bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of additives to enhance the acceptance of poison bait in poultry rodents of Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Shahwar Durr e , Azeem Syed Ahsan , Kawan Atufa , Mukhtar Hina , Sajawal Ahmed , Noureen Sajida , Khalil Sangam
Published: January 2024

Rodent infestation on poultry farms incurs heavy economic losses to this industry by causing feed loss and disease introduction. Development and continuous improvement of rodents control techniques are vital to minimize and control the damages caused by rodents. Here, we test the feed preference of rodents for locally available and palatable food grains viz. millet (whole), wheat (cracked) and rice (broken) and taste additives namely whole egg (5%), eggshell (5%), peanut cracked (5%) and yeast (2%) that were offered mixed in millet-wheat (50:50 by wt.) bait. We tested the preferences of different food additives through a process of feed choice mechanism. We applied two different techniques to compare the preference of mixed feed baits, these techniques included no-choice with multiple choice feeding tests and paired choice with multiple choices feeding tests. The results indicated that consumption of bait with added whole egg was significantly higher (p > 0.05). Further test for its effectiveness as a carrier for rodenticides revealed 56%, 82% and 92%, reduction in rodent activities with zinc phosphide (2%), coumatetralyl (0.0375%) and Brodifacoum (0.005%) respectively. Our results point to a need on continuous improvement of feed baits by using different combinations to effectively control the rodent infestation.
Global perspectives of determinants influencing HPV vaccine introduction and scale-up in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Guillaume Dominique , Waheed Dur-e-Nayab , Schleiff Meike , Muralidharan Kirthini Kasi , Vorsters Alex , Limaye Rupali J.
Published: January 2024

Achieving WHO cervical cancer elimination goals will necessitate efforts to increase HPV vaccine access and coverage in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Although LMICs account for the majority of cervical cancer cases globally, scale-up of HPV vaccine programs and progress toward coverage targets in LMICs has been largely insufficient. Understanding the barriers and facilitators that stakeholders face in the introduction and scale-up of HPV vaccination programs will be pivotal in ensuring that LMICs are equipped to optimize the implementation of HPV vaccination programs. This qualitative study interviewed 13 global stakeholders categorized as either academic partners or global immunization partners to ascertain perspectives regarding factors affecting the introduction and scale-up of HPV vaccination programs in LMICs. Global stakeholders were selected as their perspectives have not been as readily highlighted within the literature despite their key role in HPV vaccination programming. The results of this investigation identified upstream (e.g., financial considerations, vaccine prioritization, global supply, capacity and delivery, and vaccine accessibility, equity, and ethics) and downstream (e.g., vaccine acceptability and hesitancy, communications, advocacy, and social mobilization) determinants that impact program introduction and scale-up and confirmed that strong political commitment and governance are significant in garnering support for HPV vaccines. As LMICs introduce HPV vaccines into their national immunization programs and develop plans for scaling up vaccination efforts, strategic approaches to communications and advocacy will also be needed to successfully meet coverage targets.
TET3 is a positive regulator of mitochondrial respiration in Neuro2A cells
Authors: Leon Kropf Valeria , Albany Caraugh J. , Zoccarato Anna , Green Hannah L. H. , Yang Youwen , Brewer Alison C.
Published: January 2024

Ten-Eleven-Translocase (TET) enzymes contribute to the regulation of the methylome via successive oxidation of 5-methyl cytosine (5mC) to derivatives which can be actively removed by base-excision-repair (BER) mechanisms in the absence of cell division. This is particularly important in post-mitotic neurons where changes in DNA methylation are known to associate with changes in neural function. TET3, specifically, is a critical regulator of both neuronal differentiation in development and mediates dynamic changes in the methylome of adult neurons associated with cognitive function. While DNA methylation is understood to regulate transcription, little is known of the specific targets of TET3-dependent catalytic activity in neurons. We report the results of an unbiased transcriptome analysis of the neuroblastoma-derived cell line; Neuro2A, in which Tet3 was silenced. Oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) was identified as the most significantly down-regulated functional canonical pathway, and these findings were confirmed by measurements of oxygen consumption rate in the Seahorse bioenergetics analyser. The mRNA levels of both nuclear- and mitochondrial-encoded OxPhos genes were reduced by Tet3-silencing, but we found no evidence for differential (hydroxy)methylation deposition at these gene loci. However, the mRNA expression of genes known to be involved in mitochondrial quality control were also shown to be significantly downregulated in the absence of TET3. One of these genes; EndoG, was identified as a direct target of TET3-catalytic activity at non-CpG methylated sites within its gene body. Accordingly, we propose that aberrant mitochondrial homeostasis may contribute to the decrease in OxPhos, observed upon Tet3-downregulation in Neuro2A cells.
Educational technologies for teaching hand hygiene: Systematic review
Authors: Fernandes Daiane Rubinato , Santos Bruna Nogueira dos , Guimarães Carolina Scoqui , Ferreira Elaine Barros , Margatho Amanda Salles , Reis Paula Elaine Diniz dos , Pittet Didier , Silveira Renata Cristina de Campos Pereira
Published: January 2024

Aim

To gather available scientific evidence on technologies used to teach hand hygiene to professional populations and lays involved in health care in the hospital setting. This systematic review was designed as proposed by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, included studies reporting primary, original, quantitative research findings with no date limit and written in English, Spanish or Portuguese. The search was performed in the following electronic databases: Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, US National Library of Medicine, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and ProQuest. The eligibility criteria were applied independently by two reviewers to select the studies, first by reading the titles and abstracts on the Rayyan platform and then by full text reading of the eligible studies. After a descriptive analysis, the studies were subjected to critical evaluation of their methodological quality using JBI tools.

