bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Diabetic ketoacidosis after co-administration of empagliflozin and probenecid
Authors: Martin William P. , Reidy Niamh , Low Justin , Ahern Tomás
Published: March 2024

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are filtered and secreted to their primary site of action in the proximal tubule of the kidney. At this site, SGLT2 inhibitors also reduce renal elimination of ketone bodies, a finding implicated in their propensity to cause ketoacidosis. Many commonly used medications have potential to diminish renal elimination of SGLT2 inhibitors and to compound the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on renal elimination of ketone bodies by inhibiting tubular secretion of the SGLT2 inhibitor itself and/or ketone bodies. We present a case of severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a patient with type 2 diabetes occurring several days after co-prescription of empagliflozin and probenecid. Other than the recent introduction of empagliflozin, no cause for the DKA episode was apparent. A pharmacokinetic interaction between probenecid and empagliflozin, involving organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3), reduces proximal tubular secretion of empagliflozin and increases patient exposure to the drug. Whether or not this phenomenon is sufficient to cause severe DKA is discussed. An alternative explanation as to the DKA aetiology is proposed, wherein probenecid may compound effects of empagliflozin on renal elimination of ketone bodies. We suggest that clinicians exercise caution when prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors alongside pharmacologic inhibitors of, or competitors for, proximal tubular organic anion transporters in patients with diabetes mellitus due to the risk of severe DKA.
Patristic Communion in the Hand: A Test Case in Reverence
Authors: Klein Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: This article demonstrates that receiving Holy Communion in the hand was the common practice of the Church both East and West from the second through to at least the eighth century. This practice was seen as reverent by the Fathers, and there is no indication that this practice was considered more inclusive of the laity. The article concludes by offering some suggestions of how to understand reverence in the Church today in light of this historical research.
Hasidic Literature Concerning Rationales for the Commandments: Hasidism and Kabbalah in Their Cultural Context
Authors: Sachs-Shmueli Leore , Goldschmidt Roee
Published: March 2024

Abstract: This article presents a first attempt to classify and present a group of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Hasidic texts as belonging to a specific literary genre: rationales for the commandments. In this category we include  Sefer Toldot Ya‘akov Yosef , by Ya‘akov Yosef of Pollonye; Sefer derekh pikudekhah , by Tsvi Elimelekh of Dinov; Sefer otsar ha-@hayim ,   by Yits@hak Eizik Ye@hiel Safrin; Likute halakhot , by Nathan Sternharts of Nemirov; Derekh mitsvotekhah , by Menachem Mendel Schneerson; and, finally, Sefer be’erat Miriam , by Avraham Abele Kanarfogel. We survey the works broadly and relate them to one defined literary genre. In so doing, we offer a new framework for a scholarly discussion of the Hasidic occupation with nomos and kabbalah. We demonstrate how Hasidic works discussing rationales for the commandments simultaneously employ halakhic and kabbalistic perspectives, emphasizing the punctiliousness in their fulfilment, their theurgic efficacy, and personal-spiritual completeness.
Trapping of low and high refractive index nano-spherical particles by using a highly focused Laguerre–Gaussian beam
Authors: Thabit F. M. , Shukri M. A.
Published: March 2024

We have investigated the trapping force on low and high refractive index nano-particles using a highly focused Laguerre–Gaussian beam. An analytical expression for the gradient force has been derived in closed form. It was clearly found that the increase of the beam mode p causes a substantial increase in the number of trapping zones, which frequently increases the number of particles to be captured simultaneously. Also, the decrease of p values would increase the trap area, which consequently leads to simultaneous trapping of multiple particles in the same area. The change of p, l, Δn, and z1 values has a direct influence on the gradient forces. The smaller values of scattering and thermal forces relative to the gradient force values represent essential conditions for the stability of the trapping performance.
RDDA method for characterization of photonic nanojets
Authors: Ataii Mohammad Reza , Amjad Jafar Mostafavi
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a reduced discrete dipole approximation (RDDA) method as a flexible and powerful tool for computing the field distribution of photonic nanojets (PNJs) based on superposition of the induced dipole radiation fields with a low number of lattice points at the surface of microparticles. Microparticles with spherical and ellipsoidal shapes have been studied using the RDDA method to produce PNJs. The incident beam polarization and filling factor effects in the PNJs’ shape and confinement strength have been characterized by quality factor Q. The best confined PNJs have been found in microellipsoids with a specific range of the shape parameter and filling factor values.
Generalized neutral axes in nondepolarizing optical systems
Authors: Perrin Guy
Published: March 2024

