bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Molecular Interaction and Physical Anchoring Effect to Achieve Ultra-High Adhesion Electroless Copper Plating on Glass Substrates
Authors: Yang Pei-Qing , Wu Yi-Ting , Wei Tzu-Chien
Published: February 2025

High-adhesion metallization on glass substrates has consistently been one of the technical challenges in using glass as the substrate in high-performance integrated circuit (IC) carriers. To improve the adhesion of electroless copper layers on glass substrates, this study developed a nano-palladium catalyst capped with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as a self-adsorbing activator for electroless copper deposition, paired with a thin porous titanium dioxide (TiO2) adhesion-promoting layer. This approach successfully increases the adhesion strength of the electroless copper layer to 1392 gf/cm, significantly exceeding the practical target value of 500 gf/cm. Experimental and analytical results confirm that the high adhesion is due to the formation of Si-O-Ti bonds between APTES-Pd and TiO2, allowing the electroless copper to firmly deposit on the TiO2. Additionally, the porous TiO2 layer provided extra physical anchoring, further enhancing the adhesion.
A domesticidade como paradigma: o espaço doméstico e a construção das narrativas sobre a mulher na história da arquitetura nos EUA
Authors: Belarmino Camila
Published: February 2025

Históricamente la dimensión de lo doméstico es un ejercicio que nos permite comprender cómo la domesticidad personificaba a la mujer más allá de actuar en casa. Es decir, la domesticidad no se disocia de la figura femenina al realizar actividades distintas a las “en casa”. Así, se pretende analizar cómo la domesticidad configura las actividades que realizan las mujeres en la arquitectura y el urbanismo a través de la historiografía estadounidense y argumenta que su implantación en la zona funciona como una vía para paliar las tensiones generadas por la expansión del propio sistema capitalista. Se seleccionaron cinco producciones historiográficas consideradas seminales y ampliamente referenciadas en trabajos sobre el tema en Brasil y en el exterior.
Two new species of Guimaraesiella Eichler, 1949 (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Philopteridae) from Tristan da Cunha finches
Authors: GUSTAFSSON DANIEL R. , BUSH SARAH E.
Published: February 2025

We describe Guimaraesiella (Guimaraesiella) inaccessibilis sp. nov. from the Inaccessible Island finch, Nesospiza acunhae Cabanis, 1873 (Passeriformes: Thraupidae), and Guimaraesiella (Guimaraesiella) aedon sp. nov. from the Nightingale Island finch, Nesospiza questi Lowe, 1923. Considering that the conservation status of both host species is “vulnerable”, it can be assumed that G. (G.) inaccessibilis and G. (G.) aedon are also vulnerable.
Overestimation of Internal Consistency by Coefficient Omega in Data Giving Rise to a Centroid-Like Factor Solution
Authors: Schweizer Karl , Wang Tengfei , Ren Xuezhu
Published: February 2025

Coefficient Omega measuring internal consistency is investigated for its deviations from expected outcomes when applied to correlational patterns that produce variable-focused factor solutions in confirmatory factor analysis. In these solutions, the factor loadings on the factor of the one-factor measurement model closely correspond to the correlations of one manifest variable with the other manifest variables, as is in centroid solutions. It is demonstrated that in such a situation, a heterogeneous correlational pattern leads to an Omega estimate larger than those for similarly heterogeneous and uniform patterns. A simulation study reveals that these deviations are restricted to datasets including small numbers of manifest variables and that the degree of heterogeneity determines the degree of deviation. We propose a method for identifying variable-focused factor solutions and how to deal with deviations.
Increased Leap Performance With No Change to Knee-Drop Landing Kinetics, Following a Verbal Cueing Intervention
Authors: Flanagan Laura , Quin Edel , Smith Neal
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Knee-drop landings following a dance leap are often used in contemporary dance choreography, but there is limited research into the biomechanical demands of these types of landing. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a verbal cueing intervention on the performance and kinetics of a common knee-drop landing in contemporary trained dance students. Method: Pre-vocational dance students participated in this study (n = 8). A quasi-experimental research design was followed to collect kinematic and kinetic data using 3D motion capture and force plates following the take-off and during a knee-drop landing of a contemporary dance style leap pre and post a verbal cueing intervention. Performance variables analysed were jump height and flight time, while kinetic variables included vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs) and loading rates. Results: A statistically significant increase in jump height and flight time was found post intervention; There was no significant difference between pre and post intervention for peak vGRFs at foot or knee impact or loading rate of the whole landing phase. Conclusion: The verbal cueing intervention was successful in increasing flight time and jump height, indicating optimised performance. The lack of significant difference in peak vGRFs and loading rate in the landing phase implies that the intervention did not have a detrimental effect on musculoskeletal loading. These findings demonstrate the positive influence of a verbal cue which focusses on increasing flight time and opposing the landing for enhancing the execution of a dance leap without negatively affecting the forces being experienced in the knee-drop landing that followed. However, it should be noted that the small sample size and lack of a control group in this study may limit the reliability of findings and mean that the generalizability of these findings should interpreted with caution.
An inspector calls! School leaders’ perceptions of inspection in Wales
Authors: Evans Gareth
Published: February 2025

