bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finland and Sweden Joining NATO: Consequences for Russia's National Security
Authors: Chekov A. , Vorotnikov V. , Chechevishnikov A. , Yakutova U.
Published: October 2023

The accession of Finland and, in the foreseeable future, Sweden to NATO shapes a new strategic and international political reality in the Scandinavian-Baltic region. The “Nordic balance” and the idea of this space as a “region of eternal peace” are irretrievably becoming the things of the past, posing a set of new challenges and threats to the Russian Federation. Russia has always taken into account the gradual withdrawal of Sweden and Finland from the policy of neutrality/non-alignment and their transformation into de facto associate members of NATO, although considered the threat of formal Alliance’s northern expansion as insignificant in the short and medium term. However, it is obvious that since February 2022, the arguments of doubling the length of Russia’s border with the alliance and the compelled military-technical response in this case have ceased to be considered in Sweden and Finland as significant in foreign policy and defense planning. The purpose of the article is to analyze the current security situation in the Scandinavian-Baltic region, scenarios for the accession of Finland and Sweden to the North Atlantic Alliance, and possible consequences for Russia. The methodological basis of the article is scenario analysis. The first and the most likely scenario assumes more active relations with the Alliance (increase in the number and scale of military exercises, strengthening of the eastern border of Finland, expansion of the Baltic Air Policing mission to Finland, etc.) without a significant increase in military deployment and infrastructure. Two other scenarios, which are possible with the further deterioration of the European security system, allow the deployment of nuclear weapons in the region as the last resort, although this seems extremely unlikely today. However, even in the case of accession in accordance with the first scenario, the Russian Federation might face a whole range of threats and challenges, including, but not limited to, the deployment of missile defense infrastructure and nuclear-capable weapon systems, an improvement of the conditions for strengthening the NATO’s military activities in the Arctic, the possibility of transferring a large amount of Sovietdesigned military equipment to Ukraine by Finland, etc.
International Mechanisms to Compensate for Climate Loss and Damage: Innovations
Authors: Nikitina E. , Pozhilova N.
Published: October 2023

Recent trends in climate international regime formation include the development and diversification of multilateral mechanisms to prevent and reduce actual and future risks and damages from impacts of global climate change, including in the most vulnerable countries and regions of the planet. At the moment, the most urgent need is not just to implement any interstate cooperation within the existing regimes (which also has its shortcomings), but also to provide real funding for projects to compensate for losses and damages. At the end of 2022, an important phase of multilateral climate dialogue over the past three decades between the countries of the global North and the global South on institutionalizing their collaboration on financial and technological assistance to reduce climate societal vulnerability resulted in the decision to create a special global fund to cover loss and damage from climate-related natural disasters and promote sustainable development. The authors have identified and analyzed the main issues to be covered during the process of creation of the new international instrument. The forthcoming development of its design, participants’ commitments, funding sources, norms and procedures that meet the top priorities will be based on the experience and best practices of existing regional funds, among other things. The combination of global and regional regulation is shown to be an effective instrument of the current international climate regime. New trends and diversification of mechanisms of international climate regulation are considered as an important element in the process of its further development, implementation and effectiveness in the long term.
Climate Security in States’Strategic Planning: the Case of Russia and Norway
Authors: Shuranova A. , Chistikov M.
Published: October 2023

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues on the world political agenda, with the largest economies setting carbon neutrality targets for 2050–2070. States’ positions in the world climate politics are largely determined by their ‘environmental power’, which has ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ aspects reflected in either promoting or intentionally decelerating the pace of climate change mitigation policies worldwide. In the literature, a widely acknowledged opinion can be found that the states which traditionally specialize in fossil fuels exports, having ‘negative environmental power’, are prone to adopt less ambitious climate policies than the energy-importing ones. This can be disproven by a number of empirical cases, one of which is that of Russia and Norway. We hypothesize that the key factor which influences the states’ climate policy ambition is the level of climate change securitization and the place which climate change occupies within the hierarchy of threats of the national security system. Having conducted quantitative content analysis of 726 strategic, doctrinal and conceptual documents and plans on the subject of security-related words, we have found that Russian and Norwegian hierarchies of threats coincide in all aspects but climate which is more securitized than foreign policy in Norway. Moreover, almost all analyzed spheres except for the military, law, state governance and foreign policy are more highly securitized in Norway. We further constructed a graph representing the dynamics of climate change securitization in climate-related documents which indicates that securitization fell during major political and economic events and crises and rose in the times of significant developments on the world climate agenda. We conclude that the subjective assessment of climate-related challenges and threats is one of the key factors that determine states’ climate policy ambition. However, this assessment is directly affected by objective factors which define the place climate change will occupy within the hierarchy of threats of the national security system. In the case of Russia and Norway, the principal of such factors is the respective states’ position within the structure of international relations.
Developed Method. Interactions and Their Quantum Picture
Authors: Ogonowski Piotr
Published: October 2023

