aus, dass die organisierte Zivilgesellschaft sich dieser Themen annimmt und einen offenen, respektvollen und inklusiven Diskurs befördert, in dem alle „Seiten“ zu Wort kommen und widersprechenden Positionen Raum gegeben wird, auch wenn es im Ergebnis nicht immer gelingen kann, Gemeinsamkeiten zu formulieren. Der Artikel greift dabei auch beispielhaft inhaltliche Aspekte eines solchen Diskurses auf.
Markt, Macht und Affekt
Authors: Fickel Thomas , Anderl Felix
Published: May 2024

Warum schließen sich so viele Bauern den Protesten an? Im Folgenden wollen wir uns der Beantwortung dieser Frage mit einem theoretischen Modell nähern. Hierfür schlagen wir eine politische Landkarte der deutschen Landwirtschaft vor, die sich zwischen vier Paradigmen aufspannt: Produktivismus, Multifunktionalismus, Nationaler Protektionismus und Marktliberalismus. Anschließend ordnen wir jenen Paradigmen spezifische Interessen zu und zeigen, wie diese sich zueinander (nicht) in Beziehung setzen lassen. Diese Interessen clustern wir anhand von fünf Idealtypen aus der Forschung zu „farming styles“: Yield Optimiser, Traditionalists, Innovators, Support Optimiser und Idealists. Anschließend zeigen wir, welche dieser Interessen von welchen bäuerlichen Gruppen repräsentiert werden und welche von den aktuellen Protesten wahrscheinlich angesprochen werden. Darauf aufbauend diskutieren wir die Gründe, warum sich ein wesentlicher Teil der deutschen Bäuer:innen von Gruppen mobilisieren lässt, die ihren Interessen widersprechen, von anderen aber nicht. Dafür führen wir die Machtverteilung, das Gelegenheitsfenster und eine Affektschranke als zentrale analytische Konzepte ein. Mit dieser Erklärung bringen wir Ansätze kritischer Agrarforschung und politischer Ökologie mit jenen der Protest- und Bewegungsforschung zusammen und theoretisieren somit die ideologische Ausrichtung und Mobilisierungskraft der Landwirtschaftsproteste, die sich nur über ein Zusammendenken von ökonomischen Faktoren, ausdifferenzierten Interessens- und Einstellungsprofilen, Machtungleichheiten und affektiven Dynamiken verstehen lassen.
Das „Festival du Desert“ als kulturelle Praktik der Politischen Mediation in Mali
Authors: Diallo Souleymane
Published: May 2024

In den letzten Jahrzehnten haben Kunst und künstlerische Darbietungen in der Forschung über soziale Bewegungen in Afrika eine neue Bedeutung erlangt. Auf diesem Forschungsfeld wird die politische Bedeutung von Kunst und populären künstlerischen Darbietungen bei der Suche nach einem Konsens in „Post“-Konflikt-Gesellschaften untersucht. Auf dieser Grundlage werden im vorliegenden Artikel die Musik und die musikalische Praxis im Norden Malis analysiert. Der Fokus liegt hier auf dem Zusammenhang zwischen Friedensästhetik und kulturellen Aufführungsereignissen. Dabei werden außerdem Elemente der musikalischen Praxis identifiziert, die veranschaulichen, wie die Macht der Musik zu Konfliktlösungen beiträgt. Die hier angewandte Methode stellt die musikalischen Praktiken des Festival du Desert in den 1990er und frühen 2000er Jahren im nördlichen Mali weniger als „Tradition“ dar, sondern mehr als eine Form der sozialen Bewegung und kulturellen Methode der Konfliktlösung in Westafrika. Die ethnografische Analyse dieses Festivals bietet eine historische Perspektive auf die Zivilgesellschaft und soziale Bewegungen in Afrika.
Crowdsourced Monitoring von Wahlen in Afrika
Authors: Kersting Norbert , Shayo Deodatus Patrick
Published: May 2024

