bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine Heat-driven Ejector Refrigeration Machine for Air-conditioning System with Thermal Energy Storage Unit
Authors:   National University “Odessa Maritime Academy” Odesa, Ukraine, Shestopalov Kostyantyn , Konstantinov Oleh , Ierin Volodymyr , Khliyeva Olga
Published: November 2024

A novel heat-driven ejector refrigeration machine for an onboard air-conditioning system of a merchant ship was conceptualized and analyzed. The source of waste heat is low-pressure steam from the exhaust gas boiler (0.5-0.7 MPa). However, the steam from auxiliary boilers is used in port. It was proposed to include a thermal energy storage unit in the ejector refrigeration machine design to reduce fuel consumption by auxiliary boilers in the port. A phase change material with a melting point of 142 °C was proposed for use as thermal energy storage material. It was admitted for the TES unit to replace half of the generator load for 1 day of operation. For such conditions the volume and mass of the thermal energy storage unit were 16.5 tons and 125 m3 at an ejector refrigeration machine cooling capacity of 174 kW. It was shown that ejector refrigeration machine with thermal energy storage unit inherent the lower fuel consumption for its operation compared to the vapor-compression refrigeration machine: 53916 vs. 80567 kg of fuel per year. It is advisable to use the proposed ejector refrigeration machine with a thermal energy storage unit on ships that have short voyages and frequent stays in port. The problems in the TES unit design that need to be studied further have been noted in the paper.
Ultrasonic optic nerve diameter measurement among pregnant women in a specialist hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ugboma Enighe W. , Akagbue Vivian Ndidi
Published: November 2024

Background: Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) during pregnancy can pose significant health risks. Ultrasonic measurement of optic nerve diameter offers a safe, non-invasive method for assessing ICP. Establishing normative data for optic nerve diameter in pregnant women is essential for future evaluations. This study aims to document the optic nerve diameter in healthy pregnant women and examine associations with maternal characteristics, including age, parity, and body mass index (BMI).
Methods: An eight-month prospective cross-sectional study involving 559 healthy pregnant women attending the Radiology department of a specialist hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria was conducted. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected. Optical nerve diameters were measured via ultrasound at 3 mm behind the globe, and statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation coefficients, were performed to assess relationships with maternal factors.
Results: The mean age of participants was 29.95 years (SD±6.34). The mean right and left optic nerve diameters were 0.57 cm (SD±0.082) and 0.58 cm (SD±0.08). Significant negative correlations were found between optic nerve diameter, age (left r =-0.158, p=0.001), and parity (right: r=-0.100, p=0.007). No significant associations were observed with weight, height, or BMI.
Conclusion: This study establishes baseline optic nerve diameter measurements for healthy pregnant women, with significant correlations observed with age and parity. These findings contribute to understanding maternal health and provide a foundation for further research on optic nerve diameter as an indicator of ICP in pregnancy. Multi-Centre studies are recommended to validate and expand upon these results.
Comparative outcomes of early surgical versus conservative management in pediatric congenital cataracts: a systematic review of visual acuity and long-term ocular health
Authors: Caguana Jessica Patricia Cubiña , Audor Giovanni Andres Arias , Rizo Jorge Santiago Saucedo , Charris Orlany Arteta , Parra Rubén Darío Quito , Díaz Lina Paola Olivero , Carrillo Luis Alfonso Miranda
Published: November 2024

This systematic review compares early surgical and conservative management outcomes in paediatric congenital cataracts visual acuity and long-term ocular health. Paediatric cataracts are leading cause of treatable childhood blindness which affects 1 in 1,000 children with an estimated 200,000 children facing potential blindness from untreated or improperly managed cataracts. Untreated cataracts affect quality of life and impose socioeconomic burdens by impairing visual development. Pediatric cataracts are typically congenital and mostly caused by genetic abnormalities (particularly in crystallins and connexins) or acquired as a result of trauma or metabolic diseases. According to recent genetic research it is said that crystallin mutations are responsible for about half of solitary cataracts. This review categorized patients according to treatment type and examined visual results from 40 studies that used next-generation sequencing for genetic evaluation. Data on visual acuity and ocular health, and complication rates were taken from randomized trials and cohort studies that were systematically searched using sources such as PubMed and Cochrane. Findings indicate early surgical intervention offers improved visual outcomes but presents higher risks of postoperative complications while conservative management is preferable in cases with minimal opacity. Early management in these subtypes is supported by the greater advancement rates of genetic predispositions, especially connexin-related cataracts. Research says early surgery improves visual outcomes in cases where the patient is genetically predisposed, but it also demands lifelong follow-up to check problems. Future research should concentrate on improving surgical methods while assessing gene therapy's effectiveness in high-risk genotypes and increasing access to genetic testing for individualized treatment plans.
Role of tranexamic acid as an adjunctive for chronic sub dural hematoma for early resolution and reduced recurrence rate: a prospective case-control study
Authors: V. Sri Priyadharsan , Sankar L.
Published: November 2024

