bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab in the Treatment of Hand Eczema: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Paganini Claudia , Maffei Virginia , Vellucci Laura , Talamonti Marina , Petruzzellis Alessandra , Le Pera Lorenzo , Di Raimondo Cosimo , Bianchi Luca , Galluzzo Marco
Published: March 2024

Background: Hand eczema (HE) is a prevalent chronic condition that exerts a substantial and enduring adverse effect on quality of life (QoL) and imposes an economic burden on society. Managing HE poses challenges due to the limited effectiveness and potential adverse effects associated with many currently available topical and systemic treatments. Methods: This article examines twenty-one patients affected by HE treated with dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin IL-4 and IL-13 signaling. This involves a retrospective descriptive statistical analysis. Results: At week 6, HECSI-75 was achieved by 12 patients (57.9%). The proportion of patients meeting the HECSI-75 criteria steadily increased over the observation weeks, reaching 90% at week 16 and 100% at week 104. Furthermore, HECSI-90 and HECSI-100 were achieved by 75% and 60% of patients at week 16 and by 100% and 85% of patients at week 68, respectively. All patients who reached week 104 maintained complete disease remission according to HECSI 100. Conclusions: In all patients, dupilumab was shown to be an effective drug in achieving disease clearance, as indicated by all the parameters considered at each evaluation point (Week 6, Week 16, Week 32, Week 52, Week 68, Week 84, and Week 104), in comparison to the initial baseline.
Early Implant Failure: A Meta-Analysis of 7 Years of Experience
Authors: Grigoras Radu Ionut , Cosarca Adina , Ormenișan Alina
Published: March 2024

Background: The use of dental implant rehabilitation in the treatment of complete and partial edentulism has become an integral treatment today. This treatment is performed on healthy patients, but in some situations, also on those with associated general ailments. The presence of associated conditions increases the degree of difficulty of this type of treatment and tests the doctor’s ability to manage the clinical case. The purpose of the study was to perform a meta-analysis of dental implants inserted over seven years and evaluate early implant failure in correspondence with age, sex, region of insertion, type of implant, and general state of health. Methods: A retrospective study was performed over 7 years of experience. For the study, 213 patients who fit the established inclusion criteria were selected. Patients were grouped taking into account age, sex, the type of implant used, and general associated conditions. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS STATISTICS 25.0 for windows Results: There were no highlighted situations in which the rejection of the dental implant occurred 10 days postoperatively or later during the healing period. Conclusions: Our results confirm and strengthen the existing data in the specialized literature, especially those related to the loss of implants in patients with associated general diseases.
The Role of TNF-α in the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome and Its Usefulness as a Marker of the Disease Course
Authors: Pukajło-Marczyk Agnieszka , Zwolińska Danuta
Published: March 2024

Background: The pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) has not been fully explained. Among the likely factors, tumor necrosis factor - alpha (TNF-α) is considered. We aimed to evaluate the TNF-α (sTNF-α, uTNF-α) levels in the serum and urine of INS children, with the aim of determining its association with proteinuria, and of determining its usefulness as a marker of the disease severity. Methods: Fifty-one examined patients were divided into subgroups depending on the number of relapses as follows: group IA—first episode; group IB—more than two relapses, and according to treatment modality; group IIA—glucocorticosteroids (GS) alone; and group IIB—GS with immunosuppressants. Healthy age-matched children served as the control group. Results: sTNF-α and uTNF-α levels were significantly increased in active phases in the whole INS group compared to the control group. They decreased in remission, but remained significantly higher when compared to the control group. During remission in the IB group, sTNF-α levels were significantly higher than in IA, whereas, in the relapse phase, these values were similar. In the IA group, a positive correlation between proteinuria and sTNF-α was demonstrated. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that TNF-α plays a role in the development of INS, and may be used as a prognostic marker, as well as an indicator for the continuation of therapy. Additional research is required to verify this statement.
Retinal Vascular Changes in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Weerts Jerremy , Raafs Anne G. , Sandhoefner Birgit , van der Heide Frank C. T. , Mourmans Sanne G. J. , Wolff Nicolas , Finger Robert P. , Falahat Peyman , Wintergerst Maximilian W. M. , van Empel Vanessa P. M. , Heymans Stephane R. B.
Published: March 2024

