bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-year changes in sex judgment using color fundus parameters in elementary school students
Authors: Yamashita Takehiro , Asaoka Ryo , Terasaki Hiroto , Yoshihara Naoya , Kakiuchi Naoko , Sakamoto Taiji
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In a previous cross-sectional study, we reported that the sexes can be distinguished using known factors obtained from color fundus photography (CFP). However, it is not clear how sex differences in fundus parameters appear across the human lifespan. Therefore, we conducted a cohort study to investigate sex determination based on fundus parameters in elementary school students.

Methods

This prospective observational longitudinal study investigated 109 right eyes of elementary school students over 4 years (age, 8.5 to 11.5 years). From each CFP, the tessellation fundus index was calculated as red/red + green + blue (R/[R+G+B]) using the mean value of red-green-blue intensity in eight locations around the optic disc and macular region. Optic disc area, ovality ratio, papillomacular angle, and retinal vessel angles and distances were quantified according to the data in our previous report. Using 54 fundus parameters, sex was predicted by L2 regularized binomial logistic regression for each grade.

Results

The right eyes of 53 boys and 56 girls were analyzed. The discrimination accuracy rate significantly increased with age: 56.3% at 8.5 years, 46.1% at 9.5 years, 65.5% at 10.5 years and 73.1% at 11.5 years.

Conclusions

The accuracy of sex discrimination by fundus photography improved during a 3-year cohort study of elementary school students.
Validation of a culturally adapted Swedish-language version of the Death Literacy Index
Authors: Johansson Therese , Olsson Åsa , Tishelman Carol , Noonan Kerrie , Leonard Rosemary , Eriksson Lars E. , Goliath Ida , Cohen Joachim
Published: November 2023

The death literacy index (DLI) was developed in Australia to measure death literacy, a set of experience-based knowledge needed to understand and act on end-of-life (EOL) care options but has not yet been validated outside its original context. The aim of this study was to develop a culturally adapted Swedish-language version of the DLI, the DLI-S, and assess sources of evidence for its validity in a Swedish context. The study involved a multi-step process of translation and cultural adaptation and two validation phases: examining first content and response process validity through expert review (n = 10) and cognitive interviews (n = 10); and second, internal structure validity of DLI-S data collected from an online cross-sectional survey (n = 503). The psychometric evaluation involved analysis of descriptive statistics on item and scale-level, internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and confirmatory factor analysis. During translation and adaptation, changes were made to adjust items to the Swedish context. Additional adjustments were made following findings from the expert review and cognitive interviews. The content validity index exceeded recommended thresholds (S-CVIAve = 0.926). The psychometric evaluation provided support for DLI-S’ validity. The hypothesized six-factor model showed good fit (χ2 = 1107.631 p<0.001, CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.064, SRMR = 0.054). High internal consistency reliability was demonstrated for the overall scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.94) and each sub-scale (α 0.81–0.92). Test-retest reliability was acceptable, ICC ranging between 0.66–0.85. Through a comprehensive assessment of several sources of evidence, we show that the DLI-S demonstrates satisfactory validity and acceptability to measure death literacy in the Swedish context. There are, however, indications that the sub-scales measuring community capacity perform worse in comparison to other sca and may function differently in Sweden than in the original context. The DLI-S has potential to contribute to research on community-based EOL interventions.
Disaster experience and resident risk preference: Evidence from China household finance survey
Authors: Guo Linan , He Weiming , Wang Jiaxue
Published: November 2023

China is one of the countries hardest hit by disasters. Disaster shocks not only cause a large number of casualties and property damage but also have an impact on the risk preference of those who experience it. Current research has not reached a consensus conclusion on the impact of risk preferences. This paper empirically analyzes the effects of natural and man-made disasters on residents’ risk preference based on the data of the China Household Financial Survey (CHFS) in 2019. The results indicate that: (1) Both natural and man-made disasters can significantly lead to an increase in the risk aversion of residents, and man-made disasters have a greater impact. (2) Education background plays a negative moderating role in the impact of man-made disasters on residents’ risk preference. (3) Natural disaster experiences have a greater impact on the risk preference of rural residents, while man-made disaster experiences have a greater impact on the risk preference of urban residents. Natural disaster experiences make rural residents more risk-averse, while man-made disaster experiences make urban residents more risk-averse. The results provide new evidence and perspective on the negative impact of disaster shocks on the social life of residents.
A simulation-based assessment of the efficiency of QTL mapping under environment and genotype x environment interaction effects
Authors: David Grace Sunshine , Viana José Marcelo Soriano , das Graças Dias Kaio Olimpio
Published: November 2023