The polarizing properties of optical systems are often characterized by their action on specific polarization states. For example, half-wave plates are used to rotate linear polarizations and quarter-wave plates to turn a linear polarization into an elliptical polarization and into a circular polarization if the linear polarization makes a 45° angle with the slow and fast axes of the quarter-wave plate. Phase shifts introduced by the optical train of an interferometer may lead to coherence losses and the existence of neutral axes—in the sense of linear polarizations whose polarization state is not modified by the optical system—is then of importance to maximize the fringe contrast. Neutral axes do not systematically exist. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how this notion can be generalized to define generalized neutral axes for optical systems. Generalized neutral axes are defined as linear polarizations whose polarization state is not modified by the optical system except for their orientation. It is shown that such generalized neutral axes exist for some classes of optical systems. The scheme proposed in this paper has quasi-unitary Jones matrices to give an approximate description of optical systems when generalized neutral axes do not exist. To the best of my knowledge, this formalism is a new scheme to describe the polarizing properties of nondepolarizing optical systems.
Method and system design for spectral imaging based on dual micro-lens array field-of-view segmentation
Authors: Zhu Mingqian , Liu Bin , Chen Hong , Yin Yixin , Zhang Yuxin
Published: March 2024

The function of a mask in the integral field imaging spectrometer (IFIS), which segments image and samples, leads to the drawback of low spectral energy transmittance. Here, we improve field-of-view segmentation method and propose a dual micro-lens array imaging spectrometer (DMAIS). DMAIS comprises a projection lens (PL), a segmentation collimation module (SCM), and a telecentric lens (TL). And SCM, based on a dual micro-lens array, is the core component of it. By employing a lens array focusing approach instead of aperture sampling, DMAIS effectively enhances energy transmittance and reduces spectral bending. The ZEMAX simulation results indicate that compared to IFIS, DMAIS demonstrates a 109.2% increase in energy transmittance and a 32.9% reduction in spectral bending.
Sub-Doppler spectroscopy of the Cs atom 6S1/2–7P1/2 transition at 459 nm in a microfabricated vapor cell
Authors: Klinger Emmanuel , Mursa Andrei , Rivera-Aguilar Carlos M. , Vicarini Rémy , Passilly Nicolas , Boudot Rodolphe
Published: March 2024

We report on the characterization of sub-Doppler resonances detected by probing the 6S1/2 - 7P1/2 transition of the Cs atom at 459 nm in a microfabricated vapor cell. The dependence of the sub-Doppler resonance (linewidth, amplitude) on some key experimental parameters, including the laser intensity and the cell temperature, is investigated. These narrow atomic resonances are of interest for high-resolution spectroscopy and instrumentation and may constitute the basis of a high-stability microcell optical standard.
Optical phase encoding in a pulsed approach to reservoir computing
Authors: Henaff Johan , Ansquer Matthieu , Soriano Miguel C. , Zambrini Roberta , Treps Nicolas , Parigi Valentina
Published: March 2024

The exploitation of the full structure of multimode light fields enables compelling capabilities in many fields including classical and quantum information science. We exploit data-encoding on the optical phase of the pulses of a femtosecond laser source for a photonic implementation of a reservoir computing protocol. Rather than intensity detection, data-reading is done via homodyne detection that accesses combinations of an amplitude and a phase of the field. Numerical and experimental results on nonlinear autoregressive moving average (NARMA) tasks and laser dynamic predictions are shown. We discuss perspectives for quantum-enhanced protocols.
Dual-comb spectroscopy in the deep ultraviolet
Authors: McCauley John J. , Phillips Mark C. , Weeks Reagan R. D. , Zhang Yu , Harilal Sivanandan S. , Jones R. Jason
Published: March 2024

This Letter reports dual-frequency-comb spectroscopy in the deep ultraviolet used to characterize transient laser-produced plasmas. Dual-comb spectroscopy at these wavelengths enables access to a large number of strong electronic transitions in neutral and ionized atoms and molecules. This broadband dual-frequency-comb system at 265 nm measures multiple transitions in neutral and singly ionized iron atoms in a laser-produced plasma. Analysis of absorption spectra yields time-resolved ion and neutral column densities, excitation temperatures, and electron densities, which are measured down to 1014cm−3levels. The results provide insights into low-temperature plasma properties.
X-ray fluorescence detection system for trace elements in oil based on graphite curved crystal technology
Authors: Zaogui Liu , Yang Lu , Li Wenzhong , Li Qiang , Wu Min , Zhang Pei , Wang Kun
Published: March 2024

Curved crystal technology is a key technologies in the field of X-ray fluorescence trace detection. To detect trace sulfur, chlorine, and silicon in oil, the key parameters of Johann-type graphite curved crystal design were calculated based on geometrical optics theory and mathematical modeling, and a curved crystal optical system was designed. Subsequently, the hardware, firmware, software, and mechanical structure were designed according to specific requirements. Following the development of the relevant equipment, laboratory tests were performed on standard petroleum samples. Experimental results show that technology based on bent crystals can significantly reduce the detection limit of the instrument, and the detection limit of sulfur, chlorine, and silicon can reach below 1 ppm. In accordance with the experimental results, possible interference factors were analyzed, and suitable solutions were proposed. The performance of the proposed system was thus directly verified, showcasing its applicability in detecting trace elements.
Decomposing bulk signals to reveal hidden information in processive enzyme reactions: A case study in mRNA translation
Authors: Haase Nadin , Holtkamp Wolf , Christ Simon , Heinemann Dag , Rodnina Marina V. , Rudorf Sophia
Published: March 2024