Background: Literature shows the effective use of tranexamic acid to reduce CSDH either as a primary treatment or as an adjunctive treatment. However, literature lacks conclusive evidence on the use of tranexamic acid for CSDH. There are not many Indian studies also on this subject. This study was aimed at finding the effectiveness of tranexamic acid in reducing the recurrence rate following surgery and early resolution.
Methods: From May 2023 to May 2024, single centric case control study was done in a tertiary care center (Government Mohan Kumaramangalam medical college hospital, Salem) in Southern India. All patients with chronic subdural hematoma with Markwalder grading 2-4 and grade 1 with midline shift more than 1 cm were included in the study. Patients with severe cardio-cerebrovascular disease, patients with allergy to tranexamic acid and patients not willing to participate were excluded from the study. Tranexamic acid was given at a dose of 500 mg twice a day for 10 days. Patients were allocated into two groups: group A: where tranexamic acid was used, group B: where tranexamic acid was not used.
Results: The mean duration of hospital stay was lesser in tranexamic acid group (p<0.005). The mean SDH thickness was lesser at 4th and 8th week in tranexamic acid group (p<0.005). Recurrence rate was lesser in tranexamic acid group at three months (p>0.05).
Conclusions: This study of patients with CSDH showed that the adjunctive use of TXA after burr-hole drainage is effective in achieving resolution of CSDH through faster hematoma reduction. TXA may have a favorable effect in reducing recurrence and can be administered safely in selected patients.
Role of repeat neuroimaging in complicated mild traumatic brain injury: a single centre study
Authors: S. Vinodh Kumar K. , Sankar L.
Published: November 2024

Background: Patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and positive initial CT brain findings undergo routine repeat CT brain for follow-up usually after 48 hours as a Standard of care. Use of repeat routine neuro imaging is controversial in mild TBI. We hypothesized that in patients with mild TB I repeat neuro imaging of the brain would not alter the outcome or patient’s care. Aims and objectives were to evaluate the role of repeat CT brain in patients with complicated mild TBI (c-mild TBI) who were determined non-surgical medical line of management at the time of admission.
Methods: It is a hospital based prospective observational single centre study. Clinical and demographic data including age, gender, admission and discharge GCS and timing of the first and second CT brain of the patients included in the study were recorded on pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. department of neurosurgery, government Mohan Kumaramangalam medical college hospital, Salem-01, Tamil Nadu, India.
Results: Out of 552 patients, our study found that 46 (8.33%) patients had neurological deterioration in the form of drop in GCS, change in pupillary size, increased focal deficit, seizures or raised ICP symptoms, 94 (17.02%) patients had radiological progression in the form of increase in size of hematoma or edema and out of which only 21 (3.8%) patients underwent surgical intervention following second CT and all the patients who underwent surgical intervention had clinical neurological deterioration.
Conclusions: For patients with c-mild TBI a repeat CT brain should be obtained only in patients who have neurological worsening and serial neurological examination and observation after the injury is recommended. With this approach, patients who need delayed neurosurgical intervention can be identified while unnecessary imaging procedures can be avoided.
Cephalometric and facial photographic assessment, their correlations: A study in a tertiary health centre
Authors: Samridhi Richa , Garabadu Anand , Das Monalisa , Panigrahi Pragyna , Chandra Nayak Subash
Published: November 2024

India as a country is still growing and luxurious cephalometric equipment is not available everywhere. There comes the importance of a low-cost photographic method. The photographic method can be beneficial where radiation is contraindicated or needs to be avoided. Further research needs to be conducted to test the diagnostic skill of the acquired photographs. This study was conducted to make orthodontic diagnosis and treatment accessible to the remote areas of the state of Odisha where there are no provisions for lateral cephalograms. Photography being a reproducible and non-invasive method has its access to every operator. The provision for photography can be done in every operatory setup without the risk of radiation hazards, even in remote areas, giving proper diagnosis aids in better treatment. Thus this study gives accessibility to diagnosis and further treatment for patients in the interior areas of the state.

This study was conducted to compare thecorrelation between craniofacial measurements obtained from lateral cephalograms with similar anthropometric measurements from facial photographs in the Odisha population and to assess the reliability of both techniques(lateral cephalograms and facial photographs) and evaluate the predictability of cephalometric values through facial photographs.

The study was an in-vitro cross-sectional study conducted on the patients presenting to the OPD of Hi-Tech Dental College and Hospital during 2 years tenure. The study was done on a sample of 100 individuals presenting to the hospital OPD in the age group of 10-35 years(mean age 22.38±3.342 years) age. The inclusion and exclusion criteria was decided. The photographic and radiographic analysis was done. The data was tabulated and statistical analysis was done with a statistical constant of p>0.05.

The study concluded that SNA, SNB, SN-MP(CP-MP’), Nasolabial angle, S-line to upper lip, and S-line to lower lip showed a good correlation among the two different methods with no sexual dimorphism.