The objective of this simulation-based study was to assess how genes, environments, and genotype x environment (GxE) interaction affect the quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping efficiency. The simulation software performed 50 samplings of 300 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a F2, which were assessed in six environments. The RILs were genotyped for 977 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and phenotyped for grain yield. The average SNP density was 2 cM. We defined six QTLs and 190 minor genes. The trait heritability ranged from 30 to 80%. We fitted the single QTL model and the multiple QTL model on multiple phenotypes. The environment and complex GxE interaction effects led to a low correlation between the QTL heritability and power. The single- and across-environment analyses allowed all QTLs be declared, with an average power of 28 to 100%. In the across-environment analysis, five QTLs showed average power in the range 46 to 82%. Both models provided a good control of the false positive rate (6%, on average) and a precise localization of the QTLs (bias of 2 cM, on average). The QTL power in each environment has a high positive correlation with the range between QTL genotypes for the sum of the additive, environment, and GxE interaction effects (0.76 to 0.96). The uncertainty about the magnitude and sign of the environment and GxE interaction effects makes QTL mapping in multi-environment trials unpredictable. Unfortunately, this uncertainty has no solution because the geneticist has no control over the magnitude and sign of the environment and GxE interaction effects. However, the single- and across-environment analyses are efficient even under a low correlation between QTL heritability and power.
Exploring the general public’s and experts’ risk and benefit perceptions of cultured meat in Singapore: A mental models approach
Authors: Ho Shirley S. , Ou Mengxue , Ong Zhing Ting
Published: November 2023

Despite the recent approval of cultured meat products in Singapore, the understanding of public perceptions towards this novel food technology remains limited. Utilizing attitude formation theory and the mental models approach, this study compares the mental models of the general public and experts regarding their risk and benefit perceptions of cultured meat. Through four online focus group discussions with 40 participants, we found convergences in the mental models of experts and the general public concerning perceived individual- and societal-level benefits of cultured meat (e.g., health benefits and food security) as well as their perceived individual-level risks of cultured meat (e.g., potential health issues and affordability). However, divergences in understanding societal-level risks were noted; the public expressed concerns about the challenges of cultured meat to religious and racial dietary customs, while experts highlighted potential investment uncertainties due to unclear consumer acceptance of cultured meat. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Environmental disclosure practices in mixed ownership models: A study of Chinese private enterprises
Authors: Song Tingting , Xiong Aihua
Published: November 2023

Environmental information disclosure is critical avenue for stakeholders to gauge the fulfillment of corporate environmental responsibilities, as well as a key path for companies to gain social reputation and achieve sustainable development. To achieve both economic and social sustainability and improve the environmental information disclosure by private firms, this study delves into the impact mechanism and realization path of mixed ownership reform on environmental information disclosure among Chinese private enterprises listed between 2010 and 2020. Utilizing a panel fixed effect model, we scrutinize the interplay between state capital involvement and the disclosure of environmental information by private enterprises. Our findings reveal that state capital involvement may encourage private enterprises to disclose environmental information through resource allocation and governance improvements. The higher the shareholding ratio of state-owned participating shareholders, the more it helps private firms to disclose environmental information. State-owned shareholders play a pivotal role in the appointment of supervisors, directors, and executives, effectively improving corporate governance mechanisms and positively moderates how private companies with state-owned capital participate in disclosing environmental information. Moreover, the magnitude of media coverage and the public opinion pressure faced by private enterprises further amplify the influence of state-owned capital involvement on environmental information disclosure. Additionally, our research reveals that corporate profitability partially interplays with the effects of state-owned capital disclosure of environmental information by private companies. According to the research results, we recommend that the government proactively promote mixed ownership reform with private enterprises as the main participants, fully leveraging the resource advantages and influence of state-owned capital. At the same time, it is imperative to strengthen the governance effect of internal state-owned shareholders and external public opinion supervision in private enterprises. Enhancing profitability is also identified as a key driver for private enterprises to engage in more robust environmental information disclosure practices.
Sphingosine kinase 1/S1P receptor signaling axis is essential for cellular uptake of Neisseria meningitidis in brain endothelial cells
Authors: Fohmann Ingo , Weinmann Alina , Schumacher Fabian , Peters Simon , Prell Agata , Weigel Cynthia , Spiegel Sarah , Kleuser Burkhard , Schubert-Unkmeir Alexandra
Published: November 2023

Invasion of brain endothelial cells (BECs) is central to the pathogenicity of Neisseria meningitidis infection. Here, we established a key role for the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and S1P receptor (S1PR) 2 in the uptake process. Quantitative sphingolipidome analyses of BECs infected with N. meningitidis revealed elevated S1P levels, which could be attributed to enhanced expression of the enzyme sphingosine kinase 1 and its activity. Increased activity was dependent on the interaction of meningococcal type IV pilus with the endothelial receptor CD147. Concurrently, infection led to increased expression of the S1PR2. Blocking S1PR2 signaling impaired epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation, which has been shown to be involved in cytoskeletal remodeling and bacterial endocytosis. Strikingly, targeting S1PR1 or S1PR3 also interfered with bacterial uptake. Collectively, our data support a critical role of the SphK/S1P/S1PR axis in the invasion of N. meningitidis into BECs, defining a potential target for adjuvant therapy.
OPTIMAL CONDITIONS FOR CLEANING AND DRYING FUROSTANOL SAPONINS FROM TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS
Authors: Hajibaev Temurbek Atahanovich , Ibragimov Timur Farhadovich , Khalilov Ravshanjon Muratjanovich
Published: November 2023

