bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching Palestine
Authors: Schueller Malini Johar
Published: January 2024

This article explores theories and methodologies for an activist teaching and reading of Palestinian literature, including Susan Abulhawa's novel Mornings in Jenin and Remi Kanazi's poetry. Based on student responses — empathy with individual Palestinian characters but not resistance to Israeli settler colonialism — the author suggests that empathetic identification, often perceived as a means of comprehending the other, instead blocks political and historical understandings. Building on Saidiya Hartman's and Lorenzo Veracini's arguments, the author posits the need for seeing the other through a Levinasian radical alterity (which he denied Palestinians), not through similarity. Moments when texts disturbed readerly identification were moments of activist potential.
Increasing the Retirement Age: Policy Effects and Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Rabaté Simon , Jongen Egbert , Atav Tilbe
Published: January 2024

We study the effects of increasing the statutory retirement age (SRA) in the Netherlands, using regression discontinuity design and administrative data on the universe of the population. We find clear and large employment effects of the reform. A simple model in which individuals stay longer in their pre-SRA labor market state predicts the treatment effects well. The employment level before the SRA and the retirement hazard at the SRA are the key determinants of the effects of the policy change. Exploring potential explanations for the high hazard rate observed in the Netherlands, our results point to an important role for employers’ effects. (JEL H55, J14, J26, J32)
Customer satisfaction and financial performance in greek retail banking
Authors: Κανάκης Μιχαήλ
Published: January 2024

Η συσγκεκριμένη διδακτορική διατριβή αξιολογεί δεδομένα της ικανοποίησης πελατών και πως αυτά επιδρούν στην χρηματοοικονομική επιδόση των τραπεζικών ιδρυμάτων στην Ελλάδα.
Le suffixe -ιά en grec moderne
Authors: Ευθυμίου Αγγελική
Published: January 2024

Η διατριβή εξετάζει το νεοελληνικό επίθημα -ιά με βάση το θεωρητικό πλαίσιο της D. Corbin (1987) εστιάζοντας την πολυσημία των παράγωγων λέξεων που κατασκευάζει. Βασικό χαρακτηριστικών των παράγωγων ουσιαστικών σε -ιά είναι ότι δηλώνουν πολλές σημασίες, π.χ. χτύπημα (μαχαιριά), σύνολο (αγροτιά), ιδιότητα (μπαμπεσιά), περιεχόμενο (κουταλιά), οικειότητα (καφεδιά), κτλ. Επιχειρείται η ενιαία σημασιολογική ανάλυση της φαινομενικής πολυσημίας του επιθήματος και υποστηρίζεται ότι κοινός παρονομαστής των παράγωγων λέξεων σε -ιά είναι η έννοια της εξατομίκευσης: Το επίθημα κατασκευάζει ουσιαστικά που εκφράζουν την οπτική του ομιλητή και δηλώνουν οντότητες που φέρουν τα χαρακτηριστικά [+οριοθετημένο, -εσωτερική δομή]. Επίσης υποστηρίζεται ότι οι ποικίλες σημασίες των παράγωγων λέξεων είναι εξειδικεύσεις (υποπροϊόντα) της βασικής αφηρημένης σημασίας του επιθήματος και προκύπτουν ύστερα από αλληλεπίδραση με τις βάσεις στις οποίες εφαρμόζεται το επίθημα.Τέλος, επιχειρείται η διδακτική αξιοποίηση των θεωρητικών ευρημάτων της διατριβής στη διδασκαλία των παράγωγων λέξεων.
REGULAMENTAÇÃO DAS ATIVIDADES INOVATIVAS PARA O AUMENTO DA COMPETITIVIDADE E DESEMPENHO ECONÔMICO DOS PAÍSES INTEGRANTES DO G20
Authors: Maciel de Oliveira Costa Herika Christina , Ohayon Pierre , Cantisano dos Santos E Silva Branca Regina , Morais dos Santos Odilanei
Published: January 2024

O estudo apresentado neste artigo tem como objetivo evidenciar a relação entre a regulação das atividades inovativas para o aumento da competitividade e o desempenho econômico dos países membros do G20. O estudo foi conduzido por meio de pesquisa quantitativa, utilizando indicadores dos países pertencentes ao G20, divulgados no World Competitiveness Report do Fórum Econômico Mundial (FEM). Os dados foram submetidos a uma análise estatística, por meio de regressão linear múltipla. Os resultados obtidos permitiram identificar que a regulação das atividades inovativas gera contribuição positiva sobre o grau de competitividade e, consequentemente, sobre a capacidade inovadora dos países estudados.
Rethinking the Implications of NATO’s Afghanistan Operation and Its Partnership for Peace in Central Asia: Is It the End of NATO’s Presence in Central Asia?
Authors: BAĞBAŞLIOĞLU Arif
Published: January 2024

NATO’s partnership policy, including its Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, which aims to develop cooperation and dialogue with non-NATO countries, represents the first steps for an

essentially Euro-Atlantic alliance to establish an institutional relationship with Central Asian states. The war on terror discourse after the September 11 attacks, the US intervention in Afghanistan

in 2001, and NATO’s takeover of the ISAF mission in 2003 made it easier for NATO to establish institutional relations with Central Asian states. This study first discusses the effects of the end of the

