bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Too hot, too cold, or just right: Can wildfire restore dry forests of the interior Pacific Northwest?
Authors: Greenler Skye M. , Dunn Christopher J. , Johnston James D. , Reilly Matthew J. , Merschel Andrew G. , Hagmann R. Keala , Bailey John D.
Published: February 2023

As contemporary wildfire activity intensifies across the western United States, there is increasing recognition that a variety of forest management activities are necessary to restore ecosystem function and reduce wildfire hazard in dry forests. However, the pace and scale of current, active forest management is insufficient to address restoration needs. Managed wildfire and landscape-scale prescribed burns hold potential to achieve broad-scale goals but may not achieve desired outcomes where fire severity is too high or too low. To explore the potential for fire alone to restore dry forests, we developed a novel method to predict the range of fire severities most likely to restore historical forest basal area, density, and species composition in forests across eastern Oregon. First, we developed probabilistic tree mortality models for 24 species based on tree characteristics and remotely sensed fire severity from burned field plots. We applied these estimates to unburned stands in four national forests to predict post-fire conditions using multi-scale modeling in a Monte Carlo framework. We compared these results to historical reconstructions to identify fire severities with the highest restoration potential. Generally, we found basal area and density targets could be achieved by a relatively narrow range of moderate-severity fire (roughly 365–560 RdNBR). However, single fire events did not restore species composition in forests that were historically maintained by frequent, low-severity fire. Restorative fire severity ranges for stand basal area and density were strikingly similar for ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and dry mixed-conifer forests across a broad geographic range, in part due to relatively high fire tolerance of large grand (Abies grandis) and white fir (Abies concolor). Our results suggest historical forest conditions created by recurrent fire are not readily restored by single fires and landscapes have likely passed thresholds that preclude the effectiveness of managed wildfire alone as a restoration tool.
Interview with Elizabeth Laird
Authors: Ryan Patrick
Published: February 2023

Tales of journeys, and stories created and told by and about migrants, are common. Elizabeth Laird is a traveller and writer, as well as a teacher and folklorist. As a storyteller, she uses her narrative voice to share stories of those who have been marginalized, transplanted, exiled or forgotten. Many of her children’s novels draw upon her experiences of living and working abroad: from her years in Ethiopia, her time in Iraq when she had contact with the Kurds, life in Lebanon during its civil war, as well as teaching in Ramallah and Gaza, and refugee camps in Jordan. Her folk tale anthologies came about through friendships with storytellers and her story collecting in remote parts of Ethiopia and her travels in Kenya, and other places. This interview investigates experiences that contributed to the creation of her novels relating stories of refugees and migrants, while also exploring issues arising from such works.
Editorial
Authors: Gowar Mick
Published: February 2023

This editorial is a brief summary of the articles, interviews and reviews contained in issue two of Volume 12 of Book 2.0, an interdisciplinary peer-reviewed journal primarily concerned with book creation, including writing, illustration and design and the theoretical and practical study of book creation, literature, creative writing, storytelling, languages and cultures. Contents for this issue include articles, interviews and reviews focusing on themes of migration, movement and exile – following on from the previous issue number one of Volume 12 – and memory, memoir and innovative archival research.
From fireflies to lit windows and from lit windows to fireflies: Alex Dudok de Wit on Isao Takahata’s Grave of the Fireflies
Authors: Ue Tom
Published: February 2023

Isao Takahata’s Grave of the Fireflies () is the subject of Alex Dudok de Wit’s new book, his first, for the British Film Institute’s (BFI) Film Classics series. Dudok de Wit’s writing has appeared in Sight & Sound, Vulture, Little White Lies, The Telegraph, The i, The Independent and Time Out, and in specialist animation publications such as Skwigly and Cartoon Brew, where he was formerly the deputy editor. He has written and narrated a short documentary for the BBC about British puppet animation. His English translation of director Hayao Miyazaki’s graphic novel Shuna’s Journey appeared from First Second Books in 2022. In what follows, Dudok de Wit and I explore Fireflies’ incredibly sad tone; the potentialities and the limitations of animated films, both Studio Ghibli’s and beyond; Takahata’s and Miyazaki’s depictions of war, respectively, in Fireflies and in the Academy Award-nominated film The Wind Rises (); Dudok de Wit’s considerable research for this monograph; and finally, how he reads Fireflies’ complex ending.
Collected Poems, Veronica Forrest-Thomson, Anthony Barnett (ed.) (2008)
Selected Poems: Language–Games, On the Periphery and Other Writings, Veronica Forrest-Thomson, Anthony Barnett (ed.) (2000)
Poetic Artifice: A Theory of Twentieth-Century Poetry, Veronica Forrest-Thomson (1978)
Poetic Artifice: A Theory of Twentieth-Century Poetry, Veronica Forrest-Thomson, Gareth Farmer (ed.) (2016)
Authors: Wheale Nigel
Published: February 2023

Review of: Collected Poems, Veronica Forrest-Thomson, Anthony Barnett (ed.) (2008)

Bristol: Shearsman Books in association with Allardyce Books, 188 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-90570-080-6, p/bk, £12.95

 

Selected Poems: Language–Games, On the Periphery and Other Writings, Veronica Forrest-Thomson, Anthony Barnett (ed.) (2000)

London: Invisible Books, 130 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-95328-261-6, p/bk, £23.00

 

Poetic Artifice: A Theory of Twentieth-Century Poetry, Veronica Forrest-Thomson (1978)