Furostanol saponins from Tribulus terrestris may be separated from ballast substances by liquid-liquid extraction with changing polarity of the extractant, depending on the dynamics of the process. Treatment with chloroform removed the maximum number of lipid-like compounds and showed minimal losses of furostanol saponins, and subsequent treatment with ethyl acetate retrieved low-polarity substances. Fourfold extraction with butanol was used to extract furostanol saponins from an aqueous solution. Optimal conditions were developed for spray drying of furostanol saponins. The greatest yield of “Dry extract Tribulus” was obtained with a solution feed rate of 80 l/h, a spray head rotation speed of 8000 rpm, and a heat carrier velocity of 2000 kg/h. Technology was developed for obtaining “Dry extract Tribulus” from Tribulus terrestris that contained at least 45% furostanol saponins. The reproducibility of the developed technology was shown with the obtaining of 5 series of substances that meet the requirements of regulatory and technical documentation on the lines of the Scientific and Technological Center for GMP Requirements the Institute of Chemistry of Plant Substances.
STUDY OF PECTIN SUBSTANCES DURING STORAGE OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF TABLE GRAPE GROWING IN AZERBAIJAN
Authors: Kazimova Ilhama Huseyn , Nabiyev Akhad Ali
Published: November 2023

This study is aimed at solving the problem of providing the population with fresh grapes not only for one or two months, but all year round. To increase the terms of consumption of this valuable raw material, the most appropriate varieties and conditions for storing grapes were determined.

The objects of study were unripe, ripe (ripe) and overripe table grape varieties widely used in the country (white varieties – Ganja table and Garaburnu, pink grape varieties – Marandi Shamakhinsky, Taifa pink, as well as red grape varieties Chernaya Asma and Pobeda). As a result of the study, it turned out that unripe and overripe red table grape varieties (Chernaya Asma and Pobeda) are richer in pectin compared to other varieties. They contain pectin substances up to 0.40–0.50 g/100 cm3. According to the content of pectin substances, pink varieties of grapes are in second place – 0.42–0.28 g/100 cm3. From a comparison of grape varieties, it is known that the amount of pectin in white table grape varieties is less than in other varieties – 0.36–0.25 g/100 cm3.

During the storage of white table grape varieties, pectin decreased within the range of 24.0–48.0%, protopectin - by 16.6–38% and for pectin this indicator decreased by 5%. This figure was 7.1–50% in pink and 23.7–45% in red table grape varieties. The decrease in pectin during storage is associated with an increase in the activity of pectin enzymes. Therefore, it is considered expedient to store table grape varieties in a refrigerator according to the first option, i.e. under conditions of RHS 3–4% CO2 and 2–3% O2, at a relative humidity of 85–92%.

And also studies have shown that for long-term and high-quality storage in a refrigerator, three options are more suitable: from white grape varieties Ganja table, from pink varieties – Marandi Shamakhinsky, and from red varieties – Black Asma.
Echocardiogram an Important Diagnostic Tool in the Intensive Care Unit - A Case of Chronic Hypoxia Induced Encephalopathy
Authors: Vandana Tyagi  , Shivadatta Padhi  , Anand Derashri
Published: November 2023

A 68-year-old patient was admitted in our hospital with on and off fever and cough for 1 month and disorientation for 5 days. On admission, patient was hemodynamically unstable and was unable to maintain saturation on 5 litre oxygen. Provisional diagnosis of sepsis induced AKI with encephalopathy was made. MRI Brain of the patient and CSF examination were normal while bedside 2D echocardiography revealed pressure and volume overload of right ventricle which led to low cardiac output state and hence likely the maintaining factor for disorientation. These echo findings helped in managing the inotropic and vasopressor support of the patient. Inotropic and vasopressor support was weaned over a period of 3-4 days and oral digoxin was added.  To conclude, echocardiography is an important bedside tool to assess the cardiac performance. Altered mental status in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remains a pressing problem in the acute medical take. Bedside 2D echocardiography done at the right time by the intensivist remains a corner stone in the effective diagnosis and management of such patients.
Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Cervical Lymph Node - A Case Report
Authors: Navdeep Goyal  , Kanwardeep Kaur  , Harpal Singh  , Moninder Kaur
Published: November 2023

Malignant tumours with initial locations in the head and neck often metastasize to the cervical lymph nodes. These include metastasis from skin, thyroid, and salivary gland malignancies as well as SCC of the upper aerodigestive tract. Metastasis from a distant primary site accounts for around 1% of all head and neck cancers.[1]. Renal cell carcinoma represents 3% of adult malignant tumours. It is twice more in males. It is prevalent in 30 to 40% of individuals with metastatic illness and can metastasize to any part of the body. The most often afflicted organs are the liver (41%), bone (42%), local lymph nodes (66%) and lungs (76%).[2] In cases of renal cell carcinoma, extracranial head and neck metastases occur in at least 15% of cases.[3] Approximately 1% of RCC patients have metastasis that is restricted to the head and neck, and approximately 1.5–3.5% of RCC patients exhibit solitary metastasis.[4] Here, we report a case of metastasis of RCC in cervical lymph node.
SEMIAUTOMATIC DETECTION OF STENOSIS AND OCCLUSION OF PULMONARY ARTERIES FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC THROMBOEMBOLIC PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
Authors: Mardanshina Evgeniia , Černý Vladimír , Hozman Jiří
Published: November 2023

