bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overall approaches to cardiac tumors: Still an unsolved enigma?
Authors: Totaro Pasquale , Musto Martina
Published: June 2024

Cardiac tumors are neoplasms involving heart structures at any level, meaning the myocardium, valves, and cardiac chambers. When considering cardiac masses, it is not uncommon for surgeons to be surprised when they diagnose one. The real incidence of this complex group of diseases has been explored only after cardiac diagnostic tools became more appropriate. Despite differential diagnosis being relevant, surgical indication is usually requested for all malignant cardiac tumors and also for many types of benign tumors. The development of cardiac imaging techniques, therefore, has been the key point for a better understanding of the history of cardiac tumors and especially of the relevance of surgical indication in such conditions. Systematic and combined applications of echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance allow in the majority of case a clear definition of the nature of a newly discovered cardiac mass. The presence of a Li-Fraumeni syndrome seems to be the trigger aspect in accelerating the propensity of developing a cardiac tumor. Despite the revolutionary usefulness of the cardiac imaging techniques available, it is still considered a hazard to diagnose a malignant cardiac mass just with radiological imaging; the mainstay of the final diagnosis stands in surgical excision of the mass and histopathological report.
Novel compound heterozygous mutations in the hemojuvelin gene in a juvenile hemochromatosis patient: A case report
Authors: Xie Ling-Ding , Kong Xiao-Mu , Shen Jing-Xia , Wang Tai-Ling , Ma Jing , Zhang Yun-Fen , Chen Xiao-Ping
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Juvenile hemochromatosis (JH) is an early-onset, rare autosomal recessive disorder of iron overload observed worldwide that leads to damage in multiple organs. Pathogenic mutations in the hemojuvelin (HJV ) gene are the major cause of JH.

CASE SUMMARY

A 34-year-old male Chinese patient presented with liver fibrosis, diabetes, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, hypophysis hypothyroidism, and skin hyperpigmentation. Biochemical test revealed a markedly elevated serum ferritin level of 4329 μg/L and a transferrin saturation rate of 95.4%. Targeted exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing revealed that the proband had a novel mutation c.863G>A (p.R288Q) in the HJV gene which was transmitted from his father, and two known mutations, c.18G>C (p.Q6H) and c.962_963delGCinsAA (p.C321*) in cis, which were inherited from his mother. The p.R288W mutation was previously reported to be pathogenic for hemochromatosis, which strongly supported the pathogenicity of p.R288Q reported for the first time in this case. After 72 wk of intensive phlebotomy therapy, the patient achieved a reduction in serum ferritin to 160.5 μg/L. The patient's clinical symptoms demonstrated a notable improvement.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the importance of screening for hemochromatosis in patients with diabetes and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. It also suggests that long-term active phlebotomy could efficiently improve the prognosis in severe JH.
Overall clinical course of indeterminate dendritic cell tumor patients without skin lesions: A rare case report
Authors: Liang Hao , Zhao Yun-Fei , Zhang Liu-Ping , Wu Ya-Kun
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Indeterminate dendritic cell tumor (IDCT) is a rare tumor of immune cells, and IDCT patients without skin lesions are rarely reported. Therefore, the clinical course in this type of patient is unclear, and further research on the underlying pathological mechanisms and appropriate treatments is needed.

CASE SUMMARY

This study describes a female IDCT patient with bile duct lesions. The strong mimicry of IDCT lesions confused doctors, and consequently, this patient, who had no skin lesions, was first diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. Then, she presented with persistent abdominal distension without jaundice. Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes along with massive ascites were observed in the subsequent imaging examination. However, no tumor cells or pathogens were found in the three subsequent ascites analyses. It took 2 years to reach the correct diagnosis, which was eventually obtained by performing surgery for biopsy of the patient’s abdominal lymph nodes. However, by then, she was already in a cachexic state. Finally, she received a cycle of cyclophosphamide therapy and was advised to visit a hospital specializing in rare diseases.

