bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Principal Component Analysis Filtering Method for an Unbiased Spectral Survey of Complex Organic Molecules
Authors: Yun Hyeong-Sik , Lee Jeong-Eun
Published: November 2023

A variety of interstellar complex organic molecules (COMs) have been detected in various physical conditions. However, in the protostellar and protoplanetary environments, their complex kinematics make line profiles blend together and the line strength of weak lines weaker. In this paper, we utilize the principal component analysis technique to develop a filtering method that can extract COM spectra from the main kinematic component associated with COM emission and increase the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of spectra. This filtering method corrects non-Gaussian line profiles caused by the kinematics. For this development, we adopt the ALMA BAND 6 spectral survey data of V883 Ori, an eruptive young star with a Keplerian disk. A filter was, first, created using 34 strong and well-isolated COM lines and then applied to the entire spectral range of the data set. The first principal component (PC1) describes the most common emission structure of the selected lines, which is confined within the water sublimation radius (∼0.″3) in the Keplerian disk of V883 Ori. Using this PC1 filter, we extracted high-S/N kinematics-corrected spectra of V883 Ori over the entire spectral coverage of ∼50 GHz. The PC1-filtering method reduces the noise by a factor of ∼2 compared to the average spectra over the COM emission region. One important advantage of this PC1-filtering method over the previously developed matched-filtering method is the ability to preserve the original integrated intensities of COM lines.
Modeling the Formation and Evolution of Solar Wind Microstreams: From Coronal Plumes to Propagating Alfvénic Velocity Spikes
Authors: Gannouni Bahaeddine , Réville Victor , Rouillard Alexis P.
Published: November 2023

We investigate the origin of mesoscale structures in the solar wind called microstreams, defined as enhancements in the solar wind speed and temperature that last several hours. They were first clearly detected in Helios and Ulysses solar wind data and are now omnipresent in the “young” solar wind measured by the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter. These recent data reveal that microstreams transport a profusion of Alfvénic perturbations in the form of velocity spikes and magnetic switchbacks. In this study, we use a very-high-resolution 2.5D MHD model of the corona and the solar wind to simulate the emergence of magnetic bipoles interacting with the preexisting ambient corona and the creation of jets that become microstreams propagating in the solar wind. Our high-resolution simulations reach sufficiently high Lundquist numbers that capture the tearing mode instability that develops in the reconnection region and produces plasmoids released with the jet into the solar wind. Our domain runs from the lower corona to 20 R
⊙, which allows us to track the formation process of plasmoids and their evolution into Alfvénic velocity spikes. We obtain perturbed solar wind flows lasting several hours with velocity spikes occurring at characteristic periodicities of about 19 minutes. We retrieve several properties of the microstreams measured in the pristine solar wind by the Parker Solar Probe, namely an increase in wind velocity of about 100 km s−1 during a stream's passage together with superposed velocity spikes of also about 100 km s−1 released into the solar wind.
Magellanic System Stars Identified in SMACS J0723.3-7327 James Webb Space Telescope Early Release Observations Images
Authors: Summers Jake , Windhorst Rogier A. , Cohen Seth H. , Jansen Rolf A. , Carleton Timothy , Kamieneski Patrick S. , Holwerda Benne W. , Conselice Christopher J. , Adams Nathan J. , Frye Brenda L. , Diego Jose M. , Willmer Christopher N. A. , Ortiz Rafael , Cheng Cheng , Pigarelli Alex , Robotham Aaron , D’Silva Jordan C. J. , Tompkins Scott , Driver Simon P. , Yan Haojing , Coe Dan , Grogin Norman , Koekemoer Anton M. , Marshall Madeline A. , Pirzkal Nor , Ryan Russell E.
Published: November 2023

We identify 71 distant stars in James Webb Space Telescope/NIRCam early release observations (ERO) images of the field of galaxy cluster SMACS J0723.3-7327 (SMACS 0723). Given the relatively small (∼10°) angular separation between SMACS 0723 and the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), it is likely that these stars are associated with the LMC outskirts or the Leading Arm. This is further bolstered by a spectral energy distribution (SED) analysis, which suggests an excess of stars at a physical distance of 40–100 kpc, consistent with being associated with or located behind the Magellanic system. In particular, we find that the overall surface density of stars brighter than 27.0 mag in the field of SMACS 0723 is ∼2.3 times that of stars in a blank field with similar Galactic latitude (the North Ecliptic Pole Time Domain Field), and that the density of stars in the SMACS 0723 field with SED-derived distances consistent with the Magellanic system is ∼6.1 times larger than that of the blank field. The candidate stars at these distances are consistent with a stellar population at the same distance modulus with [Fe/H] = −1.0 and an age of ∼5.0 Gyr. On the assumption that all of the 71 stars are associated with the LMC, then the stellar density of the LMC at the location of the SMACS 0723 field is ∼740 stars kpc−3, which helps trace the density of stars in the LMC outskirts.
Searching for Novel Chemistry in Exoplanetary Atmospheres Using Machine Learning for Anomaly Detection
Authors: Forestano Roy T. , Matchev Konstantin T. , Matcheva Katia , Unlu Eyup B.
Published: November 2023

