bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Most Obscured AGNs in the XMM-SERVS Fields
Authors: Yan Wei , Brandt W. N. , Zou Fan , Zhu Shifu , Chen Chien-Ting J. , Hickox Ryan C. , Luo Bin , Ni Qingling , Alexander David M. , Bauer Franz E. , Vignali Cristian , Vito Fabio
Published: June 2023

We perform X-ray spectral analyses to derive the characteristics (e.g., column density, X-ray luminosity) of ≈10,200 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the XMM-Spitzer Extragalactic Representative Volume Survey, which was designed to investigate the growth of supermassive black holes across a wide dynamic range of cosmic environments. Using physical torus models (e.g., Borus02) and a Bayesian approach, we uncover 22 representative Compton-thick (CT; N
H > 1.5 × 1024 cm−2) AGN candidates with good signal-to-noise ratios as well as a large sample of 136 heavily obscured AGNs. We also find an increasing CT fraction (f
CT) from low (z < 0.75) to high (z > 0.75) redshift. Our CT candidates tend to show hard X-ray spectral shapes and dust extinction in their spectral energy distribution fits, which may shed light on the connection between AGN obscuration and host-galaxy evolution.
Distant Echoes of the Milky Way’s Last Major Merger
Authors: Chandra Vedant , Naidu Rohan P. , Conroy Charlie , Ji Alexander P. , Rix Hans-Walter , Bonaca Ana , Cargile Phillip A. , Han Jiwon Jesse , Johnson Benjamin D. , Ting 丁 Yuan-Sen 源森 , Woody Turner , Zaritsky Dennis
Published: June 2023

The majority of the Milky Way’s stellar halo consists of debris from our galaxy’s last major merger, the Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus (GSE). In the past few years, stars from the GSE have been kinematically and chemically studied in the inner 30 kpc of our galaxy. However, simulations predict that accreted debris could lie at greater distances, forming substructures in the outer halo. Here we derive metallicities and distances using Gaia DR3 XP spectra for an all-sky sample of luminous red giant stars, and map the outer halo with kinematics and metallicities out to 100 kpc. We obtain follow-up spectra of stars in two strong overdensities—including the previously identified outer Virgo Overdensity—and find them to be relatively metal rich and on predominantly retrograde orbits, matching predictions from simulations of the GSE merger. We argue that these are apocentric shells of GSE debris, forming 60–90 kpc counterparts to the 15–20 kpc shells that are known to dominate the inner stellar halo. Extending our search across the sky with literature radial velocities, we find evidence for a coherent stream of retrograde stars encircling the Milky Way from 50 to 100 kpc, in the same plane as the Sagittarius Stream but moving in the opposite direction. These are the first discoveries of distant and structured imprints from the GSE merger, cementing the picture of an inclined and retrograde collision that built up our galaxy’s stellar halo.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Amorphous Silicates with an Enstatite and Forsterite Composition
Authors: Koike C. , Chihara H.
Published: June 2023

The presence of amorphous silicate particles in interstellar and circumstellar space has been suggested based on the observation of 9.7 and 18 μm emission bands. We have successfully synthesized amorphous silicate samples of an enstatite and forsterite composition by the mechanical milling of mixed powder consisting of SiO2–MgO and SiO2–Mg(OH)2 reagent-grade particles under different rotation frequencies and milling times. These two types of starting materials are prepared to study the effect of the OH bond on synthesis and crystallization. The amorphous samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Amorphous samples with enstatite composition are synthesized from both SiO2–MgO and SiO2–Mg(OH)2 at 300 rpm and for 300 hr. Amorphous samples with forsterite composition are synthesized from both SiO2–MgO and SiO2–Mg(OH)2. The samples from SiO2–Mg(OH)2 require 400 rpm and a long milling time of 1600 hr. After crystallization, amorphous samples with an enstatite composition synthesized from SiO2–Mg(OH)2 mainly transform into forsterite with small amounts of amorphous silica SiO2 and enstatite depending on the rotation frequencies and milling time, while those from SiO2–MgO become enstatite. The amorphous samples with a forsterite composition are crystallized to forsterite from both starting materials. The presence of H2O or OH bonds significantly affects the final products after the crystallization of amorphous silicates of enstatite composition.
Temperature of the Polar Inner Heliosheath: Connection to Solar Activity
Authors: Livadiotis G. , McComas D. J. , Zirnstein E. J.
Published: June 2023

