bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutions as Intangible Assets in the Evolution of Italian Fashion, 1950–2000
Authors: Merlo Elisabetta , Pinchera Valeria
Published: June 2024

Institutions, as intangible factors, influenced the development and configuration of the Italian fashion system in the second half of the twentieth century. Historians have recognized the importance of institutions in understanding historical change, economic trends, and path dependence. This approach is well established in historical studies, but the application of the institutional logics theoretical framework to detailed analyses of specific cases and contexts remains unexplored. In this respect, the institutions and institutional logics in the emergence and configuration of the Italian fashion system exemplify how institutions influence organizational structure and behavior as well as market evolution. The evolution of Italian fashion therefore underscores the cultural dimensions of institutions and, eventually, their significance as intangible factors.
A Possible Neural Basis for Attentional Capture of Faces Revealed by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Causal Pharmacological Inactivation in Macaques
Authors: Liu Ning , Avidan Galia , Turchi Janita N. , Hadj-Bouziane Fadila , Behrmann Marlene
Published: June 2024

In primates, the presence of a face in a visual scene captures attention and rapidly directs the observer's gaze to the face, even when the face is not relevant to the task at hand. Here, we explored a neural circuit that might potentially play a causal role in this powerful behavior. In our previous research, two monkeys received microinfusions of muscimol, a γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA)-receptor agonist, or saline (as a control condition) in separate sessions into individual or pairs of four inferotemporal face patches (middle and anterior lateral and fundal), as identified by an initial localizer experiment. Then, using fMRI, we measured the impact of each inactivation condition on responses in the other face patches relative to the control condition. In this study, we used the same method and measured the impact of each inactivation condition on responses in the FEF and the lateral intraparietal area, two regions associated with attentional processing, while face and nonface object stimuli were viewed. Our results revealed potential relationships between inferotemporal face patches and these two attention-related regions: The inactivation of the middle lateral and anterior fundal face patches had a pronounced impact on FEF, whereas the inactivation of the middle and anterior lateral face patches had a noticeable influence on LIP. Together, these initial exploratory findings document a circuit that potentially underlies the attentional capture of faces. Confirmation of the role of this circuit remains to be accomplished in the context of a paradigm that explicitly tests the attentional capture of faces.
Time after Time: Preserving Temporal Memories When Experiences Repeat
Authors: Zou Futing , Kuhl Brice A.
Published: June 2024

Remembering when events occur in time is fundamental to episodic memory. Yet, many experiences repeat over time creating the potential for interference when attempting to recall temporally specific memories. Here, we argue that temporal memories are protected, in part, by reinstatement of temporal context information that is triggered by stimulus repetitions. We motivate this argument by integrating seminal findings across several distinct literatures and methodologies. Specifically, we consider key insights from foundational behavioral studies of temporal memory, recent electrophysiological and neuroimaging approaches to measuring memory reinstatement, and computational models that describe how temporal context representations shape memory processes. We also note several open questions concerning how temporal context reinstatement might influence subsequent temporal memory, including potential mediating effects of event spacing and event boundaries. These ideas and questions have the potential to guide future research and, ultimately, to advance theoretical accounts of how we preserve temporal memories.
Conducting Developmental Research Online vs. In-Person: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chuey Aaron , Boyce Veronica , Cao Anjie , Frank Michael C.
Published: June 2024

An increasing number of psychological experiments with children are being conducted using online platforms, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual replications have compared the findings of particular experiments online and in-person, but the general effect of data collection method on data collected from children is still unknown. Therefore, the goal of the current meta-analysis is to estimate the average difference in effect size for developmental studies conducted online compared to the same studies conducted in-person. Our pre-registered analysis includes 211 effect sizes calculated from 30 papers with 3282 children, ranging in age from four months to six years. The estimated effect size for studies conducted online was slightly smaller than for their counterparts conducted in-person, a difference of d = −.05, but this difference was not significant, 95% CI = [−.17, .07]. We examined several potential moderators of the effect of online testing, including the role of dependent measure (looking vs verbal), online study method (moderated vs unmoderated), and age, but none of these were significant. The literature to date thus suggests—on average—small differences in results between in-person and online experimentation.
Cretaceous caddisflies (Trichoptera: Polycentropodidae) in mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar
Authors: SHI LIN-YUN , WANG JIA-JIA , ZHANG AI-BING , CHAO JIA-WEI
Published: June 2024