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a severe lung disease defined by the presence of chronic blood clots in the pulmonary arteries accompanied by severe health complications. It is necessary to go through a large set of axial sections from Computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) for diagnosing the disease, which is difficult and time consuming for the radiologist. The radiologist's experience plays a significant role, same as subjective factors such as attention and fatigue. In this work we pursued the design and development of the algorithm for semiautomatic detection of pulmonary artery stenoses and clots for diagnosing CTEPH, which is based on the implementation of semantic segmentation using deep convolutional neural networks. Specifically, it is about the use of the DeepLab V3 + model embedded in the Xception architecture. Within this work we focused on stenoses and clots located in larger pulmonary arteries. Anonymized data of patients diagnosed with CTEPH and one healthy patient in the term of the presence of the disease were used for realization of this work. Statistical analysis of the results is divided into two parts: analysis of the created algorithm based on comparison of outputs with ground truth data (manually marked references) and analysis of pathology detection on new data based on comparison of predictions with reference images from the radiologist. The proposed algorithm correctly detects present vascular pathology in 83% of cases (sensitivity) and precisely selects cases where the investigated pathology does not occur in 72% of cases (specificity). The calculated Matthews correlation coefficient is 0.53. This means that the predictive ability of the algorithm is moderate positive. The designed and developed image analysis algorithm offers the radiologist a "second opinion" and it also could enable to increase the sensitivity of CTEPH diagnostics in cooperation with a radiologist.
Optical Games as Alternative Learning Media to Increase Students' Learning Interest in Interference and Light Diffraction Material
Authors: Bagus Pratama  , Pangestu Dimas Aji , Salsabilla Sasqia Shafa
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has occurred for more than two years, has affected all aspects of life, including the world of education. Along with the increasingly sloping case of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, now many schools are starting to re-implement the offline learning system. Students accustomed to learning with an online pattern must get used to returning to learning with an offline pattern. In this transitional period, of course, various problems arise, one of which is the decline in student interest in learning. This study develops one of the learning media in the form of an application game to increase student interest in learning. This study aims to determine the feasibility of game-based learning media to increase student interest in light interference and diffraction. The research method used is the research and development method with the 4D model method. The findings in this study are games can be used as an alternative learning media to increase students' interest in learning the material. Based on the stages that have been carried out, the results of the feasibility test of the Instagram comic learning media product are declared very feasible.
AUTOMATING BUILD OF EMBEDDED LINUX BINARIES IN A HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING CLUSTER
Authors: Sidyakin I. M.
Published: November 2023

A method for automating the build process of the embedded Linux operating system binary images in a high-performance computing cluster based on continuous integration and continuous deployment technology is discussed. The method proposed can significantly reduce software design time, free up computing resources at local workstations and organize joint work on a team project. A practical example of setting up the software tools necessary to compile the boot-loader, embedded Linux kernel and root file system for BeagleBone Black device with an ARM Cortex A8 processor is provided. Basic requirements for the server and workstation software are formulated. The materials of the article can be used to organize system software design for Internet of Things devices effectively, as well as for educational purposes. Tools used to develop embedded operating systems based on Linux Yocto as well as GitLab source code management system and configuring of CI/CD feature are described. The build system environment proposed includes GitLab service installed on a high-performance virtual machine in a computing cluster and set of workstations connected to the local network. The project repository is physically located on the server and managed by GitLab service. Docker virtualization is used to isolate build process from the server operating system. Building of operating system image is started automatically using CI/CD runner script, every time changes to the source code of the project are made. Git protocol is used to modify project repository remotely. Intermediate compilation data is stored outside of the Docker sandbox to prevent data integrity between compilation events. This data includes a significant amount of third-party library source code downloaded from external Linux repositories on the Internet. Thus, rebuilding the project after making changes does not require a complete rebuild and reloading of library sources, and takes much less time. Requirements for the workplace of a development engineer are minimized because the main computing load is transferred to a remote server. The proposed method of building an image of the Linux Yocto operating system allows manage team to work on a project and significantly increases the speed of the project rebuild procedure, therefore, reduces the time spent on designing and debugging system software for embedded systems. The effectiveness of the proposed method was confirmed practically with sample project Linux Yocto for the BeagleBone Black minicomputer based on the ARM Cortex A8 processor. The article contains examples of settings taken from this project. The proposed method can be used to study design of system software for embedded systems. Handson training sessions are a good example of team-based software development in a time-constrained environment.
Materiales docentes para el diseño y desarrollo de investigaciones, innovaciones y revisiones sistemáticas en la formación inicial del profesorado
Authors: Cañadas Laura
Published: November 2023