Accountability in education takes many forms. One of the most prominent in the Welsh context is school inspection, which is considered an important measure of school performance and a way of holding schools accountable for the public money they receive. However, inspections are not accepted as adding value to the system without exception, and much has been written internationally about the negative impact of inspection on teachers and leaders. This small-scale study was interested in better understanding the perception of school leaders, as those with ultimate responsibility for the direction and performance of schools, based on their experience of the inspection process in Wales. It used a series of in-depth, semi-structured interviews to explore school leaders’ feelings about and responses to inspection, using Foucauldian insights on power and discourse as a frame. Findings from the study suggest that the conduct of inspectors was more of a concern to participants than the judgements they awarded. While school leaders accepted inspection was a necessary process linked to the need to build and maintain public confidence, they were in broad agreement that the inspectors themselves did not communicate appropriately with school staff, were too authoritarian, and were at times disrespectful.
EXPRESS: Contextual effects on prospective person memory
Authors: Juncu Stefana , Fitzgerald Ryan , Blank Hartmut , Ost James
Published: February 2025

To assist with missing person investigations, the public may be on the lookout during their everyday activities and alert the authorities if the person is encountered. In this Registered Report, participants encoded posters that included an image of a target person along with relevant, irrelevant, or no contextual information about that person. After viewing a poster, participants watched a video that included either the target or a plausible nontarget, using a new experimental paradigm that kept all other conditions of the encounter constant. Previous findings suggest contextual information could affect prospective person memory in several ways. If contextual cues are relevant, they could direct attention to targets and plausible nontargets without improving face recognition and hence have no effect on discriminability (sighting bias hypothesis). Alternatively, any contextual information at encoding (relevant or irrelevant) could encourage deeper processing of each target’s identity and improve sighting discriminability (elaborative encoding hypothesis). A third possibility is that associating a target with relevant contextual information improves both face recognition and attention, resulting in greater sighting discrimination compared with irrelevant or no contextual information (context matching hypothesis). We tested 396 participants and found that associating target faces with contextual information had no effect on discriminating between targets and plausible nontargets. The context manipulation also had no effect on response bias. Our findings suggest that the previously reported recognition advantage might depend on the kind of contextual information at encoding, on how targets are encountered during testing, as well as on the type of recognition task.
The Impact of Cervical Laminoplasty and Cervical Foraminotomy on Axial Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Andrew H. , Avendano John P. , Greenberg Marc , Pathiravasan Chathurangi H. , Skolasky Richard L. , Gupta Mihir , Lee Sang Hun
Published: February 2025

Study Design

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives

We analyzed patient-reported outcomes (PROs) focused on axial neck pain following cervical laminoplasty (CL) and foraminotomy (CF) for symptomatic cervical spondylosis to determine whether motion-preserving procedures targeting compressive radiculopathy/myelopathy also provide relief of axial neck pain and to investigate risk factors for persistent postoperative axial neck pain.

Methods

The PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for articles published from 2014 to 2023 describing pain-related outcomes following CL and CF. Data regarding PROs, reoperation rates, and risk factors for postoperative axial neck pain were also collected.

Results

Thirty studies met inclusion criteria for analysis. There were 2499 cases (2129 CL and 370 CF) with mean ages of 63.2 and 59.3 years for CL and CF, respectively. CL patients had improved mean postoperative visual analogue scale and neck disability index (NDI) scores compared to preoperative values, with mean differences of −1.97 (CI -2.52, −1.42; P < 0.0001) and −12.27 (CI −15.01, −9.54; P < 0.0001), respectively. CF patients had improved mean postoperative NDI scores compared to preoperative values, with mean difference of −15.15 (CI −23.79, −6.50; P = 0.0064). Presence of anterolisthesis, loss of cervical muscle volume, diabetes, age, and regional malalignment are independent predictors of postoperative axial neck pain.

Conclusions

Motion-sparing cervical decompressive surgery performed for compressive radiculopathy or myelopathy can also provide significant relief of axial neck pain, suggesting that preoperative axial neck pain is not an absolute contraindication to non-fusion decompressive surgery for degenerative cervical pathologies.
Do Remittances Mitigate Income Disparity in China and India? Evidence from Structural Break Regression Models
Authors: P Sakthivel , Kumarasamy Durairaj , A Vamsi Krushna
Published: February 2025

Over the last few decades, India and China have received significant remittances from abroad. However, there is no clear evidence that these remittances positively or negatively impact income distribution. Therefore, this study explores the role of remittances in income inequality in China and India. This study also investigates the factors determining income inequality in two major emerging market economies. Using annual data from 1982 to 2021, this study applies structural break regression models for empirical investigation. The result reveals that remittances positively impacted income inequality until the early 2000s but are statistically insignificant. However, remittances have had a reducing effect on inequalities in recent years for both economies. The results also show that financial development, per capita income and the internationalisation of trade positively contribute to inequality in both countries. In contrast, FDI reduces inequality in China and increases in India. Given the varying impact of remittances on income inequality, this study offers several policy implications for China and India.