Processive enzymes like polymerases or ribosomes are often studied in bulk experiments by monitoring time-dependent signals, such as fluorescence time traces. However, due to biomolecular process stochasticity, ensemble signals may lack the distinct features of single-molecule signals. Here, we demonstrate that, under certain conditions, bulk signals from processive reactions can be decomposed to unveil hidden information about individual reaction steps. Using mRNA translation as a case study, we show that decomposing a noisy ensemble signal generated by the translation of mRNAs with more than a few codons is an ill-posed problem, addressable through Tikhonov regularization. We apply our method to the fluorescence signatures of in-vitro translated LepB mRNA and determine codon-position dependent translation rates and corresponding state-specific fluorescence intensities. We find a significant change in fluorescence intensity after the fourth and the fifth peptide bond formation, and show that both codon position and encoded amino acid have an effect on the elongation rate. This demonstrates that our approach enhances the information content extracted from bulk experiments, thereby expanding the range of these time- and cost-efficient methods.
Maternal death surveillance and response system reports from 32 low-middle income countries, 2011–2020: What can we learn from the reports?
Authors: Whiting-Collins Lillian , Serbanescu Florina , Moller Ann-Beth , Binzen Susanna , Monet Jean-Pierre , Cresswell Jenny A. , Brun Michel ,   on behalf of the World Health Organization’s MDSR Reporting and Monitoring Working Group
Published: March 2024

Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) systems generate information that may aid efforts to end preventable maternal deaths. Many countries report MDSR data, but comparability over time and across settings has not been studied. We reviewed MDSR reports from low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) to examine core content and identify how surveillance data and data dissemination could be improved to guide recommendations and actions. We conducted deductive content analysis of 56 MDSR reports from 32 LMICs. A codebook was developed assessing how reports captured: 1) MDSR system implementation, 2) monitoring of maternal death notifications and reviews, and 3) response formulation and implementation. Reports published before 2014 focused on maternal death reviews only. In September 2013, the World Health Organization and partners published the global MDSR guidance, which advised that country reports should also include identification, notification and response activities. Of the 56 reports, 33 (59%) described their data as incomplete, meaning that not all maternal deaths were captured. While 45 (80%) reports presented the total number of maternal deaths that had been notified (officially reported), only 16 (29%) calculated notification rates. Deaths were reported at both community and facility levels in 31 (55%) reports, but 25 (45%) reported facility deaths only. The number of maternal deaths reviewed was reported in 33 (59%) reports, and 17 (30%) calculated review completion rates. While 48 (86%) reports provided recommendations for improving MDSR, evidence of actions based on prior recommendations was absent from 40 (71%) of subsequent reports. MDSR reports currently vary in content and in how response efforts are documented. Comprehensive reports could improve accountability and effectiveness of the system by providing feedback to MDSR stakeholders and information for action. A standard reporting template may improve the quality and comparability of MDSR data and their use for preventing future maternal deaths.
Felsőoktatási sikeresség és az önszabályozáshoz kapcsolódó pszichológiai és viselkedés-gazdaságtani tényezők
Authors: Munkácsy Balázs , Horn Dániel , Molnár Gyöngyvér
Published: March 2024

A tanulmány célja azon tanulói önszabályozáshoz kapcsolódó tényező azonosítása, amelyek együtt járnak a felsőoktatási sikerességgel. Magyarország egyik vezető tudományegyetemén felvett, önkéntes kitöltéseken alapuló keresztmetszeti mintán vetjük össze a hallgatók lelkiismeretességét, időgazdálkodását, halogatását, türelmét és jelen-torzítását jellemző faktorokat egyetemi sikerességüket jellemző tanulmányi átlagukkal, kontrollálva különböző demográfiai és tanulmányi változókra. Az eredmények alapján az időgazdálkodás és a lelkiismeretesség robusztus és szignifikáns módon együtt jár a felsőoktatási sikeresség mutatóival. A halogatás a felsőoktatási sikeresség tekintetében nem bizonyult meghatározó faktornak, ha a többi önszabályozási tényező hatását is integráljuk a modellbe. A főleg közgazdászok által használt időpreferencia-mutatók a legtöbb becslésben nem mutattak szignifikáns összefüggést a sikerességgel. Az összefüggésekben tapasztalt különbséget részben azzal magyarázzuk, hogy az időgazdálkodást és hatékonyságot mérő tesztek kidolgozásának célja a tanulást segítő jellemzők feltérképezése volt, míg a preferenciákra vonatkozó kérdések sokkal általánosabb, az egyéni viselkedést általában befolyásoló egyéni jellemzőket monitorozták.
Conocimientos, Actitudes y Prácticas sobre Alimentación Vegetariana de Estudiantes Universitarios que siguen este tipo de Dieta
Authors: Guerrero Daiana Marisol , Lotufo Haddad Agustina Marcela , Curti Carolina
Published: March 2024