Afghanistan operation on NATO’s approach towards Central Asia in light of current developments, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept. It then explains why the

PfP program did not produce the desired results in developing relations with Central Asian states.
Realistic rendering method for specular reflections with continuous motion parallax in a computer-generated hologram
Authors: Watanabe Keita , Yamauchi Keigo , Sakamoto Yuji
Published: January 2024

A computer-generated hologram (CGH) enables the display of virtual images and videos as well as the communication and storage of holographic data. The point-based method, which is a CGH-calculation method for representing the surface of an object as a set of point-light sources, has not been sufficiently studied in terms of realistic representation. This paper proposes a CGH-calculation method for realistic rendering using ray tracing to be used with a point-based method. Experiments were conducted with an optical system to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method in terms of hidden-surface removal in mirror images and its implementation on multiple mirror surfaces. The results indicate that the proposed method enabled hidden-surface removal with continuous parallax and reflection on mirror surfaces.
Designing a muon scattering scanner for nuclear debris measurement
Authors: Miyadera Haruo , Sugita Tsukasa , Fujimaki Takuro , Nakai Yuki , Noguchi Kyohei , Kusumawati Yudhitya , Yamamoto Shuji , Ueno Souichi , Kume Naoto , Kurihara Kenji , Yoda Masaki , Morris Christopher L. , Guardincerri Elena , Durham J. Matthew , Poulson Dan
Published: January 2024

Removal of fuel debris is planned to start at Unit 2 of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. During the removal, it is desirable to distinguish fuel debris from radioactive wastes and to sort the fuel debris accordingly to the amounts of nuclear material contained. Muon scattering tomography invented at Los Alamos in the early 2000s is highly sensitivity to high-atomic-number materials such as uranium. A muon scanner to sort the debris is designed and currently in production. One of the challenges is to operate the muon scanner in the presence of high γ-ray radiations from the debris: muon-event-identification electronics and a muon-tracking algorithm in the presence of high γ-ray radiations were developed.
“Feeling at home in Vanuatu”: Integration of newcomers from the East during the last millennium
Authors: Zinger Wanda , Valentin Frédérique , Spriggs Matthew , Bedford Stuart , Flexner James L. , Willie Edson , Kuautonga Takaronga , Détroit Florent
Published: January 2024

Several localities across the Vanuatu archipelago (Melanesia), so-called ‘Polynesian Outliers’, are inhabited by communities that display Polynesian linguistic and cultural features although being located outside the Polynesian Triangle. Several introductions of Polynesian genetic components to Central and Southern Vanuatu during the last millenium have resulted in the cultural distinctiveness observed among the Polynesian Outliers in Vanuatu. However, social, political or economic process surrounding the exchange of genes between Polynesian and local individuals remain unidentified. Recent bioanthropological studies suggest the existence of female mobilities from neighboring regions to Vanuatu but also to the Polynesian Outliers of Taumako (Solomon Islands) within patrilocal societies. We aim to examine the hypothesis that Polynesian biological affinities observed in ancient individuals from Vanuatu are gendered or sex-specific, and that some of the Polynesian migrations during the last millennium may have involved practices of exogamy. By reconstructing phenotypes and biological identities from 13 archaeologically-recovered human skulls (400–300 years ago) from “Polynesian-related” regions of Vanuatu, we provide new insights to better contextualize the settlement patterns of Polynesian individuals. Eastern-Pacific associated phenotype are observable in 4 women from the Eretok burial complex (Efate region) and the Polynesian Outlier of Futuna, who were buried in close proximity to individuals with Western-Pacific associated phenotype. We suggest that close integration of individuals from the East into the local Vanuatu society, as well as the practice of exogamy, might have been key processes contributing to the preservation of Polynesian cultural features in Vanuatu over the past millennium. Our finding are cross-referenced with oral records from these two areas, as well as the known genetic makeup of the Vanuatu Polynesian Outliers.
Sex differences in the applicability of Western cardiovascular disease risk prediction equations in the Asian population
Authors: Lim Hee-Sook , Han Hyein , Won Sungho , Ji Sungin , Park Yoonhyung , Lee Hae-Young
Published: January 2024

Aims

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of death, but they can be effectively managed through appropriate prevention and treatment. An important aspect in preventing CVDs is assessing each individual’s comprehensive risk profile, for which various risk engines have been developed. The important keys to CVD risk engines are high reliability and accuracy, which show differences in predictability depending on disease status or race. Framingham risk score (FRS) and the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk equations (ASCVD) were applied to the Korean population to assess their suitability.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using National Health Insurance Corporation sample cohort from 2003 to 2015. The enrolled participants over 30 years of age and without CVD followed-up for 10 years. We compared the prediction performance of FRS and ASCVD and calculated the relative importance of each covariate.

Results

The AUCs of FRS (men: 0.750; women: 0.748) were higher than those of ASCVD (men: 0.718; women: 0.727) for both sexes (Delong test P <0.01). Goodness of fits (GOF) were poor for all models (Chi-square P < 0.001), especially, underestimation of the risk was pronounced in women. When the men’s coefficients were applied to women’s data, AUC (0.748; Delong test P<0.01) and the GOF (chi-square P = 0.746) were notably improved in FRS. Hypertension was found to be the most influential variable for CVD, and this is one of the reasons why FRS, having the highest relative weight to blood pressure, showed better performance.

