bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voleybol Antrenörlerinin Psikolojik İyi Oluş Düzeyleri İle Öz Yeterlik Düzeyleri Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi
Authors: ATEŞ Hamdullah , ATEŞ Nurdan
Published: October 2023

Bu araştırmada voleybol antrenörlerinin psikolojik iyi oluş düzeyleri ile öz yeterlik düzeylerinin farklı değişkenler açısından incelenerek bu iki değişken arasındaki ilişkinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Bu araştırmanın örneklem grubunu 72 kadın, 138 erkek olmak üzere toplam 210 voleybol antrenörü oluşturmuştur. Araştırmada tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Veri toplama aracı olarak Kişisel Bilgi formu ile birlikte, Psikolojik İyi-Oluş Ölçeği ve Antrenör Yeterlilik Ölçeği-II kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda elde edilen veriler SPSS.22 paket programında analiz edilmiştir. Verilerin analizi işleminde betimleyici istatistikler, ikili grup karşılaştırmalarında bağımsız gruplar için t testi, çoklu grupları karşılaştırmada tek yönlü varyans analizi ANOVA, öz yeterlik ile psikolojik iyi oluş arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemek için pearson korelasyon testi uygulanmıştır. Ayrıca gruplar arasındaki farkın yönünü belirlemek için Post-Hoc testleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada elde edilen bulgulara göre voleybol antrenörlerinin psikolojik iyi oluş ve öz yeterlik düzeylerinin orta seviyenin üstünde olduğu belirlenmiştir. Voleybol antrenörlerinin psikolojik iyi oluş düzeylerinin cinsiyet, yaş, antrenörlük kademesi ve eğitim durumu değişkenlerine göre farklılaşmadığı ancak gelir durumu değişkenine göre farklılaştığı gözlenmiştir. Voleybol antrenörlerinin öz yeterlik düzeylerinin cinsiyet, yaş, antrenörlük kademesi, gelir durumu ve eğitim durumu değişkenlerine göre farklılaşmadığı gözlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak öğretmenlerin psikolojik iyi oluş düzeyleri ile öz yeterlik düzeyleri arasında zayıf düzeyde ve pozitif yönlü ilişki olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON CONVENTIONAL AND ADVANCE TECHNIQUES FOR PLANT EXTRACTION AND EFFECT ON THE EXTRACT YIELD: REVIEW
Authors: MEHRA Nısha
Published: October 2023

Medicinal plants are bringing so much attention from the researchers, nutritionists and consumers due to their potent nutritional value and ethno-medicinal properties. Extraction plays a critical role to study the medicinal properties of plants, herbs and spices. The present review was conducted to elaborate the advance method of extraction with small use of solvent and better yields of extract in short time duration. Nowadays purity is a major concern for the researcher to evaluate effective analysis. To obtain the phytochemicals from the plant majorly depends on the extraction procedure. Inappropriate extraction may cause loss in quantitative phyto-components. Advance methods like MAE, ASE, SPE and UAE are studied on compare with conventional methods on the basis of yield, efficacy and purity of extracts. In this review article, commonly used extraction techniques discussed based on their strength to obtain high yields and better purity of extract to assess the economical attainability of the methods and further used for chemical, biological and pharmaceutical analysis.
The Problems and Improvement Plans for the Real Estate-related Local Tax Systems
Authors:   National Association of Korean Local Government Studies, Kim Myong-Jun , Kim Hyo-Jin
Published: October 2023

A local tax system is established as a taxation system that takes into account the price function for local government work and public services and the revitalization of the local economy. To strengthen the financial independence of local governments, there is a need to expand the fiscal decentralization and the size of local governments' own financial resources.
The tax revenue from local government finances is composed mainly of local taxes, local nontax revenue, state subsidies, local grants, and local grant tax and other income. Much of the local tax is centered on property transaction tax, thereby being characterized by being closely related to the real estate business.
A flow of real estate taxation imposes a heavy tax on multiple homeowners, thereby leading to pressuring selling as a measure to prevent a price from rising due to the lack of supply. This tax policy is functioning as a means of stabilizing the property prices and transactions by regulating real estate speculation, not the financing method that is the original purpose of the tax.
Owing to a difference in economic conditions between regions, the inequality of local government's fiscal power poses another level of a problem. The problem of income disparity between regions makes it a rule to be dealt with at the level of national redistribution policy with the support from the central government. However, the income gap between regions can be resolved through the industrial policy or the balanced national development.
A Follow-up Study of Local Election Candidate Decisions from 2002 to 2022: What are the Ccriteria for Selecting Candidates for Daegu-Gyeongbuk Voters?
Authors:   National Association of Korean Local Government Studies, Song Keon-Sup
Published: October 2023

