bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photogrammetric approach to detect road pavement friction
Authors: Svatý Zdeneˇk , Vrtal Pavel , Shults Roman , Kohout Tomáš , Nouzovský Luboš , Blodek Tomáš , Kocián Karel
Published: February 2025

This paper deals with evaluation of photogrammetric measurements of pavement macrotexture for the purposes of new non-contact method for determination of pavement skid resistance. The aim was to create a method that yields results comparable to existing pavement friction measurement techniques, particularly the sand method, and to assess whether the measurements obtained using the non-contact approach are equally effective. Additionally, the goal was to introduce and define limits for camera calibration applicable to similar cases of object measurements at close distances. Based on existing standards, specific pavement samples exhibiting various macrotexture qualities were selected. The authors conducted 23 different combinations of photogrammetric measurements based on their findings during the evaluations. A comparison of the applied procedures with a reference measurement using the sand method was made, and the measurement error rate was calculated. By evaluating the different variations of the road surface models created, it was concluded that the most reliable results for defining friction are obtained by interleaving the test specimen through a plane based on the principle of best fit using the four highest points of the macrotexture. The ideal size of the sub-areas for applying the mask is 7.5–10 mm. Photogrammetry has proven to be a suitable and accurate tool for assessing pavement surface texture and can be considered as a suitable alternative to other skid resistance measurement approaches.
Trends in incidence and mortality of laryngeal cancer in china from 2004 to 2018: Projections to 2033 and decomposition analysis
Authors: Zhang Ze-Xing , Huang Chun-Ming , Suo Ya-Xi , Xie Long
Published: February 2025

This study analyzed trends in the incidence and mortality of laryngeal cancer (LC) in China from 2004 to 2018, provided projections up to 2033, and identified contributing factors influencing these trends. LC data were obtained from the Chinese Cancer Registry Annual Reports for 2004 to 2018. Estimated Annual Percent Change (EAPC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Joinpoint Regression Software to evaluate trends. LC incidence and mortality rates in registry areas, combined with national population data, were used to estimate new cases and deaths. Projections were made to 2033, and a decomposition analysis identified factors influencing trends. From 2004 to 2018, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of LC decreased from 1.29 to 1.14 per 100,000, with an EAPC of −1.75% (95% CI: −2.36% to −1.12%). The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) also declined from 0.67 to 0.61 per 100,000, with an EAPC of −0.76% (95% CI: −1.28% to −0.25%). Mortality among males aged 60–69, however, showed a significant increase. Population growth and aging contributed to the rise in LC cases and deaths, while epidemiological factors partially offset these increases. By 2033, ASIR and ASMR for males and ASIR for females are projected to decrease, while ASMR for females is expected to rise. ASIR and ASMR in China showed a declining trend from 2004 to 2018, with further decreases projected through 2033. Yet, rising mortality in older males underscores the need for targeted prevention and early detection. Population aging and growth are key drivers of the LC burden, although epidemiological improvements have helped mitigate case increases. Comprehensive public health strategies remain essential to reduce LC impact in China.
Global burden of thyroid cancer in adolescents and young adults (aged 15–39 years) from 1990 to 2021: A systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Qiu Zijian , Yu Shengjian , Zheng Lin , Lou Ying , Chen Xiuxia , Xuan Feng
Published: February 2025

Background

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system and head-and-neck region, yet data on its burden in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is lacking. This study aimed to estimate the global burden of TC among AYAs from 1990 to 2021.

Methods

Utilizing the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data, we analyzed age-standardized rates of incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) on global, regional, and national scales. Joinpoint regression was employed to determine average annual percentage change (AAPC), with frontier analysis revealing regions for improvement. Decomposition analysis assessed the impacts of population aging, growth, and epidemiological changes. Projections for disease burden extending to 2040 were generated using the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort model.

Result

In 2021, there were 48.2 thousand incident cases, 436.1 thousand prevalent cases, and 183.5 thousand DALYs worldwide. Meantime, the age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR), and age-standardized DALYs rates (ASDR) were 1.6, 14.3 and 6.1 per 100 000, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, the ASIR, ASPR and ASDR increased with AAPCs of 1.73, 1.77, and 0.38, respectively. Socio-demographic resources in Saudi Arabia, Taiwan (Province of China), Iceland, United Arab Emirates, and United States Virgin Islands have the potential to lower ASDR due to TC among AYAs. Furthermore, 13.3 thousand and 34.9 thousand new cases occurred in the males and females in 2021. Among 5 age groups, the highest numbers of incidence, prevalence, and DALYs, along with ASRs, were observed in the 35–39 age group. Global projections indicated a continuous rise in numbers of incidence, prevalence, and DALYs, with estimates of 60.2 thousand, 558.4 thousand, and 199.7 thousand by 2040, respectively.

Conclusion

The global burden of TC among AYAs was on the rise, with significant disparities by regions, genders, and age groups, highlighting the necessity for targeted and effective interventions.
A subnational socioeconomic assessment of family planning levels, projections, and disparities among married women of reproductive age in Cameroon
Authors: Nsashiyi Raïssa Shiyghan , Rahman Md Mizanur , Ndam Lawrence Monah , Hashizume Masahiro
Published: February 2025

Background

Local-level socioeconomic gradients significantly influence access to reproductive health services in developing countries. This study examines disparities in family planning use among married women of reproductive age across Cameroon’s subnational territories, highlighting inequities often overlooked in national analyses. Furthermore, it incorporates HIV status (a key yet frequently omitted covariate) into the assessment of family planning determinants.