Photography being a reproducible and non-invasive method has its access to every operator. The provision for photography can be done in every operatory setup without the risk of radiation hazards, even in remote areas, giving proper diagnosis aids in better treatment. Thus this study gives accessibility to diagnosis and further treatment for patients in the interior areas of the state.
Non-surgical orthodontic correction of anterior open bite: A case report
Authors: Gupta Gaurav , D.K Gupta  , Gupta Priyanka , Shah Parth , Sankhla Devanshi , Chandra Neeraj
Published: November 2024

Skeletal open bite is one of the most challenging malocclusions to treat and maintain due to difficulty and instability of correction. Patients with anterior open bite appear both dentalveolar component and increased skeletal vertical dimension. Main objective of article was to treat open bite with an ideal overbite and overjet relationships and to maintain proper occlusion. Goal of the treatment has been achieved according to the patients' desire and satisfactory interdigitation. No further relapse has been seen in follow up. Treatment resulted in functional stable occlusion and aesthetic along with an improved facial profile.
Z patriotycznych tradycji rodziny Chołodeckich. Przypadek Celestyna Chołodeckiego (1816-1867)
Authors: Kozłowski Damian
Published: November 2024

Artykuł jest próbą przedstawienia wybranych aspektów dotyczących działalności patriotycznej Celestyna Chołodeckiego (1816-1867). Brał on udział w konspiracjach na terenie Galicji po zakończeniu powstania listopadowego. Następnie praca zawodowa i życie rodzinne przyczyniły się do zmniejszenia intensywności zaangażowania na tym polu. Utrzymywał jednak cały czas kontakt z działaczami niepodległościowymi, a w czasie powstania styczniowego okazał pomoc moralną i materialną osobom biorącym udział w tym czynie zbrojnym. Ponadto przykładał dużą wagę do wychowania swoich synów w duchu patriotycznym i pielęgnowania polskich tradycji.
Using Sea Shell, Lime and Zeolite as Additives in the Stabilization of Expansive Soils
Authors: Çelik Senanur , İkizler Sabriye Banu , Aqra Dina , Angın Zekai
Published: November 2024

Swelling soils are increasingly recognized as a critical issue in geotechnical engineering, as their presence can lead to substantial damage to built structures. When structures are built on such soils and free swelling is prevented, stresses can develop that may lead to significant damage to the structure. Soil stabilization through the use of additive materials has garnered considerable attention as an effective method for mitigating this problem. The objective of this study was to stabilize the clay soil (CH) with high swelling potential by using sea shell, lime and zeolite additives in two stages. In the initial phase, consistency limits were tested by mixing high plasticity clay soil mixed with 8-10-12-14-16% sea shell 0-3-5-6-8% lime (one of the most used soil stabilizer) and 0-5-10-15-20% zeolite by weight. The three mixtures and the two best percentages determined for each mixture were then combined. Upon completing these steps, five experimental sets were prepared by combining the percentages that yielded the best results. Compaction test, percent swelling test and swelling pressure tests were performed with these datas. According to the test results, adding 14% sea shell, 6% lime and 5% zeolite by weight (SS14L6Z5) gave the smallest swelling value as 1,07% and highes swelling pressure as 23 kPa. This study concludes that the combined use of these additives led to a substantial 96% increase in swelling pressure, along with a marked reduction in swelling potential.
The Rise of Mobile Payment Systems: How Information Technology Shapes the Fintech Ecosystem
Authors: Chatterjee Pushpalika
Published: November 2024

The rapid proliferation of mobile payment systems has fundamentally transformed the financial landscape, catalyzed by advancements in information technology (IT) and the broader evolution of the fintech ecosystem. This paper explores the rise of mobile payment platforms as a pivotal component of fintech, emphasizing their impact on financial services, consumer behavior, and global economic systems. Mobile payment systems leverage key IT innovations such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and application programming interfaces (APIs) to deliver secure, seamless, and scalable financial solutions, driving their widespread adoption across both developed and emerging markets.
The paper investigates the historical evolution of mobile payments, analyzing the milestones that have shaped this transformative technology. Through case studies of global leaders such as Alipay, PayPal, Google Pay, Unified Payments Interface (UPI - India), and Zelle. It highlights how IT infrastructure and mobile-first ecosystems are redefining convenience and accessibility in financial transactions. Additionally, it examines the implications of these systems on traditional banking, small businesses, and consumer experiences.
However, the growth of mobile payment systems is not without challenges. Security concerns, regulatory hurdles, and disparities in digital infrastructure pose significant barriers to universal adoption. Despite these obstacles, opportunities abound in emerging markets and underbanked populations, where mobile payments have proven instrumental in fostering financial inclusion.
By presenting comparative analyses, data-driven insights, and forward-looking predictions, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of how information technology is shaping the future of the fintech ecosystem through mobile payment systems. The findings emphasize the dual role of IT as both a disruptor and enabler in the financial sector, underscoring the transformative potential of mobile payments in driving economic innovation and inclusivity worldwide.
Análisis de la influencia de la meteorología adversa en las operaciones aéreas
Authors: Daza Rincón Juan Carlos , Ucros Rojas Rafael Enrique , Mónico Muñoz Luisa Fernanda
Published: November 2024