This paper investigated the local elections from 2002 to 2022 and identified the candidate selection criteria. A total of six surveys were conducted, and the data was 3,706 people. Here, the independent variables are the person, external factors, party and pledge factors, and the parameters and dependent variables are reputation and image, and voting decision. The results of the study are summarized as follows. First of all, in the overall model, voting decisions are influenced in the order of person, party, pledge. On the other hand, as external factors such as kindred, academic background and regional ties have a negative effect, it can be seen that local elections reject nepotism. In addition, the criterion for determining candidates was direct interest in image and politicians, not advice from neighbors and reputation of residents. 1) In the 2002 local elections, the criterion for determining candidates was the character factor. policy had a negative effect on decisions. 2) In the 2006 local elections, the criterion for determining candidates was the character factor. 3) the criteria for determining candidates for 2010 are personalities and political parties. The evaluation of the candidate was more important than the evaluation of others. 4) the criterion for determining candidates in 2014 is the character factor. Election pledge is influencing through the image factor. 5) The criteria for selecting candidates for 2018 are pledges and political parties. Advice from neighbors and media evaluations of candidates are rather negative. 6) The criteria for selecting candidates for 2022 is the party factor. Person and pledge were not statistically significant influencing factors, and the image factor formed an important positive (+) relationship in voting decision.In conclusion, it is necessary to activate local politics, increase interest in local elections and turnout, and improve negative regionalism in order to make rational voting decisions for voters in Daegu and Gyeongbuk.
A comparative study of the impact of COVID-19 social distancing on subjective life satisfaction across generations
Authors:   National Association of Korean Local Government Studies, Cho Eun-Hee , Hong Sang-Ook
Published: October 2023

Subjective life satisfaction varies greatly by age and generation due to differences in experiences and values. However, the constraints of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea have significantly affected life satisfaction across generations. The purpose of this study is to analyze whether this constraint is differentiated by generation. Since numerous studies on life satisfaction have found similar influencing factors, this study analyzes the impact of social distancing due to COVID-19 on subjective life satisfaction by generation to differentiate from existing studies.
The analysis method is to analyze the influence of major variables constrained by social distancing in Korea using hierarchical regression analysis and compare the influence of each generation. According to the results of the analysis, first, subjective life satisfaction is most strongly affected by goal achievement satisfaction, but it is empirically proven that the generation most affected by COVID-19 is young adults. Second, the influence of the social constraint variables goal achievement satisfaction, domestic travel experience, and life satisfaction varied by generation. In addition, goal achievement satisfaction decreased in all generations, life satisfaction increased in young adults and older adults, and the influence of domestic travel experience and life satisfaction on life satisfaction increased in middle-aged people who were less vulnerable to COVID-19. Finally, the impact of social distancing policies significantly affected subjective life satisfaction across all generations, but goal achievement satisfaction became relatively less influential.
A Study on the Need to Strengthen Unification Education in Local Autonomy
Authors:   National Association of Korean Local Government Studies, Yang Hye-Won , Yoo Keun-Hwan
Published: October 2023

Unification education means education to foster the values and attitudes necessary to achieve unification based on belief in liberal democracy, a sense of national community, and a sound view of national security. Currently, Seoul and other metropolitan areas are trying to expand unification education by utilizing experiential learning opportunities and various infrastructure. the situation. Unification education cases were reviewed and measures to improve these points were considered. First, expansion of community-oriented experiential learning, second, expansion of continuous education for teachers, such as professors, lecturers, and teachers who teach unification education, third, encouragement of unification education so that unification education can take root in the region by utilizing local governments need something.
A Policy Proposal on the Operation of Companion Animal Friendly Facilities by a Local Government
Authors:   National Association of Korean Local Government Studies, Kim Young-Kyu
Published: October 2023

Although we see the number of Korean raising companion animals exceeds over 15M and their demand toward the policy amendment and improvement regarding companion animals grow over times, accompanying companion animals to places such as public areas, especially national parks, regional parks, or geological parks are still banned by the law. There were number of attempts made in the past to allow accompanying companion animals within certain designated areas in those parks but faced a quite number of obstacles and went in vain. Therefore it is the aim of this study to suggest a friendly policy toward companion animals and extend the companion animal entry free places near residential areas for easy access so that positive movement toward companion animal such as protection of those animals, positive perception toward companion animals, shift of leisure culture with companion animals can be settled.
An Empirical Analysis on the Political Sponsorship System in Korean Local Council
Authors:   National Association of Korean Local Government Studies, So Soon-Chang , Mun Hyun-Mi
Published: October 2023

