bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FRANCE – ISRAEL: CONSEQUENCES OF THE «OCTOBER 7»
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Shumilin Alexander
Published: December 2024

October 7, 2023, the day of the Hamas extremist attack on Israel, marked the beginning of powerful upheavals in the Middle East region. They echoed in the form of large-scale demonstrations in many cities of the European Union and in the Euro-Atlantic countries, having a noticeable impact on the domestic political balance of power there. Having become one of the significant factors in changing the existing domestic political balances there, the Middle East upheavals noticeably affected the results of the elections to the European Parliament, as well as to the parliaments of France and Great Britain. The article focuses on the analysis of the impact of the Middle East events on what is happening in France. It is emphasized that for the first time since the time of de Gaulle, they led to a short-term crisis at the interstate level between France and Israel. The echo of the Middle East battles also resonated in the EU in the form of a surge in anti-Semitism, clearly manifested, in particular, in the anti-Israeli pogroms in Amsterdam on November 7, 2024. The author comes to the conclusion that under the influence of dramatic events in the Middle East, the alliance between Islamists and European left and far-left organizations is strengthening, which increases the likelihood of polarization and division of political elites there.
A Complex Acoustical Environment During Development Enhances Auditory Perception and Coding Efficiency in the Zebra Finch
Authors: Moseley Samantha M. , Meliza C. Daniel
Published: December 2024

Sensory experience during development has lasting effects on perception and neural processing. Exposing juvenile animals to artificial stimuli influences the tuning and functional organization of the auditory cortex, but less is known about how the rich acoustical environments experienced by vocal communicators affect the processing of complex vocalizations. Here, we show that in zebra finches (
Taeniopygia guttata
), a colonial-breeding songbird species, exposure to a naturalistic social-acoustical environment during development has a profound impact on auditory perceptual behavior and on cortical-level auditory responses to conspecific song. Compared to birds raised by pairs in acoustic isolation, male and female birds raised in a breeding colony were better in an operant discrimination task at recognizing conspecific songs with and without masking colony noise. Neurons in colony-reared birds had higher average firing rates, selectivity, and discriminability, especially in the narrow-spiking, putatively inhibitory neurons of a higher-order auditory area, the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM). Neurons in colony-reared birds were also less correlated in their tuning, more efficient at encoding the spectrotemporal structure of conspecific song, and better at filtering out masking noise. These results suggest that the auditory cortex adapts to noisy, complex acoustical environments by strengthening inhibitory circuitry, functionally decoupling excitatory neurons while maintaining overall excitatory-inhibitory balance.
Pharmacological Modulation of Dopamine Receptors Reveals Distinct Brain-Wide Networks Associated with Learning and Motivation in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Fujimoto Atsushi , Elorette Catherine , Fujimoto Satoka H. , Fleysher Lazar , Rudebeck Peter H. , Russ Brian E.
Published: December 2024

The neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) has a multifaceted role in healthy and disordered brains through its action on multiple subtypes of dopaminergic receptors. How the modulation of these receptors influences learning and motivation by altering intrinsic brain-wide networks remains unclear. Here, we performed parallel behavioral and resting-state functional MRI experiments after administration of two different DA receptor antagonists in male and female macaque monkeys. Systemic administration of SCH-23390 (D1 antagonist) slowed probabilistic learning when subjects had to learn new stimulus–reward associations and diminished functional connectivity (FC) in corticocortical and frontostriatal connections. In contrast, haloperidol (D2 antagonist) improved learning and broadly enhanced FC in cortical connections. Further comparisons between the effect of SCH-23390/haloperidol on behavioral and resting-state FC revealed specific cortical and subcortical networks associated with the cognitive and motivational effects of DA manipulation, respectively. Thus, we reveal distinct brain-wide networks that are associated with the dopaminergic control of learning and motivation via DA receptors.
The Effect of Non-Interest Income on Bank Profitability and Risk: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Acar Balaylar Nilgün , Karımlı Turan , Bulut Ahsen Emir
Published: December 2024

There are three purposes of this article, the first of which is to investigate the impact of non-interest income (NNII) on the profitability of banks assessed by both return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). The second one is to investigate the impact of NNII on risk, assessed by the volatility of return on assets (SdROA) and the volatility of return on equity (SdROE). The final one is to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bank profitability and risk. To achieve the above, the dynamic panel technique, a two-step GMM estimator, was used with the data of 25 deposit banks operating uninterruptedly from 2002 to 2021. The empirical results show that the NNII was positive and significantly correlated with ROA and ROE. The effect of NNII on the risk level appears to be negative and significantly related. In addition, during the COVID-19 period, it was determined that profitability decreased and risk increased. This shows that NNII is a vital shock absorber during an external shock. Therefore, it could be said that banks should attach importance to income diversification, and sector regulators should encourage innovation to create non-traditional products. Under the adverse conjuncture created by increasing public intervention and the pandemic, in recent years, Turkish banks have been encouraged to diversify their activities further rather than focus solely on traditional activities. NNII appears to be associated with higher profitability and lower risk.
Mpox: the latest global health emergency
Authors: Kanmony Dr J Cyril
Published: December 2024

