bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes and Risk Factors of Heart Transplantation Patients Experiencing Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Li Wangzi , Zhang Chiyuan , Zhou Xianming , Xu Qian , Wang Kan , Lin Rong , Shi Jiawei , Dong Nianguo
Published: July 2024

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) after heart transplantation (HT) remains a significant clinical issue. The study aimed to explore its incidence, trends, outcomes and clinical predictors of GIB in HT patients. Adult patients who underwent HT between 2015 and 2021 at Union Hospital were recruited and divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of postoperative GIB. Primary outcomes were evaluated by follow-up. Independent predictors of GIB after HT were identified by logistic regression analysis. A nomogram prediction model was constructed according to these independent variables, and the accuracy of the model was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the calibration curve. Among 461 patients, 40 (8.7%) developed GIB post-HT. HT patients with postoperative GIB exhibited higher in-hospital, 30-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified age, preoperative warfarin, postoperative continuous renal replacement therapy and postoperative nasogastric tube as independent risk factors for GIB following HT. The nomogram prediction model was performed using the 4 variables. The area under the curve (AUC) of this model was 0.852(95% CI: 0.787-0.917, P < 0.001) and the calibration curve was close to the ideal diagonal line. GIB following HT is associated with a poor clinical prognosis. The constructed nomogram, incorporating its independent risk factors, demonstrated a favorable predictive value for GIB.
Spatial Analysis of Environmental Factors with Leptospirosis Cases in The Klaten Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia
Authors: Sutiningsih Dwi , Permatasari Cintya Dipta , Azzahra Nur Azizah , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso Javier
Published: July 2024

The Klaten Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia is an leptospirosis endemic area. This study’s purpose is to spatially describe the abiotic and biotic environmental factors with the Leptospirosis incidence in the Klaten Regency in 2018. This was a descriptive observational with cross-sectional approach conducted in the Klaten Regency, Central Java, in 2019 with 59 respondents. The results revealed that the percentage of abiotic environment factors such as poor waste disposal facilities, poor gutter conditions, river <200 meters, and flooding history, namely 35.6%; 41.2%; 54.2%; and 6.8%, respectively. The highest leptospirosis cases occurred in April 2018 with 325 mm of rainfall, average temperature of 270C, average humidity of 82.3%, and altitude of 100-200 MASL (79.7%). Meanwhile, biotic factors included rat nest existence (100%), having pets at risk (32.2%), and ≥3 types of vegetation (79.7%). In conclusion, most respondents' dominant environmental factors were presence of rat nests, ≥3 vegetation types, and river availability <200 meters.
BacSPaD: A Robust Bacterial Strains’ Pathogenicity Resource Based on Integrated and Curated Genomic Metadata
Authors: Ribeiro Sara , Chaumet Guillaume , Alves Karine , Nourikyan Julien , Shi Lei , Lavergne Jean-Pierre , Mijakovic Ivan , de Bernard Simon , Buffat Laurent
Published: July 2024

The vast array of omics data in microbiology presents significant opportunities for studying bacterial pathogenesis and creating computational tools for predicting pathogenic potential. However, the field lacks a comprehensive, curated resource that catalogs bacterial strains and their ability to cause human infections. Current methods for identifying pathogenicity determinants often introduce biases and miss critical aspects of bacterial pathogenesis.In response to this gap, we introduce BacSPaD (Bacterial Strains’ Pathogenicity Database), a thoroughly curated database focusing on pathogenicity annotations for a wide range of high-quality, complete bacterial genomes. Our rule-based annotation workflow combines metadata from trusted sources with automated keyword matching, extensive manual curation, and detailed literature review. Our analysis classified 5,502 genomes as pathogenic to humans (HP) and 490 as non-pathogenic to humans (NHP), encompassing 532 species, 193 genera, and 96 families. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant but moderate correlation between virulence factors and HP classification, highlighting the complexity of bacterial pathogenicity and the need for ongoing research. This resource is poised to enhance our understanding of bacterial pathogenicity mechanisms and aid in the development of predictive models. To improve accessibility and provide key visualization statistics, we developed a user-friendly web interface, accessible at https://bacspad.altrabio.com.
Wide-Field Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Kiciński Krzysztof , Gawęcki Maciej
Published: July 2024