This study compares and analyzes the process of change of the supporters association system and the results of the survey on the work of members of the regional councils and members of the National Assembly, and proposes improvement plans for the supporters association system and related laws and regulations suitable for the status of members of the regional councils.
As a result of the study, it was deduced that it is necessary to adjust the ratio of contributions between members of the National Assembly and local council members to 70:30 by improving the ceiling on donations for local council members in a more forward-looking direction than the current limit of 50/100 of election expenses. Therefore, it is proposed to designate the maximum amount of donations from local council members at 250 million won, which is 30% of the total amount of donations raised by members of the National Assembly, which is 750 million won.
The reason I thought this was because of the following reasons. First, in the workload analysis of local council members, 70.7% of respondents answered that ‘the workload of local council members is greater than that of national assembly members’. Second, 49.1% of respondents answered that ‘the workload of local council members and National Assembly members is similar’ or ‘the workload of local council members is more than 50% higher’. Therefore, it is based on the fact that it is reasonable to set the size of donations to local council members at 30% of the amount of donations to members of the National Assembly.
A Constructive Proof for the Umemura Polynomials of the Third Painlevé Equation
Authors:   University of Kent, UK, Clarkson Peter A. , Law Chun-Kong ,   National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, Lin Chia-Hua ,   National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan
Published: October 2023

We are concerned with the Umemura polynomials associated with rational solutions of the third Painlevé equation. We extend Taneda's method, which was developed for the Yablonskii-Vorob'ev polynomials associated with the second Painlevé equation, to give an algebraic proof that the rational functions generated by the nonlinear recurrence relation which determines the Umemura polynomials are indeed polynomials. Our proof is constructive and gives information about the roots of the Umemura polynomials.
Recurring Activity Discovered on Quasi-Hilda 2009 DQ118
Authors: Oldroyd William J. , Chandler Colin Orion , Trujillo Chadwick A. , Sheppard Scott S. , Hsieh Henry H. , Kueny Jay K. , Burris William A. , DeSpain Jarod A. , Farrell Kennedy A. , Mazzucato Michele T. , Bosch Milton K. D. , Shaw-Diaz Tiffany , Gonano Virgilio
Published: October 2023

We have discovered two epochs of activity on quasi-Hilda 2009 DQ118. Small bodies that display comet-like activity, such as active asteroids and active quasi-Hildas, are important for understanding the distribution of water and other volatiles throughout the solar system. Through our NASA Partner Citizen Science project, Active Asteroids, volunteers classified archival images of 2009 DQ118 as displaying comet-like activity. By performing an in-depth archival image search, we found over 20 images from UT 2016 March 8–9 with clear signs of a comet-like tail. We then carried out follow-up observations of 2009 DQ118 using the 3.5 m Astrophysical Research Consortium Telescope at Apache Point Observatory, Sunspot, New Mexico, USA and the 6.5 m Magellan Baade Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile. These images revealed a second epoch of activity associated with the UT 2023 April 22 perihelion passage of 2009 DQ118. We performed photometric analysis of the tail and find that it had a similar apparent length and surface brightness during both epochs. We also explored the orbital history and future of 2009 DQ118 through dynamical simulations. These simulations show that 2009 DQ118 is currently a quasi-Hilda and that it frequently experiences close encounters with Jupiter. We find that 2009 DQ118 is currently on the boundary between asteroidal and cometary orbits. Additionally, it has likely been a Jupiter family comet or Centaur for much of the past 10 kyr and will be in these same regions for the majority of the next 10 kyr. Since both detected epochs of activity occurred near perihelion, the observed activity is consistent with sublimation of volatile ices. 2009 DQ118 is currently observable until ∼mid-October 2023. Further observations would help to characterize the observed activity.
A georeferenced database of the edaphic biota currently available for Argentina
Authors: Sanabria María , Velazco Víctor , Tolosa Gabriel , Falco Liliana , Coviella Carlos
Published: October 2023

Soils have been studied and classified in terms of their physical and chemical characteristics, while the knowledge about biodiversity and the ecosystem processes that they support is lagging behind. Furthermore, the advance in scientific knowledge contributed by different researchers is dispersed and it is necessary to collect it to bring the big picture into focus. Today, it is possible to have the findings and data collected by different researchers, compile them and, based on technological advances, have tools that allow the information to be analysed in its entirety. The main objective of this work is to compile and systematise all the bibliographic information available on the main organisms that make up biodiversity in the soil: Acari, Collembola and Crassiclitellata in Argentina. This information will then allow us to link the composition and structure of the soil community with processes and flows in the ecosystem, and to estimate them at different scales and in soils with different anthropic impact. The database presented here gathers presence information on the mentioned taxa, their geographical location for the entire country, while preserving the identity and authorship of each scientific work retrieved. The taxonomic range of the organisms of the edaphic biota collected in this database ranges from class to subspecies and are registered, based on the taxonomic level reported by the original author in their research. The publications were obtained from Google Scholar, Scopus and JSTOR. In addition, records were added from INEDES theses, library searches, information requested from authors cited in other articles and unpublished works. In total, information was collected from 224 scientific publications, as well as personal information requested directly from some authors. The total number of registered individuals so far is 4838 of which 3049 specimens correspond to Acari, 944 to Classiclitellata and 845 belong to Collembola.

