bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ACTH-dependent Cushing Syndrome with No Peripheral Response But a Marked Petrosal Sinus ACTH Response to Desmopressin
Authors: Guay-Gagnon Martin , Cheng Ran , Beauregard Catherine , Lacroix André
Published: May 2024

Desmopressin is increasingly used for the diagnosis of Cushing disease (CD) since corticotropin-releasing hormone became unavailable. We report the case a 32-year-old man who presented with overt Cushing syndrome. Morning blood cortisol, ACTH, 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test, 24-hour urinary free cortisol, and bedtime salivary cortisol were highly variable, reaching markedly elevated values. Intravenous desmopressin administration produced no ACTH or cortisol increase. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging, thoracic computed tomography, and DOTATATE positron emission tomography scan identified no lesion. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) with desmopressin stimulation resulted in elevated central-to-peripheral ACTH ratio and prolactin co-secretion, while peripheral ACTH remained stable. No corticotroph tumor was identified on pituitary surgery pathology. Hypercortisolism persisted postoperatively. Cabergoline was initiated, after which the patient rapidly developed transient severe adrenal insufficiency (AI). Bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in view of persistent hypercortisolism. This is an unusual case of petrosal sinus ACTH response to desmopressin without any peripheral response, suggesting a central source of ACTH. Thus, desmopressin should still be used during IPSS in patients with no peripheral response. It is unclear whether the AI episode resulted from a combination of nadir of cyclic hypercortisolism, partial apoplexy, and response to cabergoline of an occult corticotroph tumor.
Bias toward the LGBTQIA+ community by Australasian paramedicine students
Authors: Thyer Liz , Lindsay Cheyenne , King Emily , Clarkson Georgia
Published: May 2024

Background:

Paramedics are an essential component of the healthcare system, providing unscheduled out-of-hospital care in a manner that should be unbiased towards all. Yet some members of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex and asexual) community still experience stigma when accessing healthcare, including paramedicine, which impacts health outcomes.

Aims:

This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of bias among paramedicine students toward the LGBTQIA+ community.

Methods:

This prospective cross-sectional quantitative study surveyed undergraduate paramedicine students enrolled in Australasian universities using a validated scale.

Findings:

The 189 responses indicated mostly positive attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community, but 33 showed repulsion or pity. Additionally, students had a generally poor opinion of the LGBTQIA+ content of their degree course.

Conclusion:

Paramedicine students are mostly positive towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community but their poor opinion of LGBTQIA+ undergraduate education could perpetuate a negative healthcare environment that many LGBTQIA+ patients face. This necessitates future investigation of work on paramedicine LGBTQIA+ curricula.
CLR Labs: countering the data injection threat to digital IDs and wallets
Authors: Carta Kévin
Published: May 2024

Biometric data injection attacks present a new threat to digital identities, digital wallets and remote identity proofing, which the digital ID community must counter if they are to prevent potentially massive identity fraud attempts.
Optimizing Quality Approaches and Investigating Lecturers' Perception for Course Quality Assurance in Higher Education
Authors: Bui Ngoc Thi-Nhu , Yasri Pratchayapong
Published: May 2024

Courses are the fundamental building blocks of educational programs, serving as a tangible representation of student attainment and the desired learning outcomes of the program. Despite their pivotal role in education, however, a standardized framework for the development, implementation, and enhancement of course specifications remains elusive. Given that different programs may employ varying formats with differing levels of detail, it is critical to establish a universal framework that enables instructors to adhere to quality standards at the program level. To this end, leveraging the ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) and Quality Matters Rubric, this study seeks to optimize course quality assurance requirements and assess lecturers' perception of these proposed guidelines. Drawing on document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and importance-level measurement, the findings of this study underscore the significance of eight criteria, comprising a total of 25 quality requirements, in ensuring course quality. These criteria include learning outcomes, structure and content, instructional approaches, learning assessment, learner support, staff, and output. Notably, these criteria align with the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle theory, thereby promoting continuous improvement in education.
Optimizing Process Parameters through Response Surface Methodology for Transesterification Using an Innovative Extruded Catalyst
Authors:   School of Renewable Energy, Maejo University, Chiangmai 50290, Thailand, Chanathaworn Jutaporn , Saramath Sommai ,   Faculty of Engineering Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Chiangmai 50300, Thailand
Published: May 2024

