bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Κλαδικές δραστηριότητες έρευνας-ανάπτυξης και συναρτήσεις παραγωγής γνώσης
Authors: Γούτα Πηνελόπη
Published: November 2024

Στην παρούσα Διδακτορική Διατριβή διερευνάται η σχέση μεταξύ της ερευνητικής εργασίας και προσπάθειας όπως αυτή εκφράζεται με δαπάνες Έρευνας και Ανάπτυξης και της παραγόμενης γνώσης, όπως μετράται στη βιβλιογραφία, με παραγωγή πατεντών (διπλώματα ευρεσιτεχνίας). Μελετά επίσης τη γεωγραφική κατανομή των ερευνητικών δραστηριοτήτων μεταξύ χωρών του ΟΟΣΑ, παραγωγής ερευνητικής πατέντας και τον βαθμό συγκεντροποίησης αυτών. Ασχολούμαστε με την επίδραση των δαπανών Έρευνας & Ανάπτυξης (Ε&Α) κλάδων της εγχώριας οικονομίας, εκτιμώντας το ρόλο της διάχυσης γνώσης. Χρησιμοποιώντας κλαδικά δεδομένα για την δαπάνη Έρευνας & Ανάπτυξης στις οικονομίες του ΟΟΣΑ, εκτιμώνται για κάθε χώρα επί σειρά ετών εγχώριες δαπάνες Έρευνας & Ανάπτυξης των κλάδων μεταποίησης, των μη μεταποιητικών, των κρατικών και των εκπαιδευτικών ιδρυμάτων. Κατασκευάζεται επαρκής και συνεπής χρονολογική σειρά διαστρωματικών δεδομένων των 17 σημαντικότερων για την Έρευνα & Ανάπτυξη χωρών του ΟΟΣΑ επί 15 έτη. Πραγματοποιείται οικονομετρική υποδειγματοποίηση και διερευνάται η αποτελεσματικότητα διαφορετικών εκτιμητών, τόσο για το αρχικό υπόδειγμα, όσο και για διαφορετικά ποσοστά απόσβεσης γνώσης. Επιπλέον, η διατριβή εξετάζει διάφορες τεχνολογικές κατηγορίες, με έμφαση στη νανοτεχνολογία, αξιοποιώντας δεδομένα ερευνητικών δαπανών, αριθμού απασχολούμενων στην Έρευνα & Ανάπτυξη, ΑΕΠ, και αριθμού πατεντών ανά τεχνολογική κατηγορία. Υπολογίζονται δείκτες βαθμού συμμετοχής (Industrial Quotient, IQ), τοπικής ειδίκευσης (Location Quotient, LQ), σχετικής συγκέντρωσης ερευνητικών δραστηριοτήτων (Concentration Level, CL) και ο δείκτης του αποκαλυπτόμενου τεχνολογικού πλεονεκτήματος (Revealed Technological Advantage, RTA) με βάση τις πατέντες κατά κατηγορία και συνολικά, για 29 χώρες του ΟΟΣΑ και 17 έτη. Τα αποτελέσματα υποδεικνύουν την ύπαρξη ισχυρής θετικής επίδρασης των δαπανών σε Έρευνα & Ανάπτυξη των κλάδων της ιδιωτικής μεταποίησης, των κρατικών και των εκπαιδευτικών ιδρυμάτων στις παραγόμενες πατέντες, υπογραμμίζοντας τον κρίσιμο ρόλο τους στην προώθηση της καινοτομίας και της δημιουργίας γνώσης. Επιπλέον, τα ευρήματα αποκαλύπτουν σημαντικές διαφορές στο βαθμό συμμετοχής και τοπικής ειδίκευσης μεταξύ των χωρών της Ασίας και της βόρειας Ευρώπης, υποδεικνύοντας υψηλότερο βαθμό συμμετοχής και τοπικής ειδίκευσης στις περιοχές αυτές. Επιπλέον, η μελέτη αποκαλύπτει διακριτά πρότυπα στην κατανομή των δραστηριοτήτων Έρευνας & Ανάπτυξης, σε σύγκριση με το σύνολο των οικονομικών δραστηριοτήτων. Ειδικότερα, η ειδίκευση στη νανοτεχνολογία βρίσκεται στις υψηλότερες θέσεις μεταξύ των διαφορετικών τεχνολογικών τομέων.
Κυπριακές λαϊκές θρησκευτικές και τελετουργικές πρακτικές
Authors: Δαγκλή Αναστασία
Published: November 2024

