bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Innovative Activities for Regional Development: Analysis of the Origin of the Kursk Region
Authors: Markov D. A. , Sysoeva E. A. , Zhakhov N. V.
Published: January 2024

Relevance. The article is devoted to the study of the impact of innovation activity on the socio-economic development of the regions of Russia and the Kursk region, in particular. The innovative potential of the region is analyzed, the results of innovative activity in previous periods are evaluated and the ways of possible development are considered.The purpose is to determine the impact of innovation activity on the socio–economic development of the Kursk region, highlighting significant challenges, prospects and risks.Objectives: to evaluate the results of innovation activity retrospectively and predict opportunities for future development; to consider the impact of innovation activity on employment and incomes of the population; to identify challenges and problems of innovation development in the Kursk region, identify risks; to propose ways of further innovative development of the Kursk region with an assessment of the role of state support.Methodology. Methods of analysis of statistical data on the development of innovation activity in the Kursk region and other regions of Russia, obtained from open sources devoted to the problems of the development of innovation activity in the regions; monitoring and evaluation methods, including the analysis of data on employment and income of the population.Results. The challenges and problems arising in the process of development of innovation activity in the region are highlighted, the prospects for the development of innovation activity in the Kursk region are analyzed. Comparative information of methods of research of the level of innovation activity is presented. A comparative analysis of the innovative potential of the Kursk region with other regions of Russia was carried out. The data on the regulatory framework of innovation activity in the Kursk region are presented.Conclusions. In recent years, there has been an increase in innovation activity in the Kursk region. However, it is necessary to continue work on creating an innovative infrastructure, attracting qualified personnel, and improving the quality of state support. Innovative activity has a significant impact on employment and incomes of the population, as well as on the social sphere of the region. It is necessary to take into account the risks of innovation, such as potential negative impacts on the environment and public health.
Assessment of the Role and Prospects for the Development of Regional Innovative Entrepreneurship (on the Example of the Volgograd Region)
Authors: Korobov S. A. , Epinina V. S.
Published: January 2024

Relevance. The development of innovative entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly important due to the increased level of competition in the markets of goods, works and services, the importance of solving the problems of maximum satisfaction of the needs of the population in high-quality goods and services. The success of solving these tasks depends on a number of factors, some of them act as barriers to the development of innovative entrepreneurship, some are necessary conditions. As for the first, it is important to develop measures to level and eliminate them, with regard to the second group of factors, it is important to create the conditions necessary for the fullest use of the potential of enterprises in this area.The purpose is to analyze and determine the impact and significance of regional innovative entrepreneurship, as well as to identify the prospects for the development of this sector in the Volgograd region.Objectives: to reveal the essence of the concept of "innovative entrepreneurship"; to give a forecast assessment of promising directions for the development of innovative entrepreneurship in the Volgograd region, including consideration of both the existing base and a set of measures aimed at supporting the development of this area in the region.Methodology. The method of theoretical analysis of the sources of the problem under study, the method of historical and logical analysis and assessment of the current situation, as well as the illustrative and graphic method are used.Results: the author's vision of the concept of "innovative entrepreneurship" is formulated; the key directions and measures to stimulate the development of innovative entrepreneurship in the region are identified; the main functions of the public authorities of the subjects of the Russian Federation for the development of innovative entrepreneurship in the regions are highlighted; the author's forecast assessment of the strategic prospects for the development of innovative entrepreneurship in the Volgograd region is presented; the most preferred directions for the development of innovative entrepreneurship in the Volgograd region, which require special attention from the regional public authorities, are formulated.Conclusion. The development of the Russian innovation potential is actively influenced by such factors as the state of the scientific and technical base of enterprises, sanctions restrictions, the system of state support measures.
Risk Identification in Perinatal Health Care Settings via Technology-Based Recruitment Methods: Comparative Study
Authors: Beatty Jessica R , Zelenak Logan , Gillon Spencer , McGoron Lucy , Goyert Gregory , Ondersma Steven J
Published: January 2024

Background

Digital screening and intervention tools have shown promise in the identification and reduction of substance use in health care settings. However, research in this area is impeded by challenges in integrating recruitment efforts into ongoing clinical workflows or staffing multiple study clinics with full-time research assistants, as well as by the underreporting of substance use.

Objective

The aim of the study is to evaluate pragmatic methods for facilitating study recruitment in health care settings by examining recruitment rates and participant characteristics using in-person–based versus flyer approaches.

Methods

This study compared recruitment rates at a Women’s Health clinic in the Midwest under 2 different recruitment strategies: in person versus via a flyer with a QR code. We also examined the disclosure of substance use and risk screener positivity for the 2 strategies. We also obtained information about the current use of technology and willingness to use it for study participation.

