bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical fitness characteristics of elite freestyle skiing aerials athletes
Authors: Yao Youwei , Niu Xuesong
Published: June 2024

Objective

To analyze the physical fitness characteristics of elite freestyle skiing aerials athletes, thereby enhancing the understanding of exercise physiologists, sports scientists, and coaches regarding the demands in this discipline.

Methods

After health screenings, 29 athletes from the Chinese National Freestyle Skiing Aerials Team were divided into elite and general groups, including males and females. Physical fitness indexes were determined through literature reviews, expert interviews, and the Delphi method, followed by physical fitness tests assessing body morphology, physiological function, and physical quality. Data normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Differences between the two groups were then evaluated using independent sample t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, after which effect sizes were calculated to assess the magnitude of the differences.

Results

Significant body morphology differences were noted between elite and general groups in fat-free body weight, leg, and waist circumferences (P < 0.05). Male athletes in the elite group exhibited a significantly lower percentage of body fat (P < 0.05), whereas the reduction in body fat percentage among female elite athletes was not statistically significant. In terms of physiological function assessment, elite athletes demonstrated superior performance in both maximum anaerobic capacity and relative maximum anaerobic capacity compared to their counterparts in the general group (P < 0.05). Notably, the difference in maximum anaerobic capacity was highly significant among male athletes (P < 0.01), and the relative maximum anaerobic capacity among female athletes was also markedly significant (P < 0.01). Regarding physical quality indexes, elite athletes outperformed those in the general group in all aspects except for the quick v-up and 12-minute run tests (P < 0.05 or P<0.01).

Conclusion

Elite athletes exhibit superior physical fitness characteristics compared to general athletes, attributable to differences in age, years of training, and their participation in ongoing specialized physical training within structured, cyclical programs. Specifically, elite athletes demonstrated higher fat-free body weight, larger waist and leg circumferences in terms of body morphology. Particularly, male athletes showed a trend towards lower body fat percentage. Physiologically, they exhibited stronger anaerobic metabolism capabilities. In terms of physical quality, elite athletes displayed superior limb strength, lower limb explosive power, and specialized core strength, along with better speed, agility, and overall coordination.
Nutritional composition of edible wood borer beetle larvae in Kenya
Authors: Kibet Shadrack , Mudalungu Cynthia M. , Ochieng Brian O. , Mokaya Hosea O. , Kimani Njogu M. , Tanga Chrysantus M.
Published: June 2024

Exploration of edible insects as sustainable alternative nutrient-dense sources such as nutraceuticals have attracted more and more global attention recently. However, research on wood borer beetles have largely been overlooked. This study assessed the entomo-chemical properties of Titoceres jaspideus (Cerambycidae) and Passalus punctiger (Passalidae), which are widely consumed in many African countries, including Kenya. The crude protein content of the beetle larvae ranged between 27.5–39.8 mg BSA/g. In comparison with those of cereals, amino acids such as lysine (7.9–9.9 mg/g), methionine (0.48–0.64 mg/g) and threonine (2.31–2.55 mg/g) were considerably high in the larvae. Methyl-5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoate and methyl-9Z-octadecenoate were the predominant polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, respectively. High total phenols (>4.4 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (>3.6 mg QE/g) and anti-oxidative activities (>67%) were recorded for both larvae. This implies that increasing the consumption of wood-borer beetle larvae would positively impact the state of the natural environment and reduce the problem of malnutrition in the society. Thus, applying these strategies to develop insect food in a more familiar form can help to make insect-enriched foods more appealing to consumers, facilitating their widespread adoption as a sustainable and nutritious food source.
Acute COPD exacerbations and in-hospital treatment-related problems: An observational study
Authors: Awwad Oriana , Abu Farha Rana , Altaharwah Anood , Sharaya Sarah , Naser Abdallah Y. , Tabaza Haya
Published: June 2024

Background

Treatment-related problems (TRPs) interfere with the ability to attain the desired goals of treatment, adding cost to healthcare systems. Patients hospitalized with acute conditions are at particular risk to experience TRPs. Data investigating such burden in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is generally scarce with no studies ever conducted in Jordan. This study aimed to investigate and categorize TRPs among patients hospitalized with AECOPD in Jordan, and to estimate their cost savings and cost avoidance.

Methods

This was a retrospective population-based cohort study. Patients’ cases of AECOPD admitted to the study site from Jan 2017 to Jul 2021 were identified from the electronic clinical database and screened for eligibility. TRPs were identified/categorized using AbuRuz tool and assessed for their severity. Cost saving was estimated by calculating all the extra costs. Cost avoidance was estimated according to Nesbit method.

Results

A total of 1243 (mean±SD 3.1±1.5) and 503 (mean±SD 1.3±1.2) TRPs were identified during hospitalization and at discharge respectively, of which 49.4% and 66.7% were classified as “unnecessary drug therapy”. In 54.5% of the cases, systemic corticosteroid was administered for a period longer than recommended. Most of the TRPs were of moderate severity. The total direct cost saving, and cost avoidance were estimated to be 15,745.7 USD and 340,455.5 USD respectively.