Introducción. El estilo de vida vegetariano está en auge. La exploración de los aspectos simbólicos que subyacen a la elección y práctica del vegetarianismo aporta información valiosa sobre la alimentación en grupos con una directa vinculación con el contenido de salud y nutrición. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar los conocimientos, prácticas y actitudes de los estudiantes vegetarianos de nutrición.
Metodología. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional, descriptivo con 44 estudiantes que se caracterizaron utilizando un cuestionario virtual. Se realizaron dos entrevistas a grupos focales sobre nutrientes críticos, profesionales especializados, percepción y uso de suplementos nutricionales, motivaciones y trayectoria en la adopción del vegetarianismo, fuentes de información sobre alimentación vegetariana, comportamientos del círculo familiar y social, oferta gastronómica.
Resultados. El 95% fueron mujeres entre 18 a 23 años, ovolactovegetarianas (87%), que adoptaron este estilo de vida por motivos éticos (48%) y ambientales (27%), además permitió una mayor diversidad de preparaciones. La mitad se suplementó y consultó alguna vez con un profesional. Los estudiantes tuvieron un conocimiento insuficiente sobre nutrientes críticos y desconocieron la cartera de nutricionistas especializados. La planificación alimentaria fue necesaria para llevar una dieta adecuada. El remojo, cocción y congelación de legumbres se usaron para mejorar la biodisponibilidad de nutrientes y para disponer de alimentos. La suplementación tardía, la falta de la misma y la auto suplementación fueron prácticas frecuentes. Los participantes sufrieron burlas, críticas y prejuicios de los entornos sociales y de profesionales.
Conclusión. Es necesario un mayor acompañamiento de los vegetarianos desde los profesionales y del entorno próximo, como una capacitación durante el cursado de la carrera para evitar déficits nutricionales y perjuicios a la salud del grupo.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: March 2024
Authors: Bhalla Sean
Published: March 2024

Article Title: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines: Management of Acute Pancreatitis
The Machine Learning Model for Predicting Inadequate Bowel Preparation Before Colonoscopy: A Multicenter Prospective Study
Authors: Gu Feng , Xu Jianing , Du Lina , Liang Hejun , Zhu Jingyi , Lin Lanhui , Ma Lei , He Boyuan , Wei Xinxin , Zhai Huihong
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Colonoscopy is a critical diagnostic tool for colorectal diseases; however, its effectiveness depends on adequate bowel preparation (BP). This study aimed to develop a machine learning predictive model based on Chinese adults for inadequate BP.

METHODS:

A multicenter prospective study was conducted on adult outpatients undergoing colonoscopy from January 2021 to May 2023. Data on patient characteristics, comorbidities, medication use, and BP quality were collected. Logistic regression and 4 machine learning models (support vector machines, decision trees, extreme gradient boosting, and bidirectional projection network) were used to identify risk factors and predict inadequate BP.

RESULTS:

Of 3,217 patients, 21.14% had inadequate BP. The decision trees model demonstrated the best predictive capacity with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 in the validation cohort. The risk factors at the nodes included body mass index, education grade, use of simethicone, diabetes, age, history of inadequate BP, and longer interval.

DISCUSSION:

The decision trees model we created and the identified risk factors can be used to identify patients at higher risk of inadequate BP before colonoscopy, for whom more polyethylene glycol or auxiliary medication should be used.
Una revisión sistemática sobre la seguridad psicológica: características y retos
Authors:   Universidad Católica de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, Aguilar Bustamante María C. , Fajardo Castro Leady V. ,   Universitat de València, España, Manrique Torres Adriana M. ,   Universidad Católica de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, Camargo Escobar Ítala M. ,   Universidad Católica de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
Published: March 2024

Introducción/Objetivo: En tiempos de cambio, cobran mayor importancia las dinámicas sociales y laborales, las acciones para evaluar e intervenir sobre los riesgos psicosociales y la seguridad psicológica, que pueden llegar a afectar el desempeño y el comportamiento de las personas en sus lugares de trabajo. Este estudio tiene como objetivo realizar una revisión sistemática de las investigaciones empíricas que han abordado la seguridad psicológica en contextos organizacionales. Método: En esta revisión se siguieron las recomendaciones de la declaración PRISMA 2020, con el software CADIMA. Se consultaron las siguientes bases de datos: Scopus, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science y Redalyc. En total se identificaron 1678 documentos, se revisaron 196 en inglés, publicados entre el 2020 y 2022, que cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Resultados: La mayoría de los estudios se han desarrollado en Estados Unidos e Inglaterra, lo que evidencia la necesidad de realizar investigaciones en Iberoamérica y Latinoamérica. Se identifica que la seguridad psicológica está influenciada por factores del comportamiento organizacional en variados niveles de análisis individual, grupal y organizacional; algunos temas con los que se han llevado a cabo varios estudios incluyen la cultura organizacional, la relación del equipo de trabajo, la personalidad de los miembros del equipo, el desempeño, el aprendizaje y los procesos de gestión de conocimiento en las organizaciones. Conclusiones: Es una variable que cuando se relaciona con otras, cumple el rol de variable mediadora; se enlistan las variables psicológicas relacionadas con el constructo de seguridad psicológica, y se discuten los retos después de la pandemia del COVID-19.
Eliot and Poe Encountered in the Midst of Vortex
Authors:   The T. S. Eliot Society Of Korea, KIM Minson , KIM Joseph
Published: March 2024

