bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screen Time Before the Age of 2 and Preschool Language Development and Attention
Authors: Ali Rezan Kh.
Published: June 2024

Science argues that a toddler is expected to speak about at least 50 clear words by the age of two. However, infants’ language delay and inattention have become a phenomenon globally. The phenomenon has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide to explore the factors and their negative impact on toddlers and preschoolers. Many researchers have proven that early screen exposure can cause language delay and inattention problems while language development is an indicator of brain development. The objective of this study is to explore the association between infant heavy exposure to child-directed programs and language delay and inattention at preschool age. Eleven preschoolers participated in this qualitative study in Erbil city. The findings of this study are that both the duration of infant exposure to screens and the media type contribute to language delay and inattention in preschool-aged toddlers and children. Increased infant exposure for 2+ in a day to child-directed programs such as COCO Melon from 0-2 years old seems to be directly associated with language delay, especially for infants with limited social interaction. However, infant exposure for 3+ in a day to child-directed programs between 0-2 years old is associated with inattention at 2 and preschool age.
Baccharis grisebachii and B. polygama (Asteraceae: Astereae), two new records for Chile
Authors: Medina López Patricio Andrés , Guerrero Pablo C. , Oporto Alex
Published: June 2024

Baccharis grisebachii and B. polygama are reported from the Antofagasta Region, Chile. Both species are known to occur in Argentina and Bolivia. A few small populations were reported in the surroundings of quebrada Barrera, quebrada Pacopaco and quebrada Cherejara, commune of Calama, Antofagasta Region. In addition, an artificial taxonomic key with all known species present in the region, is provided. The distribution map in South America and some comments on the conservation status of the two registered species are provided here.
Representation Uchi and Soto Concept in Japanese Social Deixis
Authors: Arfianty Rani , Mulyadi Mulyadi
Published: June 2024

This study aims to describe the representations of uchi and soto in the textbook Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture Intermediate 1 B1 recommended by The Japan Foundation using the context and deixis theory approach by (Levinson, 1983; Stassler, 1982). Also, the social deixis of Japanese is explained (Wetzel, 2011). Qualitative descriptive method is used for the presentation of data analysis. The results of this study found that the concepts of uchi and soto in Japanese society are closely related to the social deixis of Japanese. In the analysis it was found that social deixis is also closely related to the use of keigo (expression of respect) as well as the phrase yarimorai (give and take). The close relationship between social deixis and the concepts of uchi and soto illustrates the structural order of Japanese society's life which pays close attention to the position and social status of society when interacting and communicating with each other. By choosing the diction of the words used between the speaker and the interlocutor when communicating, it can be assessed whether both of them belong to the uchi or soto class. The results of this study also at the same time prove the statement of (Wetzel 2011). Marugoto's textbook: Japanese Language and Culture Intermediate 1 B1 presents an explanation of the use and context of how Japanese is actually used by the people by showing the concepts of uchi and soto
Constructing Musical Heritage in Action: The Case of Wilamowice
Authors: Małanicz-Przybylska Maria
Published: June 2024

Wilamowice, a small town in southwest Poland, is unique in many ways. It was settled in the 13th century by German tribes, and it preserved its distinct culture for a long time. The inhabitants of Wilamowice spoke their own language, wore original costumes, and observed local customs. Due to their merchants’ skills, they were gradually becoming a wealthy community, which resulted in the most prosperous years of the town and its culture starting from the beginning of the 19th century. The situation changed in the middle of the 20th century. As a result of the dramatic war and post-war circumstances, the culture of Wilamowice began to disappear. Nowadays, thanks to the work of local activists and scholars, intensive revitalisation of the Vilamovian language and costumes has begun. This process had already been described in various writings (Król, 2016, Wicherkiewicz, 2003), but Vilamovian music culture remained almost completely unexplored. I decided to fill in this blind spot, and in 2016 began my fieldwork research on traditional music and dances in Wilamowice. At the beginning of my research, I realised that the task wasn’t easy, as there remained only a few archive materials concerning Vilamovian music (Horak, 1960, Horak, 1981). Thus, the primary materials I could use in my research were ethnographic interviews and observations. On this basis, I aimed to reconstruct the forgotten soundscape of Wilamowice. But, what was more important for me, I tried to describe modern contexts in which music is used by the local community as a part of the process of constructing their identity and heritage. The essential question of my text is: ‘What kind of music can be called Vilamovian, how do modern people use it and what for?’.
Czechoslovak Folk Music and Dance Ensembles and the World Youth Festival in the 1950s: An Ethnomusicology and Oral History Perspective
Authors: Skořepová Zita
Published: June 2024

One of the most significant mass manifestations of the state-subsidised cultural expres- sions of the Socialist Bloc in the second half of the 20th century was “Red Woodstock”, the World Festival of Youth and Students. The first edition took place in the summer of 1947 in Prague. Incidentally, this festival featured Czechoslovak amateur and professional folk music and dance en- sembles in a preliminary line-up, which later became the most important established ensembles in the country. Some of these ensembles then appeared regularly at Youth Festivals. Such festival performances were considered very influential performance opportunity for ensembles of folk music and dance in Czechoslovakia in the 1950s. The present article, based on data gathered through interviews grounded in oral history and archival research, explores the role of the World Youth Festivals in the process of foundation of Czechoslovak ensembles of folk music and dance and their repertoire negotiation of the traditional music and dance within the vague framework of socialist realism on the one hand, and an everyday-life perspective and ordinary desire to perform pronounced by the ensembles’ members on the other.
Space-Time FEM for the Vectorial Wave Equation under Consideration of Ohm’s Law
Authors: Hauser Julia I. M.
Published: June 2024