Crowdsourcing durch die Zivilgesellschaft hat in den letzten Jahren erheblich an Zugkraft gewonnen und sich auch als effektives Instrument zum Monitoring der Integrität von Wahlen in jungen und sich entwickelnden Demokratien erwiesen. Von Crowdsourcing im modernen digitalen Zeitalter wird zunehmend erwartet, dass es nicht nur die Beziehungen zwischen Politikern und Wählern verändert, sondern auch die Zivilgesellschaft einbindet und befähigt, bei der Überwachung von Wahlen durch neue elektronische Mittel von unten mitzuwirken, indem sie partizipative Räume (invented space) nutzt. Angesichts seiner wachsenden Bedeutung in Theorie und Praxis kann Crowdmonitoring, wenn es erfolgreich umgesetzt wird, dazu beitragen, unerlaubte Handlungen in Wahlprozessen zu erfassen und einzudämmen. Die Rolle, die zivilgesellschaftliche Wahlbeobachtungsorganisationen beim Einsatz von Crowdsourcing zur Förderung der Integrität von Wahlen spielen, muss noch ermittelt werden. Aus diesem Grund ist die Beteiligung der Bevölkerung über Online-Plattformen für die Überwachung und den Austausch von Berichten zur Integrität von Wahlen nahezu in Echtzeit ein wesentliches Element für eine moderne Demokratie. Dieser Artikel versucht, einen Überblick über die Zivilgesellschaft bei der Schaffung von partizipativen Räumen für das Crowdmonitoring von Wahlen und die Herausforderungen bei der Einführung des Crowdmonitoring von Wahlen zu geben. Der Artikel dient als Vorlage für zivilgesellschaftliche Wahlbeobachtungsorganisationen und andere Akteure, um fundierte Entscheidungen bei der Entwicklung von Crowdsourcing-Methoden für die Wahlbeobachtung über digitale Plattformen zu treffen.
Eggshell waste transformation to calcium chloride anhydride as food-grade additive and eggshell membranes as enzyme immobilization carrier
Authors: Strelec Ivica , Peranović Katarina , Ostojčić Marta , Aladić Krunoslav , Pavlović Hrvoje , Djerdj Igor , Tatar Dalibor , Maravić Nikola , Skoko Željko , Budžaki Sandra
Published: May 2024

In continuation of our efforts to fully utilize eggshell waste (ESW), here we report the possibility of ESW transformation to calcium chloride (CaCl2) anhydride of food-grade additive purity and eggshell membranes (ESMs) as potential enzyme immobilization carriers. ESW chemical transformation by 5% (w/v) hydrochloric acid to CaCl2 solution and ESM completely devoid of the remnants of ESW calcium carbonate was performed in the constructed 15 L batch reactor during 4 h at room temperature, followed by separation of ESM from CaCl2 solution by filtration. ESW-derived CaCl2 solution containing the excess hydrochloric acid was neutralized by adding calcium hydroxide, concentrated to approximately 1/8th of volume, and spray dried. Separated ESM was washed with water and acetone, dried, and ground to a size of less than 0.5 mm. The ESW transformation process produced 102.42 ± 3.31 g of CaCl2 anhydrous and 2.48 ± 0.28 g of ESM per 100 g of ESW dry matter. ESW-derived CaCl2 fulfilled all criteria for food-grade additive, while obtained ESM showed their suitability for Burkholderia cepacia lipase immobilization by adsorption.
Soybean oil emulsion stabilized by phosphatidylcholine and whey protein isolate: impact on interfacial properties, physicochemical characteristics, and digestive properties
Authors: Ma Ming-Yang , Wu Fei-Yang , Xu Yun-Peng , Kong Fan-Hua , Mu Guang-Qing , Qian Fang , Zhu Xue-Mei
Published: May 2024

Liquid formula is a research hotspot of infant formula milk, but how to increase the physicochemical stability while maintaining the activity of nutritional components is a key bottleneck in product development. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and whey protein isolate (WPI) are important components of infant formula, the effect of PC on the properties of WPI stable emulsion remains to be clarified. When the concentration of PC is 0.3 %, a solid intermolecular network is established, which enhances the elasticity and viscosity of the emulsion and has the best oxidation stability and storage stability. 0.3 % PC reduced the flocculation during digestion, and increased the digestibility of protein and fat (27.64 % and 82.45 %). In this study, compound emulsifier (WPI-PC) was used to establish a stable emulsion system, which provided reference for the development and utilization of functional dairy products.
Public History and Emancipatory Politics in Transition: From the Anti-Apartheid Struggle to Democracy in South Africa
Authors: Nieftagodien Noor
Published: May 2024

The expansion of public history in the context of the ‘decolonial turn’ has generated conversations about the potential productive and mutually constitutive relations between the two. While recognizing that there is no predetermined connection between public history and emancipatory politics, this paper focuses on the strand in public history associated with movements of anti-colonization and decolonialization. In particular contexts, the ideas and practices of public history can present as acts of resistance, of which there are numerous examples. The focus here is on South Africa where the emergence of people’s history (an early instantiation of public history) was closely associated with the anti-apartheid struggle, itself a late instance of decolonization. People’s history proliferated during the 1980s and was both separately and co-produced by progressive scholars at some universities and activists in the internal liberation movements. The paper examines the evolution of the articulation of public history and emancipatory politics, from the anti-apartheid struggle to the democratic era, with particular reference to universities. Whereas the latter were important sites for the expansion of public history until the early 2000s, the adoption by university managements of corporatist models has reinforced hierarchical relations between institutions of higher learning and outside publics, thus narrowing the scope for the practice of a public history that seeks to maintain and grow its connection to emancipatory politics and movements.
Teaching mental processes to EFL learners: a blended-learning proposal
Authors: Arús-Hita Jorge
Published: May 2024