Conclusion

The prevalence and cost of TRPs among AECOPD patients is a concern requiring attention. The study results implicate integrating interventions such as embracing clinical pharmacists’ role in the respiratory care units to optimize patients’ management.
Intense training prevents the amnestic effect of inactivation of dorsomedial striatum and induces high resistance to extinction
Authors: Martínez-Degollado Martha , Medina Andrea C. , Bello-Medina Paola C. , Quirarte Gina L. , Prado-Alcalá Roberto A.
Published: June 2024

A large body of evidence has shown that treatments that interfere with memory consolidation become ineffective when animals are subjected to an intense learning experience; this effect has been observed after systemic and local administration of amnestic drugs into several brain areas, including the striatum. However, the effects of amnestic treatments on the process of extinction after intense training have not been studied. Previous research demonstrated increased spinogenesis in the dorsomedial striatum, but not in the dorsolateral striatum after intense training, indicating that the dorsomedial striatum is involved in the protective effect of intense training. To investigate this issue, male Wistar rats, previously trained with low, moderate, or high levels of foot shock, were used to study the effect of tetrodotoxin inactivation of dorsomedial striatum on memory consolidation and subsequent extinction of inhibitory avoidance. Performance of the task was evaluated during seven extinction sessions. Tetrodotoxin produced a marked deficit of memory consolidation of inhibitory avoidance trained with low and moderate intensities of foot shock, but normal consolidation occurred when a relatively high foot shock was used. The protective effect of intense training was long-lasting, as evidenced by the high resistance to extinction exhibited throughout the extinction sessions. We discuss the possibility that increased dendritic spinogenesis in dorsomedial striatum may underly this protective effect, and how this mechanism may be related to the resilient memory typical of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Functions and mechanisms of A-to-I RNA editing in filamentous ascomycetes
Authors: Wang Zeyi , Bian Zhuyun , Wang Diwen , Xu JinRong
Published: June 2024

Although lack of ADAR (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA) orthologs, genome-wide A-to-I editing occurs specifically during sexual reproduction in a number of filamentous ascomycetes, including Fusarium graminearum and Neurospora crassa. Unlike ADAR-mediated editing in animals, fungal A-to-I editing has a strong preference for hairpin loops and U at −1 position, which leads to frequent editing of UAG and UAA stop codons. Majority of RNA editing events in fungi are in the coding region and cause amino acid changes. Some of these editing events have been experimentally characterized for providing heterozygote and adaptive advantages in F. graminearum. Recent studies showed that FgTad2 and FgTad3, 2 ADAT (adenosine deaminase acting on tRNA) enzymes that normally catalyze the editing of A34 in the anticodon of tRNA during vegetative growth mediate A-to-I mRNA editing during sexual reproduction. Stage specificity of RNA editing is conferred by stage-specific expression of short transcript isoforms of FgTAD2 and FgTAD3 as well as cofactors such as AME1 and FIP5 that facilitate the editing of mRNA in perithecia. Taken together, fungal A-to-I RNA editing during sexual reproduction is catalyzed by ADATs and it has the same sequence and structural preferences with editing of A34 in tRNA.
Luxury: Consumption, legislation, regulation: Part I: Legislation1
Authors: Berry Christopher J.
Published: June 2024

Historically the most salient and recurrent context of luxury legislation is the imposition of sumptuary laws. This contextual salience and recurrence is no incidental feature but is embedded in human cultural life, understood as (historically manifest) ways of living, in which luxury consumption, alongside the need to control it, are an inextricable component. The focus is on European legislation from the Romans up to the eighteenth century and charts its evanescence as luxury became de-moralized. Despite contextual differences the laws exhibit three common dimensions, namely, moral, political and economic and this trio establish a motif that runs through the discussion.
Ethical communication: Exploring representations of Bedoon and migrant workers in the Kuwaiti TV show From Haram Street
Authors: Ghabra Haneen Shafeeq
Published: June 2024

This research aims to provide a critical analysis of the portrayal of migrant workers and the Bedoon in the popular Kuwaiti TV series From Haram Street (Haram Street). The research methodology employs the use of a diasporic critique to explore to what extent have TV and popular culture as technologies of power allowed workers to submit to a certain degree of domination and how television reinforces this script of dominance. Using diasporic critique, the author highlights how labour migrants are displaced in reality but framed differently through popular culture. The key findings indicate that the series provides a highly stereotypical portrayal of the Bedoon and migrant worker communities. The findings also indicate that the diasporic nature of these communities – that of migrant workers and that of the Bedoon – allows for a privileged and hegemonic rhetoric that excludes domestic workers and Bedoon communities. Along with providing an insight into the feminist vernacular discourse in present-day Kuwait, Haram Street series also sets in motion hegemonic rhetorics meant to keep migrant workers and Bedoon communities disciplined and excluded through technologies of domination. Particular attention in this article is paid to how Haram Street shapes our understanding of the migrant workers’ and stateless individuals’ situation in Kuwait.
The digital turn in Chhau dance of Purulia: Reconfiguring authenticity in a post-pandemic scenario
Authors: Mahata Rahul , Doreswamy
Published: June 2024