Background: Systemic microvascular regression and dysfunction are considered important underlying mechanisms in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but retinal changes are unknown. Methods: This prospective study aimed to investigate whether retinal microvascular and structural parameters assessed using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) differ between patients with HFpEF and control individuals (i.e., capillary vessel density, thickness of retina layers). We also aimed to assess the associations of retinal parameters with clinical and echocardiographic parameters in HFpEF. HFpEF patients, but not controls, underwent echocardiography. Macula-centered 6 × 6 mm volume scans were computed of both eyes. Results: Twenty-two HFpEF patients and 24 controls without known HFpEF were evaluated, with an age of 74 [68–80] vs. 68 [58–77] years (p = 0.027), and 73% vs. 42% females (p = 0.034), respectively. HFpEF patients showed vascular degeneration compared to controls, depicted by lower macular vessel density (p < 0.001) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (p = 0.025), and a trend towards lower total retinal volume (p = 0.050) on OCT-A. In HFpEF, a lower total retinal volume was associated with markers of diastolic dysfunction (septal e’, septal and average E/e’: R2 = 0.38, 0.36, 0.25, respectively; all p < 0.05), even after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, or atrial fibrillation. Conclusions: Patients with HFpEF showed clear levels of retinal vascular changes compared to control individuals, and retinal alterations appeared to be associated with markers of more severe diastolic dysfunction in HFpEF. OCT-A may therefore be a promising technique for monitoring systemic microvascular regression and cardiac diastolic dysfunction.
Intraoperative Assessment of the Stromal Ablation in Photorefractive Keratectomy
Authors: Barequet Dana , Levinger Eliya , Levinger Nadav , Levinger Samuel , Barequet Irina S.
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the difference between planned and measured central ablation depth (CAD) and compare the first and second operated eye in simultaneous bilateral myopic alcohol-assisted PRK. Methods: A retrospective review of patients was performed. Demographic and preoperative data was abstracted. Intraoperative assessment included environmental data, laser-planned algorithm of ablation (L-CAD), and optical coherence pachymetry (OCP) measurements. The true stromal ablation depth (O-CAD) was calculated by subtracting the immediate post-ablation OCP measurement from the OCP measurement before laser ablation. Deviation in pachymetry (DP) between O-CAD and L-CAD was also assessed. Results: The study comprised 140 eyes from 70 consecutive patients. The mean age was 26.91 ± 6.52 years, and 57.1% were females. O-CAD was significantly correlated to preoperative refractive errors and intraoperative laser settings. DP was not correlated to any of the pre- or intraoperative parameters. L-CAD showed a significant underestimation as compared to O-CAD (67.87 ± 25.42 µm and 77.05 ± 30.79 µm, respectively, p < 0.001), which was shown in 74.3% of the cases. A moderate agreement between the two methods was noted, with a mean deviation of 17%. This difference was maintained for each eye individually (p < 0.001). In addition, DP was significantly higher in the first operated eye as compared to the second operated eye (11.97 ± 16.3 µm and 6.38 ± 19.3 µm respectively, p = 0.04). Conclusion: The intraoperative assessment of stromal ablation showed significantly higher central ablation depth values compared to the laser-planned ablation algorithm. The deviation in pachymetry was higher in the first, compared to the second, operated eye. Awareness is warranted as to the discrepancy between preoperative planning and intraoperative assessment.
α-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-Pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP): A Review
Authors: Dinis Pedro , Franco João , Margalho Cláudia
Published: March 2024

New Psychoactive Substances are currently a serious and growing problem affecting public health worldwide. By 2022, 1184 of these substances had been identified over a period of 16 years. Within these, α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) and α-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP) have emerged, two synthetic cathinones from the pyrovalerone derivates subgroup that are positional isomers of each other. Alpha-PHP appeared on the Japanese illicit drug market in 2014 and, two years later, α-PiHP was identified for the first time in China. They were placed in schedule II on the list of Psychotropic Substances under International Control in 2020 and in March 2023, respectively. Both cathinones have no therapeutic potential for medical use and therefore are abused for recreational habits, which can lead to fatalities. The most frequent adverse effects reported are cardiac, psychiatric, and neurologic, and fatal intoxications have already been described. In Portugal, their consumption and consequent seizures are more prevalent on the archipelagos, which has been aggravating the health situation. In conclusion, these types of substances are a challenge for forensic toxicology since they are easily synthesized, modified, and placed on the market. Therefore, more studies to develop analytical methods to detect them and more comprehensive legislation should be applied. Thus, this review aimed to address the legislative, physicochemical, toxicological, and analytical aspects of both substances.
How Old Is Too Old? Outcomes of Prolapse Native-Tissue Repair through Uterosacral Suspension in Octogenarians
Authors: Barba Marta , Cola Alice , De Vicari Desirèe , Costa Clarissa , Volontè Silvia , Frigerio Matteo
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Medical advancements are expected to lead to a substantial increase in the population of women aged 80 and older by 2050. Consequently, a significant number of individuals undergoing corrective prolapse surgery will fall into the elderly-patient category. The research indicates a notable rise in complications associated with prolapse surgery in patients older than 80, irrespective of frailty and other risk factors. Despite these challenges, the vaginal approach has been identified as the safest surgical method for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair in the elderly population. For this reason, we aimed to investigate the efficacy, complication rate, and functional outcomes associated with vaginal hysterectomy and an apical suspension/high uterosacral ligaments suspension as a primary technique for prolapse repair, both within a cohort of elderly patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent transvaginal hysterectomy plus an apical suspension procedure for stage ≥ II and symptomatic genital prolapse between January 2006 and December 2013. Anatomical and functional outcomes were evaluated. The Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score was used to evaluate subjective satisfaction after surgery. Results: Sixty-five patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 81.3 years. All individuals exhibited an anterior compartment prolapse stage II or higher, and the majority also a central prolapse stage II or higher. Notably, all participants reported symptoms of vaginal bulging. Over half of the population (58.6%) complained of incomplete bladder emptying. The intervention for all participants involved a vaginal hysterectomy with an apical suspension. Sixty-three patients (96.9%) and forty-four patients (67.6%) underwent a simultaneous anterior or posterior repair, respectively. Long-term complications (>30 days from surgery) were observed during follow-up, with a median duration of 23 ± 20 months. Seven (10.7%) anatomical recurrences were recorded, five (7.69%) concerning the anterior compartment, one (1.5%) the central, and three (4.6%) the posterior. Nevertheless, none of them necessitated further surgical intervention due to symptoms. Significant anatomical improvements for the anterior, central, and posterior compartments were noticed, compared to preoperative assessment (p < 0.001 for Aa and Ba, p < 0.001 for Ap and Bp, and p < 0.001 for C). PGI-I values established that 100% of patients were satisfied (PGI-I ≥ 2), with a median score of 1.12. Consequently, objective and subjective cure rates were 89.5% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: Vaginal hysterectomy combined with apical suspension, particularly high uterosacral ligaments suspension, is a safe and effective primary surgical approach, even in elderly patients.
Gums as Macromolecular Crowding Agents in Human Skin Fibroblast Cultures
Authors: Guillaumin Salome , Gurdal Mehmet , Zeugolis Dimitrios I.
Published: March 2024