The next generation of telescopes will yield a substantial increase in the availability of high-quality spectroscopic data for thousands of exoplanets. The sheer volume of data and number of planets to be analyzed greatly motivate the development of new, fast, and efficient methods for flagging interesting planets for reobservation and detailed analysis. We advocate the application of machine learning (ML) techniques for anomaly (novelty) detection to exoplanet transit spectra, with the goal of identifying planets with unusual chemical composition and even searching for unknown biosignatures. We successfully demonstrate the feasibility of two popular anomaly detection methods (local outlier factor and one-class support vector machine) on a large public database of synthetic spectra. We consider several test cases, each with different levels of instrumental noise. In each case, we use receiver operating characteristic curves to quantify and compare the performance of the two ML techniques.
Asteroseismic Study of KUV03442+0719 with Parallax Constraints
Authors: Bischoff-Kim Agnes
Published: November 2023

Hydrogen atmosphere white dwarf KUV03442+0719 was first reported as a pulsator by Gianninas et al. in 2006. Follow-up campaigns by Su et al. revealed more periods. Some spectroscopic results suggest that KUV03442+0719 has a slightly below-average mass and an effective temperature of 11,000 K. However, Gaia data (parallax and magnitude) suggest that it may be a low-mass white dwarf. Such an object would have a helium core. We perform asteroseismic fitting of KUV03442+0719, modeling it both as a carbon/oxygen normal mass white dwarf, and a helium-core low-mass white dwarf. To perform the study, we perform a grid search with WDEC models, refined by simplex minimization of the best fits. Both analyses result in best-fit models that are comparable in terms of quality of fit. More pulsation data would be required to allow us to distinguish between the two scenarios. We present and contrast our results with expectations from stellar evolution. We also provide analytic formulae for a temperature-dependent mass–radius relationship for helium-core white dwarfs.
Physical Characterization of Moon Impactor WE0913A
Authors: Campbell Tanner , Battle Adam , Gray Bill , Chesley Steven R. , Farnocchia Davide , Pearson Neil , Halferty Grace , Reddy Vishnu , Furfaro Roberto
Published: November 2023

On 2022 March 4, the object known as WE0913A crashed into the Moon after several close flybys of the Earth and the Moon in the previous three months. Leading up to impact, the identity of the lunar impactor was up for debate, with two possibilities: the Falcon 9 from the DSCOVR mission or the Long March 3C from the Chang’e 5-T1 mission. In this paper, we present a trajectory and spectroscopic analysis using ground-based telescope observations to show conclusively that WE0913A is the Long March 3C rocket body (R/B) from the Chang’e 5-T1 mission. Analysis of photometric light curves collected before impact give a spin period of 185.221 ± 6.540 s before the first close Earth flyby on 2022 January 20 and a period of 177.754 ± 0.779 s, both at a 1σ confidence level, before the second close Earth flyby on 2022 February 8. Using Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling and a predictive light curve simulation based on an anisotropic Phong reflection model, we estimate both physical and dynamical properties of the Chang’e 5-T1 R/B at the start of an observation epoch. The results from the Bayesian analysis imply that there may have been additional mass on the front of the rocket body. Using our predicted impact location, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter was able to image the crater site approximately 7.5 km from the prediction. Comparing the pre- and post-impact images of the location shows two distinct craters that were made, supporting the hypothesis that there was additional mass on the rocket body.
First report of Diomus guilavoguii Duverger, 1994 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae, Diomini) predating on papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus from China
Authors: Zhuang Jiamin , Huo Lizhi , Tang Mingjie , Xie Xiufeng , Chen Xiaosheng
Published: November 2023

Diomus guilavoguii Duverger, 1994, an adventive species, is recorded from Guangzhou (Guangdong Province), China for the first time. Larvae of D. guilavoguii were collected in association with an invasive mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, 1992, infesting papayas, cassava and several ornamental plants. However, little has been known about the biology of D. guilavoguii, especially the morphology of their larvae since their original descriptions.

Diomus guilavoguii Duverger, 1994, native to Conakry, Guinea (Africa), is recorded as established in Guangdong Province for the first time. However, it is unclear when and how D. guilavoguii spread from Africa to Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. Both the adult and larva feed on the invasive mealybug Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink (Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae) that infests papaya and ornamental plants. In this paper, the external morphology and male genitalia of adults are re-described. The detailed descriptions of larva and pupa are also provided for the first time. The status of D. guilavoguii and D. hennessyi Fürsch, 1987 are discussed.
First genetic insights of Gonatodes caudiscutatus (Reptilia, Gekkota) in the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador
Authors: Altamirano-Ponce Lía , Dávila-Játiva Mateo , Pozo Gabriela , Pozo María José , Terán-Velástegui Martín , Cadena Carlos Daniel , Cisneros-Heredia Diego , Torres Maria de Lourdes
Published: November 2023