The article explores the digital innovations that are being used in a folk performance in West Bengal, namely the Chhau dance. The COVID-19 pandemic foregrounded the relevance of digital space across disciplines. Being an expression of the collective experience of the people of the Purulia district, Chhau dance is commonly associated with fostering and perpetuating folk and mythical beliefs through its extensive use of masks and dance movements steered by the Jhumur songs. While the common urge to archive the traditional dance-drama form in its ‘authentic’ essence precipitates a digital turn within the performance, the digital contact paradoxically reorients the ‘authentic’ identity of this cultural practice. The present study seeks to use the ‘identity–authenticity’ interplay in the context of globalization as the crux of the article. Within this framework, the article analyses how a folk cultural practice like Chhau dance, with its recent innovations in masks and performances mandated by the pandemic, problematizes the debate. It further strives to recognize the implications of the digital presence of the performances as well as the performers, which, for many of the traditionalists, might have jeopardized the ritualistic practices that were considered the ‘essence’ of the performance. The research was conducted through ethnographic methods gathered through fieldwork to gain first-hand knowledge of the ground reality.
The Rhetoric of Credibility in the Life of Paul the Hermit
Authors: Petorella Fabrizio
Published: June 2024

From the beginning of the Life of Paul the Hermit, Jerome depicts credibility as the key issue in writing hagiographies. Despite a plethora of unbelievable accounts about men “living in an underground cave with flowing hair down to their feet”, Paul’s biography is intended to be a trustworthy narrative, concerning the true first Christian monk. Such a work necessarily comes into conflict with Athanasius’ Life of Antony: as Jerome partially suggests in the prologue, his account will call into question the truthfulness of a venerable model. In this paper, I provide a rhetorical analysis of some passages of Jerome’s Life of Paul the Hermit. My aim is to explore the links between Late Antique paideia and credibility, showing how the biographer employs persuasive techniques even in the narration of unbelievable episodes. In the final section, I share some reflections on the author’s and his audience’s concept of credibility.
Pneumonia: Signs, Symptoms and Methods of Treating
Authors: Al Alex Rangus
Published: June 2024

Diagnosis of pneumonia involves critical investigation of symptoms presented by the patient and laboratory analysis of samples obtained. An x-ray is a test that uses electromagnetic waves to visualize internal tissues, organs, and structures. In a typical pneumonia patient, the x-ray would show fluid-filled lungs. Another procedure used to diagnose pneumonia in a patient is an analysis of the sputum released during coughing (Vallecoccia et al., 2020). The sputum obtained from a pneumonia patient is ordinarily thick with blood stains or yellow-green sputum with pus.
“CONCEPT OF MIND ACCORDING TO SAMKHYA YOGA IN LIGHT OF RECENT FINDINGS IN NEUROSCIENCE''.
Authors: Rojhun Ravianand
Published: June 2024

The current research has aimed to find out concept of mind as per Sāṅkhya philosophy and its yogic practices and how is it related to neuroscience. The history of yoga and yogic practices stretches back to the earliest periods of human civilization, and Indian culture is one of the main sources of information on the benefits of yogic activities for people. However, the practice of yoga is gradually disappearing these days because of a lack of research interests and humankind's links to worldly work and lifestyle choices. This study's main goal was to spread awareness of the idea of mind, which was emphasised by yogic philosophies, especially Sāṅkhya yoga, with regard to neuroscience and scientific objectivity, in order to usher in current faith and belief.
Osmanlı Coğrafyasında İsim Verme Geleneğine Bir Örnek: Belgradcık
Authors: Çaçan Ongun Berna
Published: June 2024

Bu çalışma 1844-1845 yıllarına ait temettuat defterlerindeki bilgiler temel alınarak Vidin’e bağlı Belgradcık bölgesinde yaşayan Müslüman, gayrimüslim ve Kıpti ahalinin kullandıkları isimleri tespit etmek üzere hazırlanmıştır. Kıptiler için Osmanlı kayıtlarında Çingene, Çinganiyan ve Çingane ifadeleri de kullanılmıştır. Çalışma içerisinde yerli ve yabancı kaynaklar ile arşiv belgeleri kullanılmış; Osmanlı toplumunu oluşturan farklı kültürel yapıların isim verme gelenekleri, hangi isimleri kullanmayı tercih ettikleri, bu isimlerin verildiği süreçler ile bunların sosyo-kültürel, sosyo-ekonomik koşulları dönemin konjonktürel yapısı içerisinde ele alınmaya çalışılmıştır. Temettuat defterlerinde yer alan bu isimler kimi zaman dönemin görevlileri tarafından kayıtlara, telaffuz özelliklerinden dolayı yanlış aktarılmış olabilme ihtimallerinden ötürü birkaç versiyonuyla beraber verilmiştir. Mesela bu defterlerde Türkçe’nin yapısı Slavca’nın ‘ts’ sesini vermediği için bu isimler kayıt edilirken ‘ç’ sesi kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada toplumların yeni doğan üyelerine isim verme süreçlerinde dini duygularının, atalara olan bağlılıklarının, sosyo-ekonomik koşulların, geleneksel yapının son derece etkili olduğu görülmüştür.
Pola Pertumbuhan Dan Mortalitas Tuna Sirip Kuning (Thunnus albacares) di PPI Ujong Baroh
Authors: Burhanis Burhanis , Alaudin Alaudin , Fadhillah Radhi , Zulfadhli Zulfadhli , Edwarsyah Edwarsyah , Munandar Roni Arif
Published: June 2024