Even though tissue-engineered medicines are under intense academic, clinical, and commercial investigation, only a handful of products have been commercialised, primarily due to the costs associated with their prolonged manufacturing. While macromolecular crowding has been shown to enhance and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition in eukaryotic cell culture, possibly offering a solution in this procrastinating tissue-engineered medicine development, there is still no widely accepted macromolecular crowding agent. With these in mind, we herein assessed the potential of gum Arabic, gum gellan, gum karaya, and gum xanthan as macromolecular crowding agents in WS1 skin fibroblast cultures (no macromolecular crowding and carrageenan were used as a control). Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that all macromolecules had negative charge and were polydispersed. None of the macromolecules affected basic cellular function. At day 7 (the longest time point assessed), gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that all macromolecules significantly increased collagen type I deposition in comparison to the non-macromolecular crowding group. Also at day 7, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that carrageenan; the 50 µg/mL, 75 µg/mL, and 100 µg/mL gum gellan; and the 500 µg/mL and 1000 µg/mL gum xanthan significantly increased both collagen type I and collagen type III deposition and only carrageenan significantly increased collagen type V deposition, all in comparison to the non-macromolecular crowding group at the respective time point. This preliminary study demonstrates the potential of gums as macromolecular crowding agents, but more detailed biological studies are needed to fully exploit their potential in the development of tissue-engineered medicines.
Infrared Spectroscopy of RNA Nucleosides in a Wide Range of Temperatures
Authors: Iglesias-Groth Susana , Cataldo Franco , Marin-Dobrincic Martina
Published: March 2024

The RNA world hypothesis suggests that early cellular ancestors relied solely on RNA molecules for both genetic information storage and cellular functions. RNA, composed of four nucleosides—adenosine, guanosine, cytidine, and uridine—forms the basis of this theory. These nucleosides consist of purine nucleobases, adenine and guanine, and pyrimidine nucleobases, cytosine and uracil, bonded to ribose sugar. Notably, carbonaceous chondrite meteorites have revealed the presence of these bases and sugar, hinting at the potential existence of nucleosides in space. This study aims to present the infrared spectra of four RNA nucleosides commonly found in terrestrial biochemistry, facilitating their detection in space, especially in astrobiological and astrochemical contexts. Laboratory measurements involved obtaining mid- and far-IR spectra at three temperatures (−180 °C, room temperature, and +180 °C), followed by calculating molar extinction coefficients (ε) and integrated molar absorptivities (ψ) for corresponding bands. These spectral data, along with ε and ψ values, serve to provide quantitative insights into the presence and relative abundance of nucleosides in space and aid in their detection.
Investigation of Cavitated Flow in Water-Lubricated Bearings Considering Surface Roughness, Thermal, and Elastic Effects
Authors: Charamis Dimitris , Nikolakopoulos Pantelis G.
Published: March 2024

Contrary to conventional journal bearings, which operate using oil-based substances, water-lubricated bearings (WLBs) utilize water and, thus, constitute a more environmentally responsible solution. The shipping industry, among others, as already been introduced to this technology with a lot of commercial ships using water-lubricated stern tube systems; in other cases, hydropower plants manage to keep up with the strict environmental regulations by implementing the use of WLBs in water turbines. However, there are a lot of challenges when it comes to transitioning from conventional bearings to water-based ones. Such challenges are caused by the low viscosity of water and lead to phenomena of high complexity. Such phenomena are related but not limited to cavitation and turbulent flow due to the interaction between the lubricating water and bearing surface. In this study, a numerical method will be used to simulate the fluid film and bearing geometries in order to perform a thermo-elastohydrodynamic (TEHD) analysis. The dynamic characteristics of the bearing will be calculated and the results will be discussed. The novelty of the study is evident in but not limited to the determination of the elastic deformation of a WLB during operation, as well as the effect of surface roughness, cavitation, and thermal effects on bearing characteristics.
Effect of the Fe/Mn Ratio on the Microstructural Evolution of the AA6063 Alloy with Homogenization Heat Treatment Interruption
Authors: Avalos Adolfo Galván , Torres Jesús Torres , Flores Valdés Alfredo
Published: March 2024