Studies on genetic variability amongst native and introduced species contribute to a better understanding of the genetic diversity of species along their autochthonous distribution and identify possible routes of introduction.Gonatodes caudiscutatusis a gecko native to western Ecuador and introduced to the Galapagos Islands. Despite being a successful species in human-modified habitats along its native and non-native ranges, neither the colonisation process nor the genetic diversity of this gecko is known. In this study, we analysed 55 individuals from 14 localities in western Ecuador and six localities in San Cristobal Island, Galapagos — the only island with a large, self-sustaining population. We amplified and analysed the genetic variability of two nuclear genes (Cmos and Rag2) and one mitochondrial gene (16S). Cmos and Rag2 sequences presented little to none genetic variability, while 16S allowed us to build a haplotype network. We identified nine haplotypes across mainland Ecuador, two of which are also present in Galapagos. Low genetic diversity between insular and continental populations suggests that the introduction ofG. caudiscutatuson the Islands is relatively recent. Due to the widespread geographical distribution of mainland haplotypes, it was not possible to determine the source population of the introduction. This study represents the first exploration of the genetic diversity ofGonatodes caudiscutatus, utilising genetic tools to gain insights into its invasion history in the Galapagos.
Do fund managers in the Chinese mutual fund market deliver positive risk-adjusted returns? Yes, but it is mainly observed for local fund managers
Authors: Nickelsen Julius , Stotz Olaf
Published: November 2023

A bootstrap and a subsequent injected alpha analysis were conducted on 1,221 Chinese mutual funds that were active at some point between July 2001 and July 2021. The results show that most active managers achieve a positive risk-adjusted return. Additionally, we find that this phenomenon is primarily attributable to local (i.e., Chinese) fund managers. We argue that one explanation for the different levels of risk-adjusted returns observed is the information asymmetry between foreign and local fund managers. Additional results support this view, as fund managers primarily investing in small- to mid-cap and value stocks provide a superior performance, which inherently exhibit greater information asymmetry. The findings are contrary to those from similar studies in developed markets, where only a few active managers demonstrate actual skill in their performance.
Effects of Adventure Education with Digital Teaching on Students’ Self-Efficacy and Interpersonal Relationship
Authors: Tsai Wen-Jung , Yao Shuen-Huei
Published: November 2023

The rapid emergence of digital technology changes global appearance and intangibly affects people’s thinking and lifestyles, making it the leading force that cannot be ignored. Countries around the world, realizing the importance of digital learning and information technology in education, have proposed relevant programs. There is overall or local planning, from basic environment building to changes in students’ learning models. Considering the deep influence of digital teaching on students’ learning experiences and teaching mechanisms, the emergence of “digital education” is a positive response to education. In an experimental research study conducted in south-central Taiwan, a cohort of 214 college students underwent an 18-week experimental teaching exercise (amounting to 48 hours, at three hours per week). The data was then scrutinized using SPSS 12.0. The findings delineated two primary outcomes: 1) When juxtaposed with conventional teaching methodologies, the infusion of digital teaching into adventure education led to pronounced improvements in students’ self-efficacy and interpersonal relationships. 2) A discernible positive correlation was observed between students’ self-efficacy and their interpersonal relationships. Drawing upon these results, it’s inferred that both self-efficacy and interpersonal relationships can be bolstered through judicious curriculum design. In light of these insights, the study offers several recommendations. The overarching aspiration is to not only foster a self-directed learning proclivity among students, making them better equipped to navigate life, but also to offer them the tools and guidance to pinpoint and realize their aspirations and ideals.
L’opérationnalisation de la planification stratégique spatialisée sur le littoral corse au prisme de l’exercice urbanistique
Authors: Venturini Véronique , Tafani Caroline
Published: November 2023

En Corse, l’opérationnalisation des documents d’urbanisme peinent à être effective tant sont grandes les difficultés qui président à leur élaboration (conflits d’usages aigus, mise en compatibilité avec la norme de rang supérieure, manque d’ingénierie, etc.). Mais, au-delà de ces problématiques, nous posons l’hypothèse que leur opérationnalisation pourrait être d’autant améliorée si l’on reconsidérait la façon d’identifier la mutabilité des interstices non bâtis. C’est ce que nous nous attachons à démontrer ici, dans le contexte de trois communes littorales qui cristallisent les tensions foncières. Aussi proposons nous une démarche urbanistique innovante, fondée sur l’analyse des configurations foncières des terrains à bâtir, afin d’améliorer les stratégies foncières des collectivités locales.
Predicting the Intention to Adopt Innovation in Supply Chain Finance
Authors: Figueiredo Ronnie , Camargo Maria Emilia , Ferreira João J. , Zhang Justin Zuopeng , Liu Yulong David
Published: November 2023

Based on the mixed model unified technology acceptance and utilization theory (UTAUT) and spinner innovation model (SPINNER), a theoretical model is suggested to explain the determinant of behavioral intention to predict innovation in the context of a financial sector firm. A questionnaire was developed to collect primary data, which was subsequently processed through the artificial intelligence technique (deep learning). The constructs (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, behavioral intention, public knowledge, private knowledge, and innovation) supported the model, including mediating hypotheses. It was observed that the mixed methodological approach (SEM and ANN) can help to find the linear and non-linear relationships better, being that the error of the predicted model is 0.104, that is, 10.4% relatively low, which evidences that ANN can be used to predict the dependent variable innovation safely.
Implementation of Environmental Management Systems in Local Authorities for Sustainable Urban Development
Authors: Perera Ranjith
Published: November 2023

Implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) has become an effective mechanism to address environmental problems of an organization and direct its activities to achieve the goals of ·sustainable development. .After realizing its effectiveness in the developed countries and in the private enterprises, the developing countries as well as public institutions are showing inclination to adapt environmental management systems. Some local authorities in developed countries have shown significant achievements by implementing EMS based on ISO 14000 series. Some other local authorities have made similar achievements by implementing their own EMS without any accreditation and external auditing. This paper first discusses the benefits of installing EMS in local authorities and then presents the fmdings of multiple case studies conducted in two local authorities in Japan and Thailand where EMSs based on ISO 14000 have been implemented and later continued with self-man&gement without involving ISO. The paper reiterates that implementing of EMS in local authorities in developing countries is practical and useful even without the accreditation of ISO. Involvement of professional bodies and senior citizens is suggested as an alternative to external verification of EMS performance.
Mirror writing – A case of dissociative (conversion) disorder
Authors: Medagedara Amodha , Kotalawala D. C. S. K. , Williams Shehan
Published: November 2023

No abstract available
Adherence to antibiotics among adults at state sector primary care in a district of Sri Lanka – a descriptive cross sectional study
Authors: Malintha Shalinie Nirma , Siriwardena Prasanna , Weerasinghe Manuj Chrishantha
Published: November 2023

Objectives: To assess the adherence and factors associated with oral antibiotic prescriptions among adults in state sector primary care while assessing the intention to use leftover antibiotics (LOAB).Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in outpatient departments including 407 adults (18-75) using an interviewer administered questionnaire at consultation and a telephone interview at due completion of antibiotic. Adherence was measured by a self-report supplemented by remaining pill count. Factors associated with adherence were determined. The statistical significance was considered as p≤0.05.Results: Adherence to antibiotic prescription was 45.5%. Female gender (p=0.029, OR=1.86) and awareness on the current antibiotic prescription (p=0.000, OR=6.37) were positive associations. Adherence was inversely proportionate to increasing daily dosage frequency (p=0.001). Patient’s belief, they can stop medicine once they feel better (p=0.000), fast improvement of symptoms with medication (p=0.000), interference to lifestyle by the antibiotic dosage schedule (p=0.000) and using LOAB in the past (p=0.000,) were negatively associated. Of the non-adherent patients 20.3% intended to use LOAB later.Conclusions: Adherence to oral antibiotic prescriptions was poor. Patient’s gender, patient beliefs and practices towards medicine and complexity of dosage schedule were associated factors. Patient awareness on the current prescription promoted adherence. Intension to use LOAB was high.Recommendations: Primary care prescribers should make patients aware on antibiotic prescriptions while using less complex regimens.
A comparative approach to recapitulate intestinal physiological absorption in vitro, using a novel, modular and versatile MicroPhysiological platform
Authors: Coppadoro L. , Rando A. , Marchesini A. , Poppa M. , Russo C. , Lombardi M. , Nicolò S. , Foglieni C. , Fiore G. , Soncini M.
Published: November 2023

Not available.
New non-invasive, label-free monitoring approach for 2D and 3D cell culture
Authors: Jötten A. , Kunze L. , Gleiter L. , Paulitschke P.
Published: November 2023

Not available.
Monitoring the effectiveness of nanosecond laser for the treatment of port-wine stain patients using non-invasive imaging systems
Authors: Jhan Cheng-Han , Aviña Ana Elena , Yang Tzu-Sen , Chiang Yu-Fan , Chang Cheng-Jen
Published: November 2023

A variety of lasers have been used to treat port-wine stain (PWS) birthmarks, however, all of them carry the risk of adverse effects. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness and safety of nanosecond (ns) laser treatment for PWS patients using non-invasive images. This study included 20 PWS patients, whose ages ranged from one to sixteen years. A nanosecond laser (λ=595 nm; τp=2 ns), with a spot size of 5 mm, and parameters of 0.2-0.3 J/cm2, 5 Hz, was used in three passes. The infrared thermal imager aided in determining the optimal laser dosage and preventing side effects. The primary efficiency was evaluated using a DermaSpectrometer, and patients were followed up after one week, four weeks, three months, and twelve months. The infrared thermal images of skin surface temperature assessment in the first ten seconds were recorded after the maximal energy density 0.3 J/cm2 treatment. The thermal wave equation and Penne’s bioheat transfer equation ranged from 32.4±0.1 to 33.8±0.2°C, 32.6±0.1 to 34.7±0.3°C (baseline skin surface temperature - 32.4±0.3°C) respectively. Transient hyperpigmentation appeared in 5% (n=1) of the 20 patients, but it resolved spontaneously within three months. There was no evidence of permanent hypopigmentation or scarring. The DermaSpectrometer revealed a 30% reduction in Hb-index three months after a single treatment. The infrared image instrument is helpful in determining the optimum laser dosage. For the treatment of PWS patients, a nanosecond pulsed laser at 595nm was effective and safe.
Use of artificial stones in training and laboratory studies, have we found the right material? Outcomes of a systematic review from the European School of Urology
Authors: Kallidonis Panagiotis , Peteinaris Angelis , Veneziano Domenico , Pietropaolo Amelia , Pagonis Konstantinos , Adamou Constantinos , Vagionis Athanasios , Al-Aown Abdulrahman , Liatsikos Evangelos , Somani Bhaskar
Published: November 2023

Objective:

In this review, we investigated the current literature to find out which artificial stones (AS) are available in endourology, and in which experimental and training schemes they are used.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Twenty-one out of 346 studies met our inclusion criteria and are presented in the current review. The inclusion criteria were the existence of AS and their use for laboratory and training studies.