La industria de la aviación es un componente vital del desarrollo económico global, dado que impulsa sectores como el turismo y el comercio. Las condiciones meteorológicas adversas impactan significativamente la seguridad y la eficiencia operativa de la aviación, lo cual representa un factor incontrolable importante. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar la influencia de las condiciones meteorológicas adversas en las operaciones aéreas. Los hallazgos muestran que el 23 % de los accidentes aéreos están relacionados con factores meteorológicos como el viento adverso, la baja visibilidad, la formación de hielo y la turbulencia. Además, en Estados Unidos el 82 % de los retrasos y el 42 % de las cancelaciones de vuelos son atribuibles a eventos meteorológicos adversos. La puesta en marcha de tecnologías de punta, como la inteligencia artificial y los modelos predictivos, junto con algoritmos como el ATMAP (ATM Airport Performance), se considera crucial para mejorar la planificación y respuesta operativa frente a estas condiciones, lo cual permite una gestión más eficaz del tráfico aéreo, y mantiene la seguridad y la puntualidad de las operaciones aeroportuarias.
Testamentum de bonis a Deo concessis Ostatnia wola księdza Macieja z Szadku z 1488 r.
Authors: Bartoszewicz Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

Późnośredniowieczne testamenty wpisane do akt miejskich Szadku przechowywanych w zbiorach Archiwum Głównego Akt Dawnych w Warszawie stanowią cenne źródło dla historyków zajmujących się religijnością, relacjami społecznymi oraz kulturą materialną. Testament księdza Macieja syna Barona z 1488 roku, sporządzony przez notariusza publicznego Jakuba z Szadku w formie instrumentu notarialnego i wpisany cztery lata później do szadkowskiej księgi ławniczej stanowi tego doskonały przykład. Dokument ten zawiera szczegółowe zapisy dotyczące podziału majątku: legaty na rzecz krewnych i przyjaciół oraz zapisy na cele pobożne. Pokazuje pozycję społeczną pochodzącego z Szadku księdza, jego kontakty, m.in. z innymi duchownymi, oraz religijność i mentalność. W artykule została poddana analizie treść testamentu, zarówno jego formularz, jak i postanowienia testatora. W aneksie znajduje się krytyczna edycja analizowanego dokumentu.
Zabytki archeologiczne z terenu gminy Szadek w zbiorach Muzeum Okręgowego w Sieradzu
Authors: Urbański Marek
Published: November 2024

Kolekcja zabytków archeologicznych z terenu ziemi Szadkowskiej w zbiorach Muzeum Okręgowego w Sieradzu liczy aktualnie 4833 sztuki. Znaleziska pochodzą z 53 miejscowości. Są wśród nich reprezentowane materiały od epoki kamienia po czasy nowożytne włącznie. Spośród kultur pradziejowych najliczniej reprezentowane są materiały kultury łużyckiej i przeworskiej. Najwięcej jednak zabytków pochodzi ze średniowiecza i z okresu nowożytnego, które potwierdzają duże znaczenie Szadku i jego okolic.
Struktura demograficzno-społeczna mieszkańców Prusinowic (raport z badań)
Authors: Marszał Tadeusz
Published: November 2024

W 2023 roku z inicjatywy mieszkańców Prusinowic, zostały przeprowadzone pilotażowe badania terenowe, które miały na celu m.in. zebranie podstawowych informacji na temat wybranych elementów charakteryzujące strukturę demograficzno-społeczną mieszkańców wsi. Na nieco ponad 110 gospodarstw domowych, które zamieszkiwały Prusinowice udało się uzyskać ankiety od 65 gospodarstw, co stanowi mniej więcej ⅔ ich ogólnej liczby. Przedstawiona charakterystyka demograficzno-społeczna Prusinowic, choć odwołuje się do odpowiedzi udzielonych tylko przez część mieszkańców wsi, to jednak liczba uzyskanych ankiet pozwala na formułowanie wniosków odnośnie całej społeczności tej wsi. Szereg cech społeczno-demograficznych Prusinowic jest typowych dla wielu wiejskich jednostek osadniczych na terenie Polski Środkowej. Składa się na to zarówno niski przyrost naturalny i zanikanie wielopokoleniowych struktur rodzinnych, rosnący poziom wykształcenia ludności, jak i malejąca rola działalności rolniczej jako głównego źródła dochodów mieszkańców wsi.
Zarys charakterystyki Gminnej Ewidencji Zabytków Gminy i Miasta Szadek
Authors: Cepil Monika , Sójka Dagmara
Published: November 2024

Głównym celem tekstu było przeanalizowanie obiektów uwzględnionych w Gminnej Ewidencji Zabytków Gminy i Miasta Szadek. Zachętą do podjęcia rozważań było także chęć przedstawienia mieszkańcom analizowanych miejscowości oraz ogółowi społeczeństwa statystycznego zestawienia obiektów dziedzictwa kulturowego w miejsko-wiejskiej gminie Szadek. W tekście skorzystano z m.in. metody kwerendy urzędowej. W manuskrypcie zobrazowano miejsko-wiejską gminę Szadek na tle Gminnej Ewidencji Zabytków Gminy i Miasta Szadek. W analizowanej jednostce administracyjnej współcześnie dominują zabytki z XIX w. i XX w. Najstarsze wpisane obiekty pochodzą z XIII w. i XIV w. Najwięcej eksponatów wpisanych do Gminnej Ewidencji Zabytków znajduję się w Szadku. W Gminnej Ewidencji Zabytków Gminy i Miasta Szadek dominują domy oraz zabudowania dworsko-parkowo-folwarczne.
Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Female Reproductive Health and the Protective Role of Ziziphus spina-christi in Rats
Authors: Ammari Aiman A. , Alhimaidi Ahmad R. , Amran Ramzi A. , Aljawdah Hossam , Aldahmash Badr , Al-Mikhlafi Fahd A. , Rady Ahmed M.
Published: November 2024