The casting structure of the AA6063 alloy contains intermetallic particles of β-Al5FeSi, which can result in the fragility of the cast pieces. However, with heat treatment, the β phase transforms from a needle or plate form into an intermetallic phase known as α, which resembles Chinese-script in its morphology. To analyze the effect of the ratio of Fe/Mn with different ratios of 0.5, 0.75, and 1, a heat treatment process is used with intermittent interruptions. The alloy is subjected to a temperature of 575 °C for 12 h to determine the microstructural evolution of the β-Al6FeMn and α-Al15(FeMn)3Si2 phases. This study used scanning electron microscopy to conduct point analyses and elemental mappings of the intermetallics found in the casting and heat treatment samples. Additionally, X-ray diffraction was employed to determine the stoichiometry of the present phases. The results indicated that the cast structure contains β-Al6FeMn and α-Al15(FeMn)3Si2 phases and that the β-Al6FeMn phase transforms into the α-Al15(FeMn)3Si2 phase upon completion of the heat treatment process. By using specific Fe/Mn ratios, the formation of the needle-shaped Al5FeSi phase in the casting structure of the alloy can be inhibited, leading to the precipitation of phases such as β-Al6FeMn and α-Al15(FeMn)3Si2 instead.
Corrosion Behavior of Carbon Steel in LiCl/H2O Mixtures
Authors: Avilés-Flores Modesto , Larios-Gálvez Ana Karen , Martínez-González José , Lopez-Sesenes Roy , Brito-Franco Alfredo , Cerezo Jesús , Tejeda Francisco Christian Martinez , Ramirez-Arteaga America Maria , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Jose Gonzalo
Published: March 2024

The corrosion behavior of 1018 carbon steel in LiCl/H2O mixtures has been evaluated by using potentiodynamic polarization curves, electrochemical noise and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Two different concentrations of LiCl were employed, namely 35 and 40 wt. %, and the testing temperatures included 25, 35 and 70 °C. It was found that the steel showed a passive zone; the corrosion current density value increased with an increase in the solution temperature and concentration. The pitting potential value decreased with an increase in the testing temperature and the solution concentration. The corrosion process was under charge transfer control. This mechanism was unaltered either by the solution temperature or concentration. The charge transfer resistance value decreased with an increase in both the solution temperature and concentration. A localized, pitting type of corrosion dominated the corrosion morphology at 25 and 35 °C, whereas at 70 °C, the main type of attack was a mixed type of corrosion.
Numerical Study on the Heat Transfer of Confined Air-Jet Quenching of Steel Sheets
Authors: Ye Yanqi , Fu Tianliang , Liu Guanghao , Wang Guodong
Published: March 2024

The high flatness quenching of ultra-high-strength steel sheets is a technical problem in the steel industry. In this study, the traditional water and spray quenching methods were abandoned, and the roller-constrained slot air-jet quenching method was proposed for steel sheets below 3 mm thickness, which provided a theoretical reference for producing thinner, wider, and higher-flatness steel sheets. A 2D roller-constrained slot air-jet numerical model was established to study the flow field and heat transfer characteristics under the conditions of Reynolds number 24,644–41,076, a dimensionless jet height of 16–24, and a jet angle of 45°–135°. The results showed that the average Nusselt number on the heat transfer surface was proportional to Rem. At the same time, high-intensity heat transfer was achieved when the dimensionless height and jet angle were properly combined. At the same Reynolds number, the heat transfer intensity could be increased by 289%. In addition, the position of the peak Nusselt number was affected by reducing the jet angle, which served as an effective strategy for adjusting the martensite ratio and obtaining ideal mechanical properties.
Comparative Analysis of Cyanotoxins in Fishponds in Nigeria and South Africa
Authors: Bassey Odo J. , Gumbo Jabulani R. , Mujuru Munyaradzi , Adeyemi Adeeyo , Dondofema Farai
Published: March 2024

Over the decades, the aquaculture sector has witnessed substantial growth, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. However, the menace of CyanoHABs threatens the sustainability of fish farming. Considering the possible hazards linked to cyanotoxins in food and water, a comparative study design between commercial fish in Nigeria and South Africa was employed to investigate cyanotoxins in the water from fishponds. Six commercial fishponds in Calabar Municipality—Nigeria and Duthuni—South Africa with varying climatic zones were selected. Water samples from the ponds were collected at intervals during different seasons (summer, winter, dry, and wet seasons) to capture climate-induced variation. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS) in combination with the metabolites database was used for the identification of toxic cyanometabolites in water samples. The molecular networking approach, coupled with the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) database and CANOPUS annotation, enabled the putative identification of cyanometabolites. The resulting molecular network unveiled discernible clusters representing related molecule families, aiding in the identification of both known cyanotoxins and unfamiliar analogues. Furthermore, the molecular network revealed that water samples from different fishponds shared specific metabolites, including ethanesulfonic acid, pheophorbide A, cholic acid, phenylalanine, amyl amine, phosphocholine (PC), and sulfonic acid, despite variations in location, local climatic factors, and sampling sites. The fishponds in Nigeria showed the presence of multiple cyanotoxin classes in the dry, wet, and summer seasons in the water. Aflatoxin was identified in all sampling sites in Nigeria (N1, N2, and N3). The Duthuni, South Africa, sampling sites (P1, P2, and P3) exhibited the presence of microginins and microcystins. All the fishponds displayed a widespread occurrence of anabaenopeptins, aplysiatoxins, aflatoxin, microcolins, and marabmids during the selected summer. In conclusion, the untargeted metabolome analysis, guided by GNPS, proved highly effective in identifying both toxic and non-toxic metabolites in fishponds.
Novel Oral Polio Vaccine Type 2 Use for Polio Outbreak Response: A Global Effort for a Global Health Emergency
Authors: Kurji Feyrouz Damji , Bandyopadhyay Ananda Sankar , Zipursky Simona , Cooper Laura V. , Gast Chris , Toher Margaret , Clemens Ralf , Clemens Sue Ann Costa , Prasad Rayasam , Azhari Adriansjah
Published: March 2024