Results:

There is a wide variety of materials used for the creation of AS. BegoStone powder (BEGO USA, Lincoln, Rhode Island) and plaster of Paris™ were used in most of the studies. In addition, Ultracal-30 (U. S. Gypsum, Chicago, IL) was also used. Other materials that were used as phantoms were AS created from plaster (Limbs and Things, UK), standardized artificial polygonal stone material (Chaton 1028, PP13, Jet 280; Swarovski), model stones consisting of spheres of activated aluminum (BASF SE, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Deutschland), Orthoprint (Zhermack, Badia Polesine, Italy), and a combination of plaster of Paris, Portland cement, and Velmix (calcium sulfate powder). Many experimental settings have been conducted with the use of AS. Our research demonstrated nine studies regarding testing and comparison of holmium: yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser devices, techniques, and settings. Six studies were about extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy testing and settings. Three experiments looked into treatment with percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Additionally, one study each investigated imaging perioperatively for endourological interventions, stone bacterial burden, and obstructive uropathy.

Conclusion:

AS have been used in a plethora of laboratory experimental studies. Independent of their similarity to real urinary tract stones, they present a tremendous potential for testing and training for endourological interventions.
Techniques in minimally invasive transperitoneal pyeloplasty: A compilation
Authors: Mallikarjuna Chiruvella , Ghouse Syed Mohammed , Madduri Vijay Kumar Sarma , Bendigeri Mohammed Taif , Enganti Bhavatej , Reddy Purnachandra , Tak Gopal Ramdas
Published: November 2023

Context:

Minimally invasive management (laparoscopic/robot assisted) is currently the standard of care for managing pelvi ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). Open techniques of management of PUJO are well described in literature. However, there appears to be relative lack of description of minimally invasive techniques in the literature.

Objective:

This article is aimed at describing in detail, with images, the various techniques and modifications in laparoscopic or robot-assisted management of PUJO.

Evidence Acquisition:

A review of literature on PubMed was performed and all articles which detailed any technique of minimally invasive pyeloplasty were included.

Evidence Synthesis:

The various techniques of minimally invasive pyeloplasty as well as the authors’ techniques are compiled and described in detail with intraoperative images.

Conclusions:

Operative techniques of minimally invasive pyeloplasty are not well described in literature. We have attempted to present a comprehensive resource of different techniques of minimally invasive pyeloplasty and the clinical scenarios in which they may be appropriate. This should prove to be a useful reference to the practicing urologist.

Patient Summary:

In this paper, we have compiled the various surgical techniques of treating obstruction at the PUJ of the kidney along with intraoperative photograph.
Hematuria: Is it useful in predicting renal or ureteral stones in patient presenting to emergency department with flank pain?
Authors: Alnazari Mansour , Bakhsh Abdulaziz , Shaqroon Hatem Ahmed , Rajih Emad S. , Al-Nakshabandi Nizar Abdulaziz , Rabah Danny M.
Published: November 2023

Objectives:

The objective of the study was to evaluate hematuria as a diagnostic test for renal and ureteral stones compared with a noncontrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan (gold standard test) in emergency room patients with acute flank pain.

Patients and Methods:

In total, 604 patients treated in our emergency department from 2006 to 2011, with a history of flank pain and suspected urolithiasis were included in a retrospective review. All patients were evaluated with a noncontrast-enhanced CT scan and urine analysis. Using the noncontrast CT scan as the gold standard for the evaluation of the presence, number, size, and site (renal or ureteral [upper, middle, and lower]) of the stones, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of hematuria for diagnosing both renal and ureteral stones.

Results:

Urolithiasis was diagnosed in 388 patients (64%) and 216 patients (36%) had no stones on a noncontrast-enhanced CT scan. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for microhematuria were 77%, 33%, 67%, and 45%, respectively. Microhematuria was more common in patients with ureteral stones only (139 patients) and had a sensitivity of 85% compared to patients with renal stones only (32 patients), with a sensitivity of 55% (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the specificity or positive or negative predictive values.

Conclusion:

Although microhematuria is more sensitive to ureteral stones, the absence of microhematuria does not exclude the possibility of urolithiasis and a noncontrast-enhanced CT scan should be the gold standard diagnostic tool.
Some of my favorite open problems
Authors: Brezis Haïm
Published: November 2023

This is a selection of the main open problems I raised throughout my career and that have resisted so far. This is not an exhaustive list, but striking questions fairly easy to state; some were raised 40 years ago, others quite recently.
Serosurvey for H5, H7 and H9 avian influenza viruses in local chickens in live bird markets within Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Bakam J.D. , Inuwa B. , Yiltawe W. , Shittu I. , Meseko C. , Kia G.
Published: November 2023