We study the thermodynamics of the plasma protons in the polar regions of the inner heliosheath (IHS) and its connection with solar activity over solar cycle 24. First, we express the thermodynamic parameters of this plasma with respect to the year of energetic neutral atom (ENA) creation and perform a statistical analysis of temperatures, in order to provide a more precise characterization of the thermodynamics of IHS. Then, we perform an autocorrelation between the IHS temperature and the solar activity, using the proxies of sunspot number and fractional area of the polar coronal holes. We show that there is (i) high correlation between the time series of IHS proton temperatures and sunspot number, which is maximized for a time delay of τ ∼ 2.5 yr for both the north and south polar regions combined; (ii) high negative correlation between the temperature of the proton plasma in the north and south with the coronal hole fractional areas, where the time delay for the two poles combined is τ ∼ 2.71 ± 0.15 yr; and (iii) an asymmetry of a time-delay difference between the poles ∼0.22 yr, indicating that the southern polar ENA source region is ∼19 au closer than the northern one for a solar wind plasma protons of bulk speed of ∼400 km s−1. The findings demonstrate a connection between the IHS thermodynamics and solar activity through the solar wind, primarily manifested by the coronal holes expanding near solar minimum, which drives the expansion of fast solar wind over larger angles from high down to middle latitudes in the IHS.
Constraints on Undetected Long-period Binaries in the Known Pulsar Population
Authors: Jones Megan L. , Kaplan David L. , McLaughlin Maura A. , Lorimer Duncan R.
Published: June 2023

Although neutron star–black hole binaries have been identified through mergers detected in gravitational waves, a pulsar–black hole binary has yet to be detected. While short-period binaries are detectable due to a clear signal in the pulsar’s timing residuals, effects from a long-period binary could be masked by other timing effects, allowing them to go undetected. In particular, a long-period binary measured over a small subset of its orbital period could manifest via time derivatives of the spin frequency incompatible with isolated pulsar properties. We assess the possibility of pulsars having unknown companions in long-period binaries and put constraints on the range of binary properties that may remain undetected in current data, but that may be detectable with further observations. We find that for 35% of canonical pulsars with published higher-order derivatives, the precision of measurements is not enough to confidently reject binarity (period ≳2 kyr), and that a black hole binary companion could not be ruled out for a sample of pulsars without published constraints if the period is >1 kyr. While we find no convincing cases in the literature, we put more stringent limits on orbital period and longitude of periastron for the few pulsars with published higher-order frequency derivatives (n ≥ 3). We discuss the detectability of candidates and find that a sample pulsar in a 100 yr orbit could be detectable within 5–10 yr.
Investigating the Impact of Vertically Extended Coronae on X-Ray Reverberation Mapping
Authors: Lucchini Matteo , Mastroserio Guglielmo , Wang Jingyi , Kara Erin , Ingram Adam , Garcia Javier , Dauser Thomas , van der Klis Michiel , König Ole , Lewin Collin , Nathan Edward , Panagiotou Christos
Published: June 2023

Accreting black holes commonly exhibit hard X-ray emission, originating from a region of hot plasma near the central engine referred to as the corona. The origin and geometry of the corona are poorly understood, and models invoking either inflowing or outflowing material (or both) can successfully explain only parts of the observed phenomenology. In particular, recent works indicate that the time-averaged and variability property might originate in different regions of the corona. In this paper we present a model designed to move beyond the lamppost paradigm, with the goal of accounting for the vertical extent of the corona. In particular, we highlight the impact of including self-consistently a second lamppost, mimicking, for example, an extended jet base. We fully include the effect that the second source has on the time-dependent disk ionization, reflection spectrum, and reverberation lags. We also present an application of this new model to NICER observations of the X-ray binary MAXI J1820+070 near its hard-to-soft state transition. We demonstrate that in these observations, a vertically extended corona can capture both spectral and timing properties, while a single-lamppost model can not. In this scenario, the illumination responsible for the time-averaged spectrum originates close to the black hole, while the variability is likely associated with the ballistic jet.
First Evidence of Multi-iron Subpopulations in the Bulge Fossil Fragment Candidate Liller 1*
Authors: Crociati Chiara , Valenti Elena , Ferraro Francesco R. , Pallanca Cristina , Lanzoni Barbara , Cadelano Mario , Fanelli Cristiano , Origlia Livia , Leanza Silvia , Dalessandro Emanuele , Mucciarelli Alessio , Rich R. Michael
Published: June 2023

In the context of a project aimed at characterizing the properties of the so-called Bulge Fossil Fragments (the fossil remnants of the bulge formation epoch), here we present the first determination of the metallicity distribution of Liller 1. For a sample of 64 individual member stars we used ESO-MUSE spectra to measure the equivalent width of the Ca II triplet and then derive the iron abundance. To test the validity of the adopted calibration in the metal-rich regime, the procedure was first applied to three reference bulge globular clusters (NGC 6569, NGC 6440, and NGC 6528). In all the three cases, we found single-component iron distributions, with abundance values fully in agreement with those reported in the literature. The application of the same methodology to Liller 1 yielded, instead, a clear bimodal iron distribution, with a subsolar component at [Fe/H] = −0.48 dex (σ = 0.22) and a supersolar component at [Fe/H] = +0.26 dex (σ = 0.17). The latter is found to be significantly more centrally concentrated than the metal-poor population, as expected in a self-enrichment scenario and in agreement with that found in another bulge system, Terzan 5. The obtained metallicity distribution is astonishingly similar to that predicted by the reconstructed star formation history of Liller 1, which is characterized by three main bursts and a low, but constant, activity of star formation over the entire lifetime. These findings provide further support to the possibility that, similar to Terzan 5, Liller 1 is also a Bulge Fossil Fragment.
Energy Flux and Particle Flux in Steady-state Solutions of Nuclear Star Clusters
Authors: Rom Barak , Linial Itai , Sari Re’em
Published: June 2023