Methods

A Bayesian hierarchical model incorporated with Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey cross-sectional data (between 1991 and 2018) was employed to generate estimates of family planning indicators per residence, wealth, and education categories within each region. Slope index of inequality was used to quantify disparities. The determinants analysis involved Bayesian logistic regression.

Results

Estimates for 2023 revealed that the Centre region’s urban and rural areas had the highest modern contraceptive prevalence rate overall, with 49.0% (24.9–73.8) and 28.2% (12.4–52.3), respectively. The rural Far North had the least estimate [3.9% (1.5–10.5)]. Demand satisfied with modern methods was highest among Adamawa region’s richest quintile [82.9% (58.1 to 94.4)] and higher educated [85.9% (69.5 to 94.2)], and lowest among the East region’s poorest [5.3% (1.5 to 16.5)] and Far North’s none-educated [8.6% (3.3 to 20.4)]. Unmet need for modern methods was lowest among the West region’s richest [5.1% (1.8 to 13.5)] and highest among the Littoral’s poorest [23.1% (9.4 to 47.4)]. 2030 projections show the widest wealth- and education-based gaps for demand satisfied with modern methods in the Adamawa [27.0 percentage points (%p) (2.3 to 51.6) and 79.3%p (73.9 to 84.7), respectively]. Age ≥  20 years, higher education level, practising Catholic/Christian religion, having ≥  one living child(ren), and higher household wealth quintile, were associated with increased odds of modern contraceptive use.

Conclusion

Increased focus is essential on rural, poorer, and less educated populations, particularly in the Northern regions, to effectively address family planning inequities across Cameroon.
Specialised palliative care in nursing homes – Retrospective analysis on the basis of claims data
Authors: Rehner Laura , Moon Kilson , Hoffmann Wolfgang , van den Berg Neeltje
Published: February 2025

Background

The aim of palliative care is to improve the quality of life of patients with a life limiting illness. In Germany, nursing homes are increasingly the last residence and a common place of death for older people. This renders these institutions as places with a high need for palliative care. However, the frequency of specialised palliative care services in nursing homes in Germany is often low.

Objectives

The aim of this study is 1) to analyse the types and frequencies of services provided by specialised ambulatory palliative care teams in nursing homes in the German federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and 2) to examine whether the frequency of specialised palliative services in nursing homes is comparable to patients living in their private homes.

Methods

The analysis was based on data of the association of statutory health insurance physicians Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Germany), data of the statutory health insurance BARMER, and population data. All patients who received specialised ambulatory palliative care in nursing homes in the years 2015–2017 were included in the analysis. For the comparison of the utilisation of specialised ambulatory palliative care in nursing homes with patients in private households, two comparable groups were created using claims, population data and life-year-mortality tables of the general population. It was assumed that people ≥80 years with a life expectancy of <12 months were potential candidates for the utilisation of palliative care. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square tests.

Results

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, 6,096 patients received specialised ambulatory palliative care in the time period 2015 to 2017. Of these, 16.0% (n = 978) were nursing home residents. The median duration of specialised ambulatory palliative care in nursing homes was 12.0 days, for people in private households 27.2 days. The rate of patients receiving specialised ambulatory palliative care in nursing homes was 4.7%, for people in the comparable group in private households it was 9.2% (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Only a small number of nursing home residents received specialised ambulatory palliative care in their last year of life. The rate among those living in their own homes is about twice as high. The results indicate that nursing home residents may have less access to specialised ambulatory palliative care than patients living in private households. Specialised ambulatory palliative care services provision in nursing homes should be improved.
Ceramics with Oculate Decoration from the Middle and Lower Douro Basin
Authors: Lopes Barbosa Maria Helena
Published: February 2025

This study analyses the ceramics with oculate decoration known from the lower and middle Douro basin, focusing on their contexts of provenance and emphasising the stylistic substratum in which they are found, in order to understand their relationship with local imagery. In this way, we sought to access the assimilation processes of an allogenic motif, of peninsular circulation, at the scale of the site and taking into account its social function. It seems that the oculate motif - a symbol with a high ideological content - on ceramics 1) was reinterpreted locally, following the dominant decorative schemes; 2) first came into circulation in significant places within the sphere of the symbolic system and only later, in the second half of the 3rd millennium BC, did it spread throughout the residential places, which may correspond to a change in its social status or meaning.
La estatua de Fortuna de Nápoles: notas para una reconstrucción del paisaje urbano napolitano en la época romana
Authors: Cristilli Armando
Published: February 2025

La figura in marmo della dea Fortuna, proveniente da Napoli e risalente all'epoca degli Antonini, non solo contribuisce alla conoscenza del patrimonio della scultura napoletana di epoca romana, ma solleva anche alcune ipotesi sul suo destino. Potrebbe, infatti, essere collocato all'interno di una cappella situata nell'area del decumano inferiore della Neapolis romana , che corrisponde all'attuale zona di via Mezzocannone.
Explotación y usos de madera en Santa María de Abajo (Carranque, Toledo) entre la Antigüedad Tardía y la Alta Edad Media (siglos III a X d. C.)
Authors: Ruiz-Alonso Mónica , García-Entero Virginia
Published: February 2025