Since the first 2006 Avian Influenza (AI) outbreak in Nigeria, it has continued to circulate and ravage the poultry industry  with huge economic losses above 130 billion naira. Local poultry are important sources of AI transmission and  maintenance of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1. Live bird markets (LBMs) are “breeding grounds” and major risk factors for human infection of AI. The seroprevalence of AI in local chickens in LBMs in Kaduna Metropolis,  Nigeria was determined. Sera were obtained from the local chickens (n=300) in 5 daily LBMs and subjected to  competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) to detect the nucleoprotein antibodies. The c-ELISA positive  samples were further screened by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test for AI using H5, H7 and H9 antigens. The  overall AI seroprevalence was 1.7 % with the highest individual seroprevalence of 3.3% in Kawo and Railway LBMs. There  was no statistically significant association between the location of LBMs and AI presence, and between the sex  and presence of AI antibodies (p = 0.427). One sample was HI positive for antibodies against H5, H7 and H9 with mean  titers of 4, 2.5 and 3.5 log2, respectively. This implies the potential danger of the spread of AI among humans and  animals. There should be sustained surveillance and biosecurity in the live bird market.
Characterization and antifungal susceptibility of Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolated from a goat presented with severe dermatophytosis in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Dalis J.S. , Kazeem H.M. , Chah K.F.
Published: November 2023

Dermatophytosis is a contagious skin disease affecting domestic and wild animals with considerable zoonotic  significance. The disease is caused by fungi known as dermatophytes in the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and  Epidermophyton. A goat was observed with circumscribed alopecic, highly inflammatory, thickly crusted skin lesions on  the head region, especially around the eyes. Skin scraping, including hair pullouts, was aseptically obtained and  processed for direct examination, isolation and microscopic identification of etiologic agent and supplemented with  urease test. The isolate was tested for its susceptibility to fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazol and ketoconazole. Direct  examination revealed hyaline, septate hyphae in skin scales and chains of endothrix spores within hair shafts,  suggesting Trichophyton infection. Colonies on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar were white, flat and granular. Microscopic examination of the isolate revealed many oval micro-conidia arranged in grapelike clusters with multi-septate, club- shaped, thin, and smooth-walled macroconidia typical of Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The isolate was urease-positive  and sensitive to itraconazole and ketoconazole but resistant to fluconazole and griseofulvin. It was concluded that T.  mentagrophytes was the cause of the severe skin lesions in the goat. The need to perform antifungal susceptibility  testing on dermatophytes isolated from clinical specimens for effective management of dermatophytosis was  emphasized.
Obraz życia społecznego w Dąbiu nad Nerem w latach 1932-1939 w świetle doniesień „Gazety Kolskiej”
Authors: Biskupski Jacek
Published: November 2023

Brak materiałów źródłowych umożliwiających odtworzenie dziejów poszczególnych miast, miasteczek, stowarzyszeń i organizacji powoduje, że sięga się dziś do prasy, która staje się czasem jedynym źródłem informacji. Tak też jest w przypadku miasta Dąbia nad Nerem i działających na jej terenie organizacjach i stowarzyszeń, które miały znaczący wpływ na życie społeczne okresu dwudziestolecia międzywojennego. Z informacji dostępnych na łamach „Gazety Kolskiej”, która ukazywała się w latach 1932-1939, dowiadujemy się o kilku ważnych w tamtym czasie organizacji i stowarzyszeń, które kształtowały obraz życia w tej osadzie.

The Picture of Social Life in Dąbie on the Ner in the Years 1932-1939 in the Light of Reports “Gazeta Kolska”: The lack of source materials enabling reconstruction of the history of individual cities, towns, associations and organizations means that nowadays the press is used, which is sometimes the only source of information. This is also the case of the town of Dąbia nad Nerem and the organizations and associations operating in it, which had a significant impact on the social life of the interwar period. From the information available in “Gazeta Kolska”, which was published in the years 1932-1939, we learn about several important organizations and associations that shaped the image of life in this settlement.
La Historia de la Educación en Cataluña: Tradición liberal e historia conceptual
Authors: Vilanou Conrad , Soler Mata Joan
Published: November 2023

En este artículo los autores revisan las relaciones y vínculos que, en el marco de la tradición liberal, se han producido entre los intelectuales de Barcelona y Madrid, desde una perspectiva que tiene como referente la historia de la educación. En este sentido se comentan los nexos e intercambios que se generaron a través de la Institución Libre de Enseñanza, en un viaje de doble dirección, de ida y vuelta. También se destaca la importancia que han tenido historiadores como Vicente Cacho Viu que siempre se preocupó para afianzar la relación entre ambos polos, entre el centro y el nacionalismo catalán, visto como un elemento de modernización de España. Sobre este trasfondo, se plantea la posibilidad de una historia conceptual de la educación que contribuya al análisis de la “renovación pedagógica” desde un enfoque plural que aborde aspectos relacionados con el contexto externo, el contexto institucional y con el programa pedagógico. Y todo ello, con la intención de mantener abierto el diálogo intelectual entre Cataluña y el resto de España, sobre todo con Madrid, en un momento cargado de tensiones y, a veces, de recelos e incomprensiones mutuas.
Student Perceptions of Cognitive Efficiency: Implications for Instruction
Authors: Hoffman Bobby
Published: November 2023