The ability to deal with complex geometries and to go to higher orders is the main advantage of space-time finite element methods. Therefore, we want to develop a solid background from which we can construct appropriate space-time methods. In this paper, we will treat time as another space direction, which is the main idea of space-time methods. First, we will briefly discuss how exactly the vectorial wave equation is derived from Maxwell’s equations in a space-time structure, taking into account Ohm’s law. Then we will derive a space-time variational formulation for the vectorial wave equation using different trial and test spaces. This paper has two main goals. First, we prove unique solvability for the resulting Galerkin–Petrov variational formulation. Second, we analyze the discrete equivalent of the equation in a tensor product and show conditional stability, i.e., under a CFL condition. Understanding the vectorial wave equation and the corresponding space-time finite element methods is crucial for improving the existing theory of Maxwell’s equations and paves the way to computations of more complicated electromagnetic problems.
Energy absorption and impact response of ballistic resistance laminate
Authors: Radeef Zainab Shakir , Hussein Adnan A. , Abid Zainab Talib , Naser Mahmood Shakir
Published: June 2024

High-speed impact performance has significantly expanded over the past few decades. The target response based on the impact conditions has been more difficult to visualise and evaluate. In this article, Ansys model analysis has been used to measure, visualise, and predict the projectile and target responses of Kevlar® (K) and Ramie® textile-reinforced unsaturated polyester resin (UP) matrix. The laminate thickness threshold was detected experimentally based on the highest stress intensity factor and energy release rates. Furthermore, tensile strength and bending of the laminate were found. The impact conditions have a significant impact on the target response; thus, an explicit dynamic analysis was used to visualise the impact response based on the number of target fixed supports (FSs). Two FS (2 FS) target absorbs 11% more energy than four FS (4 FS) target. Additionally, the target size has a major effect on the projectile and laminate responses, and a successful arrest of the projectile was detected in both cases. The smallest targets with 2 FS have the highest and wider response, where a successful change in the projectile trajectory was obtained.
Action of higher derivations on semiprime rings
Authors: Ali Shakir , Varshney Vaishali
Published: June 2024

Let

m
,
n

{m,n}

be the fixed positive integers and let

ℛ

{\mathcal{R}}

be a ring. In 1978, Herstein proved that a 2-torsion free prime ring

ℛ

{\mathcal{R}}

is commutative if there is a nonzero derivation d of R such that

[

d
⁢

(
ϱ
)

,

d
⁢

(
ξ
)

]

=
0

{[d(\varrho),d(\xi)]=0}

for all

ϱ
,
ξ

∈
R

{\varrho,\xi\in R}

. In this article, we study the above mentioned classical result for higher derivations and describe the structure of semiprime rings by using the invariance property of prime ideals under higher derivations. Precisely, apart from proving some other important results, we prove the following. Let

(

d
i

)

i
∈
ℕ

{(d_{i})_{i\in\mathbb{N}}}

and

(

g
j

)

j
∈
ℕ

{(g_{j})_{j\in\mathbb{N}}}

be two higher derivations of semiprime ring

ℛ

{\mathcal{R}}

such that

[

d
n

⁢

(
ϱ
)

,

g
m

⁢

(
ξ
)

]

∈

Z
⁢

(
ℛ
)

{[d_{n}(\varrho),g_{m}(\xi)]\in Z(\mathcal{R})}

for all

ϱ
,
ξ

∈
ℐ

{\varrho,\xi\in\mathcal{I}}

, where

ℐ

{\mathcal{I}}

is an ideal of

ℛ

{\mathcal{R}}

. Then either

ℛ

{\mathcal{R}}

is commutative or some linear combination of

(

d
i

)

i
∈
ℕ

{(d_{i})_{i\in\mathbb{N}}}

sends

Z
⁢

(
ℛ
)

{Z(\mathcal{R})}

to zero or some linear combination of

(

g
j

)

j
∈
ℕ

{(g_{j})_{j\in\mathbb{N}}}

sends

Z
⁢

(
ℛ
)

{Z(\mathcal{R})}

to zero. We enrich our results with examples that show the necessity of their assumptions. Finally, we conclude our paper with a direction for further research.
Dunkl-type Segal–Bargmann transform and its applications to some partial differential equations
Authors: Soltani Fethi , Nenni Meriem
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we give some applications of the Dunkl-type Segal–Bargmann transform

ℬ
α

{\mathscr{B}_{\alpha}}

in the field of partial differential equations, such as the
time-dependent Dunkl–Dirac Laplacian equation and the time-dependent Dunkl–Schrödinger equation. The
resolution of these types of problems is based on the techniques of
the transmutation operators on the Dunkl-type Fock space

ℱ
α

⁢

(

ℂ
d

)

{\mathscr{F}_{\alpha}(\mathbb{C}^{d})}

.
Development of an enabling platform biotechnology for the production of proteins
Authors: Aschenbrenner Isabel , Böckler Maximilian , Franke Fabian , Liebl Korbinian , Catici Dragana A. M. , Brandl Matthias , Behnke Julia , Feige Matthias J.
Published: June 2024