Results

A greater percentage of patients recruited in person participated than those recruited via flyers (57/63, 91% vs 64/377, 17%). However, the final number recruited in each group was roughly equal (n=57 vs n=64). Additionally, participants recruited via flyers were more likely to screen positive for alcohol use risk on the Tolerance, Annoyed, Cut Down, Eye-Opener alcohol screen than those recruited at the clinic (24/64, 38% vs 11/57, 19%; χ21=4.9; P=.03). Participants recruited via flyers were also more likely to screen positive for drug use risk on the Wayne Indirect Drug Use Screener than those recruited at the clinic (20/64, 31% vs 9/57, 16%; χ21=4.0; P=.05). Furthermore, of the 121 pregnant women, 117 (96.7%) reported owning a smartphone, 111 (91.7%) had an SMS text message plan on their phone, and 94 (77.7%) reported being willing to receive SMS text messages or participate in a study if sent a link to their phone.

Conclusions

The distribution of flyers with a QR code by medical staff appears to be an efficient and cost-effective method of recruitment that also facilitates disclosure while reducing the impact on clinic workflows. This method of recruitment can be useful for data collection at multiple locations and lead to larger samples across and between health systems. Participant recruitment via technology in perinatal health care appears to facilitate disclosure, particularly when participants can learn about the research and complete screening using their own device at a place and time convenient for them. Pregnant women in an urban Midwestern hospital had access to and were comfortable using technology.
An Initial Validation of Community-Based Air-Conduction Audiometry in Adults With Simulated Hearing Impairment Using a New Web App, DigiBel: Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sienko Anna , Thirunavukarasu Arun James , Kuzmich Tanya , Allen Louise
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Approximately 80% of primary school children in the United States and Europe experience glue ear, which may impair hearing at a critical time for speech acquisition and social development. A web-based app, DigiBel, has been developed primarily to identify individuals with conductive hearing impairment who may benefit from the temporary use of bone-conduction assistive technology in the community.

OBJECTIVE

This preliminary study aims to determine the screening accuracy and usability of DigiBel self-assessed air-conduction (AC) pure tone audiometry in adult volunteers with simulated hearing impairment prior to formal clinical validation.

METHODS

Healthy adults, each with 1 ear plugged, underwent automated AC pure tone audiometry (reference test) and DigiBel audiometry in quiet community settings. Threshold measurements were compared across 6 tone frequencies and DigiBel test-retest reliability was calculated. The accuracy of DigiBel for detecting more than 20 dB of hearing impairment was assessed. A total of 30 adults (30 unplugged ears and 30 plugged ears) completed both audiometry tests.

RESULTS

DigiBel had 100% sensitivity (95% CI 87.23-100) and 72.73% (95% CI 54.48-86.70) specificity in detecting hearing impairment. Threshold mean bias was insignificant except at 4000 and 8000 Hz where a small but significant overestimation of threshold measurement was identified. All 24 participants completing feedback rated the DigiBel test as good or excellent and 21 (88%) participants agreed or strongly agreed that they would be able to do the test at home without help.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the potential use of DigiBel as a screening tool for hearing impairment. The findings will be used to improve the software further prior to undertaking a formal clinical trial of AC and bone-conduction audiometry in individuals with suspected conductive hearing impairment.
Current State of Community-Driven Radiological AI Deployment in Medical Imaging (Preprint)
Authors: Gupta Vikash , Erdal Barbaros , Ramirez Carolina , Floca Ralf , Genereaux Bradley , Bryson Sidney , Bridge Christopher , Kleesiek Jens , Nensa Felix , Braren Rickmer , Younis Khaled , Penzkofer Tobias , Bucher Andreas Michael , Qin Ming Melvin , Bae Gigon , Lee Hyeonhoon , Cardoso M Jorge , Ourselin Sebastien , Kerfoot Eric , Choudhury Rahul , White Richard D , Cook Tessa , Bericat David , Lungren Matthew , Haukioja Risto , Shuaib Haris
Published: January 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become commonplace in solving routine everyday tasks. Because of the exponential growth in medical imaging data volume and complexity, the workload on radiologists is steadily increasing. AI has been shown to improve efficiency in medical image generation, processing, and interpretation, and various such AI models have been developed across research laboratories worldwide. However, very few of these, if any, find their way into routine clinical use, a discrepancy that reflects the divide between AI research and successful AI translation. The goal of this paper is to give an overview of the intersection of AI and medical imaging landscapes. We also want to inform the readers about the importance of using standards in their radiology workflow and the challenges associated with deploying AI models in the clinical workflow. The main focus of this paper is to examine the existing condition of radiology workflow and identify the challenges hindering the implementation of AI in hospital settings. This report reflects extensive weekly discussions and practical problem-solving expertise accumulated over multiple years by industry experts, imaging informatics professionals, research scientists, and clinicians. To gain a deeper understanding of the requirements for deploying AI models, we introduce a taxonomy of AI use cases, supplemented by real-world instances of AI model integration within hospitals. We will also explain how the need for AI integration in radiology can be addressed using the Medical Open Network for AI (MONAI). MONAI is an open-source consortium for providing reproducible deep learning solutions and integration tools for radiology practice in hospitals.
Chinese parental strategies to prevent pediatric acute respiratory infections after COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study (Preprint)
Authors: Peng Niang-Huei
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Evidence has found that parental knowledge and practices are important in preventing pediatric infectious diseases. Few studies have explored parental preventive measures in the post-COVID-19 era in mainland China.

