bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in corporate social responsibility implementation between Slovak and Czech companies
Authors: Kozáková Jana , Urbánová Mária , Skypalova Renata
Published: February 2024

In recent years, corporate social responsibility has emerged as a pivotal factor for corporations in cultivating a favorable public perception. Despite this, many companies remain uncertain about the integration and rationale behind incorporating it into their core business strategies. This study aims to discern dissimilarities in implementing corporate social responsibility initiatives between Slovak and Czech companies, addressing the triple bottom line framework. This approach is a metric for evaluating a company’s achievement across three dimensions: social, environmental, and economic. The study is predicated on a questionnaire survey conducted among a sample of 180 Slovak and 180 Czech companies operating as subsidiaries of multinational corporations as typical implementers of corporate social responsibility activities in emerging economies. Following the triple bottom line framework, three distinct sets of variables were formulated to account for social, environmental, and economic activities using the Mann-Whitney U Test to ascertain statistically significant disparities between Slovak and Czech companies. The findings indicate that the surveyed companies from monitored countries exhibited no notable distinctions in environmental endeavors. However, discrepancies were discerned in economic activities, specifically relating to post-sales or post-warranty customer services, which was significant with a small effect size (0.19). In social activities, significant differences were observed concerning adherence to the principle of equal opportunities in the workplace. Based on these outcomes, it is recommended that future investigations delve more extensively into the monitored parameters within the Visegrad countries.
AcknowledgmentThe paper was prepared within the project “Etika v podnikaní na Slovensku” no. 01/2022/GA FEM SPU supported by Grant Agency – Faculty of Economics and Management – Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra and internal grand of AMBIS college.
Determinants of Eating Habits and Body Mass Index in transition; A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study of Public and Private Schools of Lahore
Authors: Nasir Mehreen , Junaid Khunsa , Arshad Amber , Rafique Saadia
Published: February 2024

Background
Pakistan is facing a double burden of disease. Nutrition has an impact on nutritionally related non-communicable diseases.  Malnutrition in adolescent age continues in adulthood so interventions in this stage can help us fight this emerging problem.
Objective:
To determine the nutritional status of school-going adolescents and their eating patterns and then compare them between public and private secondary schools of Lahore.
Methods
This analytical cross-sectional study was done on 372 school-going adolescents from 01.03.2023 to 20.06.2023 (3.5 months). A self-structured questionnaire was filled with interviews by convenience sampling. Weight and height were measured and BMI was plotted on WHO z charts to determine the nutritional status. Data were entered and analyzed by SPSS Version 21. The chi-square test was used to compare BMI and its determinants. Factors found significant were subjected to Binary logistic regression. P-value ≤ 0.05 was taken as significant. 
Results
Out of the 372 school-going adolescent participants had a mean age of 14.86 years SD ± 1.75 (164 males and 208 females).  76(20.43%) were underweight, 201 (54.03%) had normal weight, 66(17.74%) were overweight and 29(7.8%) were obese. Public Schools had higher odds of undernutrition AOR 1.49 and lower odds of overweight and obesity AOR 0.38. Males had a reduced chance of undernutrition AOR 0.59 while the increased odds of overweight/ Obesity AOR 1.81. Age groups 11 to 15 years had reduced odds of undernutrition as compared to 16 to 19 years AOR 0.53 and increased odds of overweight/ obesity as compared to 16 to 19 years AOR 2 .00.
Conclusion
There is a significant difference in the nutritional status and eating habits of adolescents between public and private schools. Undernutrition is higher in public schools, among females and age 16 to 19 years. Nutritional interventions should be strengthened in school health services
Design, Operation and Economics of Large Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Krampe Jörg
Published: February 2024

This book emphasizes the growing interest in the design and operation of large wastewater treatment plants throughout the past decades. The outstanding role of LWWTPs nowadays results from the shift of the world's population from rural to urbanized areas with centralized sewer systems. The urban population of the world has grown rapidly from 751 million in 1950 to 4.2 billion in 2018.

Asia is home to 54% of the world's urban population, followed by Europe and Africa with 13% each. Today, 55% of the world's population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050. Projections show that urbanization, combined with the overall growth of the world's population could add another 2.5 billion people to urban areas by 2050, with close to 90% of this increase taking place in Asia and Africa.

Topics covered in this book include operational data and research centred around large-scale applications of innovative technologies and approaches; topics connected with the design and operation of LWWTPs, such as data acquisition for design purposes, application of mathematical models, nitrogen removal optimization and financial sustainability. Emerging topics of interest are also examined, such as the removal of micropollutants and microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, activated sludge granulation and the effect of street thawing salt on plants.