This paper delves into the works of two influential literary figures, Edgar Allan Poe and T. S. Eliot, to explore their notion of vortex. While Poe’s “A Descent into the Maelström” presents a harrowing tale of a man’s encounter with a natural vortex, Eliot’s The Waste Land explores the destructive power of natural elements and their symbolic implications. Through a comparative analysis of these works, this paper aims to uncover the thematic and symbolic connections between Poe and Eliot’s vortex, shedding light on the psychological and existential aspects of human experience. While these works belong to different literary traditions and styles, they share certain thematic resonances in their treatment of the vortex as a metaphor for the turbulent forces that shape human existence.
Reflexões sobre o ensino das partículas modais alemãs em um curso de extensão
Authors: Aquino Marceli , Badain Gabriela Sarmento
Published: March 2024

Este artigo apresenta uma discussão crítica sobre o ensino das Partículas Modais Alemãs (PMs) a partir da perspectiva de professoras e estudantes que participaram de um curso de Extensão oferecido pela Universidade de São Paulo. Apesar de serem essenciais para a interação cotidiana em língua alemã, as PMs raramente são abordadas de forma linguisticamente contextualizada no ensino de alemão como língua adicional (ALA) (Thurmair, 2010; Weydt, 1983; Aquino, 2020). Nesse sentido, o nosso grupo de pesquisa tem se engajado na discussão e divulgação de propostas de abordagens de ensino e aprendizado das PMs, especialmente para o contexto local. Tendo em vista a compreensão acerca das necessidades e conhecimentos de professoras e estudantes brasileiras de ALA, realizamos duas coletas de dados por meio de questionário online, antes e depois do curso de extensão. O resultado desta pesquisa indica a relevância do curso para a sensibilização do tema das PMs, tendo um impacto positivo na formação das participantes, aumentando significativamente sua confiança e segurança no tratamento do tema em sala de aula de ALA. Considerando a carência de propostas baseadas em conceitos práticos e teóricos que levem em conta as experiências do nosso público-alvo, este trabalho representa uma contribuição significativa para o ensino das PMs no Brasil.
Auditor's Reputation and Auditor's Opinion on Stock Prices: Evidence from Indonesia's Main Board Index
Authors: Siagian Valentine
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the effect of the auditor reputation and the auditor's opinion on the stock prices of the firm in the following year from IndonesiaÂ Main Board Index for the period of 2016 to 2020. This research aims to study the importance of the auditor's reputation and the opinion given to the value of the firm by their stock prices movements in the following year.Â Regression analysis was applied with control variable and year fixed effectÂ to find out whether or not the reputation of the auditor and the opinion givenÂ by the auditor could affect the stock prices of the firm in each sample year.Â The result shows that auditor's reputation does affect the stock prices in theÂ following year which means choosing BIG4 CPA firm will increase stock prices in the following year, while auditor's opinion does not affect the stockÂ prices of the firm in the following year.
CEO power and tax avoidance: An empirical study of manufacturing companies in Indonesia
Authors: Zunianto Anugrah Pamungkas Wijil , Narsa Niluh Putu Dian Rosalina Handayani , Lukita Carolyn
Published: March 2024

This study aims to empirically examines the relationship between CEO power and tax avoidance. The lack of consistent empirical evidence regarding the relationship between CEO power and tax avoidance strategies encourages a deeper investigation into the mechanisms underlying this relationship. This study examines various aspects of CEO power and their impact on tax avoidance, thereby providing a more detailed under-standing of these complex interactions. The sample used in this study is 301 manufac-turing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the period of 2015-2019. The data obtained are analyzed using SPSS version 20 software with multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study show that expert power and prestige power have a positive relationship with tax avoidance, while ownership power has a negative relationship with tax avoidance. It is expected that this study provide theoretical benefits as a reference and knowledge for further research and practical benefits that are useful for the Directorate General of Taxes to formulate policies to reduce the risk of tax avoidance.
Implementing the 7P Marketing Mix in Islamic Education: Insights from Phatnawitya School, Thailand
Authors: Isti Amalia N. Ibrahim  , Muhammad Nuril Huda  , Afida Safriani  , Masitoh Luebaesa
Published: March 2024

This research provides an in-depth examination of the 7P marketing mix strategy within Phatnawitya School, an Islamic institution catering to a minority Muslim community in a predominantly Buddhist region of Southern Thailand. Utilizing a qualitative methodology with a descriptive approach, the study explores the school's application of the 7P framework, focusing on the creation of well-rounded individuals and the establishment of a strong community presence. The collected data reveal a comprehensive education offering, from early childhood to advanced Islamic studies, facilitated by a robust infrastructure and innovative programs such as the Change ILP and sports initiatives. The school's approach to market identification, segmentation, and product differentiation demonstrates a strategic alignment with the needs and expectations of its student body. The research highlights the school's adept use of both direct community engagement and social media to communicate its values and offerings. While the study is limited by its singular focus on one institution, the findings suggest that Phatnawitya School's implementation of the marketing mix can inform broader strategies for Islamic educational services in similar socio-cultural contexts. Recommendations for further research include a broader examination of marketing strategies across Islamic educational institutions with varying cultural influences.
Ökofeministische Perspektiven auf die sozial-ökologische Transformation des Green New Deal
Authors: Bauhardt Christine
Published: March 2024