The declaration of a disease as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization is not new to the world. Since 2007, the WHO has declared six PHEICs, the first one for the H1N1 in 2009 and the sixth one for COVID-19 in 2020, After that within a period of two years, 2022- 2024 mpox was declared a PHEIC two times, the first one in July 2022 and the second in August 2024. As the mpox virus was found in monkeys as early as 1958, it was called monkey pox and then after detecting it among human beings, the first case found out in 1970, it was called mpox. The spread of mpox was only here and there up to the end of May 2022. After that, it becomes a multi-country and -continental disease though both the outbreaks occurred first in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As on 21st August 2024 it spread over 122 countries. It affected 27,000 people and killed more than 1,100 persons including children and pregnant women in the DRC alone. There are two clades and two sub-clades, thus four sub-forms, ‘Ia’, ‘Ib’, ‘IIa’ and ‘IIb’. Among these four forms ‘Ib’ is more serious and dangerous than other forms. The ‘IIb’ clade is the cause for the first outbreak while the ‘Ib’ is the cause for the second outbreak. Infections occur only when there is a physical contact with persons affected by the virus or with respiratory droplets or oral fluids or when one touches contaminated objects with the virus. It also spreads from animals to humans. The usual symptoms of mpox are: a) painful rashes all over the body, particularly in the palms and feet; 2) enlarged lymph nodes; and 3) there are symptoms like fever, headache, muscle ache, and back pain, and a feeling of low energy apart from symptoms like chills and exhaustion. The cure is automatic, last only 2-4 weeks. A few may require hospitalization. Children and pregnant women are at high risk of infection apart from healthcare workers and sexual workers. There is no medicine to cure it, but smallpox vaccine can be applied to control the spread. However the stock of it is almost zero as smallpox is declared eradicated in 1980.So one can avoid the infection of mpox only by taking a few precautionary steps.
Fractura de clavícula: técnica MIPO de fijación por la cara superior
Authors: Fazzone Facundo , Garay Rafael , Focaraccio Santiago , Martínez Carlos E. , Tornatore Garrido Ítalo Alfredo Aníbal
Published: December 2024

Introducción: A partir de los estudios clásicos propuestos por Neer, se ha establecido que los resultados de la cirugía abierta son superiores a los del tratamiento conservador en las fracturas desplazadas de clavícula. Sin embargo, la técnica abierta no está exenta de complicaciones (lesión nerviosa sensitiva, desperiostizaciones, cicatriz dolorosa). La aplicación de la técnica MIPO permitiría disminuir estos riesgos.
Objetivos: Comunicar nuestra experiencia en fracturas cerradas, desplazadas y mediodiafisarias de clavícula; describir la técnica quirúrgica focalizando en el abordaje y mostrar los resultados funcionales.
Materiales y Métodos: Serie retrospectiva de 32 pacientes (28 hombres [87,5%] y 4 mujeres [12,5%] con fracturas del tercio medio de la clavícula, cerradas, con trazos simples y conminutos, operados entre enero de 2021 y marzo de 2023. La edad promedio era de 32 años y el seguimiento promedio fue de 19 meses (rango 14-25). Se realizaron controles radiográficos y se evaluó la función mediante la escala de Constant-Murley modificada, la escala ASES y la escala analógica visual para dolor.
Resultados: El tiempo hasta la cirugía fue de 3 días, se constató la consolidación radiológica en una media de 15.6 semanas. El puntaje promedio de Constant-Murley modificado fue de 88,34; el puntaje ASES, de 83,8 y el de la escala analógica visual, de 0,5. No se reportaron hipoestesias subclaviculares ni dolor en la cicatriz.
Conclusiones: Se logró la consolidación y la movilidad completa, evitando morbilidades y complicaciones asociadas. La MIPO, a partir de parámetros técnicos simples y reproducibles, es una opción segura.
Índice por temas 2024
Authors: AAOT Revista de la
Published: December 2024

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Improving Time to Completion of Medical Student Clerkship Evaluations
Authors: Veters Michelle D. , May Brian , Wu Chang L. , Schmit Erinn O. , Berger Stephanie
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Medical student clinical clerkship evaluations provide feedback for growth and contribute to the clerkship grade and the student’s residency application. Their importance is expected to increase even more with the recent change of the US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 to a pass/fail designation. Timely completion of medical student clerkship evaluations is a problem. In this study, the authors aimed to increase the percentage of student evaluations completed by pediatric hospital medicine physicians within 14 days of assignment from 45% to 75% or greater using quality improvement (QI) methodology over a 1-year period (January through December 2021).

METHODS

The evaluation program generated reports every 2 months. Control charts were used to analyze the data. Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were performed. Interventions included education, baseline data knowledge, gamification, standardization, quarterly data updates, and weekly announcement of incomplete evaluations. Balancing measures included word count of narrative comments in the evaluation and percentage of clinical honors awarded.