Results

Seven studies were included, addressing various methods for teaching hand hygiene using different technological resources, such as audiovisual electronic devices, videos, virtual reality, and gamification using tablets and smartphones, in different populations.

Conclusion

Using technologies to teach hand hygiene considerably helps patients, visitors, and relatives in learning the procedures and efficiently improves hand hygiene compliance rates among healthcare professionals, creating evidence-based repetitive learning opportunities for patients and caregivers.
Development of Magnesium Aluminate (MgAl2O4) Nanoparticles for refractory crucible application
Authors: Khan Shaheer Ahmed , Mohd Zain Zakaria , Siddiqui Ziauddin , Khan Wajahat , Aabid Abdul , Baig Muneer , Abdul Malik Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Ceramics are the oxides of metals and nonmetals with excellent compressive strength. Ceramics usually exhibit inert behavior at high temperatures. Magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4), a member of the ceramic family, possesses a high working temperature up to 2000°C, low thermal conductivity, high strength even at elevated temperatures, and good corrosion resistance. Moreover, Magnesium Aluminate Nanoparticles (MANPs) can be used in the making of refractory crucible applications. This study focuses on the thermal behavior of Magnesium Aluminate Nanoparticles (MANPs) and their application in the making of refractory crucibles. The molten salt method is used to obtain MANPs. The presence of MANPs is seen by XRD peaks ranging from 66° to 67°. The determination of the smallest crystallite size of the sample is achieved by utilizing the Scherrer formula and is found to be 15.3 nm. The SEM micrographs provided further information, indicating an average particle size of 91.2 nm. At 600°C, DSC curves show that only 0.05 W/g heat flows into the material, and the TGA curve shows only 3% weight loss, which is prominent for thermal insulation applications. To investigate the thermal properties, crucibles of pure MANPs and the different compositions of MANPs and pure alumina are prepared. During the sintering, cracks appear on the crucible of pure magnesium aluminate. To explore the reason for crack development, tablets of MgAl2O4 are made and sintered at 1150°C. Ceramography shows the crack-free surfaces of all the tablets. Results confirm the thermal stability of MANPs at high temperatures and their suitability for melting crucible applications.
The N6-methyladenosine demethylase ALKBH5 regulates the hypoxic HBV transcriptome
Authors: Tsukuda Senko , Harris James M. , Magri Andrea , Balfe Peter , Siddiqui Aleem , Wing Peter A.C. , McKeating Jane A.
Published: January 2024

Chronic hepatitis B is a global health problem and current treatments only suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, highlighting the need for new curative treatments. Oxygen levels influence HBV replication and we previously reported that hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) activate the basal core promoter (BCP). Here we show that the hypoxic-dependent increase in BCP-derived transcripts is dependent on N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications in the 5’ stem loop that regulate RNA half-life. Application of a probe-enriched long-read sequencing method to accurately map the HBV transcriptome showed an increased abundance of pre-genomic RNA under hypoxic conditions. Mapping the transcription start sites of BCP-RNAs identified a role for hypoxia to regulate pre-genomic RNA splicing that is dependent on m6A modification. Bioinformatic analysis of published single cell RNA-seq of murine liver showed an increased expression of the RNA demethylase ALKBH5 in the peri-central low oxygen region. In vitro studies with a human hepatocyte derived HepG2-NTCP cell line showed increased ALKBH5 gene expression under hypoxic conditions and a concomitant reduction in m6A-modified HBV BCP-RNA and host RNAs. Silencing the demethylase reduced the level of BCP-RNAs and host gene (CA9, NDRG1, VEGFA, BNIP3, FUT11, GAP and P4HA1) transcripts and this was mediated via reduced HIFα expression. In summary, our study highlights a previously unrecognized role for ALKBH5 in orchestrating viral and cellular transcriptional responses to low oxygen.
Histidine transport is essential for the growth of Staphylococcus aureus at low pH
Authors: Beetham Catrin M. , Schuster Christopher F. , Kviatkovski Igor , Santiago Marina , Walker Suzanne , Gründling Angelika
Published: January 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing many different human diseases. During colonization and infection, S. aureus will encounter a range of hostile environments, including acidic conditions such as those found on the skin and within macrophages. However, little is known about the mechanisms that S. aureus uses to detect and respond to low pH. Here, we employed a transposon sequencing approach to determine on a genome-wide level the genes required or detrimental for growth at low pH. We identified 31 genes that were essential for the growth of S. aureus at pH 4.5 and confirmed the importance of many of them through follow up experiments using mutant strains inactivated for individual genes. Most of the genes identified code for proteins with functions in cell wall assembly and maintenance. These data suggest that the cell wall has a more important role than previously appreciated in promoting bacterial survival when under acid stress. We also identified several novel processes previously not linked to the acid stress response in S. aureus. These include aerobic respiration and histidine transport, the latter by showing that one of the most important genes, SAUSA300_0846, codes for a previously uncharacterized histidine transporter. We further show that under acid stress, the expression of the histidine transporter gene is increased in WT S. aureus. In a S. aureus SAUSA300_0846 mutant strain expression of the histidine biosynthesis genes is induced under acid stress conditions allowing the bacteria to maintain cytosolic histidine levels. This strain is, however, unable to maintain its cytosolic pH to the same extent as a WT strain, revealing an important function specifically for histidine transport in the acid stress response of S. aureus.
ATG7/GAPLINC/IRF3 axis plays a critical role in regulating pathogenesis of influenza A virus
Authors: Chen Biao , Guo Guijie , Wang Guoqing , Zhu Qianwen , Wang Lulu , Shi Wenhao , Wang Song , Chen Yuhai , Chi Xiaojuan , Wen Faxin , Maarouf Mohamed , Huang Shile , Yang Zhou , Chen Ji-Long
Published: January 2024

Autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7) is an essential autophagy effector enzyme. Although it is well known that autophagy plays crucial roles in the infections with various viruses including influenza A virus (IAV), function and underlying mechanism of ATG7 in infection and pathogenesis of IAV remain poorly understood. Here, in vitro studies showed that ATG7 had profound effects on replication of IAV. Depletion of ATG7 markedly attenuated the replication of IAV, whereas overexpression of ATG7 facilitated the viral replication. ATG7 conditional knockout mice were further employed and exhibited significantly resistant to viral infections, as evidenced by a lower degree of tissue injury, slower body weight loss, and better survival, than the wild type animals challenged with either IAV (RNA virus) or pseudorabies virus (DNA virus). Interestingly, we found that ATG7 promoted the replication of IAV in autophagy-dependent and -independent manners, as inhibition of autophagy failed to completely block the upregulation of IAV replication by ATG7. To determine the autophagy-independent mechanism, transcriptome analysis was utilized and demonstrated that ATG7 restrained the production of interferons (IFNs). Loss of ATG7 obviously enhanced the expression of type I and III IFNs in ATG7-depleted cells and mice, whereas overexpression of ATG7 impaired the interferon response to IAV infection. Consistently, our experiments demonstrated that ATG7 significantly suppressed IRF3 activation during the IAV infection. Furthermore, we identified long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) GAPLINC as a critical regulator involved in the promotion of IAV replication by ATG7. Importantly, both inactivation of IRF3 and inhibition of IFN response caused by ATG7 were mediated through control over GAPLINC expression, suggesting that GAPLINC contributes to the suppression of antiviral immunity by ATG7. Together, these results uncover an autophagy-independent mechanism by which ATG7 suppresses host innate immunity and establish a critical role for ATG7/GAPLINC/IRF3 axis in regulating IAV infection and pathogenesis.
Complete Biochemical Remission With Oral Vancomycin in a Patient With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and High Serum Immunoglobulin G4 Levels
Authors: Sohal Aalam , Kowdley Kris V.
Published: January 2024

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease characterized by intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct strictures leading to cirrhosis. A subtype with elevated serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 levels has been recently identified. Elevated IgG4 titers can be present in 9%–15% of patients with PSC. Currently, liver transplantation is the only effective treatment of PSC, although multiple medical therapies are under evaluation. We report a case of a young adult with PSC and elevated IgG4 levels who had marked serum aminotransferase elevation; the patient had an incomplete response to steroids but achieved complete biochemical remission after initiation of oral vancomycin.
The Role of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulators After Liver Transplantation in Persons With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Maradiaga Richard D. , Ramsey Mitchell L. , Kirkby Stephen E. , Sobotka Lindsay A.
Published: January 2024

Despite advances in treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF), liver disease remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality for persons with CF. Therefore, liver transplantation may be considered in end-stage CF-related liver disease. We present a young patient with CF who underwent solo liver transplantation and has successfully restarted on elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor without significant pulmonary or hepatic complications after transplant.
The role of participatory action research (PAR) in the emergence of self-determined Indigenous research responding to major societal issues
Authors: Blangy Sylvie , Deffner Anna , Rixen Anabel , Couétil Timothée , Lamalice Annie , Donohoe Holly , Labba Niklas
Published: January 2024