OBJECTIVE

Research explored parental preventive measures, children’s self-protection measures, school precautionary measures and impact factors in the post-COVID-19 era.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten southern cities and ten northern cities in mainland China using an online structured questionnaire to survey parents of children aged 3-16 years old.

RESULTS

2420 participants completed questionnaires including 881 participants in the south and 1539 in the north. The reported number of participants with family history of COVID-19 infection was significantly higher among northern participants than among southern participants (p < 0.001), as was the reported pediatric COVID-19 infection rate (p =0.028). Significant differences between northern and southern participants also appeared in total scores of parental preventive measures (p = 0.008) and school precautionary measures (p < 0.05). Results revealed a positive relationship between children’s self-protection measures and parental preventive measures (p < 0.001) and a positive relationship between children’s self-protection measures and school precautionary measures (p < 0.001). Total children’s self-protection measures scores differed across different parental education attainment (p = 0.021) and occupation (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings illustrate the importance of parental knowledge and attitudes in preventing pediatric respiratory infectious diseases. To develop better strategies for prevention and control of pediatric infectious diseases, the public health bureau should focus on providing accurate information to parents and schoolteachers to be transmitted to children and incorporated into daily life. Results may contribute to establishing a pediatric infectious disease prevention model and serve as the basis for promoting public health education.
"Exploring the nexus of technology and social determinants of health in the elderly": A Qualitative study (Preprint)
Authors: Srinivasan Indhumathi , Sahayam D Binu
Published: January 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Understanding the interplay between technology and social determinants of health becomes paramount for improving overall well-being. This qualitative study investigated the multifaceted relationship between technology and the social determinants of health in elderly individuals. The in-depth interview guide was used to gather a holistic understanding of the influence of technology on the elderly. The qualitative study offers insights into personal experiences, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities of technology that impact accessing the health care of the elderly. Using a Convenient sampling technique 30 elderly people were involved in this study. This research contributes to the discourse on aging and technology by offering an in-depth view of the intricate relationship between technology and social determinants of health in the elderly. The application of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology theory aims to understand and predict how the elderly accept and use technology. The findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions that bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to technology resources and promoting digital literacy. Ultimately, this study informs policy formulation and intervention strategies that aim to enhance the health and quality of life of the elderly population in an increasingly technology-driven society.
Software Testing of eHealth Interventions: Existing Practices and the Future of an Iterative Strategy (Preprint)
Authors: Obigbesan Oyinda , Graham Kristen , Benzies Karen M
Published: January 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

eHealth interventions are becoming a part of standard care, with software solutions increasingly created for patients and health care providers. Testing of eHealth software is important to ensure that the software realizes its goals. Software testing, which is comprised of alpha and beta testing, is critical to establish the effectiveness and usability of the software. In this viewpoint, we explore existing practices for testing software in health care settings. We scanned the literature using search terms related to eHealth software testing (eg, “health alpha testing,” “eHealth testing,” and “health app usability”) to identify practices for testing eHealth software. We could not identify a single standard framework for software testing in health care settings; some articles reported frameworks, while others reported none. In addition, some authors misidentified alpha testing as beta testing and vice versa. There were several different objectives (ie, testing for safety, reliability, or usability) and methods of testing (eg, questionnaires, interviews) reported. Implementation of an iterative strategy in testing can introduce flexible and rapid changes when developing eHealth software. Further investigation into the best approach for software testing in health care settings would aid the development of effective and useful eHealth software, particularly for novice eHealth software developers.
Formulasi biskuit tepung tempe biji kedawung (Parkia roxburghii G. Don) untuk pasien diabetes melitus
Authors: Triyanto Bagaskara Putra , Nugroho Teddy Wahyu , Widyastuti Nurmasari , Masruroh Zulfatul , Anjani Gemala
Published: January 2024