This paper intends to offer a practical case of application of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) to Foreign Language Teaching (FLT). While there is research offering very interesting insights for the application of SFL to Foreign and Second Language teaching contexts, none of it provides a straightforward application of SFL to the actual design of lessons. The proposal first focuses on how to create a text that contains the lexicogrammar object of study of the lesson. After this, and using the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) Moodle, a series of activities are proposed, moving from more guided to more open-ended, all of them driven by the didactic exploitation of the lexicogrammar of mental processes. The proposal integrates SFL theory into the explanation of the lesson’s (lexico)grammatical goals. As part of this, the convenience of using system networks in FLT, e.g. the system network of mental clauses, is discussed.
A spectrometric analysis of variedly purified cinnabar in a siddha drug – linga chendhooram
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Shivani , Sivaraj Baskaran , Pattabiraman Hariharan
Published: May 2024

Objectives

A siddha drug, linga chendhooram was prepared from cinnabar (lingam) and Citrullus colocynthis L. The transition of heavy metals concentration throughout the process were analysed to comprehend the significance of drug preparatory methods. In addition to that the main constituent cinnabar was purified from two different methods to comparatively analyse the significance of purification methods.

Methods

Atomic absorption spectrometric studies were employed to obtain the concentration of class I heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury) in all five samples – raw cinnabar (R), cinnabar purified (P1 and P2) from purification method 1 and 2, linga chendhooram (D1 and D2) prepared from P1 and P2.

Results

Based on the permissible limits given by The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, except cadmium the concentrations of all other three heavy metals were found to be above the limit in P1, P2, D1 and D2. According to the oral Permitted Daily Exposure values for elemental impurities given in ICH Q3D(R1) Guidelines, D1 was within the permissible limits for both single and double oral doses whereas D2 showed a slight increase in the concentration of lead in a single oral dose itself.

Conclusions

The drug preparatory method showed a reduction of the heavy metals concentration and comparative analysis of the purification methods revealed a substantial reduction of heavy metals concentration in the end drug D1 when compared with D2 showing that the methods of purification and drug preparation in siddha system plays a vital role in reducing the concentrations of heavy metals accordingly.
Safety First or Saving Lives? How Medical Responders Would Decide when Facing an Active Violent Incident. Results from an Explorative Cross-National Survey
Authors: Ellebrecht Nils , Joval Anna , Kaplan Tomer , Wacht Oren , Weinstein Eric S.
Published: May 2024

In recent years, public authorities and rescue services have been discussing how Medical First Responders (MFRs) should behave in an Active Violent Incident (AVI) where it is necessary to weigh up self-protection and the rescuing of others. The aim of this exploratory study is to generate a preliminary picture of how European MFRs position themselves on this and related questions. With the help of a network of experts, an AVI scenario and accompanying questionnaire were developed and pretested. A refined version was then distributed among MFRs in eight European countries and Israel. We performed descriptive statistics and tested for significant differences among the participating countries. 1164 MFRs completed the survey. In the absence of police protection, a majority of respondents opted against providing immediate casualty care (56.6 %). Under certain circumstances, however, the rest decided in favour. More than 65.5 % did not fear disciplinary or legal consequences for not providing assistance immediately. Even with police protection, one in ten respondents would still not enter a “yellow zone”, one in four would leave this to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units specifically trained for such operations. While there are very few strong contrasts between MFRs with different work experience, roles (supervisor/instructor) or additional qualifications (e.g., firefighting, military service), there are significant differences between MFRs from participating countries. Most notably, (1) only Norwegian participants identified, on average, a clear paradigm shift from “safety first” to “controlled risk taking”; (2) while 69.8 % of the Austrian cohort were unwilling to enter without being escorted by the police, among Norwegians MFRs the figure was 42.7 %; (3) the question whether “weapons” are “useful” equipment in such a scenario is particularly divisive (ranging from 14.3 % of German to 58.9 % of Israeli respondents). Although most of the questions were answered in the same way by a large majority, significant differences can be observed, especially between countries. We offer various explanations for these and discuss whether MFRs can actually remain passive given the situational normative forces inherent to an AVI.
Power and efficient power optimization of one-qubit Novikov quantum heat engines with an external dissipative heat leak
Authors: Fernández Julio Juan
Published: May 2024

We optimize one-qubit Novikov quantum heat engines with a dissipative heat leak using the formalisms of open-system Quantum Mechanics and the Finite-Time Thermodynamics. We show that the leak changes the power-efficiency and the efficient-power-efficiency curves, reduces the maximum efficiency of the machine and does not change its power. We also discuss the effects of the leak on the power that is rejected from the machine to the environment. Finally, we study the high-temperature limit to check that the engine reduces in this limit to a classic Novikov heat engine.
Performance and energy efficiency enhancement of existing optical communication systems by incorporating resource allocation on demand technique in FiWi networks
Authors: Raman Nitin Kali , Saini Himanshi
Published: May 2024