RESULTS

Intervention implementation was associated with special cause variation of the primary outcome, with the average timely completion rate increasing from a baseline of 45% to 79%, which remained consistent during the 8-month sustainment period. Word count of narrative comments and percentage of honors designation had no special cause variation or shifts.

CONCLUSIONS

Using QI methods, timely completion of medical student clerkship evaluations was improved through several interventions, including weekly announcements of incomplete evaluations and gamification with quarterly recognition awards. QI methodology is an effective and practical way to improve timely completion of medical student clerkship evaluations.
WHEN AI BECOMES HUMAN: LOVE AND BELONGING NEEDS IN I AM MOTHER (2019) FILM
Authors: Supardi Moh , Khoirunnisa Fahira
Published: December 2024

The paper aims to examine the cast of artificial intelligence (AI) character in solving the problem of love and belonging needs in I am Mother film. Today, the arise of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought controversial debate among society about ethical consideration and psychological problems. One of the concerns is that the integration of AI with character may open up new approaches and innovation toward AI. The data are qualitatively-described focusing on psychological problems of main character using the third level of the hierarchy of human needs of Abraham Harold Maslow. The data are collected from dialogue, visual capture, and cinematography of I am Mother film. The study reveals that AI has a significant influence on the main character's sense of loss of love and belonging. In this film, the main character undergoes loss of love and belonging needs in four forms, family relationships, friendships, romantic relationships, community, and social group. Consequently, the loss of love and belonging has affected the main character’s psychology, feelings of loneliness, isolation, and emotional instability. Fortunately, the main character (Daughter) can overcome her psychological problems, such as creating a close relationship with Mother, improving her self-development, having empathy and caring for their environment, searching for the truth in the outside world, and finding the truth and where she belongs. The study concluded that AI’s emotion still needs to be controlled and trained to make up something, such as how to express emotion and feeling because the AI doesn’t understand the context since they are still need human involvement in its process of development.

Keyword: hierarchy of needs, love and belonging, artificial intelligence, psychological problems
Daoist and Confucianist Schools of Thought in Muslim-Majority Indonesian Society
Authors: Awangga Panji Guniwa Aria , Truna Dody S. , Albustomi Ahmad Gibson
Published: December 2024

Confucianism is a school of thought that was born in China in the sixth century BC, founded by Confucius. This teaching emphasizes moral virtue, social relationships, and the connection between man and Heaven. The aim of this article is to explore the evolution of Confucianism from its early teachings to its more complex form of Neo-Confucianism, as well as its relevance in the modern context in China and East Asia. The methods used in this article involve a historical and philosophical approach through textual analysis of the teachings of Dao and Confucius, including the works of Zhu Xi, as well as a comparative study of its influence on culture, society, and politics in East Asia. The results of the analysis show that although Confucianism suffered a decline during the period of division after the fall of the Han Dynasty, its rise through Neo-Confucianism in the Song Dynasty era not only integrated metaphysical and spiritual elements but also strengthened education and self-development as the foundation of morality. In addition, the article reveals how Daoism and Confucianism have successfully adapted to modern challenges, such as interaction with Western thought and far-reaching social changes so that it remains relevant in shaping contemporary culture and ethics in East Asia.
Comparison of EfficientNetB0 and EfficientNetB7 Models in Classifying Malaria Based on Blood Cells
Authors: Kiki Muhammad Rizkiansyah Maulana , Sari Zamah , Rizki Didih
Published: December 2024

Malaria is a disease caused by the bite of malaria mosquitoes, which spreads through blood. Malaria mosquitoes will spread the Plasmodium parasite through their bites. Early malaria identification is essential so the disease can be prevented immediately. Through data science, which utilizes the CNN model, the classification of blood infected with parasites can be predicted accurately. This research uses data obtained from Kaggle website with 27,558 image samples. The data is divided into two classes, parasite-infected and uninfected, which are then divided again into two types. The first class is training data divided into 80% of the total data and the other 20% as validation data. This research used two test scenarios to obtain a more effective classification model. The first scenario uses Hyperparameter Tuning and the EfficientNetB0 model with classification results of 95%. Meanwhile, the classification achievement for scenario two was 99% by utilizing EfficientNetB7.
Morphological and genetic variations of two earthworm species Metaphire bahli (Gates, 1945) and Metaphire peguana (Rosa, 1890) (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) in Vietnam
Authors: Phan Thanh Quoc , Nguyen Duc Anh , Xuan Lam Truong , Thai Thi Ngoc Dung , Lam Hai Dang
Published: December 2024