Formulations of biscuits from kedawung seed tempeh flour (Parkia roxburghii G. Don) for diabetes mellitus patientsBackground: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia. Blood glucose can be controlled with food consumption with low glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) values. Kedawung seeds contain high protein and fiber and can be an alternative to low GI and GL food sources for DM patients. Objectives: This research analyzed total protein, crude fiber, glycaemic index, and glycaemic load levels from biscuits by substituting kedawung seed tempeh flour.Methods: The study was an experimental study with four treatments. The substitution of kedawung seed tempeh flour in biscuits was 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%. Protein content was analyzed using the Kjeldahl method, and crude fiber was analyzed using the gravimetric method. Statistical analysis was done using the One Way ANOVA and Tukey posthoc test. A hedonic test on 25 semi-trained panelists was conducted to determine the best formulation, and the results were analyzed using the Kruskal Walls and Friedman post-hoc test. IAUC analyzed the glycaemic index from 10 respondents. Results: Biscuits substituting kedawung seed tempe flour affected protein content (p=0.00) and crude fiber (p=0.00). The best acceptance was biscuits with a 10% substitution of kedawung seed tempeh flour, which has a 32.28% glycemic index value and a 9.98% glycemic load. Conclusions: The biscuits substituting kedawung seed tempeh flour significantly increased protein and crude fiber content. Biscuit formulation with 10% kedawung seed tempeh flour had a low glycemic index and glycemic load.
Challenges in ESP Vocabulary Acquisition: A Study of Vietnamese Non-English Majors
Authors: Viet Phuong Nguyen Thi
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the challenges encountered by Vietnamese non-English major university students in their pursuit of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) vocabulary proficiency. Employing a survey-based research methodology, the study collects data from a representative sample of students, with a primary focus on identifying the key difficulties experienced during ESP vocabulary acquisition. The findings reveal significant obstacles in the process, including limited exposure to ESP terminology, difficulties in comprehending and retaining specialized terms, as well as a lack of practical application opportunities. These results emphasize the critical need for tailored teaching strategies and resources to enhance ESP vocabulary learning for non-English majors. Furthermore, the implications of this study extend to language teaching practices, highlighting the necessity for curriculum adjustments that better align with the specific requirements of these learners within the Vietnamese educational context.
Hebraic Influences in The Life of Lazario de Termes
Authors: Wiederkehr-Pollack Gloria
Published: January 2024

The focus of this article is the impact of the Hebrew language with its literature, philosophy, biblical exegesis, and history on the sixteenth century anonymous author of The Life of Lasiloo de Termes. I assumed the task of investigating the Jewish cultural heritage embedded in this work, as my studies in Hebrew Language and Literature could contribute towards a fuller comprehension of this masterpiece. And indeed, in addition to linguistic and biblical associations, I have detected influences that appear inspired by the monumental works of medieval Jewish Spanish theologians and philosopher Crescas, Maimonides and Nahman ides in particular. I invite the reader to share and comment on this analysis.
Realising societal challenges: Towards challenge-led monitoring and evaluation
Authors:   Rathenau Instituut, Baarslag Vincent , Geurts Amber , van der Zee Frans
Published: January 2024

Challenge-led innovation policies place societal challenges and transitions at the focal centre and goal of innovation policy. This new genre of innovation policy not only requires new approaches in agenda-setting, programming, implementation and management, but also requires a renewed view and practice of monitoring and evaluation in order to be able to steer innovation policies towards societal goals. In this paper, we focus on the necessity and usefulness of a different view and way of monitoring and evaluating challenge-led R&I policy and its implementation – which we term challenge-led monitoring and evaluation. To define this new approach, we conducted a literature review. Our analysis identifies the bottlenecks as well as potential routes to arrive at an appropriate monitoring and evaluation framework for challenge-led innovation policies. Next, our analysis highlights how governance and institutionalised evaluation culture and practice are presented as (part of) solutions to all four identified bottlenecks but usually considered an afterthought requiring ‘experimentation’. However, overcoming other identified bottlenecks in challenge-led monitoring and evaluation is contingent upon altering (a) governance and organisational structures as well as (b) institutionalised assumptions and practices. Therefore, we argue that in order to further develop challenge-led monitoring and evaluation, the roles of governance and organisational structures as well as institutionalised assumptions and practices should be problematised and prioritised as bottlenecks.
Fuentes de contaminación terrestres con impactos en arrecifes coralinos de la zona centro del golfo de México
Authors: Pérez Jiménez Juan Carlos , Morales Jiménez Citlalmina , Lango Reynoso Fabiola , Castañeda Chávez María del Refugio
Published: January 2024

El Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PNSAV) se ubica en la zona centro del golfo de México. Por su posicionamiento geográfico está expuesto a diversos factores e impactos antropogénicos, de los cuales se destacan las descargas de aguas residuales. Estudios reportan que existe un número destacado de fuentes de contaminación que afectan al PNSAV. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar, clasificar y geoposicionar las fuentes de contaminación, puntuales y no puntuales en época de nortes, las cuales descargan a lo largo de la zona de playas del puerto de Veracruz y Boca del Río, adyacentes al polígono del PNSAV. Los resultados muestran siete zonas delimitadas, en donde se registraron 88 desagües pluviales, 50 desagües con presencia de descarga de aguas residuales y cuatro desagües con presencia de descarga no identificada.
Análise de uma sequência de ensino aprendizagem com abordagem ciência-tecnologia-sociedade à luz da pedagogia histórico-crítica
Authors: Firme Ruth do Nascimento , Thaís Soares da Silva
Published: January 2024