JEl Classification: E22, E25, F21, F43
Tobacco and household expenditure in Egypt: insights into socioeconomic inequalities and spending profiles from the Household Income, Expenditure and Consumption Survey
Authors: Mostafa Aya , Hussein Rasha Saad
Published: February 2025

Background

Tobacco use deepens poverty. Egypt, a lower-middle income country, is one of the few countries worldwide where tobacco use is rising. However, no published study examined the adverse impacts of tobacco on the Egyptian household welfare, specifically after the first Egyptian Pound (EGP) devaluation by 80% in 2016. To address this gap and inform tobacco taxation policymaking, we aimed to provide evidence characterizing national household tobacco expenditure in Egypt.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2017/2018 Household Income, Expenditure and Consumption Survey, focusing on the most used tobacco products in Egypt: cigarette and waterpipe tobacco. We identified the proportion and background characteristics of cigarette and waterpipe tobacco smoker households. We calculated household tobacco expenditure share as a proportion of total household expenditure. We compared mean household expenditure shares of 12 expenditure groups among smoker and nonsmoker households and examined the differences by income quintiles. We determined the factors associated with household tobacco expenditure. Descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable analyses were performed.

Results

Cigarette and waterpipe tobacco smokers were present in 41.1% and 7.0% of 12,845 households, respectively. Annual household expenditure on cigarettes (10.7%) was triple that of waterpipe tobacco (3.4%) (p < 0.001). Smoker households spent less than nonsmoker households on virtually all expenditure groups (p < 0.001). The poorest income quintile spent 11.1% of its total expenditure on tobacco (1.26 times higher than the richest, p = 0.006). More waterpipe tobacco than cigarette smoker households lived below the poverty line (40.6% versus 24.4%, p < 0.001). Cigarette smoker households spent less on food and housing but more on tobacco than waterpipe tobacco smoker households. The poorest cigarette and waterpipe tobacco smoker households spent 7.0-9.7 times as much on tobacco as on education. Common independent factors associated with higher household expenditure on cigarettes and waterpipe tobacco were urban residence (p = 0.011 and p = 0.015, respectively), and lower income (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In 2017/2018, one-tenth of Egyptian smoker household’s expenditure was allocated to tobacco, disproportionately concentrated among the poorest. Our results preliminarily indicate that tobacco expenditure is associated with potential compromises of varying extent in almost all other expenditures in smoker households. This baseline profiling of household tobacco expenditure can potentially inform an evidence-based tobacco taxation policy, supporting the reduction of tobacco-associated socioeconomic inequalities.
Prevalence of malaria and associated factors among febrile cases attending in Soyama Health Centre, Burji Special Woreda, Southern Ethiopia: a retrospective and an institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tseha Sintayhu Tsegaye , Keshere Dawit , Aberar Temam
Published: February 2025

Background

Burji special Woreda is one of the malaria endemic areas in Southern Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria and associated factors among febrile cases in Burji special Woreda.

Methods

Institutional based cross-sectional study conducted from November 2022 to January 2023. The trend of malaria prevalence was determined based on five years malaria retrospective data (2018–2022). Blood samples were collected from 317 suspected febrile cases to determine the prevalence of malaria in the study area. Thin and thick blood smears were prepared, stained with 10% Giemsa and examined under light microscope. The data on socio-demographic and other determinant factors were collected by interviewers administered pre-tested questionnaire for suspected febrile cases. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done using SPSS software version 20.

Results

Among febrile cases, 22.4% (71/317) were positive for malaria. Being male (P-value = 0.026), living in grass thatched house (P-value = 0.044), availability of mosquito breeding site around residents (p-value = 0.044) and not providing IRS regularly (p-value = 0.008) were significantly associated with Plasmodium infection. Based on five years retrospective data (2018–2022), the prevalence of malaria was 27.2% in the study area. The prevalence of malaria showed fluctuating trend between 2018 and 2022 in the study area. Malaria is still prevalent in Burji special Woreda and remains the major public health problems in study area. Interventions against malaria have to be strengthened in order to reduce the burden of malaria in Burji Special Woreda. Furthermore, continuous research on the magnitude of malaria and its associated factors is needed to eliminate the disease from the study area.
Predicting lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma: radiomics using two types of ultrasound elastography
Authors: Zhang Xian-Ya , Zhang Di , Zhou Wang , Wang Zhi-Yuan , Zhang Chao-Xue , Li Jin , Wang Liang , Cui Xin-Wu
Published: February 2025

Background

To develop a model based on intra- and peritumoral radiomics features derived from B-mode ultrasound (BMUS), strain elastography (SE), and shear wave elastography (SWE) for cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) prediction in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and to determine the optimal peritumoral size.