In recent decades, there has been growing criticism that research has long been conducted ‘on’ Indigenous peoples rather than ‘with’ or ‘for’ them. In response to this, in 1999, Linda Tuhiwai Smith published a critical analysis of colonialism in Western research, arguing for the decolonisation of knowledge and the implementation of new co-constructed projects that respond to societal concerns, rely on methodologies rooted in local knowledge, and use participatory action research approaches. In a seven-year project (2010–17) in Nunavut, Canada, we adopted this approach, using participatory action research to co-construct research questions in collaboration with the Inuit community of Baker Lake (Qamani’tuaq) on issues that most concern them, such as mining impacts and youth future. This article discusses the TUKTU project, analysing its development and the advantages and limitations of Indigenous participatory action research, conceived and conducted by the people it concerns, and based on their vision of the world, valorising their knowledge and contributing to their empowerment.
KANUN KOYUCUNUN AMACI BAĞLAMINDA 7471 SAYILI KANUNUN ÖNGÖRDÜĞÜ KENTSEL DÖNÜŞÜM SÜRECİNE İLİŞKİN DEĞİŞİKLİKLERİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: ÜSTÜN Gül , BULUT Ali
Published: January 2024

7471 sayılı Afet Riski Altındaki Alanların Dönüştürülmesi Hakkında Kanun ile Bazı Kanunlarda ve 375 Sayılı Kanun Hükmünde Kararnamede Değişiklik Yapılmasına Dair Kanunla isminden de anlaşılacağı üzere, 6306 sayılı Afet Riski Altındaki Alanların Dönüştürülmesi Hakkında Kanun’un belirli hükümlerinde değişiklik yapılmakta ve 6306 sayılı Kanun’a bazı hükümler eklenmektedir. 7471 sayılı Kanun’la Kentsel Dönüşüm Başkanlığının görev ve yetkileri, gelir kalemleri belirlenmekte, kentsel dönüşüm sürecinde yürütülen riskli alan, riskli yapı ve rezerv yapı alanları tespitine ve bu alanlardaki uygulamalara ilişkin yenilikler getirilmektedir. Ayrıca yine kanun koyucu tarafından 7471 sayılı Kanun’la 2577 sayılı İdari Yargılama Usulü Kanunu’na geçici bir madde eklenmesi öngörülmekte, ayrı bir yargılama usulü getirilmektedir. Yapılan bu değişikliklerin uygulamaya dönmesi durumunda kanun koyucunun amacının sağlanıp sağlanmayacağı veya sorunun çözümü için daha etkin bir yöntemin tercih edilip edilmediği muhakkak ki tartışılacak bir konu olup, uygulamaların arifesinde bu konuya bir bakış açısı tutmak, olası sıkıntıları dile getirmek ve belki de tehlikeleri ortadan kaldırıcı yeni düzenlemelere vesile olmak amacıyla bu yazımızı kaleme almış bulunuyoruz. Ancak, ilave etmek de fayda vardır ki, Kentsel Dönüşüm Başkanlığının görev ve yetkileri, gelir kalemleri, ayrıca teşkilata ilişkin bir muhakemeyi de gerektirdiğinden çalışma kapsamı dışında bırakılmış, bu çalışmada da ziyade idari yargılama, kentsel dönüşüme konu alanların tespiti ve bu alanlardaki uygulamalar üzerinde kanun koyucunun amacı dikkate alınarak değerlendirme yapılmıştır.
Scalable hot carrier–assisted silicon photodetector array based on ultrathin gold film
Authors: Kim Geunpil , Kim Hyebi , Jeon Young-Uk , Kim In Soo , Kim Soo Jin , Kim Sangsik , Kim Jongbum
Published: January 2024

Silicon (Si) offers cost-effective production and convenient on-chip integration for photodetection due to its well-established CMOS technology. However, the indirect bandgap of Si inherently limits its detection efficiency in the near-infrared (NIR) regime. Here, we propose a strategy to achieve high NIR photoresponse in Si by introducing a strong light-absorbing ultrathin gold (Au) film to generate hot carriers. Using a 4.6 nm thick-Au film deposited on Si, we achieved photoresponsivity of 1.6 mA/W at 1310 nm under zero-bias conditions, and rapid temporal responses of 7.5 and 8 μs for rise and fall times, respectively, comparable to germanium (Ge) photodiodes. By utilizing an ultrathin (<6 nm) Au film as the light-detecting layer and thicker (>100 nm) Au film as electrodes, we introduce a unique approach to design a photodiode array based on a single metal (Au) platform. Comparative analysis with a commercial beam profiler image validates the performance of our designed array. This work presents an efficient strategy for manufacturing cost-effective and scalable NIR photodetector arrays, which eliminates the need for additional insulator layers.
Photochemical initiation of polariton-mediated exciton propagation
Authors: Sokolovskii Ilia , Groenhof Gerrit
Published: January 2024