A new species of caddisfly, Neucentropus wichardi sp. nov., from the Neureclipsis cluster in the Polycentropodidae Ulmer, 1903 is described from the mid-Cretaceous amber of Myanmar. The original description of Electrocentropus dilucidus Wichard, 2021 is modified with further features. The absence of forewing fork IV and the fusion of the Sc and R1 before reaching the wing margin in both forewing and hindwing of Electrocentropus indicate that the genus is probably the sister group of all other genera of the Neureclipsis cluster. The fossil findings of Polycentropodidae from different geological periods are summarized in tabular form. The comparison shows a high diversity in the Cretaceous of the Neureclipsis cluster, but declined after the Mesozoic and was afterwards replaced by the strong Polycentropus cluster and the Cyrnus cluster.
Late is not too late: redescriptions of some Carboniferous insects from Western Europe studied by Daniel Laurentiaux (Palaeodictyoptera, Paoliida)
Authors: NEL ANDRÉ , SENDI HEMEN , ROBIN NINON , DELCAMBRE BERNARD , MOTTEQUIN BERNARD
Published: June 2024

Professor Daniel Laurentiaux studied in his state thesis several Carboniferous (Bashkirian—Moscovian) insects from Belgium and Germany, but these were never formally described except in his doctoral thesis. Among the Palaeodictyoptera, we redescribe the spilapterid Spilapterina nigra, the dictyoneurid Arltia occidentalis, and we discuss the graphiptilid Patteiskya bouckaerti Laurentiaux, 1958b. We also redescribe the paoliid Parafouquea belgica.
2. The Making of a Revolutionary
Authors: Hughes Michael
Published: June 2024

This chapter examines Volkhovskii’s early life from his birth in 1846 down to his third arrest in 1874. Volkhovskii was born into a comparatively impoverished noble family in modern-day Ukraine. He was at a young age scarred by seeing the harsh treatment of the serfs on his grandfather’s estate, which prompted his sympathy for the plight of the Russian people, and he was while still a teenager already well-versed in the ideas expressed in radical literature (both legal and illegal). He initially came under police supervision in 1866, in part because of his role in running a student organisation suspected of fostering Ukrainian national sentiment, before being arrested two years later for his part in setting up the Ruble Society that sought to build closer links between the intelligentsia and the peasantry. Volkhovskii was eventually released without charge, but within a few months he was arrested again, in part because he was suspected of having ties to Sergei Nechaev, the enfant terrible of the mid-nineteenth-century Russian revolutionary movement, whose sadism and penchant for melodramatic pronouncements alienated many of his fellow revolutionaries. Volkhovskii was again acquitted, after two years in prison, subsequently moving south to Odessa where he established one of the most active groups that made up the Chaikovskii movement. Volkhovskii’s group was extremely well-organised, insisting on the complete commitment of its members, and directed much of its attention to agitation among urban workers rather than the peasantry. Volkhovskii believed for a short time in the late 1860s that a successful revolution could be brought about by a small group committed to seizing power to bring about social and economic revolution. He was, though, for the most part convinced that real change would only come about through a programme of agitation designed to foment a radical outlook among the Russian narod.
5. Religion, Science, and Music
Authors: Zon Bennett
Published: June 2024

Although, as Sir John Templeton claims, ‘god is revealing himself . . . through the astonishingly productive research of modern scientists’, it’s fair to say that religion and science have not always seen eye to eye, particularly since the late nineteenth-century. Indeed, a culture of suspicion continues to haunt their relationship today despite valiant efforts, like Templeton’s, to resolve their differences. Music can help. Music can help bring them together, and not simply because it can help us discover spiritual realities, but because—as this chapter argues—music is intrinsically unifying. Music not only brings people together, it also brings ideas together, and it does so because it is itself unified by the very features of its own design. In this sense, music not only helps us discover spiritual realities, it is, as Augustine suggests, those spiritual realities themselves; it is, as Templeton suggests, god revealing himself. This chapter responds to those suggestions in two ways: firstly, by hypothesizing a relationship between religion, science and music today; and secondly, by testing that hypothesis against Augustine’s theo-psychological understanding of music. A conclusion summarizes my findings, and points to future plans, of which the present chapter may serve as a type of pilot.
6. Dissonant Spirituality
Authors: Howell C.M.
Published: June 2024

This chapter explores the inherent ambiguity in the meaning of “spirituality” through a musicological analysis of Outlaw Country. The musical genre, beginning in a rejection of the Nashville recording process in the 1970s, is marked by an interpretation of more traditional religious themes into spiritual symbolism. The ambiguity of spirituality appears in both the lyrics and music of Outlaw Country as a form of dissonance. Willie Nelson, Sturgill Simpson, and Cody Jinks serve as examples of this dissonance. Even more, the translation of religion into spirituality imitates a broader cultural shift, which is tracked below through the work of Charles Taylor. Both of these analyses claim that the meaning of spirituality cannot be pre-determined, but can only be discovered by exploring where it becomes reality in aesthetic events. This claim coincides with the general thrust of German aesthetics, as it is developed in the twentieth century through thinkers such as Paul Tillich, Martin Heidegger, and Hans-Georg Gadamer. The value of this view of aesthetics is most evident in the emphasis on the symbolic nature of reality and in seeing music as an exemplary aesthetic form in this regard. Both of these aspects provide a suitable means to gain an understanding of the meaning of spiritual that is realized in Outlaw Country.
13. Music in Christian Services as a Means to Induce Religious Feelings
Authors: Wald-Fuhrmann Melanie
Published: June 2024