Manchester: Manchester University Press, 262 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-84861-445-1, p/bk, £15.49

 

Poetic Artifice: A Theory of Twentieth-Century Poetry, Veronica Forrest-Thomson, Gareth Farmer (ed.) (2016)

Swindon: Shearsman Books, 238 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-84861-445-1, h/bk, £25.00
Solving crimes, telling stories: An interview with Tom Ryan
Authors: Ue Tom
Published: February 2023

Like the interviewer, Tom Ryan is based in Nova Scotia, in Canada’s Maritimes. Ryan is the author of more than a half-dozen books, including some critically acclaimed works for young readers: Keep This to Yourself (), for example, earned the 2020 Arthur Ellis Award for YA Crime Book and the 2020 ITW Award for Best YA Thriller; more recently I Hope You’re Listening () was awarded the 2021 Lambda Literary Award. In what follows, Ryan and I dwell on these two novels to explore what attracts him to the YA genre, his writing process, central themes in his oeuvre and how he imbues his characters with psychological complexity. This interview contributes to scholarship by expanding critical attention on Nova Scotian literature and by attending to Ryan’s remarkably successful works of genre fiction.
Detection and Characterization of Gasoline based Polycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbons on Different Materials by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Satpute Ashwini , Pande Astha
Published: February 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) profile by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry were
recently used for the identification of sources of contamination in environmental forensic investigations.
In present study, an effort is given to utilize gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy to obtain PAHs
profile that could help forensic scientist in selection of evidence at the scene of fire. In forensic
laboratories, the main evidence received in fire burning cases are fire debris which consists of soil,
wood, paper, cloth etc. as a piece of individual evidence or mixture. In fire investigation, the type of
material collected from the crime scene affects the investigation hence present study focused on which
type of material is more suitable while utilizing a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon as a source identifier.
Total of nine different materials like paper, cardboard, foam, cloth, metal, hair, soil, meat and wood
were selected and these are burned with gasoline in partial burning and complete burning conditions.
Debris obtained sonicated at room temperature and concentration of 18 PAHs were determined with
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results obtained were analyzed with the Principal Component
Analysis (PCA) technique to generate a profile of PAHs. It is concluded that partially burned samples
provide more information about the use of ignitable liquid to commit the crime as compared to
completely burned samples. The meat, hair, metal and soil material provide more information about
the presence of ignitable liquid based on the 18 PAHs concentration profile.
Phytochemicals Profiling of Blue-Green Alga Nostoc sp. HANL07:
Antioxidant, Antibacterial Activity and GC-MS Analysis
Authors: Chauhan Ritu , Tripathi Ashutosh , Chauhan Abhishek , Ranjan Anuj , Tuli Hardeep Singh , Abdulabbas Hadi Sajid , Chauhan Subhash C. , Jindal Tanu
Published: February 2023

In recent years, studies on phytochemicals, antioxidants, and antibiotics using blue green algae from
harsh environments has become increasingly prevalent. The search for novel bioactive molecules
exhibiting diverse biological activity is one of the most important strategies for addressing the issue of
rising concerns regarding bacterial antibiotic resistance. In present study, the phytochemicals, antioxidant
potentiality and antibacterial assessment of organic solvent extracts of blue-green alga isolated from
Naini lake water were characterized. From the mass culture of alga, extracts were prepared in MeOH,
EtOH, acetone, AcOEt, hexane and DCM and antioxidant potential and antibacterial properties were
studied against multiple antibiotic-resistant E. coli, P. aeruginosa, P. fluorescence, S. enteric, S.
typhimurium and Sh. dysenteriae. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and phylogenetic tree revealed
that blue-green algal isolate belongs to Nostoc sp. A higher extraction yield (5.3%) was recorded for
MeOH extract as compared to other solvent extracts. Alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols were present
in all extracts. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was determined using various concentrations of
extracts (1 to 2048 μg mL-1). Maximum % inhibition (free radical scavenging activity) was observed
in MeOH extract (35.23 ± 0.12). The methanolic extract was found to be inhibitory against P. aeruginosa
and P. fluorescence. 2048 μg mL-1 MIC value was recorded against P. aeruginosa. In GC-MS profiling,
a total of 8 significant peaks showing various compounds were identified among the 21 peaks. Oxirane
hexadecyl was reported as the main components in this compound. The results showed that Nostoc sp.
HANL07 is a good source of antioxidant and antibacterial compounds and could be used for further
study in the field of drug discovery.
Phytochemical Analyses, Glucose Stimulatory Effects and Cytotoxicity of
Cassia abbreviata and Helinus integrifolius Leaf Extracts in in vitro Cell Cultures
Authors: Olaokun O.O. , Ntini V.P.
Published: February 2023

Numerous phytochemical constituents are found in plants and have been used either as single entities
or extracts to treat various ailments. This study investigated the extracts of Cassia abbreviata and
Helinus integrifolius in vitro for phytochemicals and its effect on glucose utilization of C2C12 muscle
and H-4-II-E liver cells and for cytotoxicity against raw 264.7 cells using the real-time xCelligence
system method. The ethyl acetate and acetone extracts of phenolic rich C. abbreviata stimulated
greater C2C12 muscle cells glucose utilization at concentrations of 0.065 mg/mL and 0.125 mg/mL
and acetone extract of C. abbreviata enhanced a concentration dependent H-4-II-E cells glucose
utilization. For cytotoxicity, all extracts in concentration dependent manner decreased the viability of
the raw 264.7 cells in real time assay with concentrations of 0.05 mg/mL the least cytotoxic. The
extracts of C. abbreviata in in vitro assay demonstrated glucose stimulatory potential but further
investigation of the cytotoxicity is required.
Synthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxic Activity of Organotin(IV)
Diisopropyldithiocarbamate Compounds Towards K562 Myeloid Leukaemia Cell Lines
Authors: Kamal Nur Najwah , Awang Normah , Kamaludin Nurul Farahana , Meng Chan Kok , Mohamad Rapidah , Haezam Farah Natasha
Published: February 2023