In Focus–a book series that showcases the latest accomplishments in water research. Each book focuses on a specialist area with papers from top experts in the field. It aims to be a vehicle for in-depth understanding and inspire further conversations in the sector.
Making Water Smart
Authors: Wade Matthew J , Keedwell Edward C. , Steyer Jean-Philippe , Ruano Garcia M. Victoria
Published: February 2024

This chapters in this book highlight the breadth of smart water technologies and applications. From the use of classical machine learning and data transformation methods for process improvement, to data management and assimilation in models for better monitoring control, a selection of these chapters describes the acquisition and preparation of data as an initial step in its use as part of a digital framework for smart water applications. Importantly, several chapters examine the use of smart tools and contemporary AI technologies, such as neural networks and Internet of Things, that demonstrate value in non-conventional or remote environments. This collection demonstrates the innovation possible through the entire ‘pipeline’ of the process of applying smart water techniques, from data measurement and collection, through initial analysis to the application of machine learning and AI techniques and finally through to system deployment. Each of these steps plays an important role in the application of data science and AI techniques to water problems.

Collectively, the book showcases the innovation required to leverage modern data science and AI approaches in the water sector and collectively point the way towards a future of new measurement techniques, innovative methodologies, and intuitive human interaction to truly ‘Make Water Smart’.

In Focus–a book series that showcases the latest accomplishments in water research. Each book focuses on a specialist area with papers from top experts in the field. It aims to be a vehicle for in-depth understanding and inspire further conversations in the sector.
Construction of wetlands in La Piedad Lagoon: a strategy to mitigate climate change in Mexico
Authors: Sosa Rodriguez F. S. , Chaparro-Herrera D. J. , Vazquez-Arenas J. , Arias A. Nava , Alva-Martínez A. F.
Published: February 2024

The freshwater systems located within the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City (Mexico City and the State of Mexico) are depleted. La Piedad Lagoon is recognized as a critical water resource as it serves as a run-off reservoir during the rainy season. However, the Lagoon is highly contaminated by untreated wastewater discharge due to disorderly and unplanned urban development. Inadequate sanitation has caused significant biodiversity loss and negatively impacted the population's health. Climate change models estimate that surface water availability could be reduced by over 30% in the short term, increasing the risk of a regional water crisis. This complex situation is urgent and demands the ecological restoration of La Piedad Lagoon as it provides an alternative source of water for Mexico City. Here, the intervention and efforts currently performed to rescue La Piedad Lagoon are described, involving its transformation and analysis of the environmental conditions of the area, land uses and ownership, as well as available infrastructure. Finally, it examines key environmental parameters for the construction of wetlands in the Lagoon. The removal contamination capacities of Eichhornia crassipes and Lemna minor, two aquatic plants in the area, were assessed. The lessons learned from this intervention can provide valuable lessons.
A novel approach to determine spatial prioritization of flooding mitigation practices based on coupled hydrodynamic and rainfall-tracking model
Authors: Wang Xinghua , Hou Jingming , Pan Xinxin , Chen Guangzhao , Gao Xujun , Zhang Zhaoan
Published: February 2024

This article is focused on proposing a novel approach to determining flood mitigation practices based on coupled hydrodynamic and rainfall-tracking models. V-shaped and Baogaisi catchments were applied to assess the effects of the novel approach in mitigating peak discharge and runoff volume, respectively. Specifically, traditional afforestation scenarios were planned from downstream to upstream, while novel afforestation scenarios were designed based on the maximum and minimum contribution rate of sub-areas. Then two types of cases were simulated by the coupled hydrodynamic and rainfall-tracking model again to evaluate the mitigating effects of different afforestation practices. Results show that the coupled model is able to obtain accurate hydrodynamic and rainfall-tracing information simultaneously within each computing grid under the flooding caused by rainfall events. Moreover, in comparison with the reduction effects of traditional cases, results simulated under two catchments illustrated that the novel approach is able to determine spatial prioritization of afforestation management practices. In particular, there is a positive correlation between the contribution rate of afforestation area and the reduction effect of runoff volume caused by rainfall events. Thus, the research could provide a more scientific and reasonable guide in determining spatial prioritization flooding mitigation practices for planners and governments.
Reassessing the indicator value of the EPT group in karst rivers under hydromorphological pressure
Authors: Šumanović Marina , Pozojevic Ivana , Vilenica Marina , Matoničkin Kepčija Renata , Mihaljević Zlatko , Gulin Beljak Vesna , Miliša Marko
Published: February 2024

Hydromorphological degradation is one of the most common stressors to freshwater ecosystems nowadays. Rivers lose riparian vegetation, habitat heterogeneity, natural flow velocity, etc., due to hydromorphological alterations. We analyzed macroinvertebrate communities in a wide range of hydromorphological conditions – from near natural sites to significantly altered water bodies, focusing on Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT). Considering that the EPT group is a quite sensitive and generally stenovalent group, we wanted to examine which of the hydromorphological pressures affects them the most. We also wanted to identify indicator taxa for different levels of degradation: minor, moderate, and severe. We collected samples from 84 karst rivers sites in Croatia. We found 52 taxa of EPT (Ephemeroptera – 21, Plecoptera – 11, Trichoptera – 20). Changes in river morphology proved to be the most important stressor affecting the distribution of the EPT group. Hydrological regulation did not show significance toward the EPT community, possibly due to the karst nature of the rivers studied. The most sensitive EPT taxa were those with the greatest preference for macrophytes and lithal habitats. More tolerant EPT taxa were those with a wide range of habitat preferences and/or taxa that feed on particulate organic matter.
Investigating the impact of climate change on irrigation and crop water requirements of Bhadra and Tungabhadra command area: A CMIP-6 GCMs and CROPWAT 8.0 approach
Authors: Rudraswamy G. K. , Umamahesh N. V.
Published: February 2024

