bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The human hypothalamus coordinates switching between different survival actions
Authors: Kim Jaejoong , Tashjian Sarah M. , Mobbs Dean
Published: June 2024

Comparative research suggests that the hypothalamus is critical in switching between survival behaviors, yet it is unclear if this is the case in humans. Here, we investigate the role of the human hypothalamus in survival switching by introducing a paradigm where volunteers switch between hunting and escape in response to encounters with a virtual predator or prey. Given the small size and low tissue contrast of the hypothalamus, we used deep learning-based segmentation to identify the individual-specific hypothalamus and its subnuclei as well as an imaging sequence optimized for hypothalamic signal acquisition. Across 2 experiments, we employed computational models with identical structures to explain internal movement generation processes associated with hunting and escaping. Despite the shared structure, the models exhibited significantly different parameter values where escaping or hunting were accurately decodable just by computing the parameters of internal movement generation processes. In experiment 2, multi-voxel pattern analyses (MVPA) showed that the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and periaqueductal gray encode switching of survival behaviors while not encoding simple motor switching outside of the survival context. Furthermore, multi-voxel connectivity analyses revealed a network including the hypothalamus as encoding survival switching and how the hypothalamus is connected to other regions in this network. Finally, model-based fMRI analyses showed that a strong hypothalamic multi-voxel pattern of switching is predictive of optimal behavioral coordination after switching, especially when this signal was synchronized with the multi-voxel pattern of switching in the amygdala. Our study is the first to identify the role of the human hypothalamus in switching between survival behaviors and action organization after switching.
Understanding patient and family experiences of critical care in Bangladesh and India: What are the priority actions to promote person-centred care?
Authors: Inglis Rebecca , Leaver Meghan , Pell Christopher , Ahmad Suma , Akter Shamima , Bhuia Fakrul Ibne Amir , Ansary Mumnoon , B. S. Sidharth , Begum Momtaz , Chakraborty Shishir Ranjan , Chowdhury Hasnat , Chowdhury Mohammed Abdur Rahman , Deb Putul , Akhter Farzana Nazmin , Ghose Aniruddha , Harun Or Roshid Mohammad , Hoque Tipu Md. Rezaul , Hosain Sakib , Hossain Md. Mozaffer , Moinul Islam Mohammad , Kumar Tirupakuzhi Vijayaraghavan Bharath , Mohsin Mohammad , Mund Manisha , Nasrin Shamema , Kumar Nath Ranjan , Nayak Subhasish , Pani Nibedita , Ahmmad Sarker Shohel , Dondorp Arjen , Tripathy Swagata , Faiz Md. Abul
Published: June 2024

Patients’ experiences in the intensive care unit (ICU) can enhance or impair their subsequent recovery. Improving patient and family experiences on the ICU is an important part of providing high quality care. There is little evidence to guide how to do this in a South Asian critical care context. This study addresses this gap by exploring the experiences of critically ill patients and their families in ICUs in Bangladesh and India. We elicit suggestions for improvements from patients, families and staff and highlight examples of practices that support person-centred care. This multi-site hospital ethnography was carried out in five ICUs in government hospitals in Bangladesh and India, selected using purposive sampling. Qualitative data were collected using non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. A total of 108 interviews were conducted with patients, families, and ICU staff. Over 1000 hours of observation were carried out across the five study sites. We identified important mediators of patient and family experience that span many different aspects of care. Factors that promote person-centred care include access to ICU for families, support for family involvement in care delivery, clear communication with patients and families, good symptom management for patients, support for rehabilitation, and measures to address the physical, environmental and financial needs of the family. This study has generated a list of recommendations that can be used by policy makers and practitioners who wish to implement person-centred principles in the ICU.
Recombinant Art v4.01 protein produces immunological tolerance by subcutaneous immunotherapy in a wormwood pollen-driven allergic asthma female mouse model
Authors: Wang Tao , Chi Jiaoni , Li Zhimin , Zhang Yue , Wang Yaojun , Ding Ming , Zhou Bin , Gui JiaChen , Li Qiang
Published: June 2024

