bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in the distribution of non-standard employment
Authors: Kamarova Tatiana A.
Published: October 2024

This work is devoted to the non-standard segment of employment and the main trends in its distribution. The article presents the results of a pilot study, which purpose was to identify the scale of non-standard forms of employment, determine its structure and trends in the labor market. The author's hypothesis was that the share of the non-standard segment of employment in the labor market is increasing, which is due to the influence of modern economic, social, and other conditions. The methods of comparative analysis and sociological survey were used in the work. The pilot survey involved 405 respondents aged 15 to 59 who were employed or had work experience at the time of the survey. Approbation of sociological tools (questionnaires) was carried out on the territory of the Sverdlovsk region. The developed questionnaire included questions to determine the non-standard nature of employment on the following grounds: workplace, mode and schedule of work, formalization of labor relations, the presence of additional employment. Based on the data obtained during a sociological survey, the structure of non-standard forms of employment of the population was established on the example of the Sverdlovsk region, its main modern trends in its distribution were identified, and categories of personnel with non-standard employment were identified. Analysis and generalization of the results of the sociological survey led to the conclusion that changing economic conditions and other factors contribute to the transformation of the employment segment in the labor market, expanding the range of its new forms. The results of the study can be used in the development of the legal framework and the improvement of the instruments of state regulation of non-standard forms of employment.
Development of competencies of university students
Authors: Korenkova Natalya A.
Published: October 2024

In connection with the transition of universities to a competency-based education model, the question arises of assessing the development of competencies. On the one hand, this issue is dealt with by government agencies (for example, as part of the accreditation of universities), on the other hand, universities themselves can and should regularly monitor the process of developing competencies. At the same time, in accordance with federal state educational standards, the groups of competencies are different. In particular, all federal state educational institutions have a block of universal competencies. And if universities regularly monitor the development of general professional competencies (for example, through the indicator of employment, including in their specialty), then the development of universal competencies cannot be assessed in this way. This is due to the fact that the development of universal competencies is difficult to assess. Therefore, the question arises about the methods and results of assessing the development of universal competencies. The article proposes to evaluate the development of UC-7 “Able to maintain the proper level of physical fitness to ensure full-fledged social and professional activities.” The purpose of the article is to assess the development of the universal competence of UC-7. Information base - 31st wave of RLMS. The research method is descriptive statistics. The results of the study are that universities have little influence on the development of UC-7, which is confirmed by the fact that after completing compulsory classes within the discipline “Physical Education and Sports,” the number of people involved in physical education decreases. When discussing the results of the study, the author proposes the use of various mechanisms to increase the level of development of UC-7.
Social aspect of labor productivity: factors and risks
Authors: Sharin Valery I. , Plutova Maria I.
Published: October 2024

Labor productivity is influenced by a number of factors, and the socio-economic group of factors is becoming increasingly important. The research is aimed at studying these risks, which are forces, circumstances that negatively affect the social factors of workers' productivity. The study used methods of system analysis, analysis and ynthesis, as well as general scientific methods. Researchers give ambiguous assessments of the role of social factors of labor productivity and the risks affecting them. Therefore, the purpose of the work is to assess the nature and composition of risks based on the study of social factors of labor productivity, as well as to propose a set of measures to reduce them. According to the results of the study, it is concluded that the risks that negatively affect the social factors of workers' labor productivity have an objective and subjective nature. Using the example of the study of objective risks, it was found that in addition to the direct impact on labor productivity factors, they are able to form subjective risks. Risks have a mutual influence, they can act simultaneously, increasing the impact. As a result of ranking the risks of social factors that hinder the increase of labor productivity at enterprises, it was found that the strongest of them are the shortage of qualified specialists in the labor market, as well as excessively high expectations of specialists with the necessary qualifications for remuneration. Measures aimed at minimizing the impact of risks should be comprehensive, taking into account their objective and subjective nature and be aimed at increasing the human capital of employees, contain measures of direct and indirect state regulation, further development of social partnership and social responsibility of business.
Risks and challenges to the implementation of the goals of preserving the number and simple reproduction of the Russian population (part 1)
Authors: Gokova Olga V.
Published: October 2024