Η διατριβή ασχολείται με τις Κυπριακές λαϊκές θρησκευτικές και τελετουργικές πρακτικές εστιάζοντας στις τοπικές ιδιαιτερότητες της Κυπριακής λαϊκής θρησκευτικότητας. Η παρούσα συστηματική μελέτη φωτίζει και αναδεικνύει ορισμένα πολύ σημαντικά στοιχεία και δεδομένα που αφορούν στην Κυπριακή κουλτούρα και στον τρόπο που τα διάφορα έθιμα της Κύπρου απηχούν τη χριστιανική λατρεία και επιτρέπουν την αντίστοιχη θρησκευτική ανάδειξη. Αυτές οι λατρείες και τα έθιμα μελετήθηκαν σε μεγάλο βαθμό σε σχέση με τον κύκλο της ζωής αλλά και με τις διάφορες εποχές του χρόνου. Έτσι, διαφοροποιήθηκαν τα εκάστοτε έθιμα και οι διάφορες συνήθειες ανάλογα με τον τρόπο που αυτές κατηγοριοποιούνται χρονικά ή και εκτελεστικά – τελετουργικά. Τα έθιμα που αφορούν στον κύκλο της ζωής σχετίζονται με έθιμα που είναι συνδεδεμένα με μία σειρά αλλαγών, τις οποίες υφίστανται οι οργανισμοί και οι οποίες νοηματοδοτούν τη μετάβασή τους από κάποια κατάσταση σε μία άλλη. Τα έθιμα και οι τελετουργίες που σηματοδοτούν τον κύκλο του χρόνου στην Κύπρο, εκτυλίσσονται σε αρμονία με τις εποχές και συμπυκνώνουν την ουσία της κυπριακής ζωής, υφαίνοντας το χρονικό με το πνευματικό στον ιστό της καθημερινής ύπαρξης. Στη διατριβή μελετάται παράλληλα ο κύκλος της λατρείας και πιο συγκεκριμένα, τα περιστασιακά και περιστατικά έθιμα των παλαιότερων κατατάξεων. Παρουσιάζονται οι κύριες κατηγορίες και μορφές αυτού του τελετουργικού συστήματος, μέσα από τις οποίες εκδηλώνονται αλλά και σχηματοποιούνται όσα παρουσιάστηκαν στον «κύκλο του χρόνου» και τον «κύκλο της ζωής» και σχετίζονται με την ορθόδοξη λαϊκή λατρευτική παράδοση.
Potential application of digital financial assets in the Russian Federation
Authors: Maryanenko Viktor , Leonov D.
Published: November 2024

The authors substantiate the expediency of the study and determine that digital financial assets can serve as an important resource for investment in the context of the new digital political reality. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that digital financial technologies can become a significant component that optimizes the effectiveness of investment projects and investments as a long-term economic project.
Burial chapel of Peter Gröning, mayor of Stargard (†1631)
Authors: Majewski Marcin
Published: November 2024

W artykule przedstawiono historię kaplicy grobowej burmistrza Stargardu Petera Gröninga oraz zmian w jej wyposażeniu. Zasadniczą część pracy poświęcono omówieniu wyników prac archeologicznych prowadzonych we wnętrzu kaplicy, gdzie odkryto dwie komory grobowe. W świetle źródeł historycznych pochowano w nich Petera Gröninga (†1631) i jego pierwszą żonę Margaretę de domo Friedrichs (†1628). P. Gröning uważany jest za najwybitniejszego burmistrza w nowożytnych dziejach Stargardu. W swoim testamencie ufundował m.in. Collegium, które w XVIII w. było szkołą o charakterze akademickim, a w XIX w. przekształcone zostało w gimnazjum klasyczne. Pochówek małżeństwa Gröningów przypadł na trudny okres w dziejach Stargardu, który związany był z tragicznymi dla miasta i Pomorza Zachodniego wydarzeniami wojny trzydziestoletniej. Upamiętnienie miejsca pochówku w formie dekoracji malarskiej i rzeźbiarskiej powstało dopiero w 1731 r., w stulecie śmierci Petera Gröninga. W związku z planowanymi pracami konserwatorskimi w 2019 r. przeprowadzono w kaplicy grobowej Gröningów badania archeologiczne.
Left-bank Castle in Wrocław. Part 1: From the seat of the Piasts to an imperial residence
Authors: Chorowska Małgorzata , Mruczek Roland
Published: November 2024

Praca stanowi próbę podsumowania nowszych studiów nad lewobrzeżną siedzibą książęcą i cesarską we Wrocławiu, w oparciu o kwerendy źródłowe oraz wyniki badań archeologiczno-architektonicznych z lat 1999-2005. Kompleksowo omawia średniowieczne i wczesnonowożytne fazy budowlane wyróżnione w trakcie prac wykopaliskowych. Zwraca również uwagę na związki zamku z organizmem wczesnomiejskim formującym się na lewym brzegu Odry oraz jego najstarszymi systemami obronnymi.
Medieval marks of the bellman of the Czech King and of an Eucharistic guild discovered in Nysa, Silesia
Authors: Wachowski Krzysztof , Krawczyk Mariusz
Published: November 2024

The most recent field study in Nysa revealed two previously unknown leather identification marks, namely, the mark of the bellman of the Czech King from the 14th century and the emblem of an Eucharistic guild from the 15th century. The bellman’s name, unknown in written sources, was successfully identified (Veick) and the abbreviation on the guild emblem was deciphered (nar=Nahrung), which allowed the artefact to be linked to the guild of the Body of God operating in Nysa. Both these objects were likely created at an artisan’s workshop in Nysa that was open between the 14th and the 16th century. Owing to the latest discoveries, the number of these intriguing finds in Central Europe rose up to about 50, though a leather artisan workshop has been confirmed only in Nysa.
The use of an overdenture in a patient with numerous partially erupted and unerupted teeth
Authors: Hudson Joshua , Choudhury Gulshana , Hemmings Ken
Published: November 2024

Some medical conditions present with missing or malformed teeth and other unusual oral manifestations that complicate prosthodontic treatment. Outlining the simple and complicated treatment options to the patient allows them to make an informed decision about the treatment they wish to pursue. This report describes the management of a patient diagnosed with pseudohypoparathyroidism. Taking a patient-centred approach, with their involvement in the planning process, was essential to a successful outcome.