El libro está organizado en tres capítulos: el primero dedicado a la investigación educativa (elaborado por Nina Hidalgo, Cynthia Martínez-Garrido y F. Javier Murillo), el segundo dirigido a la innovación educativa y cambio escolar (escrito por Cynthia Martínez-Garrido, Nina Hidalgo y F. Javier Murillo y un tercero centrado en la realización de revisiones sistemáticas (abordado por Laura Cañadas y Maite Zubillaga-Olague). En todos los capítulos podemos encontrar una fundamentación teórica, la estructura que debe seguir una investigación, innovación o revisión sistemática y numerosos ejemplos e ideas útiles para su diseño, desarrollo y redacción. A modo de palabras finales, el presente manual pretende ser una herramienta útil y de apoyo para el alumnado que se encuentra en su formación inicial como profesores donde poder encontrar materiales docentes de fácil lectura y aplicabilidad para el desarrollo de sus trabajos académicos, TFG y futuro desarrollo profesional como maestros/as.
Vulnerability Assessment of Mangroves using the Coastal Vulnerability Index in Timbulsloko Village, Sayung, Demak
Authors: Munana Nila , Pribadi Rudhi , Suryono Chrisna Adhi
Published: November 2023

The ongoing global warming is causing climate change in several regions of Indonesia, resulting in various impacts. One of these impacts affects coastal areas, namely, the rise in sea levels. The mangrove ecosystem is one of the coastal ecosystems with a crucial role in both ecological and economic aspects of life. This ecosystem is more susceptible to damage due to climate change and human activities. The purpose of this research is to determine the vulnerability level of the mangrove ecosystem, thereby serving as a reference for the rehabilitation of the mangrove ecosystem in Timbulsloko Village. The method used is descriptive exploratory, involving direct field measurements of oceanographic variables, such as salinity, substrate, and tidal data. The analysis employed was the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) with scores divided into three categories: low, moderate, and high, with respective scores ranging between 0.45-2.31, 2.32-4.62, and 4.63-6.93. An analysis of the mangrove substrate was also conducted to determine the existing substrate types in Timbulsloko Village. The obtained results indicate that the salinity around the mangrove ranges from 29-30 ppt, the substrate type is characterized as mud, and the average tidal height is 1.5 m with a mixed leaning towards diurnal single tide. As a result, the vulnerability index value of the mangrove ecosystem in Timbulsloko Village is considered moderate, with a score of 3. The level of mangrove vulnerability is moderate, but sustainable management of the mangrove ecosystem is still required for the future.
Umbelliferone attenuates cisplatin‐induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation via NRF2
Authors: Yang Zhenle , Ning Ruofei , Liu Qianying , Zang Ruixian , Liu Suwen , Sun Shuzhen
Published: November 2023

In this study, we investigated the nephroprotective effects of Umbelliferone (UMB) against cisplatin‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI). C57BL/6J mice were treated with cisplatin via a single intraperitoneal injection (25 mg/kg) with or without UMB (40 mg/kg/day) by gavage. Renal function, apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial function were analyzed to evaluate kidney injury. In vitro, human proximal tubule epithelial cells were treated with cisplatin, with or without UMB, for 24 h. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to explore the mechanisms underlying the nephroprotective effects of UMB. Cisplatin‐induced renal dysfunction, including increases in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and renal tubular injury indices (NGAL and KIM‐1), were significantly attenuated by UMB treatment, along with renal phenotypic changes and renal tubular injury, as evidenced by improved renal histology. Moreover, NRF2 was activated by UMB pretreatment, along with the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory response, as evidenced by decreased levels of antioxidant genes and inflammatory cytokines in cisplatin‐induced AKI. Our results demonstrate that UMB can protect against cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity, which is mediated by the NRF2 signaling pathway via antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities, suggesting the clinical potential of UMB for the treatment of AKI.
Beauvoir’s Myths as a Concept for Analyzing Gendered Asymmetries
Authors: Gather Claudia , Vogl Regine
Published: November 2023

Can the concept of myths, as developed by Simone de Beauvoir in The Second Sex, help us to better understand and sociologically examine social inequalities in heterosexual couple relationships? Beauvoir has shown how women are defined as the Other. Her conceptualization of myths plays an important role in the production of asymmetry between men and women. How can we translate these myths, to a sociological micro level to examine couple relationships? We illustrate the feasibility of this approach through the comparison of two qualitative research projects from the 1990s and 2020s with dual-earner couples in transition to retirement. We try to find out how femininity and masculinity are defined in couple relationships, how they relate to each other, and whether asymmetry is at work. What has changed over time and are women (still) defined in a subordinate and derivative way from men?
Classical Realism in World Politics. Précis to a Symposium
Authors: Kirshner Jonathan
Published: November 2023