This work is the first to gather, in a single publication, the entire dataset for all the Acari, Collembola and Clitellata recorded for Argentina.
Resisting higher education's (re) production of elitism in an ethos of care-taking
Authors: Hayward Beverley
Published: October 2023

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is undergoing a transformation. This is the perspective sold to the staff as jobs are terminated. This time it is not so much a restructure as a complete closure of further education across all campuses in Surrey and Kent. The UCA is 'stepping
back' as a Further Education provider, to focus on undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees. In addition, the campus that most serves the local community, in Chatham, Kent, is to be closed and sold, most likely for redevelopment. This essay explores the neoliberal agenda that
led to this sad erasure of a prestigious arts community, whose alumni included Zandra Rhodes, Tracey Emin and Billy Childish. It exposes the common-sense discourses employed by the university to compel the staff and student body to consent to the neoliberal methods at play. A mixed media embroidery
artwork and poetry have been created for this article, and referenced is a recent exhibition, UCA - Retrospective: Creativity Past, Present & Future. Creative arts practices illustrate this story, as well as many conversations with students and staff. The stories of those living through
this experience are woven within the narrative. In the sadness of loss there is also celebration, as our own transformations are made possible: leaving one collective space of creativity enables openings. To stitch and repair the soul of self and others creates understandings and an awareness.
In this way freedoms are fostered, and social justice prevails.
Leadership, excellence and the marginalisation of refugees in Higher Education
Authors: Cook Ian M. , Rajaram Prem Kumar , Clarke John
Published: October 2023

In this article we trace the changing fortunes of an education initiative for refugees and other displaced people located at Central European University (CEU). The programme (OLIve - the Open Learning Initiative) has shifted: instead of being celebrated as an innovative response to
the 'migrant crisis' of 2015 it was marked for closure by CEU's leadership in 2023. We locate this change in OLIve's fortunes in CEU's adaptations to the changing conditions of higher education, not least the potent combination of dynamics of marketisation and managerialisation.
We suggest these have produced a reorganisation of power and authority within the university, encapsulated in the person of the Leader - and the organisational phenomenon of 'leaderism'. The Leader both announces and embodies the pursuit of 'excellence' as the core mission
of the university, underpinned by the accumulation of financial and cultural capital ('prestige'). We trace some of the ways in which this mission reorganises the landscape of the university, marginalising those deemed non–excellent and the programmes that might support them.
We suggest that these dynamics remain contested and contestable in important ways
The idea of a democratic university
Authors: Rustin Michael
Published: October 2023

This article sets the current crisis of universities in the UK in its recent historical, post–1960s context. It argues that an expansionary and initially broadly progressive phase of development from the 1960s onwards, lasting for twenty-five or so years, has come in the recent
neoliberal decades to be seen as a threat to the dominant social order, in the context of a broader resistance to the egalitarian and democratic trends of post-war British society. Since the 1980s this now large sector of social and cultural production and reproduction has been subject to
a purposeful restructuring, to render it consistent with the norms of a society dominated by capital. This restructuring can be broadly understood as taking place within a neoliberal framework of assumptions. Unless this wider situation, and the changes which have led to them, is understood,
in historically and theoretically coherent terms, resistance to what is happening is unlikely to succeed. The article first discusses the phase of university expansion, the forces which brought it about, and the social and cultural changes and opportunities to which it gave rise. It then discusses
the counter-reaction, and the attempts to remodel the practices and institutions of higher education that constitute its active elements. Finally it explores what might be involved in resetting this path of development in a more positive direction, and considers the many theoretical and political
difficulties involved in imagining this and making it possible. Here it argues the need for a dismantling of the graduate meritocracy over society, and for bringing into being an educated democracy. It is crucial to create the conditions for a broad debate on the place and function of universities
in our society, in which these larger issues of direction and purpose can be debated. The author notes, however, that only in a society that becomes less grossly unequal than ours is it possible to imagine education being designed or indeed allowed to serve these generally democratic and enabling
purposes.
The long resolution? Responding to economic and social change in postwar South Wales
Authors: Singleton Aled
Published: October 2023