Conclusion

When applying existing tools to Korean women, there was a noticeable underestimation. To accurately predict the risk of CVD, it was more appropriate to use FRS with men’s coefficient in women. Moreover, hypertension was found to be a main risk factor for CVD.
Adaptation and validation of the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire (WEL) in a Chilean sample
Authors: Gatica-Saavedra Mariela , Nazar Gabriela , Rubí Patricia , Bustos Claudio
Published: January 2024

Self-efficacy is a cognitive-emotional factor that is consistently associated with behavioral change and, in particular, with changes in health behavior. Eating self-efficacy, understood as adopting and maintaining behaviors such as controlling one’s weight and trusting in one’s ability to control one’s eating behavior, has been proposed for managing obesity. This study aimed to validate the Chilean version of the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire (WEL) in a sample of adults from the general population. Four hundred sixty-nine individuals (69.08% women, mean age = 38.02; SD = 10.31) participated in the study. An instrumental design was used geared toward developing tests and psychometric instruments, including adapting existing ones. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. The instrument version validated in Spain was applied in the study. The analysis obtained an instrument of 11 items with adequate psychometric properties allowing its use in clinical and research settings. It can help assess eating self-efficacy in the general population.
Supporting regional pandemic management by enabling self-service reporting—A case report
Authors: Gebler Richard , Lehmann Martin , Löwe Maik , Gruhl Mirko , Wolfien Markus , Goldammer Miriam , Bathelt Franziska , Karschau Jens , Hasselberg Andreas , Bierbaum Veronika , Lange Toni , Polotzek Katja , Held Hanns-Christoph , Albrecht Michael , Schmitt Jochen , Sedlmayr Martin
Published: January 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed a need for better collaboration among research, care, and management in Germany as well as globally. Initially, there was a high demand for broad data collection across Germany, but as the pandemic evolved, localized data became increasingly necessary. Customized dashboards and tools were rapidly developed to provide timely and accurate information. In Saxony, the DISPENSE project was created to predict short-term hospital bed capacity demands, and while it was successful, continuous adjustments and the initial monolithic system architecture of the application made it difficult to customize and scale.

Methods

To analyze the current state of the DISPENSE tool, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the data processing steps and identified data flows underlying users’ metrics and dashboards. We also conducted a workshop to understand the different views and constraints of specific user groups, and brought together and clustered the information according to content-related service areas to determine functionality-related service groups. Based on this analysis, we developed a concept for the system architecture, modularized the main services by assigning specialized applications and integrated them into the existing system, allowing for self-service reporting and evaluation of the expert groups’ needs.

Results

We analyzed the applications’ dataflow and identified specific user groups. The functionalities of the monolithic application were divided into specific service groups for data processing, data storage, predictions, content visualization, and user management. After composition and implementation, we evaluated the new system architecture against the initial requirements by enabling self-service reporting to the users.

Discussion

By modularizing the monolithic application and creating a more flexible system, the challenges of rapidly changing requirements, growing need for information, and high administrative efforts were addressed.

Conclusion

We demonstrated an improved adaptation towards the needs of various user groups, increased efficiency, and reduced burden on administrators, while also enabling self-service functionalities and specialization of single applications on individual service groups.
Causal relationship between diet and knee osteoarthritis: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Lv Xiaofeng , Liang Fangqi , Liu Shanshan , Deng Xinmin , Lai Rui , Du Jihang , Luo Jian
Published: January 2024

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disabling joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Diet may play a role in the etiology and progression of KOA, but evidence for a causal relationship is limited. We aimed to investigate the causal impact of dietary intake on KOA risk using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

We used summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) including dietary intake (n = 335, 394–462, 342), and KOA (n = 403, 124). We selected 6–77 genetic variants as instrumental variables for 18 dietary factors, including processed meat, poultry, beef, oily fish, non-oily fish, pork, lamb, frequency of alcohol intake, alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee, dried fruit, cereals, cheese, bread, cooked vegetables, salad/raw vegetables, and fresh fruit. We performed univariate and multivariate MR analyses to estimate the causal effect of each dietary factor on KOA risk. We also performed some sensitivity analyses to assess the validity of the MR hypothesis.

Results

We found that higher coffee intake was associated with increased KOA risk, whereas higher intake of dried fruits, grains, cheese, and oily fish was associated with reduced KOA risk. After multivariate adjustment, we found that coffee and oily fish intake may affect KOA through obesity, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, hypertension, and prolonged standing. Sensitivity analyses did not reveal any evidence of pleiotropy.