This paper introduces some of the major themes of An Unwritten Future: Realism and Uncertainty in World Politics, and provides a short illustration of how the analytical apparatus elaborated there can offer fruitful insights into understanding enduring puzzles in international relations. An Unwritten Future explores, illuminates and interrogates Classical Realism, an approach to the study of world politics that is contrasted with Structural Realism and with the ‘hyper-rationalist’ perspective associated with the ‘Rationalist Explanations for War’ school of thought. It elucidates the fundamental flaws of those two highly influential paradigms, and explains why Classical Realism, with its emphasis on what Structural Realism and Hyper-rationalism forbid—content, purpose, history, and irreducible uncertainty—provides a more promising and productive point of departure for students of international relations.
Institutional Operability: Outward Rule-Following, Inward Role-Playing
Authors: Bocchiola Michele , Ceva Emanuela
Published: November 2023

Institutional operability refers to the normative conditions governing the exercise of power of office that makes an institution work. Because institutional action occurs by the interrelated actions of the officeholders, a focus on institutional operability requires the analysis and assessment of the officeholders’ conduct in their institutional capacity. This article distinguishes two perspectives on operability: ‘outward’ and ‘inward.’ The outward view emphasizes predefined instructions for efficient execution, focusing on rule-following to achieve institutional purposes. The inward perspective highlights role-playing and reflective engagement among officeholders to uphold an institution’s raison d’être. The inward perspective brings to the fore the relational aspect of institutional life and officeholders’ interrelated responsibility for guiding institutional action.
Thinking with Simone de Beauvoir Today
Authors: Garcia Manon
Published: November 2023

In the last decade, the importance of Simone de Beauvoir’s contribution to 20th-century French philosophy has been beyond debate. However, it can be tempting to read her contributions as the dated beginnings of feminist philosophy, and to believe that her work is only interesting from the perspective of the history of philosophy. To the contrary, this article claims that contemporary philosophers can and should take Beauvoirian philosophy as a source of fruitful insights on contemporary issues in political and moral philosophy by showing the limited scope of two classic critiques of Beauvoir and by defending the relevance of her work for thinking about female submission and the importance of erotic experience.
Study on spatial pattern of tourism landscape resources in county cities of Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Song Shuo , Wang Hongying , Meng Ying
Published: November 2023

Identifying the classification of tourism landscape resources and accurately studying their spatial pattern are of great significance to the ecological environment protection, industrial transformation, and economic growth of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Taking Zixi County of Jiangxi Province as the research area, based on field survey and network collection, the scientific statistical classification of tourism landscape resources data in the county is conducted, and the nearest neighbor index, nuclear density analysis, average passage time, and accessibility coefficient are used to quantitatively analyze the classification, spatial agglomeration, spatial structure pattern, and spatial correlation of tourism landscape resources. The results show that: (1) Zixi County tourism landscape is complete in terms of natural resources, physical resources, and humanistic resources; (2) the spatial agglomeration analysis of tourism landscape resources in Zixi County shows an overall agglomeration distribution trend; (3) the density of tourism landscape resources varies significantly, with the spatial distribution characteristics of “large concentration at the nucleus and small dispersion at the poles”; and (4) landscape resources are well correlated, with a “strong center – weak periphery” spatial pattern. Accordingly, it is proposed that protection and development should be given equal importance, strengthening advantages, making up for shortcomings, and accelerating the development of tourism industry and economic growth, and promote the high quality and green development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt with points and lines, and help the coordinated development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
A Model for the World: The Austrian Constitutional Court Turns 100
Authors: Holoubek Michael , Wagrandl Ulrich
Published: November 2023

The design of constitutional courts usually shows a specific concern for independence from political actors and for pluralism on the bench. We argue that many institutional features of today’s constitutional courts can be traced back to the Austrian Constitutional Court (the first of its kind, which celebrated 100 years in 2020) and even further still to its predecessor, the Austrian Imperial Court of Justice of 1867. Strikingly, judicial independence is to be guaranteed against the existing judiciary as well, which is why constitutional courts often stand apart from the traditional judicial bureaucracy. Pluralism on the bench is to be ensured by specific criteria of eligibility, opening the constitutional court judgeship to a wider set of candidates (eg, attorneys, professors, civil servants), but also via institutional arrangements that make it easy for outsiders to join the court in the first place (eg, by allowing to continue one’s job or by not requiring residence at the court’s seat). Recounting the story of the Austrian model of constitutional adjudication in an unprecedented attempt to combine Austrian legal history with the structure and process of today’s constitutional courts around the world, this paper also highlights how relatively minor features of court organization contribute to the overarching goal of ensuring the independence of the court and pluralism within the court.
Die nukleare Dimension von Deutschlands F-35-Entscheidung von 2022 in historischer Perspektive
Authors: Lutsch Andreas
Published: November 2023