This article investigates the period between the late-1950s and the mid-1970s, a time when millions of people in Britain moved from towns and older industrial settlements to the urban periphery. South Wales offers a particularly interesting perspective here, as many moves were within
twenty miles and seemed to be driven by high levels of state investment in industry, housing and road infrastructure. This essay aims to examine the long-term impact of these decisions on later generations and to demonstrate the determination - or will - of political actors in Wales, who are
often competing with other places. As well as adapting Raymond Williams's well–known The Long Revolution for my title, I use his structure of feeling concept to seek an understanding of how change was experienced. This is achieved by presenting four recent interview accounts gathered
from people who lived in South Wales in the first three decades after World War Two
Supply chain risk model for cement industry based on interpretive structural model driven by FMEA
Authors: Sangode Pallawi Baldeo
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This paper aims to identify, analyze, model the risk elements in the supply chain and further set future trends to evaluate risks in other domains of cement manufacturing industry. Cement is the second most consumed material in the world, has a fast supply chain in the global market. This has driven the authors to study the supply chain risks for this sector.Design/methodology/approach: Through a detailed literature review and interaction with industry experts, 19 risk elements have been identified that may disrupt the supply chain activities. Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is used to prioritize these risk elements based on the risk priority number (RPN). RPN is derived from the severity, occurrence, and detectability of these risk elements in various process functions of the supply chain. 10 risk elements are selected from this analysis that have higher priority number. Further, these elements have been fed to the Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) that derived the contextual interrelationship among these elements. Further MICMAC analysis has been implemented on the risk elements based on their driving and dependency power.Findings: Unpredicted heavy rainfall and energy shortages have been identified as the root causes of other risk elements.  Increasing turnaround time in logistics and fleet adjustment during heavy demand, having the highest dependence power, are considered as the most important risk elements in the cement industry supply chain.  Originality/value: This is the first study in the domain of supply chain risks which has analyzed and modelled risks for cement industry. This work would provide the decision-makers of cement industry to focus on the specific risk elements for reducing disruptions in the supply chain.
Relationships Among Self-Esteem, Bullying, and Cyberbullying in Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Agustiningsih Nia , Yusuf Ah , Ahsan Ahsan
Published: October 2023

The current systematic review explored relationships among self-esteem, bullying, and cyberbullying in adolescents. Three databases were used to search for articles pertaining to mental health, health care, and the social sciences. Keywords, including “bully,” “victim,” “victimization,” “harassment,” “aggression,” and “abuse,” were used to describe victims of cyberbullying and locate relevant articles. A total of 861 articles were found during the initial search, 110 were assessed for eligibility, and 10 ultimately met inclusion criteria. Most studies found correlations among self-esteem, bullying, and cyberbullying. Self-esteem was linked to being a victim of cyberbullying but not to being a perpetrator of cyberbullying or bullying in general. Students with high self-esteem at the beginning of the school year were more likely to become bullies as they got older, whereas those with low self-esteem were less likely to do so. In addition, self-esteem was found to have direct negative effects on victimization and cybervictimization, and victimization and cybervictimization were found to have direct negative effects on peer difficulties. Findings suggest that adolescent bullying and cyberbullying perpetration may be mitigated by higher levels of self-esteem. Parents should pay close attention to and limit adolescents' exposure to bullying and cyberbullying and stressful life events. Psychiatric nurses should routinely screen adolescents and develop interventions to enhance self-esteem and reduce bullying and cyberbullying. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62
(5), 11–17.]
Mental Illness as a Predictor of Subjective Happiness Among University Employees Working in Hawai'i
Authors: Hale Frankie B. , Fontenot Holly B. , Davis James W. , Albright Cheryl L.
Published: October 2023

The World Health Organization adopted happiness as an indicator of societal progress in addressing conditions that directly affect psychological well-being and recommended communities address the determinants and obstacles to subjective well-being. Therefore, we conducted an online survey, informed by the Sustainable Happiness Model, among university employees that measured life circumstances (sociodemographics) and intentional leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as potential predictors of subjective happiness (assessed using the Subjective Happiness Scale [SHS]). The multiethnic sample (
N
= 85) primarily included those who identified as White (44%), Asian (33%), and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (16%). The most prevalent age range was 41 to 50 years (31%), and 55% of the sample identified as female, 78% as faculty, and 22% as staff. Reporting a current mental health condition had significantly lower SHS scores compared to all other factors. Future research should explore interventions to support and improve university employee's mental health and overall well-being. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62
(5), 39–48.]
Determining the Activity of Students Through the Elements of Gamification
Authors: Tokzhigitova Ainur , Yermaganbetova Madina , Tokzhigitova Nurgul
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to assess the impact of gamified educational resources on students’ motivationto learn the Python programming language. The study utilized the CheckiO gaming platformto diagnose the needs and motivations of students in developing knowledge, skills, andabilities related to the use of gamified educational resources. A total of 83 students from a universityin Kazakhstan participated in the study, with 45 students in the experimental groupand 38 students in the control group. The results showed a significant difference between theinitial and final levels of motivation for certain indicators in the experimental group, whereasno such difference was observed in the control group. Specifically, the number of studentswith a low level of motivation decreased, while the number of students with a high levelof motivation increased in the experimental group. The evaluation of student performancein the learning process was based on the completion of tasks, where an incorrect executionresulted in the report value not being displayed and an inability to progress to the next stage.Our study suggests that the incorporation of gamified educational resources has a significantimpact on students’ motivation to learn, which can lead to improved academic performanceand higher levels of engagement in the learning process.
3D Pre-Processing Algorithm for MRI Images of Different Stages of AD
Authors: T. R. Thamizhvani , R. J. Hemalatha
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative neuronal brain disorder resulting in memory loss, skills, and cognitive changes. The disorder’s primary diagnostic tests are defined as total brain atrophy and hippocampal atrophy. Early diagnosis is significant, and automatic systems design is necessary for this disorder. Potential biomarkers for AD are described using a hippocampal magnetic resonance imaging volumetry system with certain limitations. For the definite identification of the hippocampus region, pre-processing of the 3D MRI images of AD is necessary. The filtering and histogram-based pre-processing techniques enhance the region of interest, which helps in effectively segmenting the biomarker, the hippocampus. The median and eight histogram clippings are defined to be 98% efficient pre-processing techniques with the comparison of image quality parameters and statistical analysis. Thus an algorithm for pre-processing of the 3D MRI images of stages of AD is designed for the further process of identification.
A Survey on Privacy Preserving and Trust Building Techniques of Blockchain-Based Systems
Authors: Balamurugan G. , Tyagi Amit Kumar , Richa
Published: October 2023