CPD/Clinical Relevance:

Adopting a holistic approach to treatment planning enables patients to make informed decisions, ensuring patient-centred care that not only targets the condition, but supports overall wellbeing.
Considerations in dental local anaesthesia for the patient with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Dilworth Daniel , Fahy Edward , Mian Mishaim A , Lordan Emily , O'Mahony Aisling
Published: November 2024

Patients who have had a history of surgical repair of cleft lip and palate can often develop scar tissue post-operatively that can make it more difficult for dentists to achieve sufficient local anaesthesia. In addition, the presence of a cleft can result in anatomical variation of nerve supply to the maxillary region, which can result in further complications for achieving sufficient anaesthesia. This article reviews the anatomical variations that can occur, and posits a technique to allow for more predictable and successful local anaesthesia in this cohort of patients.

CPD/Clinical Relevance:

GDPs may have difficulty in achieving sufficient local anaesthesia for patients with a cleft lip and palate.
CPD: Binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: November 2024

Bill Harvey offers describes the advantages of binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy for viewing the retina and shows how modern headset indirect ophthalmoscopes have many benefits when viewing the peripheral retina and for examining specific patient groups, with or without dilation (C ??????, suitable for logging as one provider-led distance learning CPD point for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
Beat the Atlas
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: November 2024

Bill Harvey reports on the latest incarnation of a remotely operated slit-lamp system and a new, semiautomated lens inspection system presenting delegates with a challenge at this year's Mido
Wednesday webinars return
Authors: Bennett Chris
Published: November 2024

February featured the third iteration of Optician's Contact Lens Month series of webinars; Chris Bennett reviews this year's topics and speakers
GOC rules against DO refracting
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: November 2024

Andrew McClean explores the GOC's initial response to industry feedback on the Opticians Act
Owning sight loss
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: November 2024

Andrew McCarthy-McClean speaks to Trish Sail about competing on BBC One’s Race Across the World and working for the RNIB
Diadochokinetic rate in Thai adults using between auditory-perceptual and instrumental methods
Authors:   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Soyrayab Awirut , Jeeraumporn Jeamjai ,   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Dechongkit Sumalee ,   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Published: November 2024

Background: Diadochokinetic (DDK) rate refers to the time taken to execute rapid repetitive movements of articulators during speech. DDK rate assessment has been used to screen or as part of an assessment to diagnose and plan treatment for motor speech disorders. It contained alternating motion rate (AMR) and sequential motion rate (SMR) assessments. There were two main methods for DDK assessment: perceptual speech assessment and instrumental speech assessment. Objective: This study aimed to compare the DDK rate measured by auditoryperceptual and instrumental methods and investigate the effects of age and gender on the DDK rate in normal Thai adults. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were Thai adults aged 21-78. Sixty participants were divided equally into three age groups: young adult, middle-aged adult, and older adult group. All participants were asked to repeat four speech tasks as rapidly as possible, namely, AMR as [ph a:], [th a:], [kh a:], and SMR as [ph a:-th a:-kh a:]. DDK rates were measured using two methods, namely, the auditory-perceptual method and the instrumental method, which used the Praat program. The paired sample t-test examined the difference in average DDK rates between the two methods. The one-way ANOVA was utilized to analyze the average rate differences among three age groups, while gender differences were analyzed through an independent sample t-test. Results: The averages of SMR between the auditory-perceptual method and thePraat program were significantly different (p<0.05), whereas the averages of AMRwere not significantly different. The findings also found that averages of SMR hadsignificant differences (p<0.05) between three age groups and two genders. The young adult group had a higher average of SMR than middle-aged adult and olderadult groups. Males had a higher average of SMR than females. Conclusion: This result indicates that different assessment methods result in different DDK rates, especially SMR. Therefore, choosing the DDK rate assessment method should be careful and consider its accuracy. Moreover, the SMR task may be more sensitive than the AMR task to age-related change and gender factors.
Evaluating foot reflexology as a proposed treatment for sensorineural hearing loss: A critical review
Authors: McClean Carina , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: November 2024

This editorial critically evaluates the application of foot reflexology as a treatment for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in infants, as proposed in a case report published in the World of Clinical Cases . SNHL is a condition characterized by damage to the cochlea or the neural pathways that transmit auditory information to the brain. The etiology of SNHL is often complex, involving genetic mutations, prenatal factors, or perinatal insults. Reflexology, an alternative therapy involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, is based on the hypothesis that these points correspond to different organs and systems in the body, including the auditory system. However, the biological plausibility and clinical efficacy of foot reflexology in addressing SNHL lack empirical support. This editorial examines the pathophysiology of SNHL, assesses the clinical claims of reflexology practitioners, and emphasizes the necessity of evidence-based approaches in treating infant hearing loss. While complementary therapies may provide ancillary benefits, they should not supplant validated medical treatments in managing SNHL in infants. Further research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of foot reflexology and other alternative therapies in pediatric audiology.
Fabrication of Cerium Oxide-Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite using Ultrasound-Assisted Precipitation Method
Authors: Nurhasanah Iis , Arvia Arvia , Prasetya Nor Basid Adiwibawa , Jauhari Ahmad
Published: November 2024