We examine the effects of two-body interactions in a nuclear star cluster surrounding a supermassive black hole. We evaluate the energy flux, analogously to the particle flux calculation of Bahcall and Wolf. We show that there are two types of power-law steady-state solutions: one with zero energy flux and constant particle flux and the other with constant energy flux and zero particle flux. We therefore prove that a zero particle flux solution, which corresponds to the case of an accreting supermassive black hole, can be obtained by requiring a constant energy flux. Consequently, this solution can be derived by simple dimensional analysis, bypassing the need for detailed calculation. Finally, we show that this characteristic, of zero particle flux for constant energy flux and vice versa, is not unique to the Keplerian potential of a supermassive black hole but holds for any central potential of the form ϕ ∝ r
−β
.
Severe SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus co-infection in two children
Authors: Angelova Andreana , Atanasova Mariya , Ketev Kostadin , Halil Zeyra , Paskaleva Ivanka , Lengerova Gergana , Dimcheva Teodora , Korsun Neli , Murdjeva Mariana
Published: June 2023

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) affects mainly older adults. Those with comorbidities are at a higher risk of severe disease and even death. The symptomatic infection rate of children is lower, manifestations are milder, and severe forms are scarce. We present here two children with severe COVID-19 and a respiratory syncytial virus, with the goal of emphasizing the possibility of coinfection with a severe course and a different result. The microbiological diagnosis was made using multiplex PCR. This assay not only provided an early and accurate diagnosis but also aided in the implementation of contact precautions. Further research should be done to determine the influence of coinfection on the clinical course and outcome of pediatric patients.
Regenerative endodontic treatment of immature permanent teeth after mechanical instrumentation with XP-Endo Finisher
Authors: Hristov Krasimir , Doitchinova Liliya , Gateva Natalia
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The traditional treatment of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp involves creating an apical barrier by using calcium hydroxide or an MTA plug for an extended period of time. A novel therapeutic approach called regenerative endodontic procedures (REP) is used to allow root development to continue.

Aim: To investigate the response of immature permanent teeth and necrotic pulp to REP using a modified clinical protocol involving minimal mechanical instrumentation and irrigation with 10% citric acid.

Materials and methods: We treated 30 immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp in 28 patients aged 7-14 years using a modified protocol for regenerative endodontics. The protocol included mechanical instrumentation of the root canal with the appropriate file for 2 minutes in total and irrigation with 10% citric acid.

Results: The root walls increased their thickness in 28 (93%) of the treated cases. In 16 (53%) cases, we found radiographic signs of continued root development; in six (20%), there was thickening of the canal walls and closure of the apex but no elongation; in four (13%), there was obliteration of the root canal; in two (7%), there was healing of the periapical lesion without any change in the length of the root walls or closure of the apex; and only two cases (7%) showed no signs of healing, but the teeth remained asymptomatic.

Conclusions: The use of mechanical instrumentation with the appropriate files in REP shortens the clinical protocol, which is advantageous when treating children’s dental issues.
Impact of gingival phenotype on the periodontal disease
Authors: Pashova-Tasseva Zdravka , Mlachkova Antoaneta , Tosheva Ekaterina
Published: June 2023

Aim: The aims of the present study were to explore the relations between the gingival phenotype (GP) and the periodontal health status and find the prevalence of a specific gingival phenotype in a small Bulgarian population.

Materials and methods: We recruited 50 patients attending our dental practice with different periodontal diagnoses. A detailed periodontal status was taken to assess the diagnosis of each participant. Several clinical methods for evaluation of the gingival thickness and keratinized tissue width, including the TRAN method, transgingival probing, and direct measurement, were used. The data were summarized and analyzed statistically.

Results: We found a significant prevalence of the thick gingival phenotype, in particular the thick flat type. The patients with periodontitis had a higher distribution of the thick gingival phenotype, while in those with gingivitis, the thin scalloped gingival phenotype was noted. In regards to the gingival thickness (GT), 36 participants were found to have GT >1 mm, and the remaining 14 had GT ≤1 mm. Statistically significant differences were found in the keratinized tissue width and the width of attached gingiva in the different gingival phenotypes. No significant differences were found in the age and sex of participants.

