bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islamic and Conventional Banks Stability in Indonesia
Authors: Khan Shabeer , Aziza Nur Amalia , Nawaz Allah Ditta
Published: April 2024

Research Originality: The stability of banking institutions is crucial for the overall financial health of a country. The originality of this paper lies in its innovative use of quantile regression analysis to provide a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing bank stability, particularly in the Indonesian context.Research Objectives: This research identifies factors influencing bank stability in Islamic and conventional banks in Indonesia.Research Methods: Utilizing quantile regression analysis to measure the impact of various factors at different quantiles, addressing the existing mixed findings in the literature. This study utilizes 15 years of data, encompassing 61 observations for Islamic banks and 779 observations for conventional banks in Indonesia.Empirical Results: The study identifies impaired loans as the primary determinant of bank stability in Indonesia, with a notably greater impact on conventional banks compared to Islamic banks. Notably, the upper quantile of Islamic banks indicates a decline or a lesser impact on bank stability.  The paper additionally concludes that the stability of Islamic banks in Indonesia is comparatively lower than conventional banks.Implications: By offering insights into the different levels of factors affecting bank stability, the study contributes to the existing literature, sheds light on unique dynamics, and highlights potential recommendations for enhancing bank stability, especially in the context of non-performing loans.JEL Classification: C21, C23, G21How to Cite:Khan, S., Aziza, N. A., & Nawaz, A. D. (2024). Islamic and Conventional Banks Stability in Indonesia. Etikonomi, 23(1), 167 – 182. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v23i1.33879.
Measuring Procyclicality Behavior on Islamic and Conventional Banks in Indonesia
Authors: Wiranatakusuma Dimas Bagus , Muttaqin Ecky Imamul
Published: April 2024

Research Originality: This study contributes to capturing credit cycle movements during the COVID-19 pandemic and compares sizes of credit and business cycles to promote banking stability.Research Objectives: This study attempts to examine banking behavior on amplitude and frequency indicators by focusing on the credit property of Islamic and conventional banks from 2014 to 2020.Research Methods: Ordinary Least Square, frequency base filter and turning point analysis are used.Empirical Results: This study unveiled that the size of an Islamic bank’s amplitude was higher than conventional bank’s amplitude. Meanwhile, the size of the frequency of Islamic banks had a longer frequency than conventional banks, given Islamic banks rely on real sector-based financing which has a longer period of economic expansion.Implications: It is also argued that conventional banks have a riskier leverage indicated by a higher percentage of amplitude. Thus, it is recommended to Indonesian banking sectors to promote the growth of Islamic banks to achieve financial stability. This research is significance in showing the Islamic banking’s contribution on stability given Indonesia is taking serious effort becoming the epicentrum of Islamic finance growth in the world.JEL Classification: E51, G01, G21How to Cite:Wiranatakusuma, D. B., & Muttaqin, E. I. (2024). Measuring Procyclicality Behavior on Islamic and Conventional Banks in Indonesia. Etikonomi, 23(1), 249 – 270. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v23i1.35293.
Preference Digital Wallet by Generation Z with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT 2) Model Approach and Perceived Risk
Authors: Elasaria Rani , Nurabiah
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This empirical study explores the use of digital wallets by Gen Z in Indonesia. This study uses a quantitative approach and collects data through distributing questionnaires to respondents online. The instrument in the questionnaire includes questions related to the effect of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, price value, habit, and perceived risk on behavioral intention, habit and behavioral intention on use behavior, and perceived risk on financial risk, performance risk, and privacy risk.

Design/Method/Approach: This research uses primary data with a sample of generation Z in Indonesia as digital wallet users. The total observations amounted to 742 respondents, and used quantitative methods with PLS-SEM statistical analysis tools to test the hypothesis.

Findings: This research shows that the variables of behavioral Intention and habit have a significant effect on use behavior, the variables of hedonic motivation, habit, and perceived risk have a significant effect on behavioral intention, the variable perceived risk has a significant effect on financial risk, performance risk and privacy risk in using digital wallets.

Theoretical Implications: This research provides empirical evidence for theory development, as it contributes to empirically applying the UTAUT 2 model as a theoretical framework and applying the concept of risk perception as a complement to the theoretical model, to analyze the factors that influence digital wallet adoption.

Practical Implications: Practically, this research provide precious knowledge for digital wallet managers. Digital wallet managers are supposed to develop features that can provide additional convenience for digital wallet usage, and can take concrete measures to address the risks encountered by users.

Originality/Value: The first research to explore digital wallet preferences with the UTAUT 2 model approach and perceived risk. This paper provides valuable knowledge for researchers interested in understanding digital wallet usage intentions.

Research Limitations/Future Research: Future research is expected to involve multiple countries to contribute to a deeper understanding, and may consider using multiple technology measurement models simultaneously.