This chapter explores the relationship between musical practices and spiritual experiences in the context of Christian worship. It combines historical, theoretical, and liturgical perspectives with findings from empirical studies of singing in current Roman Catholic worship. After introducing a taxonomy of psychological effects of music in the liturgy according to the emic perspective of the Church, existing empirical studies are reviewed and results of a quantitative study on singing experiences in Roman Catholic mass are presented. The chapter concludes with an outline of a research program dedicated to empirically study the spiritual effects of musical practices in Christian worship.
Study and Simulation of a Thermal Photovoltaic Hybrid Sensor
Authors: Ouiminga Abdoul , Bignan-Kagomna Bouwèreou , Zon Mariatou , Kam Sié
Published: June 2024

Photovoltaic systems have undergone many recent devel-opments in terms of improving their energy efficiency. One of these performance improvement innovations is: the com-bination of thermal exploitation of solar energy with photo-voltaic exploitation on the same sensor for the simultaneous production of heat and electricity. This study aims to study the electrical and thermal perfor-mances of the system by evaluating the electrical and ther-mal efficiency as well as the electrical power for a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal sensor. In this work, the results of an experimental and numerical study on the thermal behavior of the hybrid sensor are presented and discussed. The experimental study made it possible to determine the electrical characteristics of the PV/T, the sunshine and the ambient temperature for a typical day. The mathematical equations which govern the operating principle of our PV/T are described and solved using the RANGE KUNTA method of order 4 for a numerical study of the efficiency of our PV/T. The numerical results obtained indicate a thermal efficiency of our PVT of 10.5% for a speed of 5 m/s and 7.8% for a speed of 1m/s. Increasing the number of exchange tubes to cover the entire surface of the sensor makes it possible to improve the minimum efficiency from 7.8% to 11.68% for a wind speed of 1m/s. The results obtained suggest that this type of sensor constitutes a good alternative to photovoltaic modules and conventional thermal sensors installed separately.
Assessment of the Vulnerability of Aquifers in Basement Areas to Pollution from Agriculture: The Case of the Boulbi Rice Plain in Burkina Faso
Authors: Keïta Amadou , Kafando Moussa , Sossou Seyram , Mantoro Maanou , Bama Delphine
Published: June 2024

Groundwater is a major source of water, meeting the domestic water needs of more than 70% of Africa's population. Although prized for its relatively good quality compared with surface water, groundwater is increasingly subjected to multiple sources of pollution. Long thought to be the solution to increasing agricultural production and achieving food self-sufficiency, agricultural inputs are now being pointed out in Burkina Faso as a major source of water pollution. However, few studies exist showing the contribution of agricultural inputs to groundwater pollution. The aim of this study is to show the impact of the use of agricultural inputs on groundwater quality: the case of the Boulbi valley rice-growing area in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Soil properties were measured using a double-ring infiltrometer and Harmonized World Soil Database. Groundwater recharge was assessed by Thornthwaite’s equation. The DRASTIC, GOD and SI methods were applied to map the valley’s vulnerability. Fertilizers and phytochemicals were recorded by surveys. A sampling of surface and groundwater was done in 32 locations and the chemical characteristics (pH, EC, NO3-, SO42-, PO42- and K+) confronted with the vulnerability indices. Results show that the soils were predominantly clay (41%), silt (37%) and silty sand (22%). Twenty types of phytochemicals were used, among which 35% were composed of the controversial glyphosate (denounced as carcinogenic) and 30% made with paraquat chloride also accused of being responsible for several self-poisoning. All the three methods pointed to a low vulnerability risk, partly because of the purification role of clay. The average pH is 8.2 ± 0.4, explaining the low-rice yield (<4.0 tons/ha), in spite of fertilizer use. Although the risk assessment rendered non-alarming situation, preventive measures about health and environment need to be taken.
Knowledge and Attitude of Adult Women Towards Early Prevention of Breast Cancer in a Local Government Area of a Southwestern State of Nigeria
Authors: Daniel Ebenezer , Olawale Oluseyi , Bello Ahmed , Tomori Michael , Michael Michael , Popoola Israel , Ogun Adebanke , Salami Aisha , Alewi Olukayode , Popoola Taiwo , Ekwuluo Celestine
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding breast self-examination (BSE) among adult women in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Breast cancer, a leading neoplasm among women, presents a significant global health challenge due to its high incidence and mortality rates. This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 400 adult women, employing a structured questionnaire to collect data. The findings reveal a high level of awareness about breast cancer, with 98.5% of participants demonstrating good knowledge and 93.5% exhibiting positive attitudes toward BSE. However, only 77.5% of respondents practiced BSE regularly. The study underscores the importance of early detection facilitated by BSE, particularly in resource-limited settings, as 86.3% of participants identified increasing age as a risk factor, and 100% recognized lumps in the breast as a symptom. Despite this awareness, many women do not practice BSE consistently due to misconceptions and lack of motivation. The research highlights the necessity of enhancing public awareness and education on BSE through mass media and healthcare providers to improve early breast cancer detection and reduce mortality rates. It recommends that healthcare workers promote BSE during interactions with female clients and serve as role models by adopting preventive screening measures themselves. This approach could significantly impact breast cancer control and improve health outcomes among women in the community. The study concludes that while knowledge and attitudes toward BSE are generally positive, consistent practice remains a challenge that must be addressed through targeted awareness and education initiatives.
Efficiency of Public Educational Expenditures in Nigerian Manufacturing Sector: A Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Ogunjobi Festus , Okutimiren Adeteji , Oduola Musa
Published: June 2024

