bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-Interventional Risk Assessment in The Elderly (PIRATE): Development of a scoring system to predict 30-day mortality using data of the Peri-Interventional Outcome Study in the Elderly
Authors: Schenk Alina , Kowark Ana , Berger Moritz , Rossaint Rolf , Schmid Matthias , Coburn Mark ,   the POSE Study group
Published: December 2023

Risk assessment before interventions in elderly patients becomes more and more vital due to an increasing number of elderly patients requiring surgery. Existing risk scores are often not tailored to marginalized groups such as patients aged 80 years or older. We aimed to develop an easy-to-use and readily applicable risk assessment tool that implements pre-interventional predictors of 30-day mortality in elderly patients (≥80 years) undergoing interventions under anesthesia. Using Cox regression analysis, we compared different sets of predictors by taking into account their ease of availability and by evaluating predictive accuracy. Coefficient estimates were utilized to set up a scoring system that was internally validated. Model building and evaluation were based on data from the Peri-Interventional Outcome Study in the Elderly (POSE), which was conducted as a European multicenter, observational prospective cohort study. Our risk assessment tool, named PIRATE, contains three predictors assessable at admission (urgency, severity and living conditions). Discriminatory power, as measured by the concordance index, was 0.75. The estimated prediction error, as measured by the Brier score, was 0.036 (covariate-free reference model: 0.043). PIRATE is an easy-to-use risk assessment tool that helps stratifying elderly patients undergoing interventions with anesthesia at increased risk of mortality. PIRATE is readily available and applies to a wide variety of settings. In particular, it covers patients needing elective or emergency surgery and undergoing in-hospital or day-case surgery. Also, it applies to all types of interventions, from minor to major. It may serve as a basis for multidisciplinary and informed shared decision-making.
Flying high on low cost: Success in the low-cost airline industry
Authors: Majerová Veronika , Jirásek Michal
Published: December 2023

Low-cost airlines have embraced diverse business models, yielding varying degrees of success. In our study, we apply a configurational approach that allows us to evaluate business models not as isolated components but as intricate business configurations. Through this lens, we identify two distinct models that successful low-cost airlines adopt: the pure low-cost model and the hybrid model. Each model has its own specific, often contradictory, attributes. Most significantly, our findings indicate that low-cost airlines must choose between offering a broad spectrum of additional services or focusing on high productivity and on-time performance. Our analyses reveal that low-cost airlines cannot sidestep this trade-off, as a simultaneous offering of both models does not lead to success.
Smart and low-cost fluorometer for identifying breast cancer malignancy based on lipid droplets accumulation
Authors: Moghtaderi Shiva , Mandapati Aditya , Davies Gerald , Wahid Khan A. , Lukong Kiven Erique
Published: December 2023

The most common cause of breast cancer-related death is tumor recurrence. To develop more effective treatments, the identification of cancer cell specific malignancy indicators is therefore critical. Lipid droplets are known as an emerging hallmark in aggressive breast tumors. A common technique that can be used for observing molecules in cancer microenvironment is fluorescence microscopy. We describe the design, development and applicability of a smart fluorometer to detect lipid droplet accumulation based on the emitted fluorescence signals from highly malignant (MDA-MB-231) and mildly malignant (MCF7) breast cancer cell lines, that are stained with BODIPY dye. This device uses a visible-range light source as an excitation source and a spectral sensor as the detector. A commercial imaging system was used to examine the fluorescent cancer cell lines before being validated in a preclinical setting with the developed prototype. The outcomes indicate that this low-cost fluorometer can effectively detect the alterations levels of lipid droplets and hence distinguish between “moderately malignant” and “highly malignant” cancer cells. In comparison to prior research that used fluorescence spectroscopy techniques to detect cancer biomarkers, this study revealed enhanced capability in classifying mildly and highly malignant cancer cell lines.
Prediction criterion and numerical validation for the interaction between hydraulic fractures and bedding planes
Authors: Men Xiaoxi , Han Zhihui
Published: December 2023

Shale is a kind of sedimentary rock with an obvious bedding structure. The effect of the bedding plane on hydraulic fracture initiation, propagation, and complex fracture network formation is remarkable and a major problem in hydraulic fracturing and shale oil and gas development. In this study, a criterion is established to predict the evolution behavior of hydraulic fractures (HF) under different confining pressure differences and intersection angles. This criterion is intended to predict the types of interaction between HFs and bedding planes (BPs): penetrating, slipping, or dilating. The dependence of crossing on the intersection angle and the principal stress difference is quantitatively presented using the criterion. Meanwhile, 20 simulations with principal stress differences of 2, 4, 6, and 8 MPa and intersection angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° were simulated using the RFPA2D-Flow code. Simulation results exhibit good agreement with the criterion results for a wide range of angles. The investigation showed that HFs tend to penetrate BPs under high confining pressure differences and intersection angles and open BPs under low confining pressure differences and intersection angles. In addition to the above two forms, HFs slip due to shear. The criterion can provide relevant reference about the formation of complex fracture networks in shale layers.
Design and test of potato seeding apparatus based on double-layer seed picking scoop structure
Authors: Qiu Zhaomei , Fang Yu , Jin Xin , Ji Jiangtao , Li Xingyang , Li Yuxing
Published: December 2023