Background: The goal of the study was to analyze variations in central, perifoveal, and peripheral retinal thickness (RT) and choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) measured with ultra-wide-field optical coherence tomography (UWF-OCT). Additionally, correlations between RT and CT in the central, perifoveal, and peripheral sectors and the presence of selected systemic factors were evaluated. Methods: A total of 74 consecutive adult diabetic patients with DME and 75 healthy controls were included. Study participants were divided into three groups: DME patients without panretinal photocoagulation (PRP; 84 eyes), DME patients after PRP (56 eyes), and healthy controls (125 eyes). RT and CT were analyzed in three zones: a central circle of 3 mm diameter (Central), a ring contained between a centered 9 mm circle and the central 3 mm circle (Perifoveal), and a second, more peripheral ring between centered 18 mm and 9 mm circles (Peripheral). Additionally, DME subgroups were analyzed according to the correlation of RT and CT with age, axial length, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), diabetes duration, insulin therapy duration, body mass index (BMI), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values, intravitreal injection (IVI) count, and the advancement of retinopathy assessed by the simplified diabetic retinopathy severity scale (DRSS). Results The increase in RT in the far peripheral sectors in DME patients was not significant. The increase in central and perifoveal RT and CT in PRP-naïve DME patients was strongly associated with poorer BCVA. Patients with DME after PRP presented with BCVA improvements significantly related to the number of IVIs. The amount of DME and RT in peripheral sectors were both independent of systemic factors such as BMI, duration of diabetes, duration of insulin intake, retinopathy severity, and HbA1c levels. Conclusion Peripheral retinal sectors in DME patients are less affected in terms of increase in their thickness compared to central ones. UWF-OCT provides valuable information on retinal and choroidal involvement in diabetic retinopathy complicated by DME.
Business Model and Strategy for Sustainable Lending of State-Owned Banks in Indonesia
Authors: Manurung Kepas Antoni Adrianus , Siregar Hermanto , Hakim Dedi Budiman , Fahmi Idqan , Novianti Tanti
Published: July 2024

Currently, banks are facing challenges in fulfilling the interests of stakeholders, not only from the economic point of view but also from the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. This is due to the increasing concern for sustainability issues, including in lending activities. Lending activities constitute the largest portion of bank assets and are the largest contributor to bank revenues. Thus, banks need certain business models and strategies to encourage sustainable lending growth. This study aimed to build a sustainable business model and selection of sustainable lending strategies in state-owned banks in In-donesia using a value chain approach. The development of a sustainable business model utilized triple layer business model canvas (TLBMC) is based on the results of previous re-search and sustainability reports data of the three state-owned banks. Formulation of strat-egy selection as key drivers to drive sustainable lending utilized analytical hierarchy pro-cess (AHP) based on expert respondent data collected through questionnaires. This re-search showed that the lending distribution business model at state-owned banks in Indonesia, which was built using the TLBMC framework, can realize sustainability goals in the form of a sustainable lending business model. Furthermore, this sustainable business model can be used as a basis for selecting sustainable strategies. In addition, the AHP results obtained alternative strategies in the form of green loan and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) market development and penetration as the key drivers of sustainable lending growth.
Synthesis of Carbon Dots Extracted from Black Mulberry Fruits for Photocatalytic Degradation.
Authors: Etefa H.F. , Dejene FB
Published: July 2024

The utilization of black mulberry fruit as a precursor for C-dot synthesis represents a novel ap-proach to biosynthesizing C-dots. Through the implementation of a hydrothermal autoclave, we successfully produced C-dots using the fruit extract. This environmentally conscious and sustain-able method of synthesis presents a promising avenue for C-dot production. Our findings demon-strate the remarkable photocatalytic activity of the C-dots, as evidenced by their effective degra-dation of pollutants under visible light irradiation. This discovery holds significant implications for addressing water contamination issues and promoting environmental remediation efforts. Fur-thermore, we conducted a thorough investigation to determine the optimal doping concentration of C-dots, ultimately identifying 0.2 M as the ideal concentration. At this specific concentration, the photo catalytic degradation of pollutants reached an impressive rate of 95.8%. The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the increased electron trapping resulting from the presence of additional surface sites and the absorption of different wavelengths of light. In sum-mary, this research contributes to the sustainable synthesis of carbon dots using black mulberry fruits as a precursor, while also providing a comprehensive analysis of their optical and photo-catalytic properties.
Managing Supplier Risks in E-Commerce: Qualitative Insights into Relationship Management Strategies
Authors: Grant Oliver
Published: July 2024

This qualitative study investigates the management of supplier risks in e-commerce through relationship management strategies, focusing on trust-building, communication practices, digital technology integration, risk assessment methodologies, challenges, innovation initiatives, and ethical considerations. The research aims to provide nuanced insights into how e-commerce companies navigate the complexities of global supply chains to mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risks associated with supplier relationships. Through semi-structured interviews with 20 key stakeholders in the e-commerce sector, data were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings underscored the foundational role of trust in establishing resilient supplier relationships, facilitated by transparent communication, consistent performance evaluation, and mutual respect for contractual obligations. Effective communication practices, supported by digital platforms and technologies such as AI, blockchain, IoT, and cloud computing, enhanced operational transparency and decision-making capabilities across supply chains. The study identified diverse approaches to risk assessment, from qualitative evaluations to quantitative models utilizing predictive analytics and scenario planning. However, participants highlighted challenges including geopolitical uncertainties, trade disruptions, regulatory changes, and cultural barriers, necessitating adaptive strategies and diversified sourcing options. Innovation initiatives such as joint product development and technology adoption were crucial in enhancing supply chain agility and competitive advantage. Ethical considerations emerged as a critical aspect, influencing supplier selection criteria, CSR initiatives, environmental sustainability practices, and labor standards compliance. Integrating ethical guidelines into supplier contracts reinforced corporate values and enhanced brand reputation. Overall, this study contributes practical implications for e-commerce practitioners seeking to enhance supply chain resilience, mitigate supplier risks, and sustain competitive advantage in a dynamic global marketplace.
Bridging the Embodiment Gap: Embodied AI for Enhanced Human-Machine Collaboration and Learning in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Idowu Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