Fiber-wireless (FiWi) networks have begun to be fully integrated into contemporary optical access network systems as a result of utilizing the combined advantages of wired and wireless techniques. Passive optical networks (PON) are heavy energy consumers and one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) that are a result of climate change. These systems also present economic challenges. In this work, three different FiWi systems are presented such as (i) even/odd active transmitters with only free space optical (FSO) based optical network units (ONUs)/with dual channel option such as distribution fiber (DF)/FSO supported ONUs, (ii) a novel resource allocation on demand (RAoD) incorporated bidirectional FiWi system supporting DF/FSO based ONUs and four wave mixing (FWM) generated upstream wavelengths and (iii) transmitter diversity enabled 5G supported FiWi system supporting bidirectional communication. It is observed that the energy efficiency of 26.04 % is obtained in even/odd active transmitter and only FSO supported ONUs and under the harsh weather conditions, by adopting DF channel instead of FSO, 30 % energy efficiency further added. However, in novel RAoD technique, energy efficiencies for optical distribution networks (ODN1), ODN2, ODN3, and ODN4 are 48.52 %, 46.4 %, 36.96 %, and 44.31 %. Further, DF option in channel selection improve 30 % more energy saving. In performance enhanced transmitter diversity employed system, at 60 km reduction in bit error rate (BER) are 25 % for ODN1, 5.88 % for ODN2, 20 % for ODN3, and 12.5 % for ODN3.
Food insecurity and childhood outcomes: a cross-sectional analysis of 2016–2020 National Survey of Children’s Health data
Authors: Elenwo Covenant , Fisch Claudia , Hendrix-Dicken Amy , Coffey Sara , Wetherill Marianna S. , Hartwell Micah
Published: May 2024

Context

Racial inequalities across social determinants of health (SDOHs) are often influenced by discriminatory policies that reinforce systems that further uphold these disparities. There is limited data describing the influence of food insecurity (FI) on childhood racial discrimination.

Objectives

Our objective was to determine if the likelihood of experiencing racial discrimination was exacerbated by FI.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2016–2020 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) to extract data on childhood racial discrimination and food security. We extracted sociodemographic variables to utilize as controls and constructed logistic regression models to determine associations, via odds ratios (ORs), between food security and whether the child experienced racial discrimination.

Results

We found statistically significant associations between experiencing FI and childhood racial discrimination. Individuals who experienced food shortages were significantly more likely to experience racial discrimination compared to those without food limitations when controlling for race, food voucher usage, age, and % federal poverty guidelines (FPG, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.34; 95 % CI: 2.69–4.14).

Conclusions

Our study found that parents of minority children all reported high rates of racial discrimination, which was exacerbated by concurrent FI. Children of families that were the most food insecure reported the highest percentage of racial discrimination at 11.13 %, compared with children who always had enough nutritious meals to eat at 2.87 %. Acknowledging the intersection that exists between FI, race, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES), might be a way forward in addressing the adverse health effects experienced by food-insecure children and adults.
Effect of niobium addition on the microstructure and wear properties of mechanical alloyed Cu–Al–Ni shape memory alloy
Authors: Yavuzer Bekir , Türkmen Mustafa , Bıçakçı Ünal , Özyürek Dursun
Published: May 2024

In this study, the influence of the addition of Nb in varying amounts (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt.%) to Cu–14Al–4Ni shape memory alloy on the microstructure and wear behavior of the alloy was investigated. Cu–Al–Ni-xNb alloys were produced from elemental powders using the mechanical alloying (MA) method. The microstructures of the produced samples were examined using SEM + EDS and XRD, and density and hardness measurements were performed. For the wear tests of Cu–14Al–4Ni and alloys containing different amounts of Nb, a pin-on-disk type wear testing device was used with three different loads (10 N, 20 N, and 30 N) and five different sliding distances (400 m, 800 m, 1,200 m, 1,600 m, and 2000 m). As a result of the conducted research, it was determined that an increase in the Nb content resulted in a decrease in the average grain size and a more homogeneous grain size distribution. The highest hardness and density values were measured in the alloy with 2 wt.% Nb addition. In the wear tests, it was observed that the friction coefficients decreased with increasing load, and the lowest wear rate was achieved in the alloy with 2 wt.% Nb addition.
Conditions for the existence of soliton solutions: An analysis of coefficients in the generalized Wu–Zhang system and generalized Sawada–Kotera model
Authors: Banikhalid Mohammed , Azmi Amirah , Alquran Marwan , Ali Mohammed
Published: May 2024