Art v4.01 is a well-known profilin protein belonging to the pan-allergens group and is commonly involved in triggering allergic asthma, polyallergy, and cross-sensitization. It is also referred to as Wormwood due to its origin. Crude wormwood extracts are applied for allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT). Whether the recombinant Art v4.01 (rArt v4.01) can produce in vivo immunological tolerance by subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) remains elusive. In this study, to investigate the in vivo immunological response of rArt v4.01, Th2, Th1, Treg, Th17 type-related cytokines and phenotypes of immune cells were tested, facilitating the exploration of the underlying mechanisms. The expression and purification of Art v4.01 were carried out using recombinant techniques. Allergic asthma female BALB/c mice were induced by subcutaneous sensitization of wormwood pollen extract and intranasal challenges. SCIT without adjuvant was performed using the rArt v4.01 and wormwood pollen extract for 2 weeks. Following exposure to challenges, the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), cytokines, and inflammatory cells were assessed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and histological examination of sera, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissue. These parameters were subsequently compared between treatment groups receiving rArt v4.01 and wormwood pollen extract. The rArt v4.01 protein was expressed, which had a high purity (>90%) and an allergenic potency. Compared with the pollen extract, rArt v4.01 was superior in terms of reducing the number of white blood cells (WBCs), total nucleated cells (TNCs), and monocytes (MNs) in BALF and the degree of lung inflammation (1.77±0.99 vs. 2.31±0.80, P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, only rArt v4.01 reduced serum IgE level (1.19±0.25 vs. 1.61±0.17 μg/ml, P = 0.062), as well as the levels of Th2 type-related cytokines (interleukin-4 (IL-4) (107.18±16.17 vs. 132.47±20.85 pg/ml, P < 0.05) and IL-2 (19.52±1.19 vs. 24.02±2.14 pg/ml, P < 0.05)). The study suggested that rArt v4.01 was superior to pollen extract in reducing the number of inflammatory cells in BALF, pneumonitis, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and serum IgE level. These findings confirmed that Art v4.01 could be a potential candidate protein for allergen-specific immunotherapy.
CT and MR utilization and morbidity metrics across Body Mass Index
Authors: Dawod Mina , Nagib Paul , Zaki John , Prevedello Luciano M. , Ajam Amna A. , Nguyen Xuan V.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Obesity is a high-morbidity chronic condition and risk factor for multiple diseases that necessitate imaging. This study assesses the relationship between BMI and same-year utilization of CT and MR imaging in a large healthcare population.

Methods

In this retrospective population-based study, all patients aged ≥18 years with a documented BMI in the multi-institutional Cosmos database were included. Cohorts were identified based on ≥1 documented BMI in 2021 within pre-defined ranges. For each cohort, we assessed the percentage of patients undergoing head, neck, chest, spine, or abdomen/pelvis CT and MR during the same year. Disease severity was quantified based on emergency department (ED) visits and mortality.

Results

In our population of 49.6 million patients, same-year CT and MR utilization was 14.5 ±0.01% and 6.0±0.01%, respectively. The underweight cohort had the highest CT (25.8±0.1%) and MR (8.01 ± 0.05) imaging utilization. At high extremes of BMI (>50 kg/m2), CT utilization mildly increased (18.4±0.1%), but MR utilization decreased (5.3±0.04%). While morbidity differences may explain some BMI-utilization relationships, lower MR utilization in the BMI>50 cohort contrasts with higher age-adjusted mortality (1.8±0.03%) and ED utilization (32.4±0.1%) in this cohort relative to normal weight (1.5±0.01% and 25.7±0.02%, respectively).

Conclusion

Underweight patients had disproportionately high CT/MR utilization, and high extremes of BMI are associated with mildly higher CT and lower MR utilization than the normal weight cohort. The elevated mortality and ED utilization in severely obese patients contrasts with their lower MR imaging utilization. Our findings may assist public health efforts to accommodate obesity trends.
Is there a relationship between forest fires and deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon?
Authors: Furtado Lima Cássio , Pereira Torres Fillipe Tamiozzo , Minette Luciano José , Araujo Lima Fernanda , Andrade Lima Roldão Carlos , Keisuke Sato Michel , Araújo Silva Arthur , Leão Said Schettini Bruno , Costa Ferreira Francisco de Assis , Lima Machado Mateus Xavier
Published: June 2024

The Brazilian Legal Amazon is an extensive territory in which different factors influence the dynamics of forest fires. Currently, the Brazilian government has two tools in the public domain and free of charge, PRODES and BDQueimadas, to monitor and make decisions to combat deforestation and forest fires. This work aimed to evaluate and correlate the forest fire alerts and deforestation in the Amazon Forest in the state of Pará. The analyses were based on carrying out a diagnosis of forest fires and deforestation; the behavior of forest fires and deforestation over the last twenty years; the statistical relationship between deforestation and forest fires and their spatialization. This work identified that Pará is the state in the Legal Amazon with the highest occurrence of forest fires and deforestation. Deforestation in the four-year period Jan/2003-Dec/2006 showed a higher rate compared to the four-year periods Jan/2011-Dec/2018. A high correlation was found between forest fire alerts and increases in deforestation. There is a spatial relationship between cities with greater increases in deforestation and high numbers of fire alerts. In relation to the occurrence of forest fires and deforestation, the south of the state was the most critical region and the north had lower rates.
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL 2244 secreted metabolites display killing and antibiotic synergistic activity against multi-drug resistant pathogens
Authors: Rodriguez Cecilia , Ramlaoui Dema , Gasca Briea , Azis Adiba , Leal Camila , Lopez Christina , Merzcord Vyanka , McManus Kirsten S. , Jo Jasmin , Cazorla Silvia I. , Subils Tomás , Tuttobene Marisel R. , Salzameda Nicholas T. , Bonomo Robert A. , Actis Luis A. , Raya Raúl , Ramirez María Soledad
Published: June 2024

