bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOCIOCULTURAL DEVIATIONS AS A FACTOR OF DISINTEGRATION OF RUSSIAN YOUTH IN THE SPHERE OF CIVIL-POLITICAL RELATIONS IN THE CHANGING REALITY
Authors:   Institute of Socio-Political Research of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISPR FCTAS RAS), Moscow, Russian Federation, SOROKIN O.V. , LYUBUTOV A.S.
Published: September 2024

The purpose of the research. The article considers socio-cultural deviations as a factor of disintegration of Russian youth in the sphere of civil-political relations. It is noted, that in the conditions of transitional society the dysfunctionality of social institutions is accompanied by the emerging social restrictions for self-realization of young people. As a result, the processes of rethinking the attitude to the sphere of civil-political relations are intensifying in the youth environment. Sociocultural deviations in the changing reality are presented in the form of semantic deviations, which reflect the subject’s attitude to the sphere of civil-political relations, built on the principles of disintegration. Conclusions. In the course of the conducted sociological research and structural and taxonomic modelling in the sociocultural space of young people the deviation was found, which combines narrowly pragmatic and cynical principles of interaction of young people with the state and with surrounding people. At the core of this sociocultural deviation are the meanings that allow the practice of breaking the law and treating the state solely as a “trough”. On the peripheral layers of deviation are the meanings that allow the use of physical force against opponents, the use of corrupt schemes in interaction with the state and justify the prideful superiority over people who have not achieved success in life. The authors conclude that it is necessary to apply the system-activity approach in the process of regulating the life activities of young people in the sphere of civil-political relations.
DIGITAL COMPETENCE OF STUDENTS AS A FACTOR OF THE FORMATION OF SOCIO-POLITICAL ATTITUDES
Authors:   Institute of Socio-Political Research of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISPR FCTAS RAS), Moscow, Russian Federation, GREBNYAK O.V. , NOVOZHENINA O.P.
Published: September 2024

In the presented article, the authors consider the political and ideological intentions of the student youth associated with the activation of the network environment in order to predict the socio-political sustainability of civil society and assess possible risks. The process of political socialization of young people has undergone serious transformations in recent years: with the advent of new technologies, the forms of political activity and interaction have changed, the geopolitical situation has caused the activation of socio-political and patriotic movements. This led to a gradual transition even of the early stages of political socialization from a family environment to a social network environment. The changes also affected the processes of formation of civic culture, which are closely related to political socialization. The picture of the future of Russian society depends on how this has affected the specifics of the political worldview of students who are deeply immersed in the online environment. Based on the data of the All-Russian sociological research, an assessment was made of the dependence of the vector of socio-political attitudes of student youth on the level of their digital competence and network activity. As the analysis showed, students with increased network activity and developed digital competencies also have a great potential for dissatisfaction compared to a group of less digitalized students. Given the demand for labor personnel with skills to work in the digital environment, there is a need to take steps to reduce possible risks and channel them into positive forms of manifestation, since the current positioning of student youth can contribute to the growth of tension in society.
ETHNIC MINORITIES AND THEIR ROLE IN ENSURING ETHNOPOLITICAL SECURITY IN RUSSIA
Authors:   Zhirinovsky University of World Civilizations, Moscow, Russian Federation, BOLGOV N.V. , CHICHULIN N.A. , SHEVTSOV V.M.
Published: September 2024

The presented scientific work is devoted to the consideration of the place and role of ethnic minorities in ensuring ethnopolitical security in Russia. The authors note that at present, neither practitioners nor the scientific community have any doubts that modern society is facing challenges related to ethnic, cultural and religious differences, and all this together underlines the importance of studying the influence of ethnic minorities on the stability of the political and social system. In this paper, a brief analysis of the role of ethnic minorities in ensuring ethnopolitical security in Russia is carried out. For a deeper understanding of the role and place of ethnic minorities in ensuring ethnopolitical security in Russia, it is necessary, first of all, to identify key concepts, and, as far as possible, to review existing points of view on the topic. Even a brief analysis of the points of view of a number of scientists and practitioners gives reason to assert that ethnic minorities are socio-cultural groups that inhabit a certain territory and have common identities that distinguish them from the dominant ethnic group in a given region. Russia is a multinational state, home to many ethnic minorities, each of which has its own history, culture and traditions.
DEVELOPMENT OF A CRYPTOCURRENCY TRADING STRATEGY USING MACHINE LEARNING METHODS
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, MIKHAIYLOVA S.S. , SABIROVA S.A.
Published: September 2024