Exploring nonlinear equations and systems with predetermined coefficient values constrains the depth of understanding of the dynamics inherent in various applications and phenomena represented by such equations. On the contrary, exploration of nonlinear models with free coefficients offers avenues for improved development and ongoing refinement. In light of this, this study aimed to reassess the Wu–Zhang (WZ) system and Sawada–Kotera (SK) model by introducing arbitrary coefficients. Our goal is to identify the constraints necessary to ensure the existence of soliton solutions. Through the application of two distinct approaches, namely, the sine–cosine function method and tanh–coth expansion method, we systematically examine the conditions that facilitate the emergence of solitons within the WZ system and SK model. The insights gained from this analysis are supported by the presentation of 2D and 3D plots, providing a visual depiction of the propagation characteristics exhibited by the obtained solutions. The findings of the current work on conditions for the existence of soliton solutions for both generalized Wu–Zhang and generalized Sawada–Kotera models are novel and presented here for the first time.
A coarse-grained Poisson–Nernst–Planck model for polyelectrolyte-modified nanofluidic diodes
Authors: Li Zhe , Mao Chaowu , Cao Liuxuan , Miao Huifang , Li Lijuan
Published: May 2024

Polyelectrolyte (PE)-modified synthetic nanopores have gained substantial research attention because molecular modification promotes ion gating and rectification. However, theoretical research on PE-modified nanopores is relatively scarce because it is difficult to establish an elaborate model for PEs, and it accordingly causes a trade-off between the computational resources needed and the accuracy. Therefore, an appropriate simulation method for the PE-modified nanopore is in high demand and still an enormous challenge. Herein, we report the simulation result of ion transport through PE-modified nanopores through a coarse-grained Poisson–Nernst–Planck method. By modeling the stuffed PE molecules as PE particles in a well-established continuum model, adequate computational accuracy can be achieved with acceptable computational cost. Based on this model, we study the ion transport in PE-modified nanofluidic diodes and reveal the PE around ion selectivity, which can explain the previous experimental works. Intriguingly, we found that the ion enrichment state in the nanofluidic diode is sensitive to steric hindrance and charge distribution near the heterojunction region. This property is critical for the ion transport behavior in the PE-modified nanofluidic diodes. Based on this property, we predict a heterogeneous structure that can realize the single molecule response to charged analytes. These findings provide insights for understanding the ion transport in PE-modified nanofluidic systems and bring inspiration to the design and optimization of high-performance chemical sensors.
Keine Frage, keine Antwort
Authors: Nagel Christiane
Published: May 2024

Wissenschaft ist geprägt durch Ausdifferenzierungs- und Pluralisierungsprozesse, wodurch konkrete Forschung in Ansatz und Reichweite immer fokussierter und partikularer wird. Eine solche Spezialisierung ist einerseits sehr wünschenswert, birgt aber gerade für den in Disziplinen agierenden Diskurs bzw. das System Wissenschaft gewisse Schwierigkeiten in sich. Mit dem Ruf nach mehr Interdisziplinarität versucht Wissenschaft und die auf sie angewiesene Gesellschaft zu reagieren. Interdisziplinarität braucht aber klare Disziplinarität. Vor diesem Hintergrund will dieser Beitrag ein Angebot machen, Disziplinen nicht über bestimmte Gegenstände, Methoden oder Perspektiven zu definieren, sondern diskursstrukturell zu denken – als über ihre Fragestellung auf der Meta-Ebene identifizierbare Diskurse.
Spirituelle Theologie: Eine Theologie des mündigen Christentums
Authors: Avakian Sylvie
Published: May 2024

In diesem Artikel vertrete ich die These, dass die christliche spirituelle Theologie das Potenzial hat, die Theologie eines mündigen Christentums zu sein. Um meine These zu belegen, stelle ich das theologische Denken des libanesisch-orthodoxen Bischofs George Khodr vor, der neben den theologischen Beiträgen der frühen griechischen Kirchenväter und auch Gedanken vieler westlicher und östlicher Denker und Theologen, deren Beiträge im Laufe der Geschichte für Spiritualität stehen, in sein Denken integriert hat. Die christliche spirituelle Theologie ist also eine Theologie, die auf einer Einsicht und Erkenntnis beruht, die das Ergebnis eines originellen, kreativen Denkens ist, dessen Grund im Menschen selbst liegt. Die spirituelle Theologie ist auch existentiell und kann als anthropologische Theologie wahrgenommen werden, da sie das ganze Engagement der Person erfordert und die menschliche Suche nach dem Göttlichen zum Ausgangspunkt hat. Und schließlich hat die spirituelle Theologie das Kreuz in ihrem Zentrum, was bedeutet, dass ihr Endziel auch der Geist ist, in dem und durch den die Einheit des Menschlichen und des Göttlichen möglich wird.
Factors affecting coffee farmers’ access to financial institutions: The case of Bandung Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Karyani Tuti , Djuwendah Endah , Mubarok Syariful , Supriyadi Ery
Published: May 2024