Paper Type: Empirical

JEL Classification: C12, E42, F65, G41
BIOECONOMY STRATEGIES: VISIONS AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Beluhova-Uzunova R. , Shishkova M. , Ivanova B.
Published: April 2024

Bioeconomy, as an evolving concept, gained serious interest in the past two decades. It is considered a key driver in resolving a number of global challenges and is integrated into a broader framework with circularity, green transition and sustainable development. At this point, many international, national and regional strategic documents are linked to bioeconomy and directed to its strategic objectives. The aim of the paper is to present comparative analysis of bioeconomy strategies at global and national levels in order to observe the main concepts, vision and priorities and highlighted future agenda, prospects and recommendations for better integration and coordination. The analysis of the published strategic documents shows that there are no global framework and internationally accepted definition of bioeconomy. There are diverse understandings and differences in key priorities and goals between Europe, Asia, and South and North America. The bioeconomy remains a political concept, with a significant number of countries engaged in implementing its guiding principles. Until 2030, the ambitions in bioeconomy strategies and policies will be tested. In this regard, significant support is needed in the form of specific measures and financial instruments to realize investments in this field.
Tales in Athenaeus of divine statues preventing or favoring journeys
Authors: Di Serio Chiara
Published: April 2024

This article focuses on two stories contained in Deipnosophists 15 by Athenaeus of Naucratis. Both stories are comprised in the section in which Athenaeus discusses the use of crowns in festive rituals. Athenaeus attributes the first story (672a–e) to Menodotus of Samos. Here we read that some Tyrrhenians went to Samos to steal the simulacrum of Hera. But, having boarded the ship with the statue, they were unable to set sail. Thus, they unloaded the simulacrum on the shore and left. Then the heroine Admete retrieved it and took it back to the temple. For this reason, every year since then, the inhabitants of Samos celebrated the feasts called Tonaia in honor of Hera. The second story, that Athenaeus draws from Polycarmus of Naucratis (675f–676b), tells of a certain Herostratus who, on his return journey from Cyprus to Naucratis, was saved from a storm thanks to the sailors' prayers to the statue of Aphrodite on board. Thereafter, Herostratus prepared a banquet at the temple of the goddess to honor her. These stories introduce the recurring motif, also found in other sources, of travelling divine statues, which display supernatural powers.
Hydrogen in energy and information sciences
Authors: Chung Heejung W. , Cladek Bernadette , Hsiau Yong-Yun , Hu Yan-Yan , Page Katharine , Perry Nicola H. , Yildiz Bilge , Haile Sossina M.
Published: April 2024

Beyond its fascinating chemistry as the first element in the Periodic Table, hydrogen is of high societal importance in energy technologies and of growing importance in energy-efficient computing. In energy, hydrogen has reemerged as a potential solution to long-term energy storage and as a carbon-free input for materials manufacturing. Its utilization and production rely on the availability of proton-conducting electrolytes and mixed proton–electron conductors for the components in fuel cells and electrolyzers. In computing, proton mediation of electronic properties has garnered attention for electrochemically controlled energy-efficient neuromorphic computing. Incorporation of substitutional and interstitial hydride ions in oxides, though only recently established, enables tuning of electronic and magnetic properties, inviting a range of possible exotic applications. This article addresses common themes in the fundamental science of hydrogen incorporation and transport in oxides as relevant to pressing technological needs. The content covers (1) lattice (or bulk) mechanisms of hydrogen transport, primarily addressing proton transport, but also touching on hydride ion transport; (2) interfacial transport; (3) exploitation of extreme external drivers to achieve unusual response; and (4) advances in methods to probe the hydrogen environment and transport pathway. The snapshot of research activities in the field of hydrogen-laden materials described here underscores exciting recent breakthroughs, remaining open questions, and breathtaking experimental tools now available for unveiling the nature of hydrogen in solid-state matter.

Graphical abstract
“Not Just Limited to the Class Itself”
Authors: Gordon Matthew
Published: April 2024

This study presents the account and analysis of an attempt to make the development of higher-level reflection skills an explicit learning outcome on a Trinity College London CertTESOL course. It analyses the effect that this attempt had on the depth of the written reflections of trainee teachers, and attempts to uncover their perceptions of their own development. Previous work has examined the effect of interventions to encourage the development of reflective skills in preservice state-school teacher education and in-service teacher training. However, it has not addressed such an intervention on a TESOL Certificate course. The present study draws on the relevant literature to design a process of reflection, and analyses its effectiveness. Qualitative analysis consists of deductive analysis of participants’ written reflections and inductive analysis of transcripts from semi-structured interviews. Findings show that trainees developed their reflective skills, could use their reflections to adapt their teaching, and were aware of their own development. It concludes that aspects of TESOL Certificate courses are conducive to the development of reflective skills, and suggests a procedure which can maximise the benefits of these aspects and a level of reflection appropriate as a learning aim of such a course.
Edward S. Curtis and the Complex Legacy of The North American Indian Project
Authors: Rokosz Elżbieta
Published: April 2024