Beberapa spesies ikan tuna mulai terancam ketersediaannya. Upaya untuk mewujudkan pemanfaatan yang optimal dan berkelanjutan sangat dibutuhkan, sehingga perlu dilakukan monitoring, evaluasi dan perbandingan terhadap pemanfaatan tuna sirip kuning. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengkaji dan meganalisis pola pertumbuhan dan mortalitas tuna sirip kuning di PPI Ujong Baroh. Penelitian menggunakan metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Pengamatan dan pengukuran sampel tuna sirip kuning dilakukan secara langsung dari hasil tangkapan nelayan. Selanjutnya pengumpulan data tuna sirip kuning meliputi jumlah hasil tangkapan serta pengukuran karakter morfometrik yaitu panjang cagak (FL). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan koefision ukuran panjang maksimum (L∞) yaitu sebesar 97,65 cm, dengan pendugaan panjang tuna sirip kuning pertama kali tertangkap (LC) pada ukuran panjang cagak (FL) 56,43 cm.  Nilai laju pertumbuhan (K) sebesar 0,80 pertahun, laju mortalitas total (Z) sebesar 0,26 pertahun, mortalitas alami (M) sebesar 0,76 pertahun, mortalitas penangkapan (F) sebesar -0,50 pertahun. Rata-rata ikan tuna sirip kuning yang tertangkap berukuran kecil dan belum matang gonad (Lc<Lm) dengan tingkat pertumbuhan lebih cepat serta kematian alami lebih besar dari pada penangkapan. Kegiatan penangkapan tuna sirip kuning yang di daratkan di PPI Ujong Baroh merupakan perikanan skala kecil dengan nilai eksploitasi (E) sebesar -1,94 pertahun yang tegolong under fishing berdasarkan dari nilai M (F<M).  Several species of tuna fish are starting to face threats to their availability. Efforts to achieve optimal and sustainable utilization are crucial, requiring monitoring, evaluation, and comparison of the utilization of yellowfin tuna. The research aim is to examine and analyze the growth and mortality patterns of yellowfin tuna in Ujong Baroh Fish Landing Base (PPI). The method in this research uses a descriptive method with a quantitative approach. The observation and measurement of yellowfin tuna samples are directly conducted from the fishermen's catch. Data collection of yellowfin tuna includes the quantity of catches and measurements of morphometric characteristics, specifically fork length (FL). The research results show that the maximum length coefficient (L∞) is 97,65 cm, with an estimated length at first capture at a fork length (FL) of 56,43 cm. The value of growth rate (K) of 0,80 per year, total mortality rate (Z) of 0,26 per year, natural mortality (M) of 0,76 per year, fishing mortality (F) is -0,50 per year. On average, the yellowfin tuna caught are small and immature gonads (Lc<Lm) with a faster growth rate and greater natural mortality than those caught in the fishery. The fishing activity of yellowfin tuna landed at PPI Ujong Baroh are small-scale fishery with an exploitation value (E) of -1.94 per year which is classified as under fishing based on the M value (F<M).
Lasy jako forma użytkowania ziemi w gospodarstwach rolnych w Polsce
Authors: Polna Małgorzata
Published: June 2024

Celem artykułu jest analiza stanu zasobów lasów będących w użytkowaniu gospodarstw rolnych, ich zmian oraz zróżnicowania przestrzennego. W pracy postawiono następujące pytania badawcze: jaki jest wpływ uwarunkowań przyrodniczych i czynników poza przyrodniczych na tempo i kierunki zmian w zakresie zróżnicowania przestrzennego udziału lasów w powierzchni ogólnej gospodarstw rolnych? Czy zachodzące zmiany w udziale lasów w gospodarstwach rolnych są wynikiem zalesień gruntów rolnych czy transferu gruntów, w tym leśnych? Badania dotyczą lat 2002 i 2020. Analizę przeprowadzono w ujęciu województw i powiatów w oparciu o niepublikowane materiały udostępnione przez Główny Urząd Geodezji i Kartografii w Warszawie oraz wyniki Powszechnych Spisów Rolnych dostępne w Banku Danych Lokalnych GUS. Przedstawiono i opisano aktualne tendencje i zmiany zachodzące w zasobach lasów należących do gospodarstw rolnych. Rozpoznano strukturę obszarową gospodarstw według powierzchni posiadanych lasów. Z badań wynika, że rozmieszczenie lasów oraz gospodarstw użytkujących lasy cechuje silna koncentracja przestrzenna. Obserwowany w skali kraju ogólny wzrost zasobów terenów leśnych w gospodarstwach rolnych jest zróżnicowany przestrzennie. Największą ich dynamikę odnotowano na ziemiach dawnego zaboru pruskiego i w powiatach miejskich. Stwierdzono wyższą dynamikę zmian powierzchni gruntów leśnych w gospodarstwach rolnych niż ich powierzchni ogólnej, co oznacza wzrost areału oraz udziału lasów w gospodarstwach w efekcie zalesień gruntów rolnych oraz gruntów objętych sukcesją naturalną. Wyniki badań mogą być przydatne przy wytyczaniu strategii rozwoju na szczeblu regionalnym i powiatowym.
Das Niklashausen-Spiel
des Thomas Ruscher (1476)
Authors: Haye Thomas
Published: June 2024