The paper presents the analysis of morphological and genetic variations of two species, Metaphire bahli (Gates, 1945) and Metaphire peguana (Rosa, 1900), from Vietnam. As a result, M. bahli has two morphological forms based on the shape of the male region and state of genital markings while M. peguana has two subspecies, M. peguana peguana, and M. peguana laisonensis. M. peguana peguana had genital markings disc-shaped in 17/18/19 and a diverticulum attached to the base of the ampulla duct while M. peguana laisonensis had genital papillae slit-like shaped in xvii and xix, and diverticulum end at the middle of ampulla duct.
Influence of the elicitors on the accumulation of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities in the Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms in vitro roots
Authors: Le Thi Van Anh , Tran Ngoc Trung Anh , Duong Phuong Anh , Bao Chau Ha Tran , Dinh Thi Hien Diu , Mai Nga Thi Phuong
Published: December 2024

Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms, belonging to the Ginseng family (Araliaceae), is a valuable medicinal plant in Vietnam. Recognized in the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia, it is esteemed for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties, making it a significant contributor to traditional medicine. This research contributes to the understanding of elicitor-induced changes in antioxidant activity, and secondary metabolite content of in vitro root extract of P. fruticosa. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of the root extract tested by DPPH radical scavenging assay with an IC50 value of 1.28 mg/mL in the baseline and the lowest IC50 value of 0.89 mg/mL in the medium treated with yeast extract (YE). The highest total phenolic and flavonoid content were displayed in jasmonic acid-treated samples at 24.31 ± 2.86 mg gallic acid/g extract and 29.25 ± 0.26 mg quercetin/g extract, respectively. The highest saponin was also produced in roots elicited by jasmonic acid, where it reached about 167.19 ± 3.29 mg aescin/g extract. Furthermore, investigation with antioxidant enzyme activities showed another superiority when using elicitors YE (64.4 ± 3,14 U/mg protein) and mannitol (Man) (65.39 ± 3.85 U/mg protein) in peroxidase (POD) activity and using jasmonic acid (8.87 ± 0.74 U/mg) in catalase (CAT) activity. Lastly, TPC and TFC exhibited a positive correlation of r = 0.53 while the TPC and DPPH scavenging activity and TFC and POD showed a remarkably negative correlation of r around -0.8. In conclusion, this study highlights the advancements in eliciting root cultures to enhance specific phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. The information provided holds significant value and will be of interest to scientists engaged in plant biotechnology, particularly in the elicitation of medicinal plant roots.
Characterization of endophytic bacteria in Vietnamese rice seeds
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Van , Mai Thi Phuong Nga
Published: December 2024

Rice is a staple food and is commonly used in daily life not only in Vietnam but worldwide. However, pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies are threatening Vietnam's rice production by causing significant damage. The endophytic bacteria (EB) which are isolated from plants, may help improve certain quality traits of rice seeds assist plants in coping with abiotic and biotic stresses from the environment. Therefore, this study aims to investigate some promising characteristics of EBs in rice seeds, including gelatinase production, starch hydrolysis, phosphate solubilizing, cellulase, and IAA synthesis. Rice seeds from various rice varieties were used to isolate the endophytic bacteria. The bacteria were grown in Petri dishes or glass test tubes in some selective media in a controlled environment to screen for investigated traits. A total of five EBs were isolated, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry with a log score of MALDI Biotypes greater than 2.0 was employed for bacterial identification. Interestingly, the results revealed that the bacteria in rice grains have a high ability to synthesize cellulase, hydrolyze starch and gelatin, and produce auxin. The highest cellulase activity was associated with Staphylococcus caprae while Micrococcus luteus exhibited maximum IAA hormon and gelatinase enzyme production. Starch hydrolysis was highest in Bacillus. However, these bacteria showed low phosphate solubilization ability. The promising bacteria identified in this study include Bacillus cereus, M. luteus, and Bacillus atrophaeus. The promising results from our study can be utilized for further in vivo studies in rice plants to develop biocontrol reagents and biofertilizers for agricultural applications.
The current distribution and threats of some small mammals with high conservation value from the orders Eulipotyphla, Chiroptera and Rodentia in Vietnam
Authors: Truong Nguyen Son , V. Kruskop Sergei , Dinh Vu Thong , Lý Ngọc Tú , Óhida Tatsuo , Endo Hideki , Motokawa Masaharu , Tuan Bui Hai
Published: December 2024

Vietnam is recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Recent studies have uncovered numerous new mammal species, highlighting the significant biodiversity of Vietnam not only within the region but globally. However, these new species, along with established ones, are currently affected by climate change and human activities, which have led to the decline of certain populations and placed some species at risk of extinction. Since 2001, our surveys and assessments of the current status and distribution of small mammals from the orders Eulipotyphla, Chiroptera, and Rodentia have identified 48 species that are prioritized for conservation with varying conservation levels based on their actual status, especially those with less individual numbers in population, narrow distribution ranges, and those still affected by human activities. The research has identified 17 priority sites for habitat conservation, including two in the Northeast, three in the Northwest, four in the North Central region, three in the Central Highlands, and five in the Mekong Delta.
Rome and Its Inhabitants during the Sack of the City by the Visigoths in 410 ADv
Authors:   Ural Federal University, Zaitseva Evgeniia S.
Published: December 2024