In 1907 Edward S. Curtis published the first volume of The North American Indian – the 20-volume series which was his life achievement, completed in 1930. During thirty years he took probably about 40,000 photographs of Native Americans belonging to various tribes. These included both portraits and depictions of everyday life of the peoples his generation believed were vanishing. During the field work he also collected textual material documenting the tribes’ histories, legends, rituals as well as biographies of individual people. The project, in its immensity, exhausted the resources and did bring Curtis the recognition he hoped for. His works were rediscovered in 1972 and since then photographs have been either criticised for being staged and not depicting the Native tribes’ life as it really was, or appreciated both for their aesthetic quality and documentary value. The article provides an overview of the project, discusses the controversies surrounding it and its significance from today’s perspective. It also refers to the legacy of Curtis’s work and the way contemporary artists remain in a dialogue with it.
Teoria „wychowania” TW – analiza założeń
Authors: Wójcik Bogusław
Published: April 2024

W 1984 r. wykładowcy z Zakładu Teorii Pracy Operacyjnej Departamentu Szkolenia i Doskonalenia Zawodowego Ministerstwa Spraw Wewnętrznych opublikowali cztery opracowania dotyczące szkolenia, wychowania, organizacji pracy i kontroli tajnych współpracowników. W publikacjach tych, przeznaczonych dla funkcjonariuszy Służby Bezpieczeństwa, wychowanie zostało zdefiniowane jako „świadoma, celowa i systematyczna działalność pracownika operacyjnego, która kształtuje (zaszczepia) oraz utrwala określone pozytywne postawy i cechy osobnicze [TW] niezbędne – w danej sytuacji polityczno-operacyjnej – do skutecznej współpracy z SB”. W prezentowanym tekście omawiam założenia tej koncepcji.
A New analytical Modeling for Fractional Telegraph Equation Arising in Electromagnetic
Authors: Murad Muhammad Amin Sadiq , Mamadamen Mudhafar Hamed
Published: April 2024

In this article, the He’s variation iteration method (VIM) and Elzaki integral transform are proposed to analyze the time-fractional telegraph equations arising in electromagnetics. The Caputo sense is used to describe fractional derivatives. One of the advantages of this technique is that there is neither need to compute the Lagrange multiplier by calculating the integration in recurrence relations or via taking the convolution theorem. Further, to decrease nonlinear computational terms, the Adomian polynomial is identified with the homotopy perturbation method (HPM). The proposed method is applied to some examples of linear and nonlinear fractional telegraph equations. The solutions obtained by the new computational technique indicate that this method is efficient and facilitates the process of solving time fractional differential equations.
On the Relation of the Total Graph of a Ring and a Product of Graphs
Authors: Jauhari Mohammad Nafie
Published: April 2024

The total graph of a ring R, denoted as T(Γ(R)), is defined to be a graph with vertex set V(T(Γ(R)))=R and two distinct vertices u,v∈V(T(Γ(R))) are adjacent if and only if u+v∈Z(R), where Z(R) is the zero divisor of R. The Cartesian product of two graphs G and H is a graph with the vertex set V(G×H)=V(G)×V(H) and two distinct vertices (u_1,v_1 ) and (u_2,v_2 ) are adjacent if and only if: 1) u_1=u_2 and v_1 v_2∈H; or 2) v_1=v_2 and u_1 u_2∈E(G). An isomorphism of graphs G dan H is a bijection ϕ:V(G)→V(H) such that u,v∈V(G) are adjacent if and only if f(u),f(v)∈V(H) are adjacent. This paper proved that T(Γ(Z_2p )) and P_2×K_p are isomorphic for every odd prime p.
Applications of EMbedding and backscattered scanning electron microscopy for morphological and functional assessment of the thymus forcedly removed in children with congenital heart defects during the first weeks of life
Authors: Shabaldin A. V. , Mukhamadiyarov R. A. , Koshelev V. A. , Vedernikova A. V. , Rovda Yu. I. , Grishacheva E. O. , Khalivopulo I. K. , Minyailova N. N. , Lyapin A. A.
Published: April 2024

Thymectomy in a number of clinical situations is an unavoidable step of cardiac surgical treatment of congenital heart defects, but the issue of its effects on development of immunity in early ontogenesis remains open. There is still debates among scientists about the risk of immune deficiency states in children who underwent thymectomy at an early age. One may see completely different opinions, both in domestic and foreign publications. A tool for resolving this issue may be provided by morpho-functional studies of the removed thymic tissue by means of modern scanning electron microscopy techniques. The objective of our study was to assess the possibilities of EMbedding and backscattered scanning electron microscopy for morphological and functional evaluation of the thymus, which was forcedly removed in the infant patients with congenital heart defects over the first weeks of life. The thymus of a newborn infant (postnatal day 27) with congenital heart disease: ventricular septal defect was examined using EMbedding and backscattered scanning electron microscopy imaging after embedding in epoxy resin. The mass of thymus gland was 15.7 g, the dimensions of thymus were: transverse, 3.4 cm; longitudinal, 4.1 cm; thickness, 1.7 cm; volume, 12.4 cm3. The study showed ability of EMbedding and backscattered scanning electron microscopy in morphological and functional assessment of thymus gland considered the central organ of the immune system. Step-bystep visualization from low to high magnifications, from tissues to cells and intracellular structures, as well as layer-by-layer examination of thymic cortex, medulla, interlobular septa and vessels, allows you to effectively assess the functionality of the thymus. This research method is sufficient for scientific research of the forcedly removed thymus since it enables us to visualize its microanatomy, allowing cell phenotyping at different layers of the thymus, studying intercellular interactions of thymocytes with reticulo-epithelial cells, subtle features of Hassall’s bodies and, finally, the process of T lymphocytes’ release from thymus gland.
Cytokine profile of nasal polyps and clinical characteristics of patients with polypous rhinosinisitis at different degree of therapeutic control and disease severity
Authors: Savlevich E. L. , Lyubimova E. V. , Zurochka A. V. , Mitrofanova E. S. , Shilovskiy I. P.
Published: April 2024