This article presents the results of a study aimed at forecasting signals for buying and selling Bitcoin cryptocurrency using machine learning models. The conducted analysis included the study of cryptocurrency features and markets, technical analysis, development of trading strategies, application of mathematical methods based on moving averages, and building classification models for buy or sell signals. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of applying machine learning models in modern trading strategies in the cryptocurrency market.
INVESTIGATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF PULSED RADIATION GENERATED BY FUNCTIONAL CERAMICS BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF PTE ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CR2O3-SIO2-FE2O3-CAO-AL2O3-MGO-CUO SYSTEM
Authors:   Institute of Materials Science of the SPA “Physics-Sun” of the Academy of Science of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, RAKHIMOV R.KH. , PANKOV V.V. ,   Belarusian State University, Minsk, Republic of Belarus, SAIDVALIEV T.S.
Published: September 2024

This work investigates methods for producing ceramic materials based on the Cr2O3-SiO2-Fe2O3-CaO-Al2O3-MgO-CuO system capable of generating modulated pulsed radiation in the far-infrared spectral region. The possibility of synthesizing such ceramics, in addition to helio-technology, using thermomechanical processing and mechanoactivation of the initial carbonates is considered. A comprehensive analysis of the structure and properties of the obtained materials using X-ray structural, electron microscopic analysis, and other methods has been carried out. It has been established that activation by pulsed infrared radiation generated by the principle of pulsed tunneling effect (PTE) leads to changes in the microstructure of the samples, accompanied by the formation of metastable phases at the interfaces and the generation of radiation.
ARCHITECTURE OF A DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE HEALTH OF THE HUMAN BODY BASED ON ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENTS
Authors:   MIREA - Russian Technological University, Moscow, Russian Federation, KOMAROV P.V. , POTEKHIN D.S.
Published: September 2024

This article explores the development of a device architecture for non-invasive monitoring of the human body's performance based on ultrasound measurements. The implementation of this architecture is carried out using programmable integrated circuits (FPGAs). Ultrasonic sensors are connected to the FPGA to make measurements. The purpose of the study is a detailed description of the architecture of the device under development. The proposed technical device is capable of detecting pathologies in the human vascular system at a precision stage, which in turn, with surgical treatment, can increase the life expectancy of an individual. Methodology. To ensure the correct functionality of the device with high accuracy, it is necessary to ensure sufficient processing speed of the data coming from each sensor and output of the result. To increase the accuracy of the measured parameters, it is necessary to install ultrasonic sensors in the form of a phased array. Since ultrasonic sensors are analog, it is necessary to use high-frequency digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters with high bit depth to obtain high-quality data. These transducers are connected to ultrasonic sensors via signal amplifiers. The proposed architecture provides optimal performance and flexible configuration for measuring ultrasonic signals using sensors. The results of the study. A device demonstrating high data processing speed has been developed and experiments have been conducted on its use. The device has a compact size, which allows you to carry it on yourself without restricting movement. The scope of application. The device is designed to study the work of the heart and human cardiac activity, and is used in the field of healthcare.
USING GENETIC ALGORITHM IN CLUSTERING PROBLEM FOR WEIGHTED ORIENTED GRAPH
Authors:   MIREA - Russian Technological University, Moscow, Russian Federation, KULIKOV A.A. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: September 2024

Optimization is a very important concept in any field of business, be it retail, finance, automotive or healthcare. The goal of optimization is to find a point or set of points in the search space by minimizing/maximizing the loss/cost function that gives the optimal solution for the problem at hand. In this case, clustering methods, data mining techniques and clustering optimization algorithms are of particular importance. In this context, metaheuristic algorithms, which include the genetic algorithm, become particularly popular and important. Thus, the aim of the paper is to examine the possibilities of using genetic algorithm in the clustering problem for weighted directed graph. Objectives: 1) to consider the peculiarities of using GA in optimization problems; 2) to propose a variant of solving the problem of partitioning some set of ISP users into groups according to a certain set of characteristics using GA; 3) to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed GA in comparison with the algorithm of limit enumeration. Research methods: methods of system analysis, applied and computational mathematics; experimental research; computer and simulation modeling. As a result of the research, the paper proposes an approach for solving the problem of clustering Internet users using a genetic algorithm. To take into account the specificity of the problem and to improve the efficiency of the genetic algorithm, heterogeneous chromosomes were used and modifications were made in the course of classical procedures of crossing and mutation. Conclusions. The developed algorithm was tested for performance in comparison with the limit search algorithm and its significant advantage in this indicator was shown. To take into account the specifics of the task and increase the efficiency of the GA, heterogeneous chromosomes were used. To achieve this, significant modifications were made to the classical procedures of crossing and mutation. The developed algorithm was tested for performance in comparison with the limit search algorithm and its significant advantage in this indicator was shown. The obtained comparison results allow us to assert that already for 150 units of the original set, solving the problem using the limit search method requires a disproportionately large amount of time. While the proposed GA provides a solution for a significantly larger problem dimension in a quite acceptable time.
IMPROVING INDUSTRIAL POLICY MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN THE SYSTEMATIC REGULATION OF TECHNOLOGICAL SAFETY IN RUSSIA UNDER SANCTIONS
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, OBOLENSKAYA L.V. , BEKULOVA S.R.
Published: September 2024

