bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitators or predators? The role of seed-feeding beetles in the germination of an ornamental and invasive plant in an urban environment
Authors: Rodrigues Alex Henrique , Lopes Bruno de Sousa
Published: October 2024

Leucaena leucocephala is a forage legume that provides cellulose, firewood, and shade in cities, although it presents a dangerous allelopathic and invasive potential. Its main natural enemy is the endophytic beetle Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), whose larvae penetrate seeds and can consume the entire endosperm and embryos. However, there is much to explore on how the abundance of larvae inside the seed affects the plant germination, resulting in an antagonistic (predation) or mutualistic (facilitation) interaction. Our goal was to test how these beetles affect the germination of L. leucocephala seeds from an urban environment in Uberlândia, MG. We hypothesized that a single larva inside the seed facilitates germination since the exit holes left break the physical dormancy and enable water imbibition. On the other hand, two or more larvae inside the same seed result in predation, as the amount of endosperm is not enough for beetle satiation before they attack the seed embryo. We collected 100 pods, dissected them, and quantified and qualified the seeds. In the germination experiment, we used healthy seeds (control), scarified healthy seeds (physical treatment), and attacked seeds (one, two, or more larvae). We found that beetles infested 74% of the sampled seeds. Independently of the abundance of larvae inside the seed, attacked seeds did not germinate. The scarified seeds germinate faster and in greater quantity. Therefore, our hypothesis was rejected for the studied plant population. Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus acts only as a predator in an antagonistic interaction that decreases the germination rate of L. leucocephala.
Business Career and Agricultural Record of Colonel Earle on the Island of Cozumel, 19904-1908
Authors: Ramos Díaz Martín
Published: October 2024

An agrarian file from more than a century ago, apparently unimportant, allows us to reconstruct the business career of a young British military man on the Island of Cozumel, shortly after the creation of the Federal Territory of Quintana Roo (1902). The following a article proposes an in-depth analysis with a magnifying glass the business past of the British military man in the Caribbean, in the context of the beginning of usexpansionism at the end of the 19th century. As a result of the evaluation of Earle ́s file, little-known events are reconstructed leading to new questions about military, commercial, and archaeological espionage work in the Caribbean, at the dawn of the 20th century.Keywords: Mexican Caribbean; insular agrarian history; British businessmen in Mexico; commercial espionage; settlers and pioneers
“The wrong side of the desk”: Material and Discursive Struggle in Bud Osborn’s Downtown Eastside
Authors: Robinson Connor
Published: October 2024

Bud Osborn (1947-2014) was an American poet and activist who arrived in Vancouver, Canada in 1986. He landed in Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, the Downtown Eastside (DTES), while struggling with heroin addiction. The DTES is a complex and politically active neighbourhood and site of intersecting social crises. Osborn would spend the remainder of his life capturing this community in his poetry, which is often understood solely through activism for harm reduction and against gentrification. In this article, I engage with his poetry to understand the politics which motivate his activism. This exploration will include a variety of textual mediums, voices, and analytic perspectives to capture the complex politics contained in his words. I believe that by reading his words we can examine his complicated self-positionality as a PWUD (people who use drugs) and a member of the lumpenproletariat who occupied sociocultural spaces that often excluded those from his social standing. This examination shows how he constitutes the DTES as a space of material and discursive struggle. What emerges from this examination is how his poetic resistance at the level of the signifier intertwines with his street-level resistance. That is, how the act of writing and reading poetry can be an act of defiance.
The Crucible and the Production of Fear in the Contemporary World: The Future and Persistence in Culture
Authors: Aziz Aamir
Published: October 2024

Although Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible (1953) was written centuries after (‘post’) the events in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, it was through this play that we could relate to those events. In this sense, the play was ‘before’ (pre-) the past itself. The dynamic of preposterousness serves, I argue, to work through the past from the viewpoint of the present. The play, then, does not capture or describe a historical reality, but, in its relation to the past, it serves as an analysis not unlike psychoanalysis, as a ‘working through.’ Consequently, the things of the past are not ‘past.’ They are alive in an enacted or dramatized past, and they need to be relived for the purpose of a cure. The Crucible is self-consciously ‘presentist’ or contemporary and not historical in the conventional sense of the term, as Mieke Bal argues. According to the Dutch theorist, the past is present in the present in the form of ‘traces,’ not ‘influences’ (Bal, “Memories in the Museum” 179). However, as we saw in the US during the congressional anti-Communist hearings in the 1950s, such a cure does not materialize at the level of the play’s contemporaneous present, at least not at a collective level.
Does organisational myopia mediate the effect of occupational health and safety practices on the risk of occupational accidents in Turkish healthcare institutions?
Authors: Tatli Hasan Sadık , Erküvün Kübra Sezen , Can Türkoğlu Mesut
Published: October 2024