Protein-based drugs are a mainstay of modern medicine. In contrast to antibodies, most of these need highly individualized production processes which often limits their development. Here, we develop an immunoglobulin domain tag (i-Tag), which can be fused to any protein of interest. This tag is made of a linear arrangement of antibody light chain constant domains. It enhances expression as well as secretion of the fusion partner and allows for simple purification of several structurally and functionally distinct fusion proteins. Furthermore, it improves the biophysical characteristics of most fusion proteins tested, is inert, and does not compromise the fusion partners’ functionality. Taken together, the i-Tag should facilitate the development of biopharmaceuticals and diagnostic proteins otherwise lacking a common structural element.
Israeli Nonsense: humor, globalization and vegetables during the early nineties
Authors: Idels Ofer , Cohen Roni
Published: June 2024

Offering an inaugural analysis of Israeli Nonsense, this article explores humor, globalization, and Israeli identity since the early 1990s. Israeli Nonsense, a particular form of humor, emerged during Israel’s rapid shift towards neoliberal privatization and globalization. Influenced by the growing popularity of standup comedy and the rise of new commercial television channels, it became a distinctive humor style in an era marked by optimism and “normalization.” It quickly formed nostalgic classics, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary Israeli humor. Through interviews, newspaper excerpts, and sketch analysis, we identify five key attributes of Israeli Nonsense: (1) improvisation, (2) linguistic humor, (3) physical humor, (4) nostalgia, and (5) non-politicization. By challenging existing interpretations of 1990s Israeli culture and nonsense as “elitist” with anti-national and non-ideological tendencies, we highlight the popular manifestations of Israeli Nonsense to demonstrate that this distinct humor did not adopt a consciously critical and cynical stance towards society and culture but embodied an optimistic and empathetic attitude toward local identity in the age of globalization.
Prevalence and correlates of sexual intercourse under influence of alcohol among Thai adolescents: lessons from a nationwide school-based survey
Authors: Dadras Omid
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Having sex under the influence of alcohol is a risky behavior and this study explored its prevalence and correlates among school-going Thai adolescents.

Methods

The data from the 2021 Thailand Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), including a nationally representative sample of students in grades 7–12th, was used to extract the relevant variables including demographic, psychosocial, substance use, and risky sex behaviors. Logistic regression was used to assess the odds of engaging in sex while intoxicated across the independent variables while accounting for age and sex differences.

Results

Approximately 30.45 % of respondents reported alcohol intoxication and 37.75 % reported engaging in sexual intercourse while intoxicated at least once. Older adolescents (>14 years), males, and those in 11 and 12 grades were more likely to engage in sexual intercourse while intoxicated. Psychosocial factors such as loneliness and anxiety-induced insomnia were associated with increased likelihood, particularly among females. Substance use, including marijuana and amphetamine use, as well as cigarette smoking, correlated with higher odds of engaging in sexual intercourse while intoxicated. Both genders who engaged in sex while intoxicated reported having multiple sexual partners, with males more likely to use condoms.

Conclusions

The intricate relationship between poor mental health, substance use, and risky sex behaviors along with their association with sex under alcohol influence emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to address the common risk factors and implement effective school-based screening strategies to identify the risk groups, educate them, and prevent the burden of risky sex under alcohol intoxication.
Effect of shielding gas composition and pulsed current frequency on geometry and nitrogen content of 304L austenitic stainless-steel welds
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Saeed , Goodarzi Massoud
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the effects of pulsed current frequency and shielding gas composition on the weld metal geometry and nitrogen content. Austenitic stainless-steel sheets were welded by gas tungsten arc welding using 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 vol.% of nitrogen gas in argon shielding gas and pulse frequencies of 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 Hz. Weld sections were recorded using a stereomicroscope. Weld depth and cross-section of the weld metal were measured by ImageJ® software and their changes were recorded. Nitrogen analysis tests were performed on the weld metal and, the results were analyzed. Investigations revealed that by increasing the nitrogen content of the shielding gas up to 10 vol.%, the nitrogen content of the weld metal almost doubles at the maximum nitrogen level. This increase was more considerable at higher current frequencies. Also, by increasing the pulsed current frequency, the weld pool and the weld metal depth-to-width ratio increased to 37 % and 44 %, respectively, at the maximum level of shielding gas nitrogen. In addition, at the frequency of 200 Hz, increasing nitrogen led to an 86 % and 72 % increase in the weld pool and the weld aspect ratio, respectively.
Existence of multiple unbounded solutions for a three-point boundary value problems on an infinite time scales
Authors: Panigrahi Saroj , Das Sasmita
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we consider the second-order three point boundary value problem on time scales with integral boundary conditions on a half-line. We will use the upper and lower solution method along with the Schauder’s fixed point theorem to establish the existence of at least one solution which lies between pairs of unbounded upper and lower solutions. Further, by assuming two pairs of unbounded upper and lower solutions, the Nagumo condition on the nonlinear term involved in the first-order derivative, we will establish the existence of multiple unbounded solutions on an infinite interval by using the topological degree theory. The results of this paper extend the results of
Akcan and Çetin (2018), Akcan and Hamal (2014), Eloe, Kaufmann and Tisdell (2006), and generalize the results of Lian and Geng (2011). Examples are included to illustrate the validation of the results.
Ensemble Kalman inversion based on level set method for inverse elastic scattering problem
Authors: Huang Jiangfeng , Wang Quanfeng , Li Zhaoxing
Published: June 2024