Der „European Green Deal“ und ähnliche auf (Infra­struktur-)Investitionen orientierte Politiken zielen auf ein grünes Wachstum ab. Die Notwendigkeiten der Sozialen Reproduktion berücksichtigen sie jedoch nicht. Dies wäre aber eine Voraussetzung für eine Politik, die die Bedürfnisse der Menschen in den Vordergrund stellt.
Besser! Anders! Mit weniger!
Authors: Loske Reinhard
Published: March 2024

Nach der Entscheidung des Bundesverfassungsgerichts zur Umwidmung von Corona-Sondermitteln in Klimaschutz- und Transformationsmittel herrscht Ratlosigkeit im deutschen Politikbetrieb. Es fehlen nun erhebliche Summen, um der ökologischen Transformation den Weg zu ­ebnen. Was tun? Fünf Maßnahmenbündel bieten sich an.
Book review of: Haney, David (2023): Architecture and the Nazi Cultural Landscape. Blood, Soil, Building
Authors: Grau Victoria
Published: March 2024

Buchrezension
Algorithmic Complexity Attacks on Dynamic Learned Indexes
Authors: Yang Rui , Kornaropoulos Evgenios M. , Cheng Yue
Published: March 2024

Learned Index Structures (LIS) view a sorted index as a model that learns the data distribution, takes a data element key as input, and outputs the predicted position of the key. The original LIS can only handle lookup operations with no support for updates, rendering it impractical to use for typical workloads. To address this limitation, recent studies have focused on designing efficient dynamic learned indexes. ALEX, as the first and one of the representative dynamic learned index structures, enables dynamism by incorporating a series of design choices, including adaptive key space partitioning, dynamic model retraining, and sophisticated engineering and policies that prioritize read/write performance. While these design choices offer improved average-case performance, the emphasis on flexibility and performance increases the attack surface by allowing adversarial behaviors that maximize ALEX's memory space and time complexity in worst-case scenarios.

In this work, we present the first systematic investigation of algorithmic complexity attacks (ACAs) targeting the worst-case scenarios of ALEX. We introduce new ACAs that fall into two categories, space ACAs and time ACAs, which target the memory space and time complexity, respectively. First, our space ACA on data nodes exploits ALEX's gapped array layout and uses Multiple-Choice Knapsack (MCK) to generate an optimal adversarial insertion plan for maximizing the memory consumption at the data node level. Second, our space ACA on internal nodes exploits ALEX's catastrophic cost mitigation mechanism, causing an out-of-memory (OOM) error with only a few hundred adversarial insertions. Third, our time ACA generates pathological insertions to increase the disparity between the actual key distribution and the linear models of data nodes, deteriorating the runtime performance by up to 1, 641× compared to ALEX operating under legitimate workloads.
A Comparative Study and Component Analysis of Query Plan Representation Techniques in ML4DB Studies
Authors: Zhao Yue , Li Zhaodonghui , Cong Gao
Published: March 2024

Query plan is widely used as input in machine learning for databases (ML4DB) research, with query plan representation as a critical step. However, existing studies typically focus on one task, and propose a novel design to represent query plans along with a ML4DB framework, without comparing with other representation methods designed for a different task. This raises a critical question: How do we select a query plan representation method in a ML4DB system?

To address this question, we perform a comparative study on ten representation methods on three distinct ML4DB tasks: cost estimation, index selection and query optimization. Our extensive experiments not only verify the interchangeability of representation methods across different tasks, but also identify consistently high-performing models. Further, we dissect the query plan representation into two core components: feature encoding and tree model, and evaluate the impact of design choices for each in different scenarios. Our results show that the findings for tasks optimizing absolute errors are different from findings for tasks optimizing relative errors. Some findings challenge widely-held assumptions, i.e., one finding shows that tree models do not significantly impact cost estimation results, but only play a significant role to optimize relative performance. Practical guidelines and future directions are provided based on the findings of the study.
VeriDKG: A Verifiable SPARQL Query Engine for Decentralized Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Zhou Enyuan , Guo Song , Hong Zicong , Jensen Christian S. , Xiao Yang , Zhang Dalin , Liang Jinwen , Pei Qingqi
Published: March 2024