Occupational health and safety (OHS) policies in healthcare institutions must be well managed, because healthcare practice involves many physical, biological, ergonomic, chemical, and psychosocial hazards that can affect the health of healthcare workers. In addition, their work performance may be affected by the so-called organisational myopia. In this context, the aim of our study was to determine how organisational myopia affects OHS practices in healthcare institutions and whether it increases the risk of occupational accidents. The study population consisted of a convenience sample of 420 healthcare professionals working throughout Turkey who completed a questionnaire addressing these three domains: organisational myopia, OHS practices, and risk of occupational accidents. Their responses were analysed with exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and Spearman’s correlation to assess the adequacy of measurement tools and identify relationships between variables, followed by mediation analysis. We found that OHS practices mitigate organisational myopia and the risk of occupational accidents. We also found no significant effect of organisational myopia on the risk of occupational accidents. Our findings underscore the importance of OHS practices in healthcare institutions and that organisational myopia should be evaluated in special contexts such as working time, experience, or routinisation.
Bis(amino acidato)copper(II) compounds in blood plasma: a review of computed structural properties and amino acid affinities for Cu2+ informing further pharmacological research
Authors: Sabolović Jasmina
Published: October 2024

Neutral bis(amino acidato)copper(II) [Cu(aa)2] coordination compounds are the physiological species of copper(II) amino acid compounds in blood plasma taking the form of bis(l-histidinato)copper(II) and mixed ternary copper(II)-l-histidine complexes, preferably with l-glutamine, l-threonine, l-asparagine, and l-cysteine. These amino acids have three functional groups that can bind metal ions: the common α-amino and carboxylate groups and a side-chain polar group. In Cu(aa)2, two coordinating groups per amino acid bind to copper(II) in-plane, while the third group can bind apically, which yields many possibilities for axial and planar bonds, that is, for bidentate and tridentate binding. So far, the experimental studies of physiological Cu(aa)2 compounds in solutions have not specified their complete geometries. This paper provides a brief review of my group’s research on structural properties of physiological Cu(aa)2 calculated using the density functional theory (DFT) to locate low-energy conformers that can coexist in aqueous solutions. These DFT investigations have revealed high conformational flexibility of ternary Cu(aa)2 compounds for tridentate or bidentate chelation, which may explain copper(II) exchange reactions in the plasma and inform the development of small multifunctional copper(II)-binding drugs with several possible copper(II)-binding groups. Furthermore, our prediction of metal ion affinities for Cu2+ binding with amino-acid ligands in low-energy conformers with different coordination modes of five physiological Cu(aa)2 in aqueous solution supports the findings of their abundance in human plasma obtained with chemical speciation modelling.
To Go or To Stay? The Motivation Behind Immobility in A Hungarian Micro-Region
Authors: Ondrik Szonja , Varga Ágnes
Published: October 2024

While the motivations behind rural mobility have been extensively studied, the factors determining immobility are less discussed. In this study, we applied a quantitative and qualitative methodology built on a theoretical framework based on the literature to analyse primary and secondary data to answer the following question: What factors play a primary role in someone from a relatively disadvantaged rural area deciding in favour of immobility? Our results showed that those who remained in the region surveyed had the resources to build a life elsewhere, but family ties, property, or the fact that the way of life they desired in the city could not be realised bound them to their homeland.
Cultural Tourism in Predominantly Rural Communities. Residents’ Perception in Buzău Carpathians and Subcarpathians (Romania)
Authors: Roznoviețchi Irena , Damian Nicoleta , Mitrică Bianca , Grigorescu Ines , Şerban Paul-Răzvan , Dumitraşcu Monica , Dumitrică Cristina
Published: October 2024

Cultural tourism (CT), although considered by some “friendly tourism”, has its impacts, being perceived by more and more people and communities as a force of change through its diversification. This study is aimed at exploring CT’ in Buzău Carpathians and Subcarpathians (BSC) perception by residents using the interview method, targeting three main objectives: Identifying the profiles of the interviewed residents on CT as a driving factor for future development of CT; Analysing the perceived aspects/elements linked to CT and Identifying the roles played by locals for the valorisation of CT sights. The results show that the residents understood CT as a mix between the natural and cultural dimensions of local reality and its positive impact on local traditions. The study highlights the idea that the residents could and should be active agents for the CT local attractions and for the future development of this type of tourism within the study area.
The Role of Gastronomy as A Driver of Rural Tourism Development: The Case of Mirandela
Authors: da Mota Carlos Vilela , Rodrigues Rosa Isabel , Palrão Teresa , Madeira Arlindo
Published: October 2024