In this work, two organotin(IV) compounds viz. triphenyltin(IV) diisopropyldithiocarbamate (1) and
dimethyltin(IV) diisopropyldithio-carbamate (2) were synthesized via in situ method. Both synthesized
organotin(IV) complexes were characterized by elemental, FT-IR and 1H, 12C and 119Sn NMR
spectroscopies. The single-crystal structure of compound 1 was determined by X-ray single-crystal
analysis. The elemental analysis data showed agreement with the suggested formulas of
(C6H5)3Sn[S2CN(C3H7)2] (1) and (CH3)2Sn[S2CN(C3H7)2]2 (2). The important infrared absorbance peaks,
ν(C=N) and ν(C=S), were detected in the ranges 1477-1474 cm-1 and 1038-997 cm-1 respectively. The
chemical shift of carbon in the NCS2 group for compounds 1 and 2 was observed at 196.97 ppm and
198.11 ppm, respectively. The crystal structure of compound 1 showed that it is 5-coordinated and
crystallized in a triclinic, P1 space group with the crystal cell parameter: a = 9.7572(1) Å, b = 11.7030(2)
Å, c = 11.7602(2)Å, α = 74.419(1)°, β = 80.114(1)°, γ = 67.285(2)° and R = 0.002. The cytotoxicity
(IC50) of these two compounds against K562 leukaemia cells was 0.25 μM and 4.3 μM, respectively,
as assessed using MTT assay. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that both compounds showed
potent cytotoxicity towards the K562 cell line tested, with compound 1 displaying a greater effect.
Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section in a Patient with Large Ventricular Septal Defect with Pulmonary Hypertension with Single Ventricle Physiology
Authors: Anvar Sadath  , Nisha Rajmohan  , Vismaya Raj Mohan
Published: February 2023

Pregnancy in a patient with large ventricular septal defect (VSD) with severe pulmonary hypertension (PAH) increases the risk of mortality severalfold. This when combined with single ventricle physiology forms a rare and deadly combination. A 26-year-old female presented for elective LSCS at 35 weeks gestation. She had a large VSD with severe PAH with a single ventricle physiology. We report the successful conduct of a caesarean section in this patient under graded epidural anaesthesia.
Histochemical Study of Nasolabial Fold in Indian Cadavers
Authors: Rahul Sharma  , Pooja Bhadoria  , Amarjyoti Chaturvedi
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

A distinct change in human senescence occurs in the face and the most pioneering sign appears in the area surrounding the eyes and nasolabial fold. Each injector learns through experience, where to place the botulinum toxin for desired effects.

Aims & Objectives

Haematoxylin & Eosin study was performed to understand the histology of the Nasolabial fold (NLF).

METHODS

Nasolabial folds were identified in 5 formalin-fixed cadavers aged between 55-70 years. Tissue was obtained from three points: one from ala of the nose (A), second from the angle of the mouth (C), and third from the mid-centre of an imaginary line extending from point A to point C (B) bilaterally and then formalin-fixed, paraffin-installed, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin stain.

RESULTS

Macroscopically, several muscle fibres of different origins were observed to insert directly on the nasolabial fold. On microscopic investigation, muscular fibres were observed to extend from the subcutaneous layer to the dermis, at point A&C and few or no muscle fibres were observed at point B.

CONCLUSIONS

Microscopical investigation shows muscular fibres extending from the subcutaneous layer to the dermis, at point A&C and few or no muscle fibres were observed at point B. If botulism toxin is injected intradermally adjacent to the ala of nose and angle of mouth it gives a satisfactory result to reduce rhytids.
The Impact of Patient Age and Corticosteroids in Patients With Sulfonamide Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Fontana Robert J. , Kleiner David E. , Chalasani Naga , Bonkovsky Herbert , Gu Jiezhun , Barnhart Huiman , Li Yi-Ju , Hoofnagle Jay H.
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Sulfonamides are widely used to treat and prevent various bacterial and opportunistic infections. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of a large cohort of patients with sulfonamide hepatotoxicity.

METHODS:

Between 2004 and 2020, 105 patients with hepatotoxicity attributed to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) (n = 93) or other sulfonamides (n = 12) were enrolled. Available liver biopsies were reviewed by a single hepatopathologist.

RESULTS:

Among the 93 TMP-SMZ cases, 52% were female, 7.5% younger than 20 years, and the median time to drug-induced liver injury (DILI) onset was 22 days (range: 3–157). Younger patients were significantly more likely to have rash, fever, eosinophilia, and a hepatocellular injury pattern at onset that persisted at the peak of liver injury compared with older patients (P < 0.05). The 18 (19%) TMP-SMZ patients treated with corticosteroids had more severe liver injury and a higher mortality but a trend toward more rapid normalization of their laboratory abnormalities compared with untreated patients. During follow-up, 6.2% of the TMP-SMZ patients died or underwent liver transplantation. Chronic DILI developed in 20% and was associated with cholestatic injury at onset and higher peak total bilirubin levels.