Efficient resource allocation plays an essential role in manufacturing productivity, with a need to assess expenditure efficiency before addressing the impact of education. Amidst global growth in education budgets, financial strain requires improved allocation with a focus on efficiency to mitigate deficits. The manufacturing sector in Nigeria has experienced a consistent decline in productivity and prolonged stagnation over the years, as well as a decrease in capacity utilization. Based on this premise, this study aims to examine the effect of public educational expenditure on the efficiency of resources used in the Nigerian manufacturing sector over the period 1981-2019. The Data Envelopment Analysis is used to estimate the efficiency scores for the years under examination. The results show that, within the DEA estimation of efficiency, public educational capital expenditure does not result in the efficient use of resources for the majority of years under investigation except for the year 2019; only 16 years on public educational recurrence expenditure showed constant returns, and no years showed a decreasing return to scale, compared to the year 1982. The inefficiencies in utilising resources are linked to scale inefficiencies, and the government should target public spending policy to increase the size of capital projects in the education sector.
Knowledge and Attitude Towards COVID-19 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Study of Students at a Tertiary Educational Institution in Nigeria
Authors: Daniel Ebenezer , Olawale Oluseyi , Bello Ahmed , Tomori Michael , Avwerhota Michael , Popoola Israel , Ogun Adebanke , Popoola Taiwo , Salami Aisha , Alewi Olukayode , Ekwuluo Celestine
Published: June 2024

The level of the COVID-19 vaccine uptake in African countries and especially Nigeria is still considerably low, when compared with other developed countries, despite the established fact on its efficacy in protecting the populace from the negative consequences of the disease. This research investigated the knowledge and attitudes of students at Ondo State College of Health Technology regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Adopting a descriptive survey design, the study targeted Technician students from six departments, with 300 participants selected via random sampling. Data were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire, “Trainee Health Workers Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire,” addressing four research questions and seven hypotheses. Frequency counts, percentages, and charts were used for analysis, while Chi Square was used to test hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed a high acceptance rate of the COVID-19 vaccine among students, though fewer had taken the second and booster doses. Participants demonstrated high knowledge and positive attitudes toward the vaccine, with low levels of misconceptions. Gender and age did not significantly influence students' knowledge or attitudes. However, the course of study significantly affected their knowledge and attitudes toward the vaccine. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between knowledge and attitude, indicating that knowledge does not necessarily equate to willingness to accept the vaccine. Recommendations included increasing exposure to valid information about the COVID-19 vaccine and conducting college-wide sensitization campaigns to persuade unvaccinated students by emphasizing the vaccine's importance. These efforts should particularly target those with remaining misconceptions.
The Influence of Transformational Leadership on the Implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education for Sustainable Outcomes
Authors: Chibalange Mulenga , Annie Penda
Published: June 2024