The effect of climate change on water availability and agriculture water demand is crucial for assessing agricultural productivity and economic development in semi-arid regions. The present study examines the crop water requirement (CWR) and irrigation water requirement (IWR) of the Bhadra and Tungabhadra (TB) command areas, with a focus on forecasting future irrigation water needs. Using the CROPWAT 8.0 software, CWR and IWR were estimated for the base period (1975–2010) and three future periods: near future (2023–2048), middle future (2049–2074), and far future (2075–2099). Five best-performing Global Climate Models (GCMs) were utilized under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) (i.e., SSP-245 and SSP-585). The results indicate that in the Bhadra command area, CWR increases during the kharif season under both SSPs. However, monthly IWR for the kharif season experiences a significant decrease, except for June. In the TB command area, CWR shows a decreasing trend, while monthly IWR increases for both seasons in future periods. The SSP-585 scenario exhibits a more pronounced increment in CWR and IWR for both command areas. The results enhance comprehension of water demand dynamics in agricultural areas, assisting policymakers and stakeholders in devising effective strategies to address climate change impacts on agriculture and encourage sustainable practices.
POSSIBILIDADES DE ANÁLISE FÍLMICA DE ‘UM DOMINGO QUALQUER’ A PARTIR DO CONSTRUCTO TEÓRICO DE PIERRE BOURDIEU
Authors: Mezzaroba Cristiano
Published: February 2024

O texto se trata de uma análise fílmica referente ao filme “Um domingo qualquer” do diretor norte-americano Oliver Stone (EUA, 1999) tendo o constructo teórico de Pierre Bourdieu como elemento mobilizador das análises, principalmente com os conceitos de campo, habitus, illusio e distinção. Primeiramente, apresentamos uma sinopse da obra cinematográfica, com detalhes que permitem aproximar exemplos contidos no filme com os conceitos destacados, pela explicitação do filme quanto ao campo esportivo e campo midiático. Pensando em possíveis contribuições ao campo da formação de professores de Educação Física, as breves notas conclusivas articulam a discussão enquanto possibilidade pedagógica àqueles/as que se dedicam à Educação Física Escolar, a partir do viés sociológico e com o recurso do audiovisual, permitindo uma ampliação do repertório cultural dos envolvidos neste processo, ampliando compreensões quanto à inter-relação entre os campos esportivo e midiático.
M'BYÁ MIRIM: POSSIBILIDADES ETNOGRÁFICAS DE UMA SITUAÇÃO DE CONTATO ENTRE OS M'BYÁ GUARANI E OS JURUÁ
Authors: Martins Fabio do Espírito Santo
Published: February 2024

Este artigo pretende tornar concretas algumas colaborações às análises fílmicas, àquilo que se referem as suas possibilidades de tangenciamento com o “corpus” teórico da antropologia contemporânea, sobretudo, as suas concepções etnológicas e procedimentos etnográficos propriamente ditos, que buscam ampliar o entendimento crítico e a capacidade de interação ética com os povos indígenas no Brasil. Para tanto, propõem-se ao estudo da obra “M'byá Mirim”, realizado pelo diretor Ariel Duarte Correa, no Rio Grande do Sul em 2013. Trabalho que contém a peculiaridade de ter sido concebido, produzido e realizado a partir da perspectiva indígena, já que Ariel, o seu realizador, é membro do povo M'byá Guarani. Estando ainda este filme, inserido na proposta estética e teórica contemplada pelo projeto “Vídeo nas Aldeias”, a ser discutido a diante.
DEMOCRACIA BRASILEIRA E O FEDERALISMO
Authors: Colombo Luciléia Aparecida , Regina Gasparetto Lunardi Soraya
Published: February 2024

O presente artigo se propõe analisar qual a influência do federalismo brasileiro na argumentação desenvolvida através da interpretação jurídica nos votos dos Ministros do Supremo Tribunal Federal, os quais foram devidamente apresentados ao processo responsável por definir os critérios da Ação Direta de Constitucionalidade 6341. Neste sentido, buscamos interpretar como a concepção desta Corte sobre a delimitação do conceito de federalismo mostrou-se decisiva no voto emitido, no que tange à pandemia da Covid-19. Metodologicamente, nos amparamos em fontes primária e secundária, sendo a primeira a análise dos votos dos Ministros do STF e a segunda, calcada em periódicos científicos especializados sobre a temática aqui processada. Como resultados preliminares, podemos destacar que as noções de checks and balances, presentes na teoria federalista, são decisivas para políticas públicas que encontram resistências e dissensos no interior da sociedade brasileira, transferindo ao Poder Judiciário, a competência não somente para arbitrar o conflito, como para regular a formulação e implementação de políticas públicas.
Propuesta de un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales que explica el rendimiento académico en el curso de Estadística General de la Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina
Authors: Salazar Vega Rolando Jesús , Rosas Villena Fernando René
Published: February 2024