We consider an ensemble Kalman inversion scheme for inverse elastic scattering problems in which the unknown quantity is the shape of the scatterer. Assume that the scatterer is a piecewise constant function with known value inside inhomogeneities. The level set method is described as an implicit representation of the scatterer boundary, with Gaussian random fields serving as prior to provide information on the level set functions. The ensemble Kalman filter method is then employed based on the level set functions to reconstruct the shape of the scatterer. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method using several numerical examples.
Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy of adherent cells on thin plastic substrate
Authors: Kauter Anne , Bürge Silvio , Klotz Christian , Laue Michael
Published: June 2024

Serial block-face (SBF) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used for imaging the entire internal ultrastructure of cells, tissue samples or small organisms. Here, we present a workflow for SBF SEM of adherent cells, such as Giardia parasites and HeLa cells, attached to the surface of a plastic culture dish, which preserves the interface between cells and plastic substrate. Cells were embedded in situ on their substrate using silicone microwells and were mounted for cross-sectioning which allowed SBF imaging of large volumes and many cells. A standard sample preparation and embedding protocol for thin section electron microscopy provided already sufficient resolution and image quality to visualize larger structures. To improve resolution and image quality of SBF imaging, we stepwise tested modifications of the protocol, such as the moderate increase of the heavy metal content of the sample. Modifications of the embedding by either the reduction of the resin layer (minimal embedding) or the addition of silver colloid to the resin were evaluated at high and low vacuum imaging conditions. The optimized sample preparation protocol is very similar to the standard preparation protocol for thin section electron microscopy, so that the samples can also be used for this application. The protocol applies a higher concentration of osmium tetroxide, a higher temperature for heavy metal incubation and an additional lead en bloc staining. In summary, the presented workflow provides a generic and adaptable solution for studying adherent cells by SBF SEM.
Determination of C-factor for conventional cultivation and soil conservation technique used in hop gardens
Authors: Kabelka David , Kincl David , Vopravil Jan , Krofta Karel , Kintl Antonín
Published: June 2024

The research presented in the article was focused on determining the C-factor for hops for conventional cultivation (CT) and soil conservation technique, which is based on the presence of cover crops (CC) in the inter-rows. The values of the soil loss ratio, which are the basis for the calculation of the C-factor, are also presented. The research activities were carried out between 2016 and 2023 and a field rainfall simulator was used for the measurements. Rainfall simulations were conducted at three developmental stages of CC. The results show a high C-factor value for CT (0.73), which indicates insufficient erosion control efficiency. In contrast, a C-factor of 0.16 was determined for the cover crop technique. This means that cover crops in the inter-rows of hop gardens can effectively reduce the risk of water erosion. The values reported in the article can be used as input parameters in various erosion models and equations to refine the subsequent calculation.
Scaling Up HIV Self-Testing and Linkage to Care Among Women Who Exchange Sex and/or Use Drugs in Kazakhstan
Authors: West Brooke S. , Darisheva Meruyert , McCrimmon Tara , Zholnerova Natalya , Grigorchuk Ekaterina , Starbird Laura , Terlikbayeva Assel , Primbetova Sholpan , Baiserkin Baurzhan , Mussina Zhannat , Kasymbekova Sayrankul , Cordingley Olivia , Frye Victoria A.
Published: June 2024

HIV testing is the point of entry for linkage to treatment and prevention and is critically important to ending the HIV epidemic. HIV self-testing (HST) is an acceptable, user-controlled tool that can address testing barriers, which is especially important for populations who need to test frequently, like women who exchange or trade sex for money or other needed resources (WES) and women who use drugs. HST is feasible and acceptable among WES, but research among WES who also use drugs is limited, particularly in places like Kazakhstan, where HIV rates remain high and where scale-up of HST and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is in process. To develop effective programming, there is a need to develop tailored services for WES and/or use drugs that address key barriers. We discuss opportunities to increase HST and linkage to services among WES and/or use drugs in Kazakhstan, with a focus on stigma reduction.
Thalamocortical mGlu8 Modulates Dorsal Thalamus Excitatory Transmission and Sensorimotor Activity
Authors: Nabit Bretton P. , Taylor Anne , Winder Danny G.
Published: June 2024