At present, potato seeders in China generally have poor uniformity of seed rows and high coefficients of variation in plant spacing during seed rows, causing difficulties for subsequent mechanized plant protection and harvesting. Based on the effect of seed discharge to analyze the sowing process, a potato seed discharger with a double-layer seed picking spoon structure was designed. By analyzing the seed discharging mechanism and its operation process, the shape and size structural parameters of the seed picking spoon were determined. Finite element simulation of the seed pickup process and seed carrying process of the seed discharging mechanism was carried out by EDEM software to determine the double-layer seed scoop scheme and the range of factors for subsequent tests. A two-factor test was conducted with seeding line speed and seed drop height as test factors, and plant spacing coefficient of variation and seed potato lateral offset dispersion as test indexes. The test results showed that the double-layer seeding spoon chain seeder reduced the coefficient of variation in plant spacing by 5.8%, and the dispersion in lateral offset by 5.5 mm, compared with the single seeding spoon seeder, when the seeding speed was 0.184 m/s and the height of falling seed was 9 cm.
Five-year clinical outcomes of 107 consecutive DMEK surgeries
Authors: Bichet Pierre , Moskwa Rémi , Goetz Christophe , Zevering Yinka , Vermion Jean-Charles , Perone Jean-Marc
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The long-term clinical outcomes, postoperative complications, and graft survival of Descemet-membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) remain poorly understood. We retrospectively assessed these variables in all consecutive eyes that underwent DMEK for any indication in 2014–2018. The findings were compared to the long-term DMEK studies of five other groups (3–10-year follow-up).

Methods

Patients underwent ophthalmological tests preoperatively, at 1, 3, 6, and 12 postoperative months, and then annually. Five-year graft survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier estimator. Change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial-cell density (ECD), and central-corneal thickness (CCT) at each timepoint was determined.

Results

107 eyes (80 patients; 72 years old; 67% female) underwent first-time DMEK for uncomplicated Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (94% of eyes), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (3%), and regraft after previous keratoplasty (3%). The most common complication was graft detachment requiring rebubbling (18%). Thirteen grafts (12%) failed at ≤15 months. Cumulative 5-year graft-survival probability was 88% (95% confidence intervals = 79–94%). BCVA improved from 0.6 logMAR preoperatively to 0.05 logMAR at 1 year (p<0.0001) and then remained stable. Donor ECD dropped by 47% at 6 postoperative months and then continued to decrease by 4.0%/year. Five-year endothelial-cell loss was 65% (from 2550 to 900 cells/mm2). CCT dropped from 618 to 551 μm at 5 years (p<0.0001). These findings are generally consistent with previous long-term DMEK studies.

Conclusions

DMEK has low complication and high graft-survival rates and excellent clinical outcomes that persist up to 5 years post-surgery. DMEK seems to be a safe and effective treatment in the long term.
Distribution pattern, molecular transmission networks, and phylodynamic of hepatitis C virus in China
Authors: Ye Jingrong , Sun Yanming , Li Jia , Lu Xinli , Zheng Minna , Liu Lifeng , Yu Fengting , He Shufang , Xu Conghui , Ren Xianlong , Wang Juan , Chen Jing , Ruan Yuhua , Feng Yi , Shao Yiming , Xing Hui , Lu Hongyan
Published: December 2023

In China, few molecular epidemiological data on hepatitis C virus (HCV) are available and all previous studies were limited by small sample sizes or specific population characteristics. Here, we report characterization of the epidemic history and transmission dynamics of HCV strains in China. We included HCV sequences of individuals belonging to three HCV surveillance programs: 1) patients diagnosed with HIV infection at the Beijing HIV laboratory network, most of whom were people who inject drugs and former paid blood donors, 2) men who have sex with men, and 3) the general population. We also used publicly available HCV sequences sampled in China in our study. In total, we obtained 1,603 Ns5b and 865 C/E2 sequences from 1,811 individuals. The most common HCV strains were subtypes 1b (29.1%), 3b (25.5%) and 3a (15.1%). In transmission network analysis, factors independently associated with clustering included the region (OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19–0.71), infection subtype (OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.1–0.52), and sampling period (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.27–0.68). The history of the major HCV subtypes was complex, which coincided with some important sociomedical events in China. Of note, five of eight HCV subtype (1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, and 3b), which constituted 81.8% HCV strains genotyped in our study, showed a tendency towards decline in the effective population size during the past decade until present, which is a good omen for the goal of eliminating HCV by 2030 in China.
Bar press durations as a reliable and robust measure of frustration-related operant behavior: Sensitivity to incentive downshift and dose-response paradigms
Authors: Mármol Contreras Yorkiris , Vasquez Tileena E. S. , Shah Poonam , Payne Kelsey , Di Re Jessica , Laezza Fernanda , Green Thomas A.
Published: December 2023