Conclusions: We found a significant prevalence of the thick (with a mild prevalence of thick flat to thick scalloped) versus thin gingival phenotype in the studied sample. The highest relative proportion of patients with periodontitis was among the subsample of individuals with thick flat gingival phenotype. Regarding gingivitis, the highest proportion was in the thin scalloped phenotype subsample – 42.9%. The highest prevalence of periodontal health was among the individuals with thick scalloped GP (50%), followed by the thin scalloped GP (35.7%).
Immunohistochemical phenotype of colorectal carcinoma in patients with KRAS mutation and mismatch repair status
Authors: Tashkova Desislava , Ilieva Nevena , Serteva Denitsa , Feodorova Yana , Mehterov Nikolay , Mollova Angelina , Bachurska Svitlana
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Aberrant expression of CK7/CK20/CDX2 is reported in percentage of colorectal carcinomas (CRC).

Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate specific morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of colorectal carcinoma with KRAS mutation status and microsatellite instability.

Materials and methods: Seventy-one patients with CRC and examined KRAS mutation status were included in the investigation. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies to CK7, CK20, CDX2, PMS2, and MSH6. An automatic immunostainer (Ventana BenchMark GX) was used following the manufacturer’ instructions. Fisher’s exact test was used for statistical analysis (p value <0.05).

Results: Immunohistochemical analysis was performed for CK7, CK20, CDX2, PMS2, and MSH6. Aberrant expression of the typical immunohistochemical profile CK7/CK20/CDX2 was observed in 50% of the cases. The highest sensitivity and specificity were established for CDX2, with 93% of the cases demonstrating positive nuclear expression in the tumor cells. As for the microsatellite status, 20% of the examined colorectal cancers showed loss in expression for one or both of the mismatch repair proteins - PMS2 and MSH6, which was associated with loss of expression for CK20 and CDX2 as well. Downhill correlation was found also between CK20 expression and the presence of mutation in the gene for KRAS.

Conclusions: Our results may support the heterogeneity of colorectal carcinoma. Statistically significant correlation was found between the expression of CK20 and CDX2 and microsatellite deficient and KRAS mutant colorectal cancers. This may lead to application of immunohistochemical screening panel for selection of patients with CRC for genetic testing. Further studies on large cohorts correlating different immunohistochemical profiles to molecular subtypes of colorectal carcinoma are needed for better understanding of the pathogenesis and behavior of colorectal carcinoma.
Comparative analysis of tensile strength between three types of retraction cords
Authors: Makakova Desislava R. , Alexandrov Svetlin , Vlahova Angelina
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Gingival retraction is the withdrawal of the marginal gingiva away from the tooth. This procedure creates a space between the prepared tooth and the gingival tissues to catch more fine details of the impression material. The most common retraction device used in clinical practice is the retraction cord.

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the tensile strength of retraction cords designed with different braiding technology.

Materials and methods: A total of 150 experimental units were studied. They were divided into 3 groups of 50 each according to the type of retraction cord (Ultrapak #00, braided cord without core, and braided cord with monofilament core). We tested the tensile strength in the LMT 100 micro-tensile apparatus. The data were analyzed using SPSS v. 21. A critical significance level of p<0.05 is used.

Results: The comparative analysis of the tensile strength of the retraction cords shows a statistically significant difference between the braided and the knitted threads (Ultrapak #00) (p<0.001). The results indicated the highest tensile strength of the cord with monofilament 41.95 N/mm2, followed closely by the cord with the same cotton braid without monofilament with average strength of 39.80 N/mm2, and last came the Ultrapak cord 22.11 N/mm2.

Conclusions: The braided retraction cords show higher tensile strength compared to the Ultrapak #00 cord, which is made using knitting technology.
Extrapleural harvesting of the internal thoracic artery – impact on early postoperative results and pulmonary function
Authors: Kyuchukov Dimitar , Stoycheva Stanislava , Nachev Gencho
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The internal thoracic artery (ITA) has proven to be the best graft for surgical myocardial revascularization, especially in the configuration left ITA (LITA) to the anterior descending branch of left coronary artery (LAD). Its harvesting is usually accompanied by pleurotomy, followed by drainage tube placement into the pleural cavity, using the so called intrapleural method. Extrapleural technique for LITA harvesting is also practiced in many cardiac surgery centers and with this technique the pleura is left intact.

Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of both techniques of LITA harvesting on lung function and incidence of postoperative complications early after operation.

Materials and methods: We analyzed retrospectively data of 82 operated patients scheduled for surgical myocardial revascularization and meeting certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the way LITA was prepared. Lung parameters and incidence of surgical complications were registered in the early postoperative period until day 30.

Results: The patients from both groups had similar preoperative characteristics and risk factors. Those with preserved pleura showed significantly better results of the studied pulmonary parameters and lower complications event rate during early postoperative follow-up.