One of the national development goals in Russian Federation for the period up to 2030 is "preservation of the population, health and well-being of people" (Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of July 21, 2020 No. 474) and "increase of the total birth rate to 1.7" (Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of May 7, 2018 No. 204). However, for the fifth year in a row, the population of Russia has been declining - at the beginning of 2023 it numbered 146.4 million people, having decreased by 0.4% over the year. The attrition trend has resumed since 2018, and even without taking into account losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and events related to the special military operation on the territory of Ukraine, it would continue in the coming years, as increasingly more or less realistic demographic projections, including medium and low variant of forecast calculations of Rosstat. One of the challenges of modern society is the transformation of the labor market. Balancing work, motherhood, and updating your knowledge to meet changing demands is challenging. In order to make it easier for women to make a decision about the birth of a child, to continue their career as a mother, and to increase their income, a lot is already being done in Russia today. However, Rosstat's forecasts and experts' calculations show that with the above targets and current measures, it is extremely difficult to ensure natural growth by 2025. To achieve sustainable natural growth, it is necessary to increase the total fertility rate to 2 births per woman by 2030, the number of employed women and, in general, the well-being of families. The research consists of two articles. In the first article, the author reveals in detail the relevance of the chosen topic, provides static data of the main demographic processes, reviews the literature on the problem under consideration, provides hypotheses and research methods, identifies and reveals some current trends in fertility in Russia: the low-child birth rate; differentiation of the structure of the decline in the total fertility rate.
On the moments of functions of dependent random variables
Authors: Grin A.G.
Published: October 2024

Estimates for the moments of symmetric functions of variables from stationary sequences that satisfy the condition of uniformly strong mixing are obtained. These estimates generalize similar results existing by now.
The reality of the past: empirical and ontological proofs
Authors: Guts A.K.
Published: October 2024

The cosmological solution of Einstein's equations, found by Kurt Go¨del, demonstrated the possibility of time loops in space-time that could be used to travel to the Past. From the point of view of the absolute theory of space-time, the past is as real as the present. The article provides empirical and ontological proofs of the reality of the past with the involvement of modal logic.
On categories of affine group (Γ, 𝜆)-scemes and (Γ, 𝜆)-cummutative Hopf algebras
Authors: Kazakov S.G.
Published: October 2024

In the paper we consider the generalization of the concepts of (group) affine schemes and (group) affine superschemes as a representable by Z2-graded algebras to the case of arbitrary grading. A generalization of the well-known theorem on the anti-equivalence of categories of group affine schemes and commutative Hopf algebras is given.
Works of V. I. Matiushchenko Near Old Lake Luka Bolotnaya (to the 95th Birthday)
Authors: Tikhonov Sergey S.
Published: October 2024

In 1990, V. I. Matyushchenko, a well-known Russian archaeologist, continued to study the complex of archaeological sites near the village Okunevo in the Muromtsevsky district of the Omka region. This year he studied the Early Bronze (Krotovo) settlement of Okunevo X, the Neolithic-Early Bronze Age burial site Okunevo V-VII, and the seemingly promising settlement Okunevo XI. And if he studied and published the first two, the last one remained unclaimed. Although it was on it that a bronze spearhead of the Seima-Turbino time was found, the northernmost in the Middle Pritysh. Findings of such items occur infrequently not only on the Irtysh, but also in Western Siberia as a whole. The author considers the specified tip, and a number of problems that arise in this case. The spear itself is a single find on the terrace of the left bank of the river Tara is not associated with any complex and outside the cultural layer. Found in 5-10 m from it at the same depth, small stone products and small fragments of ceramics can be correlated with the tip only chronologically. However, there are two settlements nearby that have spearhead-synchronous materials. These are the settlement Okunevo X at the end of the cape descending into the Tara floodplain, and the two-layer settlement Okunevo XV at the base of this cape. Here, the upper layer can be dated to the time of the existence of the Siberian Khanate, and the lower one to the Early Bronze Age. Most likely, in ancient times it was one early bronze complex, divided into two separate monuments during certification. The problems that arise when studying the spearhead are primarily related to its place in the cultural and chronological scheme of the development of archaeological cultures of the northern forest-steppe and southern taiga of the Irtysh region. I believe that in this case it is logical to correlate it with the Krotov antiquities. The unusual location of the tips - stuck into the ground, by analogy with the plots known in ethnography, suggests a memorial sign at the site of an event, or it is a marker of a certain border. It would be interesting to consider both versions. But according to the first there is no evidence, and according to the second there is information about boundary signs in some territories of Western Siberia. And finally... When publishing the materials of the Okunevo archaeological microdistrict, no attention was paid to the described spearhead. Perhaps this was a shortcoming of the authors of the monograph, since this period of the existence of the microdistrict in the publication does not show the connection between the population groups that lived on the Tara and the groups that simultaneously existed with them on the Irtysh and Om.
The Study of Archaeological Microdistricts by Omsk Scientists - the Development of the Direction
Authors: Tataurov Sergey F.
Published: October 2024