Conclusions

Our study provides new causal evidence that dietary intake may influence KOA risk. Specifically, we suggest that increased intake of dried fruits, grains, cheese, and oily fish and decreased coffee intake may be beneficial in preventing and mitigating KOA. further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to confirm our findings in different populations.
O humanitarismo em mudança: do socorrismo aos intervencionismos
Authors: Pureza José Manuel , Nascimento Daniela
Published: January 2024

Esta obra pretende mapear e analisar os principais debates em torno do humanitarismo, seus propósitos e dilemas fundamentais. A partir de uma contextualização ao nível da evolução da conflitualidade internacional e das raízes históricas da ideologia humanitária e seus princípios fundamentais, identificam-se as marcadas diferenças entre o humanitarismo originário – de ambição eminentemente socorrista e cujo alcance obedece a um código de princípios como a imparcialidade e a independência – e o humanitarismo de agenda ampla, entrecruzado com as políticas de pacificação, de construção institucional ou de desenvolvimento. Esta análise pretende igualmente abrir espaço para uma reflexão mais aprofundada sobre o lugar e papel da ação humanitária, seus atores e princípios, no quadro de lógicas de intervenção e intervencionismo global, bem como sobre os desafios que se colocam à teoria e prática da ação humanitária e os dilemas que a atravessam.
Análisis de la susceptibilidad a la erosión hídrica en una cuenca de la Patagonia árida bajo distintos escenarios
Authors: Aramayo Valeria , Nosetto Marcelo , Cremona María Victoria
Published: January 2024

La erosión hídrica es una de las principales causas de degradación de tierras. Las estimaciones de erosión son fundamentales para la optimización de estrategias de conservación de suelos. Por eso estudiamos la susceptibilidad a la erosión hídrica y sus factores predisponentes en una cuenca de la región árida de la Patagonia norte, con el modelo USLE (siglas en inglés para Ecuación Universal de Pérdida de Suelo). Empleamos herramientas de teledetección, SIG, y análisis de componentes principales para evaluar el escenario promedio de pérdida de suelo. Además, evaluamos los cambios en la erosión estimada bajo tres escenarios posibles de acuerdo a modificaciones en la cobertura y la intervención sobre los humedales. La tasa estimada de pérdida de suelo por erosión hídrica promedió 27 t ha-1 año-1 con distintos grados de afectación en el área. Éstos resultados fueron convergentes con la cantidad de sedimentos en suspensión colectados en tres arroyos de la cuenca. El factor que depende de la pendiente del terreno fue el que mostró el mayor control sobre la variabilidad de la erosión hídrica. Entre los escenarios planteados, las mayores diferencias con respecto a la situación promedio correspondieron a cambios en la erosividad en las precipitaciones más que a cambios en la cobertura o intervenciones en mallines. La extensión espacial del análisis fue posible gracias a la combinación de las herramientas empleadas y brinda un contexto acorde a la complejidad de los procesos ecológicos. Los resultados de este trabajo ponen de manifiesto la existencia de áreas sensibles a la erosión hídrica y permiten establecer prioridades y/o alcances de las decisiones para el cuidado de los recursos naturales en zonas áridas como esta porción de la Patagonia.
Análisis de las imágenes sobre riesgos naturales en los manuales escolares de Ciencias Sociales (España). Catastrofismo y realidad territorial
Authors: Morote Seguido Álvaro Francisco , Olcina Jorge
Published: January 2024

En la actualidad, los contenidos sobre los riesgos naturales están teniendo un interés notable en el ámbito educativo debido a la acción formativa y de concienciación de los más jóvenes. El objetivo de este trabajo es examinar las imágenes que se recopilan en los libros de texto de Ciencias Sociales (3er ciclo de Educación Primaria) que hacen referencia a riesgos naturales, con la finalidad de analizar el tipo de riesgo, grado de catastrofismo, y el contexto territorial al que se adscriben para explicar estos fenómenos en España. A partir de la revisión de las principales editoriales españolas (Anaya, Bromera, Santillana, SM, Vicens Vives), los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto que, de 640 imágenes identificadas, la mayoría hacen referencia a las sequías (38,2%) e inundaciones (29,4%). Respecto al grado de catastrofismo, el 67,6% se presentan con esta finalidad, y en cuanto al contexto territorial, en la mayoría (79,4%), no se identifica la localización geográfica. Como conclusión cabe destacar que la educación para el riesgo en las etapas formativas iniciales es fundamental en el contexto actual de cambio climático para la formación de sociedades más resilientes, pero debe estar basada en el rigor científico de los mensajes a comunicar.
Synthesis, Spectroscopy and Biological Activities of Some Trivalent Lanthanide Complexes of Octadecyl N-salicylaldimine (ONsal)
Authors: Meitei O. Inaomacha , Sheikh Y. , Lonibala R.K.
Published: January 2024

A series of Ln(III) complexes of octadecyl N-salicylaldimine (ONsal) were synthesized and characterized by CHN analysis, magnetic moment, conductivity, thermoanalytical and spectroscopic methods. Elemental and thermal analysis data confirmed the formation of heptacoordinated [Ln(ONsal)2Cl2(H2O)]Cl complexes where Ln = Ce3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, Ho3+, which is further supported by the respective mass spectra. The ligand acts as a neutral bidentate species coordinating through azomethine nitrogen and phenolic O-atom. The linkage of one H2O molecule in all the complexes has been inferred from the thermal analysis. All the Ln(III) complexes are paramagnetic in nature and act as 2:1 electrolyte in 0.002 M DMF at 25 ºC. The complexes of Sm(III), Eu(III) and Tb(III) display luminescent properties. The powder XRD patterns of Nd(III) and Dy(III) complexes could be successfully indexed for monoclinic crystal systems, while the diffraction lines of Eu(III) complex are indexed for a triclinic crystal system. Methanolic solutions of the ligand and complexes were checked for α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory properties where some of the Ln(III) complexes show significant α-glucosidase inhibitory potency while only Tb(III) complex shows inhibition against α-amylase.
Sustainable Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Antibacterial Activity using Environmental Friendly Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Sathish M. , Sathana V. , Venkatesan A. , Amalraj S. David , Gaspar Anand , Julie M. Maria , Jayaprakash Jayabalan
Published: January 2024