El objetivo general de la investigación es validar el ajuste de una propuesta de modelo de ecuaciones estructurales explicativa del rendimiento académico de los estudiantes en el curso de Estadística General de la UNALM en el semestre 2023-I, mediante la técnica estadística multivariante de modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Se consideraron los factores rendimiento académico, rendimiento pasado, motivación, desempeño docente y autoconcepto académico. La investigación es de alcance cuantitativo, de tipo aplicada, de nivel correlacional-causal y de diseño no experimental de carácter transversal. La muestra fue de 208 estudiantes que llevaron el curso de Estadística General en el semestre 2023-I. Se concluye en la investigación que el modelo propuesto presenta un buen ajuste; que el factor rendimiento pasado ejerce influencia significativa en el rendimiento académico; que los factores motivación, desempeño docente y autoconcepto académico no tienen influencia significativa en el rendimiento académico, y que el factor desempeño docente ejerce influencia significativa en la motivación y el autoconcepto académico.
Application of Nanomedicine in Tumor Targeting Inflammatory
Pathway
Authors: Tan Fangshun , Du Zhuoying , Zhong Juanjuan , Wu Yinxin , Mou Jie , Zhao Fangnan , Liu Yuling , Chen Jinlan , Liang Zihan , Zhou Yunxi , Lv Wanling , Cai Yuxuan , Wang Bei , Xu Wen , Yuan Chengfu
Published: February 2024

Given the threat of ever-growing cancer morbidity, it is a cutting-edge frontier
for multiple disciplines to apply nanotechnology in cancer therapy. Nanomedicine is
now perpetually influencing the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Meanwhile, tumorigenesis
and cancer progression are intimately associated with inflammation. Inflammation
can implicate in various tumor progression via the same or different pathways.
Therefore, current nanomedicines exhibit tumor-suppressing function through inflammatory
pathways. At present, the comprehensive understanding and research on the mechanism
of various nanoparticles in cancer treatment are still in progress. In this review,
we summarized the applications of nanomedicine in tumor-targeting inflammatory pathways,
suggesting that nanoparticles could be a budding star for cancer therapy.
Local and Remote Chemogenetic Suppression of Hippocampal Seizures in
Rats
Authors: Li Donghong , Yan Xi , Xing Yue , Yan Jiaqing , Wang Junling , Zhang Herui , Wang Jiaoyang , Li Xiaonan , Su Zhumin , Loh Horace Hao , Yang Xiaofeng , Chen Xiaohong
Published: February 2024

Background:

Innovative treatments of refractory epilepsy are widely desired, for which
chemogenetic technology can provide region- and cell-type-specific modulation with relative noninvasiveness.

Objectives:

We aimed to explore the specific applications of chemogenetics for locally and remotely
networks controlling hippocampal seizures.

Methods:

A virus coding for a modified human Gi-coupled M4 muscarinic receptor (hM4Di) on pyramidal
cells was injected into either the right hippocampal CA3 or the bilateral anterior nucleus of the
thalamus (ANT) in rats. After one month, seizures were induced by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) injection
into the right CA3. Simultaneously, clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) (2.5 mg/kg) or clozapine (0.1 mg/kg),
the specific ligands acting on hM4Di, were injected intraperitoneally. We also set up hM4Di control
and clozapine control groups to eliminate the influence of viral transfection and the ligand alone on the
experimental results.

Results:

For both local and remote controls, the mean seizure duration was significantly reduced upon
ligand application in the experimental groups. Seizure frequency, on the other hand, only showed a
significant decrease in local control, with a lower frequency in the clozapine group than in the CNO
group. Both the effects of CNO and clozapine were time-dependent, and clozapine was faster than
CNO in local seizure control.

Conclusion:

This study shows the potency of chemogenetics to attenuate hippocampal seizures locally
or remotely by activating the transfected hM4Di receptor with CNO or clozapine. ANT is suggested as
a potentially safe chemogenetic application target in the epileptic network for focal hippocampal seizures.
High-throughput Phenotyping of Maize Roots Using Digital Image Analysis
Authors: Coronado-Aleans Verónica , Barrera-Sánchez Carlos F. , Guzmán Manuel
Published: February 2024

Recent research on maize root architecture has made significant progress, but further research is needed to optimize methods for efficient and accurate acquisition of root architecture data. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of digital imaging for root phenotyping of Zea mays L. Field experiments were carried out at two locations in the province of Antioquia, Colombia, in 2019 and 2020 to analyze root architecture variables of 12 genotypes of maize. Two methodologies were used: manual phenotyping and digital image analysis. Pearson’s correlation coefficients among variables were estimated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to summarize and uncover clustering patterns in the multivariate data set. The results indicated correlations between diameter (r = 0.94) and manually measured root diameter. The manually measured right and left root angles correlated with image-derived root angle at r = 0.92 and 0.88, respectively, and root length at r = 0.62. The PCA highlighted that the digital method explained the highest proportion of variation in root areas and diameters, while the manual method dominated in root angle variables. These results corroborate a feasible method to optimize root architecture phenotyping for research questions. This protocol can be adopted under the automatic analysis with REST software for acquiring images of variables associated with roots’ angle, length, and diameter.
Anthropometric indicators and their relationship with body fat in obese
women.
Authors: Rosales-Ricardo Yury , Caiza-Ruiz Vinicio , Álvarez-Carrión Sonia
Published: February 2024