The development of coffee plants in Indonesia shows increasingly rapid growth to meet both domestic and foreign needs. However, certain farmers are yet to fully utilize their cultivation technology and market opportunities by employing post-harvest techniques to enhance value addition, primarily because of limited access to farming capital. Therefore, this research aimed to identify the potential sources of farming capital and determinant factors in choosing farming sources. In this experiment, the population of coffee farmers in the Pangalengan Subdistrict was surveyed. The sampling method was a proportional random sampling technique based on 235 respondents. To answer the first objective, descriptive analysis was used, while logit regression analysis was carried out for the second objective. The results showed that most farmers (54.66%) depended on internal capital, while the rest used external capital such as banks (28.39%), non-banks (1.69%), and non-formal financial institutions (15.25%). Characteristics of informal non-financial institutions, especially unsecured loans, include repayment in the form of coffee or money, with repayment terms typically set at harvest time. Conversely, formal institutions offer loans with an interest rate of 9% per annum, requiring collateral in the form of securities, and repayment is typically made on a monthly or quarterly basis. In short, factors influencing farmers in accessing credit from financial institutions are the farmer’s age, number of coffee trees, distance to financial institutions, coffee farming income, education, and credit payment deadlines.
Water desalination, and energy consumption applications of 2D nano materials: hexagonal boron nitride, graphenes, and quantum dots
Authors: Khan Shahab , Rahman Faizan Ur , Ullah Inam , Khan Salman , Gul Zarif , Sadiq Fazal , Ahmad Tufail , Shakil Hussain Sayed M. , Ali Ijaz , Israr Muhammad
Published: May 2024

In this article, we explore the role of nanotechnology in addressing water scarcity through water desalination. The scope of nanotechnology in water treatment is discussed, emphasizing the potential of 2D nanomaterials such as hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), graphene, and quantum dots in revolutionizing desalination technologies. Various water desalination techniques, including membrane distillation (MD), solar-powered multi-stage flash distillation (MSF), and multi-effect distillation (MED), are analyzed in the context of nanomaterial applications. The review highlights the energy-intensive nature of conventional water treatment methods and underscores nanomaterials’ potential to enhance efficiency and sustainability in water desalination processes. Challenges facing desalination, such as scalability and environmental impact, are acknowledged, setting the stage for future research directions.
Reimagining Antitrust Institutions: A (Modest?) Proposal
Authors: Ginsburg Douglas H. , Wright Joshua D.
Published: May 2024

It is always an appropriate time to reevaluate, reexamine, and question the optimal scope and shape of antitrust institutions. In this article we ask whether the complex current distribution of competition functions in the U.S. can be improved by some reorganization or other reform. We answer in the affirmative and propose a number of improvements – perhaps the most significant being consolidating the competition functions of the FTC into the Antitrust Division and stripping the FCC of authority independently to review mergers, as it did in view of the similarly poor performance of the DOT when reviewing airline mergers. Our more general proposal with the authority of sectoral regulators over competition should not be overlooked, however; it would do much good with little or no downside.
Navigating the landscape of theranostics in nuclear medicine: current practice and future prospects
Authors: Shah Aayushi , Dabhade Akshada , Bharadia Hetvi , Parekh Priyajeet S. , Yadav Mayur R. , Chorawala Mehul R.
Published: May 2024

Theranostics refers to the combination of diagnostic biomarkers with therapeutic agents that share a specific target expressed by diseased cells and tissues. Nuclear medicine is an exciting component explored for its applicability in theranostic concepts in clinical and research investigations. Nuclear theranostics is based on the employment of radioactive compounds delivering ionizing radiation to diagnose and manage certain diseases employing binding with specifically expressed targets. In the realm of personalized medicine, nuclear theranostics stands as a beacon of potential, potentially revolutionizing disease management. Studies exploring the theranostic profile of radioactive compounds have been presented in this review along with a detailed explanation of radioactive compounds and their theranostic applicability in several diseases. It furnishes insights into their applicability across diverse diseases, elucidating the intricate interplay between these compounds and disease pathologies. Light is shed on the important milestones of nuclear theranostics beginning with radioiodine therapy in thyroid carcinomas, MIBG labelled with iodine in neuroblastoma, and several others. Our perspectives have been put forth regarding the most important theranostic agents along with emerging trends and prospects.
An investigation on the photocatalytic and antibacterial response of green fluorescent carbon dots synthesized from corn flour
Authors: R Rachana , M Aswathy , N Vinitha , Mariya Ancy , K Mini Krishna
Published: May 2024

The present work elucidates on a facile hydrothermal synthesis method for producing highly fluorescent carbon dots using corn flour as a natural carbon source. The structural confirmation was validated through XRD (X-ray Diffraction), HR-TEM (High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope), and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red) studies. The synthesized carbon dots exhibited an excitation-dependent photoluminescence (PL) emission. The optical band gap of as-synthesized carbon dots was estimated using UV-absorption spectral analysis. The variation in optical and luminescent response of the carbon dot suspension with the rate of centrifugation was also monitored. Furthermore, investigations on the photocatalytic response of as-synthesized carbon dots towards degradation of methylene blue and its activity as a potential antimicrobial agent against Escherichia coli are also presented.
„Civilis, non tyrannica dominatio” (Tert. Apol. 2.14.)
Authors: Grüll Tibor
Published: May 2024