Methods

PTC Patients were enrolled from two medical centers. Radiomics features were extracted from intratumoral and four peritumoral regions with widths of 0.5–2.0 mm on tri-modality ultrasound (US) images. Boruta algorithm and XGBoost classifier were used for features selection and radiomics signature (RS) construction, respectively. A hybrid model combining the optimal RS with the highest AUC and clinical characteristics as well as a clinical model were built via multivariate logistic regression analysis. The performance of the established models was evaluated by discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. DeLong’s test was used for performance comparison. The diagnostic augmentation of two radiologists with hybrid model’s assistance was also evaluated.

Results

A total of 660 patients (mean age, 41 years ± 12 [SD]; 506 women) were divided into training, internal test and external test cohorts. The multi-modality RS1.0 mm yielded the optimal AUCs of 0.862, 0.798 and 0.789 across the three cohorts, outperforming other single-modality RSs and intratumoral RS. The AUCs of the hybrid model integrating multi-modality RS1.0 mm, age, gender, tumor size and microcalcification were 0.883, 0.873 and 0.841, respectively, which were significantly superior to other RSs and clinical model (all p < 0.05). The hybrid model assisted to significantly improve the sensitivities of junior and senior radiologists by 19.7% and 18.3%, respectively (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The intra-peritumoral radiomics model based on tri-modality US imaging holds promise for improving risk stratification and guiding treatment strategies in PTC.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered.
Comparative oncology in action: vignettes on immunotherapy development
Authors: LeBlanc Amy , Mazcko Christina N. , Mason Nicola J. , Chambers M. Renee , Brockington David M. , Pluhar G. Elizabeth , Naik Shruthi
Published: February 2025

Immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment have gained significant traction in recent years, due in large part to the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors and T cell-based therapies. Comparative oncology is the study of naturally-occurring cancer in companion (pet) animals, mainly dogs, and is a powerful tool in cancer research and drug development. Given their intact, educated immune systems and natural co-evolution of tumor, microenvironment and stromal components, tumor-bearing pet dogs are an attractive species in which to explore these cellular interactions and test novel therapeutic approaches. Moreover, similarities between the canine and human immune systems support assessment of a wide variety of approaches, including antagonistic or agonistic antibodies directed at specific cellular targets, tumor vaccines, cell-based therapies, and combinations of these with conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This manuscript provides specific examples of how canine immunotherapeutic studies informed an approach destined for human use, with an emphasis on study design, correlative immune assay development and application, and definition of biologic effect.
The PAZ domain of Aedes aegypti Dicer 2 is critical for accurate and high-fidelity size determination of virus-derived small interfering RNAs.
Authors: Reuter Melinda , Parry Rhys H. , McDonald Melanie , Gestuveo Rommel J. , Arif Rozeena , Khromykh Alexander A. , Brennan Benjamin , Varjak Margus , Castello Alfredo , Redecke Lars , Schnettler Esther , Kohl Alain
Published: February 2025

The exogenous siRNA (exo-siRNA) pathway is a critical RNA interference response involved in controlling arbovirus replication in mosquito cells. It is initiated by the detection of viral long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) by the RNase III enzyme Dicer 2 (Dcr2), which is processed into predominantly 21 nucleotide (nt) virus-derived small interfering RNAs, or vsiRNAs that are taken up by the Argonaute 2 (Ago2) protein to target viral single-stranded RNAs. The detailed understanding of Dicer structure, function and domains owes much to studies outside the context of viral infection and studies in model organisms, and as such how Dcr2 domains contribute to detecting viral dsRNA to mount antiviral responses in infected mosquito cells remains less well understood. Here, we used a Dcr2 reconstitution system in Aedes aegypti derived Dcr2 KO cells to assess the contribution of the PAZ domain to induction of the exo-siRNA pathway following infection with Semliki Forest virus (SFV; Togaviridae, Alphavirus). Amino acids critical for PAZ activity were identified, and loss of PAZ function affected the production of 21 nt vsiRNAs -with enrichment of 22 nt SFV-derived small RNAs observed- and silencing activity. This study establishes PAZ domain’s functional contribution to Dcr2 processing of viral dsRNA to 21 nt vsiRNAs.
Combined exosome of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell and hyaluronic acid delays early osteoarthritis progression of ovine sheep model: Clinical, radiographic, macroscopic and microscopic evaluation
Authors: Powantia Pontoh Ludwig Andribert , Fiolin Jessica , Dilogo Ismail Hadisoebroto , Prasetyo Marcel , Antarianto Radiana Dhewayani , Harahap Alida , Tantry Angela Jennifer , Pakasi Trevino Aristakus , Priosoeryanto Bambang Pontjo , Dewi Tri Isyani Tungga
Published: February 2025