The phenomenon of archaeological microdistricts is one of the most significant problems that archaeological science has yet to solve. The presence of groups of monuments on a certain territory for thousands of years indicates an in-depth system of socio-economic relations of the population, the preservation of trade and exchange relations for a long time in the early periods of settlement of these areas and a certain political stability during the Early Iron Age and the Middle Ages. The beginning of the development of this direction was laid in the early 90s of the twentieth century by a group of Omsk archaeologists led by V.I. Matyushchenko. The first steps in the survey of Lower Tara and the identification of the first clusters of archaeological sites - settlements and burial grounds, ancient settlements and places of worship are shown in this publication. The formation of the concept of the study of archaeological microdistricts, the first explorations and publications became the basis for this work. The local residents who provided us with all possible assistance in our research are shown.
The Image of Happiness in Professional and Life Self-Determination
Authors: Pryzhnikov N.S. , Karlovskaya N.N.
Published: October 2024

The article clarifies the concept of “happiness” through its correlation with such close concepts as “success”, “love”, “satisfaction”, etc. Paradoxical situations are considered when a person can be “successful”, but “unhappy”, etc. Particular attention is paid to the variant of happiness as “involvement” in the interests of society and culture, when individual happiness is repeatedly enhanced by universal happiness. Various cultural traditions of understanding happiness (mythological, fabulous, religious, philosophical, etc.) are considered. Psychological models of happiness are proposed, which have both theoretical and practical significance. The effective and procedural components of happiness are specifically considered, in their relationship with different components of life and career planning. Examples are considered that show that happiness is present not only in the allocation of life and career goals, but also in the achievement of these goals. In this regard, the “subject of happiness creation” and “the subject of happiness consumption” (“enjoyment of what has been achieved”) are distinguished. Examples of models of happiness are given, where the subjectivity of a self-determining personality is presented in different ways - the “mosaic of happiness”, the “field of flowers” and the “flower bed” (where complex combinations of “colors of happiness” and “weeds” that complicate life are modeled). The article is intended for professional consultants, coaches, teachers and everyone interested in the problems of personal and professional self-determination.
Reacting under the banner of Spanishness: Lectura magazine in the Battle of ideas, 1937-1939
Authors: Velasco Barba Rodrigo Ruiz
Published: October 2024

Lectura, directed by Jesús Guisa y Azevedo, was a magazine where writers opposed to the national-revolutionary governments that were gathered with the purpose of laying the intellectual foundations that would make possible a reaction according to restorative principles. The articulating element of his speech was a fervent Hispanism, closely associated with the defense of Catholic religion. In the name of Hispanidad, denunciation of modernity and secularization sponsored by ideologies such as liberalism and communism were structured, as well as a strong criticism of German philosophy, seen as the source of decadence. The positions of his collaborators during the Spanish Civil War were favorable to the uprising, usually expressed in binary schemes and in close connection with Mexican history. Keywords: Catholic press; Conservatism; Spanish Civil War; intellectuals; hispanism
Juan José Baz in the december 1857 coup d'etat
Authors: Muñoz Bravo Pablo
Published: October 2024

This article analyzes the intense controversy generated by the coup d’etatgiven by President Ignacio Comonfort and his closest collaborators, on December 17, 1857. The objective is to review some of the interpretative lines of this failed political movement, which began the so-called War of Reform, facing “liberals” against “con-servatives” for 3 years. Particularly, through archival sources, press and pamphlets, elements are proposed that respond to some of the reasons that protagonists of the event had, specifically Juan José Baz, to convince the President to promote the move-ment and abandon it once initiated.Keywords: Manuel Payno; IgnacIo Comonfort; War of Reform; Mexican liberalIsm; dictatorship
Secrets in the Nahui Olin Divorce
Authors: García Peña Ana Lidia
Published: October 2024

The document explains some elements of the processes of subjectivation of Carmen Mondragon and Manuel Rodriguez by analyzing the history of the judicial nullity of their marriage in 1922. For the first time in historiography it is verified, with documentary sources, that the couple tried to process a divorce volunteer who was denied. It analyzes how the personalities of both artists were not always rebellious, but for a decade, they were subjected to the patriarchal authority of General Manuel Mondragon. The text also proposes to link some elements of their respective artistic works with the emotional impact they experienced during the nullity of their marriage.Keywords: subjectivation; Mexican Revolution; marriage nullity; muralism; post-revolutionary art
Helvetii and germans: Caesar and war crimes
Authors: Pérez Carrandi Juan
Published: October 2024