A sharp rise in circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreaks in the years following the cessation of routine use of poliovirus type 2-containing oral polio vaccine and the trend of seeding new emergences with suboptimal vaccination response during the same time-period led to the accelerated development of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), a vaccine with enhanced genetic stability and lower likelihood of reversion to neuroparalytic variants compared to its Sabin counterpart. In November 2020, nOPV2 became the first vaccine to be granted an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) by the World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification Team (PQT), allowing close to a billion doses to be used by countries within three years after its first rollout and leading to full licensure and WHO prequalification (PQ) in December 2023. The nOPV2 development process exemplifies how scientific advances and innovative tools can be applied to combat global health emergencies in an urgent and adaptive way, building on a collaborative effort among scientific, regulatory and implementation partners and policymakers across the globe.
Correction: Podlutskii et al. Arabidopsis thaliana Accessions from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Show Decreased Sensitivity to Additional Acute Irradiation. Plants 2022, 11, 3142
Authors: Podlutskii Mikhail , Babina Darya , Podobed Marina , Bondarenko Ekaterina , Bitarishvili Sofia , Blinova Yana , Shesterikova Ekaterina , Prazyan Alexander , Turchin Larisa , Garbaruk Dmitrii , Kudin Maxim , Duarte Gustavo T. , Volkova Polina
Published: March 2024

In the original publication [...]
Disinformation and Fact-Checking in the Face of Natural Disasters: A Case Study on Turkey–Syria Earthquakes
Authors: Méndez-Muros Sandra , Alonso-González Marián , Pérez-Curiel Concha
Published: March 2024

Natural disasters linked to contexts of unpredictability and surprise generate a climate of uncertainty in the population, resulting in an exponential increase in disinformation. These are crisis situations that cause the management of public and governmental institutions to be questioned, diminish citizens’ trust in the media, and reinforce anonymity in social networks. New digital algorithms create a scenario plagued by fake news and levels of viralization of rumors never before contemplated. Our objective is to analyze the verification capacity of fact-checking agencies at X at times of information disorder, such as the Turkey–Syria earthquakes in 2023. We apply a mixed methodology of comparative content analysis to government, news agency, and IFCN accounts, generating a general sample (n = 46,747) that is then subjected to thematic categorization to create a specific sample (n = 564). The results indicate a low commitment to fact-checking on the part of official bodies and news agencies, as opposed to fact-checking agencies’ accurate handling of the facts. The lack of debate and engagement generated by digital audiences in the face of the discursive intentionality of disinformation is significant.
“Why Here?”—Pull Factors for the Attraction of Non-EU Immigrants to Rural Areas and Smaller Cities
Authors: Diogo Elisete
Published: March 2024

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes the crucial role of the regional dimension for economic, social, and environmental development. Sustainable development may be linked to migration management to strategically disperse international migrants to regions in need of ameliorating rural challenges. This paper explores the features affecting international migrants’ intentions to move to rural areas, such as Alentejo, Portugal, based on a set of micro-, mezzo-, and macro-sociological migration theories to support policymakers. This paper addresses the following research question: what motivates immigrants’ decisions to move to rural regions, such as Alentejo, Portugal? Practitioners (n = 8) and migrants (n = 15) were interviewed, and then a thematic analysis supported by MaxQDA 2022 was conducted. The results suggest that there is a set of motives for international migrants to move to rural areas and smaller cities based on multilevel factors, both economic and non-economic, such as the following: employment availability and promises of work; lower living costs compared to bigger cities; quality of life; local services support; and echoes of the country of origin. Migrants’ networks and seeking greater opportunities were consistent motives. The pull to rural areas, however, is a side effect of the attraction of Portugal and Europe as destinations. The conclusions highlight implications for policy and practice on migration and local development.
Measuring Respirable Crystalline Silica (Quartz) from Powdery Materials through Sedimentation and X-ray Diffractometry
Authors: Tuomi Tapani , Lyyränen Jussi
Published: March 2024