To determine the anthropometric indicator of best correlation with body
fat in women with obesity aged 20 to 59 years. A correlational
cross-sectional study was conducted. The percentage of body fat was
determined (% GC) and lipid profile (LDL, TG, CT), Body Mass Index (BMI),
Hip Waist Index (ICC), Waist Height Index (ICE), Conicity Index (CI), Body
Adiposity Index (BSI), Hip Height Index (HSI) and Body Weight by Height
Index (BWI). Seven hundred and eighty obese women were selected by random
cluster sampling. The correlation of the mean % GC with anthropometric
indicators was: BMI:0.697, ICC: 0.661, ECI: 0.910, CI: 0.587, ICadE: 0.323,
CAI: 0.578, EICP: 0.549. The lipid profile correlation with anthropometric
variables and indices was: LDL (BMI: 0.615, ICC: 0.765, ECI: 0.881, CSI:
0.535, ICadE: 0.588, ECDI: 0.492), TG (BMI: 0.690, ICC: 0.776, ICE: 0.855,
CI:0.625, CI: 0.572, CIadE: 0.632, EICP: 0.631) Y TC (BMI: 0.699, ICC:
0.715, ECI: 0.829, CI: 0.601, ACI: 0.609, CIadE: 0.709, EICP: 0.500) High
correlation between % GC and Waist Circumference. Waist Height Index had a
better correlation with Body Fat. Keywords: obesity; health; women;
nutritional status
Effect of Five Concentrations of Aqueous Extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus P. Kumm and Tagetes minuta L. on the Mortality of Two Nematodes in a Laboratory Setting
Authors: Chango Madison , Rosero Gabriela , Erazo Norma , Álvarez Pablo
Published: February 2024

The nematode attacks affect several plant species of Ecuadorian crops. There are fungi and plants with nematicide ability that have agricultural interest. This study assessed the effect of five concentrations of aqueous extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus and Tagetes minuta on the mortality of Meloidogyne spp. and Panagrellus redivivus nematodes in a laboratory setting. The aqueous extracts were obtained through hydro distillation where concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 5%, 25%, 50% and 100% were prepared. A wholly randomized single-factor design was used for the P. ostreatus extract and a bifactorial for the T. minuta extract (leaves and flowers). The number of dead individuals was evaluated, and the efficacy and LC50 were determined. T. minuta leaf extract showcased higher nematicide activity against P. redivivus with an LC50 of 8.03 ppm; when applied to Meloidogyne sp., the extract showed nematicide activity with an LC50 of 0.01 ppm. For P. ostreatus extract, the greatest nematicide activity against P. redivivus was an LC50 of 1.22 ppm and nematicide activity against Meloidogyne sp., was an LC50 of 0.01 ppm. The aqueous extract of T. minuta flowers showed low nematicide activity and the aqueous extract of T. minuta leaf showed the best nematicide activity.

Keywords: nematicide; Tagetes minuta; Pleurotus ostreatus; Panagrellus redivivus; Meloidogyne sp.
An Escape Game on University Students’ Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cocreation Study
Authors: Labrosse David , Vié Clara , Hajjam Hana , Tisseron Clément , Thellier Dimitri , Montagni Ilaria
Published: February 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on students’ mental health. Interventions are needed to promote their psychological well-being and prevent mental illnesses in the aftermath of this unprecedented situation. Digital escape games can be an effective tool to support students’ mental health. A cocreation approach can improve the acceptability of these interventions by involving different stakeholders (eg, end users, game designers, and health professionals) to obtain audience-specific games.

Objective

This study aims to describe the process of testing and optimizing the game “EscapeCovid” on students’ mental health, to serve as a model for the cocreation of future similar interventions.

Methods

The PRODUCES (Problem, Objective, Design, End Users, Cocreators, Evaluation, Scalability) framework was used. Cocreation steps (test and optimization) were detailed for replicability. A total of 45 students tested a pilot version of the game, with 10 undergoing a semistructured interview. Meetings with a group of stakeholders and brainwriting were organized to optimize the game.