Se presenta el estudio de los restos de madera procedentes de contextos arqueológicos de cronología romana a altomedieval (siglos iii-x d. C.), recuperados en las excavaciones llevadas a cabo en el yacimiento de Santa María de Abajo de Carranque entre los años 2007 y 2010. Estas evidencias antracológicas permiten plantear una aproximación a las estrategias de explotación y usos de recursos leñosos en este enclave, en un amplio periodo cronológico, valorando la utilización de maderas procedentes del entorno, así como la selección de otros recursos no presentes en su paisaje inmediato.
Transboundary risk of African swine fever (ASF): Detection of ASF virus genotype II in pork products carried by international travelers to Indonesia
Authors: Ratnawati Atik , Hartawan Risza , Sendow Indrawati , Saepulloh Muharam , Sumarningsih umarningsih , Hewajuli Dyah Ayu , Zainuddin Nuryani , Dharmayanti Ni Luh Putu Indi , Wibawan I. Wayan Teguh , Mayasari Ni Luh Putu Ika
Published: February 2025

Background and Aim: African swine fever (ASF), a devastating viral disease in swine caused by ASF virus (ASFV), has led to substantial economic losses, particularly in Asia since 2018. ASFV’s resilience in diverse environments renders the movement of infected pork products a critical risk for disease transmission. This study aimed to identify ASFV contamination in pork products brought by international travelers to Indonesia, highlighting potential pathways for ASF introduction.

Materials and Methods: From 2019 to 2020, pork food products confiscated at three Indonesia international airports (Soekarno-Hatta, Raja Haji Fisabilillah, and Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan) underwent testing. ASFV detection employed TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting the B646L (p72) gene, followed by gene sequencing of B646L (p72) and E183L (p54) for molecular characterization. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to compare local ASFV strains with global counterparts.

Results: Among 29 confiscated samples, two pork products originating from China tested positive for ASFV. These were identified as genotype II, consistent with strains from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Sequence analyses confirmed the Indonesian strain’ close genetic relationship with global ASFV genotype II isolates, such as those from China, Vietnam, and Georgia.

Conclusion: The presence of ASFV in imported pork products emphasizes the risk posed by international travelers in introducing the virus to ASF-free regions. This underscores the need for stringent border biosecurity measures, surveillance, and public awareness to prevent ASFV outbreaks in Indonesia. Although ASFV does not pose a direct threat to human health, its transmission through swill-feeding practices remains a critical concern for the pig industry.

Keywords: African swine fever, ASFV, Indonesia, international airports, molecular identification, pork product contamination.
Innovative use of wild Egyptian artichoke extract to control fowl cholera in vitro
Authors: Wahdan Ali , Elsebai Mahmoud Fahmi , Elhaig Mahmoud M. , El-Sabagh Ibrahim M. , Ahmed Mohamed S. , Mohamed Mahmoud , Abd-Allah Ehab M.
Published: February 2025

Background and Aim: Fowl cholera, caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pasteurella multocida type A, poses a significant threat to chicken production globally. This study investigates the potential of ethanolic extracts from Wild Egyptian Artichoke (WEA) (Cynara cardunculus L. var. sylvestris) to modulate virulence-associated genes and provide an alternative control strategy.

Materials and Methods: A total of 160 tissue samples from diseased chickens were collected and analyzed. Phenotypic, biochemical (via Vitek 2 Compact), and molecular methods were used to identify P. multocida. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of key adhesion and colonization genes (omp87, ptfA, pfhA) in MDR isolates. The antimicrobial efficacy of WEA ethanolic extract was assessed using disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Gene expression changes were evaluated using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR after treatment with sub-inhibitory extract concentrations.

Results: Eleven isolates (6.9% prevalence) of P. multocida type A were confirmed, with four showing resistance to over five antimicrobial classes. The ethanolic WEA extract demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of up to 25 mm, MIC values ranging from 4 to 16 μg/mL, and MBC values between 8 and 32 μg/mL. Gene expression analysis revealed up to threefold downregulation in omp87 (0.28-fold), pfhA (0.25-fold), and ptfA (0.12-fold) after treatment.

Conclusion: The WEA ethanolic extract effectively downregulates critical virulence genes in MDR P. multocida, highlighting its potential as a novel natural agent for controlling fowl cholera in chicken. This study emphasizes the importance of exploring plant-based antimicrobials to combat resistance and improve animal health.