This research aimed to analyze the perception of tourism stakeholders regarding the potential of gastronomy to revitalize tourism in the Mirandela region. The sample consisted of 95 stakeholders (e.g., managers, team leaders, directors, entrepreneurs) operating in the tourism sector. The study was operationalized using a qualitative methodology, and the data were analyzed using MAXQDA software. The results demonstrated that food quality, identity gastronomy, and food heritage are considered differentiating factors of the local cuisine. Additionally, it was found that diversification of tourism offerings, variety of traditional dishes, and multiplier effect are considered essential elements to enhance local gastronomy and boost tourism in the region. It was possible to ascertain that the promotion of local gastronomy as a tourist product depends on the organization of gastronomic events, preservation of culture, investment in digital marketing, and immersive experiences. Finally, it was observed that among the main measures to position the region as a gastronomic tourist destination are support from the private sector, synergies among local stakeholders, investment in infrastructure, and integration of local gastronomy with other tourism activities.
From Food Deserts to Food Access. Methodological and Theoretical Considerations for Research in Sparsely Populated Rural European Areas
Authors: Ramos-Truchero Guadalupe
Published: October 2024

The disappearance of food shops in small towns and villages is a common feature in many European areas. The food habits of rural inhabitants are affected by the limitations on their food supply, posing a challenge to how they organise their daily eating. Although this represents a major problem for the quality of life in rural areas, food access problems have been understudied in Europe. This paper presents some research notes to encourage the study of the effects of the shortfall in food businesses in depopulated rural areas of Europe as a guide for research on this phenomenon. The paper reviews the international literature, drawing attention to the theoretical problems and methodological limitations involved in this type of study. A series of recommendations are given with the aim of enabling future research to record the food situation of the inhabitants of impoverished and depopulated territories with greater precision and depth.
Retrospective Insights: Unveiling the Sociodemographic Tapestry of Esophageal Carcinoma in Northeast India from a Cancer Center’s Records Analysis
Authors: Shiva Divya
Published: October 2024

Background

This study delves into esophageal carcinoma in Northeast India, spotlighting Assam due to the state showing heightened prevalence of esophageal carcinoma. The Lakhimpur Cancer Center’s retrospective analysis covers 91 esophageal carcinoma cases from May 2022 to Nov 2023 within a larger cohort of 1732 carcinoma patients.

Methods

Sociodemographic variables (age, gender, occupation, and lifestyle) were meticulously collected to facilitate straightforward data interpretation.

Results

Of the 91 patients, a notable 58.2% were male, accentuating a heightened male prevalence. Common lifestyle factors featured prominently, with 78.0% reporting tobacco consumption, 65.9% engaging in smoking, and 72.5% acknowledging alcohol consumption. However, occupation details were available for only 11 individuals.

Conclusion

Distinctive sociodemographic patterns highlight a greater prevalence of esophageal carcinoma among males in Northeast India, particularly Assam. The ubiquity of common lifestyle factors underscores the urgency for targeted interventions. Despite limited occupation details, these insights inform tailored public health initiatives, calling for additional research to unravel underlying factors shaping the landscape of esophageal carcinoma in this region.
Analysis of spatio-temporal development of mining landforms using aerial photographs: Case study from the Ostrava–Karviná mining district
Authors: Mulková Monika , Popelková Renata
Published: October 2024

The anthropogenic relief transformations of the mining landscape are characterised by high dynamics of changes over time that can be effectively mapped on a large scale using aerial images. The Karviná part of the Ostrava-Karviná mining district, which stands for significant hard coal mining area in the Czech Republic, has been selected to analyse the spatio-temporal development of anthropogenic landforms. Anthropogenic landforms were visually identified from the aerial images from 1947, 1966, 1971, 1985, 1994, 2009, and 2018. Specific anthropogenic landforms were analysed along with their spatio-temporal changes based on obtained vector data. The total extent and number of anthropogenic landforms increased the most during the periods 1947–1966 and 1971–1985. The same anthropogenic landforms occurred on circa 24 hectares in the entire period 1947–2018. The most anthropogenic landforms remained preserved in the last observed period 2009–2018. The multi-temporal analysis of aerial photographs and overlay operations in GIS enabled to map the age of specific landforms and to identify changed or unchanged anthropogenic landforms. This method is suitable for the study of landform dynamics at mining sites and is particularly relevant for the planning challenges in post-mining reclamation.
Planning and architecture of modern Beersheba: between the celestial and infernal
Authors: Shadar Hadas
Published: October 2024