Results

We produced a new version of the game incorporating the suggestions provided by student testers and following the stakeholders’ guidelines. Improvements were made to both the content and the form of the new version of the pilot game. The storyline, including the protagonist and the scenes, was adapted to the student population.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that cocreation can contribute to the design of more widely accepted interventions aimed at promoting mental health and preventing psychological disorders. Results also suggest that an end user–centered approach can facilitate intervention tailoring. When conceiving a health-related escape game for students, we recommend using the cocreation approach to enhance players’ experience, thus positively influencing their learning process and overall well-being.
Decoding the Influence of eHealth on Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness in Older Adults: Qualitative Analysis of Self-Determination Through the Motivational Technology Model (Preprint)
Authors: Cotter Lynne M , Shah Dhavan , Brown Kaitlyn , Mares Marie-Louise , Landucci Gina , Saunders Sydney , Johnston Darcie C , Pe-Romashko Klaren , Gustafson David , Maus Adam , Thompson Kasey , Gustafson David H
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Older adults adopt and use eHealth systems to build autonomy, competence, and relatedness and engage in healthy behaviors. The motivational technology model posits that technology features, such as those on websites, smart displays, and mobile phones, must allow for navigability, interactivity, and customizability, which spur feelings of self-determination and intrinsic motivation. We studied ElderTree, an online system for older adults that provides on-demand videos of healthy living content, self-monitoring, and weekly researcher-hosted video meetings.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to understand the theoretical crossover between the motivational technology model and self-determination theory using features of ElderTree to understand the usability of the technology and how it may support older adults’ autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

METHODS

Drawing participants from a randomized controlled trial of a mobile health app for older adults with multiple chronic conditions, we conducted qualitative interviews with 22 older adults about their use of the app; the interviews were coded using qualitative thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Older adults did find that features within ElderTree such as content available on demand, good navigation, and weekly researcher-led video calls supported feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, respectively. Individual differences such as a background using computers also influenced participants’ experiences with the smart displays.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants confirmed the features that increased internal motivation, such as interactivity correlating with feelings of relatedness, but they also found other ways to support autonomous health behavior change beyond narrow views of navigability, interactivity, and customization.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis Notification Rate Within Shenzhen, China, 2010-2019: Spatial-Temporal Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Lai Peixuan , Cai Weicong , Qu Lin , Hong Chuangyue , Lin Kaihao , Tan Weiguo , Zhao Zhiguang
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a chronic communicable disease of major public health and social concern. Although spatial-temporal analysis has been widely used to describe distribution characteristics and transmission patterns, few studies have revealed the changes in the small-scale clustering of PTB at the street level.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics and clusters of PTB at the street level in the Shenzhen municipality of China to provide a reference for PTB prevention and control.

METHODS

Data of reported PTB cases in Shenzhen from January 2010 to December 2019 were extracted from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention to describe the epidemiological characteristics. Time-series, spatial-autocorrelation, and spatial-temporal scanning analyses were performed to identify the spatial and temporal patterns and high-risk areas at the street level.

RESULTS

A total of 58,122 PTB cases from 2010 to 2019 were notified in Shenzhen. The annual notification rate of PTB decreased significantly from 64.97 per 100,000 population in 2010 to 43.43 per 100,000 population in 2019. PTB cases exhibited seasonal variations with peaks in late spring and summer each year. The PTB notification rate was nonrandomly distributed and spatially clustered with a Moran I value of 0.134 (P=.02). One most-likely cluster and 10 secondary clusters were detected, and the most-likely clustering area was centered at Nanshan Street of Nanshan District covering 6 streets, with the clustering time spanning from January 2010 to November 2012.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified seasonal patterns and spatial-temporal clusters of PTB cases at the street level in the Shenzhen municipality of China. Resources should be prioritized to the identified high-risk areas for PTB prevention and control.
Trends of Publications on Humanism in Nursing: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ferreira Aydogdu Ana Luiza
Published: February 2024

Humanism has significantly shaped modern nursing practices by emphasizing on the crucial value of providing patient-centered care and acknowledging the innate worth of human dignity. That is why this paper aims to explore and assess the existing framework of knowledge within publications that address humanism in nursing, as well as trace its evolutionary trajectory. The present document shows the results of a descriptive bibliometric study based on a data retrieval conducted from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database and its subsequent analysis made using Excel and VOSviewer. The study encompassed 135 documents published from 1993 to 2021 in 82 journals, authored by 390 researchers from 33 countries. Notably, 79.3% of these works were classified as original articles, 53.3% belonged to the nursing category, and 86.7% were published in English. The existence of a strong connection between humanism, ethics, care, and nursing education was observed in all the works analyzed.
"Effect of Suryanamaskar Training on Flexibility Enhancement in Young Players: A Pre-Post Intervention Study"
Authors: G Gurubasavaraj
Published: February 2024

Abstract: The goal of the research was to determine how Suryanamaskar training affected players’ flexibility. Twenty to twentyfour year old individuals, total, were chosen from Kalyan region, to participate in the current research as players. Suryanamaskar training (an independent variable) and flexibility (a dependent variable) were the variables used for this research. The pre- and post-tests were used to gather data on flexibility. A single group design was used for the research, and the pretest and posttest were administered before and after the eight weeks of Suryanamaskar training, respectively. At the 0.05 level of significance, paired t-tests and descriptive analyses were used to compare the pre- and posttest means of flexibility. The study's findings demonstrated a significant difference in players' pre- and post-test flexibility (t=6.713, p<0.05). Based on the results, it was determined that Suryanamaskar training would be useful for enhancing players' flexibility.
Performance Analysis of BGP Dynamic Routing Protocol using QOS for TCP and UDP Services
Authors: Miswar Nur , Herman Herman , Riadi Imam
Published: February 2024