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 8 (mGlu8) is a heterogeneously expressed and poorly understood glutamate receptor with potential pharmacological significance. The thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) is a critical inhibitory modulator of the thalamocortical–corticothalamic (TC–CT) network and plays a crucial role in information processing throughout the brain, is implicated in a variety of psychiatric conditions, and is also a site of significant mGlu8 expression. Using both male and female mice, we determined via fluorescent in situ hybridization that parvalbumin-expressing cells in the TRN core and shell matrices (identified byspp1+andecel1+expression, respectively), as well as the cortical layers involved in CT signaling, expressgrm8mRNA. We then assayed the physiological and behavioral impacts of perturbinggrm8signaling in the TC circuit through conditional (adeno-associated virus-CRE mediated) and cell-type-specific constitutive deletion strategies. We show that constitutive parvalbumingrm8knock-out (PVgrm8knock-out) mice exhibited (1) increased spontaneous excitatory drive onto dorsal thalamus relay cells and (2) impaired sensorimotor gating, measured via paired-pulse inhibition, but observed no differences in locomotion and thigmotaxis in repeated bouts of open field test (OFT). Conversely, we observed hyperlocomotive phenotypes and anxiolytic effects of AAV-mediated conditional knockdown ofgrm8in the TRN (TRNgrm8knockdown) in repeated OFT. Our findings underscore a role for mGlu8 in regulating excitatory neurotransmission as well as anxiety-related locomotor behavior and sensorimotor gating, revealing potential therapeutic applications for various neuropsychiatric disorders and guiding future research endeavors into mGlu8 signaling and TRN function.
A Quantitative Study of Intimate Partner Violence Context: Is Self-Compassion Related to Sexual Esteem?
Authors: Nabila Tazkia Nada , Larue Chloe Dwi Nuariani
Published: June 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as physical, psychological, or sexual violence perpetrated by a partner. This conduct is harmful and has long-term negative consequences for people who encounter it, particularly psychological illnesses. This has an impact on judgment, self-satisfaction with sexuality, and sexual function. This can influence how people evaluate their relationships and sexuality, how individuals assess their worth in a sexual context, which is thought to be related to self-compassion in individuals. This study drew 227 participants, consisting of men and women aged 20 to 30 who have been or are now in a dating relationship for at least one year. Purposive sampling was used to collect the research sample. The Conflict Tactic Scale Revised-2 (CTS-2) measurement tool, the Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (MSSCQ) subscale sexual esteem, and the Self-Compassion Scale were utilized for data collection. The direction of the association between variables is positive, indicating that the higher the level of self-compassion ability, the higher the level of sexual-esteem capacity in persons, and vice versa.
Characteristics of Density and Hardness on Caloric Value of Substitution of Biomass and Pet Plastics as Refused Derived Fuel Pellets
Authors: Gaina Pratiwi Claudia , Sari Mega Mutiara , Suryawan I Wayan Koko , Prayogo Wisnu , Ummatin Kuntum Khoiro , Arifianti Qurrotin Ayunina Maulida Okta , Faria Niswatun
Published: June 2024

The utilization of biomass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste as raw material for refuse-derived fuel (RDF) has been studied. However, physical such as density and hardness are still not widely used. This study aimed to determine the relationship between variations in the composition of PET and physical garden waste density and hardness on the quality of the caloric value of RDF. Density measurements were carried out with the Ultrapyc 1200e instrument. While for hardness, using the Shore D method. The Shore D Hardness test is a standardized test that involves evaluating the amount of depth that may be penetrated by a certain indentation. The lowest density is RDF pellets for food waste at 1,537 kg/m3 and consists of RDF pellets for plastic waste at 2,560 kg/m3. In line with the density, the hardness value increases with the addition of the PET composition. The density and hardness values in the RDF mixture show a simultaneous relationship to the heating value. The highest caloric value achieved is the use of 100% PET as pellets which can reach 5765 kcal/kg.
Process of Bacterial Cellulose Production from Tofu Wastewater Without Pretreatment Using Acetobacter xylinum
Authors: Margono Margono , Isnaeni Nur , Amelia Vika , Shohih Esa Nur
Published: June 2024

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an alternative cellulose source that warrants more investigation due to its limited efficiency and high production costs. This research aims to investigate the generation of bacterial cellulose from tofu wastewater using Acetobacter xylinum without pretreatment. The experiment was run on two media: tofu wastewater with and without additional sugar. The fermentation was run in a dark cabinet using a static batch method in numerous fermenter trays, each with a working volume of 1000 mL. Each experiment used 900 mL of tofu wastewater medium plus an extra 100 mL inoculum (equal to 10% v/v), which was then cultured at room temperature and harvested on days 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30. The weight of nata de soya, BC, and residual sugar were all measured from the samples. The results of the experiments revealed that the best incubation time was 18 days. The fermentation employing tofu wastewater medium with added sugar yielded nata de soya of 227.3 g/L and BC of 32.2 g/L, while the medium without added sugar yielded 103.9 g/L and BC of 9.3 g/L. The medium with added sugar yielded higher BC productivity, 1.79 g/L.day, compared to 0.57 g/L.day in the medium without added sugar. On the other hand, the BC results per sugar consumption were 0.62 g BC/g sugar and 0.36 g BC/g sugar, respectively, for the medium with and without added sugar.
Green Synthesis Of Silver Nanoparticles Using Ketapang Leaf Extract (Terminalia Catappa L.) Assisted By Ultrasound
Authors: Syaima Husna , Hindryawati Noor , Hiyahara Irfan Ashari , Wirawan Teguh , Arief M. Syaiful , Widodo Nanang Tri , Ahmad Atika Aulia , Maniam Gaanty Pragas
Published: June 2024