In humans, frustrating experiences are known to trigger relapse events and individuals with higher frustration intolerance show increased risk of developing substance use disorders (SUDs). Despite this clear relationship, frustration-related behavior is seldom studied concurrently with self-administration behavior in rodent models. A major obstacle has been the lack of robust, quantitative assays of frustration-related operant behavior thus far. In previous work, we identified increased bar press (BP) durations in response to frustrating conditions in rats self-administering natural or drug rewards. Here, to propose BP durations as a measure of frustration-related behavior, we conducted an operant successive negative contrast (oSNC) study and found that increases in BP durations are observed in the absence of increased effort, providing evidence that this is a psychological phenomenon. Moreover, we assess the viability of widespread use of BP duration measurements as a behavioral tool by quantifying performance as it pertains to sensitivity, robustness, replicability, and sex differences. We conclude that increases in BP durations are a highly sensitive psychological response to frustrating conditions and that this measure is robust, replicable, and applicable to both sexes.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its role as a potential biomarker
Authors: Behnoush Amir Hossein , Khalaji Amirmohammad , Khanmohammadi Shaghayegh , Alehossein Parsa , Saeedian Behrad , Shobeiri Parnian , Teixeira Antonio L. , Rezaei Nima
Published: December 2023

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a form of chronic pain disorder accompanied by several tender points, fatigue, sleeping and mood disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, and memory problems. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is also a mediator of neurotrophin for many activity-dependent processes in the brain. Despite numerous research studies investigating BDNF in FM, contradictory results have been reported. Thus, we investigated the overall effect shown by studies to find the association between peripheral BDNF concentrations and its gene polymorphisms with FM.

Methods

A systematic search in online international databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, the Web of Science, and Scopus was performed. Relevant studies assessing BDNF levels or gene polymorphism in patients with FM and comparing them with controls were included. Case reports, reviews, and non-English studies were excluded. We conducted the random-effect meta-analysis to estimate the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Twenty studies were found to be included composed of 1,206 FM patients and 1,027 controls. The meta-analysis of 15 studies indicated that the circulating BDNF levels were significantly higher in FM (SMD 0.72, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.31; p-value = 0.02). However, no difference between the rate of Val/Met carrier status at the rs6265 site was found (p-value = 0.43). Using meta-regression, the sample size and age variables accounted for 4.69% and 6.90% of the observed heterogeneity of BDNF level analysis, respectively.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that FM is correlated with increased peripheral BDNF levels. This biomarker’s diagnostic and prognostic value should be further investigated in future studies.
MaxEnt model strategies to studying current and future potential land suitability dynamics of wheat, soybean and rice cultivation under climatic change scenarios in East Asia
Authors: Ali Shahzad , Makanda Tyan Alice , Umair Muhammad , Ni Jian
Published: December 2023

Climate change and variability are projected to alter the geographic suitability of lands for crops cultivation. Accurately predicting changes in the potential current and future land suitability distribution dynamics of wheat (Triticum aestivum), soybean (Glycine max) and rice (Oryza sativa) crops due to climate change scenarios is critical to adapting and mitigating the impacts of bioclimatic changes, and plays a significant role in securing food security in East Asia region. This study compiled large datasets of wheat, soybean and rice occurrence locations from GBIF and 19 bioclimatic variables obtained from the WorldClim database that affect crops growth. We recognized potential future suitable distribution regions for crops under the one socioeconomic pathway, (SSP585) for 2021–2040 and 2041–2060, using the MaxEnt model. The accuracy of the MaxEnt was highly significant with mean AUC values ranging from 0.833 to 0.882 for all models evaluated. The jackknife test revealed that for wheat, Bio4 and Bio12 contributed 17.6% and 12.6%, for soybean Bio10 and Bio12 contributed 15.6% and 49.5%, while for rice Bio12 and Bio14 contributed 12.9% and 36.0% to the MaxEnt model. In addition, cultivation aptitude for wheat, soybean, and rice increased in southeast China, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan, while decreasing in Mongolia and northwest China. Climate change is expected to increase the high land suitability for wheat, soybean, and rice in East Asia. Simulation results indicate an average decrease of unsuitable areas of -98.5%, -41.2% and -36.3% for wheat, soybean and rice from 2060 than that of current land suitability. In contrast, the high land suitable for wheat, soybean and rice cultivation is projected to increase by 75.1%, 68.5% and 81.9% from 2060 as compared with current. The findings of this study are of utmost importance in the East Asia region as they present an opportunity for policy makers to develop appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies required to sustain crops distribution under future climates. Although the risks of wheat, soybean and rice cultivation may be significantly higher in the future because of high temperatures, heat waves, and droughts caused by climate change.
Keep your head above water: Explaining disparities in local drinking water bills
Authors: El-Khattabi Ahmed Rachid , Gmoser-Daskalakis Kyra , Pierce Gregory
Published: December 2023