A comparison studies of two unique bimetallic spinel ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by the sol-gel process, namely Co-NiFe2O4 andCu-ZnFe2O4 were investigated. Various characterization approaches were utilized to examine the structural, morphological, magnetic and electrical characteristics of the nanoparticles. Both Co-NiFe2O4 and Cu-ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles formed single-phase spinel  structures, according to X-ray diffraction (XRD) research whereas FTIR spectra provided information about the vibrational modes and  chemical bonding within the nanoparticles confirmed the presence of desired metal-oxygen bonds chemical bonding within the  nanoparticles. The UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed the optical absorption properties of the nanoparticles indicating the presence of  energy bandgaps in the visible range. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images suggested the uniform and well-dispersed  nanoparticles with average sizes in the nanoscale range. Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) measurements demonstrated that  both Co-NiFe2O4 and Cu-ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibited ferromagnetic behaviour at room temperature. The saturation  magnetization values were found to be higher for Co-NiFe2O4 nanoparticles compared to Cu-ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles, suggesting the  superior magnetic properties of the former. As a result, ferrites demonstrate promise in industrial wastewater treatment, facilitating  efficient heavy metal removal and advanced organic pollutant degradation, contributing to a sustainable and effective solution. The  antibacterial efficacy of synthesized bimetallic ferrite nanoparticles against Salmonell typhi, Escherichia coli, Staphyloccus aureus,  Bacillus cereus proves that the synthesized ferrite nanoparticles possess a good antibacterial activity against the selected pathogens.
Impact of Al3+ Ions Incorporation on the Enhancement of Optical and Electrical Properties of Cadmium Oxalate Crystals
Authors: Ganavi A S , Jagannatha N , Nagaraja K P , D'Souza Delma , Rohith P S
Published: January 2024

Aluminium (impurity ion) incorporated cadmium oxalate (ACO) crystals were grown in a silica hydrogel media by diffusion technique. ACO crystals emerged with the dimension 6´2´1.5 mm3 at the optimizing parameters of gel pH 4.2, gel density 1.01 g cm-3, SMS: oxalic acid of 5:4 and supernatant mixture at an equal ratio (1:1). Further, the extracted crystals were analyzed by employing Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric (TG) studies. EDAX measurements confirmed the presence of cations at the ratio Cd2+:Al3+= 65.67:1. FTIR spectra identified O-H, C-C, C-O, C=O and M-O bonds in the crystal armature. TG analysis showed two decomposition phases of foregrounded crystals with thermal stability up to 1076.79 oC in the metal oxide state with minimum change in entropy (∆S = -266.95 J mol-1 K-1). ACO crystal crystallized in a triclinic system. The optical and electrical behaviors of ACO crystals were compared with pure cadmium oxalate crystals. ACO crystals showed complete transparency to visible light and maximum absorption in the UV region like pure/parent crystals but the energy gap was reduced to 5.90 eV. The leakage resistance  of ACO crystals was also reduced to 6.583 GΩ and the electrical conductivity coefficient was enhanced to 0.152 S m-1 oC-1 from parent cadmium oxalate crystals.
Metal Organic Framework Derived Cu-Carbon Composite for the Effective Reduction of p-Nitrophenol
Authors: Hasan Zubair , Islam Md. Shariful , Hassan Mahmud , Khan Md. Nazmul Abedin , Rahman Mohammad Mahbubur , Rahman Mohammad Farhadur
Published: January 2024

A Cu-carbon composite (Cu-C) was prepared via single-step carbonization of a metal-organic framework (MOF) composed of Cu2+ and 1,4-benzene dicarboxylate (BDC) and applied as a catalyst to degrade p-nitrophenol. The composite was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies. The characterization affirmed the preservation of MOF-originated CuO and metallic Cu in the carbon network. In presence of NaBH4, the Cu-C composite resulted in a complete reduction of p-nitrophenol within a few min and exhibited much higher removal rate than commercial CuO. The role of NaBH4 concentration in p-nitrophenol reduction was highlighted in the context of relevant catalytic mechanisms. The composite displayed good reusability during four consecutive cycles of p-nitrophenol reduction with only a small loss of its reactivity, signifying its potential as an alternative to noble-metal catalysts.
Clinical Characteristics, Surgical Outcomes, and Risk Factors for Emergency Surgery in Patients With Spinal Metastases: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kanda Yutaro , Kakutani Kenichiro , Sakai Yoshitada , Yurube Takashi , Takeoka Yoshiki , Miyazaki Kunihiko , Ohnishi Hiroki , Matsuo Tomoya , Ryu Masao , Kumagai Naotoshi , Kuroshima Kohei , Hiranaka Yoshiaki , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: January 2024