This study explores the limitations of current AI systems, which predominantly function in the digital realm, and investigates the transformative potential of embodied AI. Embodied AI involves AI agents equipped with physical bodies, enabling them to interact directly with the physical world. This research focuses on how embodied AI can bridge the "embodiment gap" and enhance human-machine collaboration and learning in dynamic environments. The research examines the fundamental differences between traditional AI systems and embodied AI, emphasizing the importance of physical interaction for contextual understanding, adaptive learning, and intuitive human-machine collaboration. It explores various applications of embodied AI, including robotics, autonomous vehicles, and assistive technologies, demonstrating how physical embodiment can improve performance, safety, and user experience. Through experimental studies and real-world case analyses, the study highlights the advantages of embodied AI in tasks requiring situational awareness, dexterity, and real-time decision-making. It also addresses the challenges associated with developing and deploying embodied AI systems, such as sensor integration, real-time processing, and human-machine interface design. Findings indicate that embodied AI can significantly improve the efficacy of AI systems in dynamic and unpredictable environments. By leveraging physical embodiment, AI agents can better understand and respond to their surroundings, facilitating more natural and effective interactions with humans. The research concludes with recommendations for advancing embodied AI, including interdisciplinary collaboration, investment in sensor and actuator technologies, and the development of standardized frameworks for embodied intelligence.
Bioinformatics Study on Site-Specific Variations of Eotaxin-3, a Key Chemokine in Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
Authors: Giordano Deborah , D’Acierno Antonio , Marabotti Anna , Iovino Paola , Iacomino Giuseppe , Facchiano Angelo
Published: July 2024

Eotaxin-3 is a key chemokine with a relevant role in eosinophilic esophagitis, a rare chronic immune/antigen-mediated inflammatory disorder. Eotaxin-3 is a potent activator of eosinophil emergence and migration, which may lead to allergic airway inflammation. We investigated by bioinformatics tools the protein structure and the possible effects of the known variations reported in public databases. Following a procedure already established, we created a 3D model of the whole protein and modelled the structure of 105 protein variants due to known point mutations. The effects of the amino acid substitution at the level of impact on protein structure, stability, and possibly function, were detected by the bioinformatics procedure and described in detail. A web application was implemented to browse the results of the analysis and visualize the 3D models, with the opportunity of downloading the models and analyze by the own software. Among 105 amino acid substitutions investigated, the study evidenced in 44 cases at least one change in any of the investigated structural parameters. Other 6 variations are also relevant, although a structural effect is not detected by our analysis, because they substituted amino acids highly conserved, which suggests a possible function role. All these variations should be the object of particular attention, as they may induce loss of functionality in the protein.
Image Databases with Features Augmented with Singular Point Shapes for Enhanced Machine Learning
Authors: Sirakov Nikolay Metodiev , Bowden Adam
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a repository of image databases where the image features are augmented with embedded vector field (VF) features to enhance the machine learning (ML) and increase classification statistics. Six VFs are formulated and used for the purpose of embedding. Three of them generate real shaped singular points (SPs): springing, sinking and saddle. The other three VFs generate seven kinds of SPs which include the real shaped SPs and four complex shaped SPs: repealing and attracting (out and in) spirals; clockwise and counterclockwise orbits (center). Also, the paper describes the VF singularities, their shapes, and locations according to the image objects. Then, the present work defines the mappings between the SPs’ shapes if the VFs are separately embedded into the same image. Thus, the paper infers which VFs are most appropriate for embedding into a particular image database such that the augmented SPs shapes enhance the ML classification. Examples of images with different embedded VFs are shown, in the text, to support and validate the theoretical conclusions. The contributions of the paper are: a description of the SPs location in an image; the mappings between the SPs of the different VFs; the definition of an imprint of an image in a VF; the generation of databases’ imprints. The advantage of classifying an image database with embedded VFs is that the new database enhances ML and improves the classification statistics if compared to the classification of the original image database with the same ML classifier. Furthermore, images with embedded SPs create a useful augmentation to the original image databases.
What is the Role Local Antimicrobial Protection for One-Stage Revision for Peri-Prosthetic Hip Infection ?
Authors: Romanò Carlo Luca , Bonomo Luigi , Bonomo Giulio , Viale German , Del Sel Hernán , Tezval Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Antibiotic-loaded bone cement has been traditionally advocated as a key step for the success of one-stage hip revision surgery, while cementless techniques have been recently proposed with and without the use of local antibacterials as an equally successful alternative. Aim of this review is to investigate the effective role of local antimicrobial protection for one-stage cemented and cementless hip revision surgery. Twelve studies reporting the results of cemented single-stage procedure at a minimum two years follow-up were reviewed. When pooling together the data, no infection recurrence was observed on average in 83.3% of the patients (range 75.0% to 100%). Only two papers, both from the same French group, included patients treated without the use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement, with an average infection control of 95.9% in a total of 195 patients. This figure appears better that the 80.7% infection control obtained by pooling together all the remaining studies. Concerning cementless one-stage revision, a total of 17 studies, reporting on 521 patients, showed an average 90.0% (range 56.8% to 100%) no infection recurrence, at a minimum two years follow-up. Eight papers reported the outcomes of cementless implants without any local antibacterial protection and nine more described four different techniques for local antimicrobial implant protection. No comparative study investigated cementless revision with or without local antibacterial protection. Pooled data showed an average infection control of 86.7%, without the application of local antibacterials, compared to 90.1% to 100% with local antimicrobial protection, depending on the technology used. However, due to the relatively low number of patients treated with each local antimicrobial protection, no statistical difference could be found, either considering local antibacterial strategies alone or pooled together. No side effect had been reported by any local antibacterial technique. This review points out that local antibacterial protection for one-stage hip revision surgery, although safe and largely performed in the clinical setting, appears still to rely mainly on experts’ opinion and on observational series with no prospective or comparative trial, hence no definitive conclusion can be drawn concerning its effective role in one-stage hip revision surgery.
Self-Healing Composites: A Path to Redefining Material Resilience - A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Durão Maria Luísa , Nobre Luís , Mota Carlos , Bessa João , Cunha Fernando , Fangueiro Raúl
Published: July 2024