DISCUSSION:

Sulfonamide hepatotoxicity is characterized by a short drug latency with frequent hypersensitivity features at onset. Subject age is an important determinant of the laboratory profile at presentation, and patients with cholestasis and higher total bilirubin levels were at increased risk of developing chronic DILI. Corticosteroids may benefit a subgroup of patients with severe injury, but further studies are needed.
Dietary Calcium and Risk of Microscopic Colitis
Authors: Sandler Robert S. , Sun Shan , Keku Temitope O. , Woosley John T. , Anderson Chelsea , Peery Anne F. , Fodor Anthony
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Microscopic colitis (MC) is an increasingly common cause of watery diarrhea particularly in older individuals. The role of diet in MC has received little study.

METHODS:

We conducted a case-control study at a single institution enrolling patients referred for elective outpatient colonoscopy for diarrhea. Patients were classified as cases with MC or non-MC controls after a review of colon biopsies by 1 research pathologist. Study subjects were interviewed by a trained telephone interviewer using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Adherent microbes were evaluated from colonic biopsies using 16s rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS:

The study population included 106 cases with MC and 215 controls. Compared with controls, the cases were older, better educated, and more likely to be female. Cases with MC had lower body mass index and were more likely to have lost weight. Subjects in the highest quartile of dietary calcium intake had a lower risk of MC compared with those in the lowest quartile (adjusted odds ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.07–0.76). The findings were not explained by dairy intake, body mass index, or weight loss. We found that dietary calcium intake had significant associations with the abundance of Actinobacteria and Coriobacteriales in the microbial community of colonic biopsies.

DISCUSSION:

Compared with patients with diarrhea, cases with MC had a lower intake of dietary calcium. Diet can be associated with alterations in the gut microbiota and with luminal factors that could affect the risk of MC.
An Investigation of the Altman Z-Score Measure and the Return on Equity (ROE) of Firms in the Entergy Industry
Authors: Willey Thomas , Bhagwat Yatin , DeBruine Marinus
Published: February 2023

This research measures the relationship between the Altman Z-Score, a measure of a firm’s financial health, and the Return on Equity (ROE), a measure of a firm’s profitability for a sample of companies in the Energy industry.  The period of the study covers 2014 to 2020 and uses linear regression to examine the relationship between ROE (dependent variable) and the Z-Score (independent variable).  Our initial data set contains three hundred and twenty-nine (329) energy-related firms traded on fifty-one (51) world markets.  Our initial hypothesis is that a positive and statistically significant relationship exists between the two variables over the examined period.  Further research will look at the relationship in other sectors of the markets.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HbA1c management and results in pediatric and adult outpatients with diabetes
Authors: Oliver Paloma , Pellicer Marina , Prieto Daniel , Diaz-Garzon Jorge , Mora Roberto , Tomoiu Ileana , Gonzalez Noemi , Carcavilla Atilano , Gonzalez-Casado Isabel , Losantos Itsaso , Buño Antonio , Fernandez-Calle Pilar
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Diabetes mellitus intensify the risks and complications related to COVID-19 infection. A major effect of the pandemic has been a drastic reduction of in-person visits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HbA1c management and results among pediatric and adult outpatients with diabetes, considering the laboratory and point-of-care testing (POCT) HbA1c measurements.

Methods

Observational retrospective study including patients from pediatric and adult diabetes units was conducted. HbA1c results obtained in the laboratory and POCT over 3 years (2019–2021) were collected from the laboratory information system.

Results

After the lockdown, the number of HbA1c plummeted. Children returned soon to routine clinical practice. The number of HbA1c increased gradually in adults, especially in POCT. Globally, HbA1c results were lower in children compared with adults (p<0.001). HbA1c values in children (p<0.001) and adults (p=0.002) decreased between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods, though lower than the HbA1c reference change value. The percentage of HbA1c results above 8% remained stable during the study period.

Conclusions

Continuous glucose monitoring and a telemedicine have been crucial, even allowing for improvements in HbA1c results. During the lockdown, patients with better metabolic control were managed in the laboratory whereas patients with poorer control or a severe clinical situation were attended in diabetes units by POCT. Adults returned to pre-pandemic management slowly because they were more susceptible to morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. Coordination among all health professionals has been essential to offering the best management, especially in difficult scenarios such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Existence of solutions for a double-phase variable exponent equation without the Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz condition
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Pucci Patrizia
Published: February 2023

The article deals with the existence of a pair of nontrivial nonnegative and nonpositive solutions for a nonlinear weighted quasilinear equation in

R

N

{{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}

, which involves a double-phase general variable exponent elliptic operator

A

{\bf{A}}

. More precisely,

A

{\bf{A}}

has behaviors like

∣

ξ

∣

q

(

x

)

−
2

ξ

{| \xi | }^{q\left(x)-2}\xi

if

∣

ξ

∣

| \xi |

is small and like

∣

ξ

∣

p

(

x

)

−
2

ξ

{| \xi | }^{p\left(x)-2}\xi

if

∣

ξ

∣

| \xi |

is large. Existence is proved by the Cerami condition instead of the classical Palais-Smale condition, so that the nonlinear term

f

(

x
,
u

)

f\left(x,u)

does not necessarily have to satisfy the Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz condition.
Analysis and assessment of the human factor as a cause of occurrence of selected railway accidents and incidents
Authors: Gawlak Katarzyna
Published: February 2023