A growing increase in the number of serious infections caused by multidrug resistant bacteria (MDR) is challenging our society. Despite efforts to discover novel therapeutic options, few antibiotics targeting MDR have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lactic acid bacteria have emerged as a promising therapeutic alternative due to their demonstrated ability to combat MDR pathogens in vitro. Our previous co-culture studies showed Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL 2244 as having a potent killing effect against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) strains. Here we report that cell-free conditioned media (CFCM) samples obtained from Lcb. rhamnosus CRL 2244 cultures incubated at different times display antimicrobial activity against 43 different pathogens, including CRAB, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and carbapenemase Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC)-positive strains. Furthermore, transwell and ultrafiltration analyses together with physical and chemical/biochemical tests showed that Lcb. rhamnosus CRL 2244 secretes a <3 kDa metabolite(s) whose antimicrobial activity is not significantly impaired by mild changes in pH, temperature and various enzymatic treatments. Furthermore, sensitivity and time-kill assays showed that the bactericidal activity of the Lcb. rhamnosus CRL 2244 metabolite(s) enhances the activity of some current FDA approved antibiotics. We hypothesize that this observation could be due to the effects of Lcb. rhamnosus CRL 2244 metabolite(s) on cell morphology and the enhanced transcriptional expression of genes coding for the phenylacetate (PAA) and histidine catabolic Hut pathways, metal acquisition and biofilm formation, all of which are associated with bacterial virulence. Interestingly, the extracellular presence of Lcb. rhamnosus CRL 2244 induced the transcription of the gene coding for the CidA/LgrA protein, which is involved in programmed cell death in some bacteria. Overall, the findings presented in this report underscore the promising potential of the compound(s) released by Lcb. rhamnosus CRL2244 as an alternative and/or complementary option to treat infections caused by A. baumannii as well as other MDR bacterial pathogens.
Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging-guided hepatectomy for small hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective study
Authors: Matsubara Keiso , Kuroda Shintaro , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Ide Kentaro , Tahara Hiroyuki , Ohira Masahiro , Honmyo Naruhiko , Akiyama Yuji , Tsuge Masataka , Awai Kazuo , Ohdan Hideki
Published: June 2024

Advancements in diagnostic modalities, such as enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, provide increased opportunities for identifying small hepatocellular carcinoma that is undetectable on preoperative ultrasonography. Whether it is acceptable to leave these lesions untreated is uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging-guided hepatectomy using new navigation systems. This study was conducted between July 2019 and January 2023. We retrospectively studied the clinicopathological features and prognoses of patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent curative intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging-guided hepatectomy. We evaluated 23 patients (median age, 75 years), among whom 20 (87.0%) were males. Seven (30.4%) and 15 (65.2%) patients had liver cirrhosis and a history of hepatectomy, respectively. The median size of the target lesions was 9 mm, with a median distance of 6 mm from the liver surface. Despite being undetectable preoperatively on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, all lesions were identified using intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Based on pathological findings, 76.0% of the lesions were malignant. The complete resection rate was 100%, and tumor-free margins were confirmed in 96.0% of the patients. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging-guided hepatectomy is safe and effective in identifying and resecting small hepatocellular carcinoma lesions that are undetectable on preoperative ultrasonography.
Quality considerations and major pitfalls for high throughput DNA-based newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency and spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Bzdok Jessica , Czibere Ludwig , Burggraf Siegfried , Landt Olfert , Maier Esther M. , Röschinger Wulf , Albert Michael H. , Hegert Sebastian , Janzen Nils , Becker Marc , Durner Jürgen
Published: June 2024

Background

Many newborn screening programs worldwide have introduced screening for diseases using DNA extracted from dried blood spots (DBS). In Germany, DNA-based assays are currently used to screen for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and sickle cell disease (SCD).

Methods

This study analysed the impact of pre-analytic DNA carry-over in sample preparation on the outcome of DNA-based newborn screening for SCID and SMA and compared the efficacy of rapid extraction versus automated protocols. Additionally, the distribution of T cell receptor excision circles (TREC) on DBS cards, commonly used for routine newborn screening, was determined.

Results

Contaminations from the punching procedure were detected in the SCID and SMA assays in all experimental setups tested. However, a careful evaluation of a cut-off allowed for a clear separation of true positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications. Our rapid in-house extraction protocol produced similar amounts compared to automated commercial systems. Therefore, it can be used for reliable DNA-based screening. Additionally, the amount of extracted DNA significantly differs depending on the location of punching within a DBS.