Blockchain technology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its decentralized and immutable nature, and has made itself ideal for various applications such as finance, supply chain management, and healthcare. However, privacy and trust issues have emerged as major challenges in blockchain-based systems/applications. This work provides a detailed explanation of the existing privacy-preserving and trust-building techniques in blockchain-based systems. The authors begin by discussing the fundamental concepts of blockchain technology and its features that affect privacy and trust. Further, they discuss the privacy challenges faced by blockchain systems. Various privacy-preserving techniques, such as encryption, zero-knowledge proofs, and mix-zones, are explained in detail (with highlighting their strengths and limitations). In addition to privacy, trust is an important aspect of blockchain-based systems.
Effect of Wall Thickness and Flow Distance behind an Obstacle on the Weldline Strength of Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Kitisatorn Wanlop , Poomkajohn Patcharapol , Paechareonchai Nipat , Patcharaphun Somjate
Published: October 2023

The strength of the weldline behind an obstacle in injection molded thermoplastic composites was investigated in this study. The effects of part thickness, glass-fiber length, and concentration on the weldline strength at different positions behind the obstacle were examined. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the specimen containing weldline were much lower as the fiber length and content increased. Considering the effect of part thickness on the weldline strength, it was observed that the weldline strength decreased as the part thickness increased. This was due to the fiber orientation and the void generation within the molded parts. The results obtained for the weldline strength at various positions along the weldline indicated that the weldline strength tended to increase with the increase of flow distance, especially for polypropylene containing 40 wt% long-glass-fibers. The explanation for this could be associated with the change in fiber orientation during the flow development.
An Artificial Neural Network Model for the Stress Concentration Factors in KT-Joints Subjected to Axial Compressive Load
Authors: Iqbal Mohsin , Karuppanan Saravanan , Perumal Veeradasan , Ovinis Mark , Hina Akram
Published: October 2023

Stress concentration factor (SCF) is usually used to estimate the fatigue life of an offshore joint. Historically, parametric equations were used to estimate SCF based on a statistical analysis of experimental and finite element analysis (FEA) results, to reduce cost and time. These equations give the SCF at the saddle/crown position for simple joints and basic load cases. However, for modified or defective joints, the location of the maximum SCF can change. In such circumstances, the single-point SCF equation cannot be used to estimate the maximum value of SCF, as its location may have changed from saddle/crown. To our knowledge, there are no general expressions to estimate SCF around the brace axis accurately. As artificial neural networks (ANN) can approximate the trend of complex phenomena better than conventional data fitting, a mathematical model based on ANN is proposed to estimate SCF based on the weights and biases of trained ANN. Nine hundred thirty-seven finite element simulations were performed to generate SCF data for training the ANN. This ANN was used to model an empirical equation for SCF. The proposed empirical model can estimate SCF around the brace axis with less than 5% error. The current study provides a roadmap to using FEA and ANN for empirical modeling of SCF in tubular joints, and this approach can be applied to any joint type, with or without design modification or damage. Once a database of similar equations is available, it can be utilized for quickly estimating SCF instead of costly experimentation and FEA. Optimization of the ANN can further improve the accuracy of the developed mathematical model.
Influence of emicizumab on protein C-mediated clotting regulation
Authors: Mancazzo Federica , Vitulli Antonia , Dirienzo Lavinia , Ammollo Concetta T. , Semeraro Fabrizio , Colucci Mario
Published: October 2023