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plants has been interesting in recent years. In the present study, the silver nanoparticles were synthesized using a bioreductor from ketapang leaf extract (Terminalia catappa L.) assisted by sonochemical methods. This green synthesis provides an economic, eco-friendly, and clean synthesis route for silver nanoparticles. Different concentrations of AgNO3 precursors (0.5; 1.0 and 1.5 mM) were initially reacted with ketapang leaf extract with PVA 1% solution as stabilizers that were sonicated for 30 minutes. Silver nanoparticle colloidal solutions were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometers, Particle Size Analyzers (PSA), and Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM). Maximum absorption of silver nanoparticles was obtained at wavelength 420-450 nm. Based on UV data, the silver nanoparticles showed stability for up to 3 weeks. The XRD peaks indicated that the (111) crystallographic plane was more predominant than other planes. The average size of the silver nanoparticles was 79.7 nm from the PSA result. TEM imaging depicted that the nanoparticles were spherical. Finally, the result proved that the silver nanoparticles effectively removed the methylene blue up to 76.43% within optimum conditions (3 ppm of methylene blue, 15 minutes contact time, and 8% nanoparticle concentration).
Analysis of Metoxyl and Galacturonate Contents from Pectin of Banana Peel Waste Combined with Sappan Wood
Authors: Asfar Andi Muhamad Iqbal Akbar , Mukhsen Muh Iqbal , Asfar Andi Muhammad Irfan Taufan , Budianto Eko , Damayanti Jeanne Dewi
Published: June 2024

The production of banana plants (Musaceaea sp.) ranks first in agricultural output in Indonesia, but this is not balanced by the processing of waste from banana peels, which is a large amount. Therefore, an attempt is made to use banana peel waste as raw material for making pectin. Pectin is used as a functional component in the food industry because of its ability to form thin gels and stabilize proteins. Pectin is also used as a filler in the paper and textile industries, and as a thickener in the rubber industry. This research aims to determine the effect of extraction time and temperature on the quality of pectin from Kepok banana peels. The method used is extraction through Ultrasonic Assisted Solvent Extraction (UASE) in 40 kHz. Banana peels that had been dried and ground into powder were extracted with 0.1 N HCl at temperatures of 70 oC, 80 oC and 90 oC. The variables used in this extraction are variations in extraction time, namely 60 minutes and 80 minutes. The extracted solution is filtered and thickened to half the volume of the original filtrate by heating, then the pectin is thickened using acid ethanol. The pectin precipitate was washed using 96% alcohol until it was free of chloride and the precipitate was separated using a vacuum and then dried in an oven then to analysis of pectin using methoxyl and galacturonate as method to determine pectin quality form banana peel waste. The research results showed that the pectin quality was optimum at a temperature of 90 oC for 80 minutes with a methoxyl content of 4.12% (low methoxyl) and a galacturonic acid content of 79.96%.
The Origins of Modern Science
Authors: North Whitehead Alfred
Published: June 2024

-
A few generalizations of Kendall’s tau. Part I: Construction
Authors: Manstavičius Martynas
Published: June 2024

Complimenting our earlier work on generalizations of popular concordance measures in the sense of Scarsini for a pair of continuous random variables (X, Y) (such measures can be understood as functions of the bivariate copula C associated with (X, Y)), we focus on generalizations of Kendall’s τ. In Part I, we give two forms of such measures and also provide general bounds for their values, which are sharp in certain cases and depend on the values of Spearman’s ρ and the original Kendall’s τ. Part II is devoted to the intrinsic meaning of presented Kendall’s τ generalizations, their degree as polynomial-type concordance measures, and computational aspects.
Prioritization of sub-watersheds based on quantitative morphometric analysis of the Narmada River, India, using SRTM-DEM and GIS techniques
Authors: Kumar Thakur Tarun , Kumar Patel Digvesh , Karuppannan Shankar , Sao Abhinav
Published: June 2024

Investigating the contribution of basin to the cycle of hydrological and the area's size, shape, and creation through quantitative analysis of these characteristics of the local scenery. Additionally, estimates of the denudation rate and hypsometric analysis were made in order to comprehend the sub-basin's quantitative geomorphological properties. The link between the morphometric parameters shows that the local geological and geomorphological features significantly influence the drainage system. On a less elevated surface with a moderate slope, stream geometry displays a pattern as semi-dendritic in greater stream order flow. On mountainous terrain surfaces, main-order streams display a dendritic drainage pattern combined with a coarse texture of drainage. The center zone of the Narmada River basin's sub-watersheds area (9461 km2) underwent morphometric investigation utilizing geographical information systems (GIS) with remote sensing methods. It highlights the usefulness of using Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission – Digital Elevation Model (SRTM-DEM) and satellite images to enhance basin management to evaluate and comprehend many geo-hydrological aspects, like topographic & drainage analyses. ArcGIS hydrological modeling has been used to identify and study basins utilizing SRTM-DEM having 10 m resolution. For the micro-level research of its physiographic characteristics and flow structural control along with runoff, using morphometric parameters like relief, aerial, and linear is also beneficial. This may assist in predicting floods, their extent, and their severity.
A mundus Cereris szerepe Róma alapításában
Authors: Magdus Tamás
Published: June 2024

A Ceres istennőhöz kapcsolódó egyik legfontosabb átmeneti rítus a mundus megnyitása. A mundus olyan objektum Rómában, aminek megnyitása különleges alkalmakkor tartott állami rituálé volt. Amíg a mundus nyitva volt, a holtak szellemei járták keresztül a világot, így minden akkor folytatott tevékenységet rossz előjelek fenyegettek. Sok vita övezi a mundus kérdéskörét, mert nem ismerjük a megjelenésének formáját, pontos elhelyezkedését, és a szokás eredetét is homály fedi. Tanulmányunkban arra keressük a választ, hogyan kapcsolódott Ceres mint agráristenség az élet és a halál kettősségéhez, miért kapcsolják alakjához a mundust, és ez miként jelenik meg a római szerzők munkáiban. Kitérünk arra is, hogy a mundus Cereris hogyan jöhetett létre Róma alapításakor, mi volt a célja, és mit jelenthetett a korabeli rómaiaknak.
Convergence of 3D printing, scaffoldomics and bone regeneration: Designing new toughened biodegradable composites with weak interfaces
Authors: Cavelier S. , Hutmacher D. W.
Published: June 2024