CONCLUSION

For IDCT patients without skin lesions, early biopsy is the key to obtaining a correct diagnosis. Moreover, the collective management of IDCT patients is important. Further histological and molecular biology studies based on human specimens are critical for understanding the pathological mechanism of dendritic cell tumors in the future.
Utilizing the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and sweet potato leaf litter for the growth and production of andrographolide compounds in Andrographis paniculata
Authors: SUHARNO SUHARNO , CAHYANINGSIH AYU , SUJARTA PUGUH , GUNAEDI TRI , SUYONO IGN. JOKO , RUNTUBOI DIRK Y. P. , SUFAATI SUPENI
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Suharno, Cahyaningsih A, Sujarta P, Gunaedi T, Suyono IJ, Runtuboi DYP, Sufaati S. 2024. Utilizing the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and sweet potato leaf litter for the growth and production of andrographolide compounds in Andrographis paniculata. Biodiversitas 25: 1427-1435. This research aims to determine the effect of AMF diversity and the leaf litter of sweet potato on the growth and production of andrographolide compounds in sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata Nees.). Factorial analysis in a completely randomized experimental design with two factors and six replicates was used in this research. The factors consisted of the AMF inoculation (non-mycorrhizal, the inoculation with Glomus sp1, Glomus sp2, and Glomus aggregatum) and the addition of sweet potato leaf litter (without litter, with 5, 10, and 15 g per polybag). The results showed that AMF inoculation significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and biomass. Likewise, the addition of sweet potato leaf litter also affected the plant growth in all parameters. The combination between AMF inoculation and leaf litter addition contributes positively to the overall plant growth. The highest growth was noted in the plant inoculated with Glomus sp2 grown in the media added with 10 g of leaf litter per polybag. The inoculation of an indigenous AMF, Glomus sp2, could enhance the andrographolide compound content by 3.65%. AMF, thus, has the potential to improve the growth and content of andrographolide compounds in A. paniculata.
Health status of coral reef at Moramo Bay Marine Conservation Area, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: OETAMA DEDY , HAKIM LUCHMAN , LELONO TRI D. , MUSA MUHAMMAD
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Oetama D, Hakim L, Lelono TD, Musa M. 2024. Health status of coral reef at Moramo Bay Marine Conservation Area, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1454-1464. Moramo Bay is one of the regional Marine Conservation Areas (MCA) in Indonesia which is categorized as a Marine Tourism Park based on the Decree of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia Number 22 of 2021. This bay is located in Southeast Sulawesi Province and has an area of 21,902.34 ha, consisting of a core zone, limited-use zone, and other zones. The ecosystems found in Moramo Bay include coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass. The coral reef ecosystem in this area covers 2,528.19 ha with good visual conditions of the reef. The present study aims to provide detailed information concerning the condition of live hard corals and reef fishes, including abundance, diversity, evenness, dominance, and water quality by using point intercept transect (PIT) and underwater visual census (UVC) methods. The study was carried out at 7-10 meters of seawater depth in May-October 2023, focusing on both the core and limited-use zones and consisting of three study stages: field observation, data collection, and data analysis. Data collection covered identifying coral growth through literature study before performing descriptive analysis. The study revealed the percentage of live hard coral cover of 53%, referred to as a good category, and other variable percentages including dead coral (4%), dead coral with algae (9%), soft coral (4%), fleshy seaweed (1%), rubble (17%), sand (8%), silt (1% ) and sponge (2%). Furthermore, 25 families of reef fishes were found, belonging to 48 genera, 102 species, and 2,364 individuals, with an ecological index of abundance of 1.05 ind.m-2, diversity (2.86), evenness (0.83), and dominance (0.10). The coral reef health data issued by the present study implies that Moramo Bay MCA may be preserved as an alternative area for coral reef studies associated with global issues, for instance, climate changes. Protecting and increasing the sustainability of coral reefs is an absolute entity that must be considered by a local government.
Revealing species identity of edible razor clam Cultellus sp. (Bivalvia: Pharidae) from Madura Island, Indonesia
Authors: AMBARWATI RENI , RAHAYU DWI ANGGOROWATI
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Ambarwati R, Rahayu DA. 2024. Revealing species identity of edible razor clam Cultellus sp. (Bivalvia: Pharidae) from Madura Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1505-1513. Razor clams have an essential role as commercial commodities. One of the poorly-known edible razor clams from Madura, Indonesia, has not been identified as the species. This research aimed to identify the edible razor clam (Bivalvia: Pharidae) species from Madura Island, Indonesia. The samples of razor clams (Cultellus sp.) were collected from Bangkalan, Madura Island, Indonesia. Identification was conducted based on morphological and molecular characterization. The foot tissues of three individuals were processed for DNA isolation, electrophoresis, amplification, and sequencing to obtain the sequences of COI gene. The morphological characters of razor clam shells were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively. Data were collected from the COI gene sequences of razor clam Cultellus sp. and descriptively analyzed using bioinformatics software. The morphological identification revealed razor clams (Cultellus sp) from Bangkalan, Madura, Indonesia, Cultellus subellipticus. The nucleotide base composition sequences of C. subellipticus A, B & C consisted of Thiamine (T), Cytosine (C), Adenine (A), and Guanine (G) with a mean of 18.25, 12.92, 23.42, and 46.39%. Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Minimum Evolution (ME) phylogenetic analysis was also conducted using the Kimura 2 Parameter model to establish one major clade on C. subellipticus from the gene bank and a different group with Cultellus attenuatus and one out-group significantly different from the Ensis macha. This finding was strengthened by molecular identification results, which indicated the similarity with C. subellipticus from GenBank, with very high BOLD System data between 98.10-98.86%.
Characterization of rice varieties under salinity level and the response of defense-related genes during the germination stage
Authors: HARTATIK SRI , ROZZITA NOOR , WIBOWO SATRIYO , CHOIRUNNISA EVIYANTI , SAKANTI SAFA ADISTA SEKAR , PUSPITO AGUNG NUGROHO , UBAIDILLAH MOHAMMAD