In Invisible Cities, Italo Calvino describes Beersheba as a city with two projections: the celestial city that its inhabitants honor, and the infernal one – the receptacle of everything they renounce. In contrast to the other cities in the book, terrestrial Beersheba is real, but like its literary counterpart, it also has two projections – celestial and infernal. This article addresses these projections as articulated in the planning of the city and its neighborhoods, and particularly in its public buildings. In a similar manner to Calvino, it is argued that precisely what its inhabitants deem infernal inheres the celestial aspect as well.
Invisible Cities and their name(s): insights into the (in)correctness of names
Authors: Azaryahu Maoz
Published: October 2024

The central argument of this article is that the underlying theme of the five reports entitled Cities & Names in Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities is the fundamental inadequacy of names to signify cities. By challenging the taken-for-granted, common-sense idea that a name of a city corresponds to a well-defined urban entity, Calvino implicitly suggests that different cities cohabitate under the same name and that fundamentally names of cities are semiotically incorrect. The article is divided into two parts. The first expands on ideas about the correctness of proper names that since being presented in Plato's dialogue Cratylus have prevailed in western thought. The second part consists of five commentaries on the deceptive conflation between a city and its name that runs through the five reports included in Cities and Names.
Transformative Dynamics of the Economy of Kosovo: A Perspective on History and Development of Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Zogjani Jeton , Kovaci-Uruci Fife , Zogjani Agon
Published: October 2024

This paper presents an in-depth overview of foreign direct investments (FDI) in Kosovo's economy over more than twenty years. FDI has played a central role, proving indispensable to the development of Kosovo's economy. Thus, FDI is primarily directed towards economic activities like real estate, finance, manufacturing, construction, etc. In terms of the legal framework, Kosovo has approved a range of regulations and laws with the primary goal of protecting, attracting and encouraging foreign investors to invest. However, obstacles such as political instability, energy insecurity, delayed EU integration, and regional political tensions are recognized as the main barriers affecting FDI in Kosovo. Finally, Kosovo should develop suitable policies to boost its investment competitiveness, attract multinational enterprises for investment opportunities, and prioritize less attractive economic sectors for investment of FDI.
Transformative Economic Challenges: The Impact of COVID-19 and the War in Ukraine on the European Union
Authors: Todorov Ivan , Angelova Gergana , Aleksandrov Aleksandar
Published: October 2024

This paper aims to explore the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine on the twenty-seven European Union (EU) member states, known as the EU-27. A vector autoregression (VAR) of quarterly data for the period 2020–2022 was employed to study the impact of the coronavirus and the Russian invasion of Ukraine on growth, unemployment and inflation in the EU-27. The results from the empirical analysis indicated that the war in Ukraine lowered growth and raised inflation and unemployment, while the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect growth, increased unemployment and decreased inflation in the EU-27. It may be concluded that the war in Ukraine shifted the EU aggregate supply curve to the left, whereas the coronavirus pandemic resulted in inflation-unemployment trade-off in the EU.
The shadowy realm of news avoidance: Exploring public service news avoidance as negative social action
Authors: Lindell Johan , Basta Zofie , Brieger Alexandra , Fukada Sayaka , Greiner Sarah , Marcora Marta , Mc Taggart Christopher
Published: October 2024

Studies on news avoidance rely on a range of theories to explain why news avoidance takes place and its potential consequences, and the debates on different ways of measuring news avoidance have been lively. Despite the numerous approaches and conceptualisations, there is room to theorise what news avoidance entails as a social phenomenon. In this study, we posit that news avoidance can fruitfully be approached as a form of negative social action embedded in a negative social space – a realm of the lifeworld filled with non-doings and non-appearance. We apply this approach, which opens up new questions in the field of news avoidance studies, to a case study of Swedes who opted out of national public service news in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Findings suggest that avoiders of public service news occupy relatively precarious social positions, and that news avoidance is embedded in a broader negative social space.
Design Optimisation of the Rescue Device for the Argo Profiling Float-SWOT/TOWS Analysis of Design Variants
Authors: Adam Olejnik , Waldemar Walczowski , Marek Dawidziuk , Bartłomiej Jakus , Piotr Wieczorek
Published: October 2024

Presented in this material is the development work carried out within the ARGO-Poland scientific consortium related to the design of rescue systems for ARGO profiling floats used for in situ exploration of the world ocean. The material below contains an excerpt from a multi-faceted analysis of the design solutions described in PHR 3(80)2022, providing a SWOT/TOWS analysis methodology and detailed results with conclusions.
The Effect of Selenium on the Health of Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Nazaruk Stanisława Katarzyna , Sokołowska Barbara , Kulik Anna
Published: October 2024