T he increasing recognition of biodiesel as a viable energy alternative is due to its advantageous characteristics, including its renewable nature, reduced toxicity, and friendly to the environment. Recently, one disadvantage has been associated with the use of homogeneous catalysts in biodiesel production. These catalysts tend to be lost during the washing and filtration processes. Therefore, this research focuses on catalyst development and presents the results of optimizing biodiesel yield using extruded catalysts under various conditions through the utilization of response surface methodology (RSM). SEM and XRD techniques were used to investigate the morphological characteristics and crystal structure of the catalyst. Subsequently, the study examined the interactive impacts of principal independent variables and parameters on the dependent variable by RSM employing the central composite design (CCD). The biodiesel was produced through the transesterification process using palm olein oil. Three molar ratios (4:1, 8:1, and 12:1), three catalyst weights (3, 6, and 9%wt), and three reaction times (30, 60, and 90 min) were analyzed. The results show that the maximum biodiesel conversion of 97.3% was obtained at optimum methanol to oil molar ratio, catalyst weight, and reaction time of 8:1, 9%wt, and 60 min, respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9955 and a significance value (P-value) below 0.05 indicated a relationship between the response and all independent variables. The obtained results confirmed that the variables under consideration exerted a substantial influence on the reaction yields. The results clearly demonstrate the potential of extruded catalysts for transesterification reactions. This study is attractive for possible implementation in large-scale production and can be considered to reduce drawbacks which result from the application of homogeneous catalysts in the traditional procedures.
SINTÉSE DE NANOPARTÍCULAS DE COBRE PELO MÉTODO DE ELETRÓLISE
Authors: Eduarda da Paixão Costa  , Ernando Silva Ferreira
Published: May 2024

Nanopartículas (Np) representam estruturas em escalas nanométricas com propriedades físicas e químicas distintas de seus materiais de origem, permitindo interações específicas com outros materiais e substratos devido às semelhanças dimensionais e estruturais.
Enhancing Catfish (Clarias sp.) Farming Production and Economic Viability through Molasses Application in Biofloc System
Authors: Aulia Deni , Suprakto Bambang , Budimawan Budimawan , Putra Angkasa , Aini Sarifah , Asaf Ruzkiah , Wartini Sri , Sabariyah Nunung
Published: May 2024

In addition to having high economic value, catfish (Clarias sp.) can also be cultivated quickly and they can adapt well. The demand of catfish is in line with the increase in production which is expected to remain efficient and environmentally sound. Biofloc technology has also been implemented in catfish for increasing productivity. Biofloc utilizes the activity of heterotrophic microorganisms and autotrophs for the conversion of organic waste into floc and is used as fish feed. This study aims to examine the effect of the use of molasses with different doses (C/N ratio) on the growth and survival rate of catfish. This study was conducted with as many as 3 treatments with 3 repetitions each except for the control. The treatment with the ratio of molasses in each of them: A: C/N of 10:1; B: C/N of 15:1; C: C/N of 20:1, and D without molasses given as control. The study using 240 catfish measuring 10-12 cm was carried out for 30 days with sampling every 10 days. It aims to determine the average growth, daily growth, and survival rate of test biota during the study. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the use of different doses of molasses in catfish farming, and biofloc technology will affect the growth and survival rate of farmed catfish. Catfish farmed with biofloc technology at a C/N ratio of 15:1 show the best results on their growth and survival rate. In addition, catfish farming with a biofloc C/N ratio of 15:1 has a better economic analysis when compared to conventional catfish farming. In summary, the use of biofloc based on research results can be a recommendation to be applied in the community, especially among catfish farmers.
Back Matter
Authors: Setiawan Ichsan
Published: May 2024

https://jurnal.usk.ac.id/depik/about/submissions#authorGuidelines
Enhancing transmission and coupling efficiency in Cassegrain optical systems with four-petal Gaussian beams
Authors: Yang Xuan , Li Jianyu , Shang Shunyuan , Li Qian , Li Xinyu , Yang Huajun , Jiang Ping
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the propagation characteristics of four-petal Gaussian beams through Cassegrain optical systems. With the properties of this new type of beam, the problem of masking loss in the Cassegrain optical system can be well solved. Analytical expressions of the optical field for beams after propagating the optical system are derived, considering atmospheric turbulence effects and random jitter on coupling efficiency. Simulation tests explore various factors affecting transmission efficiency. Acceptable axial mounting error tolerance and significant efficiency drops beyond specific communication distances under different turbulence conditions (). Achieving over 80 coupling efficiency is feasible with specific lens parameters (f = 0.4 − 0.5 mm, receiving position after 4 km) using standardized lenses. This work offers a theoretical model for four-petal Gaussian beams, aiding optical communication design and application, with practical engineering implications.
Automatic control method of spherical wave exposure interference field based on the Moiré alignment principle
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Wang Xinyu , Sun Yuqi , Jiang Yanxiu , Li Wenhao
Published: May 2024

Aberration-corrected gratings are widely applied in spectral analysis owing to their dispersion and convergence properties. However, the phase distribution error of the exposure interference field reduces the accuracy of the groove density distribution, making it difficult to satisfy the needs of high-precision spectral instruments. Therefore, this paper establishes an error model for the phase distribution of the spherical wave exposure interference field, describing the relationship between the phase distribution error and the recording parameter error. This model is used to propose a method of automatically controlling a spherical wave exposure interference field based on Moiré alignment principle. This method automatically measures the phase of the interference field by extracting the phase from the Moiré fringes generated by the superposition of the interference field and the reference grating, and then inversely calculates the recording parameters. The measurement results are then fed back to the automatic calibration mechanism for compensation, thereby achieving automatic control of the exposure interference field. Applying this method to calibrate the exposure interference field reduces the average relative error of the groove density of the produced plane aberration-corrected grating by two orders of magnitude compared with that of the traditional control method. This method significantly enhances the control accuracy for the spherical wave exposure interference field, improving the distribution accuracy of the groove density of the aberration-corrected grating, thereby supporting spectral analysis.
Lorentz algebraic approach in two and three dimensional polarization optics
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Wang Luo , Zhao Changming , He Jianwei
Published: May 2024