In 1476, the minstrel Hans Behem triggers an unauthorised Marian pilgrimage to the village of Niklashausen (Tauber Valley). The bishop of Würzburg brutally suppresses the movement and executes Behem as a heretic. In the same year, Thomas Ruscher (d. 1510), a student of theology at Heidelberg, treats the matter in the form of a Latin drama. The text is influenced by the medieval tradition of the spiritual play (ludus), but also reactivates elements of the ancient tragedy. The article presents a critical edition of the Latin text, a German translation and a typological analysis.
Hörbuch. Methoden, Konzepte, Forschungsfragen
Authors: Drews Luisa
Published: June 2024

The essay examines methodological-theoretical challenges of current audiobook research and discusses alternative approaches to the audiobook. It proposes a sign-theoretical and media-technical perspective on the audio book in terms of both production, and reception aesthetics.
Three degrees of separation: networks in the city of Babylon during the Reign of Darius I (522–486 BCE)
Authors: Wang Jinyan
Published: June 2024

In this paper, I reconstruct the networks of Babylonian urban dwellers during the reign of Darius I (522–486 BCE) based on 803 tablets from 10 private archives in Babylon. The main aim is to examine the structure and connectivity of the network that connected different urban families and groups of individuals outside the families. I focus on the positions individuals occupied within the network that yielded them the power to connect smaller parts of the network. The first approach used to identify and analyze these positions is the betweenness centrality measure. The second approach is the analytic concept of brokerage, the role of mediating between two or more individuals or communities that would otherwise have no connection to each other. I identify differences in the ways that the intermediate position of brokers affected the formation of the network. These brokerage roles resulted from families’ strategies to increase their household wealth by constructing and optimizing marriage, prebendary, and business relations.
The Status of Gaza in the Persian Period: Imperial Dynamics, Local Agency, and Long-Distance Trade
Authors: Boehm Ryan
Published: June 2024

Although Gaza was among the largest and most important cities of the southern Levant, it has played a relatively minor role in recent reassessments of the reoccupation of the Palestinian coast and its administration in the Persian period. The widely-held scholarly view that Gaza fell outside of direct Achaemenid control, in a coastal zone conceded to a confederation of Arabian tribes ruled by the king of Qedar, is a primary factor in according it a separate status from the other cities of Philistia. This article argues that the sources do not support the notion that Gaza and its environs belonged to an Arabian district. Rather, Gaza, like the other coastal cities of Philistia, seems to have been redeveloped in the late sixth century BCE by Phoenician agents, likely from Tyre. While Gaza held a distinct position as the main outlet of Arabian and Egyptian trade, it was culturally and economically oriented around the wider Phoenician maritime network and integrated into a dense network of Achaemenid military and administrative infrastructure in the region. In the early fourth century BCE, however, the loss of Egypt and the eclipse of the Qedarites fundamentally transformed the nature of Achaemenid authority in the region. Gaza may have been lost during much or all of this period, and the Achaemenid response is visible across this border region. Nevertheless, Gaza retained its central commercial position across these disturbances.
Application of online teaching-based classroom behavior capture and analysis system in student management
Authors: Yang Liu
Published: June 2024

Analyzing online learning behavior helps to understand students’ progress, difficulties, and needs during the learning process, making it easier for teachers to provide timely feedback and personalized guidance. However, the classroom behavior (CB) of online teaching is complex and variable, and relying on traditional classroom supervision methods, teachers find it difficult to comprehensively pay attention to the learning behavior of each student. In this regard, a dual stream network was designed to capture and analyze CB by integrating AlphaPose human keypoint detection method and image data method. The experimental results show that when the learning rate of the model parameters is set to 0.001, the accuracy of the model is as high as 92.3%. When the batch size is 8, the accuracy of the model is as high as 90.8%. The accuracy of the fusion model in capturing upright sitting behavior reached 97.3%, but the accuracy in capturing hand raising behavior decreased to only 74.8%. The fusion model performs well in terms of accuracy and recall, with recall rates of 88.3, 86.2, and 85.1% for capturing standing up, raising hands, and sitting upright behaviors, respectively. And the maximum F1 value is 0.931. The dual stream network effectively integrates the advantages of two types of data, improves the performance of behavior capture, and improves the robustness of the algorithm. The successful application of the model is beneficial for teachers’ classroom observation and research activities, providing a favorable path for their professional development, and thereby improving the overall teaching quality of teachers.
Modelling phenotypes, variants and pathomechanisms of syndromic diseases in different systems
Authors: Gregor Anne , Zweier Christiane
Published: June 2024

In this review we describe different model organisms and systems that are commonly used to study syndromic disorders. Different use cases in modeling diseases, underlying pathomechanisms and specific effects of certain variants are elucidated. We also highlight advantages and limitations of different systems. Models discussed include budding yeast, the nematode worm, the fruit fly, the frog, zebrafish, mice and human cell-based systems.
Implementation of human genetic counseling in the MZEB (Medical Center for Adults with disabilities) at the psychiatric LVR Clinic Bedburg-Hau
Authors: Maliszewski-Makowka Dorothee , Wieczorek Dagmar
Published: June 2024