Background: Long-term exposure to cadmium, a lasting environmental pollutant, has been associated with numerous negative health effects, particularly significant reproductive toxicity. This study examines the effects of cadmium on female reproductive health and to investigate the potential protective benefits of Ziziphus spina-christi, a medicinal plant with wide reports on its antioxidant properties, in reducing these impacts in rats. Methods: The study was conducted using in-vivo model, sixteen female rats were assigned to four groups: Control, cadmium exposed group, Ziziphus spina-christi treated group and cadmium exposed treated with Ziziphus spina-christi. All treatments were conducted for 21 days. Histopathological assessments of ovarian tissues were carried out, along with measurements of organ weights and serum hormone levels (LH, FSH and estrogen) using ELISA kits. Statistical analyses were conducted with GraphPad Prism. Result: Exposure of Cadmium in female rats significantly reduced ovarian, oviduct and uterus weights, indicating detrimental effects on reproductive organs. Histological analysis revealed degeneration, atrophy, increased fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in tissues exposed to cadmium. In contrast, treatment with Ziziphus spina-christi maintained normal tissue structure and organ weights. The treatment of Cadmium exposed group with Ziziphus spina-christi displayed intermediate characteristics, indicating some protective effect. Hormonal analysis showed significant decreases in LH, FSH and estrogen levels due to cadmium exposure, while Ziziphus spina-christi treatment raised these hormone levels, suggesting a protective role against hormone disruption. These findings underscore the severe effects of cadmium on female reproductive health and highlight the potential of Ziziphus spina-christi as a therapeutic agent against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and effectiveness.
Performance Analysis of Various Deep Transfer Learning Models for Bacterial Blight Disease Detection and Classification in Pomegranate Fruits
Authors: Pakruddin B. , Hemavathy R.
Published: November 2024

Background: Detecting and classifying diseases in pomegranate fruit using computer vision remains a challenging task due to the presence of numerous diseases. Recent research findings suggest that models based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have shown significant enhancements in accuracy when it comes to classifying images of fruits and leaves. The fungal infection responsible for the disease swiftly propagates through the soil, infiltrating the roots of pomegranate plants. Presently, the sole method to halt its spread entails farmers conducting thorough inspections and promptly eliminating infected plants, an uphill task. Methods: The present study introduces a classification PomeNetV1 model for identifying pomegranate fruit diseases employing CNN and transfer learning techniques. For executing this system, the dataset is created by taking the images directly from the farms in Ballari, Bengaluru, Bagalakote, etc. The proposed pomegranate fruit disease dataset contains 5099 images of five categories: Alternaria, Anthracnose, Bacterial Blight, Cercospora and Healthy. The system under consideration utilizes TensorFlow as its framework for developing deep learning models. Result: This paper evaluates ten different pre-trained models using a transfer learning approach and a proposed novel PomeNetV1 model for classification. All pre-trained models achieved over 99% classification accuracy. However, the PomeNetV1 model stands out with an impressive 99.80% accuracy, making it the most efficient for detecting healthy and bacterial blight diseases compared to others. Surpassing existing models like Vasumathi et al., 2021 deep CNN model with at least 1.63% accuracy, the PomeNetV1 model offers a feasible solution for detecting bacterial blight in pomegranate crops.
Postpartum Depression and the Disclosure Process
Authors: Lunsford Kelsey , Miller Ann
Published: November 2024

Using a qualitative approach, this study examined disclosure patterns of women who have experienced symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is a mental illness that new parents are at risk of developing. If left unresolved, PPD can have severe, negative impacts on the development of the baby and the well-being of the parent. Unfortunately, due to the stigmatized nature of the illness, parents are sometimes reluctant to bring up their struggles with this illness and seek help. Eighteen women who had experienced PPD within the past 5 years were recruited and participated in an interview where they were asked questions regarding their disclosure behaviors. Using communication privacy management theory, the data were examined to explain disclosure patterns. Findings were discovered using a thematic analysis. Themes of disclosure processes, disclosure considerations, boundary maintenance, and effects of disclosure were prompted by the theory, and several subthemes were discovered in the data. This study highlights the challenges that many mothers face when trying to disclose their mental health difficulties to others, like family members, coworkers, and health-care professionals in the postpartum stage.
ORPHANS NO MORE!: THE YOUNG TURKS’ HOMOGENIZING POLICIES, THE ALBANIAN REACTION, AND THE BALKAN COMMITTEE IN LONDON, 1910–1912
Authors: DUSHKU LEDIA
Published: November 2024