Neste estudo temos o objetivo de analisar uma sequência de ensino aprendizagem (SEA) com abordagem CTS a partir da Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica (PHC). A SEA, cuja temática foi o descarte de pilhas e seus impactos socioambientais, foi planejada e aplicada em uma turma da 2ª série do Ensino Médio de uma escola pública da rede Estadual de Pernambuco-Brasil, por uma das autoras deste artigo e os dados produzidos na aplicação da SEA foram analisados neste estudo. Na análise da SEA consideramos as categorias do método didático da PHC, a saber: prática social como ponto de partida, problematização, instrumentalização, catarse e prática social como ponto de chegada. A partir das análises, destacamos contribuições da PHC para o planejamento e desenvolvimento da abordagem CTS, como, por exemplo, contribuições relativas à problematização da prática social (problematização do descarte de pilhas e seus impactos ambientais) e à catarse diante da prática social (novas compreensões diante do descarte de pilhas e seus impactos ambientais em suas múltiplas determinações). Portanto, temos evidências para defender a PHC como teoria pedagógica para a abordagem CTS.
Gamificación para favorecer el aprendizaje de la nomenclatura de óxidos metálicos en estudiantes de bachillerato
Authors: Galarza Chilán Aníbal Gonzalo , Batista Zaldívar Mario Adelfo
Published: January 2024

El proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la nomenclatura química inorgánica es complejo y presenta limitaciones didácticas, que afectan el aprendizaje significativo de los estudiantes. En consecuencia, el objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la efectividad de una estrategia didáctica sustentada en la gamificación utilizando Educaplay, para el mejoramiento del rendimiento académico de los estudiantes de bachillerato en el aprendizaje de la nomenclatura de los óxidos metálicos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura, un planteamiento explicativo y una investigación-acción, con un enfoque mixto, un diseño cuasi experimental: se creó un grupo control y un grupo experimental, con 38 estudiantes de primer año de bachillerato cada uno, a quienes se les aplicó un pretest y postest para medir los cambios en su aprendizaje. Se utilizó el software SPSS V23 para procesar los datos recopilados. Se corroboró que las calificaciones de los estudiantes pertenecientes al grupo experimental, una vez aplicada a ellos la estrategia didáctica, fueron mayores a las notas alcanzadas por los estudiantes del grupo control, a quienes se le enseñó la nomenclatura inorgánica mediante la metodología tradicional. Se concluyó que con la estrategia didáctica implementada se mejoró el rendimiento académico, la motivación y actitud de los estudiantes hacia su aprendizaje.
Balanceo de ecuaciones químicas usando propiedades de los vectores en el espacio tridimensional R3
Authors: Méndez Gutiérrez Laura , Peña Duarte Pedro , Peña Méndez Pedro Luis
Published: January 2024

En la enseñanza de la química en educación secundaria y a nivel universitario se usan comúnmente tres métodos para comprender el balanceo de reacciones químicas por simple inspección, algebraico y el ion-electrón. El objetivo de este estudio es emplear las propiedades de los vectores en el espacio tridimensional R3 para el ajuste de ecuaciones químicas, simples y complejas, libres de cargas, sin el uso software. El método se basa en transformar una ecuación química en una ecuación vectorial, partiendo de la ecuación vectorial y con el uso de las propiedades de los vectores en R3, se determinan los coeficientes estequiométricos con sistemas de ecuaciones lineales simples y fáciles de resolver; satisfaciendo la ley de la conservación de la masa en el balanceo de reacciones químicas. La novedad de este método de balanceo de ecuaciones químicas, es que los pasos son prácticos y el fundamento matemático no es tan complicado, para que sea utilizado como recurso didáctico alternativo para aquellos estudiantes que se les dificulte comprender los métodos de balanceo existente.
Design and Analysis of Battery Management System for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Gondane Ms.Aishwarya Devendra , Thakare Mr. Mahesh Bhimrao
Published: January 2024

Abstract: This article presents a design for both the hardware and software components of the BMS, enabling battery monitoring and management. The Battery Management System (BMS) is a fundamental component of electric vehicles, primarily utilized to ensure battery safety and enhance battery lifespan. The hardware component encompasses the design of voltage acquisition circuitry, second-order filtering circuitry, sampling and holding circuitry, CAN bus communication circuitry, and other relevant features. The software section comprises subroutines for battery information collection, equalization circuitry, SOC estimation, and other relevant features. The BMS developed in this study successfully collects voltage, temperature, current, and other relevant information, and accurately estimates SOC and other crucial parameters. Testing confirmed that the battery management system precisely collects battery voltage, current, and temperature information, while the SOC estimation achieves a relatively high degree of accuracy.
The effect of adding graphene oxide to urea formaldehyde resin and its efficacy on three layered particleboard
Authors: Mousazadeh Seyed Meysam , Jamalirad Loya , Faraji Farshid , Abdolkhani Ali
Published: January 2024

The research for improving adhesives and the properties of wood composites is always important for industry. The aim of this study is investigating the effect of adding graphene oxide in the UF resin on the functional properties of particleboard panels with an average thickness of 16 mm. The influence of graphene oxide content (0; 0,25 %; 0,5 % and 0,75 % based on the dry weight of the UF resin) and pressing time (4 and 5 minutes) on the internal bonding, bending strength, modulus of elasticity and dimensional stability were studied. The results showed that the use of graphene oxide in the UF resin caused an improvement of the mechanical and physical properties of the particleboards. Also, comparing two different pressing times, the boards made by 4 minutes with graphene oxide is preferred without negative effect on the functional properties of particleboards.
Energy Network Innovation for Green Transition: Economic Issues and Regulatory Options
Authors: Jamasb Tooraj , Llorca Manuel , Meeus Leonardo , Schittekatte Tim
Published: January 2024