Scaffold-guided bone regeneration (SGBR) is a rapidly developing field that aims to address the clinical challenges in reconstructive surgery. Combining ceramics with biodegradable polymers offers a wide range of physico-chemical properties, but their mechanical properties are far from the expectations. Nature offers examples of mineralized materials with excellent mechanical properties. This can be attributed to their unique architecture featuring soft polymeric interfaces that deflect propagating cracks. The present article depicts the role of soft interfaces on bone toughness, the governing equations of cracks propagating at interfaces, and provide guidelines for the design of medical grade composites for SGBR.

Graphical abstract
Yuval Jobani, The First Jewish Environmentalist: The Green Philosophy of A.D. Gordon
Authors: Tirosh-Samuelson Hava
Published: June 2024

Yuval Jobani, The First Jewish Environmentalist: The Green Philosophy of A.D. Gordon (New York: Oxford University Press, 2024), 208 pp., $34.95 (cloth), ISBN: 9780197617977.
Employing Simulation Models for Addressing Issues in Warehouse Systems
Authors: Grzęda Anna , Żuchowicz Patryk
Published: June 2024

Aim: The aim of this article was to investigate whether the appropriate arrangement of products on warehouse shelves significantly affects order fulfillment time, and whether the use of computer simulation can be helpful in warehouse management. Methodology: A series of simulation studies was conducted using FlexSim software, version 22.2.2. The simulation involved examining which of the three selected variants of product arrangement in the warehouse was most advantageous. Each case was analysed in terms of such parameters as: order fulfillment time, revenue, number of undelivered pallets, and financial outcome. Results: The conducted simulation studies allowed for the selection of the optimal strategy for product placement in the warehouse. Implications and recommendations: In view the conducted research, it can be concluded that changing the method of arranging goods on warehouse shelves can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of warehouse processes. Furthermore, the results of the analysis of warehouse processes using simulation confirmed that it is an effective decision support tool for optimising warehouse processes.
CO2-ENHANCED BIOCHAR FOR ACIDIC AGRICULTURAL LAND RECLAMATION
Authors: Chevanan Nehru , Kelly John T. , Hawkins Shawn A.
Published: June 2024

Biochar produced by thermal processing of biomass can be used as an amendment for acidic soils to increase agricultural productivity, while sequestering carbon. By coproducing a biofuel from biomass, along with the biochar, costs can be reduced. In addition, carbon dioxide produced during biomass thermal processing can be adsorbed on the biochar to condition the material and increase carbon sequestration. Altex Technologies Corporation's patented process for the production of drop-in-biofuel was utilized to co-produce a low-cost biochar for agricultural use. The base biochar was enhanced by adsorbing carbon dioxide and then tested for growing lettuce in pots in a greenhouse at the University of Tennessee. Tests showed that enhanced biochar produced from corn stover and wheat straw increased lettuce production by up to a factor of seven, versus a control potting mixture of peat and perlite, with results depending on the level of peat replacement by the biochar. A techno-economic analysis showed that the enhanced biochar can be produced at a cost below $34/ton biochar. In addition, a life cycle analysis, carried out on a cradle-to-grave basis, showed that production of enhanced biochar as a co-product of the biofuels process will result in co-production of synthetic gasoline with a negative carbon intensity of -93 gCO2e/MJ. It is estimated that developing enhanced biochar from agricultural residues and applying it to 117 million acres of acidic soil in the U.S. will increase agricultural revenues in the U.S. and sequester up to 93.6 million tons of carbon/year in soil.
Transplantation techniques for liver resections in children
Authors: Akhaladze D. G. , Tverdov I. V. , Minnullin M. M. , Merkulov N. N. , Rabaev G. S. , Grachev N. S.
Published: June 2024

Aim. To carry out a retrospective analysis of the treatment outcomes of the patients who underwent liver resection with angioplasty facilitated by transplantation techniques.

   Materials and methods. The sample of cases was divided into four groups: liver resection with total vascular isolation of the liver, ante situm liver resection, hepatic artery and portal vein reconstruction, cardiopulmonary bypass resection. The analysis was focused on surgery features and treatment outcomes.

   Results. The study involved 29 patients. The performed interventions included 11 liver resections with total vascular isolation, 6 ante situm liver resections, 7 resections with angioplasty, and 5 cardiopulmonary bypass resections. 5 patients (17 %) developed complications that required reoperation. Within 90 days, 4 patients (14 %) died. For patients with malignant neoplasms, one-, three-, and five-year overall survival rates accounted for 84.4 %, 58.4 %, and 51.1 %; one-year event-free survival rate comprised 57.1 %, and three- and five-year event-free survival was 41.7 %.The study revealed no significant differences in the complication rates. The groups of ante situm liver resections and cardiopulmonary bypass resections significantly differed from the other groups by the higher incidence of tumor progression, invasion of adjacent organs, hemorrhagic complications, preoperative stay, and duration of cold perfusion of the liver. The cardiopulmonary bypass resections were noted to have higher duration of surgery, vascular isolation, heparin use, and the frequency of anticoagulant therapy before surgery.