The study focused on the influence of transformational leadership on the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education for sustainable outcomes in selected secondary schools of Muchinga Province of Zambia. The main objectives were to establish the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education, to explore leadership influence on the implementation and to assess the benefits of implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education on learners in selected rural public Secondary Schools of Muchinga Province of Zambia. The research employed qualitative method. It employed descriptive design. Study sample comprised of headteachers, teachers, parents and learners with the total number of 64. It employed three instruments namely; semi structured interviews and observation checklist. The research findings established that, Comprehensive Sexuality Education was taught as integrated in other subjects using methodologies that engaged learners while learning sexuality issues, School leadership championed the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education, they motivated learners and teachers by providing guidance and, encouraging also awarding those who are well behaved with sponsorship. They also promoted individualized consideration through mandatory one on one counselling on sexuality issues which is a deliberate policy in all the three schools. The research discovered that, learners benefited from Comprehensive Sexuality Education because they gained knowledge on Comprehensive Sexuality Education as revealed by parent respondents, it was also discovered that sexuality cases were reduced from 1457 in 2015 to 453 in 2023 by 1004 in cases of sexuality and in 2014 when the implementation started the total sexuality related cases stood at 1375 which was later reduced to 117 in 2023. It is recommended that, school leadership should champion the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in all school, learners should take responsibility of acquiring sexuality skills, knowledge, values, right altitude and of making informed decisions appropriately. It is highly recommended that, the government should develop a deliberate policy of teaching and monitoring Comprehensive Sexuality Education as a standalone. The future recommendation from this study was that, A research on influence of transformational leadership on the implementation of comprehensive sexuality Education for sustainable outcomes in selected rural public secondary schools would be worthwise in order to establish the expected outcomes on learners. The same research should be conducted in Chinsali District.
Stakeholder’s Perceptions on the Implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Secondary Schools of Muchinga Province of Zambia
Authors: Chibalange Mulenga , Annie Penda
Published: June 2024

The study was focused on exploring stakeholder’s perceptions on the implemention Comprehensive Sexuality Education secondary schools of Muchinga Province of Zambia. The main objectives was to determine the perception of stakeholders concerning Comprehensive Sexuality Education implementation. The research employed Qualitative method and interpretivism paradigm. It used descriptive design which described the state of affairs of Comprehensive Sexuality Education as it existed at the time when the research was conducted. The study sample comprised of headteachers, teachers, parents and learners with the total number of 384. It employed three instruments namely; semi structured interviews for headteachers, teachers, parents and learners, the close ended questionnaires administered on teachers, parents and learners whereas observation checklist was on used to teachers and learners. The research determined the perception of stakeholders and the responses were as follows; headteachers stated that, Comprehensive Sexuality Education should be implemented in all schools, while teachers echoed that it should be taught as a standalone subject but some felt that, the curriculum raised some sensitive issues that were previously taboo in African society. Most parents supported the implementation because learners were guided and regulated properly and their character and academic performance have improved while others’ opinion was that it should be taught by ifimbusa. Learners felt that they were being equipped with healthy sexuality lifestyle and decision making skills. The recommendation for this research are that; Comprehensive Sexuality Education should be implemented in all schools, school leadership in association with parents should champion the implementation of it, Parents should take responsibility of their children sexual life and behaviour, learners should take responsibility of acquiring sexuality skills, knowledge, values, right altitude and of making informed decisions appropriately. It is highly recommended that, the government should develop a deliberate policy of engaging parents while implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education and closely supervise its implementation in school should be devised and be reinforced in schools. The future recommendation from this study was that, A research on exploring the potential reasons for implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education in selected rural public secondary schools from stakeholder’s perceptions would be worthwise in order to establish the expected outcomes on learners. The same research should be conducted in other rural settings in Muchinga Province other than Nakonde District.
Assessment of Knowledge, Perception and Practice Toward Lassa Fever Prevention Among Residents of Akure South Local Government, Ondo State
Authors: Daniel Ebenezer , Olawale Oluseyi , Bello Ahmed , Tomori Michael , Avwerhota Michael , Popoola Israel , Ogun Adebanke , Salami Aisha , Alewi Olukayode , Popoola Taiwo , Ekwuluo Celestine
Published: June 2024

Lassa fever is an extremely virulent and highly infectious disease endemic in West Africa, including Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices against Lassa fever among adult residents of Akure South Local Government in Ondo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was utilized, with data collected from adults in the LGA during a recent outbreak. The study involved systematic random sampling of approximately 300 adults, with data collected via pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaires. The study employed a multi-stage sampling technique and used a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution tables, simple percentages, and bar charts. The findings indicated that only 33.6% of respondents had good knowledge of Lassa fever, while 54.3% practiced good food and environmental hygiene. Most respondents were female, highly literate, and predominantly Yoruba. Despite high awareness, misconceptions about Lassa fever's origin and nature persisted, with many believing it was discovered in Congo or considering it a chronic disease. Effective prevention practices such as proper food storage were acknowledged, aligning with recommendations to avoid contact with Mastomys rodents and maintain cleanliness to prevent rodent infestations. The study concluded that there is a need for improved risk communication, ongoing sensitization, and specific educational campaigns to enhance understanding and preventive behaviors regarding Lassa fever. Further research is recommended to expand these findings across Ondo State and compare risk perceptions in affected and unaffected communities.
Assessing Level of Service, Capacity and Future Optimization of Roundabouts in Rajshahi City Using Sidra Intersection
Authors: Hossain Akhtar , Sazid Arfan , Hasan Rakibul
Published: June 2024