Placing a material inside an optical cavity can enhance transport of excitation energy by hybridizing excitons with confined light modes into polaritons, which have a dispersion that provides these light–matter quasi-particles with low effective masses and very high group velocities. While in experiments, polariton propagation is typically initiated with laser pulses, tuned to be resonant either with the polaritonic branches that are delocalized over many molecules, or with an uncoupled higher-energy electronic excited state that is localized on a single molecule, practical implementations of polariton-mediated exciton transport into devices would require operation under low-intensity incoherent light conditions. Here, we propose to initiate polaritonic exciton transport with a photo-acid, which upon absorption of a photon in a spectral range not strongly reflected by the cavity mirrors, undergoes ultra-fast excited-state proton transfer into a red-shifted excited-state photo-product that can couple collectively with a large number of suitable dye molecules to the modes of the cavity. By means of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations we demonstrate that cascading energy from a photo-excited donor into the strongly coupled acceptor-cavity states via a photo-chemical reaction can indeed induce long-range polariton-mediated exciton transport.
Phase change material-based tunable Fano resonant optical coatings and their applications
Authors: Sreekanth Kandammathe Valiyaveedu , Jana Sambhu , ElKabbash Mohamed , Singh Ranjan , Teng Jinghua
Published: January 2024

Thin-film coatings offer a scalable optical platform, as compared to nanopatterned films, for various applications including structural coloring, photovoltaics, and sensing. Recently, Fano resonant optical coatings (FROCs) have gained attention. FROCs consist of coupled thin film nanocavities composed of a broadband and a narrowband optical absorber. The optical properties of FROCs can be dynamically adjusted using chalcogenide phase change materials (PCM). Switching the structural states of PCM layers in the cavity between amorphous and crystalline states, the Fano resonance supported by FROC can be modulated in terms of resonance wavelength, intensity, and bandwidth. This review discusses the scientific and technological facets of both passive and active FROCs for applications in structural coloring and spectrum-splitting filters. We explore electrically tunable FROCs for dynamic color generation and optical steganography. Furthermore, we discuss the utilization of passive and active FROCs as spectrum-splitting filters to mitigate the drop in photovoltaic efficiency of solar cells due to heating and for hybrid thermal-electric power generation.
Ultra-broadband directional thermal emission
Authors: Wang Qiuyu , Liu Tianji , Li Longnan , Huang Chen , Wang Jiawei , Xiao Meng , Li Yang , Li Wei
Published: January 2024

Directional control of thermal emission over its broad wavelength range is a fundamental challenge. Gradient epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) material supporting Berreman mode has been proposed as a promising approach. However, the bandwidth is still inherently limited due to the availability of ENZ materials covering a broad bandwidth and additional undesired omnidirectional modes in multilayer stacking with increased thickness. Here, we show that broadband directional thermal emission can be realized beyond the previously considered epsilon-near-zero and Berreman mode region. We then establish a universal approach based on effective medium theory to realizing ultra-broadband directional thermal emitter. We numerically demonstrate strong (emissivity >0.8) directional (80 ± 5°) thermal emission covering the entire thermal emission wavelength range (5–30 μm) by using only two materials. This approach offers a new capability for manipulating thermal emission with potential applications in high-efficiency information encryption, energy collection and utilization, thermal camouflaging, and infrared detection.
Realization of all two-dimensional Bravais lattices with metasurface-based interference lithography
Authors: Kim Myungjoon , Kim Nayoung , Shin Jonghwa
Published: January 2024

Proximity-field nanopatterning (PnP) have been used recently as a rapid, cost-effective, and large-scale fabrication method utilizing volumetric interference patterns generated by conformal phase masks. Despite the effectiveness of PnP processes, their design diversity has not been thoroughly explored. Here, we demonstrate that the possibility of generating any two-dimensional lattice with diverse motifs. By controlling the amplitude, phase, and polarization of each diffraction beam, we can implement all two-dimensional Bravais lattices in three-dimensional space. The results may provide diverse applications that require three-dimensional nanostructures from optical materials and structural materials to energy storage or conversion materials.
Scroll for More: Papyrus Commentaries from Roman Oxyrhynchus and Context Clues
Authors: Perrone Serena
Published: January 2024

The paper offers an analysis of the possible clues for contextualising papyrus commentaries (hypomnemata), with particular reference to fragments from Roman-era Oxyrhynchus (1st–3rd c. AD). Examples of such clues are presented, including instances of reuse, identified scribe, the presence of secondary interventions, preserved colophon or other indications of authoriality, and documented archaeological findspot.
Selena’s Good Buy
Authors: Coronado Raúl
Published: January 2024

Following Selena’s death in April 1995, the U.S. media was not quite sure how to respond to Latinos’ reaction as hundreds of thousands of Latinos gathered in cities and towns across the United States to mourn her. Above all, the reaction of the Texas Mem‘can community was impassioned, spontaneous, and unified in a way seldom seen before. However, most media commentators focused on the prolferation of “Selena commodities,” emphasizing that her death provided corporations with a perfect money making opportunity. This argument overlooks the response from below, from the consumers of these commodities. Engaging with Marxist theories of commodities and consumption and an expanded notion of the fetish, I argue that Selena came to embody a constellation of displaced desires that must be situated in their historical context.
Dark Matters
Authors: Ruiz Jason
Published: January 2024