Objective: To elucidate the patient characteristics and outcomes of emergency surgery for spinal metastases and identify risk factors for emergency surgery.Methods: We prospectively analyzed 216 patients with spinal metastases who underwent palliative surgery from 2015 to 2020. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, Barthel index, EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ5D), and neurological function were assessed at surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for emergency surgery.Results: In total, 146 patients underwent nonemergency surgery and 70 patients underwent emergency surgery within 48 hours of diagnosis of a surgical indication. After propensity score matching, we compared 61 patients each who underwent nonemergency and emergency surgery. Regardless of matching, the median performance status and the mean Barthel index and EQ5D score showed a tendency toward worse outcomes in the emergency than nonemergency group both preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively, although the surgery greatly improved these values in both groups. The median survival time tended to be shorter in the emergency than nonemergency group. The multivariate analysis showed that lesions located at T3–10 (p = 0.002; odds ratio [OR], 2.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48–5.75) and Frankel grades A–C (p < 0.001; OR, 4.91; 95% CI, 2.45–9.86) were independent risk factors for emergency surgery.Conclusion: Among patients with spinal metastases, preoperative and postoperative subjective health values and postoperative survival are poorer in emergency than nonemergency surgery. Close attention to patients with T3–10 metastases is required to avoid poor outcomes after emergency surgery.
Bite Force Measurement in Children with Primary Dentition
Authors: Rajika Karunakaran  , Sharan S. Sargod  , Reshma Suvarna  , Sham S. Bhat  , Sundeep Hedge  , Afreen Salman  , Shailesh Ramdas Shenoy
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

This study intended to compute the maximum bite force in the primary dentition of the young children (3-6 years old) and examine the possible influences of caries, malocclusions (such as crossbite and bruxism), and other factors on maximum bite force. We wanted to ascertain the extent of biting forces in young children's primary dentition, aged three to six, and examine the impact of several factors, including the subjects' gender, caries, crossbite, and bruxism, on the maximum bite force in this study.

METHODS

Children within the age group of 3-6 years were selected from nearby schools. A dental examination was done for caries and malocclusion. The subjects were asked to bite on the unit consisting of a force sensor wedged between wooden sticks wrapped in a polyethylene sheet, 3 times on each side (posteriors) and on anterior teeth with maximum bite force and then the mean value was taken.

RESULTS

502 subjects between the age group of 3-6 years were included in the study. The levels of bite force recorded showed that there was a significant difference in all three teeth standardized for the bite force measurement in the four groups included (p<0.001). The maximum bite force of the posterior teeth was 351.5N seen in the control group, in the caries group (281.7N), crossbite (181.1N), and bruxism (250.2N).

CONCLUSIONS

Bite forces in primary dentition showed comparatively wide intra- and inter-individual variation. For both boys and girls, there was no discernible variation in the maximal bite force, however maximum bite force in children with caries and bruxism had significant differences compared to the control group. No significant difference in bite forces was seen in children having crossbite and non-crossbite sides.
Lemmel Syndrome - Early Diagnosis of Rare Disease Presenting with Commonest Symptom
Authors: Amit Shrivastava  , Aakash Aggarwal  , Srishti Mann  , Gunjan Jindal
Published: January 2024

One of the most frequent causes of visits to the emergency room is abdominal pain and approximately 10-12% of cases occur globally. [1] From generalized mild pain to major life-threatening disorders, there are a number of considerations to be identified. The causes of pain with signs of biliary obstruction range from most common diagnosis of choledocholithiasis to complex worrisome diagnosis of carcinoma.[2] Up to 27% of individuals undergoing upper gastrointestinal tract assessment have duodenal diverticula, with periampullary diverticula (PAD) being the most prevalent kind. Periampullary diverticula (PAD) are extraluminal duodenal mucosal outpouchings that often form in the medial side of the second and third parts of the duodenum within a radius of 2 to 3 cm from the ampulla of vater.[3,4] Periampullary duodenal diverticulum (PAD) in the absence of choledocholithiasis or neoplasm causing biliary obstruction is diagnosed as Lemmel syndome.[5]
Antiarte e cinema de guerrilha
Authors: De Oliveira Sandro
Published: January 2024

A escolha por módulos alternativos de produção, distribuição e exibição de obras audiovisuais no Brasil parece ser uma necessidade histórica e cíclica, atendendo aos ditames do mercado, do público e das inconstâncias econômicas. O que se constata nessa terceira década do séc. XXI, em termos de produção audiovisual, é que a criatividade e a procura por novos modos de inserção da obra artística na seara pública têm uma herança pujante na ética criativa da Belair Filmes, produtora que teve existência efêmera nos primeiros meses de 1970. Este trabalho investigará a herança ético-criativa deixada pela Belair ao audiovisual independente contemporâneo, através de seus módulos predominantes de produção: antiarte e cinema de guerrilha.
Kontrol Keluarga dan Kemungkinan untuk Membayar Dividen: Pengaruh Volatilitas Arus Kas
Authors: Kusumawati Nunik Dwi
Published: January 2024