Ensuring safety is the key factor in the development of rail transport. For this reason, the railway market is heavily regulated, including recording and analysis of railway accidents and incidents. The article presents analysis of 148 final reports of accidents and incidents that occurred in the year 2020 in the Polish railway network and whose direct cause was human factor. The analysis looks at the age and experience of railway employees, as well as analyses human error using the Human factor analysis and classification system (HFACS) model and included train drivers and infrastructure-related stuff. It is pointed out that the available publications are generally focused on signal passed at danger accidents and incidents, which relate to passing through a stop signal, or another stop location, most often caused by an error of the train driver. Therefore, these analyses ignore accidents and incidents related to an improperly prepared and protected route, e.g. failure to close the level crossings boom barriers or incorrectly placed junction point, which under minimally different circumstances could have led to a tragedy. The causes of such accidents and incidents are also related to the human factor and therefore should have been identified and classified. The article identifies weaknesses in the investigations, including the quality of the documentation prepared. Such documentation most often focuses on the factors and causes directly related to the site of the accident or incident, while neglecting the factors at the organisational level.
Rational pullbacks of toric foliations
Authors: Gargiulo Acea Javier , Molinuevo Ariel , Velazquez Sebastián
Published: February 2023

This article is dedicated to the study of singular codimension-one foliations

ℱ

{\mathcal{F}}

on a simplicial complete toric variety X and their pullbacks by dominant rational maps

φ
:

ℙ
n

⇢
X

{\varphi:\mathbb{P}^{n}\dashrightarrow X}

. First, we describe the singularities of

ℱ

{\mathcal{F}}

and

φ
*

⁢
ℱ

{\varphi^{*}\mathcal{F}}

for a generic pair

(
φ
,
ℱ
)

{(\varphi,\mathcal{F})}

. Then we show that the first-order deformations of

φ
*

⁢
ℱ

{\varphi^{*}\mathcal{F}}

arising from first-order unfoldings are the families of the form

φ
ε
*

⁢
ℱ

{\varphi_{\varepsilon}^{*}\mathcal{F}}

, where

φ
ε

{\varphi_{\varepsilon}}

is a perturbation of φ. We also prove that the deformations of the form

φ
*

⁢

ℱ
ε

{\varphi^{*}\mathcal{F}_{\varepsilon}}

consist exactly of the families which are tangent to the fibers of φ. In order to do so, we state some results of independent interest regarding the Kupka singularities of these foliations.
Hanxue (Sinology) and Guoxue (Traditional Chinese Studies)—A Dialogue Between Xuetao Li and Fabian Heubel
Authors: Li Xuetao , Heubel Fabian
Published: February 2023

In this dialogue, Dr. Xuetao Li and Dr. Fabian Heubel approach the concepts of Hanxue (Sinology) and Guoxue (Traditional Chinese Studies) from the perspectives of history and intercultural philosophy. Their in-depth analysis suggest that one of the most important problems of Chinese culture lies in the transformation of traditional values in the contemporary context. The two scholars discuss the question how Chinese studies can transcends rigid, narrow-minded, and arbitrary ways of thinking and knowledge production.
Stiefel–Whitney classes of representations of SL(2, 𝑞)
Authors: Malik Neha , Spallone Steven
Published: February 2023

We describe the Stiefel–Whitney classes (SWCs) of orthogonal representations 𝜋 of the finite special linear groups

G
=

SL
⁡

(
2
,

F
q

)

G=\operatorname{SL}(2,\mathbb{F}_{q})

, in terms of character values of 𝜋.
From this calculation, we can answer interesting questions about SWCs of 𝜋.
For instance, we determine the subalgebra of

H
*

⁢

(
G
,

Z
/
2

⁢
Z

)

H^{*}(G,\mathbb{Z}/2\mathbb{Z})

generated by the SWCs of orthogonal 𝜋, and we also determine which 𝜋 have non-trivial mod 2 Euler class.
Can thyroid elastography with ultrasound be used to stage children with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Authors: Koca Serkan Bilge , Seber Turgut
Published: February 2023

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the stiffness of the thyroid parenchyma with Shear wave elastography (SWE) in children with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and healthy controls.

Methods

A total of 130 children with HT and 46 healthy controls were included in this study. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of the groups, thyroiditis stages in thyroid ultrasonography, and SWE scores which was obtained as kilopascal (kPa), were analysed.

Results

We observed that SWE scores were significantly higher in children with HT compared to healthy controls, and SWE scores increased significantly in HT group, as the thyroiditis stage increased (p<0.001). Median, 1st (Q1) and 3rd (Q3) quartiles of SWE scores were as follows; healthy control: 7.4 kPa (6–10.6), stage 1 HT: 9.6 kPa (7.4–11.2), stage 2 HT: 15.2 kPa (10.8–19.9), stage 3 HT: 17.9 kPa (13.7–25.8), (p<0.001). Children with HT were divided into subgroups according to serum TSH and free T4 levels as euthyroid (103; 79.2% of children), euthyroid but subclinical TSH elevation (7; 5.4% of children), hypothyroidism (11; 8.5% of children) and hyperthyroidism (9; 6.9% of children). The SWE scores were significantly higher in children with hypothyroidism with HT compared to healthy controls 17.9 kPa (13.6–27.5) vs. 7.4 kPa (6–10.6), and in euthyroid children with HT compared to healthy controls 11.5 kPa (9.2–15.6) vs. 7.4 kPa (6–10.6), (p=0.006 and p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