Selenium (Se) is one of the trace elements necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. Deficiency or excess of this element may pose a potential threat in maintaining the homeostatic mechanisms of the body, including disruption of the immune system. Se deficiency significantly reduces the body's immunity by facilitating infections with various pathogens, including SARS-COV-2 infections. This paper reviews the literature covering issues of the impact of Se deficiency on the incidence and course of COVID-19, and considers its preventive significance.
Drowing Causes on Guarded Swimming Basins in Poland. Experimental Approach
Authors: Michniewicz Iwona , Michniewicz Romuald , Avramidis Stathis
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to identify the factors that may prevent an early response to a drowning episode and the lifeguard perceptions about the critical signs possessed by a drowning victim. Study 1: The level of lifeguard surveillance (n=29) was video recorded prior-, during- and after two simulated drowning episodes that occurred in 7 Polish aquatic facilities. Study 2: A survey assessed the lifeguards’ perceptions about the critical signs they would expect from a drowning victim to be alerted (n=236) and the criterion χ2 was used. Results: The sampled lifeguards were not able to perform effective surveillance of bathing pools because they were unable to identify the simulated victims due to failure in maintaining an organized scanning strategy and because they were placed at the shallow side instead of being spread around the pool. Water safety organizations need to undertake major updates in their manuals and education. Aquatic facilities need to introduce daily operating procedures that would involve weekly staff training, frequent lifeguard rotations, application of various models and continuous professional development. Finally, the aquatic facilities patrons should not depend their safety only on lifeguards.
Research on the Prevalence of the Use of Life Jackets and Safety Jackets Among Amateur Kayakers in Poland
Authors: Jaremek Aleksandra , Nieradko-Iwanicka Barbara , Iwanicki Jan , Iwanicki Janusz , Niezbecka Joanna , Turżańska Karolina
Published: October 2024

Safety is one of the main aspects related to physical activities conducted on or in the immediate vicinity of water. Many people drown every year in Poland. The use of a kayak has numerous legal aspects. In the light of Polish regulations, a kayak is a ship. Vessels used on inland waterways must comply with the technical requirements and requirements for life-saving equipment set out in specific regulations. One of them is the obligation to equip the ship with life jackets in the number corresponding to the number of passengers on the ship. With the proviso that to meet the requirement it is enough to equip the ship with life jackets, and not to use them, understood as putting a life jacket on a person staying on the ship. The study was aimed at determining the attitudes and behaviors of Polish kayakers in the field of kayak use, especially regarding safety and comfort, with particular emphasis on the life jacket as a popular means of increasing safety on the water. The study was conducted in the form of an original questionnaire placed in groups of kayakers on a popular social networking site. In total, all kayaking groups in which the survey was placed count nearly 15,000 participants. The survey was anonymous and voluntary, it did not collect data about respondents.

The study involved 257 people, including 172 men (67%) and 85 women (33%). The participants of the study assess their kayaking skills as: intermediate 43.6%, advanced 38.9%, beginner 9.7%, expert 7.4%, one person declared the level of "instructor". 42% of respondents declare that they kayak several dozen days a year, 37.4% - several days a year, 15.6% - one to several days a year, 4.3% - several times a week, some people gave different answers . Most respondents (72.8%) have their own life jackets. 27.2% of respondents do not have such vests, which suggests that they rent them together with kayaks.

Conclusions:

There is lack of coherent and clear laws regulating the safety obligations of persons using kayaks as amateurs in Poland.

Among the surveyed intermediate and advanced kayakers there is high level of awareness regarding the safety of using a kayak and measures to increase safety.

Among interviewed kayakers there is significant popularity of life jackets in the absence of a legal regulation considering them as basic and sufficient safety measure when kayaking.
An Empirical Approach to Solar Photovoltaic Cell Temperature Prediction
Authors: Chiteka Kudzanayi , Enweremadu Christopher
Published: October 2024

Solar cell temperature is critical in the determination of solar energy generated by a solar photovoltaic power plant. High temperatures are associated with a reduction in the energy generated and hence prediction of photovoltaic cell temperature is essential in temperature mitigation and solar energy forecasting, especially in commercial power plants. The present study focused on the development of a hybrid machine learning based predictive model for solar photovoltaic cell temperature prediction in solar photovoltaic arrays. A physical experimental set up was developed to measure solar cell temperature under different weather and other related parameters. Satellite data were also collated for these parameters and were used to compliment experimental data used in this study. Satellite data used in the study were statistically transformed to mimic experimentally measured data. Feature selection and dimensionality reduction were performed to reduce the input variables and maintain relevant data in the modelling process. A solar cell temperature predictive model based on selected weather parameters was developed using a machine learning approach (Random Forests), and parameters used were selected from the statistical analysis. The prediction accuracy of the developed model was analysed using the coefficient of determination (R
2) and the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). The results indicated a higher model performance compared to generic models used in cell temperature prediction. The prediction MAPE for the developed model was 0.08 % while an R
2 value of 0.99 was obtained which was indicative of a good model. The developed model was also comparable to other contemporary models developed to predict solar photovoltaic cell temperature. Simulations were also done to determine the annual energy generated with the incorporation of the solar cell temperature prediction model. The results revealed an average of 25.52 % daily energy difference between a simulation which considered solar cell temperature and that which ignored solar cell temperature.
The Effect of Ratio of Fiber Bundles in the Textile Composite Layer
Authors: Bojtár Gergely
Published: October 2024