Background Current treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) mainly focused on treating symptoms. Exosome from Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell (Ad-MSC) have been shown to delay degenerative process. This study aimed to investigate the clinical, radiological and histological impact of combined intra-articular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) and exosome Ad-MSCs in-vivo using a larger animal model with low-grade OA. Methods Eighteen male Ovies aries sheep underwent total lateral meniscectomy and conventional radiography was performed to confirm low-grade OA after 6 weeks. The sheep were divided into three groups, Group 1 (G1; n=6) received thrice exosome injections, G2 (n=6) received twice HA injection, and G3 (n=6) received both treatments with a 1-week interval after 10 days of meniscectomy. Clinical evaluations were conducted using the Clinical Lameness Score (CLS), radiographic with X-ray using OA score by Innes et al, while macroscopic evaluation by Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores. Results Lameness parameter scored lowest in G3 significantly (2.0±0.0 VS 2.7±0.52 VS 2.7±0.52; p=0.024) at the second month although the overall CLS score did not significantly differ at the 3rd month. The best improvement of conventional total OA radiographic score at the 3rd month compared to all groups (5.2±1.17 vs 6.3±0.82 vs 6.7±1.03; p=0.053). Macroscopic OARSI evaluation showed no difference (p=0.711). Conclusions Combined repeated exosome Ad-MSC and HA IA injection proven to delay OA progression, however longer duration of follow up is required to evaluate its long-term effect.
Kryzys na granicy polsko-białoruskiej a prawa człowieka
Authors: Adamczyk Anita
Published: February 2025

CRISIS ON THE POLISH-BELARUSIAN BORDER AND HUMAN RIGHTS
The purpose of this article is an attempt to analyze the activity of the Polish state in the context of respect for human rights on the Polish-Belarusian border in the period of the migration crisis, which began in mid-2021. The article puts forward the thesis that migrants on the Polish-Belarusian border were, “stripped of their rights” and depended, among other things, on the decisions of the Polish government, which did not want to accept them on its territory. The article is divided into three parts, the first of which deals with the issue of human rights in emergency situations. In the next, an attempt is made to show the validity of the positions of H. Arendt and G. Agamben, proclaiming that human rights are granted to an individual not by being a de facto human being, but a citizen of a state. The last part of the article presents the actions of the Polish authorities and Border Guard officers testifying to violations of human rights on the Polish-Belarusian border.
Institutional and Legal Arrangements for the Macro-prudential Supervision Activities of the Financial Stability Committee
Authors: Kraś Ireneusz
Published: February 2025

The article is devoted to the Financial Stability Committee, which bridged the institutional gap that emerged after the 2008 crisis. The purpose of the paper is to analyse its institutional and legal capacity for macro-prudential supervision. The study presents its contemporary organisation, highlighting its internal stratification and the decision-making processes. An important issue addressed in the study is the role of the NBP in the composition of the Committee. This is followed by an examination of the law-making capacities of the Financial Stability Committee (FSC), which are limited. The Committee does not have the authority to issue generally and internally applicable legislation. The final part of the article is dedicated to the Committee’s ability to influence the effective stabilisation of the financial system. It employs soft law instruments for this purpose, including positions, recommendations and opinions. In the conclusion, the author presents arguments for and against the hypothesis put forward.
Strategiczna zmiana wektorów polityki zagranicznej Pakistanu w kontekście wojny na Ukrainie
Authors: Głogowski Aleksander
Published: February 2025

STRATEGIC CHANGE IN PAKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY VECTORS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE
Dezinformacja jako zagrożenie dla demokracji i regulacje prawne w zakresie jej przeciwdziałania w Polsce i wybranych krajach europejskich
Authors: Domalewska Dorota
Published: February 2025

DISINFORMATION AS A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY – POLISH AND EUROPEAN STATES’ REGU­LATIONS FOR COUNTERACTING ITSystematically conducted disinformation campaigns, which are often carried out as a part of larger hybrid operations in cyberspace, pose a significant threat to the security of states and their democratic values. Such disinformation also helps to accelerate processes such as polarisation, verbal aggression and radicalisation, which can all contribute to democratic backsliding. The aim of this article is to examine the disinformation threat in democratic societies, in particular, mechanisms that undermine the principles constituting the pillars of democracy, such as competitive and fair elections, self-determination and free public debate. The paper goes on to discuss regulations for countering disinformation in Poland and selected European Union Member States. The analysis shows that counteracting disinformation goes beyond the solutions implemented within the framework of a nation state. The Internet effectively exceeds the territorial sovereignty of the state, which makes it difficult to regulate cyberspace in the national legal order. In addition, it is difficult to provide a legal definition of disinformation and fake news that, under the guise of protecting information, will not harm the public good, limit freedom of speech, introduce censorship or reduce media pluralism. Democratic values are therefore threatened not only by disinformation itself, but also the legislation aimed at countering it.
Roboética, neuroética e inmortalidad: desafíos del transhumanismo
Authors: Yaya-Quezada Carlos Julián , Pinto- Bustamante Boris Julián , Gómez-Córdoba Ana Isabel , Amador-Muñoz Diana Patricia , Gómez-Torres Ana María , Blanco-Cortés Ana Marcela , Trujillo-Oviedo Stefanny , Pedraza-López Natalia Andrea , Baquero-Montero Andrés Felipe
Published: February 2025