The SWE scores increase as the thyroiditis stage increases in children with HT. There was no significant difference in SWE scores between stage 2 and stage 3 thyroiditis.
The raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides in Italy: a review of confirmed occurrences
Authors: Pecorella Stefano , Viviano Andrea , Lapini Luca , Mori Emiliano
Published: February 2023

The raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides is an Asian canid species which has been introduced to Europe for fur farming. Local escapes and the animal subsequent dispersal have triggered the establishment of self-sustaining populations, particularly in Eastern European countries, but with several populations in Southern Europe as well. Despite being listed amongst the alien species of European concern (EU Regulation 1143/2014), data on raccoon dog distribution in Southern Europe and in particular in Italy are still scanty. In this work, we reviewed all the available data of raccoon dog in Italy. Only five confirmed occurrences are available, suggesting that in this country the species may still be at the beginning of the establishment process.
The crystal structure of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-cycloheptylurea, C14H19ClN2O
Authors: Tang Qianqian , Dai Hanqi , Zhou Guangfu , Wu Yuanjiang , Wang Wei , Zhao Yang
Published: February 2023

C14H19ClN2O, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 12.8823(9) Å, b = 9.1617(6) Å, c = 11.7421(9) Å, β = 98.377(7)°, V = 1371.06(17) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt

(F) = 0.0678, wR

ref

(F2) = 0.1912, T = 293 K.
Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of various stem bark extracts of Hopea beccariana Burck potential as natural preservatives of coconut sap
Authors: Raharjo Dwi , Zaman Muhammad Zukhrufuz , Praseptiangga Danar , Yunus Ahmad
Published: February 2023

The bark of Hopea beccariana Burck is used to prevent damage to coconut sap. The purpose of this study was to determine the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of various extracts of the bark of H. beccariana Burck as potential natural preservatives for coconut sap. The bark was extracted by maceration method for 24 h assisted by stirring using ethanol, methanol, n-hexane, and water at 60°C as solvent. The type of solvent used for extraction had a significant effect on the yield, total phenolic, total flavonoid, antioxidant activity, toxicity, and diameter of the inhibition zone against Lactobacillus plantarum. The highest yield was found in methanol extract at 22.34%, the highest total phenolic content was found in ethanol extract of 53.39 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, and the highest total flavonoid content was found in the aqueous extract at 60°C of 106.70 mg QE/g extract; all extracts have an IC50 value of 80.28–91.80 ppm (very strong antioxidant) and ascorbic acid of 5.78 ppm. Methanol extract is classified as very toxic with an LC50 of 38.21 ppm. The dominant compounds produced by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer were hexanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester; ethyl oleate; 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, ethyl ester; and hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester. The diameter of the inhibition zone for Saccharomyces cerevisiae was 13.50–14.72 mm, L. plantarum was 10.31–17.72 mm, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides was 13.25–18.06 mm. All extracts had minimum inhibitory concentration values of 2.5 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration values of 2.5 mg/mL for n-hexane extract and 60°C water, while ethanol and methanol extracts had MBC values >50 mg/mL.
Zwischen „Urkatastrophe“ und Neugründung: Der Verein für Socialpolitik 1919–1960
Authors: Hesse Jan-Otmar
Published: February 2023

Die Geschichte des Vereins für Socialpolitik war zwischen 1919 und 1960 von zahlreichen Krisen geprägt. Dazu zählten politische und akademische Krisen innerhalb des Vereins, aber auch die politische Radikalisierung, die 1936 zu seiner Auflösung führte. Jan-Otmar Hesse zeichnet in seinem Beitrag die Vereinsgeschichte nach und verbindet sie mit den wissenschaftlichen Paradigmenwechseln innerhalb der Wirtschaftswissenschaften zwischen Historischer Schule der Nationalökonomie und Keynesianismus. Darüber hinaus schildert er die Verdrängung jüdischer Wissenschaftler und Wissenschaftlerinnen sowie den Wiederaufbau der Wirtschaftswissenschaft und des Vereins nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg.
Wiener integrals with respect to the generalized Hermite process (gHp). Applications: SDEs with gHp noise
Authors: Lechiheb Atef
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we introduce Wiener integrals with respect to the generalized Hermite process and we prove a non-central limit theorem in which this integral appears as limit. As an application, we investigate the corresponding stochastic
differential equations with the generalized Hermite process as a driving noise, we prove the existence and the uniqueness of the solution, and we give a generalization of the Hermite Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process and the Hermite-driving Vasicek process.
The truncated Euler–Maruyama method of one-dimensional stochastic differential equations involving the local time at point zero
Authors: Hiderah Kamal
Published: February 2023

Recently, Mao developed a new explicit method, called the truncated Euler–Maruyama method for nonlinear SDEs, and established the strong convergence
theory under the local Lipschitz condition plus the Khasminskii-type condition. The key aim of this paper is to establish the rate of strong convergence of the truncated Euler–Maruyama method for one-dimensional stochastic differential equations involving that the local time at point zero under the drift coefficient satisfies a one-sided Lipschitz condition and plus some additional conditions.
A chaotic decomposition for the fractional Lebesgue–Pascal noise space
Authors: Riahi Anis
Published: February 2023