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Hartatik S, Rozzita N, Wibowo S, Choirunnisa E, Sakanti SAS, Puspito AN, Ubaidillah M. 2024. Characterization of rice varieties under salinity level and the response of defense-related genes during the germination stage. Biodiversitas 25: 1536-1543. Climate change causes sea level rise, leading to an increase in soil salinity. In the germination phase, rice plants are more sensitive to salinity stress. Under salinity stress, plants produce an increased content of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Local rice (Oryza sativa) has complex gene properties to survive in salt-stress conditions. This research aims to study the potential of salt tolerance at the germination stage and provide a molecular analysis based on antioxidant genes in local rice. This study uses a factorial completely randomized design. The first factor is rice varieties (IR64, Silaun, Ime Buci, Me Klan, Me Likan, Me Meak, Me Taek, and Umak Klete), while the second factor is the salt treatments (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 mM NaCl). The results showed that Ime Buci became the most tolerant variety to salinity stress due to its ability to survive and germinate at the highest NaCl concentration (400 mM NaCl). In addition, the H2O2 content and Malondialdehyde (MDA) values of the Ime Buci variety were lower compared to the IR64 variety. The expression of antioxidant genes (Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn SOD, Cytosolic APX, OsAPX1, CAT, OsCATA, and GPOD) was used as observational variables in this study. The results of antioxidant gene expression showed that the Ime Buci variety activated genes more than IR64 variety based on real-time PCR. However, it still needs more investigation to analyze the potential of Ime Buci in salt conditions during the vegetative and generative stages to get more information about rice's mechanism in terms of tolerating stress conditions.
The Impact of Community Engagement in the Design and Implementation of the Flint Registry
Authors: Jones Nicole , Dotson Kenyetta , Smith Kirk D. , Reynolds Lawrence , Key Kent , Hanna-Attisha Mona
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Background: The Flint water crisis (FWC) was a public health tragedy caused by crumbling infrastructure, subverted democracy, and indifference toward a predominantly poor and Black community that resulted in lead-in-water exposure, Legionnaires’ disease, and emotional and health-related trauma. Through the cooperation of community partners, the Flint Registry (FR) was conceived to track long-term health and improve public health via service connections. Objectives: This study sought to share the FR’s community-partnered, multi-tiered engagement strategy and determine the efficacy of this strategy to engage the community and reach Flint residents. Methods: Community engagement and impact were measured by collecting and describing feedback from the community engagement strategies and by comparing the demographics of the enrollees recruited through community-engaged recruitment (CER) and non-CER methods. Enroll-ees indicated how they heard about the FR; CER involved direct interaction with a community member. Results: Community engagement strategies incorporated approximately 1,200 people and 7 funded organizations, impacting 22 key areas of FR design and implementation. More than 50% of enrollees heard about the FR through CER methods. They were, on average, more likely to be younger, female, Black/African American, and living outside of Flint during the FWC. Conclusions: Community engagement elevated voices of those impacted by the FWC. CER methods were as effective as non-CER methods. Although there were no differences in screened measures of social vulnerability, there were in age, gender, and race. CER methods may increase participation and build trust in populations which historically are hesitant to participate in public health efforts.
Lessons Learned in Forming an Academic-Community Partnership with Families Affected by the Juvenile Justice System
Authors: Schwartz Katherine , Dir Allyson L. , Aalsma Matthew C.
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Background: Families of youth involved in the juvenile justice system (YJJ) are integral to YJJ well-being, so it is important to consider the direct input of YJJ families as well as YJJ themselves in justice system reform efforts aiming to improve YJJ health outcomes. Objective: Our university research team partnered with one Midwest county’s juvenile court, as well as YJJ family members, to form an advisory council to the juvenile court. We report lessons learned through a case study of this council. Methods: Researchers reviewed and analyzed council records, meeting minutes, and interviews of varied stakeholders, including system representatives, leaders of similar advisory councils, and individuals with lived experience of the juvenile justice system. Lessons Learned: Council sustainability required addressing participation barriers, valuing authentic experiences, seeking out system-based champions, and identifying concrete opportunities for members to be heard. Conclusions: Investments in community health partnerships with YJJ families could improve system efforts to meet YJJ needs.
Engaging an African American Church-based Community in Developing a Technology-focused Virtual Reality Hypertension Program
Authors: Floríndez Lucía I. , Kim Linda Y. , Martinez Bibiana , Manoukian Mana G. , Pamu Jennifer , Clegg Deborah J. , Kelvin The , Spiegel Brennan , Coleman Bernice
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Background: African Americans are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease and hypertension. To address this, we partnered with local church leaders in developing a virtual reality (VR) hypertension reduction program. Objectives: A community-based participatory research approach was adopted to develop a hypertension education program using VR, incorporating feedback from the African American church congregation members. Methods: Using a qualitative approach, a modified Delphi exercise, and member checking, the research team collaborated with congregation members who provided feedback and assisted in the development of the intervention. Lessons Learned: Incorporating feedback from church members significantly impacted the educational platform. Encouraged by the reverend, church members were engaged and participated in the 12-week program designed to reduce blood pressure. Novel approaches like VR may need more time to pilot to achieve desired results, particularly with vulnerable populations. Conclusions: This participatory research platform highlights the importance of incorporating external stakeholders throughout the research process in order to develop a meaningful health intervention using new technology that is tailored to the church members.
Community-engaged Research Partnerships as Healing Spaces for Health Professionals and Researchers
Authors: Alang Sirry M. , Letcher Abby S. , Batts Hasshan , Moeller Carol , Biery Nyann , Mitsdarffer Mary , Kieber-Emmons Autumn M. , Rivera Jose , Johnson Melanie
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Drawing from collective experiences in our capacity building project: Health Equity Activation Research Team for Inclusion Health, we argue that while community-engaged partnerships tend to focus on understanding health inequities and developing solutions, they can be healing spaces for health professionals and researchers. Data were obtained from a 15-month participatory ethnography, including focus groups and interviews. Ethnographic notes and transcripts were coded and analyzed using both deductive and inductive coding. Practices of radical welcome, vulnerability, valuing the whole person, acknowledging how partnerships can cause harm, and centering lived experience expertise in knowledge creation processes were identified as key characteristics of healing spaces. Ultimately, health professionals and researchers work within the same social, political and economic contexts of populations with the worst health outcomes. Their own healing is critical for tackling larger systemic changes aimed at improving the well-being of communities harmed by legacies of exclusion.
L’Expérience du sable dans L’Enfant de sable et La Nuit sacrée de Tahar Ben Jelloun
Authors: Marfouq Assia
Published: June 2024