This article analyzes the authoritarian policy of Caesar in his previous stage to the consulate of Gaul. Already in the provincial stage, it focuses on two equally illegal episodes: the extermination of part of the Helvetian people first, and of two Germanic tribes later. Both actions were perpetrated by Caesar against Roman law and fecial law itself. The sources refer to similar examples that reinforce the idea of illegality.Keywords: Julius Caesar; Helvetii; Germans; illegal warfare; fetial law
Land and sea invasions in comcáac territory, a historical continuity (1985-2002)
Authors: Rubio Mejía Carlo Fabián , Moreno Vázquez José Luis
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this article is to show that invasions of the Comcáac territory are not a historical process that had ended after the colonial period, with the formation of the Mexican national state, or due to the decree of territorial endowment in 1970, but on the contrary, they are a historical continuity, which, in turn, reveals an institutional disinterest towards territorial importance as an element of existence and belonging in the history of this indigenous people. Contemporary land and sea invasion processes between 1985 and 2002, which affected their free determination, identity and existence, are analyzed. For the understanding of the territory as a “symbolized” and full of actions space, that synthesizes identity and survival through the time of a specific group, we rely on authors such as: Gilberto Giménez, Claude Raffestin, Luis Llanos Hernández, Rodrigo Rentería and testimonies of the Comcáac themselves. For the description and study of the invasions, local hemerography was used as the main source. It is concluded that the Comcáac continue to defend their autonomy and integrity, from the Spanish Conquest until the first two decades of the 21st century.Keywords: Territory; comcáac; invasion; identitary
New notes on the monetary reform of the Ming dynasty (1573-1644): The American silver
Authors: Cui Yueyou , Caño Ortigosa José Luis
Published: October 2024

In recent years, trade between the Philippines and China during the 16th and 17th centuries has increasingly attracted the attention of Chinese academic circles. Also, research on the circulation of American silver is also increasing. This article orders and explores the processes and effects that led American silver to condition Chinese trade and the domestic market. The impact of the silver introduced in China was enormous, allowing and conditioning the characteristics of the monetary reform implemented by the Ming dynasty.Keywords: American silver; monetary reform; Ming dynasty; Manila Galleon
Firm specifics, trade liberalization outcomes, and export intensity with the moderating role of location advantages—Empirical evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Vo Quy , Ho Tin , Bui Hien , Le Khoa
Published: October 2024

Vietnam has experienced an impressive period of economic growth since implementing an export-oriented economic policy. Vietnam’s international economic integration is deepening, and the output of the export sector has been continuously improved with a double-digit growth rate in recent years, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to study the impact of trade liberalization on export intensity of Vietnamese exporters as well as the moderating role of the location. In this study, data was collected from 80 exporters listing in Vietnam stock markets from 2007 to 2022. Further, regression test was carried out by applying GMM model. The results show that trade liberalization outcomes have a positive impact on export intensity. We, however, do not find enough evidence of the moderating effect of the location factor. These findings support Resource-based View theory, and trade liberalization policy. The findings imply that Vietnam government should continue to implement trade liberalization policy to support export sector growth.
Consumer perceptions and attitudes towards e-payment services offered by fintech companies: Evidence from India
Authors: Nigam Aanchal , Khan Farhina Sardar , Mazhar Syed Shahid , Chaudhary Niyati , Haque Ehsanul , Ahmad Mir Maroof , Ansari Mohd Salahuddin
Published: October 2024

The rapid advancement of financial technology (Fintech) has revolutionized the way financial transactions are conducted, with E-payment services becoming increasingly integral to daily commerce. This paper examines consumer perceptions and attitudes towards E-payment services offered by Fintech companies, identifying key factors that influence their acceptance and usage. Employing a quantitative approach, the research integrates quantitative data from surveys and applied SEM (Structural Equation Modelling) through AMOS. Out of 450, 420 respondents have given their views on perceptual preferences and attitudes with the help of SPSS. KMO and Bartlett’s Test are executed to understand and to check the factors for implementing factor analysis further through extractions. Anticipated findings are expected to reveal a spectrum of consumer attitudes shaped by factors such as trust, security, convenience, and technological familiarity. It contributes to the existing literature by providing updated insights into consumer behaviour in the Fintech sector and suggesting actionable strategies for service providers to enhance user engagement and satisfaction. It holds the potential to inform both theoretical frameworks in technology acceptance and practical marketing strategies for Fintech companies aiming to optimize E-payment services for diverse consumer bases.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China: Opportunities and challenges for Bangladesh in South Asian geo-strategic context
Authors: Hosain Md Sajjad , Amin Mohammad Bin , Marjan Tamanna , Rahaman Md. Atikur , Abdullah Masuk
Published: October 2024

This paper highlights the opportunities as well as challenges posed for Bangladesh by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China. BRI is being considered as the most expensive project ever initiated connecting more than half of the world population from Asia, Europe and Africa. For writing this paper, the authors utilized published sources such as journal articles, newspaper articles and web-based information published from 2013 to 2024. The article proposes that although the involvement of Bangladesh in the BRI is not absolutely free of challenges, it can serve the ultimate national interest through greater connectivity with other countries, increased volume of trade and economic activities and socio-cultural exchange. Although, as the originator and major contributor of the BRI, China will be the principal benefiter, other partner countries can also attain considerable benefits out of this historical mega scheme through the application of appropriate vision and strategic implementation. This paper has highlighted those benefits/opportunities and challenges for Bangladesh that can be beneficial for upcoming research projects particularity aimed at development studies, political economy and international relations. On the other hand, based on the arguments made on this paper, policymakers and businessmen can formulate their best policies as well as trading strategies with mutual benefits for all the stakeholders involved.
PENGARUH PEMBERIAN PAKAN TAMBAHAN CACING SUTRA TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN IKAN GABUS (Channa striata)
Authors: Wulandari Cessi , Ruyani Aceng , Singkam Abdul Rahman , Kasrina Kasrina , Husein Ahmad Saddam
Published: October 2024