This paper is devoted to study the fractional Pascal noise functionals
on compound configuration spaces with special emphasis on the chaotic decomposition
of the Hilbert spaces of quadratic integrable functionals with
respect to the correlation measure corresponding to the fractional Pascal measure in infinite dimensions.
Calculation of specific surface area for tight rock characterization through high-pressure mercury intrusion
Authors: Kang Hao , Li Guanghui , Gao Jian
Published: February 2023

As one of the unconventional oil and gas resources, tight oil is of great development prospect all over the world. The characterization of tight reservoir has important guiding significance for overcoming the problems in exploration as well as improving the development effect. As one of the characteristics of reservoir cores, the specific surface area is very important for the characterization of tight reservoirs. In this study, based on mercury injection data of tight reservoir core from Changqing Oilfield, through the establishment of equal diameter pore model, the specific surface area of pores corresponding to different radii is calculated, respectively, and the overall specific surface area of the core is obtained. Through the comprehensive evaluation of the mercury injection data and the calculation results, it is found that the pores with the medium radius (0.009–0.178 μm) have the greatest contribution to the pore volume, followed by the pores with smaller radius (0.004–0.007 μm), and the pores with larger radius (0.268–53.835 μm) have the least contribution to the pore volume. However, the pores with smaller radius (0.004–0.089 μm) have the greatest contribution to the specific surface area, followed by the pore with larger radius (0.133–6.666 μm), and the specific surface area of individual pores in the middle range (8.917 μm) has the least contribution. Therefore, the adsorption loss of surfactant and so on must be considered in the process of tight oil development. In the development process, a series of main technologies such as fracturing, new water/gas injection, and horizontal well development should be explored. Through the overall design and scale implementation of reservoir scale, the investment cost of unit-producing reserves can be effectively reduced, and ultimately, the maximum benefit of tight oil development can be realized.
OZON UYGULAMASININ TAHIL VE ÜRÜNLERİ ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİLERİ
Authors: KAYİŞOĞLU Çağla , TÜRKSOY Seçil
Published: February 2023

Ozon (O3), kimyasal ve mikrobiyal detoksifikasyon amacıyla gıda endüstrisinin farklı alanlarında (taze meyve ve sebzeler, süt ürünleri, meyve suyu işleme endüstrisi, tahıl ve tahıl ürünleri endüstrisi, suların sterilizasyonu ve ambalajlama teknolojisi) yaygın olarak kullanılan ve genellikle güvenli olarak kabul edilen (GRAS) kuvvetli bir oksidan bileşik olup yeşil teknoloji potansiyeline sahiptir. Ozon uygulaması ile gıdaların mikrobiyolojik kalitesi iyileştirilerek raf ömrü uzamakta, ayrıca gıdalardaki mikotoksinler etkili bir şekilde azaltılmakta veya tamamıyla elemine edilebilmektedir. Ayrıca uygulama parametrelerine bağlı olarak tahılın önemli makro ve mikro bileşenlerinden protein, nişasta, renk, mineral madde, biyoaktif bileşenler, yağ, asitlik ve çimlenme kabiliyeti üzerinde olumlu/olumsuz birtakım değişikliklere neden olmakta ve son ürün özelliklerini etkilemektedir. Bu derleme çalışmasının amacı ozonun uygulama parametrelerine bağlı olarak tahılda meydana getirdiği fiziksel, kimyasal, fizikokimyasal ve tekstürel özelliklerindeki değişikliklerin bazı literatür verileri ile açıklanmasıdır.
Finland and Sweden’s Road to NATO
Authors: Forsberg Tuomas
Published: February 2023

In May 2022, Finland and Sweden both announced that they had decided to apply for membership in NATO. This was a dramatic shift in both countries’ foreign and security policies, but a logical consequence of their European Union membership and close partnership with NATO in the post–Cold War era. For both Finland and Sweden, the key motivation for joining NATO was the need for greater strategic stability in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The swift decisions to cast aside their traditional military nonalignment cannot be understood without considering the strong emotional response in public opinion to Russia’s unprovoked war.
Investigation of the structural and magnetic properties of TeO2- based glasses modified by rare earth (La2O3, Gd2O3, Er2O3, and Ho2O3) using as an optical isolator
Authors:   Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Arts, Najran University, Saudi Arabia., Al-Syadi A. M. , Alfarh M. ,   Physics Dep., Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P. O. Box 9004, Abha, Saudi Arabia,   Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Postcode: 9004, Zip code: 61413, Abha, Saudi Arabia, Algarni H. ,   Physics Dep., Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P. O. Box 9004, Abha, Saudi Arabia,   Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Postcode: 9004, Zip code: 61413, Abha, Saudi Arabia, Alqahtani M. S. ,   Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia., Reben M. ,   Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH – University of Science and Technology, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland, Afifi H. ,   Ultarsonic Laboratory, National Institute for Standards, Tersa Street El-haram, El-Giza, P.O. Box 136, Code N 12211, Egypt, Sayed Yousef El ,   Physics Dep., Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P. O. Box 9004, Abha, Saudi Arabia,   Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Postcode: 9004, Zip code: 61413, Abha, Saudi Arabia,   Physics department, Faculty of Science, Al Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Egypt
Published: February 2023