The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is commonly used for TCP and UDP services, but it poses challenges in terms of Quality of Service (QoS) analysis. Parameters like throughput, packet loss, delay, and jitter are crucial for assessing network service quality. This study aims to analyze the performance and influence of the BGP routing protocol on TCP and UDP services using QoS parameters. The research used a GNS3 network simulation to conduct multiple packet transmission tests for TCP and UDP protocols, lasting 15, 30, and 60 seconds; and monitored using Wireshark. For TCP services, the average QoS index value is 3.75, categorizing the quality as "Good". The tested network topology and routing configuration exhibit reliable performance, providing good throughput, low packet loss rates, minimal delays, and stable jitter. Similarly, UDP services demonstrate “Good” performance with an average QoS index of 3.75. The BGP routing protocol in the tested network topology ensures high-quality service with good delivery speed, low packet loss rate, minimal delay, and stable jitter. Overall, the study concludes that the BGP routing protocol effectively provides satisfactory QoS for TCP and UDP services. This research contributes to understanding network performance and optimizing routing protocols for improved telecommunications services. The findings highlight the significance of routing protocols in facilitating efficient data transmission on the Internet, reinforcing the importance of QoS analysis for enhancing service quality.
Ant Colony Optimization for Efficient Distance and Time Optimization in Swarm Drone Formation
Authors: Mardiyanto Ronny , Suhartono Andri , Kuswidiastuti Devy , Suryoatmojo Heri
Published: February 2024

One of the challenges in swarm drone formation is achieving fast and effective formation with optimal distances. In this paper, we propose a swarm drone formation approach utilizing Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) for achieving it. We conducted simulations involving the formation of three or more drones, aiming to identify the best formation based on distance, acceleration, and time criteria. Simulation results demonstrate that formation time is significantly reduced when employing ACO optimization compared to non-optimized methods. Additionally, the optimized formations exhibit shorter inter-drone distances compared to non-optimized formations. By implementing this approach, swarm drone formations can be rapidly established with minimized distances, resulting in substantial battery savings. The simulation encompassed various patterns formed by 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 drones. The findings indicate that the approach can reduce formation time by varying degrees, ranging from 12% to 51%, across 66% of the conducted experiments, notably for patterns created with a substantial drone count. The degree of diversity observed among the proposed solutions reached 60%, with minimal variances of less than 1% for each.
Fruit characteristics and phenology Tahiti lime in two Colombian environments
Authors: Arias-García Juan Sebastián , Hurtado-Salazar Alejandro , Ceballos-Aguirre Nelson , Ramirez-Castillo Mariana , Villegas-Noreña Laura Elisa
Published: February 2024

The surge in Tahiti lime exports over the past year, combined with heightened quality standards of the international market, have made it necessary to improve production processes to obtain fruit with increasingly better organoleptic characteristics. Thus, the foundation lies in selecting a property with suitable edaphoclimatic conditions and possessing precise knowledge of the ecophysiological behavior of the tree in these specific conditions. This study aimed to document the flowering phenology and study the physicochemical characteristics of Tahiti lime fruits in two environments in the Andean region of Colombia. Evaluations were conducted on eight Tahiti lime trees (ten-year-old) per orchard grafted on Sunki x English. Observations were made for 12 months of the buds, flowers and fruits of the marked trees in each evaluated area (Manizales – 2280 m asl and Santagueda 1010 m asl). The flowering phenology according to the stages of the BBCH phenological scale, the physical-chemical characteristics of the fruit, and the climatic conditions of the two areas were evaluated. A completely randomized experimental design and Duncan's comparison of means were used. Significant differences were found in polar diameter, ascorbic acid, soluble solids, juice yield, shell mass, and titratable acidity according to locality. The Phenology of flowering took less time, and the accumulation of heat units was higher in the lower altitude zone. The physical and chemical characteristics of Tahiti lime fruits are influenced by the environment in which the trees develop.
Determination of the main flavonoids in ojo de gallo (Sanvitalia procumbens Lamarck) yerba extracts from three different sites as potential biomolecules
Authors: Baltazar-Vera Juan Carlos , Valtierra-Olivares Joel Everardo , Olalde-Portugal Víctor , Ortíz-Canchola Claudia , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Carolina de Jesús , Abraham-Juárez Ma. del Rosario
Published: February 2024