Conclusions: Maintaining the pleura integrity during LITA harvesting is beneficial for lung function and reduces the rate of complications in the early postoperative period.
Characteristics of patients with severe asthma in primary and secondary care settings considered eligible for biological therapy – the Bulgarian RECOGNISE study
Authors: Ivanov Yavor , Hodzhev Vladimir , Vulkova-Gospodinova Diana , Stoyanova Anelia , Mihaylov Svetlan , Dzhambazova Veselka , Aleksandrova Radka , Aron Erdal , Zhelev Filip
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Asthma is a major non-communicable disease. It affects both children and adults, but is the most common chronic condition among the former. While inhaled controller drugs stabilize the disease in most asthma patients, there are a certain number of people who suffer from severe asthma, which requires treatment escalation. Oral corticosteroids are usually added, but they are associated with various side effects that may limit their application. The introduction of biologicals targeting inflammatory mediators has opened a new era of asthma treatment highlighting the importance of patient characterization.

Aim: The RECOGNISE study sought to provide real-world insight into the characteristics of patients deemed eligible for biological therapy based on the judgment of the clinical investigator in primary and secondary care settings.

Materials and methods: The RECOGNISE study was a multicenter, observational, cross-sectional, one-visit study to characterize those severe asthma patients who are considered eligible for biological therapy among asthma patients in primary and secondary care settings in Bulgaria. Female and male asthma patients over 18 years of age were enrolled at four sites across the country. Severe asthma diagnosis had to be in agreement with the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) guidelines. Patients provided patient-reported outcomes on asthma control and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Investigators completed specifically designed electronic case report forms (eCRFs), which included demographics and medical history. Medical history included lung function, biomarkers, comorbidities, exacerbations, Healthcare Resource Utilization (HRU), and prescribed asthma medication in the last 12 months as well as adherence to medication.

Results: Ninety-two severe asthma patients were enrolled in the Bulgarian RECOGNISE study (females prevailing – 65.22%). The median age (range) at diagnosis was 40 (18, 74) years. Most patients were never-smokers (n=72, 78.26%). For eligible patients, the median total EOS blood count was 431.0 cells/µl (n=19) and the blood EOS percentage was 5.95% (n=64). Chronic OCS use (treatment maintenance with OCS for ≥50% of the previous year) was documented for 30.1% of eligible patients. The results from the Bulgarian RECOGNISE cohort show that 90.2% of the severe asthma patients from the primary and secondary care sites are eligible for treatment with the approved biologicals.

Conclusions: The current findings emphasize how crucial it is for patients with severe asthma to be monitored by an asthma specialist who can determine when it is time to switch to biologicals.
Oral chronic toxicity test of nano herbal Phaleria macrocarpa
Authors: Rumahorbo Cheryl Grace Pratiwi , Ilyas Syafruddin , Hutahaean Salomo , Fatimah Zuhra Cut , Situmorang Putri Cahaya
Published: June 2023

Extracts of Phaleria macrocarpa have been used for years in traditional medicine and have been evaluated scientifically as well. This study aimed to evaluate the chronic toxicity level of nano herbal Phaleria macrocarpa and its effect on the changes in hematology, biochemistry, electrolytes, and organ histopathology. High Energy Milling (HEM) produced nano herbal Phaleria macrocarpa. By giving nano herbal Phaleria macrocarpa at doses of 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg BW for 56 days, the mice’s blood was collected for the hematological and electrolyte parameters. The kidney and liver were assessed for biochemical parameters. As a result, the nano herbal Phaleria macrocarpa affected the histopathological organs, hematological, biochemical, and electrolyte parameters at an appropriate dose of 300–600 mg/kg BW. The maximum period of the administration this herbal medicine is one month. Therefore, with the correct dose and period of administration, this plant can be used as herbal medicine in the future.
Corneal Stromal Fragmentation Instead of Cataract Fragmentation During Femtosecond Laser–Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): Case Report
Authors: Cruz Emerson M. , Ang Robert Edward T.
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

To report a case of a misdirected laser beam delivery on the cornea instead of cataract fragmentation during femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery (FLACS).

Methods:

An 88-year-old man underwent FLACS. Intraoperatively, inadvertent movement led to loss of suction wherein the supposed laser beam cataract fragmentation was shifted on the corneal side. One day postoperatively, there was a formed chamber and clear central cornea with no signs of edema in the fragmented part. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed various cuts in the endothelium extending to the anterior one-third of the cornea. Slit-lamp photographs documented the extent of circular and linear cuts in the paracentral and limbal 3-o'clock position location in the cornea.

Conclusions:

It is important that cataract surgeons be aware of this potential for corneal injury so that proper intraoperative management can be instituted suitably.