En este capítulo, se espera discutir brevemente algunos avances científicos que involucran las premisas de trans- humanismo y poshumanismo, a partir del uso de algunos ejemplos del cine y la televisión como recursos didácticos. Estos avances se incluyen en áreas como la farmacología, las ciencias reproductivas, las prótesis, las intervencio- nes genéticas, la descarga neuronal, la inmortalidad y la biopolítica. Del mismo modo, esperamos reconocer el poshumanismo no como el final del ser humano como lo conocemos, sino como una oportunidad para discutir en qué nos estamos convirtiendo en cuanto sociedades media- das por las tecnologías de la información y las relaciones entre humanos y artefactos: la inteligencia artificial (ia), los robots y la realidad virtual (rv).
Ogam, cryptography and healing charms in the nineteenth century: observations on ‘The Minchin Manuscript’
Authors: Hayden Deborah , Stifter David
Published: February 2025

Ogam is well known as a writing system invented for the Irish language and used extensively for inscriptions on stone monuments across Ireland and Britain between the late fourth and seventh centuries. Although the script has primarily been examined in the context of early medieval archaeology and epigraphy, its long afterlife as an integral part of Irish manuscript culture from the medieval to modern periods has also been acknowledged. The present contribution seeks to add to the existing scholarship on manuscript ogam by discussing the transmission of ideas about the script as a cryptic device into the nineteenth century, with a particular focus on a recently discovered notebook, National Library of Scotland (Edinburgh) Advocates’ Manuscript 50.3.11 (or ‘The Minchin Manuscript’), which consists almost entirely of healing charms written in ogam.
Experimental studies of the effect of measurement data loss on the quality of wavefront reconstruction using a Shack-Hartmann sensor in the presence of distortions from atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Bolbasova Lidia A. , Lukin Vladimir P. , Soin Egor L.
Published: February 2025

Subject of study. The distortion of an optical laser wavefront by atmospheric turbulence is studied. Aim of study. The effect of data loss due to vignetting and central obscuration in the entrance pupil of an optical system on the Shack-Hartmann sensor reconstruction of a horizontally propagating laser wavefront distorted by atmospheric turbulence is experimentally determined. Method. Experimental studies were performed by studying the propagation of laser radiation along a horizontal atmospheric path with various vignetting and central obscuration ratios. The results were analyzed using Zernike polynomials. Main results. We describe the experimental results for the Shack-Hartmann sensor reconstruction of a horizontally propagating laser wavefront distorted by atmospheric turbulence, where the entrance pupil of the optical system was affected by vignetting and central obscuration. We show that central obscuration has no significant effect on wavefront reconstruction; however, artificially low spherical aberration values may require modification of the adaptive correction algorithm in the adaptive optics system. Coma aberration values will be artificially high in the presence of vignetting. Practical significance. Wavefront sensors are a key component in adaptive optics systems, and the measurements provided by such sensors affect the final result for correction of the optical wavefront distortions. The research results obtained herein will be important in the development of adaptive optics systems for atmospheric transmission and focusing of laser light passing through the atmosphere.
FOG EDGE COMPUTING: Enhancing Performance and Efficiency with the GRB Method
Authors: Prabhakaran Sushil Prabhu
Published: February 2025