This work focuses on determining the main flavonoids with medicinal effects present in the wild ojo de gallo plant endemic to the State of Guanajuato in Mexico. For this purpose, the concentration of kaempferol, catechin, and rutin was determined in the wild ojo de gallo grass collected from three different sites in the state of Guanajuato (Comedero Grande, Ex – Hacienda de Márquez, and Tejamanil). The dehydration process of the plant was carried out later to determine the concentration of the metabolites of interest using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. A statistical analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between the concentration of each metabolite and the various collection sites, also considering the results of the fertility analysis. The results show that the highest concentration for kaempferol was obtained in Ex – Hacienda de Márquez with a value of 24.15 ppm, while for catechin and rutin, it was in Tejamanil reporting values of 26.52 ppm and 46.98 ppm, respectively. The statistical analysis shows no significant difference between Ex -Hacienda de Márquez and Tejamanil for the three metabolites. These results indicate that the site called Comedero Grande favors the presence of kaempferol and rutin while the site called Tejamanil favors the presence of catechin; this opens the possibility of future studies that allow finding the appropriate conditions to maximize the flavonoids of interest in this plant.
Performance characterization of plywood panels bonded with melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin and cellulose nanofibril/borax as an additive
Authors: Yildirim Mert , Candan Zeki , Akbulut Turgay , Gardner Douglas , Shaler Stephen
Published: February 2024

In this study, different loading levels of cellulose nanofibril and borax were added as reinforcement in melamine-urea-formaldehyde adhesive to enhance the performance properties of plywood panels as engineered wood composites. Physical properties (density, thickness swelling, water absorption, and moisture content), mechanical properties (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and bonding strength), and formaldehyde content were tested using relevant standards. The results showed that cellulose nanofibril and borax had a synergistic effect, resulting in improved physico-mechanical properties. The best results were obtained by combining 3 % cellulose nanofibril and borax. It was determined that the combination of cellulose nanofibril and borax reinforcement resulted in a significant improvement of around 15 % in the thickness swelling, water absorption, and moisture content of plywood panels. The combination of cellulose nanofibril and borax reinforcing resulted in a significant increase of around 26 % in the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity of plywood panels, with a bonding strength of around 47 %. The reinforcement technique did result in a 34 % decrease in free formaldehyde content. As a consequence, cellulose nanofibril and borax can be used as effective additives in the production of plywood panels to enhance their performance properties.
Challenges for healthcare Managers in 2023
Authors: Vozar V. , Jankelova N. , Belovicova M. , Jankelova N. , Kovac A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Managers in the field of healthcare face many challenges that are specific to this area and are caused by the dynamic and constantly changing healthcare environment. Research sample and research objective: The main research objective was to evaluate significant aspects of financing and organizing healthcare systems, summarize assumptions for the successful functioning of a healthcare system, assess factors influencing healthcare spending, and predict the challenges that healthcare managers will face in 2023 at both the micro (individual healthcare facilities) and macro (healthcare system in Slovakia) levels. The research sample was selected by deliberate selection and consisted of 109 respondents: healthcare managers (n=16), experts from the field of health management (n=15), experts from the field of human resources (n=19), directors of health facilities (n=10), medical (n=28) and paramedical staff (n=21). Methods: Statistical testing was carried out using the methods of inferential statistics: the independent samples t-test was used to compare mean scores between two groups (RQ1 and RQ2) and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare mean scores among three groups (RQ 3). Results: We found out there are no differences in the respondents’ opinions on the challenges for healthcare managers in 2023 based on their job titles, the type of health facility in which they work or according to the length of practice. Conclusion: According to the respondents, the most current trends and challenges for Slovak healthcare are: the need for qualified medical personnel, a focus on retaining employees and solving the growing costs of healthcare.
THE CONCEPT “PERSON AND LIFE” AS THE MAJOR CATEGORY IN PHILOSOPHY OF CREATIVITY AND CULTURE OF MAXIM GORKY (ON THE MATERIALS OF HIS LETTERS)
Authors: Tarlanov Z. K.
Published: February 2024

In the article, based on the material of M. Gorky’s letters, the concept of “man and life” is considered and investigated as one of the deep categories of his philosophy of artistic creativity and philosophy of life. It is traced how the theme associated with man, with human life, was gradually mastered by Russian literature since the end of the Middle Ages and how it was transformed and solved in Gorky’s work at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. The thesis is formulated that, along with M.V. Lomonosov and A.S. Pushkin, Gorky is a symbol and embodiment of one of the most important periods in the development of Russian culture. It is proved that the purpose of literature, according to Gorky’s philosophy of culture, is to depict man as a creator and the highest stage in the development of nature. The qualities of a person that are integral to his social essence are identified and systematized. An assessment of the personality of the writer himself is given on the basis of numerous statements about him by domestic and foreign cultural figures. The role and significance of Gorky in Russian, Russian and world literature and culture is determined.
THE PROBLEM OF REFERENTS OF FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS
Authors: Gutin V. V.
Published: February 2024

The problem of the referents is that we do not know what the fundamental concepts (time, life, consciousness...), which are original for many sciences, mean. It is proposed to interpret those fragments of reality that are designated by these concepts as sign systems. This makes it possible to expand their content by using not only the causality relation, but also the selfreference relation, i.e. the relation that leads to the performativity of statements that prepare the referent of these dimensions of being. It is shown that the division of time contexts into physical (time) and grammatical time (tense) leads to self-referential relations and performativity of time, which allows using time as a general “generative grammar” for performative ordering in the mechanism of “preparation” of referents of the above fundamental concepts.