Keywords: fowl cholera, gene expression, multidrug resistance, Pasteurella multocida, virulence genes, wild Egyptian artichoke.
Turismo e Desenvolvimento: Opiniões e Pontos de Vista dos Diferentes Atores na Área de Proteção Ambiental Ilha do Combu – Belém do Pará, Brasil
Authors: Neiva Rafaely Moreira Sabbá , De Mendonça Nóbrega Wilker Ricardo
Published: February 2025

Objetivo – Este artigo tem como objetivo identificar as opiniões e os pontos de vista dos atores envolvidos na prática turística, como fator de desenvolvimento na Área de Proteção Ambiental Ilha do Combu – Belém do Pará, Brasil.
Desenho/metodologia/abordagem – Foi utilizada a técnica de entrevistas semiestruturadas, direcionadas ao público-alvo incluindo representantes do mercado, o poder público e a sociedade civil. A análise de conteúdo foi empregada para interpretar os dados obtidos.
Resultados – Os achados revelam a existência de desafios nos âmbitos social, cultural, ambiental e econômico, principalmente devido à ausência de políticas públicas que regulamente o uso da área. Identificou-se uma falta de integração e comunicação entre os órgãos responsáveis, bem como lacunas na atribuição de responsabilidades e investimentos suficientes em recursos humanos e financeiros. Enquanto os atores do poder público e os moradores diretamente envolvidos na atividade turística percebem a prática como benéfica, devido à geração de emprego e renda, os moradores que não participam dessa atividade consideram os benefícios restritos a uma parcela limitada da população.
Limitações/implicações da pesquisa – As limitações incluem dificuldades no acesso aos empreendimentos para realização das entrevistas, possivelmente atribuídas à falta de interesse dos participantes em discutir suas práticas na Ilha. Tal resistência pode estar relacionada à ausência de preocupações ambientais, evidenciada pelo desmatamento e pela construção de estruturas que desrespeitam a legislação ambiental aplicável às APAs. Além disso, foi identificado que as principais preocupações dos empreendimentos estão concentradas no comércio de alimentos e bebidas.
Implicações práticas – O estudo ressalta a necessidade de delimitar claramente as responsabilidades dos órgãos públicos responsáveis pela gestão da área. É essencial que sejam planejadas e implementadas políticas públicas voltadas para a conservação ambiental e a mitigação dos problemas identificados. As ações governamentais devem priorizar o controle do uso da área, garantindo a compatibilidade entre desenvolvimento local e preservação ambiental.
Originalidade/valor – Este artigo contribui para a literatura sobre estudos de caso ao explorar um contexto geográfico e temático com escassez de investigações recentes, especialmente no que tange aos impactos do uso da área em questões sociais, econômicas e ambientais.
„Csanád vármegye egyetlen szocialista
sajtója”
A Népköztársaság és a Vörös Hírlap a
vallásról és a vallásoktatásról
Authors: Orbán Imre
Published: February 2025

The article examines how the communist newspapers in Makó wrote about religion and religious education during the time of the Hungarian Soviet Republic. It first presents the social democratic and bourgeois radical programs related to religion and religious education. Then, it analyzes the articles in the newspapers. These newspapers promoted the abolition of church schools and compulsory religious education, arguing that religion should be entirely relegated to the private sphere. Instead of compulsory religious education, the newspapers essentially advocated for the introduction of compulsory communist education. They saw the new ideal, perfect social system—communism—as the solution to all of people’s problems. The newspapers served as tools of revolutionary communist propaganda in March and April 1919 in Makó.
Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder Are Increasingly Being Prescribed in American Patients With Advanced Liver Disease
Authors: Shenoy Abhishek , Jasty Venkata Sai , Uttal Sarah , Nasser Sarah , Winder Gerald Scott , Mellinger Jessica , Fontana Robert J.
Published: February 2025

The number of alcohol use disorder patients with mild (n = 101) and severe alcoholic liver disease (n = 112) increased between 2013 and 2023 (P = 0.06). Naltrexone was prescribed in 65%, acamprosate in 26%, and disulfiram in 9%. Internal medicine providers were the most frequent prescribers (51%), followed by psychiatry (30%) and gastroenterology/hepatology (9%) (P = 0.001). Duration of use was longest with naltrexone compared with acamprosate and disulfiram (360 vs 251 vs 190 days, P = 0.032). The rate of alcohol use disorder medication discontinuation for adverse events was similar in both groups (14% vs 12%). Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are increasingly being prescribed in American patients with mild and severe alcohol-related liver disease with similar tolerability and efficacy.
Contemporary Landscape of Medical Technology in Gastroenterology Between 2013 and 2023
Authors: Hennessey Megan M. , Xue Shan , Strigenz Rebecca Z. , Bagley Pamela , Shah Eric D.
Published: February 2025

Medical technology in gastroenterology spans devices, point-of-care diagnostics, digital health and artificial intelligence. We conducted a narrative review of US Food and Drug Administration-reviewed medical technology on the available evidence base to support uptake in clinical practice. 713 new GI devices were FDA-approved or cleared between 2013 and 2023. The most frequent technologies had indications for use in general endoscopy (442 or 62.0% of all new technologies) with advanced endoscopy technologies being the second most common (172 or 24.1%). Ninety-nine new technologies had indications for use outside of the endoscopy suite. 99% of new technologies were FDA-cleared against existing technologies via the 510(k) pathway rather than approved on new clinical data. Among the 19 devices with clinical trial data, trials were limited in sample size and generally evaluated disease-related changes or technical success rather than patient-reported outcomes that anchor drug trials. Twelve devices (63.2%) had fsavorable, published cost-effective data. To promote evidence-based discussion and uptake of new technology, and especially disruptive or high-risk technology, we propose a practical framework informed by balancing probable efficacy and safety and considering cost-effectiveness.
การสร้างโปรแกรมคำนวณปริมาณสารทำความเย็นติดไฟที่ใช้ภายในห้อง สำหรับสภาวะสบายและความปลอดภัยของมนุษย์
Authors:   มหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีพระจอมเกล้าพระนครเหนือ, บัวคำ กรวิก
Published: February 2025