Résumés: Le sable, matière riche en symbolisme, évoque à la fois l’éphémère et l’abondance, la fragilité et la résilience. Cette dualité complexe se reflète dans diverses cultures où le sable est associé à la vie, au temps qui passe, à la fertilité, mais aussi à l’instabilité et à l’isolement. Dans la littérature maghrébine, notamment, le désert de sable incarne l’identité et la mémoire collective, tout en étant le théâtre de quêtes personnelles et spirituelles. Les romans de Tahar Ben Jelloun, L'Enfant de sable et La Nuit sacrée , explorent cette symbolique à travers le personnage d'Ahmed/Zahra, révélant les nuances et les profondeurs de l’expérience humaine dans cet environnement inhospitalier. Notre analyse se concentre sur la manière dont le sable, en tant que motif récurrent, informe l'esthétique narrative de Ben Jelloun, en explorant les thèmes de l’effritement, de la vérité cachée dans l’isolement du désert et de la quête spirituelle à travers le chemin de sable. En examinant ces aspects, nous cherchons à démontrer comment le sable devient non seulement un élément décoratif, mais également un agent structurant et révélateur au sein de l’oeuvre de l’écrivain. Abstract: Sand, a material rich in symbolism, evokes both ephemerality and abundance, fragility and resilience. This complex duality is reflected in various cultures, where sand is associated with life, the passage of time and fertility, but also with instability and isolation. In Maghrebian literature in particular, the sandy desert embodies identity and collective memory, while also being the setting for personal and spiritual quests. Tahar Ben Jelloun’s novels L’Enfant de sable and La Nuit sacrée explore this symbolism through the character of Ahmed/Zahra, revealing the nuances and depths of human experience in this inhospitable environment. Our analysis focuses on how sand as a recurring motif informs Ben Jelloun’s narrative aesthetic, exploring themes of crumbling, the truth hidden in the isolation of the desert, and the spiritual quest through the sandy path. By examining these aspects, I seek to demonstrate how sand becomes not only a decorative element, but also a structuring and revealing agent within the writer’s work.
Azza Filali et les corps inquiets
Authors: Rabaté Mahaut
Published: June 2024

Résumés: Dans plusieurs fictions d’Azza Filali, les personnages connaissent une vie organique perturbée et sont en proie à de singuliers troubles corporels. L’article se propose d’étudier ces altérations du corps afin de montrer que les affections physiques qui touchent les personnages filaliens peuvent être envisagées à la fois comme la manifestation des maux qui affectent les individus et la société tunisienne et comme la résistance salutaire, quoique difficile, aux agressions extérieures. Les corps malmenés deviennent alors paradoxalement le lieu d’où peut s’opérer un renouvellement du sujet et de son rapport au monde. Abstract: Characters of several of Azza Filali’s fictions experience disturbances in their natural life and are beset by strange physical turmoil. This article studies these corporeal alterations in order to show that the physical afflictions Azza Filali’s characters are confronted with can be conceived as the expression of damages that concern both individuals and Tunisian society. This article also shows how these bodily affections are salutary resistance to external aggression. Mistreated bodies can then be understood as the place where a renewal of the subject is possible and where a new sensibility to the world can arise.
The Library of Michelangelo: A Proposal Regarding a Volume Held at the Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts at the University of Pennsylvania
Authors: Marongiu Marcella
Published: June 2024