Abstract: The emerging paradigm of fog edge computing brings the capabilities of the cloud closer to the edge of the network, effectively addressing
the requirements for real-time data processing and low-latency applications. By deploying computational resources and services at the network’s edge,
fog edge computing ensures faster data processing, reduced latency, and enhanced performance for time-sensitive applications, making it well-suited
for various use cases where instantaneous responses and efficient data handling are essential. Highlighting the significance of fog edge computing in
addressing the limitations of traditional cloud models concerning latency and bandwidth constraints. It emphasizes the growing importance of this
paradigm in catering to the proliferation of connected devices and data-driven applications. The advantages of fog computing, such as reduced latency
and bandwidth optimization, are briefly outlined, setting the context for the paper’s focus on performance improvement. IoT systems in healthcare can
be supported by fog computing.
Methodology: In the abstract, the state-of-the-art GRB method for resource allocation in fog edge computing environments is presented. A brief
explanation of the GRB method’s functioning and principles is provided, emphasizing its ability to optimize resource allocation for enhanced system
performance and efficiency. The significance of the GRB method as an innovative approach for resource allocation is reiterated, underscoring its
potential to accelerate the adoption and advancement of fog edge computing in diverse application domains.
Research Significance: In this study, the GRB (Group Resource Allocation with Binary Particle Swarm Optimization) method is presented as an
innovative approach aimed at enhancing the performance and efficiency of fog edge computing. In this paper, we propose a novel framework for
identifying and monitoring type-2 diabetes patients that are based on IoT and computer-supported diagnostics. The suggested healthcare system seeks
to improve diagnosis accuracy using enigmatic data. The total experimental findings show that our suggested algorithms are valid and reliable. IoT
systems in healthcare can be supported by fog computing. Fog-supported system architecture, for instance, provides the potential to address current
issues. Such as adaptability, scalability, energy awareness, and reliability in healthcare systems. Healthcare apps that can use fog computing between the
cloud and end devices should place a strong emphasis on security and privacy.
Result: Selection of the patients according to the symptoms, after getting the accuracy of diagnosis with mysterious data, in the six patients with the
evaluation parameters as the symptoms of the patients the first rank can get by patient 2 and the last would be the last rank.
Violent Conflict and Resilient Urban Spaces in the Global South: Learning from Community Peacebuilding in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Ojewale Oluwole Samuel
Published: February 2025

This study is conceived within a theoretical framework that seeks to rationalise the linkages between space, peacebuilding and urban resilience. The paper responds to the research question: How do city residents build urban resilience and prevent violent conflict? The study obtained primary data by fusing both qualitative and quantitative research methods through household data collection and the Geographic Information System (GIS). The study notes indigenous conflict management, the traditional justice system and community policing, civic education, non-governmental interventions, and political and economic measures as factors of urban resilience to violent conflict. The study concludes that collaboration becomes effective when initiatives are designed at the community level with ties to specific government agencies for additional support, expertise and an enabling environment.
Reversed phase LC-MS analysis of organic acids involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle v1
Authors: Wang George , Kakumanu Ramu , Amer Bashar , akyuz turumtay emine
Published: February 2025

Organic acids of primary metabolism are essential for energy metabolism. They can range from formate (C1), glyoxylate (C2), to citrate (C6), or greater. While reversed phase (RP) C18 chromatography may not be the ideal separation technique for these acids, due to their polar nature, the use of mixed-mode polar RP stationary phases can provide retention through hydrogen bonding and other polar interactions. To this end, we have developed a RP-QTOF-MS method (via the Sulpeco Ascentis Express RP-Amide column) capable of separating, detecting, and quantifying organic acids involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA).
Investments, liquidity of shares and quality of management
Authors: Lutsenko S. I.
Published: February 2025

The author examines the complex relationship between stock liquidity, financial flexibility, management quality and investments of Russian public companies. The cost and volume of fixed assets affect the size of an organisation’s assets, which, in turn, determines the share price. The share price is an objective indicator of the financial position of the company. The quality of management allows you to assess the company’s ability to attract investments. The liquidity of shares has a causal relationship with investments. Financial flexibility affects management's ability to adjust the capital structure in order to attract additional capital investments. In addition, financial flexibility allows the company to respond quckly to investor proposals in the face of restrictive (sanction) measures. The management of Russian companies affects not only the share price (risk adjustment), but also the investment opportunities. The author identifies criteria for management integrity in the implementation of investments. Information asymmetry affects the financial policy of the company. Investment opportunities are favourable under a balanced financial policy and in the presence of high quality property collateral. Companies with a high level of property security have the necessary debt capacity, i.e. the ability to meet their obligations to creditors in a timely manner. Assets determine not only the share price, but also the financial position and investment attractiveness of a commercial organisation. Property security is an important factor in deciding on the choice of funding source, taking into account its price (adverse selection problem). The author presents the evaluation results using a dynamic panel data model (the Arellano-Bond – the generalised method of moments). The model allows us to solve the problem of endogeneity – the correlation of explanatory variables with an error in the regression.
Evaluating the Impact of Liquidity and Solvency on Profitability: An Empirical Study
Authors: Neogy Taposh Kumar , Hossain Md. Solaiman , Rahman Md. Obaidur
Published: February 2025

The study aims to assess how solvency and liquidity affect profitability. Five conventional PCBs were used as a sample in the investigation using the judgmental sampling technique. This study is considered a five-year study period spanning from 2015 to 2019. Annual reports of sample banks and other pertinent sources have been consulted in collecting and utilizing secondary data. The study used multiple regression analysis to examine how various liquidity and solvency indicators affect profitability characteristics. The findings indicate that cash ratio, CAR, DER, and DAR do not significantly affect ROA, whereas CR and WCR do. Conversely, although CR, CAR, and DER significantly impact EPS, cash ratio, WCR, and DAR have no considerable effect on EPS.
Deposit Insurance system as an Element of Civil society Activity
Authors:   Saratov State University, Voronov A.A.
Published: February 2025