Innovation is key to decarbonisation of the energy sector and sustainable development. However, in the post liberalisation period, regulators have found it difficult to incentivise innovation. This policy brief discusses the reasons for the slow uptake of new technologies in energy networks and proposes remedies to promote research and innovation in the EU energy networks and infrastructure.
Corporate biodiversity reporting and earnings management: Does a critical mass of female directors have an impact?
Authors: Velte Patrick
Published: January 2024

This study addresses the relationship between corporate biodiversity reporting (CBR) and earnings management as well as the moderating impact of board gender diversity (BGD). Due to increased regulatory pressure, we relied on a sample of STOXX Europe 600 firms (1,537 firm-year observations) for the business years 2017–2021. In line with the moral licensing hypothesis, we assume that CBR and our two main proxies of earnings management (accruals-based and real earnings management) are positively related, and a critical mass of female directors may weaken this link. Our regression results align with these assumptions and prior research on similar relationships. Moreover, we conduct several endogeneity checks, which support our main results. This study mainly contributes to prior research as it is the first one on the link between CBR and earnings management. We stress major implications for researchers, standard setters, and business practitioners. Biodiversity represents a key sub-pillar of sustainability reporting with an impact on financial reporting, indicating the need for integrated thinking, which should be promoted in future empirical research.
The Gaze and Metamorphosis：Yoko Tawada’s “Missing Heels.”
Authors: XING Yanan
Published: January 2024

Yoko Tawada made her debut in Germany before Japan, but her first work of fiction published in Japan was “Missing Heels.” This novel has been read as a depiction of a person’s encounter with a foreign country. Based on previous studies, this paper examines the anxiety expressed by the protagonist as a foreigner, caught between two communities, old and new, culturally and linguistically, in relation to the violence inherent in the intersection of looking and being looked at. Specifically, we will look at how the gaze of “I” and the gaze of the people of the town are represented as the protagonist come to be placed in a place where the gaze of “seeing” and “being seen” intersect. We will then look at how the violence that the gaze contains, which transforms the object to be seen, works on the protagonist’s body and shakes the protagonist’s identity.
The Gendered Strategy of Tsutsui Yasutaka’s Early Works
Authors: PALMER Sera
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the relationship between SF author Tsutsui Yasutaka’s early short stories and the author’s gendered persona. The first section outlines the magazines in which Tsutsui’s early works were published, arguing that these magazines and their imagined readership influenced the content of each work. The second section analyses the representation of female political activity in several of Tsutsui’s early works, arguing that this representation contributed to Tsutsui’s “masculine” image. The third section focuses on how Tsutsui’s short stories depict the difficulties of being a man in Japan at the time of publication, illustrating how this foreshadowed the development of Men’s Studies and the Men’s Liberation Movement in Japan. The final section examines the relationship between Tsutsui’s image and his fan base by analyzing publications by Tsutsui’s fan club, “Tsutsui Club.” The analyses in each section lead to the conclusion that Tsutsui consciously used the political discourse of the time to set himself up as a champion of men, and to secure himself a place in the Japanese entertainment cannon.
Koreans’ Reception of Japanese Cultural Contents Revealed through Text Mining
Authors: JUNG Byeongho
Published: January 2024

This paper analyzes how Koreans perceive Japanese cultural contents and popular culture, and what kind of image they have formed of it. For this purpose, this study used the blog of NAVER, Korea’s largest portal site, as its research subject, and collected and analyzed data from it using text mining. The word frequency and N-gram analysis results of the data collected in this study are as follows. The main keywords in this data are roughly divided into a cluster representing Japanese cultural contents/popular culture, a cluster of keywords representing Koreans’ attitude toward or opportunity to access and encounter it, and a cluster of keywords representing the relationship of Japanese culture with Korean culture. In particular, the salient fact that emerges from these keywords is that the Japanese pop culture openness policy of 1998 has been a very important development for Koreans in terms of their relationship with Japanese cultural contents. In this respect, there is a tendency to think of Japanese cultural contents and popular culture from the perspective of Korea-Japan cultural exchange and the mutual understanding between the two countries. Meanwhile, the results of this study’s Sentiment Analysis showed that there were an overwhelming number of keywords expressing positive emotions in the data on Japanese cultural contents and popular culture.
A Symptomatic Study of War Novels in the Heisei Era
Authors: MA Xiao
Published: January 2024

The book delves into Heisei era war novels, examining a variety of texts and their approach to the topic of war. It discusses issues such as the responsibility for war, “quasi war” disasters, and the phenomena associated with globalized warfare, thereby expanding the scope of research in the war literature. Additionally, it facilitates a productive exploration of the issue of war in the Heisei period.
The Utility of Picture Postcards：Another Cultural Content That Establishes the Image of the “Other” in Modern Japan
Authors: JIANHUI Liu
Published: January 2024