Abstract: This essay focuses on a volume preserved at the library of the Kislak Center, Rare Books and Manuscripts (University of Pennsylvania) possesses in the fund Francis Campbell Macauley (fIC.D2352.Ei529t) a volume which gathers together the vernacularization of Dante’s De vulgari eloquentia by Gian Giorgio Trissino, published in 1529, and the Prose della volgar lingua by Pietro Bembo, in the 1525 editio princeps. The two volumes bear material traces of their ownership by Leonardo Buonarroti, grandson and universal heir of Michelangelo, and by his descendants Michelangelo the Younger and Filippo the Archaeologist. The study of the different handwritten notes on the pages of the volumes, of their content characteristics, and of their chronology; and an in-depth analysis on the biographies of Michelangelo and Leonardo Buonarroti allows us to hypothesize that the first owner of the two treatises was the great artist himself.
Reversing the Gaze from Refugees to Labelers: For a Socio-history of Labeling
Authors: Akoka Karen
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: This article is a plea for a theoretical and methodological approach in asylum and migration studies that enables distance from the institutional categories and taxonomy of refugees and migrants. It suggests reversing the gaze from "refugees" and "migrants" to the societies that label them as such and studying the historical evolutions of labeling operations with a strict definition of the refugee as the product of labeling. Applied to the study of the evolution of the refugee/migrant labeling in France from the 1950s to the 1990s, this approach shows the political dimension and constant redefinition of the migrant/refugee binary. As such it questions the division between refugee and asylum studies and invites going beyond the documentation of the experiences of exiles to include the political production of inclusion, exclusion, and hierarchies among them.
Packet-optical transport network for future radio infrastructure
Authors: Iovanna Paola , Bianchi Alberto , Bigongiari Alessandra , Bottari Giulio , Giorgi Luca , Marconi Simone , Puleri Marzio , Stracca Stefano , Testa Francesco , Ubaldi Fabio , Sabella Roberto
Published: June 2024

The advent of 6G is expected to transform connectivity by necessitating robust and scalable transport networks, capable of managing the escalating demands for enhanced bandwidth, negligible latency, and heightened network automation. The progression towards centralized radio access networks and the cloudification of network functions introduce additional requirements to the transport network. Addressing these demands, the integration of packet and optical systems combines packet flexibility with the high bandwidth and low latency of optical systems, aiming for a balance between performance, efficiency, and functionality. This process considers cost and the reuse of existing infrastructure towards a seamless transition to 6G. The concept of a Mini-ROADM, a cost-effective, energy-efficient optical switch created using silicon photonics, is presented and demonstrated in a ring network application. The role of a transport-aware end-to-end orchestrator in coordinating resources across radio, transport, and cloud domains to ensure a diverse range of quality-of-service levels is also discussed. A system demonstrator that highlights the integration of packet and optical layers and the concrete application of these concepts in a network environment is presented.
Characterization of retardance of nondepolarizing and depolarizing media
Authors: Gil J. J. , San José I. , Ossikovski R.
Published: June 2024

A criterion for the characterization of the retardance effects produced by depolarizing and nondepolarizing linear media on interacting light is established based on Mueller matrices algebra. A consistent general description of retardance properties is performed by means of a serial decomposition of the Mueller matrix into three components, namely an element that encompasses the enpolarizing and depolarizing properties sandwiched by two elliptical retarders containing complete and decoupled information on retardance. The inherent ambiguity derived from the coincident formal structure of rotation matrices and circular retarders is removed though the introduction of the entrance and exit intrinsic reference frames, leading to the concepts of the intrinsic entrance and exit linear retarders, which are defined from the Mueller matrix itself and that are independent of the laboratory reference frames used to represent the incident and emerging polarized light beams, respectively.
Digitisation as a tool to enhance learning processes and organisational knowledge in Social Services. First results from a qualitative study conducted in the North East of Italy
Authors: Zenarolla Anna
Published: June 2024

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the swift digitisation of social services, forcing the use of ICT to ensure continuity of service despite the lockdown. This article presents the results of a qualitative study aimed at identifying whether the imposed digitisation was transitory and destined to fade post-pandemic, or whether, on the contrary, the digitisation was long-term, leading to learning and innovation in the organisational knowledge of social services. Methodology. The study was of an exploratory qualitative nature, based on semi-structured interviews. From the end of May to the end of July 2023, all managers of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region’s 18 social service areas were interviewed. Several issues were covered in these interviews, namely: which ICTs were introduced and where; which target groups were involved; how ICTs were received by social workers and users; and finally, what impact they had on their relationships. Results. According to the interviewees, the COVID-19-imposed digitisation was welcomed by most social workers and by many users. No specific training interventions had taken place: digitisation unfolded through self-learning initiatives that arose spontaneously among social workers. It triggered a dynamic of change that mainly concerned the organisational dimension of the services and partially social workers’ practices with users. Discussion. The organisational change seems to represent a true innovation. Indeed, it has led to new ways of conceiving and using ICTs. However, alterations in direct social worker interventions with users do not appear to represent a true innovation: they have not embodied a real discontinuity regarding the previous approaches to the social worker-user relationship. This is probably due to the COVID emergency and the informal ways of learning how to use these technologies. Such a hypothesis, however, needs to be deepened through further research. Conclusions. To represent a form of learning leading towards innovation in social work organisations as well as social worker practices, the introduction of ICT needs to come with training processes capable of developing social worker reflections on how these tools should be used. At the same time, social workers must adopt and active as well as proactive approaches to new technologies and their implementation in organisations. For this reason, it is also necessary to invest in structured training courses capable of developing innovative teaching and learning methods based on the use of new technologies.
Habilidades prácticas de actuación policial en la atención a familiares y allegados de personas desaparecidas
Authors: Álvarez-Aparicio Ana Isabel , Martínez Fernández José María , Herráez-Collado Elena
Published: June 2024