Lorentz group and algebraic approach are significant and elegant language in optical spin angular momentum (SAM) and SAM-related polarization optics, which also has potential theoretical value in 3-D polarization optics and spin-orbital coupled vector-polarized beam (VPB). This article focuses on the Lorentz algebraic approach in 2-D and 3-D situations, where the first part includes a comprehensive analysis and review of 2-D polarization state (SoP) and polarized Lorentz transformations (PLT), in which the matrice form of generalized 2-D PLT and specific PLT in 2-D polarized devices will be naturally derived. In the second part, we will further explore the 3-D PLT theory and present a clear and convenient decomposed 3-D PLT model which exists in both generalized Jones matrices (GJM) and generalized Mueller matrices (GMM) representations, serving the transformation of 3-D coherency matrices and generalized Stokes vectors respectively. For the latter, the algebraic generators of decomposed 3-D sub-transformations (r-rotation, z-rotation and z-boost) will be defined and discussed for the first time, and the result show that they satisfy SO(3) and Lorentz symmetry respectively. The decomposed model presented can be used for 3-D polarized field simulation and calculation such as high-focused or axial-deviated beam, polarized ray-optics, and vector polarized beam.
Optical switch with an ultralow DC drift based on thin-film lithium tantalate
Authors: chen kaixuan , Wang Haohua , Xing Xinke , Ruan Ziliang , Yu Jiayang , Ou Xin , Liu Liu
Published: May 2024

We demonstrate an electro-optic (EO) switch with ultralow DC drift on a thin-film lithium tantalate (TFLT) platform. The flat Vπ and EO responses at different driving frequencies, input optical powers, and temperatures have been measured. Stable optical switching is achievable in the DC to low-frequency range, even with SiO2 cladding and without post-annealing processes. This research will boost the applications of TFLT integrated photonics in stable and reconfigurable EO systems.
Modelling and Classification of Optical Beam Profiles using Vision Transformer
Authors: Lim Yu Dian , Tan Chuan Seng
Published: May 2024

A vision transformer (ViT) is developed to perform image classification on beam profiles coupled out from silicon photonics (SiPh) gratings. The image classification task is aimed to distinguish ‘converged’ and ‘diverged’ beam profiles, and the regions where the corresponding beam profiles are located above the SiPh gratings. Upon training with 1247 beam profile images, the ViT model is able to perform 6-category image classification task on 832 beam profile images with classification accuracy of 0.989. Since the training of ViT is probabilistic in nature, the ViT training is repeated for 100 times to test its robustness. Classification accuracy ranges from 0.83 to 0.99, where 82/100 runs with testing accuracy values of >0.95, are obtained.
Cross-cultural adaptation issues and strategies: A study of Nigerian students in China
Authors: Qi Yue , Di Deng
Published: May 2024

This article focuses on cross-cultural adaptation issues among international students. Its main focus is on Nigerian students in China, coming from one of the leading African countries with a pro-China policy. The increasing number of students from Africa in China is a big shift as such students would, in the past, prioritize Europe or North America. This new reality provides an important focus for analysing issues raised by cross-cultural exchange between two nations. The findings have wider implications as China pro-actively works not just with Nigeria but all the 54 African countries. The research relied on qualitative and quantitative research methods, specifically interviews and questionnaires. It explored five dimensions of cross-cultural adaptation: natural environment and daily life adaptation, language adaptation, academic adaptation, psychological adaptation as well as the character of communication through media between Nigerian students and Chinese people. The overall findings show unique challenges as well as opportunities available to international students in the context of cross-cultural adaptation.
Optimizing petroleum redistribution in Sri Lanka: A cost-benefit transportation model
Authors: Jayarathna Nuwan
Published: May 2024

This case study is based on Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Sri Lanka, the national oil and gas company and market leader in Sri Lanka. The company’s outbound logistics consists of a centralized distribution method and a redistribution process of its products across the island. However, this study mainly focused on one regional depot and one petroleum product, Kotagala depot and Lanka Auto Diesel. The currently centralized redistribution process has noticed extra routing costs due to the unreasonable consumption of additional distance. This problem is modelled as a variant of the vehicle routing problem with a heterogeneous vehicle fleet. Our objective is to minimize the routing costs (or milk-run) by imposing constraints on the capacity and the volume. The researcher introduces a centralized vehicle routing problem that is presented. The proposed vehicle routing problem has been used to find the optimal path between clusters. The computational investigation highlights the cost savings that this new VRP can accrue. Cost savings can be accrued as large as 32.35% compared to a company's existing method.
The Trace element geochemistry and geotectonic settings of the charnockitic and associated rocks around ikare, southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Victor Alaba Oyeshomo Anthony , Altenberger Uwe , Bolarinwa Anthony
Published: May 2024