The issues of recurrencies in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) still remain unresolved. Therefore, detection patients with uncontrolled clinical course of CRSwNP is required.

The aim of the present study was to assess cytokine profile in nasal polyps as well as clinical characteristics of patients with CRSwNP at varying levels of therapeutic control.

The study included 99 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The contents of interferon IFNγ, interleukin IL- 1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor TNFα, transforming growth factors TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 were measured in polyp tissue samples by means of multiplex analysis. The patients were treated according to a stepwise СRSwNP therapeutic algorithm [9]. Following observation for 5 years, all patients were divided into groups, as based on medical control degree. Group 1 included patients with mild CRSwNP, who mainly received stage I and II treatment for the entire observation period. Group 2 was presented by moderate- severity CRSwNP, with stage II or III therapy according to the referred algorithm. Group 3 included the patients with severe CRSwNP who received one or more stage IV courses. The patients underwent repeated SNOT-22 questionnaire, endoscopic examination, clinical assessment. In case of bronchial asthma (BA), ACQ-7 was repeated. Initial cytokine profile of nasal polyps was analyzed by the mentioned clinical groups.

Results:

After 5 years of observations in group 1 (mild CRSwNP), we found a minimal decrease in quality of life (SNOT-22), severity of nasal congestion, or smell impairment. Bronchial asthma duration in these patients was significantly lower compared to group 3, the patients had better asthma control level. Cytokine profile of nasal polyps was characterized by the highest IL-4 concentration, average values IL-1β, TNFα, IFNγ and minimal TGF-β1 values.

In group 2 (moderate CRSwNP), we noted more pronouced impairment of smell, nasal congestion and quality of life. Bronchial asthma was less controlled than in group 1. The maximal concentrations of IFNγ, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-5, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 were registered.

In group 3 with poor CRSwNP control, the highest SNOT-22 scores, severity of difficulty in nasal breathing, impaired sense of smell were revealed. Duration of bronchial asthma was longer, with lowest levels of medical control. In nasal polyps, minimal levels of IFNγ, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-4, IL-5, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 were noted.

Treatment of patients depending on the clinical phenotypes of CRSwNP in the presence/absence of allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma may improve control and reduce incidence of relapses in CRSwNP.
Differing treatment pathways for the management of hypertension: long-term clinical projections in Russia
Authors: Rodionov A. V. , Granados D. , Kontsevaya A. V.
Published: April 2024

Aim. Management of hypertension, a major cause of mortality worldwide, is difficult, with adherence a common problem. The present study aimed to estimate the long-term clinical outcomes associated with different treatment pathways in people with hypertension in Russia.

Material and methods. Outcomes were projected over 10 years using a microsimulation model. Four treatment pathways (current treatment practices (CTP), single drug with dosage titration then sequential addition of other agents [start low and go slow, SLGS], free choice combination with multiple pills (FCC) and combination therapy in a single pill (SPC)) were evaluated based on the Global Burden of Disease 2017 dataset. Clinical outcomes were simulated for 1,000,000 individuals for each pathway.

Results. Long-term projections associated SPC therapy with reductions in mortality (4.9%), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs, 5.2%), and incidence of complications (including chronic kidney disease, stroke and ischemic heart disease, 9.2%) versus CTP, with greater reductions in all outcomes versus SLGS and FCC. SPC was projected to save 1,193 DALYs compared with CTP over 10 years. Adherence was identified as a key driver in the analysis.

Conclusion. Based on 10-year projections, combination therapies (including SPC and FCC) appear likely to reduce the burden of hypertension compared with conventional treatment options in Russia.
Assessment of inflammatory biomarkers and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in overweight and obesity
Authors: Murkamilov I. T. , Aitbaev K. A. , Fomin V. V. , Murkamilova Zh. A. , Yusupova Z. F. , Yusupova T. F. , Yusupov F. A.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To study biomarkers of inflammation in overweight and obese individuals.

Material and methods. A total of 180 people with overweight or obesity were included. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were determined in all patients. The concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were studied.