Rising water bills across the U.S. underscore the need to understand the factors that contribute to disparities in local system bills. In this paper, we examine residential water bill amounts from 1,720 systems in four states in different regions of the U.S. (Arizona, Georgia, New Hampshire and Wisconsin) to (1) examine how local system bills at a constant consumption level (4,000 gallons per month or 15.14m3) for drinking water vary within and across states, as well as within combined metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), and (2) study the relationship between local system bills and system-level characteristics. We find a high degree of similarity in median bill amounts between states but substantial variation within them at the MSA and local system scale. Our multivariate analysis suggests that municipally-owned systems are more likely to have lower water bills relative to for-profit systems, while factors such as purchasing water and having neighboring systems with high bills significantly correlate with higher water bills. Though we find that water systems with high levels of poverty tend to have higher water bills, our results also suggest that local systems that serve populations with higher levels of income inequality and higher proportions of non-White population tend to have lower water bills. These findings point to future research and data needs to better inform federal, state and local water affordability policy and underline the importance of examining and addressing water affordability at local scales.
Neorealist portrayal of refugee children in Capernaum (2018)
Authors: Kehya Rahime Özgün
Published: December 2023

This article explores the social and form-related similarities and differences between the film Capernaum and Italian neorealism, focusing on the portrayal of refugee children. The Syrian Civil War has displaced millions of people, and children who have sought refuge in Syria’s neighbouring countries, such as Lebanon and Turkey, have become victims of poverty and moral degeneration. Similarly, the Second World War left children orphaned and many harsh realities emerged, such as child labour, delinquency, abuse and neglect. The Italian neorealism movement highlighted post-war issues such as these in cinema. Capernaum reflects the new realities of the Syrian Civil War as sociological concepts, such as forced migration due to war, extreme poverty and the victimization of children. This film is important because of its power to generate empathy and (pro-)activism. With an analysis of the mise en scène and contents of Capernaum, we show that the film bears significant traces of neorealism and that nothing has changed for Syrian refugee children. In a spatial sense, the phenomenon of migration brings a new reality to Capernaum, and neorealist films give a voice to victims via actors who express their experiences. Children in both countries have been victims of extreme poverty and moral degeneration due to war.
Sensory extension, imagined scenes and affective connection: A qualitative analysis of Chinese documentary podcast Page Seven
Authors: Ding Yang
Published: December 2023

Documentary podcasts are attracting people’s attention as a form of podcast. These non-fictional aural texts require substantial effort and time to produce, presenting true stories to the audience through the utilization of recording technology and sound design, resulting a distinct aesthetic. Taking Page Seven as a case study, the objective of this article is to examine the process of auditory scene interaction between the audience and the aural text in documentary podcasts. Page Seven was founded in 2012 and is recognized as the first audio documentary podcast in Mainland China. This article posits that documentary podcasts engage the audience’s visual perception in addition to their auditory perception. The realistic soundscape and the listener’s imagination merge to form the auditory scene. By applying the uses and gratification theory and narrative transportation, this study reveals that Page Seven allowed the audience to fulfil multiple needs, including affective needs. This study attempts to explain the communication process of documentary podcasts from three aspects: sensory, imagination and emotion, thereby enriching the cultural landscape within the realm of documentary podcasts.
NEM TUDO SÃO FLORES
Authors: Pellizzaro de Lorenzi Cancellier Éverton Luís , Laporta Barbosa Mariana
Published: December 2023

Dilema: Após enfrentar diversos desafios em sua trajetória, uma empreendedora vive um dilema em relação ao futuro do seu negócio: deve incentivar a filha a assumir a liderança ou seria melhor encerrar as atividades?
Objetivo educacional: Propiciar uma reflexão sobre os desafios que as mulheres enfrentam ao empreender e o papel das competências empreendedoras na superação dos mesmos.
Contextualização: O caso narra a história de Ana, que, com 30 anos e dois filhos pequenos, vê-se diante de poucas oportunidades de trabalho na sua área de formação, decidindo então empreender junto ao seu marido. Inicialmente atuando na área administrativa, Ana logo passa a se dedicar e destacar no ramo de jardinagem e paisagismo, conquistando novos e duradouros clientes. Entretanto, o que ela não esperava, é que junto de uma separação conturbada, precisaria enfrentar diversas dificuldades ao assumir a liderança do negócio.
Tema principal: Barreiras ao empreendedorismo feminino.
Público: Estudantes de graduação ou cursos de pós-graduação na área de administração, bem como cursos que possuam o empreendedorismo feminino enquanto tema.
Originalidade/valor: O caso possibilita a compreensão de conceitos de desenvolvimento de competências empreendedoras dentro do contexto do empreendedorismo feminino.
O PAPEL MEDIADOR DA CAPACIDADE ABSORTIVA ENTRE FONTES EXTERNAS DE CONHECIMENTO E DESEMPENHO EM INOVAÇÃO
Authors: Camilo Silvio Parodi Oliveira , Mendonça Cardoso João Vânio , Dagostim Picolo Jaime
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: Este estudo investiga o papel mediador da capacidade absortiva entre fontes externas de conhecimento e o desempenho em inovação de produtos no contexto de uma cooperativa de eletricidade.
Design/Metodologia/Abordagem: Realizado com uma metodologia quantitativa, o estudo envolveu a aplicação de um questionário a 82 empresas fornecedoras de uma cooperativa de eletricidade, utilizando o método Partial Least Squares (PLS) para testar o modelo estrutural.
Resultados: Os resultados indicam que as fontes externas de conhecimento, mediadas pela capacidade absortiva, têm uma associação significativa e positiva com o desempenho da inovação de produtos. As organizações precisam utilizar tanto fontes de conhecimento científico quanto industrial para desenvolver capacidades absortivas potenciais e realizadas, a fim de perceber benefícios financeiros, de mercado, técnicos, de clientes e estratégicos da inovação.
Originalidade/Valor: Destaca a importância estratégica da gestão do conhecimento para manter as organizações competitivas e inovadoras no ambiente de negócios atual. Nesse sentido o estudo aborda a necessidade de as organizações desenvolverem práticas relacionadas à absorção de conhecimento, enfatizando que essas práticas não só permitem a aquisição de informações relevantes para o negócio, mas também facilitam a propagação e transformação de rotinas, levando a melhorias em produtos e serviços.
DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS GROUPS IN BRAZIL
Authors: Gonçalves Xavier Wlamir , Kallás David
Published: December 2023