This study investigates traffic flow challenges at the bustling Mintu Chattar roundabout Situated in Laxmipur Mor, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Located in close proximity to a hub of hospitals and medical establishments, this intersection routinely witnesses traffic congestion, becoming a familiar occurrence in the area. From dawn to dusk, traffic officers are required to step in to manage the traffic flow of countless individuals commuting to hospitals, workplaces, educational institutions, and other destinations. Our capacity analysis using Sidra Intersection software reveals significant bottlenecks, particularly during peak hours, necessitating traffic police intervention due to inadequate control measures. The research identifies key contributing factors: insufficient entry and circulatory lanes, uneven traffic distribution, and high overall traffic volume. A detailed case study of the south leg highlights the severity of the situation, with Level of Service (LOS) dropping to F during evening hours, resulting in long queues (over 61 vehicles) and delays exceeding 82 seconds per vehicle. The integration of the design life model from SIDRA software has also illustrated the correlation between Level of Service (LOS) and capacity with the projected rise in traffic volume for the next five years. In order to improve traffic flow efficiency, the study proposes exploring design optimization of the roundabout. This includes investigating the impact of geometric redesigning, such as gradual expansion of approach lanes width, on capacity at the roundabout leg, considering both existing and future traffic scenarios.
Unraveling the Dual Role of Voriconazole as an Antifungal Agent and Precursor to Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zimmer Darianne , Frasier Kelly , Li Vivian , Loperfito Alexandra , Mukarram Mahnoor , Miller Lacey , Nidhiry Anna , Vinagolu-Baur Julia
Published: June 2024

Voriconazole, a potent triazole antifungal medication, is extensively used to treat serious fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. Despite its efficacy, recent findings suggest a potential link between long-term voriconazole therapy and the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This review examines the dual role of voriconazole, emphasizing both its therapeutic benefits and carcinogenic risks. The pharmacodynamics of voriconazole involve the inhibition of ergosterol synthesis, crucial to fungal cell integrity. However, its metabolites, such as voriconazole-N-oxide, have been implicated in phototoxic reactions that lead to DNA damage and tumor formation. This is particularly significant in patients with prolonged drug exposure, such as organ transplant recipients, where increased SCC incidence has been observed. Clinical evidence and molecular studies suggest that voriconazole may disrupt key cellular pathways like the Hedgehog pathway, affecting epidermal differentiation and increasing cancer risk. Given these concerns, the necessity for careful therapeutic monitoring and patient education about potential risks is discussed. Alternative antifungal therapies and protective measures against phototoxic effects are also recommended as strategies to mitigate SCC risk. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms of voriconazole-induced carcinogenesis and refining patient management protocols. This review highlights the need for a balanced approach to voriconazole therapy, weighing its antifungal benefits against the risks of adverse dermatological outcomes.
Natural Hydrogen in the Northern Perth Basin, WA Australia: Geospatial Analysis and Detection in Soil Gas for Early Exploration
Authors: Vidavskiy Vitaly , Rezaee Reza , Larin Nikolay , Dorrington Rance , Spivey Martin , Vidavskiy Vladimir
Published: June 2024

The scope of this work is to empirically check and prove the practical applicability of the Primordially Hydridic Earth (PHE) concept for early exploration of the resources of naturally occurring hydrogen. With the PHE concept postulates interpreted within the local geological, tectonic, petrological and geophysical context, the reconnaissance plan, as well as the field exploration and data acquisition programs, were put together and implemented in the field. The results obtained from the surface (<1m deep) soil gas survey performed in Western Australia (WA) resulted in values of hundreds of ppm H2, including three samples with a concentration of hydrogen exceeding the gas sensor detection limit of 2,000 parts per million (ppm) (the all-Australia record). Similarly, several of the shallow soil samples used for obtaining headspace gas extracts yielded dozens % H2, which was established utilizing Gas Chromatography (GC) technology. The latter tests established the all-Australia record of 58.3% (norm.) H2 concentration from 15 m depth, being the highest reading from the area of research. At one location, a concentration of He exceeding 8,000ppm was detected in a 1m surface soil gas sample analyzed by the independent lab. The most important outcome was finding natural hydrogen where it was expected and predicted. On the other hand, H2 concentrations exceeding the natural background of 1-3ppm were not detected in the soil gas readings outside of the areas identified using the PHE concept as a theoretical foundation. It may be stated that overall, the practical application of the PHE concept along with the thoroughly planned utilization of carefully selected exploration techniques brings satisfactory results.
Research on Predicting the Status of Returning to Work for Injured Workers Based on the ICF Upper Limb Vocational Ability Assessment System
Authors: Lanfan Feng , Xiaomin Liu , Xunwen Lu
Published: June 2024