The ability to decentralize knowledge graphs (KG) is important to exploit the full potential of the Semantic Web and realize the Web 3.0 vision. However, decentralization also renders KGs more prone to attacks with adverse effects on
data integrity
and
query verifiability.
While existing studies focus on ensuring data integrity, how to ensure query verifiability - thus guarding against incorrect, incomplete, or outdated query results - remains unsolved. We propose VeriDKG, the first SPARQL query engine for decentralized knowledge graphs (DKG) that offers both data integrity and query verifiability guarantees. The core of VeriDKG is the RGB-Trie, a new blockchain-maintained authenticated data structure (ADS) facilitating correctness proofs for SPARQL query results. VeriDKG enables verifiability of subqueries by gathering global index information on subgraphs using the RGB-Trie, which is implemented as a new variant of the Merkle prefix tree with an RGB color model. To enable verifiability of the final query result, the RGB-Trie is integrated with a cryptographic accumulator to support verifiable aggregation operations. A rigorous analysis of query verifiability in VeriDKG is presented, along with evidence from an extensive experimental study demonstrating its state-of-the-art query performance on the largeRDFbench benchmark.
In vivo protective effects of vitamin C against cyto-genotoxicity induced by Dysphania ambrosioides aqueous extract
Authors: El-Bouzidi Laila , khadra Ahmed , Zefzoufi Manal , Sissi Saida , El-Abbassi Abdelilah , Bekkouche Khalid , Sellami Souad , Rais Hanane
Published: March 2024

Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) holds a prominent place in Moroccan folk medicine due to its therapeutic attributes. Despite its widespread use, instances of inadvertent intoxication linked to its consumption have been reported. This study aims to evaluate the potential cytogenotoxic effects of D. ambrosioides leaf aqueous extract (DAAE) and explore the prospective protective role of vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) through the micronucleus test conducted on (1) Vicia faba root-tip meristem and (2) mouse bone marrow cells. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activities, specifically superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were evaluated in V. faba treated with DAAE. After a 7-day daily administration of DAAE to mice, serum biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and uric acid) were measured, and histological examination of liver and kidney tissues was performed. The results indicated that DAAE had dose-dependent cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on both biological models. Furthermore, V. faba treated with DAAE showed significant increases in the activities of SOD and CAT enzymes. Mice treated with DAAE exhibited significant elevations in serum biochemical parameters compared to the control group. Histological examination of liver and kidney tissues revealed hepatic degeneration, glomerular shrinkage, and distinct vacuolated tubular epithelial cells. The cotreatment with vitamin C demonstrated a significant protective effect against DAAE-induced cytogenotoxicity. These findings underscore the importance of vitamin C as a protective agent against oxidative stress and cytogenotoxicity induced by DAAE and recommend its use in any DAAE-based preparation.
The Effects of Online Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Chaker Rawad , Hajj-Hassan Mira , Ozanne Sacha
Published: March 2024

Continuing education offers healthcare professionals the opportunity to adapt to the many changes in society and to improve their skills and knowledge to provide optimal care for patients. As technology evolves, healthcare workers can benefit from virtual peer-to-peer and mentor interactions with digital technology as a platform for continuing professional development (CPD). Nevertheless, healthcare professionals’ experiences in CPD in online learning settings have not been tackled clearly. The aim of our systematic scoping review is to investigate the effects of distance and hybrid learning settings in continuing education on learning outcomes and perceptions among healthcare professionals. A quantitative literature search was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses scoping research, allowing data collection of healthcare study scores from previous articles tackling the subject. A total of 17 articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. We identified four main categories of learning outcomes: knowledge acquisition, skills and performance, participants’ attitudes toward training, satisfaction, confidence, and self-efficacy. This systematic scoping review highlights that continuing distance education improves health professional learning outcomes. Continuing education in online learning setting allow more learning accessibility for healthcare professionals, as it was found to be a solution for temporal and physical constraints.
Reverse engineering and analysis of microstructure polymer fiber via artificial neural networks: simplifying the design approach
Authors: Rahman Afiquer , Mollah Md. Aslam
Published: March 2024

Microstructure polymer fibers have been extensively researched for their applications in various fields. The design and simulation of these fibers have utilized time-consuming techniques like the finite-difference time-domain and finite element method to facilitate the process. This study proposes an optimal artificial neural network (ANN) for predicting the structural design required to achieve desired optical properties. The ANN model takes various optical properties, including confinement loss, effective index, effective mode area, and wavelengths, as inputs to predict fiber design parameters such as diameter and pitch. To address the challenge of skewed distributions, a data set with a Gaussian-like distribution for confinement loss was generated using a logarithmic transformation method, enabling effective training of machine learning models. Furthermore, the ANN model demonstrates its capability to rapidly predict unknown geometric parameters using only the core mode properties of a polymer fiber, achieving results in a significantly shorter time (3 ms) compared to the trial-and-error approach of finite element method simulation (15 s). The reverse engineering model achieves a mean square error of 3.4877 × 10−06 with five hidden layers. The ANN model not only offers ultrafast calculation speed but also delivers high prediction accuracy, thereby accelerating the design process of optical devices. The differentiation among the prediction result, target, and calculation result provides compelling evidence that the proposed approach is an effective methodology for designing microstructure polymer fibers.
Development and mechanisms of photo-induced molecule junction device
Authors: Sun Xin , Liu Ran , Kandapal Sneha , Xu Bingqian
Published: March 2024