สารทำความเย็นธรรมชาติที่มีคุณสมบัติติดไฟได้ เป็นสารทำความเย็นทางเลือกที่กำลังเข้ามาแทนที่สารทำความเย็นโดยทั่วไป เนื่องจากเป็นมิตรกับสิ่งแวดล้อม ไม่มีค่าศักยภาพการทำให้เกิดสภาวะโลกร้อน (GWP) ไม่มีค่าศักยภาพการทำลายชั้นบรรยากาศโอโซน (ODP) และมีประสิทธิภาพการทำความเย็นสูง ในสภาวะการเติมที่ลดลง แต่ด้วยความปลอดภัยของมนุษย์ในการใช้สารทำความเย็นนี้ ต้องคำนึงถึงหลายปัจจัย ผู้วิจัยได้รวบรวมปัจจัยต่าง ๆ ที่เกี่ยวข้อง มาสร้างเป็นโปรแกรมการคำนวณปริมาณสารทำความเย็นที่ติดไฟ สำหรับสภาวะสบายและความปลอดภัยของมนุษย์ โดยโปรแกรมครอบคลุม ค่าจำกัดการลุกไหม้ด้านล่าง (LFL) ของสารทำความเย็นติดไฟแต่ละชนิด ประเภทที่อยู่อาศัย ประเภทเครื่องปรับอากาศ เมื่อมีข้อมูลของผู้ใช้งานครบถ้วนแล้ว ระบบจะทำการคำนวณอัตโนมัติ และแสดงผลลัพธ์ทันที เมื่อสร้างโปรแกรมนี้ขึ้นมาแล้วผู้ใช้งานสามารถใช้งานด้านการออกแบบปริมาณการเติมสารทำความเย็นติดไฟได้อย่างถูกต้องและแม่นยำ โดยอ้างอิงจาก Institute of Refrigeration Safety Code of Practice for A2 and A3[1]
Linguistically World-Travelling’ and Speaking in a Bifid Tongue: Contributions of a Latina decolonial feminist reconceptualization of the self to rethink multilingualism in a decolonial vein
Authors:   Binghamton University, Veronelli Gabriela
Published: February 2025

This article draws a connection between Latina decolonial feminist reconceptualization of the relational and multiplicitous nature of the self, and the project and possibilities of rethinking the role of multilingualism in promoting epistemic justice and the reconstitution of the communal. In particular, the author dwells into Maria Lugones’s border dwelling ‘world-traveling’ modality (1987) of moving between mutually exclusive selves, and its linguistic possibilities to make room to multiple ontologies of speakers and languages, where the idea of language and speaker move in a process of complex communication. The goal is to extend this Latina decolonial feminist understanding of a new kind of self with an ambiguous, fluid identity, and who experiences a sense of constant in-betweenness that fosters unique modes of meaning-making which can offer a lens to interpret the possibilities for interrupting a modern/colonial ‘bifid tongue’ sense of multilingualism tied to a bordered conceptualization of languages, closed sets of meanings, and an isolated-autonomous self.
Speaking Subjects in Multilingualism Research: Biographical and Speaker-centred Approaches, edited by Judith Purkarthofer and Mia-Cha Flubacher
Authors:   Stellenbosch University, Plato Tasneem
Published: February 2025

Speaking Subjects in Multilingualism Re‐ search: Biographical and Speaker-centred Approaches, edited by Purkarthofer and Mia-Cha Flubacher, consists of eighteen chapters, divided into three parts, which provide insights on the utilization of bio‐ graphical approaches and why they are crucial for multilingualism research. This book presents an informative methodological and theoretical diversity and can be valuable for researchers looking to explore biographical methods of research and engage with the sociopolitical lives of language users. It takes the reader through an investigation of different groups of language users’ lived experiences and language-related inequalities and opportunities, and encourages a critical rethinking about the existing knowledge of speakers and their languages.
El consejo social penitenciario
Authors: Mapelli Caffarena Borja
Published: February 2025

La Constitución y las normas internacionales reiteran que se deben propiciar fórmulas para asegurar la participación de la sociedad en la administración de la justicia penal. Este principio del Estado social de Derecho compromete también al sistema penitenciario. España experimentó a lo largo del siglo XIX algunos modelos para acercar la sociedad a las prisiones, pero hoy se han abandonado. La Orden de creación del consejo social penitenciario (INT/3191/2008), aunque se ha querido presentar como heredera de esa tradición responde a objetivos distintos. Seguimos, en consecuencia, pendientes de implementar una fórmula que tiene unos fundamentos preventivos muy destacables.
Synthesis of Oleic Acid Derivatives as Pour Point Depressant (PPD)
Authors: Berghuis Nila Tanyela , Marwan Zayed Abdulmalik , Pramana Agus Astra , Wibowo Jati Arie
Published: February 2025