This paper explores the reaction of Albanian nationalists towards the homogenizing and centralizing policy of the Young Turks in the Ottoman Empire. After the Young Turks came to power, the focus for the Albanian nationalists was on raising awareness of and securing international support for their national rights. In addition, their focus was on the difficult humanitarian situation in the vilayet of Shkodra. Albanian nationalists’ efforts converged with the Balkan Committee, which was established in London in 1903 following the events in the Balkans after the Ilinden Uprising of 1903. This study investigates the reasons why the Balkan Committee in London became interested in the 1911 Albanian uprising in the vilayet of Shkodra. By following an analytical approach and using numerous sources, the paper concludes that the Balkan Committee succeeded in making British public opinion receptive to the Albanians’ difficult humanitarian situation. However, it did not succeed in uniting the political actors in the Balkans and thus failed to organize a general Balkan uprising, which was clearly an undertaking beyond its capabilities and outside the British government’s interests.
NATURAL CONDITIONS AS A FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CITIES ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE DANUBE RIVER: A CASE STUDY OF KOVIN AND SMEDEREVO FROM THE 14th TO THE 18th CENTURY
Authors: VASIĆ DEJANA , BOŽANIĆ SNEŠANA
Published: November 2024

This paper analyzes the impact of the natural environment as a condition for the emergence and development of Kovin and Smederevo, two nearby cities on opposite banks of the Danube, during a period ranging from the Middle Ages, when both cities underwent intensive development, until the eighteenth century, when the process of land reclamation began on their locations. In the past, the terrain, climate, hydrography, fertility, and natural resources were highly significant for the formation and development of cities, both for their strategic positions and for supplying cities with basic needs, either through direct production or trade. Thus, it is important to analyze and explain these factors that make up the basic prerequisites for the location of a settlement, and to look at the possibilities and obstacles for a city or town along the lower course of the Danube, especially because the conditions differed on the left and right banks in this particular area.
BETWEEN THE BALKANS AND HUNGARY: BAČ AS THE SECOND SEAT OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KALOCSA-BAČ UNDER OTTOMAN RULE DURING THE 16th AND 17th CENTURIES
Authors: PFEIFFER ATTILA
Published: November 2024

After the campaign of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1526, the medieval Kingdom of Hungary effectively ceased to exist. Ferdinand of Habsburg and John Szapolyai fought for supremacy in Hungary and a series of Habsburg-Ottoman wars began, which would last, with minor and major interruptions, for almost 150 years. In this article, I will introduce to Serbian historiography how the fortress of Bač (which was owned by the archbishops of Kalocsa) and the town of Bač, as the second centre of the archdiocese, came under the rule of the Ottomans. The second aim is to present how the archbishops of Kalocsa dealt with the Catholics in Bač and its surroundings during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Last, we will present and summarize our research into how the archbishops of Kalocsa taxed the former archbishop’s estates in Bačka. I will also touch on the beginnings of missionary work in Bač, which was organized in Rome by the Congregation for Propagation of the Faith.
«ГРАММАТИКА ИЛЛИРСКОГО ЯЗЫКА» (1833) И. БЕРЛИЧА КАК КУЛЬТУРНЫЙ ФЕНОМЕН ЭПОХИ «НАЦИОНАЛЬНОГО ВОЗРОЖДЕНИЯ» У ЮЖНЫХ СЛАВЯН АВСТРИЙСКОЙ ИМПЕРИИ
Authors: МИХАЙЛОВИЧ ДРОНОВ АЛЕКСАНДР
Published: November 2024

В статье рассмотрена «Грамматика иллирского языка» (1833) торговца, писателя и лингвиста Игнаца Алоиза Берлича (1795–1855) с исторической и культурологической точек зрения. Берлич занял особую нишу в движении иллиризма, являясь представителем интеллектуальной мысли Славонии и Военной границы. При этом он частично отказался от родной ему славонской лингвокультурной традиции в пользу более широкой «иллирской». Автор статьи пришел к выводу, что Берлич не собирался знакомить читателя книги с историей и культурой южных славян, однако предполагал, что по его грамматике будут обучаться «иллирскому» языку не только «немцы», но и его «земляки», для которых этот язык родной. Кроме того, в статье показано, что на первое издание «Грамматики» повлияло общение Берлича с Вуком Караджичем и Йернеем Копитаром, тогда как на второе – с Богуславом Шулеком, который, как установил автор статьи, с большой долей вероятности обучался хорватскому языку именно по пособию Берлича. Обращая внимание на то, что Берлич в предисловии к грамматике и ее переизданиям пытался решить проблему двух типов письменности «у одного народа», связывая их с конфессиональной принадлежностью, автор статьи предлагает ввести в научный оборот термин «письменно-графическая идентичность».
Engaging local voices: farmers, rural communities, and ecological restoration
Authors:   Pennsylvania State University, Alter Theodore , Laddin Kayla Faith ,   Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Hull Lauren ,   Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Reid Michael ,   Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Kleinert Heidi ,   Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Published: November 2024