The article shows how the orthotropic material properties of the textile composite layer change if the ratio of longitudinal and transversal fiber bundles in the textile is modified in the case of a composite reinforced with plain weave textile. I determine the material properties using model-cell and finite element simulation. The density of the longitudinal fiber bundles is the same in each of the five examined layer models. I change the ratio of the fiber bundles of the textile by varying the distance of the transversal roving’s in each model.
Design of the Torsional Properties Measurement Stand for Rubber-Metal Elements in Motor Vehicles
Authors: Danko Ján , Bernáth Martin , Magdolen Ľuboš , Milesich Tomáš , Stas Samuel
Published: October 2024

This paper describes design and application of a torsional property measurement stand used for analyzing rubber-metal components. The paper covers mechanical, electrical and control systems. Design of the stand takes into consideration reusing existing components, that come from a measuring stand that was used for analyzing automotive dual-mass flywheels. Paper covers initial design proposal as well as final design in CAD model form and the finished assembled stand. A Section of this paper is dedicated to describing the components and software used to control the stand and collect data from sensor. Programming of the excitation movement cycle in TIA-Portal software is also covered in this section. Lastly it covers experimental analysis. Our findings and evaluation of the machine itself is found in the conclusion chapter.
Global Sensitivity Study of a Duffing-Type Nonlinear Vibration System
Authors: Hajdu Flóra
Published: October 2024

An interesting field of studying nonlinear systems is their sensitivity study. With sensitivity study the most influential parameters on a system can be obtained and then the simplification and improvement of the model will be possible. In this paper the global sensitivity study of a Duffing-type vibration system is carried out with Sobol’s variance-based method taking the root mean square of acceleration and the maximum acceleration as output variables. With the sensitivity study it was observed that the parameters of the excitation signal like the amplitude and the angular velocity are the most influential. It was also found that a single parameter has less influence on the system than the parameter combinations. The aim of the research is to carry out the global sensitivity study of a relatively simple nonlinear system. The study is the basis for further research tasks in order to perform the sensitivity study of more complex systems.
Computational Procedure for Determining the Shear Yield Stress-Shear Deformation Relationship in Magnetorheological Fluids from Anton-Paar Measurement Data
Authors: Horváth Péter , Törőcsik Dávid
Published: October 2024

In the past decade, magnetorheological fluids have been applied in various devices. This article focuses on developing a new computational procedure to determine the shear strength-shear strain relationship of magnetorheological fluids from the measurement data obtained by using an Anton-Paar rotational viscometer.
Analysis of the Relationship Between Military Expenditure and Investment in the Economic Community of West African States: A Heterogeneous Panel Data Approach
Authors: Efayena Obukohwo Oba , Olele Enoh Hilda
Published: October 2024

West Africa has been grappling with various security challenges prompting governments’ intervention via military expenditure both at the country and regional level. Given the sporadic surge in military expenditure in the region and the potential effect such expenditure may exert on investment which is a sin qua non to the development process of any economy or region, this study utilizes the augmented mean group (AMG) approach and the Granger non-causality test in investigating the impact and causal relationship between investment and military expenditure in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) between 1980 and 2020. With country-specific cross-dependence and heterogeneity adequately accounted for, the study found that military expenditure has a dampening impact on investment at both the panel and country levels; unemployment adversely impacts investment; whereas economic growth stimulates investment (catalytic effect) in the ECOWAS, although at differing levels of significance. The study also established a long-run relationship among the variables; with only economic growth Granger causing investment. The study thus recommends that country-specific and regional-based military policies be established to glean economic growth through viable investment.
Mediating Role of Sustainability Reporting Quality on the Relationship Between Green Banking and Firm Value
Authors: Rahman Aulia Fuad , Agusti Rosalita Rachma , Kurniawati Desi Tri
Published: October 2024