The subject of research in the article is the technological security of Russia, which is acquiring particular relevance in the context of growing geopolitical tensions. Special attention is paid to technological sovereignty as a significant factor in ensuring the country's technological security in the context of unprecedented sanctions. In line with this current topic, the goal is to develop a number of significant industrial policy measures that will make it possible to strengthen the systematic regulation of technological safety in Russia in the context of sanctions. The novelty of the research lies in the substantiation and development of four groups of systemic measures aimed at ensuring consistency, coherence, diversification and balance of regulatory influences when solving technological safety problems. The first group of proposed measures affects the Concept of Technological Development of the Russian Federation. Their implementation will improve the consistency of the Concept with existing strategic planning documents and eliminate identified logical inconsistencies through the use of a specially developed structural and logical design. The second group of measures relates to the formation of feedback, which makes it possible to adjust priorities and distribute government funding among government support options, taking into account assessments of business preferences. The third group of measures is focused on ensuring diversification and balance of external sources of technology, which allows reducing the risks of dependence on one partner and thereby increasing the country’s technological security. The fourth group of measures is aimed at ensuring diversification and balance of domestic sources of technology. The need for a combination of adaptation (urgent) and long-term measures of state support for technological projects is substantiated. In general, the proposed measures will help strengthen the consistency and improve the quality of state regulation in the field of ensuring Russia’s technological security under sanctions.
BARTER TRANSACTIONS IN THE FOREIGN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OF RUSSIAN COMPANIES UNDER SANCTIONS
Authors:   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation, ROVENSKY YU.A.
Published: September 2024

The article examines the reasons for the return to barter transactions in the context of the application of economic sanctions to business operations in modern Russia, concerning difficulties with settlements in national currencies, difficulties with logistics and others. The results of the analysis of publications on the topic of barter transactions in difficult economic conditions are presented, which showed the ambiguity of scientists' opinions regarding barter transactions: some believe that this situation is associated with a shortage of funds and high inflation, others with non-payments in credit chains and the lack of the possibility of selling counter goods. The authors believe that in any case, it is advisable to take into account the specifics of barter transactions. The article provides an assessment of the dynamics of foreign trade, the trends of which in terms of exports and imports are characteristic, including for barter transactions. The advantages of barter transactions in terms of circumventing difficulties in international settlements and the lack of barter transactions related to determining the equivalent value of exchanged goods are investigated. The advantages of barter transactions are revealed, consisting in demonstrating the flexibility of conducting foreign trade in difficult economic conditions. The risks in barter transactions and the possibilities of their insurance have been identified. The results of the study can be used in the process of developing and conducting various types of barter transactions that contribute to strengthening international relations to maintain commodity exchange in difficult conditions of economic sanctions against Russia.
THE ROLE OF LEGAL REGULATION OF DIGITAL CURRENCY AS A STAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
Authors:   International Law Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation, KOMLEV A.A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose of the study. Today, more and more citizens and legal entities are using new digital opportunities to carry out their activities, and the introduction of digital currency into circulation is no exception. The emergence of a new form of payment for goods and services gives rise to the need to develop effective legal regulation of digital currency circulation in order to respect the rights and interests of not only society, but also the state. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of legal regulation within the framework of the development of the country's digital economy. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, the author concludes that the legislator, on the one hand, seeks to improve the legal framework and develops new legislative provisions aimed at regulating the relations arising in the conditions of evolution. On the other hand, the adoption of the Federal Law of 31.07.2020 № 259 FZ «On digital financial assets, digital currency and on amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation» did not give the necessary effect, and today there is a need to continue studying such an economic institution as digital currency in order to develop additional, special rules of law that will be able to effectively regulate the circulation of digital currency in the territory of the Russian Federation.
The Values in Multicultural Contexts as a Tool for Understanding Multilevel Development
Authors: OLMOS-GÓMEZ María del Carmen , PORTILLO SÁNCHEZ, Raquel , LÓPEZ CORDERO Rafael , AZANCOT CHOCRÓN David
Published: September 2024