This chapter outlines engagement frameworks and strategies for understanding and improving the involvement of farmers and their communities in ecological restoration initiatives. It considers approaches for bringing together participants with differing perspectives and interests to address environmental challenges, in ways that account for both biophysical and socio-political ecologies. The presentation of two case studies highlights the context, challenges and promise of community engagement, along with overarching principles that support effective community-focused initiatives.
Soil health and ecological restoration
Authors:   The University of Manchester, Day Alice , Njeru Ezekiel M. ,   Kenyatta University, Johnson David ,   The University of Manchester
Published: November 2024

Soil health is central for provisioning and supporting ecosystem services for both agriculture and restored natural lands. Agricultural systems create different challenges for soil health that can degrade land and require implementation of restoration strategies. It is important that restoration practices create landscapes that are resilient to the combined challenges of climate, environmental and land-use change, and consideration of soil health is vital to achieve this. Here, we highlight the usefulness and practicality of soil health and degradation indicators for the restoration of degradation gradients caused by current agricultural practices. We emphasise the importance of integrating state-of-the-art knowledge of plant-microorganism interactions, which are the ‘engine’ driving many ecosystem functions, and the key ecological concepts of plant-soil feedback and biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships, to enhance soil health as part of a restoration strategy. Finally, we emphasise how consideration of scale and connectedness in restoration practices is vital for maximise ecosystem multifunctionality.
Restoring peatlands in European landscapes
Authors:   University of Antwerp, van Diggelen Ruurd , Ceulemans Tobias ,   University of Antwerp, Aggenbach Camiel ,   KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Emsens Willem-Jan ,   Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp and University of Antwerp
Published: November 2024

Peatlands in Europe have declined dramatically both in surface and in quality. At the same time, these wetlands fulfil essential ecosystem services such as water purification, biodiversity conservation and carbon retention. Restoration of degraded peatlands is therefore key to enhance these services. This chapter describes the hydrological and ecological functioning of undisturbed peatlands, as well as changes that have occurred once humans started using the landscape more intensively. Effects of interferences at the landscape level are described, together with subsequent changes within peatlands. The cumulative effects of such changes on local site conditions are called land-use legacies, which have significant impacts on restoration prospects of now degraded peatlands. Various restoration targets are summarized, and the consequences of different choices for landscape planning and management are discussed.
Women’s agency and fertility in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors:   , Friedrich Carmen
Published: November 2024

The dissertation provides empirical evidence on the relationship between women’s agency and fertility in the MENA region, where there is little research on this topic and the few existing studies are limited to Egypt. Specifically, Studies 1 and 2 aim to answer the research question of whether childbirth positively affects women’s agency; Study 3 addresses the relationship between agency and desired fertility as well as between agency and unwanted births. Using cross-sectional data from the Integrated Labor Market Panel Survey, Study 1 compares the association between motherhood and agency in three MENA countries, namely Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia. It also explores how the relationship varies by women’s educational attainment and provides a comparative overview of women’s agency in the three countries. Study 2 uses longitudinal data from the Egypt Labor Market Panel Survey (2006, 2012, 2018) to investigate whether women’s agency changes with birth transitions and if this change differs by education or rural versus urban residence. It estimates fixed effects regression models, which rest on weaker assumptions for the identification of causal effects than the assumptions of the methods used in the former studies. Study 3 examines whether Egyptian and Jordanian women’s agency is associated with their personal ideal number of children and their ability to have no more children than desired. Moreover, it adopts a “couple’s perspective” by examining whether the positive effect of agency on preventing unwanted births is also evident in case of disagreement between spouses about the ideal number of children, which has not been considered in previous research. The study uses cross-sectional data from the 2015 Egypt Health Issues Survey and the 2017–2018 Jordan Population and Family Health Survey.
The War in the Gaza Strip, Central Asia and the South Caucasus: The Echo of the Conflict
Authors: Yashlavskii A.
Published: November 2024

The war that broke out in October 2023 in the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, caused a wide resonance around the world, including countries outside the Middle East. The post-Soviet space was no exception: the Middle East aggravation echoed both in the former republics of the USSR, where most of the population is Muslim, and in those states where there is no Muslim majority. Within the framework of this article, the topic of the impact of events in the Middle East on the politics of the post–Soviet countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus is considered - both from a foreign policy and domestic political point of view, especially since both of these aspects often turn out to be closely interrelated. This is especially true in the republics of Central Asia, where the authorities were forced to balance between attempts to maintain beneficial relations with Israel for these countries, but at the same time maintain the opportunity to position themselves as part of the Islamic world. In the case of the post-Soviet South Caucasus, the greatest impact of the conflict in Gaza was on Azerbaijan (the only one of the three Transcaucasian republics where the majority of the population is Muslim). At the same time, unlike the Central Asian states, the response of Azerbaijani residents “from below” to the Middle East war was not so noticeable, while foreign policy influence acquired clearly defined characteristics related both to the special relations that Baku maintains with Israel and to the ambitions of such regional powers as Turkey and Iran.
Iran and Turkey after the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War
Authors: Guzaerov R. , Baskakov I.
Published: November 2024