By developing the previously proposed method of combining continuum mechanics with Einstein Field Equations, it has been shown that the classic relativistic description, curvilinear description, and quantum description of the physical system may be reconciled using the proposed Alena Tensor. For a system with an electromagnetic field, the Lagrangian density equal to the invariant of the electromagnetic field was obtained, vanishing four-divergence of canonical four-momentum appears to be consequence of the Poyinting theorem, and explicit form of one of gauges of the electromagnetic four-potential was introduced. The proposed method allows for further development with additional fields.
The Empirical Research of Women Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Performance in the Entrepreneurship Policy Context
Authors: Wu Chih-Wen
Published: October 2023

The research fills the policy research gap for the women entrepreneurship and sustainability performance for examining key successful factors. Previous women entrepreneurship research fails to offer policy recommendations. The research purpose is to investigate these factors affect women entrepreneurship capabilities and sustainability performance by using SEM analysis and making policy recommendation. This research employs online and mail survey and obtains 175 women entrepreneur sample. The study finds that family support and motivation have positive effect on women entrepreneurship capabilities and sustainability performance. Barriers have no effect on performance. Hopefully, the research can provide the guidance to contribute to women’s entrepreneurship opportunities for achieving SDGs. Policy recommendation and managerial implication are discussed in the article.
Challenges for Extensions of the Process Matrix Formalism to Quantum Field Theory
Authors: Paunković Nikola , Vojinović Marko
Published: October 2023

We discuss the issues with tentative generalisations of the process matrix formalism from finite-dimensional mechanical systems all the way to quantum field theory. We present a detailed overview of possible open problems that arise when one attempts to move from particle ontology into the realm of field ontology, i.e., when one transitions from mechanics to field theory framework. These issues need to be addressed, and problems solved, if one aims to expand the scope of applicability of the process matrix formalism, and therefore its usefulness. This is far from a trivial and straightforward endeavour, but rather a task for a whole future research programme.
Current Evidence and Future Perspective in the Exploration of Sleep-Related Eating Disorder—From Pathogenic Hypotheses to Treatment Approaches
Authors: Vasiliu Octavian
Published: October 2023

Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is a non-REM parasomnia with potentially significant negative effects on general health (dangerous activities during night eating episodes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome, for example). Although the history of SRED encompasses more than six decades, public awareness and even the awareness of the mental health specialists of this disorder is very limited, a phenomenon that hinders the development of research in this field. Therefore, an updated review, based on a narrative methodology, explored the available evidence for SRED found in four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration, Google Scholar, and Clarivate/Web of Science). A number of 94 primary and secondary reports were retrieved, investigating aspects regarding the risk factors, epidemiology, clinical data and differential diagnosis, epidemiology, structured evaluation, and treatment of SRED. Based on the results of these reports, Z-drugs, but also certain benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and psychostimulants may trigger the onset of SRED. Psychiatric and neurologic disorders have also been associated with SRED, either as risk factors or comorbid conditions. Cerebral glucose metabolism dysfunctions, neurotransmitter dysfunctions, and genetic factors have been invoked as pathogenetic contributors. Structured assessment of SRED is possible, but there is a dearth of instruments dedicated to this purpose. Data on the prevalence and treatment of SRED exist, but good-quality epidemiological studies and clinical trials are still missing. In conclusion, future research is expected to address the shortcomings of SRED exploration by creating the conditions for better quality and larger group clinical research. The need for such investigation is granted by the importance of this pathology and its negative functional consequences.
Oncostatin M’s Involvement in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Focus on Type 1 and 2 Inflammation
Authors: Ishikawa Chie , Takeno Sachio , Okamoto Yukako , Kawasumi Tomohiro , Kakimoto Takashi , Takemoto Kota , Nishida Manabu , Ishino Takashi , Hamamoto Takao , Ueda Tsutomu , Tanaka Akio
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Objectives: Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the interleukin (IL)-6 family of cytokines, is known to elicit pathogenic effects involving disruption of the epithelial barrier function as a part of immunological response networks. It is not yet known how these integrated cytokine signals influence inflammation and other physiological processes in the pathology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We investigated the expression and distribution of OSM and OSM receptor (OSMR) in sinonasal specimens of CRS patients, and we compared the results with a panel of inflammatory cytokine levels and clinical features. Materials and Methods: We classified CRS patients as eosinophilic (ECRS, n=36) or non-eosinophilic (non-ECRS, n=35) based on the Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (JESREC) phenotypic criteria, and we compared their cases with those of 68 non-CRS subjects. We also examined stimulatory effects of OSM on the expression levels of cytokine receptors by using the human bronchial epithelium cell line BEAS-2B. Results: An RT-PCR showed that the OSM mRNA levels were significantly increased in the ethmoid sinus mucosa of the CRS patients. The OSM mRNA levels were positively correlated with those of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-13, and OSMR-β. In BEAS-2B cells, OSM treatment induced significant increases in the OSMR-β, IL-1R1, and IL-13Ra mRNA levels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that OSM is involved in the pathogenesis of CRS in both type 1 and type 2 inflammation, suggesting the OSM signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target for modulating epithelial stromal interactions.
MOC Composites for Constructions: Improvement of Water-resistance by Addition of Nanodopants and Polyphenol
Authors: Lauermannová Anna-Marie , Jankovský Ondřej , Jiříčková Adéla , Sedmidubský David , Záleská Martina , Pivák Adam , Pavlíková Milena , Pavlík Zbyšek
Published: October 2023