The trace element concentrations of charnockites and associated rocks around Ikare were investigated in this study. Previous works on the genesis and tectonic settings of these rocks around Ikare were inconclusive due to lack of trace element data. Hence, this study was designed to determine the trace element compositions and use them to interpret their tectonic setting. Forty (40) representative rock samples were subjected to geochemical analyses using inductively coupled- plasma mass spectrometer. Results showed that most rocks are enriched in Ba, Sr, Zr but depleted in Rb suggesting their improverishment in the source rock. K/Rb ratios ranged from 153ppm to 374ppm for all rocks, while Ba/Sr ratios are high indicating that they are not mantle derived but through internal differentiation of pre-existing TTGs intra-crustal melting. On the Sr/Y discrimination diagram, the rocks plot in the post-Archean field. On the Y versus Nb and Rb versus Y+Nb, the rocks indicated magmatic origin in pre-to syn-collisional orogenic tectonic setting.
A probable case of Actinomycosis (Lumpy jaw disease) withpseudo joint formation in dwarf cattle from the late medieval in Wysburg, Germany
Authors: Karl Hans-Volker , Safi Amtyaz
Published: May 2024

Actinomycetes are Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria that cause disease in cattle and sometimes other animals. Mandibular abscess is a localized, chronic, progressive granulomatous abscess that often involves the mandible, maxilla, or other bones of the head. When an infection occurs, byproducts of the infection begin to break down bones. This article aims to determine the possibility of disease in the medieval bones of these animals, to identify and analyze their macro-structural features and their diagnostic potential value in the archaeological skeletal material of studied animals. This late medieval (13th-14th century) document was found in Wysburg, near Weisbach in the Saale-Holzland-County in the central German state of Thuringia. Macroscopic and histopathological examination of the bone revealed a lesion in the lower jaw, suggesting that it may result from actinomycosis (Mostly in the jaw). Descriptions of jaw bones are rare in the paleo-pathological literature. Analysis is limited by the absence of other anatomical elements of the affected animals, which affects the interpretation of the paleo-pathological skeleton. For further research, it is recommended that similar studies be conducted on better-preserved animals.
MANUFACTURE OF COOKING OIL CONTENT DRAIN CONTROL DEVICE IN OILY FOODS USING THE ESP32-BASED AND FUZZY LOGIC METHOD
Authors: Nadia Ninda Syafa Ainun , Astawa I Gede Puja , Budikarso Anang , Aswoyo Budi , Anisah Ida , Nadziroh Faridatun
Published: May 2024

Cooking oil is an essential commodity in everyday life in Indonesia, with palm oil consumption reaching 18.5 million tons in 2021, according to the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI). High levels of consumption can potentially increase the risk of health problems. To reduce oil consumption, slicing of food is required. However, this process is often done manually, which is less effective. Therefore, this study proposes the development of an automatic control device using the YF-S201 flow sensor, TCS3200 color sensor, and DS18B20 temperature sensor, which then processes the data using the fuzzy logic method. Data processing and monitoring are performed using ESP32, displaying results on the LCD and website. Data is stored in a MySQL database. The test was conducted on shrimp crackers weighing 0.5kg for 1 minute 25 seconds. This control device is hoped to help households, traders, and MSMEs as an effective and efficient solution. The characteristics of the three sensors, namely the TCS3200 colour sensor, flow sensor YF-S201, and temperature sensor DS18B20, it was found that the sensor had worked well as expected, with a maximum error percentage of 0.91%. In one of the tests to drain oil on oily crackers, the oil flow was detected to be 0.07 litres/minute of oil flowing out of the oil filter.
The 11th: Politics, Polarization, and Partisan Change in a Southern District, 1972–2022
Authors: Cooper Christopher A.
Published: May 2024

What can be learned from analysis of a single congressional district? This paper uses the experience of North Carolina’s 11th congressional district to understand the political changes that have defined the last half-century in the American South. The story of how this once politically inconsequential southern Appalachian district found itself in the middle of the national political maelstrom is, in many ways, the story of southern politics over the last three decade. Political polarization, strategic gerrymandering, the power of national political tides, the increasing urban/rural divide and the broader partisan transformation of the South that has remade American politics all are reflected in the 11th. In addition to uncovering new wrinkles in the story of southern partisan change, this paper defines and highlights the advantages of place-based Political Science.
The Dardanians and the Origin of the So-Called “Macedonian Phalanx”
Authors: Juhel Pierre O.
Published: May 2024