Polymeric composites are prone to undergo damage, such as microcracks, during their operation, that can ultimately lead to catastrophic failure. To contradict such problem, effort has been put, by the scientific community, towards developing self-healing composites that, by mimicking biological systems, can autonomously and prematurely repair flaws, extending durability and improving security of materials. The present review explores the progress being made in such area, focusing on extrinsic self-healing methods, considering that they can be employed to a variety of materials. Reservoir-based techniques, that resort to capsules, hollow fibers or microvascular networks, and thermoplastic-based ones are overviewed, prioritizing innovative approaches made in recent years. At last, promising practical applications for self-healing composites are highlighted and future challenges and opportunities are pointed out.
Optimizing Geometry and ETL Materials for High-Performance Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells by TCAD Simulation
Authors: Gulomova Irodakhon , Accouche Oussama , Aliev Rayimjon , Al Barakeh Zaher , Abduazimov Valikhon
Published: July 2024

Due to the optical properties of the Electron Transport Layer (ETL) and Hole Transport Layer (HTL), inverted perovskite solar cells can perform better than traditional perovskite solar cells. It is essential to compare both types to understand their efficiencies. In this article, we studied inverted perovskite solar cells with NiOx/CH3NH3Pb3/ETL (ETL = MoO3, TiO2, ZnO) structures. Our results showed that the optimal thickness of NiOx is 80 nm for all structures. The optimal perovskite thickness is 600 nm for solar cells with ZnO and MoO3, and 800 nm for those with TiO2. For the ETLs, the best thicknesses are 100 nm for ZnO, 80 nm for MoO3, and 60 nm for TiO2. We found that the efficiencies of inverted perovskite solar cells with ZnO, MoO3, and TiO2 as ETLs, and with optimal layer thicknesses, are 30.16%, 18.69%, and 35.21%, respectively. These efficiencies are 1.5%, 5.7%, and 1.5% higher than those of traditional perovskite solar cells. Our study highlights the potential of optimizing layer thicknesses in inverted perovskite solar cells to achieve higher efficiencies than traditional structures.
The Controversial Role of Ubiquitin-Conjugatin Enzyme E2 O (UBE2O) in Human Leukemias and Solid Tumors
Authors: Maffeo Beatrice , Cilloni Daniela
Published: July 2024

Protein degradation is a biological phenomena essential for cellular homeostasis and survivor. Selective protein degradation is performed by the ubiquitination system which selectively target proteins that need to be eliminated and lead them to proteasome degradation. In this review, we focus on the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 O (UBE2O) and highlight the role of UBE2O in many biological and physiological process. We further discuss the UBE2O implications in various human diseases, particularly in leukemias and solid cancers and suggest how UBE2O targeting could be novel strategy in the treatment of different human neoplasia.
Complexity and Regime Transitions in Simple Master Equations
Authors: Plastino Angelo , Monteoliva Diana
Published: July 2024