The topic of modification of magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) via specific functional additives is very much pronounced in the research of alternative building materials. This study deals with the co-doping of MOC by 1D and 2D carbon nanomaterials in order to improve its mechanical properties while using tannic acid (TA) as a surfactant. Furthermore, the effect of TA on MOC also covers the improvement of water resistance. As a filler, three size fractions of standard quartz sand are used. The proposed types of MOC-based composites show promising results considering their mechanical, macro- and microstructural, chemical, and hygric properties. The use of 1D and 2D nanoadditives and their mixture enables the improvement of the flexural strength and most of all softening coefficient, the durability parameter characterizing the resistance of the prepared materials to water. For samples immersed in water for 24 h, the compressive strength of all modified composites tested was higher than that of the reference composite. Quantitatively, the developed co-doped composite shows mechanical parameters comparable to or even better than those of commonly used Portland cement-based materials, while maintaining high environmental efficiency. This indicates its potential use as an environmentally friendly alternative to Portland cement-based products.
Modelling of Drinking Water Recarbonization in Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Derco Jan , Šoltýsová Nikola , Kurák Tomáš , Vajíčeková Anna , Dudáš Jozef
Published: October 2023

Calcium and magnesium are important not only for human health, but also for reducing problems related to the corrosive and aggressive effects of soft water on drinking water distribution materials. Experimental and mathematical modeling of the recarbonization process aimed at increasing the content of these biogenic elements in water was carried out using the novelty of a continuous laboratory and pilot scale fluidized bed reactors. Water remineralization using half-calcined dolomite (HCD) and carbon dioxide was used. The influence of operating conditions Q(CO2), freshwater inflow and HCD dose on quality indicators of treated drinking water (c(Ca2+), c(Mg2+), c(Ca2++Mg2+) and Ca/Mg) was studied. The results show that the concentration of Mg2+ is more significantly affected by the amount of HCD in the system and the flow of CO2. The influence of freshwater inflow on the Mg2+content is to a lesser extent. At a constant CO2 flow, therefore, as the tap water inflow increases, the Ca2+ content decreases and the Mg2+ content increases, which has results in a decrease in the Ca/Mg molar ratio. However, the Ca/Mg ratio can be effectively controlled by adding an appropriate amount of HCD at certain time intervals. Overproduction of ions is easily controlled by CO2 flow.
Community Paramedicine Supporting Social Needs: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lunn Tyne , Bolster Jennifer , Batt Alan
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Health and social needs exist along a dynamic continuum. Recognizing that health status is inextricably impacted by social determinants of health, there exists opportunities and a professional responsibility to better understand how community paramedicine can address social needs in effort to reduce healthcare inequities.Aim: The primary objective of this scoping review is to systematically investigate published peer reviewed and grey literature to explore how community paramedicine supports social needs along a health and social continuum.Methods: A scoping review of English language literature was conducted using the JBI Scoping Review methodology. We searched CINAHL, EMBASE, and MEDLINE and grey literature searches in Google Scholar and organisational websites. We used search terms related to community paramedicine and social needs. Results: A total of 30 peer-reviewed and 13 grey literature articles met inclusion criteria. The main findings of this scoping review describe the evolving ways community paramedicine models are addressing health and social needs. A key recommendation across the literature was the need to meaningfully engage communities early in program development to understand how best to implement and co-design an integrated service model that addresses the needs specific to each community, though there was a lack of evidence to guide this approach. There is a notable lack of evidence pertaining to how best to optimize technologies in program design and implementation. The results highlight opportunities to determine best practices for conducting holistic community needs assessments that include equitable stakeholder engagement and enhance education to prepare paramedics for expanded roles.Conclusion: Community paramedicine provides opportunities to better meet the needs of structurally marginalised communities. However, there is a social responsibility and opportunity to engage in community needs assessments to co-design service delivery, advance paramedic education, and enhance interprofessional collaboration to better support social needs and generate upstream solutions for individuals and communities.
Comparing the Reliability of Medical Information on YouTube
: An Analysis Based on Keywords and Assessment Tools
Authors: Jeon Dongnyeok
Published: October 2023