[
Journal of Refractive Surgery Case Reports
. 2023;3(2):e19–e23.]
Corporate social responsibility toward employees and green innovation: Exploring the link in the tourism sector
Authors: Guinot Jacob , Barghouti Zina , Beltrán-Martín Inmaculada , Chiva Ricardo
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the concept of corporate social responsibility toward employees (CSRE) has gained increasing importance, both in academic research and in managerial practice. This concept includes those human resource policies aimed at improving employee satisfaction. In this paper, we build on previous research on CSRE by examining its relationship with organizational learning capability (OLC). In addition, to shed light on the link between CSRE and OLC, we introduce explanatory variables such as organizational commitment. In turn, we analyze if OLC may simultaneously increase green innovation (GI). These relationships were tested using structural equation modeling on a sample of 300 companies in the tourism sector. Results confirm that organizational commitment mediates the relationship between CSRE and OLC, and this in turn positively affects GI. These findings uncover an unexplored route to create more sustainable business through organizational behaviors and attitudes promoted by CSRE.
Computational modeling of financial crime population dynamics under different fractional operators
Authors: Zarin Rahat , Raouf Abdur , Khan Amir , Raezah Aeshah A. , Humphries Usa Wannasingha
Published: June 2023

This paper presents an analysis and numerical simulation of financial crime population dynamics using fractional order calculus and Newton's polynomial. The dynamics of financial crimes are modeled as a fractional-order system, which is then solved using numerical methods based on Newton's polynomial. The results of the simulation provide insights into the behavior of financial crime populations over time, including the stability and convergence of the systems. The study provides a new approach to understanding financial crime populations and has potential applications in developing effective strategies for combating financial crimes. Fractional derivatives are commonly applied in many interdisciplinary fields of science because of its effectiveness in understanding and analyzing complicated phenomena. In this work, a mathematical model for the population dynamics of financial crime with fractional derivatives is reformulated and analyzed. A fractional-order financial crime model using the new Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo (ABC) derivative is introduced. The reproduction number for financial crime is calculated. In addition, the relative significance of model parameters is also determined by sensitivity analysis. The existence and uniqueness of the solution in consideration of the ABC derivative are discussed. A number of conditions are established for the existence and Ulam-Hyers stability of financial crime equilibria. A numerical scheme is presented for the proposed model, starting with the Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivative, followed by the Caputo and Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivatives. Finally, we solve the models with fractal-fractional derivatives.
Dynamics of drug on-drug off models with mutations in morbidostat — Dedicated to the seventieth birthday of Professor Gail Wolkowicz
Authors: Cheng Ziran , Hsu Sze-Bi
Published: June 2023

The morbidostat is a bacteria culture device that progressively increases antibiotic drug concentration. It is used to study the evolutionary pathway. In this article, we construct mathematical models for the morbidostat. First we consider the case of no mutations, we study limiting systems and obtain criteria for the large time behavior of the solutions. From the theoretical results and numerical simulations, we conclude that there are two competitive exclusion states of either wild type or mutant type as the threshold parameter $ U $ varies. There are three cases, wild type bacteria excludes all mutants; a mutant dominates in the competition; oscillation between the above two states.

Next we study the systems of forward mutations and forward-backward mutations. Then we apply a result of pertubation for globally stable state.
HST vs. JWST
Authors: CHO Jaeil
Published: June 2023

Since James Web Space Telescope (JWST)’s launch on the 25th of December 2021, new era of astronomy has begun. We can see totally different universe ever seen before. This success would not be possible without the previous Hubble Space Telescope (HST)’s early failure. JWST is considered as a successor of HST. But it is not true. One thing in common of these two telescopes is that they are in space. They have different primary mirror, orbit, observing wavelength and scientific instruments. Probably they have the same scientific goal : revealing the origin of the Universe and life. In this article I will explain differences of JWST and HST and introduce their achievements. Furthermore I will discuss whether JWST is really a successor or substitute of HST.
Exploring the Mental Health Correlates of Welfare Stigmatization, Violent Crime, and Property Crime
Authors: Chigbu Kingsley U
Published: June 2023

Stigmatization of individuals who utilize public welfare in the United States is prevalent and correlates with negative mental health outcomes. Poverty has often been associated with violence and crime, which exacerbates stigmatization of people experiencing poverty. Hence, the study applied the empowerment perspective in examining public nutritional assistance as an empowering intervention. It was hypothesized that public nutritional assistance would be negatively associated with violent crime and property crime. Bivariate and multivariate statistical methods were applied in examining how utilization of public nutritional assistance is associated with the prevalence of violent crime and property crime in a US city. Findings showed inverse relationships between public nutritional assistance and property crime, while violent crime maintained a positive association with property crime. Implications for advocacy, mental health, social work education, and social policy are discussed.
Peer Mentoring: A Case Study in Developing Legislative Advocacy Skills among Social Work Students
Authors: Lewis Melinda L , Albury Janet D , Kwong Miu Ha
Published: June 2023