The mounting environmental concerns have become a pressing issue across industries. Nevertheless, the banking sector has a distinct influence in shaping economic growth and development. This study sought to evaluate the impact of green banking in strengthening corporate value through its level of sustainability reporting in order to address these concerns. A research framework was developed based on theoretical support. The sampled data was collected from banks listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange from 2018-2021. An empirical analysis was performed through hierarchical regression. The study’s findings indicated that green banking positively and significantly impacts firm value. Furthermore, there is a mediating effect between green banking and business value due to the quality of sustainability reporting. The empirical test revealed that the quality of sustainability reporting has a mediating effect to some extent. The results also showed that there is an interaction between business size (assets) and correlations between firm value and green banking. By undertaking a data-driven research that explains the impact of green banking on business value, this study aims to fill a significant gap in the body of knowledge on green banking and sustainability reporting.
Prospecting Potential Areas for the Disposal of Construction Waste in the Municipality of Juazeiro do Norte - CE, Using Geostatistical Tools
Authors: Silva Érica Martins da , Fernandes Renato de Oliveira , Morais Daniel Pereira de , Moraes Alex Souza , Oliveira Fabrynne Mendes de , Souza João Gabriel de , Andrade Júlio da Silva Corrêa de Oliveira , Costa Margarida Regueira da , Borba Alexandre Luiz Souza , Santos Júnior Otavio Pereira dos , Brandão Yana Batista , Oliveira Dinaldo Cavalcanti de
Published: October 2024

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze and identify areas with potential suitability for the environmentally safe disposal of CDW in the municipality of Juazeiro do Norte - CE, understanding the geoenvironmental dynamics of the soil in order to prevent the spread of pollutants in diffuse areas of the municipality.
 
Theoretical Framework: In Brazil, millions of tons of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) are produced every year. CDW must be treated and disposed of differently from municipal solid waste. In this context, the choice of appropriate sites for final disposal can be seen as a complex task, since it is necessary to evaluate different factors that permeate technical, environmental and economic issues.
 
Method: This research consists of a basic study with an exploratory approach and data collected from publicly accessible databases. The collection of information from the Brazilian Geological Survey portal made it possible to study heavy metals: As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, using geostatistical techniques, supported by chemometric analysis tools.
 
Results and Discussion: The isoteor graphs of the behavior of each chemical element showed a specific configuration. Nickel, in turn, was considered to be the element with values furthest from the quality limit proposed by legislation, suggesting an idea of environmental pollution in the northern region of the municipality studied. After analyzing all the graphs, it was concluded that the southern region of the municipality of Juazeiro do Norte has favorable geochemical and environmental quality, with appropriate characteristics for investment in centers for sorting and disposing of solid construction waste.
 
Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by presenting an unprecedented configuration of research in this area. This study reinforces the practice of controlling and caring for abiotic factors in the environment and provides support for decision-making by public authorities.
Virtual planning for orbital reconstruction in a craniofacial fibrous dysplasia surgical approach – Case report
Authors:   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontology, Bahia Marcelo ,   School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto (FORP/USP),   University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, Kadooka Marcella ,   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontology; School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto (FORP/USP); University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, Nery Breno ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Beneficência Portuguesa Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, Sverzut Cassio ,   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontology; School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto (FORP/USP); University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, Trivellato Alexandre ,   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontology; School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto (FORP/USP); University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
Published: October 2024

The present case report aims to describe a surgical approach procedure for an orbital reconstruction in a patient with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia, planned with virtual mirroring and simulation using a 3D-printed realistic model. The patient was followed up by the neurosurgery and the oral and maxillofacial surgery teams and was diagnosed with monostotic fibrous dysplasia in the right frontal bone, affecting the right orbital roof. Our team performed surgical planning through virtual mirroring using the non-affected side. The surgical procedure was then performed with surgical access through the frontal bone to the orbital roof and reconstruction using a titanium plate. Both surgery teams monitored the patient, who presented no postoperative complications.
Diagnosis and treatment of keratoacanthoma in the lower lip: A case report
Authors:   State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), Bahia, Brazil, Santos Thamiles , Farias Jener ,   State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), Bahia, Brazil, Hassam Sheinaz ,   Metropolitan Union for Education and Culture (UNIME), Lauro de Freitas, Bahia, Brazil, Oliveira Marcio ,   State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), Bahia, Brazil, Valente Alessandra ,   State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), Bahia, Brazil
Published: October 2024