Vince Gilligan’s cable television series Breaking Bad has garnered critical praise for its complex and sometimes contradictory views of drug trading, criminality, and the blurry line between good and evil. In particular, critics have celebrated the originality of its main character, Walter White, whose transformation from a dowdy high school chemistry teacher into a methamphetamine “cook” and kingpin is charted over the course of the series. However, Breaking Bad is strikingly unoriginal in its treatment of the Latino characters who serve as the main antagonists to Walter and his protégé, Jesse. This essay argues that Breaking Bad must be read from a Latino studies perspective to understand it in relation to the “threat narrative” that permeates media representations of Latinos. The essay first locates the series within a mini-genre of cable television that might be called “suburban crime dramas,” a set of texts that place unassuming white protagonists in contact—and usually conflict—with nonwhite denizens of a criminal underworld. Second, it provides a close reading of Breaking Bad’s key Latino characters, arguing that the characters Tuco Salamanca and Gus Fring provide contrasting insights into the dominant culture’s views of latinidad.
LEGISLATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS IN LANDSCAPE PLANNING IN UKRAINE
Authors:   Institute of Geography National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Golubtsov O. G.
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this publication is to highlight the role of landscape planning as a tool for implementing legislative environmental requirements, which should contribute to the achievement of the goals of balanced development of Ukrainian communities. The author analyzes the legislative requirements and criteria for assessing landscapes and its components that are relevant to the goals of landscape planning in the framework of the development of Comprehensive Plans for the Spatial Development of Communities. Such environmental requirements should be applied at the stages of landscape and its components assessment, conflict analysis, development of environmental goals and justification of measures. The article presents the experience of taking into account legislative environmental requirements in landscape plans that were created as part of the Comprehensive Spatial Development Plans of Druzhkivka city and Ocheretyne village communities in Donetsk Oblast. The examples demonstrate the implementation of legislative environmental requirements at the stages of landscape assessment, conflict analysis, and development of a landscape plan with environmental goals and measures. Examples of integrating landscape plan recommendations into project decision-making are presented.
MANAGEMENT OF THE NATURE RESERVE FUND OF UKRAINE TERRITORIES WITHOUT SPECIAL ADMINISTRATION (LANDSCAPE RESERVE (“ZAKASNYK”) OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE “KOZINSKYI” CASE STUDY)
Authors:   State Ecological Academy of Postgraduate Education and Management, Ivanenko I. B. , Ivanenko Ie. I. ,   Institute of Geography of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: January 2024

The article is devoted to the implementation of the management of the Nature reserve fund of Ukraine (NRF) territories without a special administration. Management of such territories involves non-state management of it through the landowner or land user. This approach is new for the NRF, although it is сommon in the global nature conservation practice, in particular, it is one of the key approaches of the Natura 2000 network and the Emerald network. The actual area of ​​protected areas without special administration is almost 29% of the area of ​​the NRF, so the issue of their reasonable management is one of the key issues for the entire protected network. The approach to the management of such territories is outlined in the article by landscape reserve (“zakasnyk”) of national importance “Kozinskyi” case study. In particular, areas of priority activities have been allocated, which is essentially similar to zoning in national natural parks, but implemented within the limits of the national legislation provided specifically for “zakaznyk” (national protected area category which is equal to IUCN protected area categories IV or V). Three types of areas have been identified; (1) nature protection; (2) ecological; (3) educational and recreational. The second important feature of the approach presented in the article is the planning and implementation of protected area management measures through the public organization (“Green Wave”), which essentially plays the role of a land user. Practical management measures were outlined in the “Program of Development and Recreational Activities of the Landscape Reserve of National Importance “Kozynskyi” with a Plan for Arrangement of the Reserve Site at the Location of the Golf Course.”
Personal Characteristics of Russian Students with Different Types of Ethnic Identity
Authors: Balyaev Sergey I. , Garanina Zhanna G. , Nikishov Sergey N. , Nikishova Irina S.
Published: January 2024

Introduction. The article deals with the problem of the relationship between personality traits and the type of ethnic identity in Russian students. The existing theoretical approaches to the concept and properties of ethnic identity are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the consideration of ethnic identity types.

Materials and Methods. An empirical study was carried out on the basis of National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University. 105 students became participants in the study. The following methods were used: the 16 PF questionnaire by R. Cattell (form C), the “Types of Ethnic Identity” method by G. U. Soldatova and S. V. Ryzhova, The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) – Jean S. Phinney, the Method for assessing the positivity and uncertainty of ethnic identity

(A. N. Tatarko, N. M. Lebedeva). Mathematical processing of the obtained results was carried out using the correlation analysis of Pearson’s r-test and the Mann – Whitney U-test.

Results. As a result of the study, positive correlations were revealed between personal characteristics and ethnic identity types of Russian students. Most students have a positive ethnic identity. They recognize themselves as representatives of their ethnic group, have positive feelings towards representatives of their nationality. At the same time, they adequately relating to other ethnic groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the features of the ethnic identity of Russian and Mordovian students.