Peer mentoring in social work education can be beneficial in developing and promoting legislative advocacy skills among social work students taking foundational social welfare policy courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. A descriptive case study is presented of a student peer mentoring project within a social work educational program at a regional comprehensive state university. This study describes the incorporation of a peer mentoring program to assist in promoting legislative advocacy skills among social work students. The project encompasses annual state-level high-impact practice (HIP) legislative advocacy action events across 5 years before and during the global pandemic. This article also seeks to inspire social work educators to embrace peer mentoring as a means to enhance and promote the development of advocacy skills as students find their collective voice and speak up to educate lawmakers on contemporary social problems impacting vulnerable populations.
Trends and Challenges in Formative Assessment of Reading and Writing
Authors: Karagoz Inanc , Bangun Imelda
Published: June 2023

The digital transformation of English for academic purposes (EAP) settings has gained momentum as a result of innovations in educational technology. Both face-to-face and remote instruction witnessed the use of various online tools to support language learning. Based on recent research findings, this chapter discusses specific ways online formative assessment could and should be used when engaging students in critical discussion of the reading content, checking their reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition, facilitating the peer assessment process for writing, and providing teacher feedback. It is concluded with a critical discussion of the most pertinent challenges researchers and practitioners are likely to encounter, including, but not limited to, monitoring and managing peer interactions and ensuring progress-oriented peer feedback, and creating formative assessments that go beyond prompting learners to select an instructor-written choice statement in multiple-choice quizzes towards involving critical thinking.
Online Formative Assessment via the E-Portfolio
Authors: Papachristou Vicky , Sachpazian Maria-Araxi , Safonkina Olga
Published: June 2023

The study explores Greek and Russian EFL university students' attitudes towards the use of electronic portfolios as one of the most suitable forms of formative assessment to monitor the process and progress of foreign language learning for online language education. To that end, data were collected online via a questionnaire by 75 Greek and 115 Russian participants who have experienced studying English online during the pandemic and face-to-face. The results have shown that all students hold positive attitudes towards this type of assessment and are aware of its facilitative and beneficial role in enhancing self-learning which could lead to significantly better results. Based on the findings obtained, the authors will attempt to put forth some practical recommendations for English practitioners in teaching English online who seek educational support in this area.
Learning Through Assessment in Anthrogogic Contexts
Authors: Deepa Shree , Durairajan Geetha
Published: June 2023

This chapter charts the wash-forwards gained by the teacher authors who learnt through assessment in the process of teaching an online English language proficiency course that was offered to adult students in mainstream higher education classrooms. The whole course used scenario-based learning and assessment as its tapestry. Students were treated as equal partners; the learnings and the feed-forwards for further courses for the author-teachers were in the areas of time management; new group dynamics, the use of new technological tools as taught by students, the varied uses of plurilingual language use, and new ways of raising an awareness of the potentiality of language to be used in a constructive, neutral, or destructive manner. The students also benefited because they learnt to reflect on their own academic lives, to take responsibility for their academic decisions, and to be aware of their own language use. Though the primary context was the online teaching context during Covid-19, the implications are for regular offline and post-Covid classrooms.
Participant Evaluation of an Online Course on Language Assessment Literacy
Authors: Saglam Asli Lidice Gokturk , Sevgi-Sole Ece
Published: June 2023

This chapter reports on participant evaluations of an online professional development course on language assessment literacy (LAL) for practitioners interested in the field. With the introduction and widespread of online courses following the Covid era, the need to evaluate the effectiveness of the new modalities and platforms to deliver these courses as well as the online course content has become inevitable. To serve for this purpose, this chapter presents the analysis of data collected from a multinational online community of language teachers through the end-of-course questionnaire (n=13) and focused interviews (n=6). The results of the analysis suggested three main issues indicated by the course participants: learning in an online community, course design, and course content. The chapter which discusses the emerging sub-themes has implications for teacher educators, researchers, and course designers interested in learning about the participant perspective towards an online course in a multicultural LAL context.
Public Utility Systems in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Vasović Dejan , Rađenović Tamara , Živković Snežana
Published: June 2023

Utility services represent economic activities of special social importance, as they determine the quality of people's everyday work and life. The local self-governments need to provide utility services of acceptable scope and quality for their citizens. Among them, supplying the population with hygienically correct drinking water is one of the main tasks, but also an indicator of sustainability. The aim of this chapter is to investigate the current state of the public utility systems in the Republic of Serbia and consider their future perspectives. The secondary goal of this work is the analysis of sustainability trends related to SDG 6 in the Republic of Serbia. The main conclusion of the work is that there is certain significant progress in transformation and reorganization in the water sector, as well as positive progress in reaching the SDG 6 target, but further institutional and legislative reform is necessary as well as an increase in the volume of investments.
Sustainability of Public Services
Authors: Krstić Bojan , Jovanović Vujatović Milica , Marjanović Ivana , Milanović Sandra , Tsaples Georgios
Published: June 2023