Introduction
With the global population increasingly relying on the internet for information, YouTube has emerged as a significant platform for communication and information sharing, particularly in the field of medicine. However, concerns persist regarding the reliability and quality of medical information on YouTube, given the lack of regulation and guidelines. This study aims to systematically evaluate the reliability of health-related information on YouTube.
Methods:
Data collection was conducted in September 2023 on YouTube, with stringent selection criteria for videos. Videos were evaluated using the "Internet Health Information Certification Standards" by the Korean Medical Association and the Global Quality Scale. A plastic surgeon assessed information quality based on specific criteria. The study analyzed the influence of keywords on information accessibility and compared the evaluation tools.
Results:
76 Korean search results were analyzed using keywords. Certified South Korean medical providers appeared more in "ptosis surgery" results (50%) than "droopy eyelid diagnosis" (5%). Medical professionals produced 86.7% of videos, with some non-medical content. "Ptosis surgery" had the highest KMA scale score (16.3), "droopy eyelid diagnosis" the lowest (13.8). Out of 76 videos, 39 by plastic surgeons, 20 by ophthalmologists, and 5 by dermatologists. A GQS comparison showed specialists with higher scores (3.12) than non-specialists (1.53).
Conclusion:
YouTube and similar platforms offer valuable access to medical information, but quality and reliability remain significant concerns. Collaborative efforts from government agencies, medical organizations, and users are essential to enhance the quality of online health information. Users should also cultivate critical thinking skills to discern trustworthy information.
Insights into the Behavioral Ecology and Niche Separation of Passeriformes through Camera-trap Analysis in the Halla Mountain Wetland of Jeju, Republic of Korea
Authors: Jeong Young-Hun , Choi Sung-Hwan , Banjade Maniram , Jin Seon-Deok , Park Seon-Mi , Kunwar Binod , Oh Hong-Shik
Published: October 2023

This study presents a comprehensive ecological evaluation of avian species based on 5,322 photographs obtained through camera-trap sampling. We identified 1,427 independent bird sightings, encompassing 26 families and 49 species. The study focused on temporal activity patterns, nesting behaviors, habitat preferences, and the overlap coefficient of activity patterns among 22 species of Passeriformes. Two species exhibited predominant morning activity, while five species were active in the afternoon, and 15 exhibited cathemeral activity (activity throughout the day). A cross-analysis revealed varying degrees of overlap in the activity patterns of pairs of species with similar behavioral ecology. Our findings indicate that despite exhibiting similar ecological behavior, these species display unique activity patterns, likely influenced by factors such as resource availability, competition avoidance, and thermoregulation strategies. The results highlight the richness and complexity of avian temporal niches and emphasize the need for further research into their correlation with environmental factors. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of niche separation within Passeriformes and expands our knowledge of avian behavioral ecology.
Ferroelectric Resistance Switching in Epitaxial BiFeO3/ La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 Heterostructures
Authors: Qi Hongyan , Wu Weixin , Chen Xinqi
Published: October 2023

BiFeO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (BFO/LSMO) epitaxial heterostructures were successfully synthesized by pulsed laser deposition on (001)-oriented SrTiO3 single crystal substrates with Au top electrodes. Stable bipolar resistive switching characteristics regulated by ferroelectric polarization reversal was observed in the Au/BFO/LSMO heterostructures. The conduction mechanism was revealed to follow the Schottky emission model, and the Schottky barriers in high resistance and low resistance states were estimated based on temperature-dependent current–voltage curves. Further, the observed memristive behavior was interpreted via the modulation effect on the depletion region width and the Schottky barrier height caused by ferroelectric polarization reversal, combining with the oxygen vacancies migration near the BFO/LSMO interface.
UAVs and 3D modeling to Aid Urban Planning and Preservation:A Systematic Review
Authors: Hu Dingkun , Minner Jennifer
Published: October 2023

Drone imagery has the potential to enrich urban planning and preservation, especially where it converges with the growing creation and use of 3D models. The authors have conducted a systematic literature review of articles published between 2002 and 2022, drawing from reputable academic repositories including Science Direct, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), to identify current gaps in existing research in the application of UAVs to the creation of 3D models in urban planning and preservation. Findings indicate five research shortcomings: limited participation of planning experts, research focus imbalance, lack of usage for special scenarios, lack of integration with smart city planning, and limited interdisciplinary collaboration. The study also acknowledges current limitations with UAV applications and discusses possible countermeasures as well as future prospects.
A Spectrally Interrogated Polarimetric Optical Fiber Sensors for Current Measurement with Temperature Correction
Authors: Eftimov Tinko A. , Dyankov Georgi L. , Kolev Petar , Vladev Veselin P.
Published: October 2023