When possible, choosing materials with a low quartz content is the most effective and cost-efficient way to prevent the respirable quartz exposure of workers and other end users of powdery products. Therefore, methods are needed to analyze low amounts of quartz from powdery products, such as sand, gravel, plaster, cement, and concrete. To this end, we present a method to analyze respirable dust and quartz from powdered materials, such as construction products. The method includes separation of the respirable dust fraction by liquid sedimentation, followed by gravimetric analysis and determination of the crystalline silica content by X-ray diffractometry. While also aiding in the development of less harmful products, analysis of the quartz concentration of powdery products is statutory in Eu countries, excluding natural products not chemically modified. According to EU Regulation No. 1272/2008, products must be classified if they contain harmful substances in concentrations above 0.1 wt.%, and clauses pertaining to cancerous properties and harmfulness to lungs should be included. Also, mineral producers in the EU recommend that products containing respirable quartz should be labelled based on their quartz concentration, provided the concentration exceeds 1 wt.%. The present method meets these needs. The analysis can be performed in parallel from 50 to 1000 mg (dry weight) of powdery materials. The quantitative limit of determination was 10 µg per sample, corresponding to 0.01 wt.%, and the linear range 0.02–10 wt.% (10–5000 µg quartz per sample, Pearson correlation coefficient 0.99). The accuracy of the method was 82% and the repeatability 11%.
Word Embedding as a Semantic Feature Extraction Technique in Arabic Natural Language Processing: An Overview
Authors: Bourahouat Ghizlane , Abourezq Manar , Daoudi Najima
Published: March 2024

Feature extraction has transformed the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP) by providing an effective way to represent linguistic features. Various techniques are utilised for feature extraction, such as word embedding. This latter has emerged as a powerful technique for semantic feature extraction in Arabic Natural Language Processing (ANLP). Notably, research on feature extraction in the Arabic language remains relatively limited compared to English. In this paper, we present a review of recent studies focusing on word embedding as a semantic feature extraction technique applied in Arabic NLP. The review primarily includes studies on word embedding techniques applied to the Arabic corpus. We collected and analysed a selection of journal papers published between 2018 and 2023 in this field. Through our analysis, we categorised the different feature extraction techniques, identified the Machine Learning (ML) and/or Deep Learning (DL) algorithms employed, and assessed the performance metrics utilised in these studies. We demonstrate the superiority of word embeddings as a semantic feature representation in ANLP. We compare their performance with other feature extraction techniques, highlighting the ability of word embeddings to capture semantic similarities, detect contextual associations, and facilitate a better understanding of Arabic text. Consequently, this article provides valuable insights into the current state of research in word embedding for Arabic NLP.
Comparative Analysis of Intrusion Detection Models using Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Alaketu Muyideen Ayodeji , Oguntimilehin Abiodun , Olatunji Kehinde Adebola , Abiola Oluwatoyin Bunmi , Badeji-Ajisafe Bukola , Akinduyite Christiana Olanike , Obamiyi Stephen Eyitayo , Babalola Gbemisola Olutosin , Okebule Toyin
Published: March 2024

Traditional cyber security measures are becoming less effective, leading to rise in modern attacks. However, the ability to analyze and use massive volume of data (big data) to train anomaly based systems that can learn from experience, classify attacks and make decisions can improve prediction of attacks before they actually occur. In this study, to ensure availability, integrity, and confidentiality of information systems, predictive models for intrusion detection that use Big Data and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms were proposed. The proposed approach used a big dataset (CIC-Bell-IDS2017) to independently train three ML classifiers before and after feature selection. Big data analytics tool was also employed for feature scaling and selection in order to normalize data and select the most relevant set of features. Performance evaluation and comparative analysis were done and the results showed there were improvements in the models’ prediction accuracies.
Le lac Titicaca bolivien : analyse ethnographique pour penser le désordre environnemental au prisme des savoirs scientifiques et autochtones
Authors: Blanc Ansari Jordie
Published: March 2024

Cet article présente une enquête de terrain, réalisée de 2017 à 2019, portant sur les enjeux socio-environnementaux du lac Titicaca en Bolivie. Frontalier entre le Pérou et la Bolivie, le lac est à la fois un axe de navigation, une ressource pour l’alimentation en eau, un haut lieu d’attraction touristique et un patrimoine naturel et culturel d’exception. Les différents acteurs (société civile, politiques

publiques, coopérations internationales, scientifiques) luttent contre la détérioration du lac. Or, les activités de préservation de

la ressource lacustre se heurtent bien souvent aux décisions des acteurs territoriaux et sont soumises aux stratégies des acteurs politiques et des bailleurs de fonds. Nous exposerons les différents facteurs de contamination de la ressource liés notamment aux

pressions touristiques, au manque de gestion des eaux usées et à l’urbanisation afin d’interroger ce désordre environnemental. Nous analyserons ces problématiques écologiques à partir des expertises scientifiques réalisées par l’Institut de Recherche pour le

Développement et l’Université Mayor de San Andres ainsi qu’à travers le regard des acteurs locaux. Cette mise en perspective des savoirs nous amènera à questionner la manière dont les mythes, les croyances et les rituels permettent de rationaliser ces enjeux. Quels sont les catégories de perception et les imaginaires que les acteurs locaux projettent sur la nature, sur la pollution, sur le changement climatique ?
Histoire botanique du genre Viola et de la famille des Violaceae
Authors: Espeut Marc
Published: March 2024