We investigated the dynamics of a simple master equation describing the evolution of a probability distribution between two states, \( p_1 \) and \( p_2 \) (with \( p_1 + p_2 = 1 \)). Our focus is on the behavior of the entropy \( S \), the distance \( D \) from the uniform distribution (\( p_1 = p_2 = 1/2 \)), and the free energy \( F \). We define two ratios, \( \eta_S = \frac{dS/dt}{dF/dt} \) and \( \eta_D = \frac{dD/dt}{dF/dt} \), and find that both diverge to plus-minus infinity as the system evolves towards the uniform distribution. This divergence marks a critical transition point where the master equation temporarily loses physical meaning. However, after this divergence, the system settles into a new, well-behaved regime where the solutions stabilize at finite values, representing a new equilibrium or steady state. This two-regime behavior underscores the intricate dynamics of simple probabilistic systems as they approach and surpass equilibrium, providing insights into the complex interplay of entropy, distance, and free energy in statistical mechanics.
Active Learning with Physics-Informed Graph Neural Networks on Unstructured Meshes
Authors: Decke Jens , heinen Alexander , Sick Bernhard , Gruhl Christian
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the use of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) in active learning cycles. We defined two scenarios: one semi-supervised and the other fully supervised. PINNs emphasize the integration of physical laws into neural networks to improve the predictive performance of vanilla neural networks and to enhance the efficiency of traditional methods for solving partial differential equations (PDEs). Key contributions include adapting existing computational frameworks to enable the use of Graph Neural Networks for solving problems that require the calculation of gradients on unstructured triangle meshes, a query strategy focusing on the physical loss, and a comparative analysis of this strategy against random sampling across both defined scenarios. This work establishes a foundation for future research aimed at expanding the application of Physics-Informed Graph Neural Networks (PIGNN) using active learning and addressing real-world problems in fluid dynamics and electrodynamics.
Performa Komponen Hasil dan Karakter Agronomi berbagai Genotipe Galur Cabai Rawit
Authors: Sijabat Winda Saskia , Syukur Muhamad , Ritonga Arya Widura , Istiqlal Muhammad Ridha Alfarabi , Hakim Abdul , Pangestu Arya Yuda , Permatasari Okti Syah Isyani , Marwiyah Siti , Sulassih Sulassih , Sahid Zulfikar Damaralam
Published: July 2024

Cayenne pepper is one of the important horticultural commodities and has high economic value for Indonesian people. The demand for cayenne pepper in Indonesia was relatively high, especially for household consumption. Therefore, superior varieties were needed to meet the needs of cayenne pepper in Indonesia. One way to guarantee the superiority of varieties and the validity of variety descriptions was to conduct yield testing. Our research aims to evaluate the performance and yield of seven genotypes of cayenne pepper. This research was carried out from March 2023 to September 2023 at Leuwikopo Experimental Garden, IPB University. It consisted of one factor: ten genotypes (seven genotypes and three control varieties). Experimental design in our research using randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that there were differences in performance and yield between cayenne pepper genotypes. The flowering ages of all genotypes ranged from 41.33 - 45.67 DAP with the harvest ages ranging from 83.33 - 92.67 DAP. The percentage of plants observed at the end of harvest ranged from 37.50 - 70.83% with the Rawita F1 variety showing the lowest percentage (37.50%). F1.372340 genotype was the highest productivity genotype, reaching 4.80 t.ha-1. The productivity of F1.372340 was higher than control varieties, which ranged from 1.48 to 2.72 t.ha-1. Line’s genotype had a shelf life ranging from 9.30 - 15.00 DAH which was the same or better than the control varieties which ranged from 9.67-12.33 DAH.
Composite material applications and research roadmap for US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works
Authors: Baekey, Kyle , Hanowsky Michael , Less Thomas , Lillycrop W. , Stynoski Peter , Smith Matthew , Plews Patrick , Loff Andrew , Parr Christina
Published: July 2024

This report discusses and ranks the remaining research, development, and deployment opportunities for fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials in USACE marine infrastructure applications. Following the successes of at least 10 fiber-reinforced polymer composite pilot projects from 2015 to 2022, Public Law 117-58, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, allocated funding for a roadmap report that articulates lingering implementation barriers and prioritizes steps to overcome those challenges through laboratory and field experimentation. The objective analysis herein draws from real Operational Condition Assessment data generated in the field. Key opportunities lie in inspection techniques, standardized design approaches for molded components, and improved guidance to ad-dress abrasion, fatigue, and concentrated load cases at the 10-meter scale.
Mississippi River AdH model modification and evaluation, Thebes, Illinois, to Birds Point, Missouri, Reach
Authors: Brauer Edward , Sanborn Stephen , Pokrefke Thomas , McAnally William , Wallen Christopher
Published: July 2024