We report on the study of the temperature dependence of the response of a BSO crystal based polarimetric current sensor with spectral interrogation. Two possible interrogation schemes are discussed. The spectral dependence of the optical rotation along the crystal caused by temperature and current changes has been investigated and approximate dependences for the sensitivities to current SI and temperature ST have been derived. A mixed term in the response with spectral interrogation has been revealed, the elimination of which is done by tracking wavelength shifts of two distinct extrema in the polarimetric response. A temperature independent second degree equation for the current changes as a function of the spectral shifts has been derived and tested.
Long-Term Maize Intercropping with Peanut and Phosphorus Application Maintains Sustainable Farmland Productivity by Improving Soil Aggregate Stability and P Availability
Authors: Zan Zhiman , Jiao Nianyuan , Ma Rentian , Wang Jiangtao , Wang Yun , Ning Tangyuan , Zheng Bin , Liu Ling , Zhao Xupeng , Cong Wenfeng
Published: October 2023

Intercropping of maize (Zea mays L.) and peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) (M||P) significantly enhances crop yield. In a long-term M||P field experiment with two P fertilizer levels, we examined how long-term M||P affects topsoil aggregate fractions and stability, organic carbon (SOC), available phosphorus (AP), and total phosphorus (TP) in each aggregate fraction, along with crop yields. Compared to their respective monocultures, long-term M||P substantially increased the proportion of topsoil mechanical macroaggregates (7.6–16.3%) and water-stable macroaggregates (>1 mm) (13.8–36.1%), while reducing the unstable aggregate index (ELT) and the percentage of aggregation destruction (PAD). M||P significantly boosted the concentration (12.9–39.9%) and contribution rate (4.1–47.9%) of SOC in macroaggregates compared to single crops. Moreover, the concentration of TP in macroaggregates (>1 mm) and AP in each aggregate fraction of M||P exceeded that of the respective single crops (P<0.05). Furthermore, M||P significantly increased the Ca2-P, Ca8-P, Al-P, and Fe-P concentrations of intercropped maize (IM) and the Ca8-P, O-P, and Ca10-P concentrations of intercropped peanuts (IP). The land equivalent ratio (LER) of M||P was higher than one, and M||P stubble improved the yield of subsequent winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) compared with sole-crop maize stubble. P application augmented the concentration of SOC, TP, and AP in macroaggregates, resulting in improved crop yields. In conclusion, our findings suggest that long-term M||P combined with P application, sustains farmland productivity in the North China Plain by increasing SOC and macroaggregate fractions, improving aggregate stability, and enhancing soil P availability.
Teaching Quantum Algorithms Using the Harmonic Oscillator Example
Authors: Walker Eric , Gupta Siddhant , Prabhu Anand , Simha Velpur Sri Charan , Rongali Mary Sharmila
Published: October 2023

This Article demonstrates how an eigendecomposition problem is inputted into a quantum circuit, how gates are applied in the quantum circuit, and how the output measurements are the correct eigenvalues. This process is known as quantum phase estimation (QPE). A quantum harmonic oscillator example, a foundational quantum physical chemistry problem, is demonstrated within the context of QPE. A particle in a box example, another quantum physical chemistry problem, may be solved by QPE with a caveat. These examples are of the limiting cases of diagonal matrices. Future advances in taking matrix inverses for solving linear sets of equations or finding ground state energies in the Schrödinger equation will use the principles implemented in this Article.
Synergizing Agroforestry and Climate-Smart Agriculture for Climate Change Adaptation in Australia and Pacific Island Countries.
Authors: Prasad Vinesh , Cole Daniel
Published: October 2023

This academic paper explores the synergistic potential of Agroforestry systems and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in enhancing climate change adaptation strategies. Focusing on Australia and Pacific Island Countries, the study delves into the pivotal role of these approaches in mitigating the impacts of changing climate variables on agricultural production. By analysing important climate variables, their potential alterations, and their subsequent effects on crop production, the paper advocates for a holistic and forward-thinking approach to sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.
Sustainable Managing Geoparks in the Conditions of the Slovak Republic
Authors: Kornecká Enikő , Molokáč Mário , Gregorová Bohuslava , Čech Vladimír , Hronček Pavel , Javorská Miriama
Published: October 2023

A geopark as a modern product of geotourism and territorial management currently represents a new way of protecting and preserving geoheritage, which is closely related to knowledge and education, increases general awareness of the value of the Earth and, on the other hand, represents the support and development of the territory. The fulfilment of geopark goals, together with the purpose and activities, emphasizes the need for an effective management structure and function of the whole. The contribution is aimed at clarifying the management issues of geoparks, presenting the specifics affecting management in the conditions of the Slovak Republic, and defining management areas derived from the essential geopark functions. Based on determining management areas and their specifics, the task is to define a suitable management structure applicable in geoparks, representing a supporting link in creating plans and management methods.
Socio-Ecological Determinants of Attitudes Towards Domestic Violence Among Iraqi Women: Where Are the Most Vulnerable?
Authors: Al Juboori Ruaa
Published: October 2023