La desaparición de una persona supone un gran impacto que no queda limitado a su entorno más cercano. También los profesionales pueden verse afectados por los elevados niveles de incertidumbre y sufrimiento que experimentan familiares y allegados. Dar un tratamiento prioritario a la problemática de las desapariciones resulta crucial. El desarrollo de unas óptimas habilidades prácticas, que promueva estrategias de intervención adecuadas en la atención al entorno de la persona desaparecida, se valora esencial. Del mismo modo, se considera necesaria la implementación de medidas de gestión del estrés y autocuidado del profesional para prevenir problemáticas asociadas, de manera directa o indirecta, a la exposición a este tipo de situaciones.
Avaliação físico-química das águas da Praia do Caripi – Barcarena/PA
Authors: Tomazi Pietro Santos , Diniz Victor Wagner Bechir
Published: June 2024

A Praia do Caripi está localizada na cidade de Barcarena (PA), às margens do rio Pará. Várias empresas foram criadas no local, levando a um aumento de atividades antrópicas que geram a descarga de efluentes, resíduos sólidos e esgoto doméstico no corpo hídrico, o que altera as características físico-químicas da água ao longo do ano. Este trabalho analisa os parâmetros físico-químicos das águas da Praia do Caripi e a influência dos padrões de marés e chuvas. Foi realizado um estudo in loco, com duas campanhas. Foram selecionados três pontos amostrais, dos quais foram coletadas amostras durante marés baixas e altas; uma coleta no período chuvoso e outra no período menos chuvoso, totalizando 12 amostras em ambas as campanhas. Para essas amostras, foram analisados parâmetros como pH, temperatura, cloreto, acidez, alcalinidade, dureza total, dureza de cálcio, dureza de magnésio, amônia e ferro. Com base nos resultados, observou-se que, apesar da significativa atividade antrópica na região, não foram registradas mudanças relevantes nos padrões de uso da água no momento da amostragem, sendo o ferro o único parâmetro ligeiramente fora dos padrões para a água da classe 1. No entanto, observou-se que a sazonalidade afetou significativamente os parâmetros físico-químicos, pois houve diferenças significativas nos resultados da primeira para a segunda campanha, embora ainda permaneçam dentro dos padrões para o uso dessa água.
Schrödinger–Hardy system without the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition on Carnot groups
Authors: Chen Wenjing , Yu Fang
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we study the following Schrödinger–Hardy system

{

−

Δ

G

u
−
μ

ψ
2

r
(
ξ

)
2

u
=

F
u

(
ξ
,
u
,
v
)
 

i
n

 
Ω
,

−

Δ

G

v
−
ν

ψ
2

r
(
ξ

)
2

v
=

F
v

(
ξ
,
u
,
v
)
 

i
n

 
Ω
,

u
=
v
=
0
 
 

o
n

 
∂
Ω
,

where
Ω
is a smooth bounded domain on Carnot groups

G

, whose homogeneous dimension is
Q
≥
3
,

Δ

G

denotes the sub-Laplacian operator on

G

,
μ
and
ν
are real parameters,
r
(
ξ
)
is the natural gauge associated with fundamental solution of
−

Δ

G

on

G

,
ψ
is the geometrical function defined as
ψ
=

|

∇

G

r

|

, and

∇

G

is the horizontal gradient associated with

Δ

G

. The difficulty is not only the nonlinearities

F
u

and

F
v

without Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition, but also the Hardy terms and the structure on Carnot groups. We obtain the existence of nonnegative solution for this system by mountain pass theorem in a new framework.
Mechanical response of concrete structures to effects of ionizing radiation
Authors:   , Herzfeldt Michaela
Published: June 2024

The worldwide need of nuclear power plant (NPP) lifetime extension raises the question of the condition of concrete structures exposed to ionizing radiation. Therefore the impact of radiation on mechanical properties of concrete is crucial knowledge in process of assessment of soundness and safety of NPP structures. It has been discovered that radiation has degradation effect on aggregates that are contained in concrete material. The phenomenon is called radiation-induced volumetric expansion (RIVE) and is strongly dependent on minerals that form particular aggregate. This thesis presents model of aggregate swelling due to radiation that captures the actual composition of minerals within aggregate. Since the data on irradiated minerals are limited and moreover exhibit scatter caused by different testing condition, the fuzzy logic is used in this model to interconnect data received by various expert groups. The main goal of this work is to utilize available data on irradiated concrete components such as minerals and aggregates to estimate the RIVE which has impact on mechanical properties of concrete structures after years of nuclear reactor operation. The obtained data should serve for estimate of condition of biological shielding structure specifically. The volumetric change of irradiated aggregate is then used for modeling irradiated concrete in the actual NPP structure based on the composition of concrete, the average temperature on the surface of the biological shield structure and the neutron dose received by biological shield.
Evaluation of the efficiency of chitosan and silver nanoparticles in the treatment of lice experimental infestation in local chickens
Authors: Mohammed Youssef Qasim , Anah Sadiya Aziz
Published: June 2024