Tellurite glasses with a composition of 76TeO2-10ZnO-9PbO-1.0PbF2-3.0Nb2O5- 1.0 x in mol% modified with different rare earth oxides (where x= La2O3, Gd2O3, Er2O3, and Ho2O3). The magnetic properties such as; Faraday effect and the Verdet constant at the intensity of the laser beam (λ = 632 nm) of the present glasses were measured. The glass contains La2O3 has the highest value of Verdet constant, (V = 0.102min/G.cm) otherwise the sample has Ho2O3 has the lowest value of Verdet constant (V = 0.069 min/G.cm). It means that V- value strongly depends on the polarizability of rare earth. An optical isolator is a unidirectional light gate, which can prevent the back reflection of light into lasers or optical amplifiers and reduce signal instability and noise. Finally, the structure of prepared glasses was investigated by Raman spectra.
Optical constants of the as-prepared and annealed (Se80Te20)94Ag6/PMMA thin films
Authors:   Department of Physics, Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar, India, Gupta A. ,   Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, ABES Engineering College, Ghaziabad, India, Malik K. ,   Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, BBDIT, Ghaziabad, India, Kumar R. ,   Garg Degree College, Laksar, Haridwar, India
Published: February 2023

Thin films of (Se80Te20)94Ag6/PMMA have been deposited on glass substrate by thermal co-evaporation technique. Melt quenching approach has been adopted to prepared bulk (Se80Te20)94Ag6 chalcogenide glass. Glass transition temperature of bulk (Se80Te20)94Ag6 glass and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer have been found out by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a heating rate of 10 K/min. Thin films were annealed above glass transition temperatures of glass (332 K) and polymer (340 K) at two different temperatures 343 K and 365 K. The presence of different phases in annealed film was confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies. Transmission spectra of as-deposited and annealed films were obtained by Uv-Vis spectroscopy in the wavelength range of 350-900 nm. To analyze refractive index dispersion Wemple-Didomenico model have been used. Optical parameters viz refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (k), real and imaginary dielectric constants (ε′ and ε′′) and optical band gap (Eg) are calculated by using optical transmittance. The increasing behavior of the optical band gap with increase in annealing temperature is explained on the basis of density of state model.
STUDY OF Zn–Co ALLOY COATINGS MODIFIED BY NANO- TiO2 PARTICLES INCORPORATION
Authors:   Physic Laboratory of Thin Films and Applications (LPCMA), University of Biskra, Algeria, DIAFI M. , AIDI A. ,   Department of Chemical Industry, University of Biskra, Algeria, BENHAOUA B. ,   Unit of Renewable Energy Development in Arid Zones (UDERZA), Univ. ElOued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles contents on structural properties, microhardness and corrosion resistance of Zn-Co alloy coating and ZnCo-TiO2 composite coatings is electrodeposited on steel substrate in the acid sulfate bath, The smaller grain size of the composite coatings is observed in the presence of TiO2 and it is confirmed by the images of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The corrosion performance of coating in the 3 % NaCl as a corrosive solution is investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy EIS methods. It is found that the incorporation of nanoparticules in Zn–Co alloy coating have better corrosion resistance and the values of Rct and Zw increase, while the values of Cdl decrease with the increasing of nanoparticules
SYNTHESIS OF AN EFFICIENT PHOTOCATALYST (ACTIVATED CARBON SUPPORTED ZnS) FOR METHYLENE BLUE DEGRADATION
Authors:   Institute of Science and Technology, Siirt University, 56100 Siirt, Turkey, ZÖRER C. , BAYTAR O. ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Siirt University, 56100 Siirt, Turkey, ŞAHİN Ö. ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Siirt University, 56100 Siirt, Turkey, HOROZ S. ,   Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Siirt University, Siirt, Turkey, IZGI M. S. ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Siirt University, 56100 Siirt, Turkey
Published: February 2023

In the present study, activated carbon (AC) supported ZnS catalysts at different concentrations of AC were synthesized using hydrothermal method. The MB photocatalytic degradation efficiency of AC supported ZnS catalysts at different concentrations of AC was examined in the presence of UV-C lamp. As a result of photocatalytic measurements, the catalyst having the best photocatalytic activation was determined. The effect of different parameters, such as the amount of catalyst and dye concentration, on the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was investigated in the presence of this catalyst.Moreover, The photocatalytic degradation kinetics of methylene blue in the presence of catalyst were investigated by first and second order kinetic model. In the last part of the study, structural, morphological and elemental properties of the catalyst having the best photocatalytic activity were examined by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX)measurements, respectively.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYANILINE (PANI) DOPED WITH VANADIUM PENTOXIDE(V2O5)
Authors:   School of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi62,India, ASHRAF S. S. , ISLAM S. ,   Department of Physics, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-25,India
Published: February 2023

Conducting polymers are organic macromolecules of electrical properties and lie between metallic and semiconductors. Polyaniline (PANI) / Vandiumpentaoxide (V2O5) composites are conducting polymers which have been synthesized by the technique of polymerization of aniline with vanadium pentaoxide (V2O5) using oxidant ammonium persulphate [(NH4)2 S2O8] . V2O5 has been added in PANI in three different weight percentages (wt %) i.e. 20, 30 and 40 wt %. Thus the synthesized polymer composites of PANI / V2O5 have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. The optical properties have been determined using Ultra Violet Visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy. DC conductivity of PANI / V2O5 has been carried out. It is found that electrical conductivity (σdc) and optical energy band gap (Eg) of polymer composites PANI / V2O5 both vary with the varying concentration of V2O5 in PANI. XRD patterns of PANI / V2O5 exhibits the increase in crystallinity with increasing weight percent of V2O5 in PANI which may be attributed to interaction of PANI with V2O5.SEM images of PANI / V2O5 show the change in surface morphology with varying concentration of V2O5 in PANI.