This study aims to analyze the effect of family control on the likelihood of paying dividends with cash flow uncertainty as a moderating variable in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. This study analyzed the data by using Logistic Regression and the sample by a purposive sampling in the sampling method. The results show that family firms have a lower probability of paying dividends than non-family firms. However, cash flow uncertainty only acts as a predictor variable and does not moderate the effect of family control on the likelihood of paying dividends. The implication is that family companies have a lower probability of paying dividends compared to non-family companies, so investors need to consider the type of company in selecting investments in the company.
Evolvability of Spatial Economics, New Economic Geography and Crises of the 21st Century
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Ukrainsky Vadim
Published: January 2024

The first two decades of the 21st century, which are characterized by some researchers as a «polycrisis», updated the requirement for relevance to social theories, including theories of spatial development. New economic geography (NEG) is one of the significant innovations among scientific directions in the field of spatial economics of the late 20th – early 21st centuries, which currently appears rather as an unproductive generator of scientific ideas reflecting current public needs. As a study of the publications of leading researchers in this area has shown, NEG is characterized by such features as methodological reductionism, high encapsulation and self-referentiality, reflecting the prevailing desire to extract academic rent. The development of a relatively new theoretical concept as regional / urban resilience seems more promising against this background
Comparative Trade Intensity of the Russian Far East: Sectoral Aspect
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Izotov Dmitry
Published: January 2024

The article analyzes the dynamics of the comparative intensity of trade in the Russian Far East within the «new» territorial borders. This analysis was carried out on the basis of decomposition estimates of trade within the economic sectors of the Far East in 2012–2021. The dominance of the external market (foreign countries and other regions of Russia) in the total trade turnover of the Far East has been revealed. It is shown that in the Far East the process of trade «consolidation» between regions continued. The product groups that form the basis of trade within the Far East have been identified: food industry products, mineral products, metals, wood and other goods consisting of construction materials. It is shown that due to the incoming trade flows of mineral products, engineering products, food products, metals and chemical industry products into the macroregion, the Far Eastern market was closely «linked» to the market of other regions of Russia. The macroregion’s trade turnover with foreign countries was based on massive exports of raw materials and imports of various products, allowing for the generation of positive effects for the Far Eastern economy based on its existing comparative advantages. Using the obtained estimates of the localization index, it was discovered that trade in the internal market of the Far East remains high. However, this intensity tended to weaken, indicating a shift in the intensity of the Far Eastern trade from internal market to external market. It was found that high trade intensity within the Far East was generated by trade interactions only in some economic sectors: food products; mineral products; chemical industry products; wood; metals; other goods; leather raw materials and furs. It was revealed that high values of trade intensity between the Far Eastern regions were supported only by the exchange of food products, metals, as well as raw hides and furs. The main source of the decrease in the intensity of trade between the Far Eastern regions has been discovered – a reduction in the exchange of mineral products
The Virgin of the Snows of SanIsidoro’s parish in Sevilla: a “fernandine” image or a nineteenth-century recreation?
Authors: Domínguez Gómez Benjamín , Silva Fernández Juan Antonio
Published: January 2024

The image of Saint Mary of the Snows is a sculpture for dress that receives worship in the parish of Saint Isidore of Seville (Spain). Regarding its origin and dating, very different hypotheses have been defended; some authors date it to the 17th century; others, however, place it in the years after the reconquest of the city by King Ferdinand III (13th century), including it within the group of the so-called "fernandine” images. Its recent intervention have contributed and/or confirmed numerous relevant data on its material history. The most outstanding would be the confirmation that the current seated posture is not original, but was the result of an intentional change, undertaken in 1783 by the sculptor José Tiburcio González, along with the renovation of the trousseau that complements it.
Loss-of-Function Variant in the SMPD1 Gene in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy-Richardson Syndrome Patients of Chinese Ancestry
Authors: Lim Shen-Yang , Tan Ai Huey , Foo Jia Nee , Tan Yi Jayne , Chew Elaine GY , Annuar Azlina Ahmad , Closas Alfand Marl Dy , Pajo Azalea , Lim Jia Lun , Tay Yi Wen , Nadhirah Anis , Hor Jia Wei , Toh Tzi Shin , Lit Lei Cheng , Zulkefli Jannah , Ngim Su Juen , Lim Weng Khong , Morris Huw R. , Tan Eng-King , Ng Adeline SL
Published: January 2024

Lysosomal dysfunction plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and possibly Parkinson-plus syndromes such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). This role is exemplified by the involvement of variants in the GBA1 gene, which results in a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase and is the most frequently identified genetic factor underlying PD worldwide. Pathogenic variants in the SMPD1 gene are a recessive cause of Niemann–Pick disease types A and B. Here, we provide the first report on an association between a loss-of-function variant in the SMPD1 gene present in a heterozygous state (p.Pro332Arg/p.P332R, which is known to result in reduced lysosomal acid sphingomyelinase activity), with PSP-Richardson syndrome in three unrelated patients of Chinese ancestry.
Population dynamic study of two prey one predator system with disease in first prey using fuzzy impulsive control
Authors: Singh Khushbu , Kolla Kaladhar
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The prey-predator model provides a mathematical framework for understanding the population dynamics of interacting species, highlighting the delicate balance between predator and prey populations in ecological systems. The four-species predator-prey model extends the Lotka-Volterra framework to explore the dynamics of ecosystems with multiple interacting species. It provides a theoretical foundation for understanding how the populations of multiple prey and predator species influence each other over time. Apart from the traditional methods like direct approach for solving the non-linear system of equations, recent Fuzzy method approaches have been developed. The solution of non-linear systems using classical methods is not easy due to its non-linearity, analytical complexity, chaotic behavior, etc. and the T-S method is very much effective to analyze the non-linear models.