The article analyses the role of private deposit insurance as a social
phenomenon within the framework of civil society in modern Russia.
The emergence of deposit insurance system in Russia at the turn of
the 21st century is retraced as well as its special features compared to
those of other countries.
KPRF’s strategy and tactics in Election Cycles in Modern Russia
Authors:   Saratov State University, Suslov Yu.P.
Published: February 2025

In the article different problems are examined about the strategy and
tactics one the leading opposition parties in modern Russia – Communist Party – during preparation and holding of election companies
of the Russian Federation President, Elections in the State Duma,
elections in representative (legislative regional institutions). Analysis
on the base of documents and sources of congresses of CPRF, congresses of UKP-CPSU, plenums of CC showed different creative approach on holding of that work in complicated conditions, in spite of
serious difficulties concerning with objective and subjective motives.
Finally, author makes a conclusion that CPRF remains the second political party in political space of modern Russia.
Military Migration as a Social Consequence of War. On the Example of the Hvizdets-Obertyn Campaign of 1531
Authors: Bołdyrew Aleksander , Łopatecki Karol
Published: February 2025

Since the end of the Middle Ages, most of the wars fought by the Jagiellons were fought by enlisted soldiers, while every year they served in the permanent defence system (Polish: obrona potoczna) in the Ruthenian lands. As a result, several thousands, tens of thousands, and sometimes even tens of thousands of men left their place of residence and moved to another area, sometimes hundreds of kilometres away. As their destination was most often the Ruthenian lands, and the largest percentage of recruits with a known territorial affiliation came from Lesser Poland, it can be assumed that the distance oscillated, on average, around 290 km (in a straight line from Kraków to Lviv) and another 225–250 km from Lviv (the traditional place of concentration of troops) to the region of Kamianets-Podilskyi or Medzhybizh, i.e. to the area of fairly frequent military operations.
Thus, the question arises, to what extent the phenomenon of the migration of soldiers (permanent or temporary) is perceptible in the source material? Having the treasury and military registers, it is possible to compile data directly concerning individual soldiers with knowledge about their territorial origin and activity in a specific territory during the war expedition. Given the bulk of the preserved source material, certain exclusions have to be made in this study. The entirety of the surviving archives requires thorough and lengthy research. Thus, this paper is a test survey, based on sources related to Hetman Jan Tarnowski’s Moldavian expedition of 1531. At that time, Tarnowski commanded around six thousand soldiers, which seems to be a sufficiently large research sample. We aim to show the sheer regularity of soldier movements/migrations, especially as this issue is essentially absent from Polish military-historical literature.
Use of protein from black soldier flies in fish feed
Authors:   University of Torino, Italy, Gasco Laura , Stejskal Vlastimil ,   University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Quang Tran Hung ,   University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Costantini Michele ,   University of Milano, Italy, Zoli Michele ,   University of Milano, Italy, Bacenetti Jacopo ,   University of Milano, Italy, Gai Francesco ,   National Research Council, Italy
Published: February 2025

The global population is increasing rapidly, and with it comes a growing demand for food, particularly protein sources. The aquaculture industry, which provides fish for human consumption, is expanding to meet this demand. The aquaculture expansion is not without impacts and constrains. Among them, the feed production is of major concern. Processed animal proteins (PAPs) derived from insect-derived meals has been gaining attraction in recent years because considered as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional protein sources. Among the eight insect-derived PAPs allowed, the black soldier fly – BSF (Hermetia illucens) seems to be one of the most promising. This chapter reviews the potential use of BSF-derived proteins in aquaculture. In particular, the review focus on the effect of BSF larva meal on fish performances and health as well as on economic and environmental parameters.
Efecto del ecosistema de big data en la gestión del conocimiento y el diseño organizativo: caso de estudio exploratorio en el sector de los biocombustibles
Authors: Maldonado Ascanio Erik Daniel , Balbastre Benavent Francisco
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to investigate the factors that are crucial for organizations to acquire the necessary resources and capabilities to extract value from big data. The study explores the impact of implementing big data ecosystems on knowledge management processes, coordination, and control mechanisms, and organizational design variables through a selected case study. For the research, a qualitative approach was adopted, employing a case study design, which is considered the more suitable approach given the exploratory nature of the research, according to the literature. Data collection involved in-depth interviews and corporate information, with analysis conducted using an inductive approach and axial coding. The findings reveal a reciprocal relationship between the implementation of big data ecosystems, knowledge management processes, and coordination and control mechanisms. Additionally, the case study identifies mediating and moderating variables influencing this relationship. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by addressing a gap in the literature. While previous studies have focused on the relationship between big data ecosystems and knowledge management processes, this paper highlights the organizational changes necessary for implementing such ecosystems that have been overlooked. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how this implementation affects organizational design and sheds light on the skills and capabilities required to adopt these technologies. This exploratory case study serves as a valuable contribution to the understanding of the broader implications of big data ecosystem implementation in organizations.