The cerium oxide-graphene oxide nanocomposite was fabricated by ultrasound-assisted precipitation method and characterized using Fourier transform infrared, UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer, and transmission electron microscope. The Fourier transform infrared spectra displayed the vibrations of O-H, C=C, and C-H indicating the interaction between cerium oxide and graphene oxide. The broad absorption of around 300 nm is ascribed to the superposition of cerium oxide and graphene oxide absorption peaks. X-ray diffraction pattern analysis suggests the creation of graphene oxide nanosheets with an interlayer spacing of 0.821 nm.  The transmission electron microscope image showed that the cerium oxide nanoparticles dispersed on the graphene oxide nanosheet.  These findings exhibit the useful ultrasound-assisted precipitation method for fabricating cerium oxide-graphene oxide nanocomposite.
An Implementation of XGBoost and Random Forest Algorithm to Estimate Effective Porosity and Permeability on Well log data at Fajar Field, South Sumatera Basin, Indonesia
Authors: Nugroho Ilham Diaz Rahmat , Trisna Muhammad Destrayuda , Saroji Sudarmaji
Published: November 2024

New approaches and methodologies have been developed to petrophysical analysis from well logs data using machine learning. Through this method, a machine learning algorithm is applied to predict the accuracy of the model on effective porosity (∅e) and permeability (K) which implemented using Random Forest and Xtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm. The dataset used is obtained from well logs data that have been calculated petrophysical analysis. This study proposes the algorithm which is known to be effective in providing accurate predictions in a short time in estimating effective porosity and permeability. The results of the prediction model is optimized by GridSearchCV (GS), validated by the k-fold cross-validation, and evaluated using R2 score and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Model is applied to 5 research wells in Fajar Field of south Sumatra Basin, Indonesia with 4 variations of well training and well testing data split. The best evaluation results obtained with evaluation metrics were up to 0.90 (R2 score) and 0.01 (RMSE) for effective porosity and permeability by Random Forest, while evaluation metrics are 0.90 (R2 score) and under 0.68 (RMSE) for effective porosity and permeability by XGBoost. There is no decrease in accuracy until the last variation so that it can be concluded that these algorithm models can effectively estimate reservoir porosity and permeability in the field and contributed an alternative for the problem of many incomplete and dissimilar well logs data.
Identification of Shale Layer in Offshore Field of North East Java Basin for Non-Conventional Oil and Gas Exploration
Authors: Dewanto Ordas , Syaharani Nanda Paquita , Darsono Darsono , Wibowo Andy Setyo
Published: November 2024

Non-conventional hydrocarbon exploration is one way to develop shale potential to increase oil and gas reserves in Indonesia. Shale is a rock that is rich in organic material and is a target for non-conventional exploration, because it functions as a source and reservoir rock with a large shale volume and low permeability. Isopach maps can represent the thickness of shale layers and have the potential to become non-conventional exploration targets located in thick shale layers. Based on this background, this research will identify shale layers in the offshore fields of the North East Java Basin for non-conventional oil and gas exploration. The methods used are well logging and seismic methods. This research focuses on determining the location of shale layer depocenters based on isopach maps as a first step in localizing areas that will be targeted for the development of non-conventional hydrocarbon exploration. This research uses 29 2D seismic lines and 2 well data, namely NP-1 and NP-2 wells and the research target is the Kujung Formation and Ngimbang Formation in the offshore area of the North East Java Basin. The results obtained from the isopach map show that the depocenter location of the Kujung Formation is in the northwest direction with a shale thickness of 600-800 meters, while the Ngimbang Formation is in the east direction with a shale thickness of 1000-1300 meters. From the depocenter location, it can be seen that this location has a wealth of organic material so it has the potential to become a source rock and reservoir.
The role of elective surgery in children with localized Crohn’s disease
Authors: Hojsak I. , Kovačević D. , Mišak Z. , Car A. , Kolaček S.
Published: November 2024

Substantial proportions of children with Crohn’s Disease (CD) are non-responsive to standard medical therapy and/or nutritional treatment. For many children impairment of growth will also be an associated medical problem. Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate a role of elective surgical treatment on the induction and duration of remission, and on growth improvement in paediatric patients with localized CD, who were refractory to conservative treatment. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 55 newly diagnosed CD patients among whom 22 children (40%) had undergone surgical treatment. Results: Post surgery all patients had significant PCDAI decline and the great majority of them (90.9%) had stable remission for more than 2 years. Following surgery 86.4% patients had a significant improvement in growth: an improvement in Z score for height ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 SD (9 months to 2 years after resection, p<0,01). Conclusion: Elective surgery, if properly timed and in well prepared patients, has a significant relapse preventive and steroid sparing role, and also results in major growth improvement.
Supportive therapy in neurooncology patients
Authors: Rimac M. , Stepan J.
Published: November 2024

Supportive therapy of neurooncology patients is an important part of their overall medical treatment. Many aspects of supportive therapy are common to all paediatric oncology patients. In this paper we briefly review supportive treatment of important conditions that are specific to patients with brain tumours. This includes treatment of acute and chronic conditions resulting from local invasive tumour growth as well as from complications of primary tumour treatment.
Supportive psychological care in pediatric oncology and hematology
Authors: Benko M.
Published: November 2024