The Macedonian phalanx, invented by Philip II, is considered to have been a pikeman-phalanx. However, a detailed analysis has shown that the full pikeman-phalanx must have been a later military innovation which was introduced at the beginning of Antigonus Dōsōn’s reign. Before this, the phalanx can only have been one of spearmen, although it is probable that the rear ranks were already armed with pikes. Following a deeper investigation, and taking into consideration forgotten archaeological material from Bosnia-Herzegovina, this article argues that this reform of the Macedonian heavy infantry’s armament occurred as a consequence of Demetrius II’s major military defeat in a pitched battle against the Dardanians in 229 BC.
Construction and validation of a novel redox-related immune signature for prognostic and immunotherapeutic prediction in low-grade glioma
Authors: Zhang Mei , Zhang Xiliu , Zhu Canmin , Huang Tianzhi , Zong Chuanyu , Chen Honglei
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Low-grade glioma (LGG) is a common subtype of brain tumors, and limitations in therapeutic strategies lead to unfavorable survival outcomes. This study was designed to discover a novel biomarker based on LGG-related redox hallmarks.

Methods

Redox-related genes were retrieved from the Molecular Signatures Database. The transcriptional and clinical profiles of LGG patients were achieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). Differentially expressed and prognostic genes were identified and included in feature selection by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. A multivariate Cox model was executed to develop a novel redox immune signature (RIS) to predict patient prognosis and immunotherapeutic response. Patients were classified into low- or high-RIS groups at the median cutoff. The differences in immune infiltration levels and immune checkpoint expression between the two RIS subgroups were also investigated. The ANXA1 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in LGG tissues.

Results

The RIS was calculated, according to the expression levels of ANXA1, FZD6, PPIC, SLC2A10, VASN, and VEPH1. Patients with higher RIS had significantly worse prognoses than those with lower RIS in both the TCGA and CGGA cohorts. A high RIS was positively associated with immunocyte infiltration, such as CD4+/CD8+T cells, macrophages, and myeloid dendritic cells. Additionally, the high-RIS subgroup had a greater tumor mutation burden and a lower “tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion” score. 56 % (14/25) cases of LGG patients showed high expression of ANXA1 protein.

Conclusions

The RIS is an encouraging biomarker for determining LGG prognosis, immune characteristics, and immunotherapy response.
Producing an antibacterial acrylic polyurethane coating with acylated mimosa tannins
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Hoang Thu Ha , Do Truc Vy , Nguyen Thien Vuong , Hanh Trinh Thi My , Ha Minh Nguyet , Duong Khanh Linh , Lu Le Trong , Shuib Raa Khimi , Tran Dai Lam
Published: May 2024

This work aims to fabricate the antibacterial coating with green biocide successfully. For this purpose, mimosa tannins were acylated with lauroyl chloride’s aid and pyridine’s support as a catalyst in the 1,4-dioxane, hexane and xylene solvents. Infrared analysis showed that mimosa tannins synthesized in the 1,4-dioxane were acylated better than in the other two solvents. FE-SEM analysis of the paint film showed that the acylated mimosa tannins at a content of 5 % dispersed quite well in the polymer matrix. The results of analyzing the mechanical properties of the paint film containing acylated mimosa tannins with contents ≤5 % show that the mechanical properties of the paint film are only slightly reduced compared to the mechanical properties of the pure coating, reaching the values: adhesion of size #1; abrasion resistance of 132.8 L/mil; impact strength of 170 kg cm and a relative hardness of 0.78. Antibacterial testing shows that the paint film containing 5 wt% acylated mimosa tannins have good antibacterial activity.
The syntactic variety and semantic unity of the V de resultative construction in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Li Wenshan
Published: May 2024

The V de resultative construction has been an intriguing issue in Chinese linguistics. Theories have been put forth regarding what the morpheme de (here called de
result to avoid confusion) does in this construction. In this article, the preexisting theories are empirically questioned. It is shown that the presence of de
result is not obligatory when the result predicate takes some special forms. A procedural account is proposed of how the typical V de
result construction and its variants deliver the same logical form although they involve different functional morphemes. As a bonus, this account provides an improved model explaining the phenomenon that the V de
result construction can have multiple readings.
Aufklärung im Spiegel der slowenischen und deutschen Presse in der Krain im späten 18. Jahrhundert
Authors: Urekar Osvald Anja , Birk Matjaž
Published: May 2024

Thanks to reforms of the enlightened absolutism the first Slovenian newspaper,Lublanske novice,was published in Ljubljana (Laibach) – besidesLaibacher Zeitung, published in German – in the last decades of the 18th century and was founded by Valentin Vodnik. Both newspapers were the main transfer media for the Vienna Enlightenment, encompassing, among others, the beginnings of Slovenian linguistics and ‘pergodbe’. Their narratives focused on the fragments of secular prose, the ‘Bildung’ and humanitarian postulates and practices. Their representation, containing some cosmopolite accents, was deelitized, embodied into three-dimensional patriotism and, on the same occasion, as for the humanitarian topic, into utopian aspiration in social transgression. The narratives connect Enlightenment with ethnical and religious discourse, showing some ambiguities by interweaving gender stereotypes with the representation of the difference of Slovenian theatre and historiography and demonstrating cultural criticism along with pan-Slavism.
Asymptotic Efficiency of Joint Estimator Relative to Two-Stage Estimator Under Misspecified Likelihoods
Authors: Kim Doosoo
Published: May 2024