Emicizumab, a FVIII-mimetic bispecific antibody, is insensitive to degradation by activated protein C (APC) and may thus induce a procoagulant state. We investigated the effect of emicizumab on protein C-mediated inhibition of coagulation under in vitro conditions mimicking physiological and pathological clotting activation. Thrombin generation (TG) in tissue factor-triggered hemophilic plasma containing emicizumab (50 μg/mL) was inhibited by APC or thrombomodulin in a concentration-dependent manner, and to a similar extent as in plasma added with FVIII (Kovaltry, 1 IU/mL). However, when clotting was activated via the intrinsic pathway, emicizumab-plasma displayed resistance to APC, manifested by a barely detectable prolongation of the lag time of TG, and by the lack of inhibition of FXa generation. Moreover, in contact-activated plasma added with APC, the generation of a second wave of thrombin, following prothrombin replenishment, was much greater in emicizumab-plasma than in Kovaltry-plasma, suggesting that the insensitivity of emicizumab to APC may translate in greater thrombin formation. Considering the major role played by the contact system in the thrombotic process, hemophilia A patients under emicizumab treatment might be at increased thrombotic risk.
Prospective, observational study of intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair with defect closure versus SCOLA for primary ventral hernia
Authors: Deshpande Gayatri Amit , Tirpude Bhupesh , Bhanarkar Hemant , Akulwar Vikrant , Kodape Girish , Gajbhiye Raj
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

The last decade has witnessed several modifications in the laparoscopic techniques for ventral hernia. The aim of this study was to compare an established repair such as laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair with defect closure (IPOM plus) with subcutaneous onlay endoscopic approach (SCOLA) for medium ventral hernia.

Patients and Methods:

From June 2019 to November 2021, 29 patients undergoing IPOM plus and 22 patients undergoing SCOLA for medium ventral hernia (umbilical and epigastric hernia of size 2–4 cm) were included in the study. A comparative analysis was performed in terms of surgical outcomes and post-operative pain.

Results:

The two groups were comparable in terms of age and body mass index. The mean operation time of the SCOLA group was higher but not statistically significant. The Visual Analogue Scale score for pain after IPOM plus was significantly higher on post-operative day 1, at discharge and on the first follow-up visit. Around 45.4% of patients in the SCOLA group were discharged with the drain in situ which was later removed on the outpatient visit. However, no drains were placed in the IPOM plus group. The rate of seroma formation was 10.34% in the IPOM plus group and 27.27% in the SCOLA group. The material cost of IPOM plus procedure was significantly higher than that of the SCOLA. At the end of 1 year, there was no recurrence in either group.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that the post-operative pain after SCOLA is significantly less compared to IPOM plus. SCOLA is feasible for medium midline ventral hernia. However, a study with larger sample size and longer follow-up is warranted to compare the operative morbidity of the two procedures.
SAE International's Dictionary of Vehicle Accident Reconstruction and Automotive Safety
Authors:   Engineering Systems Inc., Brach R. Matthew
Published: October 2023

This invaluable dictionary springs from the foundation laid by the glossary in Vehicle Accident Analysis and Reconstruction Methods, Third Edition created by the disbanded SAE Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Practices Committee (AIRP). Building on this content, this book encompasses a wide array of terms derived from both accident reconstruction and automotive safety. While biomechanics contributes numerous terms related to automotive safety concerning occupants, accident reconstruction primarily caters to vehicular elements. Unlike typical glossaries, this compendium doesn't just define; it references the sources related to the concept. Diving into SAE standards, recommended practices, and other renowned texts, this dictionary paints a complete picture. Even as the automotive landscape evolves, this work stands as an extensive reference for students and professionals alike.
Steel Bars, Forgings, Mechanical Tubing and Forging Stock 0.88Cr - 1.8Ni - 0.42Mo - 0.08V (0.28 - 0.33C) (4330 Mod) Premium Aircraft Quality Consumable Electrode Vacuum Remelted
Authors:   AMS E Carbon and Low Alloy Steels Committee
Published: October 2023

This specification covers a premium aircraft-quality, low-alloy steel in the form of bars, forgings, mechanical tubing, and forging stock.
Keeping it real in constitutional theory
Authors: Kavanagh Aileen
Published: October 2023

In constitutional theory, we are familiar with the claim that a good theory must ‘fit’ and justify constitutional practice. However, the criterion of ‘fit’ sometimes gets lost in the quest to provide a bold normative theory about what constitutional law should be. Using the debate about the legitimacy of constitutional judicial review as an example, this article warns against a problematic disjuncture between theory and practice in the domain of constitutional law. The key argument is that credible normative theorizing about constitutional law should rest on a descriptively plausible foundation. Absent such grounding, there is a risk that our theories of constitutionalism become theories of a fiction. To avoid this hazard, we need to ‘keep it real’ in constitutional theory and comparative constitutional law.
Carl Snoilsky’s Svenska bilder and Cultural Memory in the 19th Century
Authors: Bak Krzysztof , Dziedzic Dominik , Zillén Erik , Żurawska Elżbieta
Published: October 2023