The increasing survival rate for treating childhood cancer presents quality of life issues for the child and family. Considering the fact that paediatric malignant diseases are more akin to a chronic life-threatening disease, the goal of treatment is not only to promote survival and extend life, but also to facilitate psychological adjustment. Psychologists are present throughout the continuum of cancer – from prevention and preclinical cancer (genetic risk factors or positive cancer markers); through diagnosis, curative treatment, survivorship; to palliative and end-of-life care. The role of the psychologist, as a member of the medical staff on Oncology and Haematology Wards, is in facilitating the adjustment of sick children and their families through assessment, counselling and psychotherapy, psychological training of medical staff, conducting research and facilitating psycho-oncology service development. Paediatric psycho-oncologists must be clinical psychologists with basic education in behavioural-cognitive psychotherapy (this is a therapy of choice for treating childhood disorders) and additional education in art, play or music therapy. A special emphasis is on neuropsychological assessment and (psycho)therapy (rehabilitation of cognitive function).
Withdrawal of antiepileptic therapy in children with partial epileptic seizures
Authors: Zubčević S. , Tanović S. , Ćatibušić F. , Užičanin S. , Gasal-Gvozdenović E.
Published: November 2024

Discontinuation of antiepileptic therapy presents a challenge for physicians and patient. Many parameters play a role, and the doctor has to assess the relationship between benefits and any possible damages caused by this act. The final decision should be made with the parents and the patient. In this study, we assessed the role of various factors on the possibility of relapse of epileptic seizures after discontinuation off antiepileptic therapy. We studied a cohort of children with partial epilepsy. Discontinuation was performed from 2001-2007. The study included 93 children divided into groups according to age of diagnosis and the introduction of antiepileptic therapy, the type of seizures, etiology, neurological and psychological status, the results neuroimaging studies, family history, history of febrile seizures, antiepileptic therapy, EEG registration before discontinuation of the treatment, speed of tapering therapy. Multivariable analysis was made, binary logistic regression. Factors that showed statistical significance were: age at the diagnosis, duration of active epilepsy, neurological and psychological status, EEG registration before discontinuation of therapy, the length of the period without seizures before discontinuation of the therapy and length of tapering the therapy.It is necessary to pay attention to the factors affecting increased risk of relapse of epileptic seizures when discontinuing the antiepileptic therapy in patients with partial epilepsies. This should be discussed with parents and patients, and consensus has to be reached. Doctor and patient must be aware that the risk of recurrence of epileptic seizures is high.
Childhood absence epilepsy and electroencephalographic focal abnormalities with or without clinical manifestations
Authors: Sabol Z. , Šižgorić M. Kovač , Sabol F.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Evidence of focal electrocortical discharges, with or without evident partial seizures in patients with childhood absence epilepsies (CAE) is rare, but possible. The aim of this study was to establish the frequency of focal electroencephalographic discharges with or without clinical evidence in children with CAE and to explore the clinical course in patients with two types of epileptic seizures: simple absences and partial seizures. Patients and methods: During a 10-year period (1998-2008) we treated and followed-up 66 patients (35 girls and 31 boy), from 1.8 to 13 years of age (median age 6.7 years) with typical absences. Average duration of clinical follow-up was five years. Results: In 11/66 (16, 7%) children with CAE focal EEG discharges revealed changes identical to those in benign partial epilepsies (BPE). Five of 11 patients also manifested partial seizures indicative of Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS) (4 children), or benign partial epilepsy with occipital paroxysms – of the Gastaut type (1 patient). The age of children at the time of the first partial seizure was 1.7 - 11 years. In three children BPE attacks proceeded, and in two they began simultaneously or after the beginning of the absences. In all patients absence seizure control was achieved inside six weeks to 11 months. Focal EEG discharges disappeared in 7/11 patients, in four they are still present, but without relapse of partial seizures. Conclusion: Although the relationship between partial and generalized seizures in the same patient can be coincidental, the possibility of genetic linkage cannot be excluded and further investigation is needed. Detailed analysis of clinical and electroencephalographic features, the results of treatment and establishment of long-term prognosis in patients with focal electroencephalographic changes with or without clinically evident partial seizures characteristic for BPE and generalized changes characteristic for CAE, could lead us to the definition of the specific form of CAE.
A behaviour change intervention to increase volunteer participation in charity
Authors: Guzmics Daniel , Kalfova Elena , Petrov Simeon , Tomova Tatyana , Vlaev Ivo
Published: November 2024

The factors that influence volunteerism are still insufficiently investigated today. What motivates people to engage as volunteers, and how can their willingness to do so be increased through the application of behavioural psychology in marketing campaigns? This study analyses the possibility to influence volunteer participation by applying behavioural psychology, in particular, ten behaviour change techniques (BCTs) from the BCT Taxonomy. Eighty-three study participants were recruited via the mailing list of an inclusive local charity (KEEN Oxford). Individuals were assigned to one of two groups (control/intervention) in a survey, each consisting of an email addressing potential recruits. The results show a significant difference between the two groups (p<.05), for the increase in both willingness to volunteer (1.56 vs 0.35 points on a ten-point scale) as well as time commitment (4 vs 0.54 hours). This reinforces the hypothesis that behavioural psychology can increase volunteer participation.
Are we softly constructing more inclusive males? An examination of men’s interpersonal emotion work for children and partners
Authors: Patulny Roger , Petrolo Bronte
Published: November 2024