Objective: This work aims to understand and analyze the development of large business groups, or Business Groups (BG) in Brazil.
Methodology: The article is based on a historical analysis focused on the longitudinal analysis of cases from the Brazilian context to uncover the development trajectories of BG.
Results: The historical analysis reveals that BGs in Brazil benefited from institutional failures, some of which were generated in times of crisis, and knew how to take advantage of dynamic institutional arrangements during pro-market reforms, such as the use of government incentives to leverage their participation in the privatization process. Consequences of this capacity include the accelerated growth of several groups without the need for dispersion of capital and control, and the successful implementation of strategies such as vertical integration through acquisitions.
Originality and value: By showing how BGs emerged and developed in Brazil, taking advantage of opportunities offered by local institutional arrangements, the study presents the mechanisms that explain the persistence of BGs' superior performance over a long period of time.
Bacidina ferax – a new species for the lichen flora of the Middle European Russia
Authors: Urbanavichene Irina N. , Urbanavichus Gennady P.
Published: December 2023

Bacidina ferax was described by Stefan Ekman in 2023, particularly basing on the collections from the North-East of the European Russia (Komi Republic). Herewith, B. ferax is reported for the first time for the Middle European Russia – from the Nizhny Novgorod Region. A complete morphological description, including the characters, distinguishing B. ferax from the related species, in Russian is given; its distribution range is characterized. The obtained results make a valuable contribution to the knowledge of the global distribution range of B. ferax. The specimens from Kerzhensky Nature Reserve are kept in the lichenological herbarium of the Komarov Botanical Institute (LE L, Saint- Petersburg), duplicate – in the herbarium of the Altai State University (ALTB, Barnaul).

Copy Translate

Copy Translate
Records of new and rare species for mycobiota of southeastern Kazakhstan
Authors: Rakhimova Elena V. , Sypabekkyzy Gulnaz , Sedlářová Michaela , Asylbek Asem M. , Kyzmetova Lyazzat A.
Published: December 2023

The proposed article provides data on two species new to Kazakhstan (Phaeocalicium ahtii (Titov et Baibul.) Titov and Libertella rosae Desm.) and a rare micromycete (Schwarzmannia goebeliae Pisareva). Phaeocalicium ahtii is a facultative saprotroph found in Kazakhstan in the Central Tien Shan on the territory of the Terskey Alatau ridge, at an altitude of 2277 m above sea level, on the branches of Lonicera stenantha Pojark. The species is a climatic endemic, on the territory of Kazakhstan its preservation as a rare species with a limited range (category 3 (R)) can be ensured by its inclusion in the Red Book of the Almaty region and the protection of its natural habitat. Micromycete Libertella rosae, saprotroph, quite widespread in the Northern hemisphere, in Kazakhstan found in the southern tip of the Dzungarian Alatau, at an altitude of 1108 m above sea level, on the branches of Spiraea sp. In the territory with a hot and dry climate, Libertella rosae was also noted in the foothill plain of the Central Kopetdag, in the Central Botanical Garden of Ashgabat. The rare parasitic species Schwarzmannia goebeliae is endemic to Kazakhstan, found in the foothills of the Malaysary ridge, and in the swampy area between the Charyn and Ili rivers, at an altitude of 514–655 m above sea level, on the leaves of Pseudosophora alopecuroides (L.) Sweet. The genus Schwarzmannia Pisareva includes two species, S. goebeliae and S. ammodendri. Currently, genomic sequence data are absent, so the taxonomic position of the genus is uncertain.

Copy Translate
Genus Rorippa (Cruciferae) in Caucasus. Addition to the flora
Authors: Dorofeyev Vladimir I.
Published: December 2023

The presented study is an addition to Volume 2(3) of the “Caucasian Flora Conspectus” on the genus Rorippa, which shows the taxonomic nomenclature and geographical distribution of three species: Rorippa prolifera, R. dubia and R. indica. The first of them is indicated for the flora for the first time, the second and third were known, but they were not indicated in the “Caucasian Flora Conspectus” by mistake.