Discussion and Conclusion. Features of ethnic identity are largely due to the personal qualities of students. Students with a high level of conformism have a positive ethical identity, strive to combine a positive attitude towards their own and other ethnic groups. Students with pronounced personal dominance have a negative attitude towards representatives of other ethnic groups, prefer to communicate with people of their own ethnic group. Individuals striving for independence are more prone to ethnic isolationism, the recognition of the superiority of their people over other ethnic groups. Emotionally unstable students have a low level of ethnic nihilism, strive to reduce tension in relations with others, and seek more stable relationships with people outside of ethnic characteristics. Ethnic indifference is characteristic of persons with a high level of intelligence.
Program for Constructing Quite Interpretable Elementary and Non-elementary Quasi-linear Regression Models
Authors: Bazilevskiy Mikhail Pavlovich
Published: January 2024

A quite interpretable linear regression satisfies the following conditions: the signs of its coefficients correspond to the meaningful meaning of the factors; multicollinearity is negligible; coefficients are significant; the quality of the model approximation is high. Previously, to construct such models, estimated using the ordinary least squares, the QInter-1 program was developed. In it, according to the given initial parameters, the mixed integer 0-1 linear programming task is automatically generated, as a result of which the most informative regressors are selected. The mathematical apparatus underlying this program was significantly expanded over time: non-elementary linear regressions were developed, linear restrictions on the absolute values of intercorrelations were proposed to control multicollinearity, assumptions appeared about the possibility of constructing not only linear, but also quasi-linear regressions. This article is devoted to the description of the developed second version of the program for constructing quite interpretable regressions QInter-2. The QInter-2 program allows, depending on the initial parameters selected by the user, to automatically formulate for the LPSolve solver the mixed integer 0-1 linear programming task for constructing both elementary and non-elementary quite interpretable quasi-linear regressions. It is possible to set up to nine elementary functions and control such parameters as the number of regressors in the model, the number of signs in real numbers after the decimal point, the absolute contributions of variables to the overall determination, the number of occurrences of explanatory variables in the model, and the magnitude of intercorrelations. In the process of working with the program, you can also control the number of elementary and non-elementarily transformed variables that affect the speed of solving the mixed integer 0-1 linear programming task. The QInter-2 program is universal and can be used to construct quite interpretable mathematical dependencies in various subject areas.
Development of Regional Human Rights Regime in Asia: Defining the Challenges
Authors: Chowdhury Saber Ahmed , Rahman Md. Zarif
Published: January 2024

This study analyses the progress made toward establishing a cohesive regional human rights framework in Asia while identifying key obstacles that hinder its evolution. It also explores the intricate nature of constructing a unified structure for human rights in the region through a comprehensive examination of historical, cultural, political, and economic elements. The examination of current mechanisms such as the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Asian Human Rights Declaration highlights both the constraints and potential avenues for advancement. The study posits that a collaborative approach, involving regional organizations, civil society, and international collaboration, is crucial despite historical legacies, cultural differences, and economic paradoxes. The significance of addressing these challenges is highlighted by the potential advantages of establishing a unified human rights regime, which encompasses regional stability and the safeguarding of individual rights. The imperative of promoting a transformative human rights framework in Asia necessitates the maintenance of an inclusive dialogue among stakeholders moving forward.
The Effect of Brand Image and Electronic Word of Mouth on Xiaomi Smartphone Purchasing Decisions
Authors: Huwae Victor Ernest , Tabelessy Walter , Tamher Etvin Rizal , Tehuayo Erlinda , Lewaherilla Novalien Carolina
Published: January 2024

Brand image and electronic word of mouth still have limitations, so an analysis of brand trust was carried out to mediate the influence of brand image and E-WoM on purchasing decisions. Brand trust can mediate the relationship between brand image and E-WoM on purchasing decisions. This research aimed to determine the influence of brand image and electronic word of mouth on purchasing decisions through brand trust as a mediating variable. This type of research is quantitative research. This research's data type is quantitative, and the data source used primary data. The population in this study were all Pattimura University students and the number of samples was 104. The sampling method used was non-probability sampling using the purposive sampling technique. The data analysis method uses Partial Least Square (PLS), and the data was processed using SmartPLS software version 3.3.3. This research shows that Brand Image influences Purchasing Decisions through Brand Trust with a path coefficient value of 0.185, T-statistics of 3.178 and P-values of 0.002. It means that the Brand Image variable has an indirect positive and significant influence on the Purchase Decision variable through the Brand Trust variable because it has path coefficient values in the range of 0 to 1 and has T-statistic values > 1.96 and P-values < 0.05. Electronic word of mouth influences purchasing decisions through brand trust with a path coefficient value of 0.240, T-statistics of 2.368 and P-values of 0.018. It means that the electronic word-of-mouth variable has a positive and significant indirect influence on the Purchasing Decision variable through the Brand Trust variable because it has a path coefficient value in the range of 0 to 1 and a T-statistic value > 1.96 and also P-values < 0, 05.
Social understanding of inattention
Authors: Vilar-Lluch Sara
Published: January 2024