This article uncovers anthropological aspect of the capture of Rome by the troops of Alaric, the culminating event of the crisis of 408–410 AD on the Apennine Peninsula. Taking narrative sources and archaeological data into account, and using the prosopographic analysis, the author examines the information on the damage to private and public buildings in the city of Rome and analyses what ways of salvation from the Gothic threat were available to the townspeople. The conclusion is that the absence of archaeologically documented destructions in Rome, reliably associated with the sack of 410, does not testify to the city remained undamaged. The damages affected the entire territory of Rome, and many residents were subjects to violence, robbery, and murder. Trying to save themselves from the barbarians, the Romans fled from the city or sought refuge in churches. The ordinary townspeople remained in Rome or evacuated to the isle of Igilium, though the aristocracy had the opportunity to migrate westwards (Igilium), southwards (North Africa), eastwards (Palestine), or northwards (Ravenna). With a few exceptions, all the cases under analysis concerned short-term migrations. The migrations of Roman aristocrats from Italy to North Africa or Palestine were less a reaction to the barbarian invasion than the desire to devote themselves to serving God faraway from urban centres. Generally, the sack of Rome in 410 AD was a difficult test for the city and its inhabitants, but the economic resources in possession of the senatorial aristocracy made provisions for the quick restoration of the previous standard of living.
Searching the Khazars in Mangup: Some Critical Observations on the Data of Written and Archaeological Sources
Authors:   V. I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Naumenko Valerii E.
Published: December 2024

This article examines the available data of written and archaeological sources on the so-called “Khazar” Period in the history of Mangup-Doros, the largest Byzantine castle in the Mountainous Crimea in the Early Middle Ages. As the latest research materials show, the only source testifying to the capture of the castle of Doros by the Khazars ca 786–787 and the presence of the Khazar garrison there is the Life of St John of Gothia. However, the results of current excavations of the site indicate that the castle became a part of the Khazar Khaganate for the short term only, and its material culture from the eighth and the first half of the ninth centuries did not experienced serious changes. The ethnic structure and main occupations of the local population continued from the previous time. All the identified repairs of early mediaeval fortification structures correlate with the activities of the castle garrison in the first half of the eighth century and in the mid-ninth to late-tenth centuries, when it was a part of the Byzantine possessions in the Crimea. Particularly indicative is the evolutionary development of a number of large settlement structures currently discovered in the central area of the ancient town, testifying to the gradual formation of the urban appearance of Mangup from the sixth to eleventh century and its transformation into a typical provincial Byzantine town. The new materials of research of Mangup-Doros in the “Dark Ages” of its history presented in the study generally are of great importance for rethinking the established historiographic ideas about the significant role of the Khazar Khaganate in the history of Crimean Gothia and the entire Crimean Peninsula in the eighth and ninth centuries.
Rus’ian Scabbard-end from Byzantine Bosporos
Authors:   Institute of Archaeology of the Crimea of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Maiko Vadim V. , Ponomarev Leonid I. ,   independent researcher, Kononova Svetlana A. ,   Crimean Regional Center for Archaeological Researches
Published: December 2024

This article analyses the sword scabbard-end originating from the 2020 excavations in the north-eastern part of Kerch, at the territory of the ancient cemetery. The scabbard-end belongs to Kainov’s type IIIb2 of solid-cast copper sword scabbard- ends, which origins are related to the so-called ceremonial composite high sword scabbard-ends from the late-tenth or early-eleventh century, manufactured both in the southern and northern areas of Rus’ian state. The find in question confirms the conclusion that the scabbard-ends of type IIIb2, similarly to their prototypes, were manufactured in the Rus’ian territory in no earlier than the first half of the eleventh century, and their finds outside the state (in the Taurica, Bolgar in the Volga area, Hungary, and Romania) testify to trade or military operations. This article has analysed the entire complex of archaeological finds from the 2020 excavations, comprising of the Scandinavian scabbard-end, a pectoral cross of the Norman type, and tamgha-like signs on the walls of the dromos of Tsarskii barrow, which meet with the analogies only among the so-called “Rurikid signs.” All these finds testify to the presence of Rus’ian and Scandinavian warriors on the territory of the Bosporos. However, the data in possession are not sufficient for the conclusion that the Eastern Crimea and the Bosporos were political subordinated to the Principality of Tmutorokan. Since narrow chronological framework for the artefacts under analysis is absent, these finds most probably provide evidence of permanent trade and cultural connections between the two territories.
“Byzantine Myth” in the Historiography of Pre-Mongol Rus’ Pre-Mongol Rus’
Authors:   Ural Federal University, Stepanenko Valerii P.
Published: December 2024