Outpatient diagnostics for adult patients with intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders were significantly improved when ‘Medical Centers for Adults with Disabilities’ (MZEB) were established in 2015 in accordance with a new law (§ 119c SGB V). Due to the multi-professional nature of these MZEBs, cooperation with various specialized centers can be initiated. Accordingly, in 2023, a cooperation between the MZEB in the LVR-Clinic Bedburg-Hau and the Institute of Human Genetics, Heinrich-Heine University (HHU) Düsseldorf was initiated. Interdisciplinary consultation hours for adult patients have been established in Bedburg-Hau offering genetic counselling and testing to identify the underlying genetic entity. We will introduce this new structure and report preliminary results.
Hortulus 37, 1959: Translation as Collaboration in an Anthology of New Poetry from Israel
Authors: Rokem Na’ama
Published: June 2024

This article presents one issue of the Swiss literary journal Hortulus as a case study on forms of exchange, translation, and traffic between German and Hebrew in the wake of Nazism and World War II. Drawing on discussions in the field of Periodical Studies, I examine the various networks in which Hortulus 37 – a special issue devoted to new poetry from Israel – is situated. I highlight the heterogeneity of the volume, which contains materials translated into German from multiple languages, as well as original German texts. Translation itself appears in the volume as a heterogenous practice, which encompasses self-translation and various modes of collaborative translation. Since many of the authors who are translated into German in the volume were native speakers of that language, the lines between collaboration and self-translation are blurred in ways that have important consequences for our theorization of translation and self-translation.
An analysis of medical scheme-related pregnancy terminations in South Africa in 2022
Authors: Willie Michael Mncedisi , Maqbool Mudasir , Kubheka Brenda , Popovic Buba , Kabane Sipho
Published: June 2024

Background

This research addresses the intricate dimensions of reproductive healthcare by examining the complex interplay of medical, legal, and ethical considerations surrounding abortion. The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (CTOP) of 1996 in South Africa aims to establish the circumstances and conditions under which a woman’s pregnancy may be terminated and addresses related matters. The Act specified that, for terminations during 0–12 weeks, safe medical procedures, primarily medication abortion, are predominant. In contrast, terminations during 13–20 weeks present additional complexities, requiring a combination of medical and surgical interventions.

Purpose/Aim

This study aims to examine termination of pregnancy (TOP) services within medical schemes, focusing on demographic characteristics, the proportion of pregnancies terminated across different gestational periods, and the influence of benefit design on access to TOP services.

Design/Methodology/Approach

The study employs a quantitative research methodology utilising a cross-sectional design. A purposive sampling criterion was used to select study participants. Descriptive statistics were reported on demographic and healthcare data, providing a comprehensive exploration of abortion-related factors.

Findings/Results

Analysis of data from nine medical schemes in 2022 reveals 1,290 reported terminations, with 1,258 occurring among women aged 18–59. Notably, 66% of the terminations occur within 0–12 weeks, and 44% within 13–20 weeks.

Practical implications

These insights contribute to understanding interventions related to TOP services, facilitating potential policy reforms.

Originality/Value

This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on reproductive rights by providing a nuanced exploration of the multifaceted aspects of abortion within the South African context.
King Like a Horned Viper: Two New Manuscripts of Praise Poems to Šulgi
Authors: Reid Nicholas
Published: June 2024

Two tablets from the the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University contain excerpts of literary texts celebrating Šulgi: an excerpt of the praise poem Šulgi A, with two previously unknown lines, and a manuscript from a new hymn to Šulgi, paralleling Ni 13227.
An Assyrian Royal Relief at Elin in the Tur Abdin (Kašiari)
Authors: Genç Bülent
Published: June 2024

The focus of this study is a recently discovered rock relief in the village of Olin/Elin/Yakınca, 30 km south-southeast of Midyat. This relief aligns with the route of Ashurnasirpal II’s campaign in 879 BC, providing new insights into the Assyrian entry into the Tur Abdin region. The main objectives of the study are to identify and date the Elin relief by analyzing its location, execution, and iconography within the broader context of Ashurnasirpal II’s military campaign.
The Role of Silica Fume in Enhancing the Strength and Transport Properties of PET Fiber–Ultra High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Alani Aktham H. , Johari Megat Azmi Megat , Noaman Ahmed Tareq , Muhamad Bunnori N. , Majid T. A.
Published: June 2024