Crude oil is widely used worldwide as an energy source in various fields. Over the years, crude oil production has decreased due to one major problem that continues to occur, namely wax deposition. Wax deposits tend to occur due to the composition of the crude oil itself. Crude oil mostly consists of large amounts of hydrocarbon compounds, such as paraffins. Therefore, an additive, such as a pour point depressant (PPD), is needed to inhibit or prevent wax formation. This study compares the performance of various PPDs synthesized using oleic acid as a base material. The esterification of oleic acid with alcohols yielded PPD-Ester Butanol (96.72%) and PPD-Ester Decanol (72.21%). Further esterification with oleic acid resulted in PPD-Ester Butanol + Oleic Acid (47.30%) and PPD-Ester Decanol + Oleic Acid (22.56%). These derivatives can undergo additional reactions, such as epoxidation, diol formation, and esterification, to produce a PPD. Pour point measurements on crude oil samples were conducted following ASTM D-5853. The blank sample had a pour point of 39°C. PPD-Ester Decanol reduced the pour point by 3°C, while all PPD-Esters further esterified with oleic acid lowered it by 9°C. Chemical characterization via FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of C=C, C=O, and aliphatic C-H functional groups. GC-MS analysis of PPD-Ester Decanol + Oleic Acid (decyl 9-monooleate, 10-hydroxy oleate) identified three major compounds: 1-decanol, oleic acid, and decyl oleate. Physical characterization revealed that the synthesized PPDs had densities ranging from 850 to 1,066 kg/m3.
Synthesis of TiO₂/Hydroxyapatite Composite Based on Chicken Egg Shells for Methylene Blue Photodegradation
Authors: Zein Dhea Annisa , Mahatmanti F. Widhi , Wahyuni Sri , Widiarti Nuni
Published: February 2025

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) was synthesized using low-cost eggshell waste and employed as a composite support material for a TiO2 photocatalyst. The TiO2/HAp composite was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and a surface area analyzer (SAA). XRD analysis confirmed the presence of TiO2/HAp, revealing a crystallite size of 9.42 nm. The FTIR spectra further verified the characteristic peaks of TiO2/HAp, corresponding to those of TiO2 and HAp. BET-BJH analysis indicated that the surface area followed the trend TiO2 > TiO2/HAp > HAp trend, while the pore volume and diameter followed the HAp > TiO2 > TiO2/HAp. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2/HAp in methylene blue degradation was evaluated using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, demonstrating excellent performance. The TiO2/HAp composite achieved a 99.10% photodegradation of 20 ppm methylene blue within 120 minutes, with an adsorption capacity of 8.3078 mg/g. The photodegradation efficiency for 40 ppm methylene blue was 86.47%, with an adsorption capacity of 13.6335 mg/g. These results confirm that HAp effectively inhibits the electron recombination process in TiO2, thereby enhancing its photocatalytic performance. This study highlights the potential of HAp for developing cost-effective and high-efficiency TiO2-based photocatalysts, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to water purification.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles-Chitosan Beads as Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Safirah Ayu , Rismawati Atik , Alauhdin Mohammad , Wardani Sri
Published: February 2025

One of the key innovations in silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) material development is the formation of AgNPs/chitosan beads, which exhibit enhanced properties and broader functionality compared to chitosan or AgNPs alone. In this study, AgNPs/chitosan beads were synthesized using glutaraldehyde as a binding agent and sodium citrate as a reducing agent—both of which are safe and non-toxic, enabling broader applications. The synthesized beads were characterized to assess their chemical and physical properties, including functional groups, morphology, and crystallinity. Characterization results confirmed the successful cross-linking of chitosan by glutaraldehyde, enhancing the material’s physical and chemical strength. The chitosan beads appeared white, while AgNPs/chitosan beads were brownish, with an average bead size of 1.99 mm. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the silver in the chitosan beads exhibited a face-centered cubic crystal structure. Antibacterial testing demonstrated that AgNPs/chitosan beads exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to chitosan beads, attributed to the release of Ag+ ions from the matrix.
Zákonodárná moc v procesu evropské integrace
Authors: Reschová Jana
Published: February 2025

National parliaments, as law-making bodies, have been permanently exposed to double challenge. One stems from the fact that the law (the statutory law) itself has perhaps gradually lost its exclusive political role and impact. Second comes from the growing influence of supranational (European) legal system, whose importance will certainly be petrified in the European constitution. The Czech legislators might have taken the advantage of experiences acquired by the Member States MPs who have been complaining for years of the deficiency in either monitoring or influencing the European legislative process. General trends to upgrade the importance of national parliaments, modest as they might appear for some though, have given way to put forward proposals to modify the Standing Orders of both chambers of the Czech Parliament. If passed, Czech legislators will definitely be qualified among those who dispose of powers strong enough to shape the governments mandate in the European Council. There remains to be seen however, to what extend the European issues will enter smoothly into domestic policies and become part of the law-making process at large. The Draft Treaty Establishing the Constitution for Europe gives hopes that jealous watch to preserve almighty national legislatures on the one hand and that fears from uncontrolled supranational powers on the other, would be reduced.
Nové trendy evropské rodinné politiky
Authors: Munková Gabriela
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the article is to present reflections on the latest development in the European family policy. In spite of the fact that the individual states do not pursue identical family policies (and a number of varieties could be observed in their legal instruments), it still is possible to trace quite a few common trends. A current family policy tends to adopt a cross-section approach. In the allowance availability, it places various models of family co-existence in equal positions. The effort is to extend freedom in pursuing individua) ways of care for children and its reconciliation with professional career. The aim is to create equal conditions for men as well as women who look after children. Further on, the family policy should recognize the economic potential of a family and it should financially express the family capacity to care for its members in various phases of their life cycle. The family policy should focus on the development of tax instruments, by which all the social groups can be affected and the parents’ role thus appreciated. Social benefits for the low-income families need to be combined with other forms of assistance with the purpose of eliminating the reasons for the low incomes as well as the family’s dependency on the benefits. This should be the primary target of the family policy on the community level. The demographic trends (especially low birth rates) result from profound social changes and the individual instruments of family policy can bring about very limited effects only. However, we ought not to give up in our efforts to perfect them and accommodate to the current changes in family. We should deliberately strengthen the prestige of a family and parenthood in population and popular opinion.
České právo životního prostředí v evropském kontextu
Authors: Damohorský Milan
Published: February 2025