Kurzfassung

Deutschlands Entscheidung von 2022, F-35 Kampfflugzeuge als Nachfolger der Tornados für Einsätze im Rahmen der nuklearen Teilhabe der NATO zu beschaffen, reflektiert einen während der Kanzlerschaft Konrad Adenauers verankerten Ansatz: Deutschland ist und bleibt ein Nichtkernwaffenstaat, produziert und kontrolliert keine Kernwaffen, aber es trägt im Rahmen der nuklearen Teilhabe der NATO zum risk and responsibility sharing unter Verbündeten teil. Deutschlands Grundsatzentscheidung zugunsten der F-35 legt zudem nahe, dass die Bundesregierung ausreichend Vertrauen in die Glaubwürdigkeit der nuklearen Schutzzusage der USA zur Abschreckung mindestens nuklearer Bedrohungen hat. Die Entscheidung von 2022 zeigt, dass fundamentale Elemente der strategischen Logik fortbestehen, die auch die nukleare Sicherheitspolitik Deutschlands während des Kalten Krieges seit Adenauer leiteten. Zu diesen Elementen gehören geostrategische Kontinuitäten, das Interesse an der transatlantischen Westbindung Deutschlands und der bedingte Verzicht auf nationale Kernwaffen. Zweitens argumentiert der Artikel, dass sich Wahrnehmungen der militärstrategischen Erfordernisse glaubwürdiger US extended nuclear deterrence bezogen auf Europa anscheinend in profunder Weise geändert haben. Demnach erscheint es als weniger anspruchsvoll als einst im Kalten Krieg, die nuklearen Schutzzusagen der USA für Europa glaubwürdig zu halten. Zudem stellt der Artikel fest, dass kein einziger Staat in der NATO – auch nicht Frankreich – in der Lage wäre, die strategische Rolle der USA in Europa einzunehmen.
The preparation of a novel modified chitosan: application to the removal of lead and cephalexin
Authors: Wei Bangchang , Xu Ya , Kong Shengnan , Ji Zheng , Zhang Yansong , Wang Huchuan , Li Chuanrun
Published: November 2023

As a natural, non-toxic adsorbent, chitosan is well suited for the removal of heavy metals and antibiotics. In this study, chitosan was modified with polypropylene glycol and itaconic anhydride to improve the mechanical properties of chitosan, and the polypropylene glycol-itaconic anhydride-chitosan adsorbent was successfully prepared. The adsorbent was characterised and analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effects of the different conditions on the adsorption of Pb2+ and cephalexin were investigated. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model showed that the maximum adsorption capacities of Pb2+ and cephalexin could reach 431.73 mg g−1 and 153.72 mg g−1, respectively. The possible adsorption mechanism of Pb2+ and cephalexin was discussed.
Chronic Desipramine Reverses Deficits in Cell Activity, Norepinephrine Innervation, and Anxiety–Depression Phenotypes in Fluoxetine-Resistant cF1ko Mice
Authors: Vahid-Ansari Faranak , Zahrai Amin , Daigle Mireille , Albert Paul R.
Published: November 2023

Selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors are only 30% effective for remission in subjects with major depression, and the best treatments for SSRI-resistant patients remain unclear. To model SSRI resistance, we used cF1ko mice with conditional deletion of the repressor Freud-1/CC2D1A in adult 5-HT neurons. Within weeks, this deletion leads to overexpression of 5-HT1A autoreceptors, reduced serotonergic activity, and fluoxetine-resistant anxiety–depression phenotype. We hypothesized that desipramine (DES), which targets norepinephrine (NE), may be effective in cF1ko mice. The actions of chronic DES treatment on behavior, chronic cellular activation, and NE projections were examined in both sexes of cF1ko and WT mice. In contrast to fluoxetine, chronic DES reversed the behavioral phenotypes in cF1ko mice, while in WT littermates DES slightly increased anxiety and depression-like behaviors. Deficits in FosB+ cell counts were seen in the entorhinal cortex, hippocampal CA2/3 layer, and BLA of cF1ko mice and were reversed by chronic DES treatment, especially in GABAergic neurons. In cF1ko mice, widespread reductions were seen in NE axons, varicosities, and especially 30–60% reductions in NE synaptic and triadic contacts, particularly to inhibitory gephyrin-positive sites. DES treatment also reversed these reductions in NE innervation. These results indicate the dynamic plasticity of the adult noradrenergic system within weeks of altering serotonergic function that can be normalized by DES treatment. Accompanying these changes, DES but not fluoxetine reversed the behavioral alterations in cF1ko mice, suggesting a key role for noradrenergic plasticity in antidepressant response in this model of reduced serotonin activity.
Strategy Analysis of Laying Chicken Business Development in Semarang City
Authors: Ramadhon Rahmad , Rusdarti Rusdarti , Pujiati Amin
Published: November 2023

The business of laying hens has a strategic position in improving the quality of human resources through the provision of animal protein and improving the welfare of the farming community. This study aims to analysis the internal and external factors that must be faced by farmers in business development and competition in the city of Semarang and to formulate alternative strategies for developing laying hens that are appropriate to be implemented in the city of Semarang. This research is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, the researcher analysis business strategies through a SWOT analysis which includes: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by entrepreneurs in increasing the competitiveness of laying hens breeders in Semarang City. The core strategy that can be applied by laying hens in the city of Semarang is the strategy Growth and Build (grow and develop) through an intensive strategy or an integration strategy. Based on the position, livestock in the city of Semarang is in quadrant I in the IE matrix, which illustrates that the livestock business in the city of Semarang is in an average internal condition and the response to external factors is high.
Pengaruh Kompetensi dan Kepuasan Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Bagian Billman Pada PT.PLN (Persero) Indarung
Authors: Afriyeni Afriyeni , Kurnia Ningsih Fauziatul
Published: November 2023