Ikan gabus (C. striata) merupakan salah satu komoditas jenis ikan air tawar yang hidup di daerah rawa-rawa maupun sungai yang memiliki nilai ekonomis tinggi dengan harga jual per centimeter dari panjang tubuhnya dan sangat bermanfaat dalam dunia medis dan industri. Ikan gabus memiliki kandungan nutrisi yang baik terutama albumin. Pertumbuhan ikan gabus sangat ditentukan oleh pakan agar dapat memaksimalkan pertumbuhan benih ikan gabus. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis tingkat pertumbuhan C. striata dengan pemberian pakan tambahan berupa Tubifex sp. Alat yang digunakan yaitu empat akuarium plastik dengan ukuran 40 x 30 x 30 cm, jangka sorong, timbangan digital, DO meter, TDS, dan pH meter. Bahan yang digunakan pada eksperimen yaitu air tawar, pelet ikan (PF 1000) diproduksi oleh prima feed, serta ikan gabus dan cacing sutra. Metode penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 4 perlakuan yaitu dosis P1 (pelet 100%), P2 (pelet 75% + cacing sutra 25%), P3 (pelet 50% + cacing sutra 50%), dan P4 (pelet 25% + cacing sutra 75%). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penambahan cacing sutra memberikan pengaruh yang nyata terhadap pertambahan berat, panjang, dan lebar benih ikan gabus. Pertumbuhan terbaik diperoleh pada perlakuan P4 (pelet 25% + cacing sutra 75%) dengan panjang mutlak rata-rata 24,31±9,89 mm, lebar mutlak rata-rata 3,41±1,66 mm, dan berat mutlak rata-rata 18,28±6,40 g.
Effect of Core Temperature at HPDC on the Internal Quality of the Casting
Authors: Matejka M. , Bolibruchová D. , Podprocká R. , Oslanec P.
Published: October 2024

High pressure die casting (HPDC) is one of the most productive casting methods to produce a wide range of aluminum components with high dimensional accuracy and complex geometries. The process parameters of high-pressure casting generally directly affect the resulting quality of the castings, such as the presence of pores in the casting or the microstructure. In addition to air entrapment, porosity can also be caused by the dissolution of hydrogen. Hydrogen is released by the reaction of water vapor and melt at high temperatures and is released during solidification. These defects can lead to a significant reduction in mechanical properties such as strength and ductility and especially fatigue properties. The aim of the presented article is to describe the effect of the temperature of the core of the high-pressure mold on the presence and distribution of porosity and the microstructure of the aluminum casting in two geometric variants. The temperature of the core was changed due to the use of two flowing media in the thermoregulation circuit of the core, i.e. demineralized water and heat transfer oil and worked with a core temperature of 130 ± 5 and 165 ± 5 °C. With both geometric variants, a higher porosity was achieved when using water (core temperature 130 ± 5 °C) than when using oil (core temperature 165 ± 5 °C). The opposite results were observed for microporosity, where higher microporosity was observed for tempering oil. The microstructure of the casting with water-cooled cores was more characterized by finer grains of phase α (Al) and eutectic Si. In tempering oil, the microstructure was characterized by coarse grains of the α phase (Al) and the Si lamellae were in the form of sharp-edged formations.
Finite element analysis shows minimal stability difference between individualized mini-hemilaminectomy–corpectomy and partial lateral corpectomy in a dog model
Authors: Kikuchi Yuki , Shimada Masakazu , Takahashi Fumitaka , Yamaguchi Shinya , Hara Yasushi
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

Use finite element analysis to evaluate the biomechanical effects of spinal decompression procedures in healthy Beagle dogs, comparing individualized mini-hemilaminectomy–corpectomy (iMHC), mini-hemilaminectomy, partial lateral corpectomy (PLC), and hemilaminectomy.

METHODS

A finite element model of the L1-L2 functional spinal unit was generated using CT data. For each decompression model, loads were applied in 0.2-Nm steps (maximum, 2.0 Nm) in 6 directions: flexion, extension, right and left lateral bending, and right and left axial rotation. The L1 spinous process tip displacement angle was quantified numerically.