A calibrated hydrodynamic and sediment transport model of the Upper Mississippi River, from Thebes, Illinois, to Birds Point, Missouri, was created to investigate hydraulics and sediment transport in the river channel and across the Dogtooth Island Peninsula (DIP) as the result of the Len Small levee breach. A hydrodynamic model was developed for the reach and calibrated to stage and breach outflow discharge data for the floods of 2011, 2015–2016, and 2017. The hydrodynamic model was used to investigate breach outflow discharges and shear stress distribution over the DIP. Soil and geologic maps were investigated to determine soil parameters and the long-term stability of soil formations on the DIP. The Upper Mississippi River sediment transport model was built upon the hydrodynamic model and soil mapping efforts. The sediment transport model was calibrated to the 2015 and 2017 flood events. Calibration data were limited to changes in elevation, which were then areally averaged, computed from comprehensive channel surveys and lidar data for the DIP. This model provides a solid foundation for comparing alternative measures to minimize further erosion of the DIP and for analyzing the risk of a channel cutoff occurring.
Towards a Holistic Halal Certification Self-Declare System: An Analysis of Maqasid al-Sharīʿah-Based Approaches in Indonesia and Malaysia
Authors: Hasan Maisyarah Rahmi , Abd Latif Mohd Syahiran
Published: July 2024

Despite the transparent and legal-compliant implementation of the Halal certification system in Indonesia and Malaysia, there are obstacles in practice, such as quality control and supervision for Halal-certified products. Therefore, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive Halal certification system founded on Maqasid al-Sharīʿah. This study employs normative-doctrinal legal research to provide recommendations for resolving issues associated with implementing the Halal certification system in Indonesia and Malaysia. It reveals that both Indonesia and Malaysia have institutions tasked with administering the Halal certification system; in Indonesia, it is administered by Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (Halal Product Guarantee Organizing Agency or BPJPH), and in Malaysia, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia or JAKIM). Quality control and supervision are obstacles to implementing Halal certification in Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly self-declaration. Due to the misuse of Halal labels and the incorporation of non-submitted materials and products, rigorous oversight is necessary for the products that acquired Halal certificates using this scheme. Business actors lack knowledge and comprehension of the Halal guarantee system, which prompts them to implement the objectives of Halal certification. Adopting Maqasid al-Sharīʿah is necessary to put in place a Halal certification system that prioritizes business actors' awareness of the goals of Halal certification, which include the preservation of religion, life, the mind, ancestry, and property. Moreover, this preservation aligns with the goal of Halal certification's contribution to spiritual and worship strength.
“I’m Very Upset That We See Each Other So Rarely…”: Anthropological Motives in the Letters of N.O. Lossky to G.V. Florovsky (1933–1946). The Letters of N.O. Lossky to G.V. Florovsky (1933–1946), publication and notes by Elena V. Serdyukova
Authors: Serdyukova Elena ,   Southern Federal University
Published: July 2024

Over the past few decades, the archival heritage of Russian thinkers abroad has become an area of particular interest for specialists in the history of Russian philosophy. Each new discovery, be it an unpublished scientific text, drafts, lecture texts, business corre­spondence or private letters, allows us not only to slightly lift the “veil of mystery” of the philosopher’s creative workshop, but also to immerse ourselves in the world of his existential experiences, revealing character traits and habits, way of living. The first part of letters being published is from N.O. Lossky to G.V. Florovsky, that come from the archives of Princeton University (Princeton, USA), covering the period from 1933 to 1946 before N.O. Lossky’s moving to America, the letters indicate not only that N.O. Lossky and his family had warm and friendly feelings towards G.V. Florovsky and staid in contact with him for many years, but also the intersection of the destinies of these two thinkers, first in Prague (teaching at the Russian Faculty of Law, N.O. Lossky’s opposition to G.V. Florovsky’s dissertation, participation in the ac­tivities of the Brotherhood of Saint Sophia, involvement in the “dispute about Sophia”, etc.), then in Paris (pedagogical activity at the St. Sergius Theological Institute). These letters very clearly show how communication with Florovsky influenced (albeit in a rather indirect form) the formation of Lossky’s interest in anthropological issues.
“Athens and Jerusalem” of Leo Strauss and Leo Shestov
Authors: Sheynov Tikhon ,   HSE University
Published: July 2024