The utilization of single molecule electronic devices represents a significant avenue toward advancing next-generation circuits. Recent investigations have notably augmented our understanding of the optoelectronic characteristics exhibited by diverse single molecule materials. This comprehensive review underscores the latest progressions in probing photo-induced electron transport behaviors within molecular junctions. Encompassing both single molecule and self-assembled monolayer configurations, this review primarily concentrates on unraveling the fundamental mechanisms and guiding principles underlying photo-switchable devices within single molecule junctions. Furthermore, it presents an outlook on the obstacles faced and future prospects within this dynamically evolving domain.
Utilization of health service and associated factors among women in childbearing age in selected internally displaced persons camps, Hargeisa – Somaliland
Authors: Asker Isahaq Mohamoud , Nuh Abdulkadir Mohamed
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Access to and use services in health care are significant to the development of health outcomes in many African countries. In most sub-Saharan countries, the utilization of health care services is very low. Although global strategies have been planned to improve access to high-quality health services, there are still obstacles to attain. Women of childbearing age usually need more health services than other age groups, and they are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth, which might result in increased morbidity and mortality.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the utilization of health services and associated factors among women of childbearing age in internal displaced person (IDP) camps in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among women of childbearing age in the selected IDP camps in Hargeisa. Of eight IDPs in Hargeisa, three were selected by the lottery method. A total of 402 women of childbearing age were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire.

Results

The overall health service utilization among women of childbearing age in Hargeisa IDPs was found to be 61.5%. The age groups of 23–27 years old and 33–37 years old were five times and three times more likely to utilize health services, respectively (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.2 (confidence interval (Cl): 2.1–13.0)) and (AOR 2.7 (Cl: 1.2–5.9)). Married women had lower odds of utilizing health services than single women. (AOR: 0.23 (0.07–0.73)). The Able reading and writing and primary education women have lower odds of utilizing health services than Secondary and above.

Conclusion

The overall health service utilization among women in childbearing in IDPs in Hargeisa was found to be unsatisfactory. Respondents’ age group, marital status, and educational level were found to be significantly associated with health service utilization among mothers in childbearing in IDPs in Hargeisa Somaliland.
Enhancement of mechanical behaviors of the 3D-printed polyvinyl alcohol–based scaffold by boric acid crosslinking
Authors: Wu Jintian , Liu Rui , Zhang Wei , Zhong Quan , Lei Yu , Huang Ling
Published: March 2024

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based scaffold fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM) shows great potential in cartilage repair field. However, the limited mechanical properties after being swollen by water molecules in the body fluid hinder their applications. Herein, the boric acid is introduced to improve the mechanical behaviors of FDM-printed PVA-based scaffold. The ICP, FTIR, SEM, and swelling behaviors are utilized to explore the influence of boric acid concentration on the materials. The results indicate that the boric acid would form boronic ester-crosslinked PVA (B-PVA) and the density of the crosslink will increase at first then decrease with the boric acid concentration increases. As the concentration of boric acid is 1 %, the densest crosslink point in materials can be obtained. Then the fatigue, relaxation, and creep behaviors tests are carried out, which indicates that the crosslinking will improve the mechanical behaviors of scaffold at a great level. At last, the scaffold shows a good mineralization ability and excellent biocompatibility.
De los derechos humanos a los humanos sin derechos
Authors: Pevida Eduardo Klinger
Published: March 2024

La Declaración Universal de los Derechos Humanos se aprobó en París en 1948, compuesta de 30 artículos en los que se detallan todos los derechos políticos, civiles, sociales, económicos y culturales que deben disfrutar todos los seres humanos y guía de comportamiento de los Estados hacia los mismos. Basados en ellos se aprobaron posteriormente el Pacto Internacional de Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales y el de Derechos Civiles y Políticos, todos dieron origen a la “Carta Internacional de Derechos Humanos” de las Naciones Unidas. Aunque ni la “Declaración” ni la “Carta” conceden prevalencia alguna a un conjunto de derechos sobre los otros, un grupo de países resalta los políticos y civiles sobre el resto con fines geopolíticos, obviando la propia falencia en que incurren en sus propias naciones sobre los derechos sociales, económicos y culturales.
Schwäche ist tödlich – Warum Putin die Ukraine angegriffen hat und wie der Krieg beendet werden muss
Authors: Bugayova Nataliya , Stepanenko Kateryna , Kagan Frederick W.
Published: March 2024

Der russische Präsident Wladimir Putin ist 2022 nicht in die Ukraine einmarschiert, weil er die NATO fürchtete, sondern weil er diese für schwach hielt. Und weil er nach dem Scheitern seiner Versuche, die Kontrolle über die Ukraine mit anderen Mitteln wiederzuerlangen, die Installation einer prorussischen Regierung in Kyjiw als sicher und einfach einschätzte. Sein Ziel war es nicht, Russland gegen eine nicht existierende Bedrohung zu verteidigen, sondern Russlands Macht auszuweiten, die Staatlichkeit der Ukraine auszulöschen und die NATO zu zerstören – Ziele, die er immer noch verfolgt.