Copy Translate

Copy Translate
New records of the genus Ramalina (Lecanorales, Ascomycota) in Dagestan with a key to species
Authors: Ismailov Aziz B. , Volobuev Sergey V. , Kataeva Olga A.
Published: December 2023

Based on morphological, chemical and molecular evidences, Ramalina europaea, R. lacera, and R. obtusata are reported for the first time for Dagestan. Ramalina lacera is the first confirmed record for the Russian part of the Caucasus and the second one for Russia. ITS of nuclear ribosomal DNA barcodes for Caucasian specimens of R. lacera and R. obtusata are generated for the first time. Specimen descriptions for firstly revealed species are presented. A key for identification of the 13 known taxa of the genus Ramalinain Dagestan is provided.

Copy Translate

Copy Translate
Type specimens of Cruciferae (Brassicaceae) stored in the Herbarium of the Komarov Botanical Institute (LE). Part 1: Brassica (basionyms)
Authors: Dorofeyev Vladimir I.
Published: December 2023

Information on the type specimens of 12 species published as part of the genus Brassica, stored in the general sector of the Herbarium of Higher Plants department of the V. L. Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, is presented. One new combination in the composition of the genus Guenthera is proposed: G. deflexa (Boiss.) V. I. Dorof. var. auranthiaca (Bornm.) V. I. Dorof., comb. nov.

Copy Translate

Copy Translate
Sexo, bombas e democracia
Authors: De Farias Airton
Published: December 2023

Extremistas de direita, a partir do final da década de 1970, promoveram uma série de atentados terroristas contra o processo de abertura da ditadura civil-militar. Esses setores entendiam que a flexibilização do regime abria espaços para a atuação dos “subversivos”. Entre os alvos das bombas, estavam as bancas de jornais e revistas. Sem desconsiderar os aspectos políticos, este artigo busca mostrar como os elementos morais, envolvendo a negociação de revistas eróticas/pornográficas, também contribuíram para os ataques terroristas a jornaleiros. As publicações eróticas, nas representações dos extremistas de direita, serviam aos projetos comunistas de tomada do poder, pois depravavam a sociedade e corrompiam a juventude. Para diversos segmentos da população, inclusive, os que apoiavam a democratização do País, a abertura da ditadura possibilitara uma depravação dos costumes e era necessária a censura moral. A pesquisa se fundamenta na análise de documentos do regime ditatorial e em jornais do período.
Sistema Judiciário Brasileiro
Authors: Feloniuk Wagner Silveira , Passos Carlos Otaviano , Oliveira Tiago Leles de
Published: December 2023

O Sistema Judiciário Brasileiro é estudado com base em dados quantitativos que abrangem o período desde a Constituição de 1988 até os dias atuais. Durante esse período, houve um notável crescimento e fortalecimento dos órgãos do sistema judiciário, acompanhado por um aumento significativo na demanda da sociedade. A pesquisa visa coletar informações sobre processos, magistrados, membros do Ministério Público, defensoria pública, advogados, cursos de Direito e estudantes de direito, a fim de obter três tipos de dados. O primeiro tipo inclui séries históricas, que permitem interpretações dos eventos ocorridos ao longo do tempo no Brasil. O segundo tipo são dados comparativos, especialmente com base em informações fornecidas pelo Conselho Europeu sobre países predominantemente europeus, a fim de traçar paralelos com a situação em dezenas de países. O terceiro tipo de dados é criado para a interpretação dos dois primeiros tipos, incluindo considerações doutrinárias ou novas pesquisas próprias para a compreensão dos principais resultados. Com essa abordagem tripartite, busca-se compreender o sistema judicial brasileiro em si e em comparação com outros países.
Avaliação de viabilidade e desempenho performativo: estudo de caso de edifício comercial em Projeto VII
Authors: Moraes Souto Ana Elisa , Costa Pinzon Yasmim
Published: December 2023

Este artigo consiste em um estudo de caso realizado em sala de aula, que faz parte do projeto de pesquisa em andamento sobre projetos performativos. A análise parte do estudo de viabilidade de um edifício comercial de alto padrão para a cidade de Porto Alegre, a fim de compreender a relação entre o objeto arquitetônico e o lugar. O objetivo é, portanto, associar o uso de ferramentas computacionais ao ensino do projeto performativo de arquitetura e urbanismo, observando seus impactos no desenvolvimento de edificações de maior desempenho, ainda na fase inicial de projeto. O estudo de caso é desenvolvido através de três propostas de composições morfológicas, visando prever impactos no entorno e na edificação concebida através de um software BIM. A conclusão, portanto, destaca o processo de design através do dinamismo, integração e precisão, compreendendo nas etapas iniciais escolhas decisivas para o seu desenvolvimento.
Incidencia de las superficies vidriadas en la eficiencia energética de viviendas: dos casos en Tucumán
Authors: Fernández Amalita , Garzón Beatríz Silvia
Published: December 2023