The influence of varying contents of supplementary cementitious material, namely silica fume (SF), on the transport properties of ultra-high performance concrete containing polyethylene therephthalate (PET) fibers under a steam curing regime has been investigated in this study. SF was used as a supplementary binder as a partial replacement of the ordinary portland cement (OPC) in different proportions (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 %), whereas shredded waste plastic PET bottles were used as fiber reinforcements at 1 % of the total mass binder to produce ultra high performance PET reinforced concrete (UHPPRC). The presence of SF between (5 % and 30 %) in UHPPRC increases compressive strength at all ages of 3, 7, and 28 days; the greatest compressive strength achieved was 146.6 MPa by the SF25-UHPPRC mix, but the compressive strength reduced at higher SF contents, in particular for the SF35-UHPPRC. Besides, the SF inclusion improved the transport properties of PET-fiberized concrete. The greatest improvement was seen with SF25-UHPPRC, which showed increases of 75.2 % in porosity, 92.6 % in water permeability, and 95.8 % in rapid chloride permeability relative to the control mix at 28 days. This could indicate that the incorporation of SF and PET fiber increases the possibility of using PET fibers in the production of ultra-high performance PET fiber reinforced concrete with superior engineering and transport properties.
Effect of Water Absorbing Polymer Amendment on Performance of Capacitance Soil Moisture Sensor
Authors: Saha Abhisekh , Sekharan Sreedeep , Manna Uttam
Published: June 2024

Water absorbing polymer (WAP) is emerging as soil amendment material for various soil infrastructures, such as urban green infrastructure, green roofs, landfill covers, and climate-resilient agriculture, to promote vegetation growth and thereby increase the sustainability of the projects. WAP amended soils experience alternating periods of drying and wetting because of their exposure to different climate conditions. Precise determination of volumetric water content (VWC) in vadose zone is required to establish the soil-water retention curve (SWRC) in WAP amended soils. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of a capacitance sensor (CS) for the purpose of continuous VWC monitoring in WAP amended soils. A controlled laboratory environment was used for the performance evaluation of CS in three different surface soils (sand, silt loam, and clay loam) with four WAP amendment rates (0 %, 0.1 %, 0.2 %, and 0.4 %). The CS completely underestimates the VWC of WAP amended soils because of the bound water inside the WAP network. Two different calibration equations (i.e., third-order polynomial and linear) were recommended to enhance the precision of VWC measurement in WAP amended soils. The linear calibration method is further extended for obtaining a generalized calibration procedure valid for all soil textures and WAP concentrations. The importance of the proposed calibration procedure for a precise SWRC measurement of WAP amended soils was demonstrated. The results indicated that the error in VWC measurement further influences the saturated water content, field capacity, and permanent wilting point, which are essential parameters to estimate the soil-water storage, and irrigation water requirement.
Bottleneck Management through Strategic Sequencing in Smart Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Roy Sayantee , Ahmed Imtiaz , Saldanha John , Medini Khaled , Wuest Thorsten
Published: June 2024

Production systems, including flexible and smart manufacturing systems, adhere to a predetermined sequence of machine operations based on the demand criterion. As the number of machines and jobs to sequence grows, the problem’s complexity also increases. To address this issue, which is considered a top priority in the industry today, agile sequencing techniques are necessary. Nonetheless, most of the present sequencing and scheduling algorithms are unable to handle the personalized machine setups found in various factories and educational facilities. Furthermore, these setups frequently have unique precedence orders for processing jobs and other limitations. This paper aims to address this pressing problem by modeling and developing an optimum job sequence for a real-life custom machine setup with precedence constraints. According to the scheduling literature, this is a variant of the permutation flow shop problem. As part of the research, the optimal job sequence is tested and validated in a simulated environment. The Nawaz, Enscore, and Ham (NEH) algorithm and the Campbell Dudek Smith (CDS) algorithm are modified to accommodate the special structure of the problem at hand and to execute the sequencing task. The NEH algorithm’s resulting sequence is compared with that of the CDS algorithm in terms of makespan time for both flow shop and job shop scenarios for this specific case study. Although NEH and CDS performed similarly in the flow-shop problem, as the product variety is consistent, NEH outperformed CDS in the job-shop scenario for combination of different ratios and different categories of product variants. A thorough sensitivity analysis is also conducted to examine the effects of various supplementary parameters on makespan time.
Identifying Risk Factors for Native Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Wang Jianbing , Ling Zhiyu
Published: June 2024

Objective: This study was aimed at investigating factors influencing the progression of native coronary atherosclerosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: A cohort of 462 patients was classified into progressive (n = 73) or non-progressive (n = 389) groups according to the presence of native coronary atherosclerosis progression on coronary angiography. Clinical data and angiography results were compared during follow-up, and the time to progression of native coronary atherosclerosis was recorded. Subsequently, multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted.

Results: In comparison to the non-progressive group, the progressive group had higher levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and triglycerides (TG), and higher scores on the Synergy Between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) scale, but lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, the rates of hyperuricemia and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were higher in the progressive group than the non-progressive group. Multivariate analysis identified ACS, HbA1c level ≥6.5%, TG level ≥5.6 mmol/L, and SYNTAX score ≥23 as risk factors for the progression of native coronary atherosclerosis.

Conclusion: ACS, elevated HbA1c and TG levels, and higher SYNTAX scores may be associated with the progression of native coronary atherosclerosis after PCI.
A Delusion of Control: Loss of Agency in Modern Complex Systems
Authors: Centeno Miguel A. , Callahan Peter W. , Larcey Paul , Patterson Thayer S.
Published: June 2024

Modern life is in many ways defined by how humans across the world are highly interconnected—and interdependent—through complex global systems. These technologically advanced systems satisfy critical needs through large-scale global networks of communication, transportation, food, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and finance. The structure and dynamics of these self-organized networks—or complex adaptive systems (CAS)—are studied to analyze systemic fragility and resilience. As we increasingly rely on these globalized CAS, we surrender more and more individual autonomy and agency, diminishing our ability to actually control our outcomes and wellbeing.