Les violettes sont des fleurs connues dans la littérature depuis l’Antiquité gréco-romaine. Ce travail retrace l’histoire botanique du genre Viola depuis Théophraste jusqu’à la dernière classification phylogénétique APG 4. Les pensées furent regroupées pour la première fois avec les violettes durant le 16e siècle mais le genre Viola dans sa conception actuelle n’apparut qu’au début du 18e siècle avec Tournefort. Ce genre fut longtemps regroupé dans d’autres familles et ce n’est qu’un siècle plus tard, en 1802, que la famille des Violaceae fut créée. Une vingtaine des plus importantes classifications sont analysées pour voir évoluer le concept de Violaceae depuis le 16e siècle jusqu’à nos jours ainsi que la diversité et le nombre croissant de taxons.
Compte-rendu du voyage d’étude de la Société botanique de France en Tasmanie du 20 novembre au 1er décembre 2017
Authors: Giazzi Jean‑Paul , Bordon Jacques , Le Strat Florence
Published: March 2024

Ce compte-rendu mentionne les herborisations effectuées lors d’un voyage d’étude de la Société botanique de France en Tasmanie.
Histoire de la découverte botanique de la Tasmanie
Authors: Crestey Nicole
Published: March 2024

Courtes notices des botanistes découvreurs et collecteurs en Tasmanie.
Moralni pluriverzum i institucionalna stabilizacija političkog poretka u suvremenoj demokratskoj ustavnoj državi
Authors: Špehar Hrvoje
Published: March 2024

U radu se istražuje institucionalizacija političkoga i pravnog poretka u suvremenoj demokratskoj ustavnoj državi, s obzirom na promjenjive društvene uvjete u oblicima razvoja demokracije identitetâ i moralnoga pluriverzuma. Osobito se analizira konstitucija suvremene demokratske ustavne države kao neutralnoga posrednika u društvenom sporu, te se s obzirom na divergentnost moralnih slika svijeta koje oblikuju suvremeno društvo, nastoje pokazati temeljna načela postmoderne strategije stabilizacije političkog poretka. Bez obzira na promjenjive društvene okolnosti, u analizi, koja se metodološki temelji na postulatima novoga institucionalizma u društvenim istraživanjima, pokazuju se neka stabilizirajuća načela koja osobito vrijede za normativni kapacitet političkoga i pravnog sustava, kao što su specifičnost zapadne pravne tradicije, ključna pozicija ljudskoga dostojanstva i oblikovanje pravnoga sustava kao političke institucije. Pri analizi se osobita pozornost posvećuje kršćanskom doprinosu razvoju i etabliranju zapadne pravne tradicije i vrijednosti ljudskog dostojanstva.
Promišljanje o ateizmu kod Bernharda Weltea
Authors: Maslać Suzana
Published: March 2024

Misao o ateizmu velikog njemačkog filozofa religije Bernharda Weltea pokazala se vrlo značajnom i vrijednom za suvremenu filozofsku misao te postaje aktualna i u današnje vrijeme. U ovo vrijeme sve je moguće dokazati, bilo da se radi o različitim vjerovanjima, povjerenju u znanost i znanstvene provjere, tehniku i tehnologiju koja zasigurno uzima maha pred svakim drugim vjerovanjem. Bog je tu postao smetnja. No naš autor će pokazati kako ateizam u današnje vrijeme otvara i neke nove vidike. Tome u prilog će ići njegova misao o dijalogu s našim ateističkim suvremenicima, otvorenosti i odgovornosti spram tog dijaloga. Cilj ovoga rada je pokazati kako Welte gleda na pojavu ateizma – kao na nešto što nije strano ili nešto što treba zanemariti, nego sasvim naprotiv, treba govoriti o ateizmu kao onome u kojemu se može naći i ponešto pozitivno – jer i ateizam uvijek pristaje uz neko vjerovanje. Stoga ateizam treba promotriti kao onu pojavu u kojoj se može naći i nešto pozitivno, što u konačnici može odvesti do beskonačne Tajne i temelja svega – Boga. Vidjet ćemo i kako na ateizam gleda II. vatikanski koncil u pastoralnoj konstituciji Gaudium et spes te enciklika pape Pavla VI. Ecclesiam suam, koje se na poseban način osvrću na ateizam kao pojavu novog doba i, kako to naš autor veli, povijesnu moć ovog doba.
A review of current practices on lead ions removal from different aqueous streams
Authors: Ponnaiah Gomathi Priya , Lakshmi Shanthana , Sivalingam A. Brinda Lakshmi Sivamani , Sivalingam Sivamani
Published: March 2024

Toxic heavy metals like Lead are destructive to humans and the environment when existing above their threshold limits. Several conventional lead abatement methods are used in wastewater treatment plants to restore the ecology, food supply, and human and animal health. Many tactics are used to remove harmful Pb metals, like ion exchange, chemical precipitation, membrane filtration, and coagulation. These have a few principal approaches for removing metal ions from used water. Rapid developments in tailor-made materials science have proved to remove Lead metal using ion exchange resins, zeolite, polymeric membranes, and ionic liquids due to their low cost, surface accessibility, and unique benefits. This review paper has studied the detailed benefits and shortcomings of removing lead ions from wastewater using numerous materials, processes of production, possibly destructive properties on public health, and potential hybrid routes. In addition, this work observes the present advancements and developments in lead mitigation tools using different techniques for the past five years. Furthermore, this research review opens up to study of other materials' diverse applications in removal processes.
A new digital database of Ellen Louise Mertz’s 1924 ‘Overview of late- and postglacial elevation changes in Denmark’
Authors: Jackson Samuel Paul , Svennevig Kristian , Kjeldsen Kristian Kjellerup
Published: March 2024