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo demostrar cómo las carpinterías inciden considerablemente en la eficiencia energética edilicia. Se exponen dos casos de viviendas, casas country, ubicadas en el gran San Miguel de Tucumán. Ambas se construyen considerando criterios de eficiencia térmico–energética desde las orientaciones y a través del uso del sistema Cassaforma. Este sistema resulta muy eficiente desde el punto de vista térmico–energético, ya que alcanza los más altos estándares de aislación térmica establecidos por IRAM 11605. Sin embargo, estas viviendas poseen una importante superficie de ventanas, con un acristalamiento de bajas prestaciones térmicas y sin protecciones solares en la mayoría de sus orientaciones. Se analiza la performance de ambas a través de la ponderación EPDA (Estrategias Pasivas de Diseño Arquitectónico) y el etiquetado de eficiencia energética en su estado original. A través de estas herramientas, se estudia el comportamiento de las viviendas considerando dos posibles variantes: la reducción de la superficie de ventanas en un 50 % y la utilización de un sistema de vidrio de mejores prestaciones térmicas existente en el mercado local. Se concluye que las carpinterías presentan una elevada incidencia en el comportamiento energético de ambos casos y la reducción de las mismas permite importantes ahorros energéticos.
The Role of Jump Rope Game in Developing Early Childhood Cooperation Skills
Authors: Safitri Dahrul
Published: December 2023

Purpose – The proliferation of modern games has gradually eroded the existence of traditional games rich in essential cooperation values for children from an early age. This research aims to analyze the traditional jump rope game as a means to develop early childhood cooperation skills, amidst the prevalence of modern games that emphasize individualism.
Design/methods/approach – This research employs a qualitative approach through a case study. Data collection involves observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis technique used follows Miles and Huberman's concept, including data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The research informants consist of five parents of children aged 5-6 years, with three boys and two girls as research subjects. Data validity is ensured through source triangulation.
Findings – The jump rope game, commonly known as "lompat karet" due to the use of rubber as the rope in Dukuh Sewelut, demonstrates various positive attributes related to early childhood cooperation skills and positive effects on children's cooperative abilities.
Research implications/limitations – This research has limitations, and its results are not intended to provide general conclusions. However, it is expected that this research can be used to understand similar phenomena.
Practical implications – The findings of this research are expected to enhance our understanding of the importance of traditional jump rope games in building and nurturing early childhood cooperation skills.
Originality/value – Future research will delve into traditional games that can enhance self-regulation skills in children and explore the deeper negative impacts of traditional games.
 
Paper type Case study
Unveiling Multiracial Family Parenting Practices in Early Childhood Education within the Indonesian Context: A Case Study
Authors: Aghnaita  , Murniati Wahyuni
Published: December 2023

Purpose – The presence of multiracial families in society has given rise to various questions regarding early childhood care practices. It is essential for children to develop a strong sense of identity, considering their diverse cultural and racial backgrounds. This research aims to investigate the parenting practices within multiracial families during early childhood.
Design/methods/approach – This research adopts a descriptive qualitative approach. The study is conducted in West Nusa Tenggara, spanning from May to November 2023. The primary data sources involve three multiracial families. Data collection methods include observations, interviews, and document analysis.
Findings – The results reveal that parenting styles are intricately intertwined with the cultural and racial backgrounds of the parents, whether both the mother and father's races are considered or if one race predominates. Parenting responsibilities are shared, and gender-related issues are not visibly prominent. The parenting practices encompass fostering independence and discipline, promoting tolerance, instilling good manners, emphasizing health and hygiene, scheduling activities, granting freedom, providing sleep training, developing life skills, and encouraging literacy.
Research implications/limitations – This study utilizes qualitative research methods and focuses on three multiracial families as research subjects, thereby offering insights into early childhood care.
Practical implications – This research contributes to the advancement of knowledge pertaining to early childhood care within multiracial contexts. Furthermore, it serves as a valuable reference for formulating appropriate policies and educational strategies for children in multiracial families.
Originality/value – Future research can delve deeper into the caregiving practices of multiracial families, considering diverse cultural and social perspectives.
Paper type Case Study
Asset Allocation and Performance of Malaysian Civil Service Pension Fund
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Lau Wee-Yeap
Published: December 2023

Managing pension assets for defined benefit plans is a dynamic optimisation process between the strategic allocation and the future liabilities obligations. A pension fund's optimal asset and liability structure will eventually determine the pension fund's performance. This study examines the Civil Service Pension Fund, or Malaysia Incorporated Retirement Fund (KWAP). Using the data from 2007 to 2018, our results show: First, KWAP has invested in five main asset classes. Its asset allocation strategy shows an increased risk tolerance with greater weight in equities. Second, real estate is the most performing asset class that contributes the highest ROI, followed by equities. Third, the investment performance of KWAP has deteriorated since 2007 as measured by Sharpe Ratio and M-squared. Fourth, the KWAP is still conservative based on the efficient frontier. It invests mainly in domestic fixed income and local equities. As a policy implication, the KWAP should diversify into an international portfolio as recommended by Capital Market Line.
Determinants of Factors that Affect Accounting Fraud in Local Government Financial Management
Authors: Atmadja Anantawikrama , Dharmawan Nyoman Ari Surya , Saputra Komang
Published: December 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of internal control systems, compliance with human resource regulations and competencies on accounting fraud in the regional financial management of the Gianyar Regency in Indonesia. The research method uses quantitative and data analysis techniques, including multiple regression and analysis of a questionnaire answered by the staff of the regional work unit in Gianyar Regency. Sampling in this study uses Non-Probability sampling with a Purposive Sampling technique, while the number of research samples is 144 questionnaires. The results of the study suggest that the internal control system has a negative effect on accounting fraud, regulatory compliance also negatively affects accounting fraud, and human resource competence has a negative effect on accounting fraud in the Regional Work Unit in Gianyar Regency.
The Link Between ESG Performance and Earnings Quality
Authors: Tohang Valentina , Hutagaol-Martowidjojo Yanthi , Pirzada Kashan
Published: December 2023