The two-stage estimator is often more tractable when there are nuisance parameters that can be separately estimated and plugged into an objective function. The joint estimator tends to bear the higher computational cost since it estimates all parameters in one stage by optimizing the sum of objective functions used in the two stages. It is well-known that the joint estimator is asymptotically more efficient than the two-stage estimator if the objective function is the true log-likelihood. When the objective function is not the true log-likelihood, I show that the relative asymptotic efficiency of the joint estimator still holds under a finite number of testable moment conditions. The implications of the main result on models based on quasi-limited information likelihoods are discussed.
autoría mediata en el proceso transicional: un análisis jurisprudencial del caso colombiano
Authors: Montalvo Velásquez Cristina Elizabeth , Cabrera Izquierdo Lorena Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo principal realizar un análisis de la teoría de la autoría mediata en estructuras organizadas de poder, a la luz de los aportes doctrinales del profesor Claus Roxin. En ese sentido, una primera parte estará orientada al estudio de los antecedentes de la teoría en comento, para luego, plantear un análisis jurisprudencial de cuatro sentencias emitidas por Tribunales Superiores de Distrito Judicial en Colombia en las salas de Justicia y Paz, donde se evidencia la aplicación de la autoría mediata a través de las estructuras organizadas de poder. Para efectos metodológicos, se empleó el paradigma hermenéutico a través de la revisión documental, utilizando el método deductivo para el desarrollo teórico del artículo. En ese sentido, se tuvieron como criterios principales para la estructura del análisis jurisprudencial de corte analítico (i) la aplicación de la teoría de la autoría mediata en la argumentación de los Tribunales y la remisión que hacen al maestro alemán Claus Roxin, (ii) la pluralidad de víctimas y patrones criminales y (iii) el estudio de casos para geo-referenciar la estructura de las desmovilizadas Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC). Así pues, se obtiene como resultado final que en los bloques de las AUC examinados las ordenes hacían parte de las políticas del grupo, eran dadas por los superiores y hacían parte de una política generalizada de la organización armada al margen de la ley.
naturaleza y el desarrollo de Internet: una crisis para el derecho
Authors: Enríquez Nieto Gerardo Alfredo
Published: May 2024

Internet es un recurso que ha revolucionado a la humanidad. Sus efectos se presentan en múltiples dimensiones de la vida de las personas y, en ocasiones, generan efectos negativos que pocas veces son advertidos. El derecho no está exento de dichas transformaciones. El desarrollo de la red y su naturaleza fueron marginándolo para privilegiar a los indomables poderes salvajes. El resultado: una crisis de la legalidad y del Estado-nación que repercute en la esfera jurídica de los particulares, especialmente, en lo que respecta al ejercicio pleno de los derechos humanos y que contribuye a colocarnos en una situación de ciberanarquía que, por ahora, parece difícil de superar para la humanidad.
Opportunities and challenges for school food programs in Canada
Authors: Ruetz Amberley T. , Poppendieck Janet
Published: May 2024

As Canada works towards developing a national school food program, it is timely to examine the lessons learned from the programs of other countries. Analyzing these insights can help Canada avoid key pitfalls and replicate promising practices in program design and implementation. The Government of Canada has the advantage of learning from one of the longest standing national school food programs and our southern neighbour: the United States (U.S.). This paper distills vital lessons from the U.S. school food programs, with a focus on addressing four critical aspects: access, emphasis on health and education, funding, and program implementation. First, the U.S. experience demonstrates the significance of universal free school meals. The historical inadequacies of means-tested programs result in inefficiencies, stigma, and exclusion of students in need. Second, the paper argues for an emphasis on health and education benefits. Third, it underscores the necessity of adequate funding. Inadequate reimbursements in the U.S. have compromised meal quality and led to the food industry’s capitalization on school meals, with negative implications for children’s health. Lastly, harnessing the power of procurement and employment can stimulate local economies, create good jobs, and foster a healthier food environment. As Canada tailors its national school food program to its diverse regions and communities, it has an extraordinary opportunity to avoid the policy and program implementation errors revealed by the U.S. experience.
Satisfacción laboral y trabajo remoto: Análisis de la relación en el personal catedrático de una universidad pública en Puno Perú
Authors: López-Cueva Lourdes Antonieta , López-Cueva Milton Antonio , López-Paz Peregrino Melitón , Quispe-Velásquez Rocío Brizayda
Published: May 2024