In this paper, we discuss how the illusion that we as individuals—or even as a society—can fully control the modern complex systems-of-systems that enable modern living is a dangerous optimism bias. However, the anxiety that comes from supplanting this illusion with a diminished sense of control and autonomy, and the resignation that the world is unpredictable, chaotic, and random is an unsatisfying alternative. Instead, we advocate for greater study and understanding of these systems and for the design of governance paradigms that employ the lenses of complexity, global systemic risk, and our inexorable interdependence. Advancements in this research area would enable both individuals and policy-makers to more effectively navigate the complex systems-of-systems that define globalization, with the goal of restoring a greater sense of agency and control in an uncertain world.
Microstructure, dielectric properties and phase transition of Y2O3-doped barium tin titanate ceramics
Authors:   College of Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063021, Hebei Province, China, Wang F. M. , Li Y. L. ,   Comprehensive Testing and Analyzing Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063021, Hebei Province, China, Yan C. L. ,   Comprehensive Testing and Analyzing Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063021, Hebei Province, China
Published: June 2024

BaCO3, SnO2 and TiO2 et al were used as crude materials, and Y2O3 was used as dopant, BaSnxTi1-xO3 (BTS) ceramics were prepared by solid-state reaction sintering technology. The results show that the doping of Y element does not change the lattice structure of barium tin titanate obviously, and there is no new phase, however, owing to the Y3+ ion doping, the diffraction peak position is changed as the Y3+ doping amount increasing. Interestingly, Curie temperature of the sample increased from 35 o C (blank sample) to 50 o C (0.05 mol%), and then the Curie temperature moved to low temperature as the doping amount increased continuously, which is related to the doping mechanism of Y3+ ion. After doping Y2O3, the dielectric loss of the samples decreases, especially when the doping amount reaches 0.10 mol%, the specimen shows excellent temperature stability of dielectric loss, making it superior candidates for applications.
Antifungal and visible light driven photocatalytic degradation of Brilliant green dye by Ceria–Zirconia Nanocomposites
Authors:   Research scholar, Centre for Research and Evaluation, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore – 641 046, Tamilnadu, India, Tamilselvi R. , Thirumoorthi A. ,   Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Government Arts College,Udumalpet – 642 126, Tamilnadu, India
Published: June 2024

Green synthesis is a simple, eco-friendly and emerging approach of synthesizing CeriaZirconia nanocomposites (CZ NCs) and evaluates its performance for the photocatalytic treatment of industrial waste water. Ceria-Zirconia NCs were synthesized using leaf extracts of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. for the application towards photocatalytic degradation of Brilliant Green (BG) dye under visible light irradiation. The Ceria-Zirconia NCs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer, UV-Visible spectrophotometer, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). FT-IR spectra indicate the presence of amino, carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups on the crystal surface of the nanocomposites. In UV-Visible spectra, the nanocomposites exhibit the highest absorbance at about 252 and 340 nm. From XRD, the average crystallite size of the CeriaZirconia NCs were found to be 80.36nm, while SEM images showed the spherical clusters of agglomerated nanocomposites. The elemental composition and the purity of the nanocomposites were confirmed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. The superior antifungal activity was investigated against with the fungal strains Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and penicillium.
Balancing numbers which are concatenations of three repdigits
Authors: Erduvan F. , Keskin R.
Published: June 2024

In this study, it is shown that the only balancing numbers which are concatenations of three repdigits are $204$ and $1189$. The proof depends on lower bounds for linear forms and some tools from Diophantine approximation.
SIGNATURES OF SYNDEPOSITIONAL SEISMIC EFFECTS IN AERONIAN MARINE CLASTIC SEDIMENTS IN WESTERN GORNY ALTAI
Authors: СЕННИКОВ Н.В.
Published: June 2024

В алтайских аэронских терригенных образованиях установлены следы проявления палеосейсмитов. На стратиграфическом уровне верхней части граптолитовой зоны convolutus и нижней части зоны sedgwicki обнаружены текстуры хрупких деформаций, формирующие брекчии. Их сопровождают текстуры деформаций «мягких» (несцементированных) осадков (“soft-sedimentary deformation structures” - SSDS): а) турбированные слои; б) подвёрнутые слои; в) комковатые («вздыбленные») поверхности границ слоёв и другие. На заключительном этапе формирования изученные породы претерпели изменения в процессе оползнеобразования в подводном каньоне – сформировались «закрутыши» («псевдоконгломераты»).

The Aeronian clastic sediments in the Gorny Altai area bear signatures of past seismic effects (paleo-seismites). Sedimentary structures produced by brittle deformation (breccias) span the level of the upper convolutus graptolite zone and the lower sedgwicki zone. They coexist with soft-sediment deformation structures (SSDS), such as turbated and rolled layers, bumpy layer boundaries, etc. At the final deposition stage, the rocks were deformed during seismically-triggered landsliding and were shed into a submarine canyon, with formation of rolls (pseudo-conglomerate).