The field of study pertaining to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns has gained significant interest in recent years, primarily driven by increasing worldwide concern about climate change and environmental challenges. Prior research has examined corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives as actions that may be susceptible to opportunistic conduct by managers, which may be observed via earnings management. This research aims to investigate different perspectives of earnings quality (EQ) by examining the determinants of EQ described as inherent operating environment and risk of the industry business process (innate factors of EQ) and management reporting decision (manager’s discretion of EQ). Separating the components of EQ determinants individually is considered an advantage by the previous researcher. Using fixed effect panel data, this study demonstrates that ESG performance is positively associated with discretionary accruals and negatively related to innate earnings quality. This phenomenon might perhaps be attributed to the challenges posed by the sector, characterized by rapid digital transformation and unexpected digital development in the markets. This observation suggests that over time, the utilization of symbolic ESG business practices, which are susceptible to greenwashing, would have a detrimental effect on the fundamental earnings quality influenced by the operational context and the risk of uncertainty associated with the organization.
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF BOROSILICATE ENAMEL WITH NANOSCALE ZINC OXIDE PARTICLES
Authors: Borovoy V. Yu. , Chubik M. V. , Kazmina O. V.
Published: December 2023

Glass-enamel coatings have been modified with nanosized particles, which expands the scope of their application and is a promising direction. It has been established that the introduction of nanosized zinc oxide in the amount of 0.5 wt. % into the composition of the enamel of the Na2O–B2O3–TiO2–SiO2 system imparts antibacterial properties to the coating against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The meaning of the index of antibacterial activity of the surface of the enamel increases on average five times more in relation to Escherichia coli (E. coli) and six times more in relation to Staphylococcus aureus (St. aureus) compared with a control sample that does not contain zinc oxide.
INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION “THE WORLD OF GLASS – 2023”
Authors: Matveev V. I.
Published: December 2023

The article briefly provides basic information about the 24th International Exhibition “World of Glass” held in Moscow, which was directly attended by about 100 companies from 12 countries. New technologies of production and quality control of glass products, the main structural elements of glass furnaces, methods of their high-quality production were demonstrated. Examples of the most successful enterprises of the glass industry are given.
INVESTIGATION OF DISPERSED PARTICLE-HARDENED ZIRCONIUM PORCELAIN
Authors: He D. , Li Y. , Sun Y. , Wan D. , Bao Y.
Published: December 2023

Porcelains were prepared by using kaolin clay, potassium feldspar, and quartz as the raw materials, and ZrO2 as a reinforcing material. This study investigated the effects of the amount of ZrO2, the firing temperature, and the holding time on the porcelain bending strengths and fracture toughness values, and compared the reinforcing effects of two types of ZrO2. The results show that the effect of the two types of ZrO2 (pure ZrO2 and Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2) on porcelain reinforcement were similar and that the optimal porcelain reinforcement was obtained with a ZrO2 content of 6 wt.%, firing temperature of 1300 ?, and holding time of 30 min. The bending strength increased from (58 ± 6) MPa to (89 ± 8) MPa (pure ZrO2) and (87 ± 8) MPa (Y2O3- stabilized ZrO2), with the respective growth rates reaching 62 and 58 %. Radial stress was generated in the matrix during the cooling process because of the difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of ZrO2 particles and the matrix.
This increased the porcelain strength. The phase transformation of ZrO2 improved the fracture toughness of the porcelain, but had little effect on reinforcement of the porcelain.
A PRACTICE-ORIENTED METHOD FOR ESTIMATING THE SPECIFIC ENERGY OF DESTRUCTION OF CERAMIC COMPOSITIONS OF THE ABRASIVE GRAIN–CERAMIC BINDER–PORES SYSTEM
Authors: Kurdyukov V. I. , Andreev A. A.
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the development of an original production method for estimating the specific energy of destruction of ceramic compositions of the “abrasive grain–ceramic binder–pores” system. The results of experimental studies and theoretical calculations that form the basis of the proposed method. Recommendations for its use are given.
FACING BUILDING MATERIAL BASED ON MECHANICALLY ACTIVATED CULLET MODIFIED WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Authors: Bessmertnyi V. S. , Zdorenko N. M. , Min’ko N. I. , Bondarenko M. A. , Vorontsov V. M. , Cherkasov A. V. , Makarov A. V. , Varfolomeeva S. V.
Published: December 2023

The technology of facing material based on mechanically activated cullet modified with sodium hydroxides has been developed. The phase composition, macro- and microstructure of the lining material are investigated. It is established that the microstructure of a composite modified with sodium hydroxide in the interpore space is represented by lamellar crystals of sodium meta-, di- and orthosilicates. The optimal composition for obtaining a facing material with a compressive strength of 24.7 MPa and a softening coefficient of 0.91 has been established.