Pertumbuhan industri makanan, minuman, farmasi dan industri lainnya yang berbahan dasar tapioka Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menguji pengaruh variabel kompetensi dan kepuasan kerja  terhadap kinerja karyawan bagian billman pada PT. PLN (Persero) Indarung. Pengumpulan data melalui penyebaran kuisioner  kepada 30 responden dengan menggunakan teknik sampling jenuh, dimana seluruh anggota populasi dijadikan sampel, dengan menggunakan pengujian regresi linear berganda dengan bantuan aplikasi SPSS. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukan bahwa kompetensi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan, kepuasan kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan.
Determinan Indeks Kualitas Lingkungan Hidup dengan Pengujian Environmental Kuznet Curve
Authors: Ginting Ruth Fania , Prajanti Sucihatiningsih Dian Wisika , Setyadharma Andryan
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menganalisis dan mendeskripsikan hubungan antara produk domestik bruto, kepadatan penduduk, energi dan penanaman modal asing serta pembuktian hipotesis environment kuznet curve terhadap indeks kualitas lingkungan hidup. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan pengujian environment kuznet curve. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis data panel menggunakan e-views. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variable PDRB tidak memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan dan hipotesis environment kuznet curve tidak terbukti dikarenakan hasil pengujian PDRB tidak signifikan meskipun menunjukkan beta 1. Hasil variable kepadatan penduduk berpengaruh signifikan terhadap indeks kualitas lingkungan hidup, energi tidak berpengaruh signifikan dan penanaman modal asing berpengaruh signifikan terhadap indeks kualitas lingkungan hidup.
Faktor-Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Kinerja Perawat
Authors: Hasanah Rani , Maharani Chatila
Published: November 2023

Latar Belakang: Salah satu pelayanan kesehatan yang utama di rumah sakit adalah pelayanan keperawatan. Baik atau buruknya pelayanan yang diberikan akan mempengaruhi tingkat kepuasan pasien. Rekap keluhan terkait ketidakpuasan pasien RSUD Tugurejo Semarang tahun 2020 sebagian besar pada bidang keperawatan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor yang berhubungan dengan kinerja perawat. Metode:  Jenis penelitian ini adalah observasional analitik dengan pendekatan cross sectional menggunakan metode total sampling yaitu sejumlah 70 perawat, instrumen yang digunakan yaitu kuesioner dengan teknik  pengambilan data dengan metode online dan offline. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Agustus 2021. Hasil: Hasil uji statistik uji Chi-Square menunjukkan bahwa variabel yang berhubungan dengan kinerja perawat adalah motivasi (p=0,014), gaya kepemimpinan demokrasi (p=0,013), komitmen organisasi (p=0,002), beban kerja pada masa pandemi Covid-19 (p=0,003) dan  kecemasan pada masa pandemi Covid-19 (p=0,030) dengan kinerja perawat. Kesimpulan: Terdapat hubungan antara motivasi, gaya kepemimpinan demokratis, komitmen organisasi, beban kerja pada masa pandemi Covid-19 dan kecemasan pada masa pandemi Covid-19. Saran perlunya dorongan berupa motivasi kenaikan jabatan dan kesempatan kepada anggota perawat untuk menjadi pemimpin.
Pengelolaan Limbah B3 Medis Covid-19 di Rumah Sakit pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: 'Ulya Meila Himmatul , Pawenang Eram Tunggul
Published: November 2023

Latar Belakang: Covid-19 adalah penyakit menular yang banyak menghasilkan limbah infeksius pada penderitanya. Volume limbah medis Covid-19 meningkat seiring dengan adanya keputusan bahwa seluruh limbah hasil perawatan pasien Covid-19 adalah termasuk limbah infeksius. Limbah infeksius Covid-19 menaik tajam dan RSI Sunan Kudus kekurangan dalam penyediaan kantong kuning tempat Limbah B3 Medis Covid-19. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui gambaran Pengelolaan Limbah B3 Medis Covid-19 di Rumah Sakit Islam Sunan Kudus Tahun 2021. Metode: Jenis penelitian ini adalah deskriptif dengan subjek penelitian para tenaga kesehatan maupun non kesehatan yang berhubungan dengan Limbah B3 Medis Covid-19 di Rumah Sakit Islam Sunan Kudus. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah pedoman wawancara dan lembar observasi dan data dianalisis menggunakan uji univariat terhadap variabel-variabel dari hasil penelitian. Hasil: menunjukkan Sumber Daya Manusia (SDM), Manajemen pengelolaan, Ketersediaan Fasilitas, Kesesuaian penggunaan APD, Pengawasan, dan Kebijakan pengelola limbah B3 Medis Covid-19 sudah sesuai dengan masing-masing peraturan yang digunakan. Kesimpulan: Gambaran pengelolaan limbah B3 medis Covid-19 di Rumah Sakit Islam Sunan Kudus tahun 2021 sebagian besar sudah sesuai dengan pedoman yang berlaku.