This study used a phenomenological approach with content analysis to create a model of how students perceive cognitive efficiency (CE), which is generally described as increases in the rate, amount, or conceptual clarity of knowledge, versus cognitive costs needed to attain knowledge. Graduate education students completed a five-item open-ended survey to measure perceptions of CE and what factors they believed enhanced or inhibited CE. Analysis of results revealed that student perceptions of CE predominantly focused on malleable aspects of self-regulated and reflective cognition, aligning with many descriptions of expert teaching. Students described a diminished emphasis on knowledge acquisition and information processing, in contrast to views typically associated with CE in instructional and psychological research(Hoffman & Schraw, 2010; van Gog & Paas, 2008). Practical teaching and learning implications, including suggestions for instructional practice and future research are presented.
Rambut Pirang di Lingkungan Pendidikan Teologi dalam Bingkai Teologi Simbol
Authors: Tamba Tiffany , Tumangger Sarnita Sari , Bancin Delila , Lombu Sion Monica
Published: November 2023

Artikel ini adalah studi budaya populer (rambut pirang) dalam perspektif teologi simbol. Yang diteliti adalah paradigma rambut pirang yang dipahami oleh orang-orang di lingkungan Pendidikan Tinggi Teologi Kristen di Indonesia. Pentingnya penilaian terhadap paradigma budaya populer seperti rambut pirang yang terbuka dan kreatif terletak pada keterbukaan dan penerimaan masing-masing individu terhadap pengalaman yang berbeda-beda dan beragam. Menggunakan teologi simbol, artikel ini menyoroti serangkaian pemahaman masyarakat berpendidikan teologi di berbagai Perguruan Tinggi Teologi Kristen di Indonesia mengenai rambut pirang sebagai salah satu budaya populer. Sebagai bagian dari penelitian, dilakukan observasi terhadap perwakilan berbagai kampus teologi Kristen dengan warna teologi yang berbeda-beda seperti, injili, ekumenis, calvinis, progresif, dan kharismatik melalui wawancara online. Temuan penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa persepsi dan pandangan masyarakat lingkungan Pendidikan Tinggi Teologi Kristen di Indonesia terhadap rambut pirang sebagai salah satu budaya populer cenderung tidak membuka interpretasi mendalam atas makna simbolisnya.
Exchange Rate Forecasting in Bangladesh: ARIMA and VAR Models
Authors: Rahman Md. Masudur , Hossain Md. Nabir
Published: November 2023

Exchange rates play a crucial role in the economic structure of any country since they affect investment, foreign trade, and the stability of the economy as a whole. This research article explores the intricate dynamics of exchange rate development in Bangladesh, a country with a rapidly growing economy and a significant presence in the global trade landscape. The article delves into the historical evolution of exchange rates in Bangladesh, the factors influencing exchange rate movements, and the implications for the country's macroeconomic stability and international trade. The study employs various methodologies, including time-series analysis and econometric modeling to provide a comprehensive analysis of exchange rate development and near-term exchange rate forecast in Bangladesh. The findings indicate that exchange rate policies and external economic factors play a pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh's exchange rate regime, affecting the country's economic performance and trade competitiveness. The study also focuses on the future challenges for exchange rates in Bangladesh which are interconnected with the country's economic development and global economic dynamics.
Formulation and Evaluation of Topical Poly Herbal Gel Consisting of Natural Antimicrobials for the Activity against Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Basu Nabamita , Rakesh S. , Kotrike Rajesh Khanna , Kulkarni Giriraj T. , Babu P. Veeresh
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this research paper is to find out which effective antibacterial substances are in different herbs and their use in acne vulgaris and hyperpigmentation. Herbal gel with four herbs mainly including Azadiracta indica, Hibiscus rosa sinesis, Piper Betle and Aloe barbadensis was formulated with a base gel. Two formulations were prepared and evaluated for pH, dispersibility, detergency, and zone of inhibition. Preliminary phytochemical evaluations of the extracts were performed according to the standard procedures. Later antimicrobial activity of the individual extracts and polyherbal gel was determined by the cup plate method. Phytochemical tests showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, etc. A strong antibacterial effect was found for a polyherbal gel compared with individual extracts against acne vulgaris. Synergistic interaction between secondary plant metabolites present in each extract might be responsible for the better antimicrobial activity of the polyherbal gel.
METODOLOŠKI PRISTUP INSTITUCIJAMA USTAVNOG PRAVA
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Law, Vučković Jelena
Published: November 2023

Institutions of constitutional law play a key role in maintaining the rule of law, protecting civil rights and freedoms, enacting and enforcing laws, and governing the state in accordance with the constitution. This methodological approach focuses us on organizational structures and their relationships, which are normatively set by the constitution. This methodological institutionalism keeps us all the time on "firm" and "real" ground where value issues are beyond our attention, and these are primarily issues of constitutional principles and human rights. Of course, there are differences between the constitutional texts when the constitutional institutions themselves are mentioned, so in this sense we can distinguish between traditional or classic and "new" institutions of constitutional law, the introduction of which in the system of separation of powers can violate the traditional approach of the system of separation of powers. It is a frequent phenomenon that constitutional and even more so political practice tries to stubbornly stick to the established tripartite division of power, which "block" independent institutions, which were created precisely to "repair" the disturbed balance of state legal and political power.
EVROPSKA POVELjA O LOKALNOJ SAMOUPRAVI I LOKALNA SAMOUPRAVA U SRBIJI
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Law, Rapajić Milan
Published: November 2023