This study designed and validated a novel instrument that is useful for analyzing values at different levels (moral, social, individual, spiritual, and multicultural). A questionnaire was designed and validated with 1,702 participants using structural equation modeling (SEM). This methodology allows for latent analysis, which is consistent with the use of a multivariate regression to relate response patterns to a set of existing factors that are not directly observed, thus obtaining four factors related to social, cultural, transcendental, and emotional values, where the values must be based on the holistic development of a human being, combining all the dimensions that make up an individual. This resulted in a valid and reliable instrument with psychometric characteristics that make it suitable for establishing values in multicultural populations.
Gender and Green Packaging among University Student in Developing Country
Authors: AULIANDRI Tuwanku Aria , SETYAWAN Andhy , DJAYAPRANATA Grace Felicia , BARINTA Dunga Dwi , AULIANDRI Teungku Ailishafia , JUNIARTO Aswin
Published: September 2024

Recently, green packaging has become a hot topic for consumers and retailers, along with increasing environmental sustainability awareness. The benefit of packaging extends beyond protecting the product; it also aims to mitigate environmental issues caused by packaging waste. This study aims to test the antecedents of intention to purchase toward green packaging among young consumers and seeks to discover whether gender is an essential determinant to explain intention to purchase. A total of 276 university students in Surabaya, Indonesia, participated as respondents in this study. The results indicated that women have a higher level of intention to purchase toward green packaging than men. Moreover, the antecedents’ patterns of intention to purchase toward green packaging differ between men and women. The intention to purchase of green packaging for men was only influenced by perceived behavioral control (PBC) and willingness to pay (WTP); whereas the predictors for women are attitude, willingness to pa (WTP), subjective norm (SN), and indirect environmental concern (EN).
The Dual Role of the Publishing Industry in Inheriting Chinese History and Culture and Promoting Social Intervention
Authors: LI Zihao
Published: September 2024

This article explores the dual role played by the publishing industry in inheriting Chinese history and culture and promoting social intervention. The article first reviews the historical evolution of the publishing industry, pointing out that it has been carrying the heavy responsibility of disseminating knowledge and inheriting culture since ancient times. With the changes of the times, while maintaining the traditional essence, the publishing industry actively adapts to the needs of social development and explores new development models. The publishing industry plays a crucial role in inheriting Chinese history and culture. By collecting, organizing, and publishing historical literature, the publishing industry has left rich cultural heritage for future generations and provided valuable materials for historical research. At the same time, the publishing industry also promotes the exchange and integration of Chinese and foreign cultures through translation and introduction. In addition, the publishing industry has also improved the cultural literacy of the public and promoted the popularization and dissemination of culture by popularizing reading materials through publishing culture. The publishing industry also plays an undeniable role in promoting social intervention. As an important component of society, the publishing industry has a strong sense of social responsibility. It attracts widespread attention from society by publishing books, magazines, etc. that reflect social issues. At the same time, the publishing industry also organizes cultural salons, lectures and other activities to invite experts and scholars to conduct in-depth discussions and exchanges on social issues, promoting the resolution of social problems. In addition, the publishing industry also cooperates with government departments, social organizations, and other organizations to jointly promote the development of social public welfare undertakings.
Bullying and Cyberbullying in School: An Exploratory Study on Students Aged 9 to 14 in Rome
Authors: ALTIERI Anna Maria , ZAGALAZ SÁNCHEZ María Luisa , GONZÁLEZ GONZÁLEZ DE MESA Carmen , TOMASSONI Rosella , D’URSO Giulio
Published: September 2024

This study illustrates the results of an empirical research, conducted in order to explore the phenomena of bullying and cyberbullying, on a sample of students, in the years between the end of childhood and the preadolescence. The focus of the investigation was on the most common forms of bullying and cyberbullying, and their identification by the bully, victim and witnesses. The study was conducted on a sample of 286 pupils, aged between 9 and 14, attending an educational institution located on the northern outskirts of Rome. 24.8% of the participants said they had been bullied or cyberbullied. The largest group of students who have suffered abuse, are boys. 37.7% of the victims said they had been bullied in the schoolyard and 29% in the classroom. The largest group of respondents recognizes the bully's ability to be respected, but do not appreciate his aggressiveness. These results can be useful because they highlight the opportunity to identify educational strategies that take advantage of the group's low appreciation of the aggressiveness to weaken the aggressor's antisocial leadership.
Efficacy of Bihemispheric tDCS in Rehabilitation of Non-Fluent Aphasia: A Single-subject Pilot Study
Authors: Aydın Dilara Gamze , Bulut Talat , Karsan Çağdaş
Published: September 2024