Objective: To verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the ICF Upper Limb Vocational Ability Assessment System (ULVAAS) in assessing the occupational capacity of patients with upper extremity injuries. Methods: The ICF-ULVAAS tool was applied to assess the work ability of 119 patients and suggestions for returning to work were given. After discharge, their work status was determined through telephone follow-up for 3 months. The evaluated resumption of work suggestions were compared and analyzed with their actual resumption of work status, in order to verify the predictive accuracy of the ULVAAS. Results: The K coefficient of consistency between the predicted return to work suggestion based on the assessment of upper limb occupational ability and the actual work status of the patient after discharge was 0.322 (p<0.001), with an overall accuracy of 85.71%. The consistency between the therapist's advice on resuming work and the patient's actual resumption of work status is not significantly correlated with their educational background and occupational nature. Conclusion: The ULVAAS based on the ICF can effectively assess the vocational ability of patients with hand and upper extremity injuries, and provide appropriate recommendations for returning to work based on the assessment results.
Research on the Application of Efficient Replacement Technology for Wellhead Casing Heads in Gas Storage Facilities
Authors: Dong Yang , Yongqiang Ren , Wei Zhang , Zhihong Wei , Jianbao Wang , Jianhua Zhou
Published: June 2024

When it comes to gas storage facilities, it generally refers to underground gas storage facilities. Underground gas storage is a supporting project of long-distance pipelines, which is an artificial gas field or reservoir formed by injecting natural gas back into the underground space where gas can be stored. Suqiao Gas Storage is currently the deepest buried and highest pressure storage group in China. The storage group is located in Bazhou City and Yongqing County, Hebei Province, consisting of 5 gas storage facilities including Su 1, Su 20, Su 4, Su 49, and Gu Xinzhuang. The designed storage capacity is 6.738 billion cubic meters, with a working gas of 2.332 billion cubic meters. As of the end of 2020, a total of 3.5 billion cubic meters of gas injection and 2 billion cubic meters of gas production have gradually played an important role in natural gas peak shaving and supply guarantee in the Beijing Tianjin Hebei region. The Su 49 well is an injection production well for the reuse of an old well in the Su 49 gas storage. During the gas production period in 2020, there was a phenomenon of wellhead uplift. In order to ensure the safe production of the well, construction began from May 2021 and ended in July 2021. The successful implementation of this well has important reference and guidance significance for the replacement of casing heads in other wells of the gas storage.
Political Parties: Builders and Destroyers of Ghana’s Drive to Democratic Consolidation
Authors: Tweneboah-Koduah Desmond
Published: June 2024

Despite a very checkered political history, Ghana’s Fourth Republic has so far performed relatively better, surviving through eight election cycles. Though political parties are objects of massive supports in Ghana’s drive to democratic consolidation, nevertheless, questions have been raised about the ways in which parties operate in practice. Through the use of concurrent mixed methods design, the study examined the view that Ghanaian political parties are not agents of democracy due to some irresponsible and self-interested actions they usually pursue. The study found that Ghana has made significant progress towards democratic consolidation partly because political parties actively perform the functions of voter mobilization and forming the government. However, despite the strong support for multiparty democracy from Ghanaians, their hopes and expectations have proved illusionary due to persistent poverty and socio-economic inequalities. This has the potential to disempower the poor majority and make democracy the property of few wealthy politicians. Additionally, policy discontinuity and the activities of political vigilantism championed by political parties were identified as notable threats to Ghana’s democratic gains. The study recommended that both the intrinsic and instrumentalist approaches to politics are critical for democratic consolidation and maturity in Ghana.
Evaluation of Food Quality of Released Maize Varieties Grown in Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Daba Megersa , Lelisa Abiyot
Published: June 2024

Maize is widely produced in Ethiopia and is mostly used for human consumption. Considerable efforts are being made by agricultural researchers to release different maize varieties and adaptations according to different agro-ecology. However, there is an information gap on the physic-chemicals of food qualities and the consumer's preference for all maize varieties. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the food quality of released food maize varieties through physical, chemical and sensory evaluation. Fifteen released maize varieties were collected from different agricultural research centers. The physicochemical attributes of these varieties were analyzed with three replications. Sensory evaluation was also performed by using the hedonic scale method. Thousand kernel weight, moisture, oil, protein, starch, ash, sodium, calcium potassium, and phosphorus contents were determined in the range of 152.81 – 479.45 grams, 9.54 – 12.97%, 3.78 – 4.86%, 7.07 – 11.76%, 77.75 – 81.27%, 0.64 – 1.12%, 228.75 – 3.02.33 ppm, 225.65 – 332.34 ppm, 1626.34 – 2714.51 ppm and 956.95 – 1452.86 ppm, 305.42 – 716.91 ppm and 811.50 – 1731.10 ppm, respectively. Overall acceptability of porridge and Injera prepared from maize varieties were on the scale of neither like nor dislike to like moderately. There were significant (P<0.05) variations in physical, chemical and organoleptic properties due to maize varieties variation. BH540, BH661 and Limu maize varieties had higher starch content and white color that gave them better acceptance value than those varieties with higher protein content and yellow color such as Melkasa 1, Melkasa seven, and Melkasa IQ maize varieties.
Tropical Cyclone Boundary Layer Asymmetries in a Tilt-Following Perspective
Authors: Yu Chau-Lam , Tang Brian , Fovell Robert G.
Published: June 2024