From the viewpoint of the prevalence of modern art to the masses, the International Research Center for Japanese Studies has been collecting postcards of art exhibitions such as the Ministry of Education Art Exhibition (1907~1918), the Imperial Art Exhibition (1919~1936), and the New Ministry of Education Art Exhibition (1937~1944) for many years and has studied its role in the development process of popular culture. As a part of our efforts visualizing our research and giving back to society, we are currently creating a database of about 25,000 postcards in our collection and disclosing them to the public.
In this report, with introducing the database of our picture postcards from the Japanese Modern Art Exhibition, I deal with the theme “The Utility of Picture Postcards：Another Cultural Content That Establishes the Image of the ‘Other’ in Modern Japan.” On this theme, I explain how picture postcards represented the gaichi(外地) and mainland of China in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods, and what influence they had on the public’s recognition of the outside world. In addition to these, I re-find the value of picture postcards as a cultural resource, which has not been adequately studied.
Archivos, expedientes y deseos. Problemas, desafíos y estrategias de investigación para el estudio de las sexualidades coloniales disidentes (Virreinato del Perú, siglos XVI-XVII)
Authors:   Universidad de Buenos Aires, Molina Fernanda
Published: January 2024

Esta comunicación recoge un conjunto de reflexiones metodológicas y epistemológicas en torno al estudio de las sexualidades disidentes en el contexto colonial. Particularmente, expone una serie de problemas derivados de la práctica archivística, así como del trabajo con documentación de carácter judicial. Asimismo, propone una serie de estrategias heurísticas y hermenéuticas orientadas a morigerar los sesgos de origen, tanto de los archivos como de los expedientes judiciales, a fin de propiciar un acercamiento histórico a las marcas de género, los deseos prohibidos y los cuerpos insumisos que habitan el archivo.
Acciones y discursos políticos de mujeres durante movimiento independentista. Chile, 1810-1823
Authors:   Universidad Católica de Temuco, Armijo Reyes Andrea
Published: January 2024

Este trabajo tiene por objetivo analizar la feminización de la esfera pública política, a través de la participación de mujeres en acciones y en la expresión de opiniones, ideas y discursos de los proyectos políticos a los que adhirieron o rechazaron durante el proceso de la independencia de Chile, siendo partícipes de la cultura, conceptos y lenguajes prácticos y simbólicos del periodo. Así también, visibilizar las consecuencias que vivenciaron las mujeres que se involucraron en el desarrollo del conflicto de la independencia. Este trabajo invita a reflexionar sobre los roles que desempeñaron las mujeres en los contextos cotidianos, poniendo en evidencia que no estuvieron ajenas a los sucesos revolucionarios, sino más bien, demuestra un temprano activismo político. Este trabajo invita a reflexionar desde la historia cultural y de género, apoyado en el análisis de una documentación variada como las fuentes ministeriales de Interior, Hacienda y Guerra, Intendencia de Santiago; los documentos del Archivo Fondo Varios, Archivo Bernardo O´Higgins, Capitanía General y Judicial de Melipilla, resguardados en el Archivo Histórico Nacional de Chile. La documentación analizada son peticiones, solicitudes, informes de autoridades y cartas, que invitan a repensar, releer y reinterpretar las fuentes, incidiendo en la visibilización de las acciones femeninas.
Putins hellige krig
Authors: Horsfjord Vebjørn
Published: January 2024

Vårt Lands tidligere sjefredaktør Helge Simonnes har skrevet Putins hellige krig, det er den første boka på norsk om den russisk-ortodokse kirkens støtte til Putins krigføring.
Helge Simonnes, the former editor-in-chief of Vårt Land, has written Putin's Holy Har (Putins hellige krig), the first book in Norwegian about the Russian Orthodox Church's support for Putin's warfare.
Medium cut-off dialyzer improves reduction ratios of large middle molecules associated with vascular calcification
Authors: Kim Hyo Jin , Seong Eun Young , Song Sang Heon
Published: January 2024

Background: We aimed to investigate the change in the large middle molecule (>15 kDa) removal rate, which is associated with vascular calcification, when using a medium cut-off (MCO) dialyzer compared to a high-flux (HF) dialyzer. Methods: Twenty patients with clinically stable maintenance hemodialysis were investigated over a 15-week study period. Dialyzer efficacies were evaluated during the last midweek hemodialysis treatment for each consecutive dialyzer membrane use: 1st HF, MCO, and 2nd HF dialyzer; 5 weeks each period. Changes in α1-microglobulin (33 kDa) during a dialysis session were analyzed to assess the efficacy of the MCO dialyzer as a reference. The levels and reduction ratios of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23, 32 kDa), osteoprotegerin (OPG, 60 kDa), and sclerostin (22 kDa) were analyzed. Large middle molecules were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum hemoglobin, phosphorus, and corrected calcium levels were not significantly different for each dialyzer period. Total protein and albumin values during the MCO dialyzer period did not decrease compared with the HF dialyzer period. The reduction ratio of α1-microglobulin was significantly higher in the MCO dialyzer than in the HF dialyzer (p < 0.001). The reduction ratios of FGF23 (p < 0.001), OPG (p < 0.001), and sclerostin (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the MCO dialyzer than those in the HF dialyzer. Conclusion: The reduction rate of large middle molecules related to vascular calcification, such as FGF23, OPG, and sclerostin, was significantly higher when using the MCO dialyzer than the HF dialyzer.
Exploring the Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals Concerning the Use and Utility of the Hospital Gown to Develop Theoretically Informed Behaviour Change Interventions
Authors: Cogan Nicola
Published: January 2024