Objective: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a potentially effective complementary tool in rehabilitation of aphasia. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal tDCS montage to augment language outcomes in aphasia. Against this background, the present study aimed to examine efficacy of tDCS combined with language therapy in aphasia rehabilitation and to compare two different montages.
Methods: A right-handed participant suffering from chronic, non-fluent aphasia following stroke affecting the left hemisphere underwent a 5-week procedure involving tDCS coupled with language therapy. The procedure comprised two 5-day treatments of bihemispheric tDCS (over inferior frontal and posterior temporal sites determined using the international 10-20 EEG system). As part of both treatments, the left hemispheric targets were excited through anodal tDCS while simultaneously inhibiting their right-hemispheric homologues through cathodal tDCS. Baseline, post-treatment and follow-up assessments were obtained using a comprehensive language assessment tool.
Results: An increase in language outcomes, particularly in repetition, was observed following the treatments. It was also found that therapy gains were more robust following bihemispheric stimulation of the posterior temporal sites compared to the inferior frontal targets.
Conclusion: Bihemispheric tDCS coupled with language therapy appears to be effective in remediating language symptoms, particularly in terms of the repetition ability, in aphasia.
The Effect of Parents' Fear of COVID-19 and Some Variables on Their Childhood Vaccination Attitudes According to the Health Belief Model: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Çelen Raziye , Dedecik Hanife Dilara , Taş Arslan Fatma
Published: September 2024

Objective: The study sought to explore the relationship of parents’ fear of COVID-19 and some variables with childhood vaccination attitudes according to the Health Belief Model during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This research employed a descriptive – correlation design, with 263 participants consisting of parents with children aged 0-6 included in the study. An online survey was used to collect data.
Results: The mean COVID-19 fear score of the participants was 19.71±6.46. As the COVID-19 fear score of the participants increased, their perceived benefit (β=.12; p
Examination of Health Data of Elderly Individuals Registered with Family Medicine: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Nal Mustafa , Başoğlu Ertaş Ferda
Published: September 2024

Objective: The research aims to determine the utilization of health services by elderly individuals registered in family medicine according to their sociodemographic characteristics and mobile service usage.
Methods: The population of the research consists of 417 individuals aged 65 and over who are registered with a family health center in the west of Türkiye. The retrospective research method was used in this research. In the study, the information of elderly people aged 65 and over registered with family medicine was used.
Results: In the study, it was determined that there was a statistically significant relationship between old age and gender, educational status, place of residence, and mobile service availability. It has been determined that mobile services are the most used in middle age (55.2%). Additionally, it was determined that 97.8% of mobile service users had not been vaccinated (Influenza Vaccine, Hepatitis B Vaccine, Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine).
Conclusion: The results revealed that mobile health services are inadequate for elderly individuals. As a solution, it is recommended to increase the number of days of mobile health service for rural areas or to establish a family medicine unit in these villages.
Performance Evaluation of Deep Learning Models for Dental Caries Classification via Panoramic Radiograph Images
Authors: Mırzaeı Omid , Bilgehan Bülent , Abduljalil Mohamad , Saleh Mhammad , Kayssoun Ammar , İlhan Ahmet
Published: September 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of deep learning models to classify mandibular molar teeth according to the presence and proximity of caries to the dental pulp. This research summarizes the progress of artificial intelligence and potential dental problems in diagnosis, treatment, and disease prediction in medicine. It discusses data limitations, computational power, ethical considerations, and their implications for dentists. This can lay the groundwork for future research in this rapidly expanding field.
Methods: The dataset used in this study consists of 1200 panoramic radiographs, which have been evaluated and classified into three categories: free of dental caries, coded as (H); enamel-dentin caries lesions treated with restorative filling, coded as (R); and deep dental caries that underwent root canal treatment, coded as (E). The images are prepared for the training-testing process using the k-fold crossevaluation technique and then fed into the pre-trained deep learning models for classification.
Results: The VGG-19 model achieved superior results compared to the other models, with macro-average scores of 0.9111 for precision, 0.9127 for recall, and 0.9115 for f1-score, respectively.
Conclusion: The promising results obtained in this study give confidence in endorsing the use of deep learning models in the dental treatments sector.
Morphometric Evaluation of the Maxillary Arch Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Ünal Suay Yağmur , Yülek Hakan , Namdar Pekiner Filiz Mediha
Published: September 2024

Objective: Anatomically, a dental arch is a result of natural teeth being positioned on the alveolar bone. The purpose of this study is to assess the morphological characteristics of various maxillary arch types using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and ascertain their prevalence.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 200 randomly selected maxillary CBCT images from patients aged 18–65. Measurements were interpreted using various planes, and maxillary arch forms were classified according to the House dental arch classification in the axial region of the CBCT images.
Results: Patients over 45 years old had significantly higher mean canine-palate and first molar-palate measurements compared to younger groups, particularly the 18–25 age group, which showed a higher hard palate–anterior mean than the 25–35 group. Class II cases had a significantly higher mean canine-palate than Class I and III cases. Class II cases also exhibited higher first molar-palate and canine-anterior
means compared to Class I and III. In contrast, Class I cases had a higher canine-canine mean than the other classes.
Conclusion: Morphologic measurements are crucial for guiding specialists in diagnosis and treatment, enhancing the ease and accuracy of clinical practice.
Importance of Human Rights
Authors: Andersson Henrik
Published: September 2024