Women's attitudes towards domestic violence play an important role in shaping the social acceptance of domestic violence, acting as both a known predictor of victimization and an indicator of disclosure and help-seeking behavior. Therefore, the study objectives were 1) to conduct a nationwide analysis to explore the factors associated with the acceptance of domestic violence among Iraqi women according to the social-ecological framework, and 2) to identify the most vulnerable women according to the spatial distribution of Iraqi governorates. This cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data analysis from the 2018 Iraq Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 6), which included 19,443 married Iraqi women. Logistic regression was employed to examine the factors associated with acceptance of domestic violence. In this study, the analyses were performed according to the Social Ecological Model (SEM). This study revealed that 48.4% of married Iraqi women accepted domestic violence. Yet, women living in South/Central regions of Iraq showed a higher prevalence of domestic violence acceptance namely Anbar, Salahaddin Thiqar, and Misan where the prevalence was (62%-73%). Several factors across the social-ecological model were associated with a higher likelihood of women accepting such behavior, including experiencing functional difficulty, having lower educational attainment, being married to a blood-related husband, and being married to a husband who has multiple wives/partners, living in poverty, residing in rural areas, living in the south and central regions of Iraq, and feeling unsafe in the neighborhood. Conversely, factors that were associated with a lower likelihood of women accepting such behavior were owning a mobile phone and using a computer or tablet. This study provides policymakers with valuable insights to comprehensively assess indicators of attitudes toward domestic violence against women. It also addresses the scarcity of information on the acceptance of domestic violence in Iraq on national and governorate levels, emphasizing the need for urgent national-level policy discussions to achieve key Sustainable Development Goals related to gender equity and good health and well-being.
Magnetic, Antiferroelectric Like Behavior, and Resistance Switching Properties in BiFeO3-CaMnO3 Polycrystalline Thin Films
Authors: LAHMAR Abdelilah , Zidani Jacem , Belhadi Jamal , Alaoui Ilham Hamdi , Musleh Hussam , Asaad Jihad , Al Dahoudi Naji , El Marssi Mimoun
Published: October 2023

The effect of ferromagnetic CaMnO3 (CMO) addition on structural, magnetic, dielectric, and ferroelec-tric properties of BiFeO3 are presented. X ray diffraction and Raman investigation allowed the identifi-cation of single pseudo cubic perovskite structure. The magnetic measurement showed that the pre-pared films exhibit a ferromagnetic behavior at low temperature with both coercive field and remnant magnetization increased with increasing CMO content. However, a deterioration of magnetization was observed at room temperature. Ferroelectric study revealed an antiferroelectric like behavior with a pinched P-E hysteresis loop for 5%CMO doping BFO resulting in low remnant polarization and double hysteresis loops. Whereas, high remnant polarization and coercive field with a likely square hysteresis loop are obtained for 10 % CMO addition. Furthermore, a bipolar resistive switching behavior with a threshold voltage of about 1.8V is observed for high doped film that can be linked to the ferroelectric polarization switching.
Plasmonics in Photonic Integrated Circuits
Authors: Magno Giovanni , Yam Vy , Dagens Béatrice
Published: October 2023