Results. The following significant correlations have been established: IL-6 — with the levels of central aortic pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), levels of glucose, uric acid, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); TNF-α — with concentrations of uric acid, triglycerides, cystatin C, creatinine and glomerular filtration rate; CRP — with body mass index, diastolic BP, heart rate, levels of uric acid, LDL-C, cystatin C. A significant correlation of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α with the proteinuria level was established.

Conclusion. In individuals with overweight or obesity, a direct correlation was found between serum concentrations of IL-6 and levels of BP, heart rate, lipids, carbohydrates, uric acid and proteinuria. In overweight or obesity, the serum TNF-α level has a direct correlation with hyperuricemia, hyperfibrinogenemia, hypertriglyceridemia, proteinuria and reduced renal filtration function, and the level of CRP is associated with an increase in diastolic BP, heart rate, uric acid, fibrinogen, LDL-C and cystatin C.
Vital exhaustion as a marker of chronic social stress and smoking among people aged 25-44 years
Authors: Gafarov V. V. , Gromova E. A. , Gagulin I. V. , Panov D. O. , Gafarova A. V.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To analyze the associations of exhaustion, as a marker of chronic social stress, with smoking in a random representative sample of people aged 25-44 years in Novosibirsk.

Material and methods. In Research Institute of Internal and Preventive Medicine — branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, in 2013-2016, a study of a random representative sample of people aged 25-44 years in one of the Novosibirsk districts was conducted (registration № FWNR-2024-0002). A total of 975 individuals were examined, of which 427 men and 548 women. The response rate was >70%. Assessment of exhaustion level and attitude towards smoking was carried out according to standard methods of the World Health Organization's MONICA-psychosocial (MOPSY) program protocol.

Results. Among people aged 25-44 years, 38,3% of men and 56,1% of women had exhaustion (χ2=40,744; df=2, p<0,001). Among people of both sexes aged 25-44 years, 58,9% were smokers, of which 27,1% stopped smoking, while 31,8% continued to smoke. Among men, 72,7% smoked, 29% stopped smoking and 43,7% continued smoking. Among women, 48,4% smoked, 25,6% stopped smoking, and 22,8% continued smoking (χ2=72,374; df=5, p<0,001). Among people of both sexes aged 25-44 years with a high exhaustion, 10,5% tried to change their smoking status, but unsuccessfully (χ2=20,708; df=10, p<0,05), and among women — 7,2% (χ2=27,117; df=10, p<0,05). Among those who tried unsuccessfully to change their smoking status (10,1%), "some events annoyed more now than before" (χ2=20,053; df=10, p<0,05). Women who smoke (33%), as well as women who smoke but quit for a while (21,2%) "wanted to die at times" (χ2=20,040; df=10, p<0,05). Among those who smoke, but quit for some time, both among people of both sexes 25-44 years old (14,7%) (χ2=22,783; df=10, p<0,05) and among men (16,1%) (χ2=19,593; df=10, p<0,05) and women (14%) (χ2=20,734; df=10, p<0,05) individually, more often "there was a feeling that recently life requires more strength than is left." Men who tried unsuccessfully to change their smoking status were (13,8%) more often "woke up feeling exhausted and tired" (χ2=19,713; df=10, p<0,05).

Conclusion. We found that people with a high exhaustion have greater dependence on smoking.
C-reactive protein in heart failure and sarcopenic obesity
Authors: Shevtsova V. I. , Pashkova A. A. , Palikhova L. S. , Korotyaeva A. S. , Salamatova V. N.
Published: April 2024

The variety of mechanisms of development and progression of heart failure (CHF) and sarcopenic obesity is reflected in changes in the concentrations of various biomarkers, one of which is high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Its importance in the implementation of various stages of HF pathogenesis and its impact on the patient’s condition support the interest of researchers in studying this marker. It is known that HF is one of the pathogenetic factors leading to sarcopenia, which in turn aggravates the severity of these conditions. The purpose of this study is to analyze modern publications devoted to the role of hsCRP in the pathogenesis of HF and sarcopenic obesity, as well as to assess the relationship between hsCRP and the disease severity, prognosis for HF, sarcopenic obesity, and their combination.
Role of epicardial adipose tissue in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Dzhioeva O. N. , Timofeev Yu. S. , Metelskaya V. A. , Bogdanova A. A. , Vedenikin T. Yu. , Drapkina O. M.
Published: April 2024

According to the recent World Health Organization statistics, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of high mortality worldwide. While obesity is a major and persistent risk factor for CVD, the cause of this condition, the pathological molecular connection between peripheral fat depots and the heart, remains poorly understood. The aim of this review is to introduce the reader to the metabolic activity of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), the consequences of excessive epicardial fat accumulation and the development of heart failure (HF).