Conclusions

Newborn screening for SMA and SCID can be performed reliably. It is crucial to ensure that affected newborns are not overlooked. Therefore a carefully consideration of potential contaminating factors and the definition of appropriate cut-offs to minimise the risk of false results are of special concern. It is also important to note that the location of punching plays a pivotal role, and therefore an exact quantification of TREC numbers per μl may not be reliable and should therefore be avoided.
Variables sociofamiliares en adolescentes ciberacosadores: prevención e intervención desde el Trabajo Social
Authors: Cabrera María Carmen , Larrañaga Rubio Elisa , Yubero Santiago
Published: June 2024

Introducción. Es imprescindible insertar a la familia en los programas de prevención e intervención del acoso. Por otra parte, las últimas investigaciones destacan la relevancia de analizar los factores que influyen en la perpetración del ciberacoso. Sin embargo, la investigación sobre la influencia de las variables sociofamiliares en los ciberagresores es limitada. Junto a ello, consideramos importante tener en cuenta las etapas de desarrollo en la adolescencia, ya que las relaciones familiares con los hijos se van modificando a lo largo de este periodo. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido analizar la influencia del apoyo social familiar, del clima familiar y de las emociones placenteras hacia el ciberacoso en los comportamientos de ciberagresión, incluyendo como variable de análisis la implicación en la cibervictimización, a través de las etapas de desarrollo de la adolescencia. Metodología. La muestra de estudio fue de 1029 adolescentes (26.9% adolescentes tempranos, 49.1% en la adolescencia media y un 24.0% en la adolescencia tardía). Los datos fueron recogidos empleando cuestionarios estandarizados de las variables de estudio. Resultados. Los resultados obtenidos señalan que en todas las etapas de la adolescencia la cibervictimización (temprana: OR= 1.94, IC= 1.15, 3.26; media: OR= 1.61, IC= 1.30, 1.61; tardía: OR= 1.15, IC= 1.02, 1.29) y las emociones placenteras hacia el ciberacoso (temprana: OR= 1.44, IC= 1.03, 2.02; media: OR= 1.40, IC= 1.09, 1.81; tardía OR= 1.44, IC= 1.03, 2.02) incrementan la probabilidad de ser ciberacosador. En la adolescencia temprana la cohesión familiar protege de ser ciberagresor (OR= 0.01, IC= 0.03. 0.16) y en la adolescencia media experimentar conflictos familiares actúan como factor de riesgo de ser ciberacosador (OR= 3.10, IC= 1.71, 5.59). Discusión. Los resultados coinciden con otros estudios que confirman la influencia de la familia como agente social relevante para la intervención en el ciberacoso. Nuestro trabajo aporta como aspecto novedoso la relevancia de esas variables atendiendo al periodo evolutivo de la adolescencia. Muestran el peso de la cohesión en la adolescencia temprana y de los conflictos durante la adolescencia media. Respecto a las emociones placenteras ante el ciberacoso, de forma similar a investigaciones previas, aparecen con significación como factor de riesgo del comportamiento de ciberagresión durante todo el periodo de la adolescencia. Conclusiones. Las conclusiones del trabajo pueden guiar a los profesionales del trabajo social para realizar un acercamiento preventivo del ciberacoso desde las familias. Desde un clima familiar positivo, manteniendo la familia como unidad, con una elevada cohesión durante la adolescencia temprana y una resolución de conflictos positiva en la adolescencia media, los trabajadores sociales pueden actuar en la prevención e intervención del comportamiento de ciberagresión.
El uso de las armas de fuego por funcionarios policiales: análisis jurisprudencial
Authors: Sánchez Melgar Julián
Published: June 2024

Esta investigación está referida al adecuado uso de armas por parte de los funcionarios policiales, a la luz de los principios legales y de la jurisprudencia que los interpreta.
El uso de las armas por los agentes policiales está amparado por el ordenamiento constitucional español que le autoriza al uso de la fuerza legítima como garantes del libre ejercicio de los derechos y libertades y de garantizar la seguridad ciudadana. En ocasiones este uso de armas produce lesiones, de diferente índole, en los ciudadanos sobre los que se actúa o que se encuentran en el entorno de las actuaciones policiales.
Este uso de armas se enmarca generalmente en el cumplimiento del deber y/o en la legítima defensa, pero en ocasiones también pueden darse casos de extralimitaciones profesionales o personales que nos hace preguntarnos sobre si se ha actuado bajo los estrictos procedimientos técnico-operativos policiales, las normas constitucionales y las normas jurídico-penales de desarrollo.
En los diferentes supuestos a los que nos enfrentamos hay que tener en consideración multitud de circunstancias a analizar que nos determinarán lo lícito o ilícito de la actuación policial y nos permitirá afianzar los procedimientos de actuación o plantearnos su posible adecuación a lo dictaminado en las sentencias del Tribunal Supremo.
A Zona Costeira e Marinha de Santa Catarina Diante dos Cenários de Mudanças Climáticas: prioridades para a geração de subsídios científicos
Authors: Perez Jose Angel Alvarez , Andrade Mauro Michelena , Barreto André Silva , Cionek Vivian de Mello , Lima André de Oliveira Souza , Marenzi Rosemeri Carvalho , Mussi Carolina , Pereira Filho Jurandir , Polette Marcus , Resgalla Júnior Charrid , Da Silva Marcus Adonai Castro , Tricarico Luciano Torres
Published: June 2024