Methods

In this study, we considered an eco-epidemic model with two populations of prey and one population of predator, with the only infectious disease infecting the first prey population. The four-dimensional Lotka-Volterra predator-prey system’s model stability has been examined using the Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) impulsive control model and the Fuzzy impulsive control model. Following the formulation of the model, the global stability and the Fuzzy solution are carried out through numerical simulations and graphical representations with appropriate discussion for a better understanding the dynamics of our proposed model.

Results

The Takagi-Sugeno method has diverse applications in modeling, control, pattern recognition, and decision-making in systems where uncertainty and non-linearity play a significant role. Its ability to combine fuzzy logic with traditional mathematical models provides a powerful tool for addressing complex real-world problems.

Conclusions

The impulse control approach, what is considered within the foundation of fuzzy systems established on T-S model, is found to be suitable for extremely complex and non-linear systems with impulse effects.
Illuminating the Impacts of Contextual Diversity on L2 Writing Proficiency: A Corpus-Based Analysis in the Measures of Linguistic Complexity
Authors: Estaji Masoomeh , Ghoddousi Arya
Published: January 2024

The present study attempted to investigate the writing proficiency differences between the two groups of EFL and ESL writers considering the lexical, syntactic, and morphological complexity measures. Additionally, it aimed to disclose the association between writing proficiency and the utilization of the New General Service List (NGSL). To these ends, a corpus of 1331 argumentative essays accumulated from EFL and ESL writers on a single topic was examined. The findings of the analysis in the measures of linguistic complexity showed that the writings of the ESL group scored slightly higher than those of the EFL group in every corresponding sub-construct; that is, ESL writers were found moderately more proficient than EFL writers concerning the lexical, syntactic, and morphological complexity of their writings. However, the outcomes showed that EFL writers utilized more NGSL words in their essays, leading to the consideration that NGSL use may be negatively associated with proficiency levels. Hence, contextual diversity leads to distinct levels of proficiency, and lexical coverage can be considered a great indicator of writing skill and quality.
Investigations of the mixing efficiency of five novel micromixer designs with backward arrow inlet using the Villermaux Dushman protocol
Authors: Safo Kingsley , Anani Joshua , El-Shazly Ahmed H
Published: January 2024

This study explores and analyzes the mixing efficiency of five innovative micromixers, each featuring serpentine microchannels, through comprehensive experimentation. The mixing experiments were conducted on micromixers with distinct shapes: backward arrow, loop, square, circular, and box waves, all equipped with backward arrow-shaped inlets, using the Villermaux–Dushman protocol. The assessment of mixing performance was carried out across a range of Reynolds numbers (Re) from 100 to 700, accompanied by varying pressure drop measurements. The efficiency of mixing was determined using ultraviolet spectrophotometry to measure the absorbance values and times for mixed fluids from the five micromixers. At Re values greater than 100, the mixing performance ranked as follows: Square-wave > Circular-wave > Box-wave > Loop-wave > Backward Arrow-shaped micromixers. Factors such as repeated perturbations, the presence of crests and troughs, the angle of the channels, and the split and recombination effects played significant roles in these outcomes. With increasing Re from 100 to 700, we observed progressive and consistent results across all microchannels. Remarkably, at a broad range of Reynolds numbers, the five micromixers demonstrated superior mixing performance compared to designs based on unbalanced split and collisions, achieving an impressive mixing efficiency of over 93 %, while keeping the pressure drop under 80 kPa. This pressure drop range is suitable for a variety of lab-on-a-chip and micro-total analysis systems. Furthermore, the experimental results show that the mixing performance of microfluidic systems can be improved by incorporating the presented design method of microchannel shapes, especially the Square-wave.
Flow quality improvement of the wind tunnel testing for a highly-loaded compressor cascade at high incidence
Authors: Cai Ming , Gao Limin , Li Haoxue , Ou Yangbo
Published: January 2024

To obtain reliable and accurate experimental data in cascade testing, the influencing factors and the improving method of the flow quality of a highly-loaded compressor cascade under high incidence were investigated through a series of numerical simulations and experiments. The numerical method was validated by experimental data and agreed well at both incidence angles of 0° and 6°. Under the original upper end wall, both experimental and numerical results indicated an unsatisfactory flow quality of the cascade with an obvious nonuniformity of inlet Mach number, and the incidence of the central blade is 3.6° larger than the theoretical value. Using a small curved upper wall can reduce the severe flow separation on the upper wall and achieve a maximum improvement in flow quality under the critical installation angle, where the incidence deviation of the central blade was reduced to 2.1°. Using the combination of adjustable tailboards and a small curved upper end wall can further improve the cascade flow quality. Under the optimal angle of the tailboards, both the inflow uniformity and the outflow periodicity of the three middle blade passages the test requirements, and the incidence deviation of the central blade is reduced to 0.2°.