One of the most important cultural and philosophical subject of the last century is the reflection on the crisis state of Western culture. In search of the causes of philosophical and socio-cultural upheavals, philosophers turned to the spiri­tual origins of European civilization and saw the conflict between philosophical rationality and biblical faith as the event that determined the spiritual shape of Western culture and explains its current crisis. The article is devoted to the problem of confrontation of ancient Greek and biblical beginnings of Euro­pean culture in the works of Leo Strauss and Leo Shestov. The theoretical framework of the study is the method of conceptual analysis, which allows us to identify the conceptual content of the concepts of Athens and Jerusalem in the phi­losophical projects of Strauss and Shestov. Analyzing Strauss’s and Shestov’s views on the conflict between philosophical reason and the religion of revela­tion, the author identifies the peculiarities of their interpretation of the images of Athens and Jerusalem, as well as the contexts in which the philosophers ad­dress their confrontation. The author concludes that the idea of Strauss and Shestov as apologists of rational and religious principles of European culture does not exhaust the actual content of their philosophical projects. Both philoso­phers share a common understanding of the problem, but view it from different perspectives. Strauss focuses on the political-philosophical aspects of the con­flict between Athens and Jerusalem, expressed in the necessity of choosing philosophy and religion as the ultimate images of human life and the problem of their applicability as principles for organizing the political community. Shestov’s main interest is the existential significance of faith as a guide in the li­beration of the human spirit from the shackles of metaphysical necessity. Based on these views, the author draws conclusions about Strauss’s and Shestov’s un­derstanding of the essence of the contemporary cultural crisis and formulates a possible strategy for overcoming it.
What is a Musical Aesthetic Idea? Reflections Following Kant
Authors: Stolzenberg Jürgen ,   Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
Published: July 2024

Kant assigns music the lowest rank among the arts. According to Kant, it is “more enjoyment than culture” and its effect is based only on a random association of ideas that are aroused by music. Moreover, it has a “lack of urban”, as its prac­tice is often perceived as a nuisance. This has led to the widespread opinion that the systematic yield of Kant’s reflections on music should also be regarded as low. This article counters this opinion. Based on Kant’s theory of the aesthetic idea and its application to music, it can be shown that the concept of a musical aesthetic idea is suitable for contributing to the elucidation of the epistemic status of the cognitive content of music. With reference to Kant’s statements on the rela­tionship between theme, the unity of a musical work and “the dominant affect in the piece”, the scope of the application of Kant’s concept of an “unutterable fullness of thought”, which explains the concept of a musical aesthetic idea, is ex­amined and demonstrated using two examples. The first example is the famous first scene in Richard Wagner’s Rheingold, in which the Rhinemaidens greet the Rheingold, who shines in the rising sun. Here, the idea of Rheingold is the sub­ject of an idea whose aesthetic content is interpreted through the song of the Rhine­maidens and the music. The second example is the well-known theme of the sym­phonic poem The Moldau from the cycle My Fatherland by Bedřich Smetana and its variations. It is the musical representation of the flowing of the Vltava through various landscapes and sceneries; at the same time, the work is to be understood as a musical expression of the ideas of a unity of nature and national freedom. The examples illustrate the relationship between imagination, understanding and reason that must be assumed for the formation of a musical aesthetic idea.
Empirical studies and armchair philosophy of consciousness
Authors: Vasilyev Vadim ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University
Published: July 2024

In this paper I examine the ideas expressed by Igor Mikhailov in his paper “Subjects and Methods of Empirical Theories of Consciousness” and discuss some problems as­sociated with the possibility of non – empirical or non – experimental study of con­sciousness. While generally agreeing with the conclusions of Mikhailov’s paper regard­ing his proposals for improving matters in empirical theories of consciousness, namely, that such theories can benefit from the presence in them of a computational level with real modeling potential, with the fact that theses of such theories will have a probabilis­tic nature, and so on, I dispute some aspects of his interpretations of two contemporary works on criteria of successful empirical theories, in particular his interpretation of the compression criterion, articulated in a recent paper by Konstantin Anokhin, and his interpretation of the Anokhin’s parameter “how”. In the article I also show that one of the key criteria of empirical theories put forward by Igor Mikhailov, namely the cri­terion of falsifiability, requires careful attention and needs to be clarified, that leads to its transformation into the concept of weak direct verifiability, because otherwise it may turn out that all theses are falsifiable. I claim that speculative theories of con­sciousness can be defined as theories that contain directly unverifiable propositions. At the same time, I argue that non – experimental theories of consciousness do not have to be speculative. The creators of armchair theories of the right kind can clarify the ontological status of consciousness by conceptual analysis of the fundamental atti­tudes of human “folk ontology”.
Freedom, creativity, spirit: Nikolai Berdyaev’s alternative metaphysics
Authors: Zhukova Olga ,   National Research University ",   Higher School of Economics"
Published: July 2024