The Southwest Atlantic (SW) encompasses an important ocean warming hotspot, driven by global climatic changes. Coastal and oceanic ecosystems in this region are potentially changing at an exceptionally fast rate, exerting detectable pressures on associated socioecological systems. Santa Catarina State, located in the south of Brazil, has an extensive coastline bathed by SW Atlantic waters and critically exposed to such pressures. Throughout nearly three centuries, human activities (e.g., fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, navigation, and harbors) and increasing land use have interacted with coastal and marine ecosystems distributed along the coastal zone and adjacent neritic environments, including (a) coastal streams, bays, estuaries and coastal lagoons bordered by mangrove forests, salt marshes and rain forests, (b) sand beaches interrupted by rocky shores and promontories, (c) coastal islands and (d) an extensive continental shelf influenced by the dynamics of coastal and oceanic water masses of the SW Atlantic. Such a complex landscape with multiple demands for both ecosystem preservation and human development enhances associated risks but also opportunities for action. To address these issues, we assess the potential exposure and sensibility of socioecological systems to global climate change-driven modifications, reviewing the role of environmental sciences in providing a better understanding on the ongoing natural processes and subsidize society for adaptation through regional management action.
A variation of parameters formula for nonautonomous linear impulsive differential equations with piecewise constant arguments of generalized type
Authors: Torres Ricardo , Pinto Manuel
Published: June 2024

In this work, we give a variation of parameters formula for nonautonomous linear impulsive differential equations with piecewise constant arguments of generalized type. We cover several cases of differential equations with deviated arguments investigated before as particular cases. We also give some examples showing the applicability of our results.
Existence of nodal solutions to some nonlinear boundary value problems for ordinary differential equations of fourth order
Authors: Aliyev Ziyatkhan , Aliyeva Yagut
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we study the existence of nodal solutions of some nonlinear boundary value problems for ordinary differential equations of fourth order with a spectral parameter in the boundary condition. To do this, we first study the global bifurcation of solutions from zero and infinity of the corresponding nonlinear eigenvalue problems in classes with a fixed oscillation count. Then, using these global bifurcation results, we prove the existence of solutions of the considered nonlinear boundary value problems with a fixed number of nodes.
Development of simulation infrastructure for multi-physics problems and its applications
Authors:   , Šulc Stanislav
Published: June 2024

Coupled multi-physics problems occur quite frequently in the domain of civil engineering. Thermo-mechanics, heat and moisture transport, and fire-structure interaction present a few examples. Developed MuPIF simulation platform provides complete environment for solution of complex multi-physical problems. It allows to create simulation workflows, linking various computational software tools together. The platform supports use of distributed computational resources, communicating over the network. It defines communication protocol for steering of the simulations and data exchange, based on standardized data types. Platform database with REST API stores definitions of simulation workflows, their executions and related simulation data. Web user interface serves to define simulation executions, set the input data and inspect the simulation outputs. Simulation executions are processed with a~scheduling service with respect to available computational resources. Supporting web applications provide assistance with computational software integration into the platform, and with creation of workflow implementation from graphical representation of the simulation scenario. The platform accommodates ontological approach to semantic data storage, to support the concept of digital twin, and tracking of data history, which can be used to calculate and analyze various simulation scenarios. Use of the platform is demonstrated on several basic examples, and on a real usecase, which presents a coupled problem, containing CFD fire task, and FEM thermal and mechanical tasks. This simulation workflow was used to calculate fire resistance of concrete, steel and timber structural elements, and its calculations were verified with experiments. The topic of fire resistance was extended with studies of methods for fire protection of steel elements with cement-based and timber materials. For timber in the role of fire protection, a concept of moving boundary was introduced to emulate timber burnout during long fire exposure.
Experimental analysis of the effectiveness of waterproofing screeds in building structures
Authors:   , Nývlt Michal
Published: June 2024

The aim of the research was focused on the functionality of three types of waterproofing screeds from the perspective of their use in building structures. Bitumen, polymer, silicate (mineral) screeds were studied in terms of their cohesion with the substrate and their sealing ability. The waterproofing screeds were tested in combination with commonly used building materials – ceramics, concrete, sand-lime bricks, marlstone and sandstone. The cohesion was also studied after the freeze-thaw exposure to take into account the aspects of durability. The subject of the research from the point of view of functionality was also the verification of tightness against the penetration of radon, which occurs to a large extent in the soil environment, especially in the territory of the Czech Republic. To maintain the continuity of the research, the aging of waterproofing screeds was carried out using freeze-thaw cycles. Comparing the overall tested screeds, despite the best adhesion of the polymer-based screed, this material exhibited the lowest durability after the freeze-thaw exposure. The bitumen and silicate (mineral) screed attained similar values of adhesion to the studied base materials. However, they differ in their ability to withstand freeze-thaw cycles over time. The modified water permeability test on model masonry specimens was performed. No leakage of water during the test was monitored for the specimens with all types of applied screeds over time, and, in addition, water had not penetrated through the bricks, nor through the joints. The waterproofing effect of the screed is not affected by the joints in masonry. The results of research investigating the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on the sealing ability of waterproofing screeds against radon showed minimal differences between the tested materials. The measured values correspond to commonly used insulating materials. Waterproofing screeds are a suitable material for use in underground structures.
The Effect of Green Intellectual Capital, Good Corporate Governance, and Growth Options on Sustainability Performance
Authors: Khotimah Husnul , Ruhiyat Endang , Hakim Dani Rahman
Published: June 2024