RESULTS

Among the 4 techniques, mini-hemilaminectomy exhibited the smallest displacement angles across all directions. Hemilaminectomy exhibited the largest displacement angles in extension, flexion, right rotation, and left rotation across all techniques. Left and right lateral bending displacement angles were marginally larger for iMHC than for hemilaminectomy at 0.4 Nm; however, at 2.0 Nm, displacement angles were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Mini-hemilaminectomy minimizes functional spinal unit instability to the greatest extent. Hemilaminectomy is more unstable than iMHC and PLC in flexion, extension, and rotation. Mini-hemilaminectomy–corpectomy and PLC are more unstable than hemilaminectomy in lateral bending, with iMHC being slightly more unstable than PLC or nearly equal.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Mini-hemilaminectomy minimizes instability to the greatest extent in cases of ventrolateral spinal compression. In cases of ventral spinal compression, iMHC may be preferable to PLC for providing equivalent stability without impeding spinal cord visualization, but both techniques can cause instability depending on loading direction, so careful attention to postoperative instability is necessary when excessive vertebral body resection is involved.
Organic-rich Shales Reveal Local Controls That Enhanced Mercury Accumulation During a non-LIP Interval of the Miocene: Implications for the Mercury Paleoproxy
Authors: Them Theodore R. , Meier Clara L. , Tino Christopher J. , Knight Marisa D. , Hancock Leanne G. , Behl Richard J. , Lyons Timothy W.
Published: October 2024

Sedimentary mercury (Hg) concentrations are traditionally used to track atmospheric Hg deposition, which is thought to be controlled by volcanic outgassing and potentially the emplacement of large igneous provinces (LIPs). Sedimentary Hg enrichments are subsequently inferred to represent ancient intervals of massive volcanism and are often used to link the destabilization of Earth’s environment to extinction. The biogeochemical cycling and controls on Hg sequestration in sediments, however, are both dynamic and complex, with wide spatiotemporal variability. To better elucidate the controls on Hg cycling, sediments from the Miocene Monterey Formation were studied in three separate sedimentary basins (San Joaquin Basin [SJB], Santa Barbara Basin [SBB], Santa Maria Basin [SMB]) from the eastern Pacific margin, representing approximately seven million years of quasi-contemporaneous deposition under predominantly reducing conditions during a non-LIP interval. Furthermore, the sites were located in close proximity to terrestrial volcanic centers. The modes of Hg delivery and sequestration were generally different in each of these basins. In the proximal SJB, Hg contents were related to aluminum and pyrite concentrations, which are proxies for aluminosilicate/detrital input and relative degrees of sulfate-reducing conditions in sediments and water column, respectively. In the more distal SMM and SBB, Hg contents were controlled by the amount of pyrite burial and organic matter concentrations, respectively. In the SBB, however, two clear populations of geochemical data suggest a shift in the contribution of Hg-enriched detrital materials to this basin controlling Hg delivery or variations in Hg scavenging efficiency. These multiproxy relationships make it clear that a range of geochemical proxies applied in multiple syndepositional settings with different environmental conditions should be used in tandem to distinguish local versus global controls on Hg deposition. We suggest that biogeochemical feedbacks during intervals of massive volcanism in the past, related to changes in weathering and erosion of soils on land and local redox, may be a critical if not dominant driver of sedimentary Hg enrichments. These observations highlight the importance of ruling out local to regional processes that can enrich sediments in Hg before ascribing massive volcanism as the foremost source of excess mercury in shale sequences.
Correlation of geriatric assessment and outcomes of acute myeloid leukemia in elderly patients
Authors: El Razzaz Mostafa Kamal , Ahmed Tamer Mohamed , Magdy Hebatullah , Dawod Ramadan Eid , Mansour Basma Saeid
Published: October 2024

Background

Frailty is a vulnerable susceptibility to stressors during aging. Assessment of frailty could help make appropriate management plans and early interventions. Geriatric 8 (G8) is a screening tool designed to identify those at risk for frailty who need a more detailed assessment, while Geriatric Assessment in Hematology (GAH) is a multidimensional assessment similar to the comprehensive assessment designed specifically for patients with hematological malignancies.

Methods

Thirty-two newly diagnosed elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, with a mean age of 64.9 years, were assessed by G8 and GAH scores to be reclassified into 16 frail patients and 16 non-frail patients. The disease progression, hospital stay, complications, overall survival, and mortality rates in both groups were followed for 6 months.

Results

Comorbidities with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) were significantly higher in frail patients compared to non-frail patients; also, the ECOG performance score was significantly higher in frail patients compared to the non-frail patients. At 6 months of evaluation, non-frail patients had better overall response compared to frail patients, on using both G8 and GAH scores. At 1, 3, and 6 months of evaluation, the frail patients group exhibited a significantly higher mortality rate than the non-frail group. In our study, median hospitalization of non-frail group was significantly higher than that of frail group and total incidence of complications did not reveal a significant correlation with patient's frailty status.