Data from an important historic article on late- and postglacial land-level changes in Denmark and the accompanying map are presented here in a new digital format. The original data were compiled in 1924 by Ellen Louise Mertz and comprise field observations of the marine limit in Denmark made over the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The original tables have been transcribed and expanded into a digital database consisting of 658 entries. The original map sheet has been georeferenced and 392 mapped points have been assigned coordinates. The points are linked to their attributes in the digital data table, making them newly amenable to geospatial analysis in a Geographic Information System. To demonstrate, we briefly present one such application, namely a reproduction and verification of the isolines of raised beach elevation from the original 1924 map.
Study of education leverage factors to improve sampang human development index
Authors: Alim Helmy Sahirul , Rohmah Nurir , Milawati Milawati
Published: March 2024

Education contributes to improving human quality, which is highly related to the development of a regency. In general, the HDI or IPM in Sampang Regency has increased, according to data from BPS, the Human Development Index (HDI) of Sampang Regency in 2022 reached 63.39, an increase of 0.59 points (0.94 percent) compared to the previous year's achievement (62.80). During 2010-2022, the HDI of Sampang Regency increased by an average of 1.36 per cent per year from 54.49 in 2010 to 63.39 in 2022. This study aims to analyze the IPM in Sampang in order to find out what leverage factors can be used as a basis for factors that can increase HDI in Sampang Regency. The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) only counts students who continue their studies in the Sampang Regency area as IPM data in the education sector. This problem makes the Expected Years of Schooling (HLS) numbers low in Sampang Regency. Meanwhile, the issue of Average Years of Schooling (RLS) will be expected to increase with the Paket C program. The results of this study are expected to be a reference for various parties who will analyze the Human Development Index (IPM) in the field of education. In particular, it is expected to be a reference for parties involved in the formulation of IPM in the field of education in Sampang Regency.
Estudio de materiales de interés ambiental: celdas fotoelectroquímicas y oxinitruros ferroeléctricos
Authors:   , Bastidas Briceño Ruby Carolina
Published: March 2024

La tesis aborda la problemática del cambio climático y la contaminación ambiental, centrándose en la búsqueda de materiales sostenibles y respetuosos con el medio ambiente para mitigar estos efectos. Se destaca la importancia de las energías renovables como una solución clave para reducir las emisiones de CO2 y promover la sostenibilidad energética. En este contexto, se investiga el potencial de los oxinitruros tipo perovskita, específicamente el SrTaO2N, como material multifuncional que puede ser utilizado tanto en aplicaciones fotocatalíticas para la división del agua como en la obtención de materiales ferroeléctricos. Se estudia la alineación de bandas en la interfaz SrTaO2N/SrTiO3, explorando cómo la variación de las constantes de red y las terminaciones de la superficie afectan las propiedades fotocatalíticas y ferroeléctricas del material. Además, se investiga la influencia de las sustituciones catiónicas y aniónicas en las perovskitas tipo oxinitruro para el estudio de materiales de soluciones sólidas con el objetivo de mejorar la eficiencia fotocatalítica de estos materiales. La tesis se organiza en capítulos que abordan la introducción al problema, la base teórica y los métodos de cálculo utilizados, la recopilación de datos experimentales y teóricos relevantes, el estudio de la ferroelectricidad en la interfaz SrTaO2N/SrTiO3, el análisis de la alineación de bandas en esta interfaz y en las soluciones sólidas y finalmente se presentan las conclusiones y posibles direcciones futuras de investigación.
????? ??????????? ?? ????? ????? ????????
Authors: Taufiqurrahman Moh.
Published: March 2024

????? ??????????? ?? ????? ????? ????????

 

?????? ????? ??????

???? ????? ??????? ???? ????? 2021 ? ????? ??????????? ?? ????? ????? ????????? ???? ????? ???????? ?????? ??? ??????? ????????? ?????? ???????? ?? ???? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? .

 

?????? ????????? : ????? ???????????? ?? ?????? ????? ???????? .

 

??????? ????????? ???? ????????? ( ????? – ?????? ) ???? ???????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ??????? ?? ??? ??? ???????  ?? ???????? ??????????? ??? ???? ?????? ??? ????? ??? ????????? ????????????? ????????? ??????? ??? ???????????

????? ??????? ????????? ??? ????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ????????, ????? ??????    ????????,    ?????? ?????? ???????? ?? ????? ?????? ??????, ???????? ?? ????? ??????.??????? ?? ??????? ???????, ?????? ( ???? ) ?? ???? ??? ????? ???????? ?? ????? ?????? ????????? ?????? ????? ???????. ????? ???????? ??? ???? ???? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ?????? " ?? ????? ?????? ??????? ?? ????? ??? ??? ?????? ( ??????? : 36 ).

????? ???????? ????? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ?????? ?????? ??????? ??????? . ????? ???? ???? ????? ???????? ?? ?????? – ???????? – ??????? – ??????? ????????? ????? ???????? ??? ????? ????? ?? ????? ??????? ??? ????? ??? ????????? – ?? ?????? ??????? ?????? ?? ???? ????? – ?? ????? ?????? ??? ????? ??? ???????? .??? ??????? ???????? ??? ??? ????? : ??????? ????????? – ??????? ????????? - ??????? ???????? .