The development of integrated, compact, and multifunctional photonic circuits is crucial to increase the capacity of all-optical signal processing for communications, data management or microsystems. Plasmonics brings compactness to numerous photonic functions, but its integration into circuits in not straightforward due to insertion losses and poor modes matching. The purpose of this article is to detail the integration strategies of plasmonic structures on dielectric waveguides, and to show through some examples the variety and the application prospect of integrated plasmonic functions.
Quantifying Mechanical Properties of the Patella and Achilles Tendon Using Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Berrigan William , Cipriano Kevin , Easley Kirk , Mautner Ken
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Patella and achilles tendon injuries have become increasingly prevalent due to an increasingly active population. These injuries can cause significant dysfunction which is especially true for elite athletes. Standard B-Mode ultrasound has been useful in the diagnosis of these injuries, however, only to a limited extent. Shear wave elastography (SWE) can aid in evaluation by objectively measuring tissue stiffness. Prior studies have proven shear wave values can be used to evaluate tendon tissue noting differences in healthy versus pathologic tendons. One main limitation remains a lack of normative data for specific tendon tissues which we aim to address in this study; (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study of healthy volunteers aged 18-65 without lower extremity injury was evaluated using A Samsung RS85 Prestige ultrasound machine with a 14L-2 MHz transducer. Shear wave values were collected in a standardized manner for the patellar tendon at one location, as well as the achilles tendon at the midportion and insertional areas; (3) Results: Data for 54 healthy adult patellar and achilles tendons was collected bilaterally. The mean SWE average of the patellar tendon (P1-P3) for all subjects was 96.3 +/- 10.9 kPA. A higher BMI was correlated with a decrease in patella tendon kPA and the mean PT1 was higher for males compared to females (adjusted mean 96.4 kPA for males and 88.5 kPA for females, mean difference = 7.9 kPA; P = 0.009). The mean SWE average of the insertional Achilles (AT1-AT3) for all subjects was 101.7 +/-16.2 kPA and for the midportion achilles (MTP1-MTP5) was 145.6 +/- 18.8 kPA. There was a decrease in kPA for insertional Achilles measurements in those with a higher BMI, but this did not reach statistical significance (p=.12); (4) Conclusion: This study provides normative SWE values for the patella and achilles tendon using the Samsung RS85. These values can be used for comparison to pathological tissue by means of the same examination protocol to better understand tendon degeneration. Further studies are warranted as to how SWE can be applied to the diagnosis of tendinopathy, partial and full-thickness tears, and response to treatment.
The Gárdos Channel and Piezo1 Revisited: Comparison between Reticulocytes and Mature Red Blood Cells
Authors: Petkova-Kirova Polina , Murciano Nicoletta , Jansen Julia , Simionato Greta , Iacono Giulia , Rotordam Maria Giustina , John Thomas , Qiao Min , Hertz Laura , Hoogendijk Arjan J. , Becker Nadine , Wagner Christian , Lindern Marieke von , Egee Stephane , Van den Akker Emile , Kaestner Lars
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: The Gárdos channel (KCNN4) and Piezo1 are the best-known ion channels in the red blood cell (RBC) membrane. Nevertheless, the quantitative electrophysiological behavior of RBCs and its heterogeneity are still not completely understood.; (2) Methods: Here we use state-of-the-art biochemical methods to probe for the abundance of the channels in RBCs. Furthermore, we utilize automated patch-clamp, based on planar chips, to compare the activity of the two channels in reticulocytes and mature RBCs. Besides this characterization, we performed membrane potential measurements to demonstrate the effect of channel activity and interplay on the RBC properties.; (3) Results: Both, Gárdos channel and Piezo1, albeit their average copy number of activatable channels per cell is in the single digit range, can be detected by transcriptome analysis of reticulocytes. Proteomics analysis of RBCs could only detect Piezo1 but not the Gárdos channel. Furthermore, they can be reliably measured in the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp method. While for the Gárdos channel the activity is higher in reticulocytes compared to mature RBCs, for Piezo1 the tendency is the opposite. While the interplay between Piezo1 and Gárdos channel cannot be followed using the patch-clamp measurements, it could be proved based on membrane potential measurements in populations of intact RBCs.; (4) Conclusions: We discuss the Gárdos channel and Piezo1 abundance, interdependencies and interactions in the context of their proposed physiological and pathophysiological functions, which are the passing of small constrictions, e.g., in the spleen, and their active participation in blood clot formation and thrombosis.
Tantalum Oxide Thin Films Sputter-Deposited by Oxygen Gas Pulsing
Authors: Martin Nicolas , Jean-Marc Cote , Joseph Gavoille , Valerie Potin
Published: October 2023

Tantalum oxide thin films are deposited by DC reactive magnetron sputtering from a tantalum metallic target and oxygen as reactive gas. The reactive gas pulsing process (RGPP) is implemented to produce TaOx compounds with tunable chemical compositions. The argon mass flow rate is maintained constant whereas that of the oxygen gas is pulsed during the deposition. A constant pulsing period T = 10 s is used and the introduction time of the oxygen gas, namely the tON injection time, is systematically changed from 0 to 100 % of the pulsing period T. As the tON injection time increases, the chemical composition of as-deposited TaOx films is continuously changed from pure metallic tantalum to the over-stoichiometric Ta2O5 material. Analysis of the crystallographic structure by X-ray diffraction shows that the films adopt the body-centered cubic structure (metallic Ta) for the lowest tON injection time values (oxygen stoichiometry x < 1.0) and become amorphous for the longest tON injection times. It is shown that the tON injection time is a key parameter to produce either homogeneous tantalum oxides, or periodic Ta/TaOx multilayers with alternations close to 3 nm. Similarly, optical transmittance spectra of the film/glass substrate system are recorded in the visible region and the electrical conductivity of the films is measured vs. temperature. Both exhibit a gradual evolution from metallic (300K = 8.17105 S m-1 with a null optical transmittance in the visible range) to semi-conducting (300K = 1.97103 S m-1 with a semi-transparent behavior) and finally to dielectric properties (300K < 10-5 S m-1 for interferential films) as a function of the oxygen concentration in the films.
A Comparison Study on Toughening Vinyl Ester Resins Using Different Nanocarbon Materials
Authors: Yang Ruirui , Wang Yating , Ran Xiaolu , Liu Wanshuang
Published: October 2023