In the first three centuries of the existence of Christianity, it was exposed to sporadic and then increasingly organized persecution by the authorities of the Roman Empire. All of the Christian apologists emphasized the illegality of these persecutions. Tertullian, the jurist, who worked under Septimius Severus, emphasized that the Roman Empire is a state of law, not a tyrannical rule, and this law did not allow the execution of innocents. Although the number of Christians continued to grow despite the persecutions – in Carthage, for example, at the end of the 3rd century, one in ten inhabitants of the city declared themselves to be Christians – it seems that they resigned themselves to the constant oppression. In the Apologeticum, Tertullian lists three possible forms of resistance: internal disruption, open armed rebellion, or mass emigration, but he considers them both unjust and impracticable. According to him, the persecutions were approved by God in order to purify his Church. At the same time, there is also an eschatological reason why they did not stand against the tyrannical oppression: some Christian theologians interpreted the statement in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 about the “one who now holds it back” (niv) or “he who now restrains it” (esv), viz. who prevents the appearance of the Antichrist as being the Roman Empire or the emperor itself. If the current emperor falls, the Empire itself will collapse, and the “ten kings” will come, who will be the direct forerunners of the Antichrist. This is why Christians honour the emperors and they do not oppose them by force even if they are sent to death by the imperial authorities.
Ablation of Fatty Acid Transport Protein-4 Enhances Cone Survival, M-cone Vision, and Synthesis of Cone-Tropic 9-cis-Retinal inrd12 Mouse Model of Leber Congenital Amaurosis
Authors: Li Songhua , Jin Minghao
Published: May 2024

The canonical visual cycle employing RPE65 as the retinoid isomerase regenerates 11-cis-retinal to support both rod- and cone-mediated vision. Mutations ofRPE65are associated with Leber congenital amaurosis that results in rod and cone photoreceptor degeneration and vision loss of affected patients at an early age. Dark-rearedRpe65−/−mouse has been known to form isorhodopsin that employs 9-cis-retinal as the photosensitive chromophore. The mechanism regulating 9-cis-retinal synthesis and the role of the endogenous 9-cis-retinal in cone survival and function remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that ablation of fatty acid transport protein-4 (FATP4), a negative regulator of 11-cis-retinol synthesis catalyzed by RPE65, increased the formation of 9-cis-retinal, but not 11-cis-retinal, in a light-independent mechanism in both sexes of RPE65-nullrd12 mice. Bothrd12 andrd12;Fatp4−/−mice contained a massive amount of all-trans-retinyl esters in the eyes, exhibiting comparable scotopic vision and rod degeneration. However, expression levels of M- and S-opsins as well as numbers of M- and S-cones surviving in the superior retinas ofrd12;Fatp4−/−mice were at least twofold greater than those in age-matchedrd12 mice. Moreover, FATP4 deficiency significantly shortened photopicb-wave implicit time, improved M-cone visual function, and substantially deaccelerated the progression of cone degeneration inrd12 mice, whereas FATP4 deficiency in mice with wild-typeRpe65alleles neither induced 9-cis-retinal formation nor influenced cone survival and function. These results identify FATP4 as a new regulator of synthesis of 9-cis-retinal, which is a “cone-tropic” chromophore supporting cone survival and function in the retinas with defective RPE65.
State-Dependent tACS Effects Reveal the Potential Causal Role of Prestimulus Alpha Traveling Waves in Visual Contrast Detection
Authors: Wei Jinwen , Alamia Andrea , Yao Ziqing , Huang Gan , Li Linling , Liang Zhen , Zhang Li , Zhou Changsong , Song Zhenxi , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: May 2024

The intricate relationship between prestimulus alpha oscillations and visual contrast detection variability has been the focus of numerous studies. However, the causal impact of prestimulus alpha traveling waves on visual contrast detection remains largely unexplored. In our research, we sought to discern the causal link between prestimulus alpha traveling waves and visual contrast detection across different levels of mental fatigue. Using electroencephalography alongside a visual detection task with 30 healthy adults (13 females; 17 males), we identified a robust negative correlation between prestimulus alpha forward traveling waves (FTWs) and visual contrast threshold (VCT). Inspired by this correlation, we utilized 45/−45° phase-shifted transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in a sham-controlled, double-blind, within–subject experiment with 33 healthy adults (23 females; 10 males) to directly modulate these alpha traveling waves. After the application of 45° phase-shifted tACS, we observed a substantial decrease in FTW and an increase in backward traveling waves, along with a concurrent increase in VCT, compared with the sham condition. These changes were particularly pronounced under a low fatigue state. The findings of state-dependent tACS effects reveal the potential causal role of prestimulus alpha traveling waves in visual contrast detection. Moreover, our study highlights the potential of 45/−45° phase-shifted tACS in cognitive modulation and therapeutic applications.
Populations of Hindbrain Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP1) Neurons That Innervate the Hypothalamic PVH, Thalamic PVT, or Limbic Forebrain BST Have Axon Collaterals That Reach All Central Regions Innervated by GLP1 Neurons
Authors: Randolph Abigail B. , Zheng Huiyuan , Rinaman Linda
Published: May 2024