   Conclusion. Liver resections with total vascular isolation, angioplasty and transplantation techniques are considered as the only possible treatment option for a number of patients. Further accumulation of results will reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.
Algorithms for planning the trajectories of electrode insertion for radiofrequency ablation in robotic surgery
Authors: Pershin A. S. , Klimov D. D. , Prokhorenko L. S. , Grigoryeva E. V. , Astakhov D. A. , Tupikin K. A. , Podurayev Yu. V. , Rasner P. I. , Panchenkov D. N.
Published: June 2024

Aim. To improve the efficiency of radiofrequency ablation for large tumors by computer-aided modeling and planning of robotic surgery.

   Materials and methods. A set of algorithms for planning robotic electrode insertion was developed.

   Results. The evaluation of the technique proved its potential for achieving complete tumor processing and trajectory building with all feasible constraints.

   Conclusion. The set of algorithms provides computer-aid planning for sequential placement of radiofrequency ablation needles during intervention.
Minilaparotomy for cystic transformations of bile ducts in children
Authors: Razumovskiy A. Yu. , Rachkov V. Ye. , Mitupov Z. B. , Kulikova N. V. , Zadvernyuk A. S. , Stepanenko N. S. , Shubin N. V.
Published: June 2024

Aim. To improve treatment outcomes for children with common bile duct cysts.

   Materials and methods. The study enrolled children with common bile duct cysts (n = 84) examined from January 2010 to November 2023. All patients underwent cyst excision, Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy laparoscopically or from a minilaparatomy access. A comparative analysis of the treatment outcomes was carried out to select the optimal access. The timing of surgery, as well as early and late postoperative complications were analyzed.

   Results. The timing of surgery from the minilaparotomy access was shorter. Defecation in children of the minilaparotomy subgroup appeared 3 times earlier than in children after laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy, largely due to earlier enteral load. A good treatment outcome was observed in 92 % of patients who underwent intervention from a minilaparotomy access compared to 52.2 % of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery.

   Conclusion. Currently, laparoscopic access is a non-optimal method for treatment of children with common bile duct cysts. Minilaparotomy appears to be a promising surgical access in children and may be proposed as a standard for common bile duct cysts.
Elimination of bile leakage in liver injuries
Authors: Dzidzava I. I. , Kotiv B. N. , Pasichnik A. S. , Brednev A. O. , Soldatov S. A. , Apollonov A. A. , Fufaev E. E. , Shershen’ D. , Barinov O. V. , Schemelev A. A.
Published: June 2024

Aim. To study the causes and consequences of bile leakage in liver injury and determine the potential ways for its elimination.

   Materials and methods. The study involved a retrospective analysis of 204 liver injuries of various types. 26 % of cases were detected with isolated abdominal trauma, 74 % – with concomitant abdominal injury. According to the AAST grading scale, 15.7 % of patients got grade II liver injuries, 44.6 % – grade III, 34.3 % – grade IV, and 5.4 % – grade V. Since concomitant injuries predominated, surgical treatment was initially performed in the overwhelming number of cases. 14 % of cases received non-operative management.

   Results. The incidence of bile leakage amounted to 28.4 % for all liver injuries and reached 54.9 % for III–V grade injuries (AAST). Small bile leakage prevailed, while active leaking was observed in 36.2 %. Damage to peripheral parts of the biliary tract was noted in most cases (68 %). Conservative management of patients with small bile leakage associated with damage to peripheral parts of the biliary tract appeared successful in 48.5 % of cases. Endoscopic biliary drainage of bile ducts proved effective in case of active bile leakage and (or) injuries of the central bile ducts.

   Conclusion. Endoscopic biliary drainage of bile ducts is considered the most effective for elimination of active biliary leakage in the absence of biliary peritonitis and communication of biliary tract with pleural cavity.
Análisis del desempeño innovador de las empresas de servicios intensivos del conocimiento
Authors: Del Carpio Gallegos Javier Fernando
Published: June 2024

Objetivo. Evaluar la relación entre las fuentes de información y la capacidad de absorción y cómo esta capacidad mejora el desempeño innovador de una empresa. Metodología. El estudio presenta evidencias basadas en una muestra de 212 P-ESIC y 355 T-ESIC peruanas. En la investigación se aplicó un enfoque de modelo de ecuaciones estructurales por medio del software AMOS; mientras que para el análisis de mediación se utilizó el software PROCESS. Resultados. Se encontró que cuando las ESIC son expuestas a fuentes de información internas, del mercado, institucionales, así como a otras fuentes, están en mejores condiciones para desarrollar innovaciones. Sin embargo esta condición no es suficiente, pues es necesario desarrollar la capacidad dinámica (denominada capacidad de absorción). Conclusiones. Este estudio contribuye a comprender mejor el comportamiento innovador de las ESIC en una economía emergente como la peruana, ya que tiene en cuenta que las economías emergentes presentan características diferentes a las de las economías más desarrolladas. También se verificó que la capacidad de absorción no media en la relación entre las fuentes de información y el desempeño innovador en los dos grupos de empresas ESIC analizadas.