The author divided the work into two parts: the analysis of the European Charter on Local Self-Government and the position of local self-government in Serbia. The theory states that the practical importance of the European Charter on Local Self-Government lies in the fact that it has determined the minimum standards (organizational, functional and control) criteria that can contribute to the development of the idea of local self-government but also to raising the level of democracy in the European area. Otherwise, the provisions of the Charter ratified by Serbia in 2007 have extralegal legal force and are part of positive law. When it comes to the position of local self-government in Serbia, the author gave a brief historical review along with an analysis of the current constitutional and legal framework. In Serbia, local self-government is a constitutional category and form of state decentralization. Local self-government guarantees the existence of one sphere for the performance of local affairs where there is no jurisdiction of the central authority. Basic elements of the position of local self-government are regulated by the Constitution and further detailed by appropriate laws. These are the following elements (which are presented in the paper): name, territory, seat, establishment and abolition of the local self-government unit, decision-making method of citizens, organization of local bodies, competences, financing, control and protection of local self-government. At the end, instead of a conclusion, critical observations were made regarding the position of local self-government in Serbia, with the conclusion that with each new law on local self-government, positive reform moves have been made, but that a comprehensive reform of local self-government is yet to be expected.
LjUDSKA PRAVA KROZ PRIZMU DIGITALNIH TEHNOLOGIJA
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Law, Ivković Nikola
Published: November 2023

The paper analyzes the evolution of the human right to privacy, especially through the prism of the development of digital technologies. Although the right is more recent, the genesis of the development of the human right to privacy is very significant through the development of the dynamics of social relations. In this sense, the development of the right to privacy is first analyzed. After that, the challenges of realizing this right in the era of universal connectivity and the development of human relations at a distance are observed. A special aspect is devoted to the development of artificial intelligence, as a tool that generates a large amount of data and the possibility of machine reasoning and logic. In this way, artificial intelligence is seen as a key determinant in the possibilities of data abuse, but also in jeopardizing the human right to privacy. The research points to guidelines for understanding, and therefore protection of key human rights in the era of dynamic development of digital technology. In this regard, the Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in the Republic of Serbia for the period 2020-2025 is also taken into account.
Water Risk Management of Hanoi Urban Environment towards 2030’s Sustainable Urban Spatial Development
Authors: Nguyen Viet-Hung
Published: November 2023

The process of population growth and “uncontrolled” urbanization has led to a "loose" management by the government of Hanoi, and lack of proper care on surface water resource and water environment as well as the orientation for sustainable spatial development of Hanoi urban region and its community-based participants at the long-term vision. Therefore, the urgent duties now are to have management measures, specific solution groups to regulate the activities of surface water risk management of Hanoi urban environment towards the related-target group of three rivers runing through Hanoi urban region in order to achive the 2030’s sustainable development goals. Based on the DPSIR’s research framework (Driving force - Pressure - Status - Impact - Response), the results of this study are to propose a model of public-private partnership for the management of Hanoi urban settlement resiliencing to the environmental changes, as a pilot initiative from a case study in Hanoi.
Modern Düşünme Tarzının Tahakkümünden Kurtulmak: Heideggerci Bir Modernlik Eleştirisi Olarak Stalker Filmi
Authors: SANDIKÇI Sümeyra Hatice
Published: November 2023

Bu çalışma, sanatı hakikatin ifşa tarzı olarak gören Heidegger’in, modern düşünme tarzına yönelik eleştirisini, hakikatin ve anlamın izini süren bir sanatçı olan Tarkovski’nin Stalker filminde görünür kılmak amacıyla kaleme alınmıştır. Tarkovski’nin modernleşme sürecine yaklaşımı ve sanatı yerleştirdiği konumun Alman düşünürün yaklaşımlarıyla örtüşüyor olması bize bu imkânı vermektedir. Heidegger’e göre modern insan iki unutuşla karşı karşıyadır. İlk unutuş, varlığın anlamının unutuluşudur. Varlığı var olanların toplamı olarak gören Batı metafizik tarihi, Dasein’ı her türlü varlık imkanını örten bir yabancılaşmaya götürmüştür. Dasein’ın kendisine ve varlığa yönelik bu unutuşu, zemininde Kartezyen metafiziğin yer aldığı modern dönemde ise çok daha girift bir hal almış, unutuş da unutulmuştur. Öznenin mutlak subjektum, diğerlerinin de el altında duran (Be-stand) olarak konumlandığı modern düşünüş tarzı hakikatle bağı koparmıştır. Heidegger’e göre bu unutuşlar arasından hakikati çekip çıkarabilecek olan ancak sanattır. Tüketim kültürüne dayalı Batı düşüncesini “protezler medeniyeti” olarak isimlendiren Rus yönetmen Tarkovski için de sanat hakikatle ilişki kurma noktasında benzer bir konumdadır. Bu çalışmada, Tarkovski’nin 1979 yapımı unutulmaz filmi Stalker, Heidegger’in modern düşünme kritiği perspektifinde ele alınarak betimsel analiz yöntemiyle incelenecektir. Filmin teknik unsurlarından ziyade, anlam arayışı ve modern düşünce eleştirisi ön plana çıkarılacaktır.