Neurons in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS) and intermediate reticular nucleus (IRt) that express the glucagon gene (Gcg) give rise to glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1)-immunopositive axons in the spinal cord and many subcortical brain regions. Central GLP1 receptor signaling contributes to motivated behavior and stress responses in rats and mice, in which hindbrain GLP1 neurons are activated to express c-Fos in a metabolic state-dependent manner. The present study examined whether GLP1 inputs to distinct brain regions arise from distinct subsets ofGcg-expressing neurons, and mapped the distribution of axon collaterals arising from projection-defined GLP1 neural populations. Using our Gcg-Cre knock-in rat model, Cre-dependent adeno-associated virus (AAV) tracing was conducted in adult male and female rats to compare axonal projections of IRt versus cNTS GLP1 neurons. Overlapping projections were observed in all brain regions that receive GLP1 input, with the caveat that cNTS injections produced Cre-dependent labeling of some IRt neurons, and vice versa. In additional experiments, specific diencephalic or limbic forebrain nuclei were microinjected with Cre-dependent retrograde AAVs (AAVrg) that expressed reporters to fully label the axon collaterals of transduced GLP1 neurons. AAVrg injected into each forebrain site labeledGcg-expressing neurons in both the cNTS and IRt. The collective axon collaterals of labeled neurons entered the spinal cord and every brain region previously reported to contain GLP1-positive axons. These results indicate that the axons of GLP1 neural populations that innervate the thalamic paraventricular nucleus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and/or bed nucleus of the stria terminalis collectively innervate all central regions that receive GLP1 axonal input.
Voluntary Disclosures and their Drivers: A Study of MDA Reports in India
Authors: Singla Himani , Singh Vijay
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of corporate characteristics on voluntary disclosures of management discussion and analysis (MD&A) reports in India. Using a formal tone, the data was extracted from the annual reports of the top 100 listed firms available on the CMIE Prowess database for seven years (2016–2022). After excluding 23 companies from the financial and insurance sector, a panel regression method with the assistance of Gretl software was employed to investigate the relationship between the Management Discussion and Analysis Disclosure Index (MDADI) for voluntary aspects and various corporate attributes, with a total of 490 firm years of balanced observations. In India, firms follow the mandatory compliance of the MD&A reports, but voluntary disclosures are somehow those which are not much emphasized but are a good indication of firm performance and their accountability towards their stakeholders (Mayew et al., 2015). Our empirical findings reveal that profitability as a proxy to firm performance has a significant positive relationship with MD&A voluntary disclosures. Further, an insignificant association between VDS (Voluntary Disclosure Score) and the board size, presence of independent directors and firm size was found. This indicates that firm performance plays a significant role in adding more voluntary disclosures in MD&A reports. The possible reason for this could be the use of “Management Impression Strategy” in the MD&A reports, which means managers disclose more only when the firm has earned more and use impressive language to attract stakeholders. The outcomes of this research offer valuable insights for regulators, policymakers, and listed companies in India, aiding in the enhancement of MD&A reporting quality. Additionally, this study provides a roadmap for future research on MD&A reporting quality and corporate attributes in other emerging countries that have similar regulatory frameworks. This paper makes a timely and pertinent contribution to the scholarly discourse by shedding light on the relationship between MD&A disclosures and firm attributes. Its findings provide valuable insights for both academia and industry.
A Study To Prioritize Emerging Areas Of Concern In Patient Safety- A Systematic Review
Authors:   Research Scholar, Doctoral Research Center, Chitkara Business School, Chitkara University, Punjab, Sharma Shalini , Pradhan Keerti Bhusan ,   Professor, Healthcare Management, Chitkara Business School, Chitkara University, Punjab
Published: May 2024

Background: Patient safety is a global concern despite advancements in healthcare systems, as adverse events continue to impact mortality and morbidity rates. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to prioritize emerging areas of concern in patient safety, aiming to identify and understand the evolving challenges that healthcare systems face. Methods: A search strategy was developed using 117 databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Keywords included “Patient Safety”, “Patient harm”, “Adverse event”, “Challenges in Patient Safety”, and “Ad-vancement in Patient Safety”. Results: The paper concludes by advocating for “High-Quality health sys-tems” in developing nations, stressing the importance of a comprehensive approach to healthcare. It calls for standardized tools to capture patient harm, a learning health framework for continuous improvement, and urges policymakers to facilitate information sharing through a public coor-dination center. Conclusions: Targeted surveillance and interventions are essential for rec-ognizing progress and avoiding reliability issues. High-quality health sys-tems are needed to improve health outcomes in developing nations, emphasizing thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, timely treatment, and access to necessary facilities.