Global climate change, deforestation, plastic pollution, and other environmental issues have made sustainability performance an increasingly researched topic. This study investigates the impact of green intellectual capital, good corporate governance, and growth options on the sustainability performance of primary consumer goods sector companies in Indonesia. Additionally, it examines the moderating role of public ownership. We measure sustainability performance using a composite index based on the sustainability balanced scorecard and the G4 Global Reporting Initiative's sustainability reporting disclosure framework. To our knowledge, this study is the first to employ this specific measurement method. Using a random effects estimator on 144 observations, we estimated our models. The findings indicate that good corporate governance, growth options, and public ownership positively influence sustainability performance, while green intellectual capital does not. Furthermore, the study reveals that public ownership strengthens the effects of green intellectual capital and growth options on sustainability performance. This suggests that in companies with low public ownership, green intellectual capital alone may not sufficiently enhance sustainability performance.
Analysis of bank “X” business plan: Assessment of process appropriateness and evaluation of manager motivation
Authors: Tri Utami Kurniawati Elizabeth , Hartanti Dwi
Published: June 2024

The bank business plan is a short and medium term bank strategic planning tool that must be prepared by the bank annually. The bank business plan functions not only as a company strategic planning tool for internal purposes, but also as a compliance report to relevant government agencies. With these two different functions, managers have the task of ensuring that the information in the bank business plan meets government compliance and does not reduce the company’s superiority in the banking industry. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the accuracy and suitability of the process in preparing the bank business plan and analyze the motivation for disclosing information in the bank business plan. This research is a pioneering study that evaluates the process of preparing a bank business plan from the perspective of the bank business plan as a strategic planning tool and relates it with an analysis of motivation to disclose information using the perspective of the bank business plan as a regulatory compliance tool. This research uses a case study method with Bank “X” as the unit of analysis. The results of this research indicate that the business plan preparation process at Bank “X” has met 80% of the appropriateness criteria for the strategic plan process. Meanwhile, the motivation to disclose information in Bank “X”’s business plan tends to indicate a signal of intent. This research also reveals several things that can improve the process of preparing a bank business plan and its benefits for Bank “X”.
Is TCR effective in reducing tax avoidance in Indonesia?
Authors: Hendrastuti Ranindya , Sukoharsono Eko Ganis , Iqbal Syaiful
Published: June 2024

Thin capitalization is a tax avoidance technique using funding sources that prioritize debt over capital. Thin capitalization can be used as a technique to avoid taxes because there is a difference in treatment between debt and capital as a source of funding in tax regulations. Thin capitalization rule (TCR) is domestic tax system to reduce thin capitalization. This study aims to examine the effect of implementing thin capitalization rules on reducing tax avoidance in Indonesia. This study is a quantitative study. The data used are secondary data obtained from multinational companies listed on the IDX from 2013 to 2020 by excluding companies that are excluded from PMK-169: bank companies, financing institutions, insurance, reinsurance, operating in the oil and gas mining sector, companies whose entire income is subject to final tax, and infrastructure. The data analysis method used in this study is regression using the eviews 12.0 program. The results show that the implementation of thin capitalization rule (TCR) does not reduce tax avoidance. These results provide empirical evidence that the government need to consider using thin capitalization rule with the interest to Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) rule mechanism rather than the Debt-to-Equity Ratio (DER) rule mechanism and arm’s length rule mechanism.
Changing Attitudes Towards Research Through a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience
Authors: Brazendale Keith , Rovito Michael , Garcia Jeanette
Published: June 2024

Studies show undergraduate students typically view research-focused educational courses negatively, with students reporting feelings of anxiety, difficulty, detachment, and reduced perceptions of relevancy to their own life. Course-based undergraduate experiences (CUREs) can provide research-related experiences to a large number of students in a convenient fashion, thus, are well-positioned to shift student perceptions of research. The purpose of this study is to explore changes in attitudes towards research in a large sample of undergraduate students’ after completing one semester of a CURE. This study used a within-subjects pre-posttest design. Data collection took place over eight semesters from fall 2019 through spring 2022 at a large metropolitan public university in the southeast region of the United States. Students enrolled in the CURE were asked to complete the Attitude Towards Research scale at the beginning and end of the semester covering the following factors: usefulness of research (F1), anxiety (F2), affect indicating positive feelings about research (F3), life relevancy of research to the students’ daily lives (F4), and difficulty of research (F5). Wilcoxon signed rank tests for paired data were conducted and Mann-Whitney U tests assessed whether there were any differences between students who completed the course face-to-face versus online. Across all eight semesters, 1,003 students (74% female, 91% Seniors) provided valid pre-posttest data. Statistically significant improvements were observed across all semesters (online and face-to-face) for research anxiety, positive attitude towards research, research relevance to own life, and research difficulty from the ATR scale (p<0.05). For usefulness of research for profession (F1), statistically significant differences were observed in four out of the eight semesters (p<0.05). Changes in students’ attitudes towards research did not differ between course modality (face-to-face versus online) except for F1. The mean change in F1 was different between students taking a face-to-face (mean: 0.22, ±SD 1.02) versus online version (mean: 0.07, ±SD 0.72) of the course (z = 2.35, p = 0.02). Findings from this study demonstrate the potential of a CURE at reducing anxiety, lowering perceived difficulty, enhancing overall impressions, and students’ overall attitudes toward research and research-based education. Continued consideration and evaluation of how and what is delivered in CUREs to students is required to advance the pedagogy of research methods.
Texto y experiencia
Authors: Fuentes Stipicevic Verushka
Published: June 2024