This article deals with law aspects of the entering of the Czech Republic into the European Union from the environmental protection point of view. In this connection it characterizes the main stages of development of Czech Environmental Law. It points at the main problems of these stages and also at the fact that in the beginning of year 2004 the majority of directives and other legal acts of European Communities in the section of environmental protection have been harmonized. It means that author does not see the main domain of actual problems in the approximation of Czech Law but in the deficit of its enforcement in everyday practice. The second part of the article occupies with individual parts of legal regulation and with main Czech acts that transpose the provisions of European Community Law. These especially are: air protection, water protection, nature and the landscape protection and influence of sectional means of environment protection (environmental impact assessment – EIA, integrated prevention and pollution control – IPPC or an access to information and participation of public in decision-making processes). Final parts are devoted to de lege ferenda considerations and also to warnings about some adverse trends in the Parliament of the Czech Republic, where there have been the efforts to revise and even to moderate acts that impose more firmly regime than in the European Union. These considerations are dangerous especially in the section of nature and landscape protection, forests and soil protection, where the legal regulation of European Community partly or totally lacks. The environment of the Czech Republic is not at as fair level as it is in countries of EU. In general author values the approach of the Czech Republic to the EU and harmonization of its law from the point of view of environment protection as the positive step in right way to sustainable development.
Drainage Discharge Design for Improved Hydrologic Performance of a Blue-Green Roof
Authors:   British Columbia Institute of Technology, Chan Colleen C.V. , Fuda Sal ,   British Columbia Institute of Technology, Tubeo Jonathan ,   British Columbia Institute of Technology, Winslow Kyle ,   British Columbia Institute of Technology, Mora Rodrigo ,   British Columbia Institute of Technology
Published: February 2025

Urban development has led to increased impervious surfaces, disrupting the natural hydrological cycle, and necessitating effective stormwater management solutions. Green stormwater infrastructure, such as green roofs, offers a sustainable approach to mitigate runoff volume and peak flow rates. However, their hydrological performance can be limited during significant storm events. Blue-green roofs, which incorporate an additional water storage layer beneath the growth medium, have emerged as a promising solution. This study aims to develop a discharge strategy for blue-green roofs tailored to the marine pacific west coast climate, maximizing water retention during wet seasons, and ensuring irrigation during dry periods. Using a continuous SWMM hydrological model calibrated with data from a pilot-scale blue-green roof in Vancouver, various discharge designs in the blue storage layer were assessed for their hydrological performance. The calibrated SWMM blue-green model demonstrated a good fit for wet seasons. Different discharge designs significantly impacted the detention and retention performance of blue-green roofs during wet seasons. Active water level control designs, in particular, showed improved hydrological performance compared to passive drainage designs in the storage layer. The study suggests that future blue-green roof designs should consider alternative drainage methods to achieve improvements in annual retention and detention performance.
The Value of Mere Willing: Revisiting Kant’s Argument for the Formula of the End in Itself
Authors: Bailey Tom
Published: February 2025

In this article I attempt to explain Kant’s notoriously obscure argument for the principle that every rational being should be treated as an “end,” and not merely as a means. I take my lead from the appearance in the argument of terms and ideas that he uses earlier in the Groundwork to express two distinctive features of moral value and to make a related claim about how moral value is achieved. I argue that, of the candidates for the “end” of moral action that Kant considers, only rational beings instantiate both of these features and satisfy the related claim. I also argue that these features and this claim explain why no other candidates need be considered and why moral actions must have an “end” at all. Thus I show that these features and this claim resolve the puzzles posed by Kant’s own argument and make sense of some of the remarks that he makes in it.
Die Schuld der Trägheit. Fichte über moralische Zurechenbarkeit
Authors: Noller Jörg
Published: February 2025

This paper reconstructs Fichte’s theory of moral imputability. The paper argues that Fichte attempts to solve the problem of attributing immoral actions by introducing his concept of moral inertia, thereby drawing on Leibniz’s account. According to Fichte’s System of Ethics, moral inertia is not merely a state of moral passivity but can be attributed to laziness with regard to reflection, due to moral self-deception. The paper analyzes three kinds of moral self-deception and interprets them in light of what Fichte calls the “power of inertia”. Finally, the paper discusses possible ways to escape our self-inflicted inertia, thereby drawing on Kant’s conception of enlightenment.
Serum soluble endorphin combined with BISAP score predicts severe acute pancreatitis combined with septic shock
Authors: Yuan JinBei , Yang QiuBao , Chen Chao
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic value of serum soluble endorphin (sENG) combined with BISAP score for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) complicated with septic shock.