This paper argues that recent advancements in value theory can inform discussions on the interrelation of human rights. More precisely it is argued that the importance of human rights, i.e., the ranking of their priority, cannot be fully accounted for by “more important” and “equally as important”. The concept of “on a par importance” is introduced and it is argued that this concept captures implicitly held intuitions in the debate. Furthermore, with this new conceptual insight, it is possible to justify certain assumptions that previously lacked a justificatory ground.
On Age
Authors: Simkulet William
Published: September 2024

Age is determined by the amount of time that someone or something has existed. For example, a person born in 1980 and a 1980 vintage wine would each be 40 years old in 2020. Recently, Joona Räsänen has challenged this belief, arguing that in some cases one’s age is not determined by how long one has existed, but by some feature or set of features about one’s biology, experiences, and/or beliefs about themselves. In many cases, age is an ad hoc indicator of physical health, psychological development, and the like, but for Räsänen, it seems age isn’t merely an indicator of such things; it’s derived from these things! Here I argue Räsänen’s alternatives to chronological age are ontologically burdensome and inconsistent with our intuitions in both normal and weird cases.
Potentials of synthetic biodegradable mulch for improved livelihoods on smallholder farmers: a systematic review
Authors: Ramadhani Ahamed Mwarabu , Nassary Eliakira Kisetu , Rwehumbiza Filbert B. , Massawe Boniface H. J. , Nchimbi-Msolla Susan
Published: September 2024

Plastic waste in agriculture, particularly from polyethylene mulch, poses significant environmental challenges. Synthetic biodegradable mulch has emerged as a sustainable alternative, derived from renewable resources such as thermoplastic starch, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and copolyesters. This review explores the benefits of synthetic biodegradable mulch, its environmental impact, and the policy landscape to support its adoption. A review of existing literature was conducted, focusing on three aspects: (1) the performance of synthetic biodegradable mulch in crop production and pest control, (2) the environmental, socioeconomic, and climate resilience compared to polyethylene mulch, and (3) the institutional policies that promote synthetic biodegradable mulch adoption. The analysis considered comparative data on yield, pest management, and sustainability metrics. Synthetic biodegradable mulch performs similarly or better than polyethylene mulch in various agricultural practices. It enhances crop yield, quality, and weed suppression, acts as a physical barrier against pests and diseases, reduces chemical usage, and aids in water and nutrient management. Moreover, synthetic biodegradable mulch offers environmental benefits by reducing plastic waste, microplastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation. While synthetic biodegradable mulch provides numerous advantages, adoption faces challenges such as high initial costs, farmer preferences, and the regulatory framework. Effective institutional policies and increased consumer demand could drive wider adoption, offering potential for improved livelihoods among small farmers while promoting environmental sustainability.
Shifting feed delivery time: effects on feeding behavior, milk production, and blood biomarkers in late-lactating dairy cows
Authors: Cattaneo Luca , Passamonti Matilde Maria , Piccioli-Cappelli Fiorenzo , Trevisi Erminio
Published: September 2024

Improving the synchronization between the pattern of milk synthesis and nutrient availability throughout the day could enhance production efficiency. In this study, we evaluated the effects of changing feed delivery time on milk production, feeding behavior, and the daily rhythms of blood biomarkers. Eight multiparous Holstein cows housed in a tie-stall barn with controlled environmental conditions were enrolled in a crossover experimental design with three periods of 14 days and three treatments each. Cows were milked twice daily (0530 and 1730 h) and were individually fed with two equal meals of forage and eight equal meals of concentrate during the day. Forage meals were provided at 12-hour intervals either: (i) 5 h before each milking (0030 and 1230 h; BM), (ii) at the end of each milking (0530 and 1730 h; ME), (iii) or 2 h after (0730 and 1930 h; AM). Feed intake and feeding behavior were monitored, and milk production and composition were measured. Blood samples were collected every 4 days at 0700 h and, during the last day of each period, 15 times daily to determine metabolic profiles, hormones, and their daily rhythmicity by the cosinor analysis. Changing forage delivery time did not affect milk yield and dry matter intake. No difference was observed in feeding behavior when expressed relative to the first meal. There were no significant differences in milk component contents and yields. In samples collected at 0700 h, ME had reduced plasma calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) and increased sodium (Na). AM had increased inflammation, as suggested by the greater blood globulin and ceruloplasmin. The patterns of metabolic biomarkers had limited variations when expressed relative to the first forage meal. Nevertheless, the daily rhythms of these biomarkers were remarkably different. Under our conditions, feeding forage meals to cows at different times of the day did not influence productive performance but highlighted the importance of considering the sampling time when interpreting metabolic profiles.
ProDiVis: a method to normalize fluorescence signal localization in 3D specimens
Authors: Nguyen Kyle T. , Sathler Alexandre R. , Estevez Alvaro G. , Logan Isabelle E. , Franco Maria Clara
Published: September 2024