La reflexión presente está fundamentada en la idea de que toda materia está sujeta a movimiento y que por lo tanto también está sujeta a cambios. Así aparece la pregunta sobre si al considerar al texto como materia este puede comportarse de la misma manera, es decir, mostrarse condicionado por los procesos de alteración, cambio y supeditarse a la experiencia humana. De acuerdo a lo anterior, habría que contemplar la posibilidad de una estabilidad relativa en las estructuras textuales y del conocimiento que sustentan y revisar conceptos que apuntan a ciertos estatutos textuales que resultan inalterables frente a la necesidad de la cultura de conservar normativas, valores y consensos colectivos, entre ellos el de longevidad textual. Esto permitiría observar el fenómeno de cambio en los lenguajes, narrativas y posteriormente las transformaciones culturales.
Sobre el concepto de comunidad: Latour, Esposito y Maffesoli
Authors: Uribe Lopera Lucas , González Montero Sebastián Alejandro
Published: June 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es proponer una reinterpretación del concepto de comunidad a la luz de las transformaciones tecnológicas y de las formas de comunicación recientes, las cuales ponen la idea de lo social no como precepto teórico, sino como elemento a descubrir en los diferentes estudios planteados. Se busca una transversalización teórica de los tres autores, tomando elementos esenciales de sus obras para proponer una nueva clave interpretativa que permita tomar el concepto de comunidad no como un presupuesto teórico, sino como un producto inmanente, resultado de las conexiones cotidianas que se realizan entre los sujetos de manera espontánea en el campo de lo social.
Perspectivas actuales del indeterminismo en ciencia
Authors: García De Castro Nicolás
Published: June 2024

La mecánica de Newton fue considerada durante siglos y de manera virtualmente universal como el modelo absoluto del conocimiento científico. Sin embargo, durante el siglo XX, los desarrollos en física suscitaron la necesidad de ampliar el marco conceptual y teórico en torno a aspectos fundamentales como el poder predictivo de los modelos científicos o el rol del observador en la descripción de los fenómenos físicos; esto, a su vez, revitalizó el antiguo debate entre el determinismo y el indeterminismo. En la actualidad, la discusión disciplinaria, lejos de alcanzar un consenso, ha dado lugar a nuevos tipos de preguntas que reflejan un cambio en lo que Cassirer llama el ideal de conocimiento. A partir de una síntesis histórica del debate de las últimas décadas, el presente artículo busca señalar algunas perspectivas contemporáneas del indeterminismo en ciencia.
Transnational trajectories and diaspora policies The case of Czechia in comparison to Poland, Hungary and Slovakia
Authors: Janská Eva , Beranská Veronika , Löblová Olga , Drbohlav Dušan , Čermák Zdeněk , Janurová Kristyna , Doležalová Markéta , Lesińska Magdalena , Vašečka Michal , Uherek Zdeněk , Kovács Eszter , Hasman Jiří
Published: June 2024

The book examines diaspora policy in Central European countries in the context of changes following their accession to the EU, utilizing the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary as case studies. With a focus on the previously underexplored new Czech diaspora (i.e., the emigration of Czechs/Czechoslovaks after 1990), individual case studies provide a comprehensive description of the contemporary Czech diaspora while also elucidating key inquiries directed towards its current character and specific needs.
Ethno-botanical study of medicinal plants in Kalesar, Haryana, India
Authors: Sharma Romita , Saini Neha , Kumar Atin , Kumar Sandeep , Nautiyal Mansi , Nautiyal Diksha , Ankit  , Rawat Ashwani
Published: June 2024

The current study focuses on the identification and gathering of data from the rangers, guides, and locals of the Kalesar village and Kalesar National Forest in the Yamunanagar district of Haryana. The ethnomedicinal qualities of the plants that were growing there and were used by the locals to treat illnesses are the focus of this study. Nearly 100 distinct plant species were identified, of which 77 were confirmed to exhibit ethno-medicinal qualities. Species belonging to families of Compositae, Rutaceae, Moraceae, Apocynaceae, Rosaceae, etc. were identified. With the aid of locals and the literature that was readily available, the plants were identified. The components of the plants that the locals utilized most frequently were the leaves, roots, seeds, and fruits, and these plants have shown notable success in treating conditions like as skin disorders, dental issues, gastrointestinal issues, and more. Additionally, it has been observed that they have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial characteristics.
An optimal model of agricultural real estate transactions in the light of Professor Aleksander Lichorowicz’s research
Authors: Blajer Paweł
Published: June 2024