EAT is visceral adipose tissue that is in direct contact with the myocardium and coronary vessels and can influence cardiac function through both mechanical effects and more subtle paracrine molecular mechanisms. HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is closely associated with obesity and patterns in fat distribution. Excessive amounts of EAT are associated with abnormal hemodynamics in HFpEF, with the potential for direct mechanical effects on the heart causing a constriction-like effect and local myocardial remodeling effects resulting from the secretion of inflammatory mediators. However, patients with excess EAT tend to have more subcutaneous adipose tissue, making it difficult to determine a cause-and-effect relationship between epicardial fat and HFpEF. This review provides evidence that excess EAT is an important part of HFpEF pathogenesis.
Seismic performance of resilient self-centring bridge piers equipped with SMA bars
Authors: Sezgin Sedef Kocakaplan , Ahmadi Ehsan , Kashani Mohammad M.
Published: April 2024

This study examines the seismic behaviour of precast post-tensioned segmental (PPS) bridge piers that are equipped with shape memory alloy (SMA) bars. PPS piers are designed to minimise overall and localised damage to bridges by incorporating natural hinges and rocking mechanisms. The introduction of super-elastic SMA bars has the potential to enhance the use of PPS piers in highly seismic regions. A parametric study is conducted to identify piers with the highest energy dissipation capacity, which are then subjected to dynamic analysis. The aim is to assess the energy dissipation capability of these systems by subjecting the selected piers, both with and without SMA bars, to far-field ground motions using a finite-element framework. The seismic performance of the piers is evaluated using incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) curves, which are obtained from analysing the piers under 44 far-fault ground motions. The IDA results indicate a significant reduction in the drift responses of the piers when SMA bars are utilised.
Composite ellipsoids to model charge anisotropy in particle-scale simulations of kaolinite
Authors: Bandera S. , O'Sullivan C. , Tangney P. , Angioletti-Uberti S.
Published: April 2024

This paper outlines a new approach to use coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) and the Gay–Berne (GB) potential to simulate the compression of kaolinite saturated with water at an acidic pH ( = 4) in a low (1 mM) ion concentration solution. To overcome the limitations of the standard GB potential and capture the charge heterogeneity on the surface of kaolinite particles under acidic pH conditions, each clay platelet is modelled using a two-ellipsoid composite particle. The molecular dynamics software Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Software was employed to generate virtual monodisperse samples containing 1000 composite particles and to simulate isotropic compression at 100 kPa. The observed macro-scale response in void ratio–effective stress space lay above the response obtained in a simulation that used an equivalent CGMD model developed to simulate alkaline (pH = 8) pore water conditions. This is in qualitative agreement with available experimental data for one-dimensional compression. A post-compression qualitative observation of two virtual samples revealed a book-house-type fabric in the sample with acidic pore fluid, whereas a turbostatic-type fabric was observed when an alkaline pore fluid was simulated. These observations are also in qualitative agreement with scanning electron microscopy data reported in the literature.
The Oxidase Mimicking Activity of MnOx NPs/Co3O4 NPs Hybrid Nanozyme for Glucose Oxidation
Authors: Çakıroğlu Bekir
Published: April 2024

Herein, the hybrid nanozyme MnOx NPs/Co3O4 NPs on indium tin oxide coated glass substrate (ITO) was manufactured by imparting the porous morphology with its distinct merits: its surface valence states, oxygen vacancies, large surface area, and abundant active sites. The oxidase-like activity was investigated via the catalytic oxidation of chromogenic substrate in the presence of glucose visualized by the eyes. MnOx NPs containing Mn2+ and Mn3+ have a superior ability to oxidize glucose by reducing dissolved oxygen and producing H2O2. Co3O4 NPs, in turn, reduce H2O2 with concomitant 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidization. Thus, the nanozyme mimics the dual roles of glucose oxidase and peroxidase. The oxidase-like activity of hybrid nanozyme for glucose was found to be higher than those of single components. The nanozyme responded to glucose with a linear range from 60 µM to 1200 μM. The acceptable performance is probably due to the facilitated access of glucose to the proximity of the sensor surface. Good reproducibility was accomplished by virtue of the meticulous construction of NPs. Without functionalization and enzyme utilization, the fabricated nanozyme holds promise as a substitute for peroxidase and oxidase for detecting glucose.
Effect of Signal Features and Model Variables on Energy-Traced Arrival Time Picking of Acoustic Signals Used for Structural Damage Detection
Authors: Tayfur Sena
Published: April 2024

To monitor damage developments in structures, various structural health monitoring methods based on different principles are used. The common aspect of elastic wave-based methods is to place appropriate sensors on the structure, to detect acoustic wave propagation and to analyze these signals the sensors transformed. The arrival time of these recorded signals to the sensors is the most significant parameter used to determine critical information such as the time and location of the damage. Therefore, the accurate calculation of the arrival time affects the accuracy of the damage detection. In this study, effects of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), sampling frequency, length of the signal, and length of the focal window on determining the arrival time of the signals to the sensors were investigated. For this purpose, an energy-traced arrival time picking approach (Akaike Information Criterion, AIC), which is the frequently used method in the literature, has been applied to a typical acoustic signal originated from a concrete cracking. The results of the study suggest the necessity of noise elimination, the optimum level of data logging and the ratios of focal window lengths for accurate time of arrival detection in the field monitoring of the structures using acoustic methods.
Repair Analysis of Overlay Woven Fabric CFRP Laminates
Authors: Baysalli Osman Caglar , Cambaz Alihan , Görgülü Yasin Furkan , Uluoğlu Arman , Harman Umur Ulas
Published: April 2024