Conclusion

Based on G8 and GAH scores, frail AML patients were more likely to have a higher incidence of early mortality and lower overall survival compared to non-frail patients.
The importance of communicating bad news in medical education
Authors: Goumas Georgios , Dardavesis Theodoros I , Syrigos Konstantinos , Syrigos Nikolaos , Vathiotis Ioannis , Simou Effie
Published: October 2024

Background

Effective communication between doctors and patients is crucial, especially when delivering bad news that can impact a person's present and future expectations. However, acquiring optimal skills in breaking bad news requires the incorporation of multiple professional competencies that are acquired gradually through years of training. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of existing literature on medical education programs and interventions aiming to improve communication skills and to critically evaluate the effectiveness of such training.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, searching PubMed and Scopus databases in February 2023, using the key words “medical education,” “breaking bad news,” and “end of life communication.”

Results

Our search yielded 21 relevant studies, with 12 randomized studies indicating improvements in trainees found in PubMed, while four Scopus studies referred to workshops and seminars that increased participants’ confidence in various communication areas. Furthermore, eight studies referred to training courses on communication techniques that helped medical students and health professionals develop confidence in breaking bad news skills. One study utilized interactive theater and role play with professional actors to teach breaking bad news to medical students, which can be a potentially powerful tool for teaching breaking bad news during medical education. One study showed that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted health education due to social distancing.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that training physicians at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in communication skills for breaking bad news can be beneficial for both physicians and patients. However, limitations exist in reaching definitive conclusions. As digital learning has emerged in health-care education during the post-COVID-19 period, digital solutions have also been examined for training in the communication of bad news.
Multicriteria analysis as a method for engaging stakeholders and citizens in activities aimed at supporting climate resilience and adaptation to climate change – Gdansk Coastal City Living Lab case study
Authors: Barańczuk Jacek , Masik Grzegorz , Barańczuk Katarzyna , Meulenberg Cécil J.W.
Published: October 2024

In this study, we aimed to present solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, summer torrential rain, and pluvial flooding. Within the Gdańsk living lab, a multicriteria analysis (MCA) was performed to assess the implementation of ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) options for the city of Gdańsk. The results show an assessment of the stakeholders’ acceptability and local knowledge of selected EBA options including rainwater gardens, water parks, retention ponds, green roofs, green walls, community gardens, urban farming and tree plantation. All the proposed EBAs were generally accepted during an online living lab stakeholder meeting. However, EBA solutions that were less intrusive on the natural landscape were preferred over large structures. Yet during the consecutive physical workshop with identified stakeholder composition, there was a higher level of approval for large structures to reduce the level of flood risk, indicating that face-to-face meetings significantly influence the choice of measures during MCA procedures. This has highlighted the importance of physical meetings of MCA for selecting proper implementation options.
Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the lung with rapid transition to multiple myeloma : A rare case report and brief literature review
Authors: English Kevan , Leon Dianalyn De , Kaldas Sandra
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytomas (SEPs) are disease entities characterized by the local proliferation of neoplastic plasma cells, representing less than 6% of plasma cell tumors. They typically produce monoclonal immunoglobulin and are usually found in the head, neck, and, less commonly, in the lungs. SEP, in rare instances, can transition to multiple myeloma (MM) with an estimated risk between 8 and 31%.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 72-year-old woman who sought medical attention at the emergency department due to acute onset dyspnea and syncope. Laboratory results revealed elevated creatinine, hypercalcemia, and anemia, all of which were absent at a hospitalization three months prior for tuberculosis. A chest x-ray showed a right upper lobe opacity, and a computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated an apical lung mass with calcifications. A CT-guided needle aspiration of the mass indicated SEP. Bone marrow biopsy subsequently confirmed MM. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and treated with chemotherapy; however, following a complicated hospital course, she died.

Discussion

SEPs are an exceedingly rare form of malignancy with the potential for conversion to MM. Although the likelihood of transformation to MM in months is rare, we call for attention to the possibility of such transition and the clinical prognosis of patients with SEP. Prompt and aggressive treatment is essential, and this, to our knowledge, is the first case of conversion to MM in less than four months following the initial diagnosis of SEP of the lung.
Public Responsibility Towards Indonesian Idol's Music Talent: An Adorno Perspective
Authors: Budiawan Hery , Torondek Timothy Revival April , Nyarong Wise Witness , Koswara Jason
Published: October 2024