The events celebrating the scholarly output of Professor Aleksander Lichorowicz provide a unique opportunity to recall the Jubilarian’s views on the issue of the proper shaping of the principles of the trade in agricultural real estate in Poland. The aim of the article is, on the one hand, to present the most important postulates formulated by Professor Lichorowicz concerning the optimal model of agricultural real estate trade and, on the other hand, to determine the basic directions of legal changes which would make the current Polish model of agricultural real estate trade more rational, consistent with Professor Lichorowicz’s postulates. The article analyses the most important instruments serving the proper shaping of the agricultural system, i.e. instruments protecting agricultural holdings against irrational divisions, instruments preventing excessive concentration of agricultural real estate, the requirement of agricultural qualifications, the pre-emption right to agricultural real estate, instruments related to agricultural lease and inheritance of agricultural holdings. In conclusion, the author expresses an opinion that the Polish legislator, while working on the necessary modification of the principles of agricultural real estate turnover, should extensively draw on the achievements and results of the research conducted by Professor Aleksander Lichorowicz.
Sketching the ecology of humor in English language classes: disclosing the determinant factors
Authors: Qi Shasha , Wang Yongliang
Published: June 2024

The use of humor and language play in second language (L2) education has received increasing attention from researchers in different contexts. However, the determining and governing factors of implementing humor in English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts have been overlooked. To fill this gap, this study used a semi-structured interview with 35 Chinese EFL teachers to sketch the ecological factors of humor practice at the micro, meso, and macro levels. The findings of the thematic analysis showed that ‘teachers’ personality/character’, ‘classroom environment’, ‘students’ gender’, and ‘proficiency level’ were the most significant micro-level factors determining humor practice in Chinese EFL classes. Concerning meso-level factors, ‘institutional environment/climate’ and ‘institutional rules, regulations, and policies’ were influential. Furthermore, at the macro level, it was revealed that ‘culture’, ‘social norms’, and ‘educational system’ determine the implementation of humor in L2 education. The findings are discussed in light of empirical and theoretical foundations and corresponding implications for EFL teachers are presented.
Research progress of corrosion inhibitors for high-temperature hydrochloric acid acidification
Authors: Li Nianyin , He Jing , Liu Pingli , Zhang Qian , Xiong Ying , Zhang Xingde , Wang Qiang , Kang Yu , Ma Chao
Published: June 2024

As exploration and development to the ultra-deep layer continue to advance, bottom hole temperatures have gradually increased, aggravating acid corrosion of the downhole pipe string and greatly challenging the safety of reservoir reconstruction. Hydrochloric acid (HCl), an inorganic acid with strong acidity, is widely used in common acid systems in oil fields. Therefore, the prevention of corrosion by HCl under high temperature is an important task. In this study, we analyze the molecular structure, synergistic effect, and inhibition mechanism of imidazoline, Mannich base, quaternary ammonium salt, and other high-temperature HCl inhibitors and green inhibitors to explore the temperature resistance of inhibitors from the perspective of molecular microstructure and provide guidance for the development of ultra-high-temperature acidification inhibitors. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of various HCl corrosion inhibitors are compared and summarized, and the knowledge gap and future research direction in the development field of high-temperature HCl corrosion inhibitors are pointed out.
High-temperature antioxidant silicate coating of low-density Nb–Ti–Al alloy: A review
Authors: Tang Xiaohuan , Zhao Gang , Liu Jian , Wang Qiang , Bai Xiaodong , Wang Lifei
Published: June 2024

Nb–Ti–Al base alloy is an important structural material with low density and high temperature. However, as with other niobium alloys, the weak oxidation resistance is the bottleneck of its engineering application. Surface coating technology is considered an ideal method to solve the oxidation resistance of Nb–Ti–Al-based alloys. In this article, the progress of research on high-temperature antioxidation silicide coatings on Nb–Ti–Al alloy in recent years is reviewed. The microstructure, phase composition, and oxidation properties of different silicide coatings are analyzed. The failure mechanism and applications of Nb–Ti–Al-based alloy silicide coating are summarized. The existing problems and future development of Nb–Ti–Al-based alloy silicide coatings are analyzed and prospected.
Probing the microstructural properties of metal-reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Ighalo Joshua O. , Adeyanju Comfort A. , Igwegbe Chinenye A. , Adeniyi Adewale G.
Published: June 2024

Microstructural analysis is an important technique to study the extent of interaction between metal fillers and polymers. The aim of this study is to review the investigations on the microstructural properties of metal-reinforced polymer composites. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) operating at a magnification range of 2,500× is typically used for examining the microstructure of the composites. Microstructural analysis reveals two key qualitative informations, dispersion and interfacial adhesion. It was observed from the review that flaky metal fillers will maximise dispersion and interfacial adhesion hence leading to improved mechanical, tribological, electrical, and thermal properties of the composites. Utilizing ternary metallic components helps to eliminate aggregation because the cohesion of metal particles is limited. It is important that future microstructural studies evaluate nano-sized fillers as compared to micro-sized ones. Also, it is important to quantitatively correlate the arrangement of the fillers to macro-scale properties and finite element analysis is an important tool that can help achieving this.