A common problem in confocal microscopy is the decrease in intensity of excitation light and emission signal from fluorophores as they travel through 3D specimens, resulting in decreased signal detected as a function of depth. Here, we report a visualization program compatible with widely used fluorophores in cell biology to facilitate image interpretation of differential protein disposition in 3D specimens. Glioblastoma cell clusters were fluorescently labeled for mitochondrial complex I (COXI), P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), β-Actin, Ki-67, and DAPI. Each cell cluster was imaged using a laser scanning confocal microscope. We observed up to ∼70% loss in fluorescence signal across the depth in Z-stacks. This progressive underrepresentation of fluorescence intensity as the focal plane deepens hinders an accurate representation of signal location within a 3D structure. To address these challenges, we developed ProDiVis: a program that adjusts apparent fluorescent signals by normalizing one fluorescent signal to a reference signal at each focal plane. ProDiVis serves as a free and accessible, unbiased visualization tool to use in conjunction with fluorescence microscopy images and imaging software.
Negotiating artefacts: student game creation for education and introspection
Authors: Jerrett Adam
Published: September 2024

Learning through gameplay is being increasingly adopted by educators, who integrate games into academic curricula to address complex subjects. “Existential” game design is recognised as a practice for personal growth, self-reflection, and therapy, though it has been underexplored in educational contexts. The research thus describes the creation and deployment of two game design assessments for a private higher-education institution in South Africa that allowed undergraduate students to explore various complex topics. The research utilized an action research approach with a pre-test/post-test design for data collection, with results being explored using sentiment-based and thematic analysis. The findings reveal mixed responses from participants which highlighted the usefulness of the exercise but noted that the courses’ focus on technical quality and a lack of adequate preparation hindered the experience, with adequate mentoring and developer support being suggested to improve it. Arts-based approaches to such educational interventions, with a focus on “deep” games, critical play, and values-conscious design throughout the curriculum, are discussed as a potential solution. While game design remains a useful educational tool for engaging with complex societal issues, educators must increasingly ensure they prepare undergraduate students adequately for such creative exercises.
Comparative study of myocardial perfusion and coronary flow velocity reserve derived from adenosine triphosphate stress myocardial contrast echocardiography in coronary lesions with no/mild stenosis
Authors: Liu Xuebing , Li Chunmei , Zhang Qingfeng , Meng Qingguo , Zhang Hongmei , Li Zhaohuan
Published: September 2024

Background

Qualitative myocardial perfusion (QMP) derived from myocardial contrast echocardiography reflects the capillary flow, while coronary flow velocity reserve from Doppler spectrum (D-CFVR) of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) is used to assess coronary microvascular function, particularly after excluding severe epicardial coronary stenosis. The present study aimed to assess the relationship of QMP and D-CFVR in detecting coronary microvascular disease (CMVD) by using adenosine triphosphate stress myocardial contrast echocardiography (ATP stress MCE).

Methods and results

Seventy-two patients (mean age: 54.22 ± 12.78 years) with chest pain and <50% coronary stenosis diagnosed by quantitative coronary angiography or dual-source CT underwent ATP stress MCE. The distribution of myocardial perfusion and CFVR value was estimated by experienced physicians. Of the 72 LAD with 0%–50% diameter stenosis, 15 (21%) exhibited abnormal CFVR and 31 (43%) displayed abnormal perfusion with ATP stress MCE. Eleven of the 15 LAD territories (73%) with abnormal CFVR values showed abnormal perfusion. However, CFVR was considered normal in 20 LAD territories (35%), despite the presence of perfusion defect in the territory.

Conclusion

Abnormal myocardial perfusion during ATP stress MCE was found in a sizable percentage of patients in whom CFVR of the supplying vessel was considered normal.
A comparative study of fetal cardiovascular assessment: utilizing Doppler ultrasound gated MRI and echocardiography with detailed analysis using five axial views
Authors: Hergert B. , Tavares de Sousa M. , Herrmann J. , Bannas P. , Huber L. , Götz S. , Hecher K. , Adam G. , Dargahpour Barough M. , Schoennagel B. P.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic performance of fetal cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using Doppler ultrasound (DUS) gating for the evaluation of the standardized five axial views in comparison with fetal echocardiography.