The current study aimed to determine the effect of silver and chitosan nanoparticles of size 10 to 30 nm on the dead of lice in vitro and in vivo to determine the optimal time and concentration to combat chicken lice. 100 local chickens Gallus gallus domesticus were collected from Al-Diwaniyah province and 6 species of local chicken lice were isolated: Menacanthus stramineus, Menacanthus pallidullus, Menacanthus cornutus, Goniodes gigas, Cuclotogaster heterographus and Bonomiella columbae. The results of treating lice with chitosan and silver nanoparticles at concentrations (40, 60, and 80) mg/mL in vitro and at different periods (5, 10, 15, and 30) minutes after treatment showed that chitosan and silver nanoparticles at a concentration of 80 mg/mL are the most effective in killing lice. The dead rate of lice reached 100% after 15 minutes of treatment with chitosan nanoparticles and 100% in the case of silver nanoparticles after 30 minutes. The results of spraying chitosan and silver nanoparticles on the body of chickens infected with lice experimentally, based on the relative therapeutic efficacy within 30 minutes, indicated that silver nanoparticles were the most effective in completely killing lice in the group treated with a concentration of 80 mg/kg after 30 minutes, where the percentage of therapeutic efficacy was 96.7%. This was followed by chitosan nanoparticles at a concentration of 80 mg/kg, and the percentage of therapeutic efficiency was 91.5%. Chitosan and silver nanocomposite have a promising effect in the elimination of lice infestation in chickens.
Professors Call it Cheating, Students Call it Teamwork
Authors: Walsh Jeffrey , Krienert Jessie , Cannon Kevin , Honan Samuel
Published: June 2024

Implementation of online education pedagogy and practice has expanded rapidly at colleges and universities in recent years, most notably in response to COVID-19. This innovative teaching/learning modality provides benefits to both faculty and students through dynamic teaching/learning content, immense flexibility, and technological investments to support teaching and learning. Academic dishonesty in higher education is a persistent concern emphasized and extensively explored in traditional face-to-face courses, less so in online learning environments. The present work, drawing on a large sample of students and faculty (n=1,640) at a Midwestern university, employs an esurvey and both qualitative and quantitative responses on cheating behavior in the emergent area of online courses/online education. Results expose significant faculty and student disagreement and uncertainty about cheating behaviors in the online environment. Academic integrity is essential to fair and equitable high-quality higher education. The stakes are high to better understand the transformative shifts in academic dishonesty occurring in the online educational environment.
Sulla nozione di azienda agricola nel diritto dell’Unione europea
Authors: Germanò Alberto
Published: June 2024

L’autore esamina la questione che è stata sottoposta all’esame della Corte di giustizia e che verte sul problema se possa definirsi “azienda” l’organizzazione del vinicoltore che coltivi anche vigneti altrui presi in affitto e che si serva di una pressa altrui utilizzata, però, sotto il suo controllo e la sua responsabilità. E ciò al fine di potere utilizzare legittimamente i termini specifici di cui all’allegato VI del Reg. delegato 2019/33 secondo quanto stabilito dall’art. 54, par. 1, comma 2, del detto regolamento.
Automated handling of biological objects with a flexible gripper for biodiversity research
Authors: Wührl Lorenz , Keller Leonard , Klug Nathalie , Shirali Hossein , Meier Rudolf , Pylatiuk Christian
Published: June 2024

With the increasing loss of insect species, their ecosystem services such as pollination of plants and pest control are also under threat. This means that more intense monitoring is needed, but this poses many challenges: Collecting is comparatively easy and carried out at many locations worldwide using standardized methods such as Malaise traps that preserve the specimens in ethanol. However, a comprehensive, systematic evaluation of these samples at the specimen-level is not yet possible due to the large number of specimens and the lack of taxonomic experts who can identify the specimens to species level. We thus here present a new mini-gripper for the automated handling of insects preserved in ethanol. The mini-gripper automatically picks insects from bulk samples as long as they are in the 7.5 mm–15 mm size range to be transferred to the DiversityScanner, where they are classified using a trained AI model. This automated approach is currently tested in an EU project to identify new invasive pests.
RNA aptamers: promising tools in synthetic biology
Authors: Kelvin Daniel , Suess Beatrix
Published: June 2024

Synthetic elements made entirely of RNA are suitable as regulatory elements in genetically modified systems and as biosensors. Such RNA aptamers are highly structured nucleotide sequences capable of specifically binding a target molecule. De novo selection of aptamers against a wide variety of potential targets is possible. By integrating RNA aptamers as binding domains into natural or synthetically designed regulatory circuits in the form of so-called riboswitches, new regulatory mechanisms can be generated that do not require additional regulatory elements. In addition, these binding domains can be used in cell-free systems to perform highly specific and affine molecular detection assays. By presenting two well-established aptamer designs, we aim to demonstrate the potential of RNA aptamer-based riboswitches and biosensors in various applications.
The fabrication-assembly challenge in tissue engineering
Authors: Nuber Ulrike A.
Published: June 2024