This study aims to comprehensively compare and evaluate the toughening effects of different nanocarbon materials on vinyl ester resin composites. The incorporation of nanocarbon materials has gained significant attention due to their potential to enhance the mechanical properties of polymers. In this research, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were chosen as nanocarbon additives. The mechanical properties, including tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength, were systematically investigated and compared for each nanocomposite. Additionally, microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the dispersion of nanocarbon materials within the vinyl ester matrix. The results indicated that all three nanocarbon materials contributed to the toughening of the vinyl ester resin, with varying degrees of improvement in mechanical properties. This study provides valuable insights into the selection of nanocarbon additives for enhancing the toughness of vinyl ester resin and offers guidance for designing advanced polymer composites.
The Contribution of Tourism to Sustainable Rural Development in Peripheral Mining Spaces. The Riotinto Mining Basin (Andalusia, Spain)
Authors: Bahamonde-Rodríguez María , Šadeikaitė Giedrė , García-Delgado Francisco Javier
Published: October 2023

The crisis of mining-industrial activities in Western Europe since the middle of the 20th century caused the cessation of mining, triggering a structural crisis. It is necessary to look for alternatives, among which tourist activities based on mining heritage stand out. However, there are unattractive peripheral spaces in which new activities encounter obstacles to their development, facing the post-industrial and rural crises. The Riotinto Mining Basin (Huelva, Andalusia) represents an example of such spaces with an enormous cultural heritage. A central agent, the Río Tinto Foundation, has opted to enhance tourism value, while the mine has recently been reactivated. The objective of this research is to analyze the contribution of mining tourism to sustainable rural development. The methodology applied has been mixed based on conducting interviews and analyzing secondary data. The results are (a) achievement of the tourism value of the mining heritage; (b) difficulties for tourism to overcome its peripheral condition; (c) relative contribution of tourism to the improvement of the territorial image; (d) lack of coordination among stakeholders; (e) limited contribution of tourism to sustainable rural development, moving to a secondary economic role after the reopening of the mine.
Prophylactic Coloprotective Effect ofUrtica Dioica Leaves against Dextran Sulfate Sodium-(DSS) Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rat
Authors: Dakhli Nouha , Rtibi Kais , Arrari Fatma , Ayari Ala , Sebai Hichem
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives:Urticadioica, a source of bioactive functional compounds, provides nutritional and gastrointestinal therapeutic benefits.The recent study attempted to investigate the prophylactic coloprotective action of aqueous extract of Urticadioica (AEUD) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Materials and Methods: Phenolic compounds, total sugar, and mineral levels were determined in AEUD. Then, AEUD at different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, BW, p.o.) and Mesalazine (MESA), as a standard treatment (100 mg/kg, BW, p.o.), were given orally for 21 days. Acute colitis was induced by administering drinking water with 5% (w/v) DSS for 7 days. Body weight variation, fecal occult blood, and stool consistency were determined daily. The severity of colitis was graded by colon length, disease activity index (DAI), histological evaluations, and biochemical alterations. Rats orally administered with DSS regularly developed clinical and macroscopic signs of colitis.Results: Due to its richness in phenolic and flavonoid compounds (247.65±2.69 mg EAG/g MS and 34.08±0.53 mg EQt/g MS, respectively),AEUD markedly ameliorated DAI, ulcer scores, colon length shortening, colonic histopathological changes, and hematological and biochemical modifications. Taken together, AEUD-treatment suppressed notably (p< .01) DSS-induced UC by reducing oxidative stress via lowering MDA/H2O2 generation and stimulating effect of enzyme antioxidants as well as attenuating inflammation by decreasing CRP levels by 79.5% between DSS and DSS+AEUD-50 groups compared to MESA-group (75.6%).Conclusions: AEUD was sufficient to exert its coloprotectiveeffect which might be influenced by its bioactive compounds’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities.
The Expansion of House Mouse Major Urinary Protein Genes Probably Did Not Facilitate Commensalism with Humans
Authors: Macholán Miloš , Daniszová Kristina , Hiadlovská Zuzana
Published: October 2023

Mouse wild-derived strains (WDS) combine the advantages of classical laboratory stocks and wild animals, and thus appear as promising tools for diverse biomedical and evolutionary studies. We employed 18 WDS representing three non-synanthropic species (Mus spretus, M. spicilegus, and M. macedonicus) and three house mouse subspecies (M. musculus musculus, M. m. domesticus, M. m. castaneus) which are all important human commensals to explore whether the number of major urinary protein (MUP) genes and their final protein levels in the urine are correlated with the level of commensalism. Contrary to expectations, MUP copy number (CN) and protein excretion in the strains derived from M. m. castaneus, which is supposed to be the strongest commensal, were not significantly different from the non-commensal species. Regardless of an overall tendency for higher MUP amounts in taxa with higher CN, there is no significant correlation at the strain level. Our study thus suggests that the expansion of the Mup cluster, which appeared before the house mouse diversification, is unlikely to facilitate commensalism with humans in the three house mouse subspecies. Finally, we found considerable variation among con(sub)specific WDS, warning against generalisations of results based on a few strains.