Previous observations and modeling studies showed that tropical cyclones (TCs) in a sheared environment develop an asymmetric boundary layer (BL). While the relationship between the BL asymmetries and environmental shear has been demonstrated, the exact cause of these BL asymmetries and the phase relationship between them are less well understood. In this study, we examine the dynamical processes leading to the asymmetric structure of the TC BL in a sheared environment using idealized, convection-permitting model simulations. Our results show that the emergence of the BL asymmetries is closely linked to the TC vortex tilt and rainband processes. Specifically, stratiform diabatic processes in the downtilt-left region result in midlevel descending inflow, which brings midtropospheric, low-θE air toward the BL and forms a surface cold pool in the downtilt-left quadrant. This descending inflow also advects high absolute angular momentum inward, redistributing the vertical vorticity and causing a storm-scale tangential wind acceleration within the downtilt-left quadrant. As the BL low-θE air advances inward, it becomes supergradient and decelerates radially, forming BL outflow in the uptilt-left quadrant. The outflow advects positive relative vorticity uptilt, forming an elliptic BL vorticity and circulation structure. As the tilted TC vortex and the accompanying rainband precess cyclonically over time, the above sequence of events and the resultant BL asymmetries also precess cyclonically, maintaining a quasi-stationary configuration relative to the vortex tilt. These results suggest that the primary organizing factor of the boundary layer asymmetries is the tilted vortex structure and not strictly the environmental shear direction.
Investigating the Potential of Using Mixdown Altitudes to Forecast Peak Wind Gusts
Authors: Kahl Jonathan D. W. , Zaprzalka Kacper J. , Brezovar Danica S. , Lang Victoria A. , Selbig Brandon R. , Harris Austin R.
Published: June 2024

Forecast models based on the gust factor, the ratio of peak gust to sustained wind speed, have shown promise in predicting peak wind gusts in recent years. These models assume that turbulent vertical transport forced by wind flowing over upstream terrain mixes high-momentum air aloft down to the surface. A recently constructed database of hourly peak gusts, together with approximately coincident, nearby upper-air wind observations, is used to identify mixdown altitudes, the altitudes from which peak gusts descend, during different weather scenarios at 16 locations across the United States. Median mixdown altitudes generally ranged from 50 to 450 m AGL with occasional exceptions, particularly for convective gusts and at mountainous locations where terrain effects are likely to amplify gusts. A mixdown model in which surface peak gusts are predicted by obtaining forecast upper-air winds within this altitude interval was developed and tested. Our results suggest that a mixdown model methodology for forecasting peak gusts may be feasible at locations and during weather conditions where terrain-forced turbulent mixing is the principal cause of wind gusts.
Diagnosing Adolescent Substance Use and Co‐Occurring Disorders Using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs Quick Version‐4
Authors: Welsh Justine W. , Durham Rebecca M. , Sitar Siara I. , Modisette Kathryn C. , Estrada Barbara D. , Dennis Michael L.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Early identification of substance use during adolescence is imperative to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs‐Quick Version 4 (GAIN‐Q4) at diagnosing substance use disorders (SUDs) in adolescents.

Methods

The GAIN‐Q4 was developed from the GAIN‐Quick Version 3 by adding items from the original measure (GAIN‐I) to diagnose SUDs and provide level of care recommendations. Prevalence, sensitivity (SE), specificity, Cohen's kappa, and percent agreement between the GAIN‐I and GAIN‐Q4 were calculated for substance use and mental health (MH) diagnoses. The GAIN‐I was administered to adolescents aged 12–17 and adults across levels of care and service settings from 2002 to 2018. The sample included 101,897 adolescents (71.50% male; average age 15.59, SD = 1.25 years) and 204,711 adults aged 18 and older (61.72% male; average age 34.24; SD = 11.67).

Results

Nearly half of adolescents (43%) had at least one SUD and one MH diagnosis based on the GAIN‐Q4. The sensitivity and specificity of the GAIN‐Q4 for diagnosing any SUD in adolescents was 89% and 93%, respectively. There was 90% agreement between the GAIN‐Q4 and GAIN‐I for any SUD (Cohen's kappa of 0.80). Sensitivities for all SUD subtypes were >90%.

Conclusions

The GAIN‐Q4 is excellent at identifying adolescents with problems related to co‐occurring MH and SUDs (SE = 97%). The GAIN‐Q4 is a reliable instrument for the diagnosis of SUDs in adolescents and has the potential to facilitate appropriate allocation of treatment resources.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05001399.