Objective. To determine the degree of relationship between remote work variables and job satisfaction of the teaching staff of a public university in Puno, Peru. Methodology. The research was developed with a quantitative approach, non-experimental design, and correlational cross-sectional type. The population consisted of 216 professors, using probabilistic sampling a sample of 138 was obtained, the instruments used were the literature review and a questionnaire applied to the participants. In addition, the validity of the questionnaire was tested by expert judgment and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, the result of which was 0.947. Results. It was found that there is a significant relationship between remote work and job satisfaction (rho=0.658; p<0.05) of the teaching staff. Conclusion. Remote work significantly influences the job satisfaction of the teaching staff of a public university in Puno, Peru.
Solidarity – An aim of education?
Authors: Maier Alexander
Published: May 2024

The demand for solidarity is made today by different social actors, e.g., from politics, religion or philosophy. Especially in the context of climate change and its social and ecological consequences, the demand for solidarity plays a major role. It is often referred to as the climate justice crisis. Therefore, solidarity can also be understood as a goal of education for sustainable development (ESD). In this context, ESD, which also sees itself as a concept of transformational education, prefers above all elements of a disruptive pedagogy through which students are to be led to new perspectives - for example, to solidarity with the victims of the consequences of climate change. The article takes up this concern of ESD, but would like to look at the educational goal of solidarity from the perspective of a responsive pedagogy. The starting point for this would not be the goals of ESD in the first place, but the needs of children and young people, as Ehrenhard Skiera has highlighted them in the context of his responsive pedagogy. Against this background, the article asks about the possibilities and preconditions for learning processes based on solidarity.
Exploring degree-seeking international student satisfaction through the example of a Hungarian university
Authors: Szabó Bálint , Paulics Lilla , Kéri Anita
Published: May 2024

International student satisfaction has become a widely studied topic with the emergence of English-language study programs in higher education institutions (HEIs). Numerous studies arose in connection with understanding what factors influence international student satisfaction, determining service elements as crucial indicators of student satisfaction. There is limited research on understanding international student satisfaction in Hungary, explicitly focusing on degree-seeking mobility. Therefore, the current study analyses international students' satisfaction through the example of a Hungarian university to uncover the factors affecting satisfaction and to determine points for improvement of unsatisfied needs. Based on the questionnaire findings, an importance–satisfaction analysis (ISA) was conducted to depict international students' pain points visually. The focus group discussion and the affinity diagrams revealed that international students need more free-time activities and opportunities to connect outside the university. In addition, usability testing highlighted crucial missing information from the university mentor organisation webpage, while the results of the online questionnaire showed that there is an urgent need to develop university services. Besides determining points for improvement, this study provides insights into utilising a comprehensive, novel methodology in researching degree-seeking mobile students in Hungary.
Consideración unitaria del trabajo como acción en la historia de la teología del trabajo
Authors: Granada-Cañada Daniel
Published: May 2024

La historia reciente de la teología del trabajo ofrece una pluralidad de significados, concepciones, dimensiones y figuras que reclama profundizar en la comprensión del trabajo como experiencia humana básica. También la doctrina magisterial de la Iglesia, desde el nacimiento de la Doctrina social hasta la Encíclica de Juan Pablo, Laborem exercens (1981), ha realizado un camino propio de profundización progresiva en esa comprensión. En el marco abierto por esta Encíclica, nuestro estudio se propone integrar esa pluralidad de significados dentro de los sentidos antropológicos, objetivo y subjetivo, del trabajo, obteniendo así una comprensión más unitaria de este fenómeno.
Impact of Citizen Participation on Solving the Social Problems of Small Regional Towns in Russia
Authors: Ukhanova Yuliya V. , Kopytova Ekaterina D. , Zhestyannikov Sergei G.
Published: May 2024

The social contradictions of small regional towns in Russia remain a controversial issue. In the official discourse, the proponents of eliminating and consolidating small towns and villages argue their position in terms of the economic efficiency of cost reductions. However, the role and importance of small territories are great as they constitute the country’s spatial, mental, and historical basis. This article aims to identify the potential of citizen participation in resolving social contradictions to ensure the sustainability of small towns.In the first stage of the study, a proprietary methodology was proposed for calculating an integral index that aggregates a set of initial statistical indicators of socio-economic development in small towns (the Vologda Oblast), with their subsequent grouping to assess social contradictions. It was established that of 13 small towns in the region, six belong to the group whose level of socio-economic development is below average, six small towns exhibit a low level, and only one town (Kadnikov) is characterized by a high level of development. The lag in terms of indicators relative to average values is a negative factor in the development of small areas, the preservation of their human potential, and the growth of social contradictions. The second stage of the study involved identifying the features, factors, and limitations of local community participation (population, business entities, and nonprofit organizations) in solving the problems of small towns in the region by means of a quantitative and qualitative methodological strategy (questionnaire survey of the population in the region, N = 1900; focus-group interviews, N = 5). The obtained results will serve as the basis for the development of individual trajectories for the development of small areas through the active involvement of the local community in these processes.
Subjective Well-Being and Participation in Volunteering in Russia
Authors: Mersianova Irina V. , Ivanova Natalya V. , Briukhno Aleksandra S.
Published: May 2024