The generation of human tissue through tissue engineering has been pursued for decades and is still associated with major challenges. The comparison between natural tissue formation and engineering concepts helps to understand the fabrication-assembly challenge of tissue components and provides approaches to solutions for this multidisciplinary field.
Biocatalytic approaches for plastic recycling
Authors: Branson Yannick , Wei Ren , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: June 2024

This article presents an overview of the evolution, impact, and challenges of plastics, focusing on the difficulties in recycling processes and introducing biocatalytic technologies as a promising solution for efficient plastic degradation. While there are many obstacles in accessability of plastics for enzymatic degradation, recent achievements in industrial application and discoveries of new enzyme classes for polymer degradation highly encourage further investment in this technology paving the way towards broad industrial application of biocatalysis in plastic recycling.
Mother tongue in Serbia: A speakers’ perspective on the meaning of the concept
Authors: Mirić Mirjana , Sokolovska Valentina , Sorescu-Marinković Annemarie
Published: June 2024

The present study analyzes the meanings bilingual and multilingual speakers attach to the term mother tongue, a familiar concept which is most often intuitively understood, but difficult to define. Taking as the main frame of reference the vulnerable linguistic communities of Serbia, the authors assess the answers given by the interviewees to the open question “What does the notion of mother tongue mean to you?” asked in the pilot sociolinguistic questionnaire the study is based on. The responses are classified in several categories, which are then analyzed and discussed. The findings show that the speakers give equal importance to the period of language acquisition, in early childhood, and the role of the family in language transmission for defining mother tongue. The diversity of responses obtained in the study suggests that the definitions provided by the censuses, used in the education context, human rights literature, or sociolinguistics, do not necessarily overlap with the social reality, as the actual members of the linguistic communities perceive the concept as being more heterogeneous than generally assumed and do not automatically connect it to mothers.
Utilizing ResNet for enhanced quality prediction in PET production: an AI-driven approach
Authors: Zheng Kaiwen , Shi Jiaoxue , Chen Shichang
Published: June 2024

To promote theoretical understanding for optimizing the entire process parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc.) and quality indicators (molar fraction, end-group concentration, and number-average molecular weight) in the industrial production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a dataset construction for production parameters and product quality indicators was accomplished in conjunction with industrial process simulation software. A complete deep learning workflow including data collection, dataset construction, model training, and evaluation was established. A prediction method for process-product quality of PET production based on the residual neural network (ResNet) network was proposed to reduce the complexity of quality control in polyester production. The results show that compared to traditional convolutional neural network (CNN), ResNet has higher accuracy (R
2 ≥ 0.9998) in predicting the PET production process and product quality. It can accurately establish the mapping relationship between production parameters and product quality indicators, providing theoretical guidance for intelligent production.
Lupus, der (un)bekannte Verfasser des Liber legum
Authors: Mischke Britta
Published: June 2024

In medieval studies, the “Liber legum of Lupus of Ferrières” has long been a firmly associated pair of terms, although the identity of the author is by no means certain and has been repeatedly called into doubt. The paper reconstructs how this opinion has prevailed, and critically examines the arguments put forward in favor of it. Given the paucity of reliable evidence, adherence to the hypothesis seems to be due primarily to the appeal of combining a well-known work with a famous name. Since the sources used for the Liber legum as well as its manuscript tradition clearly point to Italy, it seems most likely that Lupus was an Italian collector of legal texts, who had a personal relationship with the patron of the work, Margrave Eberhard of Friuli.
Unravelling Financial Wrongdoing: A Regulatory Perspective on Crimes in the Indonesian Capital Market
Authors: Anggriawan Rizaldy , Endriyo Susila Muh.
Published: June 2024

The perpetration of offenses within the capital market sector represents a multifaceted challenge, compounded by the intricacies associated with evidentiary establishment and legal pursuit within a judicial context. The research aims to assess the role of Indonesia's capital market in its economic development and the impact of regulatory evolution, particularly the transition from BAPEPAM to OJK. It also aims to analyze the effectiveness of stringent regulatory frameworks in maintaining market integrity and investor confidence while imposing legal consequences on transgressors. The research used normative research, characterized by a meticulous analysis of the normative paradigms enshrined within statutory regulations or normative constructs governing the capital market. The findings substantiate the assertion that the capital market assumes a pivotal role as a determinant of a nation's economic well-being and a catalyst for economic advancement. The evolutionary trajectory of Indonesia's capital market oversight, transitioning from the purview of Capital Market Supervisory Agency (BAPEPAM) to the Financial Service Authority (OJK), underscores the dynamic nature of financial markets and the imperative of preserving investor confidence and market integrity. The Indonesian Capital Market operates within the ambit of stringent regulatory frameworks, designed to uphold the integrity of securities trading and safeguard the interests of investors. These regulatory frameworks include explicit prohibitions against fraud, market manipulation, insider trading, and record manipulation, all aimed at fortifying transparency and nurturing ethical conduct. These measures serve as a testament to Indonesia's unwavering commitment to nurturing trust and integrity within its capital market industry, simultaneously imposing substantive legal ramifications on transgressors.