Inattention, one of the defining traits of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Disorder (ADHD), is occasionally perceived as less worrying than hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, those individuals who manifest it are often targets of negative misjudgements. This paper examines how the symptom of inattention is understood among three social groups with an active role in the ADHD diagnosis: the medical, the educational and the family communities. It pays particular attention to (1) similarities across the groups and (2) evaluations relating to the symptom. As datasets, for the medical community the study considers the section of the DSM-5 concerning ADHD; for the teaching community, educational guidelines; and for the family, forum threads retrieved from addforums.com. A qualitative linguistic analysis was performed for each dataset to examine the representation and evaluation of the behavioural trait. The analysis draws on Systemic Functional Grammar, including Appraisal. Inattention is consistently evaluated negatively in all three datasets, as impacting not only activities that require strong cognitive involvement, but also a wide range of ordinary activities. Differences in the representation of the symptom of inattention are explained by the pragmatic functions of the three textual genres examined.
An Analysis on the Port Efficiency before and after COVID-19: Focusing on Congestion
Authors:   Korea Association for International Commerce and Information, Song Hyeon-Geun , Park Hong-Gyue
Published: January 2024

Since COVID-19, congestion has become an important factor that can hinder the efficient operation of ports and cause direct and indirect economic damages. Therefore, this study conducted an SBM-DEA analysis with congestion as a undesirable output variable to investigate the impact of congestion on the efficiency of four Korean ports (Busan, Yeosu-Gwangyang, Ulsan, and Incheon) before and after COVID-19. The analysis revealed that the overall efficiency of the ports was lower after the outbreak of COVID-19 than before, and that the efficiency of each port was relatively different depending on its infrastructure and budget. This analysis shows that port efficiency is being negatively affected by congestion both pre- and post- COVID-19. Additionally, port infrastructure and budgets have a direct impact on congestion levels. To enhance port efficiency, it's important to implement appropriate systems and policies to manage congestion while considering the unique characteristics of each port.
Media w służbie reżimu. Przykład Rosji i wyzwania dla demokracji
Authors:   Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie, Tomaszewski Waldemar
Published: January 2024

The subject of the article are the media. The activity of the media was analyzed in the context of their use to achieve the goals of the undemocratic regime. Considerations were also made on the admissibility of limiting the freedom of the media in democratic regimes. The relationship between the activities of the media and state security was adopted as the leading context. Answers were sought to the following questions: is freedom of the media the main value in the state?; can the freedom of the media be limited in a democratic regime?; if we consider that the freedom of the media may be limited, what conditions must be met for this? As a hypothesis, it was assumed that: freedom of the media is an undeniable value of democracy, but it cannot be a superior value over securing the survival of the state. The following methods were mainly used: institutional and legal, comparative and systemic. One of the main conclusions is that: freedom of action of the media can be their privilege only during the normal, i.e. safe functioning of the state, and the actions of the media cannot be contrary to the supreme values of the Nation and threaten the survival of the state.
Gruzińskie elity wobec stanowiska RFN w stosunku do Gruzji z 2023 roku
Authors:   Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Brodowski Jan
Published: January 2024

The main purpose of the article is to examine the opinions expressed by Georgian elites regarding the position of the Federal Republic of Germany towards Georgia in 2023. The text discusses the question to what extent the image created for the needs of the internal political game in Georgia corresponds to bilateral relations between the two countries. The re-evaluation of German Eastern policy in connection with the Russian-Ukrainian conflict influences Germany’s attitude towards Georgia. Georgia is at a special historical moment. The receding prospect of Georgia’s EU membership due to the rule of law and respect for civil liberties shortcomings affects also the perception of Germany in Caucasus. The future of Georgia and the shape of relations with the West, including Germany, will depend primarily on the behavior of Georgian elites, some of whom treat accession to the EU as an element of a political game.
REMARKS ON THE PHYSICAL BASIS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF DIFFUSION FLUX TERMS IN FINITE-VOLUME EQUATIONS
Authors: Beale Steven B. , Malin M. R. , Marschall H.
Published: January 2024

The formulation for the diffusion terms in unstructured meshes is compared to that previously derived by the present
authors and others for structured body-fitted meshes in terms of direction cosines between the normal and tangential
directions. The so-called 'over-relaxed' approach is entirely equivalent/identical, subject to the caveat that the gradient of a scalar field is computed as the product of the scalar and the local surface area vector per unit volume summed (integrated) over the cell volumes, rather than by bilinear field interpolation. The physical/mathematical basis for the 'minimum correction' and 'orthogonal correction' approaches is not consistent with the present authors' derivation, which is in agreement with previous observations. The derivation for a structured mesh here differs from previous work in that physical, rather than mathematical components/projections of vectors are considered, thus filling a significant historical gap in the literature.