This article analyses the scholarly works of historians and art historians written from the mid-twentieth to the early-twenty-first century, discussing the Rus’ian-Byzantine contacts from the eleventh to thirteenth century. The author of this article highlights that addressing Byzantine history allows the researchers to interpret Rus’ as a state with the culture developing in parallel with the Byzantine, being in no way inferior to it. However, some of the researchers’ ideas are based on erroneous interpretations of chronicle’s accounts or are purely hypothetical, as they do not find any support in archaeological or written sources. Moreover, sometimes the researchers show a lack of knowledge on the history of Byzantium. This article also discusses the most common historiographical errors. Finally, it has been noted that in the works published of recent decades supply not always successful attempts to reconstruct the cultural contacts of Rus’ (primarily, of the cities of Vladimir and Novgorod) with Byzantium and Western Europe under Vsevolod the Great Nest, as well as under the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos.
Mirror from the Golden Horde Period Excavated at the Ancient Town atop of the Plateau of Eski-Kermen
Authors:   Institute of Archaeology of the Crimea of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Antipenko Anna V.
Published: December 2024

This article analyzes the metal mirror excavated at the plateau of Eski-Kermen, from grave 16/2022 of the fourteenth-century cemetery located in front of the main basilica church. The remains of the burials of a woman and a child have been unearthed at the bottom of the grave. The metal mirror in question was found at the southern wall of the grave. This mirror features metal disc showing a pair of fishes swimming in the same direction. The given artefact meets with the analogies from the sites of the sedentary and nomadic populations located in the regions that appeared under the control of the Golden Horde. The scene of a pair of fishes was borrowed from China; in the second half of the thirteenth and fourteenth century it became one of the most popular images on mirrors. Most likely, the mirror under study was cast in a clay mould, as the back side decoration is smoothed, and the surface in between of the images is rough and porous. The artefact is made of tin-lead bronze with high content of tin (23%), well correlating with the results of elemental analysis of the mirrors from the Golden Horde Period found in other territories. This alloy composition supplied silver-like colour of the ware and allowed the artisans to polish the front side.
A publicação de óbitos online em Portugal. Análise discursiva a perfis institucionais digitais
Authors: Caldeira Pais Pedro , Neto Pedro Pereira
Published: December 2024

Este artigo debruça-se sobre o discurso produzido por perfis institucionais portugueses que publicam óbitos. Argumenta-se primeiramente que os conceitos de memorial e de obituário encontram-se cada vez mais próximos, devido à possibilidade de os utilizadores produzirem conteúdos digitais e contribuírem para o discurso de luto nestes novos espaços. Posteriormente é apresentado um modelo analítico com princípios da Análise Crítica do Discurso, aplicado aos obituários e outros textos presentes em websites e páginas de Facebook de duas plataformas necrológicas e quatro funerárias locais. Sendo a análise aplicada exclusivamente ao discurso produzido pelos titulares de perfis institucionais nas plataformas (e não por utilizadores), são apresentadas diversas conclusões: a existência de um discurso de obituário básico e asséptico; a intencionalidade, por parte destes perfis, de transferir a narrativa obituária sobre o morto para os utilizadores, que por sua vez terão a potencialidade de atribuir significação à vida do morto; a existência de uma linguagem eufemística sobre a morte, tendencialmente dessacralizada e focada em conceitos como memória e homenagem; e a particularidade destes espaços no que concerne à mortalidade híbrida, já que as identidades virtuais dos falecidos poderão ser criadas pela primeira vez pelas funerárias, e os utilizadores que comentam online reconhecerão o falecido, provavelmente, do espaço físico da proximidade.
Brechas entre tamizaje y consejería en la prevención de la transmisión materno-infantil de VIH y sífilis en un hospital de referencia paraguayo
Authors: Meza Noelia , Pinheiro Pecis David Jansen , Meza Gustavo Armando , Valdés Nathalia , Chaux Alcides
Published: December 2024

La transmisión materno-infantil del VIH y la sífilis persiste como un desafío significativo en América Latina. Este estudio transversal evaluó la prevalencia de estas infecciones y la cobertura de servicios preventivos en el Hospital Regional de Ciudad del Este, Paraguay. Se analizaron datos de 238 mujeres embarazadas y puérperas durante 2022-2023, recolectados mediante entrevistas estructuradas y revisión de registros clínicos. La prevalencia de VIH fue del 4.6 % y de sífilis el 5.0 %, tasas superiores a las reportadas previamente en la región. La cobertura de tamizaje fue alta (> 90 % para ambas infecciones), pero solo el 37 % de las pacientes recibió consejería adecuada. El nivel educativo y el inicio temprano del control prenatal se asociaron significativamente con mayor probabilidad de recibir consejería (OR = 2.14, IC 95 % = 1.42-3.22; OR = 1.89, IC 95 % = 1.31-2.73, respectivamente). La edad menor a 20 años se identificó como factor de riesgo para sífilis (OR = 2.84, IC 95 % = 1.46-5.52). Las principales barreras para la implementación efectiva de servicios preventivos incluyeron limitaciones en infraestructura sanitaria, escasez de personal capacitado y factores socioculturales. Los hallazgos sugieren la necesidad de fortalecer los programas de prevención, con énfasis en mejorar la calidad de la consejería y reducir las barreras de acceso, particularmente para poblaciones vulnerables. Se requieren intervenciones específicas que consideren el contexto local y las características sociodemográficas de la población atendida.
DESIGN OF METAMATERIAL-BASED WIDEBAND PATCH ANTENNA FOR 5G NR, N46, AND N79 BAND APPLICATIONS
Authors: Gatram Mahesh , Karumuri Rajasekhar
Published: December 2024