Methods

A total of 150 cases of SAP complicated with sepsis were selected and categorized into the group with shock (n=88) and the group without shock (n=42). The general clinical data and laboratory indexes of the two groups were compared. The factors affecting the occurrence of septic shock were explored, and the correlation between serum sENG, BISAP, APACHEII, and SOFA scores was analyzed. The value of sENG and BISAP scores for diagnosis of SAP complicated with sepsis was assessed.

Results

APACHEII score, SOFA score, BISAP score, and serum sENG levels were higher in the group that developed septic shock. Increased BISAP score and elevated serum sENG level were independent risk factors for septic shock in patients with SAP. sENG level was positively correlated with BISAP score, APACHEII, and SOFA score in patients with SAP-complicated sepsis, and BISAP score was also positively correlated with APACHEII and SOFA score. sENG level and BISAP score had a predictive value for patients with SAP complicated with septic shock (AUC=0.723, 0.703), and the combination of the two had the highest value for the diagnosis of SAP complicated with septic shock (AUC=0.838). In addition, the AUC values of the two in predicting poor prognostic outcomes in patients with SAP complicated with sepsis were 0.757 and 0.706, respectively, and the AUC of the combination was 0.796.

Conclusions

Serum sENG and BISAP scores are predictors of septic shock in patients with SAP, and the combination of the two has a more powerful predictive effect and better evaluation significance.
Dimensions of the Ukrainian War in British Press: A Topic Modeling Approach
Authors: Ediz Çağla , Ediz İsmail , Yavuz Serkan
Published: February 2025

Media news around the world contains powerful signals for understanding governments’ thoughts and public reactions to domestic or foreign conflicts. Although the development of information technologies makes it possible to evaluate this big data in digital media and see perspectives on international issues, few studies have been conducted on news media. This article aims to investigate the dimensions in the British press surrounding the Ukraine War, which began on February 24, 2022. In this context, we examine 14,316 news articles covering the war in Ukraine from The Guardian, The Daily Mail, and The Times over the first 16 months using the LDA method, followed by advanced analyses. Through statistical analysis, the frequencies of the dimensions appearing in the news were compared and their intersections were examined. Additionally, thematic differences in the coverage of the Ukraine War were observed among British newspapers with different political tendencies. This study is one of the first to reveal the main dimensions of the war through newspaper coverage, aiming to understand the dimensions of the conflict affecting a country that is not directly involved in the war but aligned with one side.
Shared processing strategies as a mechanism for contact-induced change in flexible constituent order
Authors: Namboodiripad Savithry
Published: February 2025

This article argues for collecting primary data using psycholinguistic methods to better explain contact-induced change in constituent order. I compare the results of acceptability judgment experiments in Hindi-Urdu, Korean, and Malayalam, asking how ratings of the six grammatical orderings of subject, object, and verb might be affected by different contexts of experience with English. Two hypotheses are considered: (1) shared constructions: ratings of SVO, the canonical order in English, will vary with respect to language contact measures, or (2) shared processing strategies: overall ratings of noncanonical orders in each language will be affected by experience with English, a less flexible language. More contact with English corresponded to a greater difference in acceptability between canonical and noncanonical orders in Korean and Malayalam. For Hindi-Urdu, language contact was operationalized via agglomerative clustering, and SVO only behaved differently from other noncanonical orders in one of four participant groups. The shared strategies hypothesis is supported in all cases but one; this variation in results aligns with the variation found in nonexperimental studies of contact effects in constituent order. Taking a gradient approach to measuring both language contact and constituent order is thus a crucial step toward specifying descriptions and explanations of contact-induced syntactic change.
Children’s emerging sociolinguistic expectations around social roles: a triangulated approach
Authors: Schuring Melissa , Rosseel Laura , Zenner Eline
Published: February 2025

This paper adds to current work on developmental sociolinguistics and the sociopragmatic turn in anglicism research through a triangulated design meant to uncover children’s sociolinguistic expectations of social roles. A sample of 25 participants, aged between 7 and 13, completed three tasks probing assumptions on the use of English elements for three English-oriented roles (rapper, gamer, and soccer player) and two Dutch-oriented roles (prime minister and farmer). Specifically, participants took part in a closed rating task, a role-play performance task, and an open-ended interview. The results show that children share adult expectations of Dutch- versus English-oriented roles (RQ1), which they implement in their role performances, using more English words for the latter (RQ2). Participants, lastly, reflect on their performance to varying degrees, reporting changes to their language use in those performances, though only the oldest girls specifically mention English words (RQ3). Overall, the comparison of the participants and tasks invites a reflection on developmental pathways and on the relationship between metalinguistic awareness, sociolinguistic expectations, and the perception of boundaries between languages or varieties.