Since education is the most influential factor of a sustainable society and the fourth UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) promotes the importance of the quality of education, the chapter proposes the tripartite research method. Firstly, a qualitative analysis of the sustainability and efficiency of the education system is conducted. Secondly, an assessment of the efficiency of 31 European education systems is provided by applying the benefit of the doubt approach. Thirdly, the ranking of the education systems in question was conducted according to the criterion of their efficiency. The research illuminates that 40% of analyzed education systems are above the threshold when it comes to the indicators of education efficiency. Having in mind that the research database exploited in this research is grounded on the indicators from SDG4, the data-based conclusions from this chapter support education systems' reforms targeted at upbringing their efficiency, inclusion, equality, and finally, sustainability as a public service.
Exploring Disruption Trajectories From COVID-19 on Education and the Impact of Policies
Authors: Vaseashta Ashok , Maftei Carmen , Radu Dorin
Published: June 2023

The world has seen many pandemics; however, COVID-19 provoked global emergencies at an unprecedented scale in all aspects of life. Despite of recent advances in learning management systems and online education tools, one of the worst disruptions experienced was in the delivery of education. To keep students safe, most educational institutions were closed at the onset of the pandemic. At the peak of the crisis, ~90% of learners worldwide had their education disrupted. The policies were based on social distancing and the use of personal protection. However, the negative impacts of long-term isolation were not articulated. It is likely that there may be similar emergencies in the future. How can we use exponential technologies and innovations for the effective delivery of education? Guided by the lessons learned from the impact of school closures, assessment of remote learning, and the fact that education delivery should be continuous, the authors explore how different research perspectives and evidence gathered can help strengthen policy reflections and future planning for improving efficiency.
Mapping of the Research Publications on Research Ethics
Authors: Saravanan S.
Published: June 2023

The study analyses the mapping of the research publications on research ethics, the Scientometrics profile was applied in the field of research during 2000-2022. The data out of 78308 publications, the largest 8751 (10.71%) of publications was distributed by the researchers in 2021. The EGR ranges between 0.068 and 2.044 in the years 2002 and 2019 respectively. The study found ranked authors, out of which twenty-five authors in the research field were concerned. The most prolific author found in the series, Shine, was the top ranked and had published 164 (0.201%) of the publications. The study explored the productivity of the publications contributed among twenty-five researchers. The ranking of the counties in order was England in second with 13353 (16.34%), then Australia 11777 (14.41%), Canada 8424 (10.31%), Peoples Republic of China 5293 (6.48%), Germany 4512 (5.52%), Netherlands 3920 (4.79%), France 2733 (3.34%), Spain 2391 (2.92%) and Sweden 2294 (2.80%).
Social Networking Skills in Information Literacy Towards Disseminating Scholarly Communication Among Research Scholars at Alagappa University
Authors: Murugappan Sivagami , Jeyshankar R.
Published: June 2023

The study aims to identify the fundamental principles and utilization of social networking skills (SNS) in information literacy (IL) by research scholars of Alagappa University. It intends to compare the earlier educational level, dissemination of information level after employing SNS in research. It also frameworks the challenges recognized by the scholars in accessing SNS and profound changes in information environments and outlines of generation and necessity of scientific information in new modes of assessment, which predominantly focuses on methods and standards of scientific research work. Data was collected by distributing questionnaires through Google form and print form among research scholars of various departments and received 71 responses. The study aims to identify the fundamental principles and utilization of social networking skills (SNS) in information literacy (IL) by research scholars of Alagappa University. It intends to compare the earlier educational level, dissemination of information level and after employing SNS in research.
The Use of ICT at the Induction Level Towards Bringing Equity and Inclusion in HEIs of India
Authors: Sivapragasam Chandrasekaran , Natarajan Narayanan
Published: June 2023

Worldwide there are efforts at different levels to bring in equity and inclusion in the higher education system. In India, the government has very recently approved the new education policy that aims at holistic education starting from kindergarten to the highest degree. Although the policy promotes and encourages many strong ideas towards this, considering the learner diversity particularly in the Indian higher educational system, in order for the learners to realize the opportunity for equity and inclusion, it is necessary to devise methods and means to create, maintain, and grow learner motivation as the learner goes through the degree programme. This chapter proposes a three-pronged approach consisting of a semester-long customized learner induction programme, the role of faculty mentors in creating and sustaining the learner motivation, and bringing in equity and inclusion through lecture delivery. The role of technology in supporting and making these initiatives effective is also discussed with appropriate case studies.
Cultural Minorities, Inclusive Education, and Digital Accessibility During COVID-19 in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Gelabert Miquel Angel Essomba , Vallespí Anna Tarrés
Published: June 2023

This chapter aims to summarize the main findings of a study on the effects of the pandemic on migrant and Roma students, with a special focus on the role that ICT played to make sure that their right to education was ensured. It was conducted during 2021 in Catalonia (Spain), and the methods combined desk research, field visits, and interviews to key stakeholders in the field of digital education and inclusive education. The study covers both primary and secondary education, and it provides useful information on how to digitalize minorities in emergency crises.