The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War led to a change in the regional balance of power in the South Caucasus. Turkey significantly strengthened its footprint in the region through diplomatic and military-political support of Azerbaijan in the conflict. Iran, on the other hand, tried to take a cautious stance in the face of tensions, prioritizing regional stability. After the end of the 44-day war, Iran's relations with Azerbaijan, as Turkey's closest ally, were marked by discord, with periods of escalation and de-escalation. In general, the South Caucasus as a region of strategic importance for both Iran and Turkey will continue to be a field of rivalry and clash of interests between the two powers.
Belarus: Requiem for the “Greens”?
Authors: Rovinskaya T.
Published: November 2024

The article examines the activities of the Belarusian Green Party (BPZ) until its dissolution in 2023 spearheaded by the state authorities. The author attempts to analyze the Party’s place and role in the political system of the Republic of Belarus as an extra-parliamentary opposition party, in order to answer the question: is there a prospect of its revival under different political conditions (and, in this case, of joining the European “green party family”)? The first section of the paper traces the political path of the BPZ: the history of its emergence as a structure that rose out of civil society, the formation of its ideology, the most important points of its socio-ecological programme, the timeline of its participation in elections as an opposition party, holding political actions, international cooperation, activities in information space. Next, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020s political crisis on the future fate of the Belarusian “Greens” is examined in detail: the stages and features of the growing confrontation between the BPZ and the state authorities until the official dissolution of the Party. The author comes to a conclusion that, since the Party’s activities had been limited by political conditions during the whole period of its existence, and its shutdown was organized “from above”, it does not mean vanishing of its ideological base and supporters. Therefore, the revival of the Belarusian Green Party in some form in case of political changes in Belarus and in the world cannot be excluded.
Ukraine’s Economy in Conditions of Martial Law
Authors: Krivogouz M.
Published: November 2024

The author analyzes the transformation of the Ukrainian economy in the conditions of the confrontation with Russia. Special attention is payed to the traditional locomotives of the Ukrainian economy – the metallurgy and the agriculture. The conclusion is made that, in spite of the collapse in 2022, the trends of 2023 were positive. The metallurgy and Ukrainian export were particularly severely damaged. But the opening of the European market led to the emergence of new logistics for the export flows, so the export of agricultural goods is still sufficient. The prospects of the Ukrainian economy under the military confrontation are not clear.
Movimiento estacionario de alas en régimen transónico
Authors:   , Simón Calero Francisco Javier
Published: November 2024

En el presente trabajo se pretende estudiar algunas cuestiones relativas al movimiento de alas en régimen transónico. Por una parte se llega a una formulación y método de cálculo original para la resolución numérica del problema, y por otra se realiza un estudio analítico de la solución por el método de los desarrollos asintóticos acoplados. La parte más interesante de la tesis la constituye la aplicación del método de los desarrollos asintóticos acoplados -en función del alargamiento- a alas de alargamiento moderado o alto, como son las que equipan los modernos aviones de entrenamiento avanzado, con un número de Mach de vuelo del orden de 0.80.
The Impact of Psychological Interventions on Student Performance: A Study on the MIT Integration Bee
Authors: Gadde Nishant , Mallavaram Saketh , Dey Shreyan , Senapathi Arnav
Published: November 2024

This research paper investigates the impact of psychological interventions on student performance, specifically within the MIT Integration Bee, a prestigious mathematics competition that challenges students with advanced calculus problems. Conducted across multiple high schools in Texas, the study explores how different motivational techniques, including intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, influence test scores and overall student engagement. The research design includes a comprehensive analysis of motivational strategies, encompassing both baseline and reward-based conditions to assess their effectiveness in enhancing student performance. By examining a diverse sample of high schools from urban and suburban areas, this study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the factors that drive academic achievement in competitive settings. The results have significant implications for educational strategies, particularly in the realm of mathematics education, and highlight the potential for tailored motivational interventions to optimize student engagement and achievement. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on educational psychology, offering insights that could inform the development of more effective teaching practices and policies aimed at fostering a conducive learning environment for students across different educational contexts. In addition, this can potentially be applied to universities as well, breaking way through an exciting part of academics.
Scalability and Adaptability of Smart Infrastructure Solutions in Baltimore: A Case Study on IoT and AI Integration for Urban Resilience
Authors: Piri Soroush
Published: November 2024

As urban areas face increasing challenges, integrating smart infrastructure, particularly IoT and AI technologies, has become vital for enhancing resilience. This study focuses on Baltimore as a case study to explore how scalable and adaptable smart infrastructure solutions can address diverse urban needs within a mid-sized U.S. city. Through a comprehensive review of Baltimore’s socioeconomic indicators and the development of a composite resilience score, this paper identifies key factors that facilitate or hinder the scalability and adaptability of smart infrastructure in economically and demographically varied urban contexts. The resilience score provides a quantitative measure of urban resilience, enabling the analysis of trends and dependencies among socioeconomic indicators over time. Findings reveal critical roles for both community engagement and policy support in adapting technologies to local needs, while economic and technical factors influence the scalability of IoT and AI projects. Based on these insights, the study proposes a framework that offers practical guidance for expanding Baltimore’s smart infrastructure in ways that are economically feasible, technically viable, and socially inclusive. This framework aims to assist Baltimore’s policymakers, urban planners, and technologists in advancing resilient, scalable solutions that align with the city's unique infrastructure needs and resource constraints.