A low-profile, miniaturized, wideband, single-fed, driven, rectangular microstrip patch antenna loaded with a single-layered double negative (DNG) complementary metamaterial for 5G sub-6 GHz applications is designed. Based on the needs of the present and the future, the metamaterial is essential for improving the performance of the antenna. The proposed antenna has dimensions of 0.35λ × 0.35λ × 0.02λ mm3 and is made of FR4 substrate material with a dielectric constant of 4.4. This design uses complementary metamaterial placed out periodically on the lower side of the ground with a rectangular slot and metamaterial on the patch to achieve wideband operation. The proposed antenna resonates at 5.06 GHz and covers a band from 4.65 GHz to 5.6 GHz with a return loss of -30 dB and VSWR < 2. It provides a 950 MHz wide bandwidth, a peak gain of 3.5 dBi, and a 94% radiation efficiency. A novel metamaterial improves not only bandwidth but also reduces the size of the antenna. It reduces its size by 86% compared to conventional antennas. In 5G applications, this antenna covers the n46 (5.150-5.925 GHz) and n79 (4.400-5 GHz) bands. It is suitable for WLAN, C-band, and radar system applications. This paper presents the analysis of the antenna together with the measured findings.
si-PiNet: a novel stress integration method for elastoplastic models
Authors: Zhang Pin , Yin Zhen-Yu , Sheil Brian
Published: December 2024

Elastoplastic theory is ubiquitous in engineering for modelling the mechanical behaviours of various materials such as metals and granular matter. Elastoplasticity allows computation of plastic strains and updated stresses with hardening parameters using explicit and/or implicit integration algorithms, requiring strong mathematical and domain knowledge. This study proposes a novel stress integration prior information based neural network (si-PiNet) to achieve step-change improvements in the solution of elastoplastic stress–strain responses. si-PiNet leverages a strong non-linear mapping ability in high-dimensional space to search for the correct stress under a given strain increment. The associated stress prediction is constrained by encoded prior information in the form of elastoplastic theory. To verify feasibility and generalization, si-PiNet is applied to solve three canonical elastoplastic constitutive models, namely, von Mises, Mohr–Coulomb and Modified Cam-clay. The results indicate that si-PiNet can accurately capture the evolution of stress and hardening of various complex constitutive models, while also achieving a lower sensitivity to the magnitude of strain increment compared with conventional stress integration algorithms. si-PiNet provides engineering researchers with a new generic paradigm for the computation of plastic strain and updating of stresses with potential for application to any constitutive model of interest.
Transformation in Kazakhstan’s construction industry amid digitalisation of the economy
Authors: Salykov Azamat , Shalbolova Urpash , Junusova Ainur
Published: December 2024

The construction industry in Kazakhstan is undergoing significant changes due to the rapid digitalisation of the sector. This study aims to explore the impact of digital technologies, including the Internet of Things, building information modelling, and automation systems, on the productivity, quality, and competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s construction sector. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including a comparative analysis with global leaders in digital technologies, the study examines the current state of Kazakhstan’s construction industry and its potential for digital transformation. The findings reveal that while digital technologies have the potential to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality, challenges such as data security and regulatory adaptation remain. Kazakhstan’s digital transformation strategy for 2023–2029 provides a strategic roadmap for addressing these challenges and enhancing the country’s digital competitiveness, currently ranked 36th globally. The research concludes that the continued integration of digital technologies, supported by government policies and investments in cybersecurity, is critical for the construction sector’s growth and global competitiveness. This study contributes to understanding how digital solutions can be leveraged to optimise the construction industry’s performance in Kazakhstan and offers practical recommendations for stakeholders.
Morphology and surface structure of eggs and fırst instar larvae of Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Arslan Hicret , Candan Selami , Özyurt Koçakoğlu Nurcan
Published: December 2024

The seven-spotted ladybug, Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) L., is a polyphagous predatory species that feeds on many species of aphids and some soft-bodied insects in both larval and adult stages. For this reason, C. septempunctata L. (Coccinellidae) is very important in biological control. In this study, the egg structure and first larval period of C. septempunctata were examined using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The first larvae that emerge from C. septempunctata eggs are dark brown and have 3 pairs of legs. The abdomen consists of 8 segments. In SEM photographs, star-shaped extensions were observed on both sides of the strip on the dorsal surface of the thorax and abdomen of the larvae. Large stigma openings were found at equal intervals on the side of the abdomen. C. septempunctata eggs are clear and oval, appearing elliptical dorsally and ventrally and slightly rounded at both ends. The egg and larval structure of the invasive species C. septempunctata is described in detail.
Development of a method for the voltammetric determination of ascorbic acid on a palladium doped carbonaceous electrode
Authors: Çelik Gamze , Üstündağ Zafer
Published: December 2024