This article investigates gendered differences in emotion work in contemporary Australian society by examining family-oriented emotion work. We examine the ways parents in heterosexual relationships perform emotion work for their children and their partners through qualitative, semi-structured interviews, focusing on changing experiences and shifting structuration processes around gendered norms and emotional inequality. We found some evidence of continuing gender essentialism and hegemonic-masculine behaviours. Female respondents were more likely to perform regular emotion work and adopt empathic attitudes towards their children, as well as manage their own emotions concerning their partners. Many respondents believed that these gender differences were ‘innate and natural’. However, more progressive inclusive-masculine behaviours were evident in men managing their own emotions, seeking more emotional engagement, and performing more caring than authoritative emotion work for their children. It was also evident in men and women both performing numerous forms of care and interpersonal emotion work for each other (that is, their partners). This study points to the emergence of more fluid structuration and ‘softer’ forms of gender social constructionism, in place of the ‘harder’ constructionism and gender essentialism predominant in prior studies.
Response to Ho Dah-an
Authors: Baxter William , Sagart Laurent
Published: November 2024

Ho Dah-an’s 2016 review of our book Old Chinese: A New Reconstruction (2014) contains little discussion of the book’s main themes or proposals: he focuses instead on “errors” which, according to him, “reflect the outdated concepts of the authors and the insufficiency of their basic training.” In this response to Ho’s review, we consider his discussion of these “errors.” On two points (discussed below), he has actually found errors (a faulty interpretation of an entry in the Shuōwén jiězì and one incorrect citation), which we are glad to be able to correct. Neither materially affects our conclusions. The other “errors” that Ho mentions are not errors at all: in most cases they reflect basic misunderstandings on Ho’s part: of our book, of other sources, and of basic principles of historical linguistics. Since some of these misunderstandings relate to general issues in the reconstruction of Old Chinese, we attempt here to correct these misunderstandings in order to set the record straight.
Pan-Asian Decolonization? Iranian Oil, Japanese Tankers, and the Nisshomaru Incident of 1953
Authors: Koyagi Mikiya
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This article explores the shared desire for economic emancipation in Iran and Japan and its limitations at the moment of global decolonization, which coincided with Mohammad Mosaddeq’s oil nationalization movement ( 1951–53 ) and Japan’s recovery of sovereignty ( 1952 ). It does so by studying the case of the 1953 Nisshomaru Incident, when the Japanese oil company Idemitsu violated the British-imposed embargo of Iranian oil. Despite Japan’s recent imperial past, the rhetoric of emancipation resonated precisely because of the fresh memory of the Allied occupation of Japan among businesspersons and bureaucrats, who shifted emphasis from, yet did not completely depart from, the pre- 1945 discourse of pan-Asianism. Using Persian and Japanese sources, I show that, while both Iran and Japan acted on their perceived national interest, their shared political feeling to challenge the Euro-America-centered international order made their transnational coordination possible.
Fake Benefactors, Manipulative Schemes and Naïve People: The Motif of Deception in the Book of Revelation
Authors: Gallusz Laszlo
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The significance of the motif of deception has been widely acknowledged in studies on Revelation, but its examination has been limited mostly to Rev 13. This article investigates the development of the deception motif throughout the book and it demonstrates how it is woven strategically into the fabric of Revelation from its very beginning. It argues that the deception motif is to be interpreted in a cosmic conflict framework, and a close attention needs to be given to the interplay with the truth/truthfulness motif. This article demonstrates how different agents function as deceptive figures (Jezebel, Satan, the two beasts and Babylon the whore). Attempt is made for charting out the essential aspects of the deceptive diabolic system, with a suggestion on how the author of Revelation exposes deception in a three-step process. It appears that in an enchanted world, fake authorities with illegitimate pretensions give fake hope to naïve people through deceptive propaganda, but Revelation is given as a prophetic warning aimed at the mental detoxification of those who stepped into the trap or are close to doing so.
Creating a Sense of Place: Norwegian Ethnicization in the Pacific Northwest, 1870–1960
Authors: Joranger Terje Mikael Hasle
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The article discusses the symbols and myths in a process of translocal transplantation and spatial orientation in Poulsbo and Puget Island, Washington, from the late nineteenth century until 1960. Formerly inhabited by Indigenous nations, Norwegian immigrants migrating from the Upper Midwest and Norway formed settlements in these places in the last decades of the nineteenth century. Observers in the twentieth century linked the cultural development of the two settlement areas to double landscapes: namely, the character-building of the population in the rugged landscape in sending regions in Norway and the hardships that their descendants encountered in the communities in America.
Communities of Collaboration: Building the Maria Edgeworth Letters Project
Authors: Egenolf Susan , Havens Hilary , Richard Jessica , Runia Robin
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The Maria Edgeworth Letters Project ( MELP ) is a digital, searchable, open-access archive of Edgeworth's correspondence that is building a collaborative international community, simulating the sprawling network encompassed in her letters, and demonstrating how Edgeworthstown in Ireland became an important node in the exchange and production of knowledge in the Romantic period. With more than 15,000 manuscript pages from over thirty archives, MELP crowdsources transcriptions through the Zooniverse platform, edits and encodes them through collaborative workflows across five universities, and assembles taxonomies of people, places, and works mentioned in the letters in order to create a sustainable digital project.
Photon–phonon destructive–constructive polarization quantization in Sm3+:BiPO4
Authors: Hussain Iqbal , Nadeem Faisal , Khan Muhammad Qasim , Usman Muhammad , Fan Huanrong , Peng Li , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: November 2024