Methods

In this prospective study 29 pregnant women (median: 34.4 weeks of gestation) underwent fetal cardiovascular MRI using DUS gating at 3 Tesla. The standardized five axial views in prenatal screening (fetal abdomen, four-chamber view, left ventricular outflow tract, right ventricular outflow tract, and three-vessel view) were independently assessed and analysed by both fetal MRI and fetal echocardiography on the same day. Image analysis included qualitative assessment and quantitative measurements of cardiovascular structures. MR image quality was assessed using a 4-point scale (from 1 = low to 4 = excellent). Postnatal echocardiography was performed for validation.

Results

17/28 fetuses (60.7%) had pathological findings [16 congenital heart defect (CHD), one diaphragmatic hernia] in prenatal echocardiography. One fetus was excluded due to severe motion. Overall sensitivity and specificity in detecting fetal cardiac abnormalities was 88% and 100%, respectively, for fetal MRI and 100% and 100% for fetal echocardiography. MR image quality for evaluation of cardiac structures was high with a mean score of 2.8 (±0.8) (score 4: 15.9%, score 3: 53.8%, score 2: 19.3%, score 1: 11%). Quantitative measurements did not differ between fetal cardiovascular MRI and fetal echocardiography (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Diagnostic performance of fetal cardiovascular MRI using DUS gating was comparable to fetal echocardiography. Fetal cardiovascular MRI using DUS gating might be a valuable diagnostic adjunct for the prenatal evaluation of CHD.
Understanding explore-exploit dynamics in child development: current insights and future directions
Authors: Kim Seokyung , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: September 2024

Examining children's decisions to explore or exploit the environment provides a window into their developing metacognition and reflection capacities. Reinforcement learning, characterized by the balance between exploring new options (exploration) and utilizing known ones (exploitation), is central to this discussion. Children initially exhibit broad and intensive exploration, which gradually shifts toward exploitation as they grow. We review major theories and empirical findings, highlighting two main exploration strategies: random and directed. The former involves stochastic choices without considering information or rewards, while the latter is driven by reducing uncertainty for information gain. Behavioral tasks such as n-armed bandit, horizon, and patch foraging tasks are used to study these strategies. Findings on the n-armed bandit and horizon tasks showed mixed results on whether random exploration decreases over time. Directed exploration consistently decreases with age, but its emergence depends on task difficulty. In patch-foraging tasks, adults tend to overexploit (staying too long in one patch) and children overexplore (leaving too early), whereas adolescents display the most optimal balance. The paper also addresses open questions regarding the mechanisms supporting early exploration and the application of these strategies in real-life contexts like persistence. Future research should further investigate the relation between cognitive control, such as executive function and metacognition, and explore-exploit strategies, and examine their practical implications for adaptive learning and decision-making in children.
Faculty verbal messages: scale development and initial validation
Authors: Violanti Michelle T. , Garland Michelle E.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study set out to create a scale of messages faculty use when communicating with students and provide initial validation evidence for that scale.

Methods

Three studies were used to create and initially validate the scale. Study one used focus groups to have students generate a list of 65 messages. Study 2, a survey with exploratory factor analysis, yielded two factors: affirming (items) and disconfirming (items) messages. Study 3 confirmed the factor structure and provided initial construct validation based upon the relationship between messages and relational distance, motives to communicate, learner empowerment, and student motivation.

Results

Withdrawal mediates the relationship between faculty verbal messages and learner empowerment. Faculty verbal messages directly, without mediation, predict student motivation.

Discussion

Faculty verbal messages matter inside and outside the classroom. Both affirming and discomfiting messages can have a positive effect on students’ learning/motivation as well as the instructor-student relationship.
Influence of horizontal alignment elements on operating speed of vehicles on two-lane highways
Authors: Tottadi Kiran Kumar , Mehar Arpan
Published: September 2024

Earlier studies acknowledged that the design speed does not principally assure consistency in the design of highway geometric elements. Methodologies for estimating operating speeds are limited to specific or local traffic conditions and design standards, as in various studies conducted on two-lane and multi-lane highways. The present study develops operating speed models of the vehicle types observed on horizontal curves and tangent sections on two-lane highways in southern parts of India. Geometric features of the curve section and adjacent tangent sections, such as the radius of the curve, curve length, deflection angle, degree of curvature, gradient, carriageway width, and shoulder width, are obtained from the field. The speed data collected at 24 locations on the highway, including curved and tangent gradient sections, are used to analyze and model operating speed. The results indicate that the inverse of the square root of the radius appears to be an influencing parameter for modeling the operating speed of vehicles. The operating speed is sensitive for a curve radius of up to 600 m; thereafter, the operating speed appears insignificant. On tangent sections, the gradient has a larger influence on the operating speeds of all vehicle types. The operating speed models are validated and compared with models available in the literature. The proposed models developed in the present study are helpful to traffic engineers for predicting the operating speed on two-lane highways.