The increase in aerospace composites usage for structural components demands advanced repair analysis. Overlay repairs of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer laminates offer an alternative that is easier to perform and less time-consuming to produce than the widely used tapered scarf repair and stepped lap. Composite specimen manufacturing was based on both twill carbon/epoxy prepreg and wet lay-up. The repair was performed with both prepreg and wet extra plies to the parent prepreg structure. However, the design of overlay joints must be carefully investigated to avoid generating stress concentration regions at free edges. This study examined specific extra ply terminations' impact on peak stresses in the adhesive bond line. Linear finite element analysis was performed to conduct a maximum principal stress study with a focus on three joint design parameters: ply material, overply effect, and stacking sequence. FEA accurately predicted experimentally observed responses and provided further insight into the failure behavior of the structure. Results showed that overlay joints have a strong sensitivity to ply material type, the number of overply, and stacking sequence. The introduction of overplies provided protection and stiffness at joint tips, and an overply material behavior was identified. The location of 0̊ plies in the composite laminates was highlighted as an important factor. The analysis was then extended to three-dimensional FE models for verification. In conclusion, results showed that high-stress concentration in overlay joints can be mitigated with the introduction of overplies and appropriate changes in joint design parameters to reduce stress peaks at joint tips and corners.
Introducing New Valuation Change Data for U.S. Cross-Border Portfolio Holdings
Authors: McCallum Andrew H. , DeMane Laura , Kim Nyssa , Liu Emily , Loucky Andrew
Published: April 2024

The most comprehensive data on cross-border capital holdings for the United States come from the Treasury International Capital (TIC) System. These data inform the official U.S. balance of payments statistics and are crucial for understanding U.S. capital flows, their causes, and their effects on the U.S. economy.
INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL LAWS OF LANGUAGE ON THE MEANING OF TERMS IN THE SYNCHRONIC ASPECT (BASED ON THE MATERIAL OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE)
Authors: Grechukhina Zemfira
Published: April 2024

In the article, through the prism of various types of formal-content asymmetry of a linguistic sign (polysemy, synonymy), the author analyzes the change in the meaning of such French terms as quarantaine, isolement and confinement, which became relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the whole world, under the influence of external and internal laws language development in a synchronic aspect. As a result of study, it was found that, due to the law of economy of lexical means, the language updated the terms quarantaine, isolement and confinement already in its arsenal, which, under influence of the law of evolutionary change, acquired a new meaning in the modern era, confirming the existence of a close relationship between social and linguistic changes. The law of asymmetry of the allowed native speakers to synchronously use these lexemes, which have multidimensionality, which are characterized by polysemy and synonymy in their desire to convey complex events of reality through the means of language as accurately and diversely as possible, which indicates the relationship between language and human thinking.
FEATURES OF THE FUNCTIONING OF COLORISMS IN MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
Authors: Baydasheva Elvira , Urazalieva Azaliya
Published: April 2024

In medical terminology, the designation of color plays an important role. The relevance of the authors' research is determined by their interest in the problems associated with the theoretical and practical study of colorisms and their uses in the language of medicine.

The purpose of the presented research is to study colorisms in medical terminology in the semantic aspect.

The material for the study was colorisms in the names of symptoms, organs and their parts included in medical encyclopedic dictionaries and reference books.

This article reflects the functioning of colorisms in medical terminology: in the categories of various diseases, skin color, names of blood cells, appearance of the patient, body characteristics, names of medicinal plants and substances.
EXPLANATION AND DEFINITION, AS A THESIS AND ANTITHESIS
Authors: Andreev Vladimir , Plakhotskaya Zhanna
Published: April 2024

The work is devoted to the assessment of the correspondence of the names of terminological dictionaries to the methods of semantization of the terms presented in them. The study uses a method that denies the synonymy of the terms "explanation" and "definition". The definitional analysis of these terms confirmed the alternative of their use in dictionaries of various purposes. It has been established that explanation as a method of semantization is correctly used in educational translation dictionaries intended for the initial period of study at a university, when the addressee begins to study special disciplines and does not possess the relevant competencies. Such dictionaries can be attributed to the type of "explanatory terminological dictionary". The definition reveals the meaning of the term in dictionaries intended for specialists who are well-versed in the terminology system of their branch of knowledge. Dictionaries of this type can be considered "industry terminological dictionaries". The use of the lexeme "explanatory" in their names is incorrect because it contradicts the method of semantization. Thus, the distinction between explanation and definition should contribute to relevance in the matter of choosing the source of information.
Removal of heavy metal ions from industrial (mining) wastewater using electromagnetically activated carbonaceous sorbent
Authors: Smolyanichenko A. S. , Yakovleva E. V.
Published: April 2024