The music expressed around us, particularly in the realm of competitive music, faces significant challenges in maintaining subjectivity and objectivity to ensure a fair competition process. This study examines reality shows like Indonesian Idol, questioning whether they are pure competitions or avenues for capitalist profit. From Adorno's perspective, this issue is linked to societal impact, highlighting three main problems: standardization, commodification, and massification. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, this research involved 67 respondents who completed questionnaires to explore the systematic flaws in Indonesian Idol’s competition structure. The study aimed to analyse how these flaws align with Adorno's concepts of standardization, commodification, and massification, and their influence on public perception and critical thinking. The quantitative aspect involved statistical analysis of questionnaire responses, while the qualitative approach included in-depth interviews to gain insights into participants' views on transparency and fairness in the competition. The findings indicate that Indonesian Idol’s competition system is heavily influenced by industry standards that prioritize commercial success over artistic integrity. This results in a homogenized musical output that caters to mass appeal, undermining the authenticity of the competition. Additionally, the commodification of contestants transforms them into marketable products rather than genuine artists, while the massification process dilutes the cultural significance of the musical content presented. The study concludes that for reality shows to serve as responsible public entertainment, they must instil transparency and fairness in their competition processes. Implementing these principles can foster a more critical and discerning audience, ensuring that such shows contribute positively to the cultural landscape rather than merely serving commercial interests
Discursos y percepciones comparadas. Viruela, inoculación y terremotos en el sur del Imperio español (1802-1812)
Authors: Sánchez-Cid Torres Andrés
Published: October 2024

En este estudio se comparan los desastres que se produjeron entre los años 1802 y 1812 en Sudamérica, diferenciando la utilización del discurso político y religioso de los mismos entre los de origen biológico, como la viruela, y geológico, como un terremoto. El conocimiento que circulaba en aquella época sobre las posibles causas de estos fenómenos iba desde explicaciones más científicas en el contexto del movimiento de la Ilustración, hasta opiniones más tradicionales que seguían arraigadas a un pensamiento providencialista heredado del Antiguo Régimen. Para resolver estas preguntas de investigación se utilizaron documentos oficiales, cartas, periódicos de la época y expedientes del Archivo General de Indias, Archivo Histórico Nacional de España y bibliografía especializada.
Goethe y su aportación a la ciencia atmosférica. Contexto científico e institucional
Authors: Olcina Cantos Jorge
Published: October 2024

El tránsito de los siglos XVIII a XIX conoció aportaciones muy significativas para el avance de las ciencias del tiempo y clima. Se propusieron interpretaciones sobre la naturaleza que manifestaron la influencia de las ideas filosóficas del momento. Autores como Kant, Laplace, Humboldt desarrollaron sus teorías sobre la naturaleza, mismas que evolucionaron las ideas del ambientalismo del momento. En este contexto, Goethe publicó diferentes escritos sobre la importancia de la naturaleza y sus elementos integrantes, entre ellos la atmósfera, que mereció la redacción de un tratado de meteorología con ideas novedosas sobre dinámica atmosférica.Con una educación exquisita, Goethe desarrolló su labor en un contexto cultural y científico -Weimar- muy favorable para el fomento de las artes y las ciencias. Participó de la actividad del Círculo de Jena y tuvo un papel activo en la vida política del momento. Las aportaciones a la teoría de la naturaleza y al conocimiento de las cuestiones atmosféricas de Goethe establecieron un eslabón intelectual necesario entre el idealismo kantiano y el empirismo de finalidad científica practicado por Humboldt en las primeras décadas del siglo XIX. Este trabajo analiza el contexto cultural y social en el que se desarrollaron las ideas de Goethe sobre la naturaleza y, particularmente, sobre los aspectos atmosféricos cuyo estudio e interpretación marcaron la vida del polímata alemán.
Knowledge and attitude of dentists and dental interns toward the use of resin infiltration for treatment of white spot lesions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ahmed Yasmine , Zahrani Atheer , Ashwal Lama , Salem Al , Alsmari Munira
Published: October 2024

Background: White spot lesions (WSLs) result from the demineralization of enamel due to the progression of subsurface caries lesions. These lesions can be treated by enhancing remineralization through improved oral hygiene or fluoridation. Resin infiltration (RI) involves creating a porous surface, allowing low-viscosity resin to infiltrate the body of the lesion, and forming a diffusion barrier within the tooth. There is a lack of data on the knowledge and attitudes of dentists regarding this approach in managing WSL. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of dentists and dental interns toward the use of RI for the treatment of WSL.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled general practitioners and dental interns. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and attitudes of participants. The collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software.
Results: Among 512 participants, 59.4% were females, 76.8% were Saudis, and 46.3% were working in government sectors. A total of 47.9% rated their knowledge as poor. The overall level of knowledge was low among 325 participants (63.5%). The level of knowledge was significantly affected by gender (p = 0.0001), nationality (p = 0.001), qualification (p = 0.03), work experience (p = 0.0001), and self-rated knowledge (p = 0.003).
Conclusion: There was a low level of knowledge regarding RI for the treatment of WSL, and an inadequate attitude was observed among participants. Factors affecting the knowledge level included gender, nationality, qualification, work experience, and self-assessment of knowledge.