We report photon–phonon dressing quantization dependency on polarization. Destructive dressing polarization quantization is exhibited in fluorescence (FL) for narrowband signals, while constructive dominant dressing quantization is exhibited in fluorescence (FL) for broadband signals due to phase perturbation. Furthermore, constructive polarization quantization results due to coexistence of generation and dressing effects in strong and competitive Rabi frequency. Low power also contributes to more dressing polarization quantization, the same as in the FL region (large de-phase rate). Furthermore, linear and circular dressing quantization with polarization quantization shows inverse and direct relationships in the FL and spontaneous four-wave-mixing (SFWM) regions, respectively. Such investigations have potential in alignment of crystal field (CF) redistribution by polarization quantization at the input.
Universal analyzer for measuring the orbital angular momentum spectrum of a randomly fluctuated beam
Authors: Wang Zhuoyi , Lu Xingyuan , Hu Zhiquan , Gao Jianbo , Zhang Hao , Zhu Junan , Lu Xiaotan , Hang Yiyi , Cai Yangjian , Zhao Chengliang
Published: November 2024

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of beams provides an additional degree of freedom and has been applied in various scientific and technological fields. Accurate and quantitative measurement of intensity distributions across different OAM modes, referred to as the OAM spectrum of a beam, is crucial. Here, we propose a straightforward and efficient experimental setup for measuring the OAM spectrum of a randomly fluctuating beam. By employing a modal decomposition analyzer, a randomly fluctuating light field can be decomposed into an incoherent superposition of a series of modes, followed by a coordinate transformation to calculate the OAM spectrum. This method is suitable for measuring the OAM spectrum of partially coherent beams and superposition of vortex beams. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. Precise measurement of the OAM spectrum is critical for various applications in optical communications, quantum optics, and digital imaging.
Impact of target-derived and ambient oxygen on gas-phase oxidation in laser ablation plumes
Authors: Wallace Stirling C. , Shaik Abdul K. , Phillips Mark C. , Harilal Sivanandan S.
Published: November 2024

Gas-phase oxidation in a laser-produced plasma is significantly
influenced by the availability of oxygen in and around the plume. In
this study, we investigate the role of target-derived and ambient
oxygen on AlO formation in plasmas generated from aluminum (Al) and
Al2O3 targets in air and argon, respectively.
Our results highlight that gas-phase oxidation occurs early during the
evolution of Al2O3 plasmas in argon, in contrast
to Al plasmas in air, where the initial exclusion of oxygen from the
plume delays the chemical reactions.
Remote detection and identification of plastics with hyperspectral Raman imaging lidar
Authors: Somekawa Toshihiro , Kurahashi Shinri , Matsuda Shohei , Yogo Akifumi , Kuze Hiroaki
Published: November 2024

We report a hyperspectral Raman imaging lidar system that can remotely detect and identify typical plastic species. The system is based on a frequency-doubled, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser operating at 532 nm and an imaging spectrograph equipped with a gated intensified CCD spectrometer. Stand-off detection of plastics is achieved at 6 m away with a relatively wide field of view of 1 × 150 mm2, thus providing the groundwork for better solutions in monitoring marine plastic pollution.
Institutions matter: The role of institutions in the relationship between decision-making power and contraceptive autonomy
Authors: Rossouw Laura , Oyenubi Adeola
Published: November 2024

Several academic papers have shown that the distribution of household decision-making power has a positive influence on women’s contraceptive autonomy. This paper considers the role of the social or institutional environment (as captured by place of residence) in ameliorating or contributing to this relationship. Our study focuses on the context of Nigeria, a country with diverse gender norms and religious practices, often determined by geographic location. For example, Western common law is more prevalent in the southern Nigeria, while Sharia law is largely practiced in the North of the country. The analysis uses the Performance and Monitoring for Action (PMA) dataset (2019–2020), and analysis is done using logistic regressions. We find evidence that the relationship between household decision-making power and contraceptive autonomy is mediated by institutions (city). More specifically, we show that in Lagos–a state characterised by the increasing empowerment of women–women have more contraceptive autonomy as they gain decision-making power in the household. The opposite is true in Kano—household decision-making power has no bearing on contraceptive autonomy.
Perioperative outcomes and hospitalization costs of radical vs. conservative surgery for hepatic cystic echinococcosis: A retrospective study
Authors: Shi Honggang , Tuerxun Kahaer , Yusupu Aizizaimu , Yusupu Zainuer , Xu Qilin , Jia Yibin , Maimaitireyimu Musitaba , Maimaitiaili Tuerhongaji , Muhetajiang Muzaipaer , Lin Jiaxin , Ma Chengmin , Li Xiaofeng , Wu Yuanquan , Su Yonghui
Published: November 2024

Background

Surgical intervention is a crucial treatment for hepatic cystic echinococcosis. However, the choice between radical and conservative surgery remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes and hospitalization costs between radical and conservative surgery for hepatic cystic echinococcosis.

Method

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing surgical treatment at the First People’s Hospital of Kashi Prefecture from July 1, 2012, to October 1, 2023. Propensity score-matching analysis was utilized to mitigate patient selection bias between the two surgical groups.