Mining wastewater, characterized by elevated salt levels, necessitates effective treatment to prevent contamination of underground and surface water. Traditional methods for treating large volumes of mining wastewater with high total dissolved solids are expensive, and cost-effective alternatives are limited. In this study, we propose a solution to this challenge: the sorption of dissolved substances using a carbonaceous sorbent derived from waste, specifically rice husk biochar. To enhance the sorbent’s efficiency, we subjected it to electromagnetic activation, resulting in increased carbon content (from 43.3 to 78.5 % compared to the initial biochar), reduced impurities, and particle size reduction to the nanoscale (1–50 nm) with the formation of mesopores (mean diameter from the adsorption isotherm is 167 Å) and micropores (4.92 Å). This process contributes to improved compositional homogeneity. The effectiveness of the proposed sorbent was validated through the treatment of wastewater from Kirov Mine (Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov Region) under laboratory conditions. The removal rates for dissolved heavy metal ions (iron, zinc, manganese) were found to be 89, 84 and 26 %, respectively. A recommended two-stage sorption treatment involves: (1) static sorption using electromagnetically treated rice husk biochar at a concentration of 0.5 g/dm3; (2) subsequent reagent treatment of the suspension (SKiF-180 reagent, 1.0 mg/dm3), addition of potassium permanganate for manganese removal, settling for 30 min, and non-pressure filtration with a rice husk biochar filter.
Influence of copper salts on the physical and mechanical properties of copper–graphite composite materials
Authors: Ogleznev N. D. , Yakubaev I. I. , Oglezneva S. А. , Porozova S. Е.
Published: April 2024

We investigated composite materials based on electrolytic copper powder containing 1 and 5 wt. % powder of colloidal graphite the addition of trace amounts of copper sulfate and acetate. The materials were obtained through double cold pressing in a mold at a pressure of 600 MPa, intermediate sintering (annealing) in hydrogen at a temperature of 870 °C, and final sintering in vacuum at the copper premelting temperature. To analyze the influence of copper salts on the density, porosity, electrical resistivity, and strength of copper–graphite composite materials, we employed X-ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy, conducted strength tests in three-point bending, and determined electrical resistivity. We established that higher graphite content results in increased porosity and electrical resistivity of composite materials, along with decreased strength. In the materials containing copper sulfate, copper is reduced from the salt in the form of nanodispersed particles on the surfaces and inside graphite flakes, leading to a decrease in electrical resistivity compared to copper–graphite composites without salt additives. When copper acetate was added to the composite material, copper is reduced from the salt mainly on the surfaces of graphite particles in the form of microdispersed particles and their aggregations, as the copper acetate solution does not wet the graphite. In this case, the electrical resistivity was somewhat higher than that of the composite with sulfate but lower than that of the material without salts. The bending strength of the studied materials decreased as salts were introduced due to increased porosity and emerging defects in the crystal structure of graphite during its intercalation with copper.
Checklist of the medicinal flora used by the local population in the province of Taza (north-eastern Morocco) through an ethnobotanical study
Authors: Ghabbour Issam , Ghabbour Nabil , Khabbach Abdelmajid , Louahlia Said , Hammani Khalil
Published: April 2024

Background: Taza province presents enormous richness and biodiversity. Updating their medicinal plant inventories is crucial for conserving traditional knowledge, sustainable use, health and well-being, economic opportunities and collaborative research. Question: What new species and families of medicinal plants can we report by widening the ethnobotanical study area in Taza province compared to previous work? Studied species: 202 medicinal plant species. Study site and dates: 28 communities in the province of Taza (Morocco), between March and October 2021. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey including 340 interviewees using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results:  91 medicinal taxa belonging to 48 families were inventoried. 12 species including three spontaneous: Atriplex halimus L., Citrullus colocynthis L. Sch and Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb. were reported for the first time. The most frequent species are respectively Salvia officinalis L., Trigonella foenum-graecum L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. The most frequent families are respectively Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae. Seven new vernacular names have been listed. Most of the plants were spontaneous (55.9 %). The comparative analysis with previous work led to obtaining a checklist of 202 taxa (75 families) of which 65 have specific endemism and 77 (48 spontaneous) are on the red list. The scientific names of 28 species and nine families have been updated. Conclusions: This checklist (202 taxa) traduces the plant heritage richness of Taza province and constitutes a great database for future scientific research. The 12 newly listed species constitute an added value that deserves to be valued through ethnopharmacological studies.
ОЦЕНКА СОЦИАЛЬНО - ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ ДОСТУПНОСТИ ВАКЦИНАЦИИ ДЛЯ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ КУРСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ
Authors:   Курский государственный медицинский университет, НОЗДРАЧЕВА Т.Е. , ОВОД А.И.
Published: April 2024

Целью исследования являлось определение социальноэкономической доступности вакцинации для населения Курской области на основании показателей адекватности платежеспособности населения и доступности, что позволит определить возможность финансовой разгрузки бюджета Курской области.