An extensive body of research suggests a positive connection between subjective well-being (SWB) and volunteering. However, their relationship is often described in terms of health-related and personal psychological effects, thus raising an issue of elaborating proxies that would focus on the social effects and determinants of such relationship. This study aims to demonstrate a number of direct and indirect links of volunteering and the SWB on the example of Russian citizens. We believe that exploring the connection between SWB and volunteering can expand knowledge about the social component of SWB and its correlates. The hypotheses suggested were tested using binary logistic regression on data from the All-Russian population survey (N = 2,015, urban and rural residents aged 18 and over were interviewed by telephone). The obtained results do not allow us to conclude that volunteering itself significantly increases the level of subjective well-being. Nevertheless, some kind of “external effect” was revealed: respondents are more likely to feel happy if they observe social solidarity, which in turn may be fostered by raising awareness of the beneficial outcomes of volunteerism. This observation directly leads to practical considerations to be taken into account in planning and organizing volunteer engagement. It would require a shift in the promotion of volunteerism, from its direct impact on the lives of individuals to a broader effect of volunteering on the quality of life in the community at large, fostering the feeling of social connectedness, common goals and solidarity. To achieve this, concerted efforts of NGO leaders and social media in this direction will be important.
Unpacking the “Bihariness”—Reflections on “Indian Predator: The Butcher of Delhi”
Authors: Tripathi Anup , Das Moitrayee
Published: May 2024

Netflix’s true crime documentary “Indian Predator: The Butcher of Delhi” (July 2022) follows the story of serial killer Chandrakant Jha, a Bihari migrant worker in Delhi. The documentary sensationally portrays his spine-chilling crimes, while superficially discussing pressing issues of police brutality and the dysfunctionality of the criminal justice system. The interplay of socio-economic conditions, the indifferent justice system, and its effects on one’s degrading mental health is what we seem to get out of this three-part series through visual and textual analysis. The backdrop of the migrants as a pathological problem vis-à-vis its interaction with the criminal justice system is emphasized by highlighting the “Bihariness” of Chandrakant Jha. The documentary refers to this “Bihariness” albeit tangentially, though fails to discuss the caste and class locations of these prejudices and chauvinism that is directed against the figure of the working-class Bihari migrant. In this paper, we attempt to unpack this popular narrative as a casteist and classist commonsensical social and cultural reproduction to understand the figure of the Bihari migrant as depicted in the documentary. We contend that highlighting the “Bihariness” of migrant workers is a form of othering that mainly plays out through their conspicuous laboring bodies, language, and their association with criminality. In doing so, we also intend to explore the dimensions of mental health and socio-economic and institutional interactions of poor migrant workers in urban areas.
Left atrial stiffness index in the identification of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Shirokov N. E. , Yaroslavskaya E. I. , Kosterin M. D. , Krinochkin D. V. , Gorbatenko E. A. , Enina T. N. , Musikhina N. A.
Published: May 2024

Aim. To study the diagnostic value of the left atrial stiffness index (LASI) of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) depending assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in the diagnosis on diastolic stress test (DST) results.

Material and methods. DST was performed in cases of insufficient criteria for increased left ventricular filling pressure assessed by TTE. One hundred patients were examined (52,0% men, 66,1±5,4 years). Patients with a ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E/e') ratio >15 in DST were included in group I (n=45), patients with E/e' <15 — group II (n=55). The speckle tracking echocardiography was used to assess left atrial reservoir strain (LASr).

Results. Significant differences were identified between the groups in sex (40,0% of men in group I and 61,8% in group II, respectively; p=0,044), body mass index (32,9 [29,5;36,0] and 29,6 [27,3;31,8] kg/m2; p=0,001), hypertension stage (2,9±0,3 and 2,5±0,8, p=0,037), the presence of coronary artery disease (88,9 and 67,3%; p=0,016), NYHA heart failure class (2,0±0,4 and 1,5±0,7; p=0,003). TTE re­vealed significant differences in the left atrium volume index (31,9 [28,5;36,0] and 27,8 [24,1;34,6] ml/m2; p=0,039), E/e' ratio (10,9 [9,7;12,5] and 9,3 [7,4;10,8]; p<0,001), LASr (23,5 [19,3;28,3] and 28,9 [25,6;32,2]%, p<0,001) and LASI (0,46 [0,38;0,56] and 0,30 [0,25;0,39]; p<0,001). According to ROC analysis, the largest area under the curve (AUC), optimal sensitivity and specificity in HFpEF diagnosis were observed in LASI (AUC=0,829, p<0,001; 77,8 and 74,5%, respectively). Lower classification quality was shown by the H2FPEF score (AUC=0,701, p=0,001; 66,7 and 69,1%), while the HFA-PEFF score was not significant in the pretest detection of HFpEF (AUC=0,608, p=0,065; 53,3 and 61,8%).

Conclusion. LASI with a cut-off point >0,38 has the greatest ability to detect HFpEF among the possible pretest diagnostic methods.