This article presents the research project “Searching for a New National Identity: The Construction of Swedish Cultural Memory in Carl Snoilsky’s Poems Svenska bilder”, and functions as an introduction to the four subsequent articles in this issue of Studia Litteraria, which are the result of the project. The principal aim of the project was a comprehensive analysis of the construction of cultural memory in Carl Snoilsky’s cycle of poems Svenska bilder (Swedish Pictures) for many decades being part of the core canon of Swedish literature, but which remains largely forgotten today. In part one, the article outlines the complex process of the creation and publication of Svenska bilder. It also reviews the state of research on Snoilsky’s cycle, justifying the need for new theoretical perspectives. In part two, the article analyses ways in which national memory is portrayed in Svenska bilder at different intra- and extranarrative levels, arguing that cultural memory and its preservation are among the central themes of the cycle. In part three, the article illuminates the construction of cultural memory in Svenska bilder as an example of nineteenth-century European cultural memory. The article considers three features, typical of nineteenth-century collective memory culture, to be particularly important for Snoilsky’s poems: subjectivisation, historicisation, and nationalisation. In part four, the article discusses Svenska bilder as an attempt to democratise the model of Swedish national memory created by the Romantics. The article argues that the cultural memory in Svenska bilder in many ways reflects the liberal ideas of the second half of the nineteenth century advocated by Snoilsky. In part five, the article examines the place of Polishness in the construction of Swedish cultural memory in Svenska bilder. Although Snoilsky considered himself a friend of Poland and an advocate for the Polish independence movements, in his cycle he assigns Polishness the role of the negative Other that serves to consolidate a positively characterised Swedish national identity. The article concludes with a short presentation of the four articles that are the fruits of the presented project.
Minneskulturell avmytisering och remytisering i Snoilskys Svenska bilder
Authors: Bak Krzysztof
Published: October 2023

Demythicisation and Remythicisation of the Cultural Memory in Snoilsky’s Svenska bilder:
The article analyses the relationship between cultural memory and myth in Carl Snoilsky’s poetic cycle Svenska bilder (Swedish Pictures). According to theoreticians, one of the primary goals of the 19th-century cultural memory is to consolidate the nation-state. Politically conservative Swedish Romanticism achieves this goal by turning Swedish cultural memory into a kind of national mythology, combining mythical and historical elements. In his cycle, Snoilsky, a democrat and a liberal, revises the Romantic construction of Swedish national memory by demythicising it. However, the author’s patriotic intentions often lead to the remythicisation of the democratically calibrated events and figures featuring in the cycle. The article analyses this dialectic, drawing on the theories of myth by Roland Barthes, Northrop Frye, Carl Gustav Jung, Ernst Casssirer, Mircea Eliade, Max Weber, et al., and supporting them with the intertextual apparatus of Gérard Genette. Among the most important demythicising strategies in Svenska bilder are mimetic devaluation, archetypal deheroisation, semiotic denaturalisation, and secularisation. Remythicisation in Snoilsky’s cycle is realised either by taking over selected elements of Romantic cultural memory, or by subjecting liberal cultural memory to mythicising strategies. The most important of these include mimetic valuation, archetypal heroisation, semiotic naturalisation, and sacralisation, i.e. strategies that are in dialectical opposition to the distinguished strategies of demythicisation.
Konstruktionen av militär manlighet i Snoilskys Svenska bilder
Authors: Dziedzic Dominik
Published: October 2023

The Construction of Military Masculinity in Snoilsky’s Svenska bilder: The paper presents an analysis of the construction of military masculinity in Carl Snoilsky’s Svenska bilder (Swedish Pictures). The construction of military masculinity is discussed as an important element of the cultural memory formulated in this Swedish canonical cycle of historical poetry. Taking Jan and Aleida Assman’s theory of cultural memory as a theoretical starting point, the article juxtaposes it with literary studies of masculinity to reflect on the meaning of military masculinity. War poetry and military poetry is identified as the dominant type of the poetic form of the cycle, and gendered patterns of cultural memory are discussed as reproducing the patriarchal principles of the nineteenth-century historiography. The dominant model of masculinity in Svenska bilder is presented as marked by militaristic values combined with the ethos of bourgeois masculinity. As the cycle assigns different military roles to the different stages of a man’s life, the dynamics of the meanings of masculinity is shown through the category of age. Chivalrous boyhood is presented as a stage preceding youth subordinated to the norm of homosocial military socialisation. The image of the adult man fighting at war is discussed as an amalgam of heroising and deheroising strategies. The presence of war veterans and the concept of the citizen-soldier in Svenska bilder is seen in the article as the confirmation of the hegemonic military model in the cycle.