The monothematic coherence of ideas and concepts is a unique feature of N.A. Berdyaev’s philosophy. This peculiarity is provided by the constantly recurring and variably develop­ing themes of freedom and creativity, manifested in the works of the pre-revolutionary period and received conceptual religious and philosophical development in the eschato­logical metaphysics of the spirit. The struggle for “metaphysical idealism” became his main life’s work, understood as an expression of creativity of the spirit – as a spiritual feat of personality. The problem of freedom as an ontological basis was raised radi­cally by Berdyaev, which led to the transformation of the philosophical system of ideal­ism. On the one hand, Berdyaev justifies the autonomy of the creative spirit of man; on the other hand, he interprets all the events of life in an eschatological perspective. All this makes his philosophical project paradoxical both in its theoretical positions and in the ways of their presentation and argumentation. From our point of view, the final for­mula of Berdyaev’s religious philosophy, defined by the thinker as eschatological meta­physics, can justifiably be called an alternative to existing philosophical systems. The ar­ticle raises the question of what Berdyaev brings to the history of metaphysics as well as what are the features of his idealism, which, despite all the subjective radicalization and all its theoretical contradictions, claims the integrity and consistency of the philosophical program.
Image and sign at the crossroad of embodied epistemology and cognitive linguistics
Authors: Smirnova Natalia ,   RAS Institute of Philosophy
Published: July 2024

The paper presents epistemological foundations and philosophical significance of cognitive interrelations between embodied epistemology with cognitive linguistics. It has been demonstrated, that this cooperation led to key concepts’ formation which presented embodied character of linguistic reference: empirical gestalt, image schema and primitive image schema. It has clearly been demonstrated, that the alliance of embodied epistemology with cognitive linguistics paved the way to deeper understanding the role of language in embodied theory of knowledge, the role of imagination in reference processes. It also led to the conclusion, that re-enactivation of sensory experience seems to be significant constituent of perceptual intentionality, which produced images, inseparably (but tacitly) tied to linguistic meaning. Heuristic power of “image schema” notion, derived in interdisciplinary cooperation of philosophy and linguistics, has been examined. Significance and functions of this key concept of cognitive linguistics within the framework of interdisciplinary dialogue have also been exposed. Philosophical significance of image schema concept consists in the fact, that by means of this concept profound sensomotor foundations of abstract thinking and meaning constitution processes viewed in the framework of contemporary embodied theory of knowledge have been articulated.
The Pollution Reduction and Carbon Mitigation Effects and Mechanisms of Carbon Trading Policies --An Analysis Based on the Pearl River-Xijiang Economic Belt
Authors: Liao Zhigao , Bai Yufeng , Jian Kerong
Published: July 2024

As China's economy and society continue to develop and industrialization progresses,the nation faces significant challenges,including air pollution and global warming.The carbon trading policy,acknowledged as a pivotal tool in achieving the "double-carbon" goal,has garnered considerable attention.This study utilizes panel data from the Pearl River-Xijiang Economic Belt spanning from 2008 to 2021. Employing Synthetic Control Model (SCM) and Space Difference-in-Differences (S-DID),it examines the impact of carbon trading policies on carbon emissions and environmental pollution, as well as potential spatial spillover effects and underlying mechanisms.The findings indicate that the introduction of the carbon trading policy, along with control variables,resulted in a 35.20% reduction in pollution and carbon emissions.Furthermore,the policy not only reduces pollution and carbon emissions within pilot areas but also triggers a 30.8% reduction in pollution levels across the economic belt through spatial spillover effects.However,the synergistic impact shows regional disparities;for instance,Guangzhou-Foshan experiences a 46.8% reduction, while Liuzhou exhibits a non-significant negative coefficient.Other cities demonstrate significant negative effects at a 5% level.Analysis of the mechanisms reveals that the carbon trading policy stimulates reductions in pollution and carbon emissions through two primary pathways:enhancing energy utilization efficiency and fostering technological innovation.Although the coefficient between advanced industrial structure and pollution reduction is negative,it lacks significance.
Examining the competency of spiritual care in Iranian Nurses
Authors: Sarhadi Mahdieh , Mazloom Sakineh
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Spiritual care is a main element of holistic nursing and can help improve the health of patients. One of the necessary things to provide proper spiritual care to patients is to have the necessary competence in this regard.
Methods and Materials: The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted with the aim of determining the competency spiritual care on 120 nurses working in educational Iranian hospital in2024. The data collection tool was a questionnaire (competency scale was spiritual care)Data analysis was done using spss22 software and descriptive tests, independent t analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient.
Results: The results of the present study showed that the average score of nurses' spiritual care qualification is 64.80 ± 15.57, which shows that the professional qualification score of nurses is low.
Conclusion:strengthening the moral and spiritual foundations of nurses, developing a coherent educational program and content, and applying appropriate educational strategies by nursing managers can improve the provision of spiritual care to patients by nurses.
Clinical Relevance: Spirituality is the essential aspect of care and it can improve the health of people who Under the influence acute, chronic and severe physical or emotional diseases are located to help.