Result

Of the 434 patients included, 324 underwent conservative surgery and 110 underwent radical surgery. After propensity score-matching, 182 conservative surgery and 102 radical surgery patients were compared. Radical surgery patients experienced longer operative time, higher intraoperative blood loss, increased blood transfusion, and higher costs compared to conservative surgery patients. However, no differences were observed in short-term outcomes, including overall morbidity, death, bile leak, effusion, pulmonary infection, incision infection, intestinal obstruction, ICU stay, abdominal drainage time, and postoperative hospital stays.

Conclusion

This study suggests that radical surgery is associated with greater surgical complexity and higher hospitalization costs, while it doesn’t offer a significant short-term advantage. Conservative surgery may be a viable option in resource-limited settings or for patients unsuitable for complex procedures. Further research with long-term follow-up is needed to determine the optimal approach.
Harnessing hybrid deep learning approach for personalized retrieval in e-learning
Authors: Tahir Sidra , Hafeez Yaser , Humayun Mamoona , Ahmad Faizan , Khan Maqbool , Shaheen Momina
Published: November 2024

The current worldwide pandemic has significantly increased the need for online learning platforms, hence presenting difficulty in choosing appropriate course materials from the vast online educational resources due to user knowledge frameworks variations. This paper presents a novel course recommendation system called the Deep Learning-based Course Recommendation System (DLCRS). The DLCRS combines a hybrid Sequential GRU+adam optimizer with collaborative filtering techniques to offer accurate and learner-centric course suggestions. The proposed approach integrates modules for learner feature extraction and course feature extraction that is performed using (Embeddings from Language Models) ELMO word embedding technique in order to gain a thorough understanding of learner and course profiles and feedback. In order to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed DLCRS, several extensive experiments were carried out utilizing authentic datasets sourced from a reputable public organization. The results indicate a notable area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) score of 89.62%, which exceeds the performance of similar advanced course recommendation systems. The experimental findings support the viability of the DLCRS, as seen by a significant hit ratio of 0.88, indicating high accuracy in its suggestions.
Understanding public health risk from unsafe dry fish consumption in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahat Mahdi Al Hasan , Saha Anik , Abir Mehedy Hasan , Sadekeen A. S. M. Nafis , Khan Shahneaz Ali , Chowdury Sukanta
Published: November 2024

Dried fish holds a significant place in the Bangladeshi diet particularly for people living in coastal regions. However, there is a growing concern regarding its adverse effects on human health, as it contains high levels of illegal preservatives, heavy metals, and other harmful substances. In this study, we aimed to explore the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding health hazards due to unsafe dried fish consumption among people across the country. We conducted a cross-sectional study among consumers to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices about the health risks associated with consuming hazardous dried fish. We interviewed a total of 415 participants, of whom 52.8% were male; the majority were students (55.9%), aged between 18 and 30 years (63.9%), and living in urban areas (81.7%). Most of the participants (60.7%) had less accurate knowledge of the health hazards of unsafe dry fish, 92.8% had more positive attitudes to buying safe dry fish, and 26.8% used unsafe dry fish more frequently. Many respondents were unaware of the presence of harmful substances in dried fish, such as illegal pesticides (66.5%), microplastics (77.6%), and heavy metals (67.4%). A significant number of participants (13%) reported that they had a history of cancer in any of their family members. Many individuals (57.4%) were not familiar with the proper storage and preparation methods of dry fish. The majority of participants (81.4%) strongly prefer packed dried fish. Most of the respondents (67.7%) agreed to participate in awareness programs. Female consumers were more likely to have more accurate knowledge (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.03–2.29, p = 0.0.37) than males, and participants whose present residence were in rural were more likely to have accurate knowledge (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI = 1.30–5.36, p = 0.007) than those whose present residence were in urban or semi-urban areas. A targeted education campaign focused on improving awareness of the risks associated with eating unsafe dry fish is needed, particularly in coastal areas.
A quick response, but not too much: Experienced mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus) lose interest in contact call exchanges that do not respect this “conversational rule”
Authors: Meunier Bastien , Durier Virginie , Rossard Arnaud , Lemasson Alban
Published: November 2024

Several non-human primate species engage in vocal exchanges of contact calls, throughout the day in peaceful contexts. These vocal exchanges have been compared to human conversations because vocalizations are uttered in turn-taking: a temporal pattern where interlocutors minimize silences and avoid overlaps. But observing such a pattern in the spontaneous production of a species, as is the case with red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus), is not enough to make it a rule. Another prerequisite is that the pattern is expected by the animal. Here, we conducted a playback experiment using the violation-of-expectation paradigm to test whether captive red-capped mangabeys react differently to usual vs unusual interactive temporal patterns. We played back vocal exchanges with usual minimized response time (0.5 sec), with unusual longer response time (1.5 sec) and with unusual call overlap to 12 adult captive male mangabeys. For each individual, we measured the occurrences and durations of head orientation toward the loudspeaker after the stimuli. The interest of individuals varied according to the vocal exchange temporal pattern in interaction with their age. Indeed, the older (and thus more socially experienced) an individual was, the less interested he became after an unusual vocal exchange, i.e. a vocal exchange with call overlap or with a delayed response time. These findings suggest that experience shapes attention towards more socially relevant situations, and thus that turn-taking can be qualified as a social rule.