The tenets of dignity, safety and privacy are potentially challenged when patients are required to remove their own clothes and wear the hospital gown for medical procedures. This study adopted a mixed method analysis informed by the theoretical domains framework (TDF) of healthcare professionals’ (HCPs’) perspectives (n = 2264) and experiences in relation to the use and utility of the gown. HCPs’ perspectives in relation to the impact of wearing the hospital gown on patient wellbeing and suggested alternatives and/or improvements to the gown were explored. Findings revealed that the gown was often used when it was not medically necessary. The categories of meaning and associated TDF domains were: (1) Adverse impact on patient wellbeing (emotion); (2) Lack of dignity (beliefs about consequences); (3) Increased sense of dependency and vulnerability (social role and identity); (4) Hinders patient autonomy and recovery (beliefs about consequences & reinforcement); (5) Reduced patient mobility (beliefs about consequences); (6) Feeling institutionalised (environmental context and resources), and (7) Positive impact (optimism). The need for alternatives and/or modifications to the gown with a focus on a personcentred approach to its design was emphasised. Obstacles to staff promoting alternatives to the gown and challenges to making institutional changes were identified. Behavioural change interventions aimed at HCPs’ practices associated with the use of the gown are recommended to challenge cultural norms and practices associated with the gown and to improve the patient experience.
Homenagem: Dr. Jacques Rodineau
Authors:   al Ettifaq Club, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Ribeiro Basil
Published: January 2024

“O Dr. Jacques Rodineau faleceu em 13 de outubro de 2023, aos 87 anos. Partiu para outro Mundo, mas não nos abandonou. Deixou-nos a memória de belos momentos de convívio e do conforto que nos dava... Deixou-nos a tristeza da sua partida, mas deixou-nos também a certeza que partiu bem... Mas, para nós, era também um amigo e um grande mestre. Ele era o médico que eu gostaria de ser, era o médico que falava com o paciente e o examinava depois, que o ouvia e queria compreender, que o tratava e consolava.” Depoimentos de: 1. Dr. Raul Maia e Silva 2. Prof. Dr. João Páscoa Pinheiro, Dr. Pedro Lemos Pereira 3. Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca 4. Dr. Gonçalo Borges 5. Dr. Henrique Jones
The Consequences of Preprocedural Anxiety Level on Post Procedural Pain in Women Experienced During Hysterosalpingography
Authors: Siraj Rabiya , Zaidi Mahum , Iqbal Jawaid , Fatima Ramsha , Ali Bisma
Published: January 2024

Background and Objective: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an invasive fluoroscopic investigation for infertility or recurrent spontaneous abortions. HSG is considered to be a cardinal diagnostic tool for proper assessment of uterine morphology and tubal patency. Due to its invasive mode of evaluation, it is considered to be a stressful and painful procedure. The updated researches show very scarce data regarding this maneuver. In this study, our aim was to investigate women's experience of HSG in terms of anxiety and pain using Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score respectively. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted in the X-Ray department of radiology of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi in 1 year period from 19-11-21 till 19-11-22. The data was collected from patients after taking a verbal consent and evaluating patients during the HSG procedure over a specified period. The sample size for the study was calculated to be 240 patients. The level of anxiety and pain of patients was judged on the basis of Beck Anxiety Inventory score (BAI) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) respectively. Frequencies and percentages were computed for qualitative variables. Quantitative variables were presented as mean ± SD like age. Effect modifier like age was controlled through stratification. P-value of ≤0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The level of anxiety of patients was judged on the basis of Beck Anxiety Inventory score. 42.1% patients (n= 86) had nominal anxiety pre procedure, 45.6% patients (n=93) had mild anxiety. Moderate anxiety was noted in 6.4% of patients (n=13) while 5.9% (n=12) patients had severe anxiety. As per our results, patients who had nominal anxiety pre procedure, 83% of them suffered from mild pain and 17% of the patients suffered moderate pain and 0% had severe pain. Those who presented with mild anxiety experienced mild pain in 23% cases, moderate pain in 76% cases and none experienced severe pain. Patients with moderate and severe anxiety suffered severe pain in all (100%) cases. Conclusion: Anxiety has a crucial role in determining the pain score of the patient and with timely assessment of anxiety score; its management can reduce patient’s fear and sufferings. This study will serve as a basis of awareness and modification in pain and stress management for many invasive procedures done in diagnostic radiology.