Ascorbic acid (AA) is a vital antioxidant with critical roles in human health, including immune system support and protection against oxidative stress. Accurate and sensitive determination of AA is essential in clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical analysis, and food quality control. In this study, a novel voltammetric method was developed using a glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with palladium-doped carbonaceous material for AA detection. A mixture of equal amounts of raw coal tar pitch (r-CTP) and glass fiber (GF) was pyrolyzed in a high-temperature furnace at 1000°C for 1 h, with a heating rate of 10°C/min under a nitrogen atmosphere. The resulting carbonized material was ground using a planetary ball mill (Retsch, PM100), and palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) were then doped onto the material via the sol-gel method. The obtained material is denoted Pd/CTP-GF. Pd/CTP-GF was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with Pd/CTP-GF was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV). A method was developed for the determination of ascorbic acid using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) on the Pd/CTP-GF modified GC electrode. The detection limit (S/N=3) of the developed method was determined to be 5 nM. The intraday and interday precision and accuracy of the method were also evaluated. In addition, the interference of dopamine, uric acid, and certain cations on ascorbic acid was investigated. In real sample applications, the developed method achieved a recovery of over 95% for ascorbic acid in orange juice samples.
Keywords: Ascorbic acid; differential pulse voltammetry; palladium nanoparticle; carbonaceous electrode.
Mathematical models of radio wave propagation in heterogeneous environments for wireless networks. Review
Authors:   Riga Technical University, Latvia, Popov Valentin I.
Published: December 2024

The issue of ensuring uniform radio coverage of service areas and the associated reliability of mobile radio systems in the 3G and 4G standards requires a lot of attention upon designing cellular mobile networks. One of the main tasks at the first stage of designing is the mathematical modeling of radio wave propagation under the influence of the environment. This work provides classification of mathematical models of radio wave propagation in cellular mobile communication systems, the algorithm of calculating radio signal strength at the receiving point depending on the distance between the mobile and the base stations, as well as factors and conditions affecting radio wave propagation are specified.
Mapeamento de Ilhas de Calor Urbanas na Conurbação Urbana de Cuiabá – Várzea Grande/MT por Sensoriamento Remoto
Authors: Paiva Fábio Friol Guedes de , Souza Natallia Sanches e
Published: December 2024

Objective – The urbanization process has caused significant changes in vegetation cover and, as a consequence, in the temperature of the Earth's surface, resulting in thermal anomalies characterized by the formation of surface heat islands. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between urban expansion based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Surface Urban Heat Islands (SUHI) in the cities of Cuiabá and Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso, Brazil, comparing the periods of 2016 and 2024.
Methodology – The methodology adopted consisted of analyzing Landsat 8 satellite images in three stages: (1) collecting and exporting images; (2) processing the data to generate NDVI, LST and SUHI; and (3) preparing the maps.
Originality/Relevance – The study addresses a theoretical gap in research on urban heat islands in the Brazilian Midwest, revealing the environmental and urban implications of the rapid growth of these cities through different remote sensing methods.
Results – The results indicated an increase in temperatures in urban areas, associated with the expansion of impervious surfaces and the reduction of vegetation cover. A greater thermal amplitude was observed in the dry period and an inverse correlation between NDVI and SUHIs, especially in the wet period, indicating vegetation as a mitigator of heat islands.
Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The study contributes to the analysis of heat islands in the Brazilian Midwest, correlating NDVI and SUHI, in addition to integrating remote sensing to analyze urbanization and seasonal thermal changes in tropical cities.
Social and Environmental Contributions – It is clear that preserving urban vegetation is essential to mitigate the effects of heat islands, and it is essential to consider these indicators in the urban management of expanding medium-sized cities located in a tropical climate.
Alternativas de destinação para pneus inservíveis
Authors: Bueno Luana Maria Moreira Godoy , Teles Renan Meira , Prates Kátia Valéria Marques Cardoso
Published: December 2024

This research addresses the topic of proper disposal of end-of-life tires, which are composed of rubber, carbon black, textiles, and steel. The problem with end-of-life tires is directly linked to their non-biodegradability, as these residues can take up to six centuries to decompose. Numerous environmental, public health, and economic issues arise from the improper accumulation of this waste. Therefore, this study focuses on a systematic literature review aimed at identifying various environmentally appropriate disposal methods for end-of-life tires in Brazil and worldwide, categorizing them into reuse, recovery, and recycling. It also examines how end-of-life tires are collected in Brazil to understand the main challenges in transporting this waste to facilities capable of proper disposal. End-of-life tires have the potential to be transformed into raw materials for crafting, incorporated into construction materials, or even used as an alternative fuel source in the cement industry. Thus, the proper disposal of end-of-life tires is crucial for preserving natural resources and reducing waste accumulation, preventing environmental damage and harm to public health. In most cases, end-of-life tires are reused or recycled, and in fewer cases, recovered.