Keratoacanthoma diagnosis is challenging, and therefore, this publication contributes to the current literature by presenting epidemiological data and describing clinical and histopathological characteristics and the treatment decision. A 69-year-old Caucasian male patient presented with a well-delimited exophytic growth nodule in the lower lip measuring 10 millimeters with circular shape, firm consistency, pink color, and rough surface. The clinical suspicion was squamous cell carcinoma. An incisional biopsy and histopathological analysis were performed, which revealed fragments of oral mucosa lined by hyperparakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium with a center filled with keratin, corneal pearls, pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, and areas of epithelial dysplasia. The diagnosis of keratoacanthoma was determined. Surgical resection was performed, completely removing the lesion, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of keratoacanthoma. The fact that the patient was male, over 45 years old, and Caucasian agrees with the epidemiology of the population most affected by keratoacanthoma. The histopathology of the case corroborates the classic characterization, mainly the central depression filled with keratin. The treatment chosen was surgical resection with a small margin of safety, according to the current literature. Keratoacanthomas are more common in males aged over 45 years and in Caucasian individuals. The main etiology is sun exposure without protective measures. It presents as an exophytic nodule with a firm consistency, rough surface, and center filled with keratin. Histopathology is characterized by a crateriform structure, dyskeratosis, and the presence of corneal pearls. The most indicated treatment is surgical resection.
El temporal: un indicador climático-económico del Mercurio de España (junio de 1824)
Authors: Berná Ortigosa Antonio Manuel
Published: October 2024

El principal objetivo de este artículo es presentar un caso de estudio referido al temporal ubicado en el Mercurio de España, con fecha de junio de 1824. Esta sección del periódico, que no volvió a reaparecer más, constituye un indicador climático y económico, a partir del cual es posible identificar los tipos de cereales vendidos en las ciudades y provincias españolas, y saber cómo fluctuaron los precios del trigo, cebada, maíz y centeno como consecuencia de las oscilaciones climáticas. Se trata de una relación muy común entre los contemporáneos, misma que se manifestó en la edición de papeles efímeros y periódicos que han pasado desapercibidos entre los historiadores. Para este trabajo se han extraído y analizado los datos con tal de averiguar en qué ciudades y provincias estaban los productos más baratos y caros. El interés de estos resultados -creemos que- no radica tanto en su carácter climático -que también- como en la capacidad de aproximarnos a la realidad económica de unos cereales que constituían la base alimenticia de la población.
Perovskite Solar Cell Fabric Increases Remote Exercise Accessibility
Authors: Lewtas Victoria
Published: October 2024

The feeling of safety is essential when exercising, especially when partaking in activities such as hiking along scenic trails. Regardless of age, many individuals therefore use mobile devices as a means of protection, taking photos, using GPS features to avoid getting lost, and calling important contacts or emergency services in the event of injury. As such, backup chargers have become essential for many hikers, adding to the weight carried and potentially limiting exercise intensity. Institutions such as MIT, however, have begun producing a feasible alternative known as Perovskite solar cell (PSC) fabric, which is expected to be released on the consumer market by 2029. This state-of-the-art method of incorporating solar cells into textiles enables the charging of handheld devices by clothing using solar energy, replacing alternatives such as portable chargers.
A Breath of Fresh Air: A Comprehensive Review of a Handheld Metabolic Device
Authors: Sparks Connor , DeGruchy Bradley , Eche-Ameh Joseph
Published: October 2024

Lumen is the first handheld electronic device that measures metabolic fuel usage by analyzing the carbon dioxide concentration in each breath. By determining an individual’s primary fuel source, effectively revealing whether the body is burning carbohydrates or fats, Lumen can provide insight into metabolic health and help stabilize energy levels, offering lifestyle and nutrition recommendations to optimize eating habits, exercise routines, and sleep schedules. Before workouts, this analysis can also be used to determine which fuel source is needed to prevent muscle wear and weakness, ultimately enhancing performance.
            Notably, the immediate on-site metabolic testing provided by the Lumen device is comparable to traditional laboratory-level testing using metabolic carts. In a study conducted at San Francisco State University, for example, Lumen was compared to metabolic carts in both a fasting state and after consuming 150 grams of glucose, which allowed researchers to measure the changes in metabolic fuel usage. It revealed a significant relationship between the respiratory ratio measured by the metabolic cart and the CO2 percentage measured by Lumen (F1,63= 18.54, P<0.001). The device can therefore be considered effective in its assessment of  metabolic fuel, helping users optimize health and well-being.
Future Fashions: Recover in Style With Wearable Nanogenerators
Authors: McGill Sidney , Flydorf Laura , Marginson Shannon
Published: October 2024

WE-STIM, the Wearable Electric Stimulation leggings by Barun Bio, is an exciting new technology that uses human motion as an energy source. As part of the company’s fitness clothing brand, HYVLE, the technology offers a promising approach for enhancing cell recovery and improving overall fitness performance.
La traducción de la literatura española en China
Authors: Min Sun
Published: October 2024

La traducción juega un papel importante para el intercambio literario entre lenguas de diferentes sistemas culturales, especialmente si son tan distintas como el chino y el español. La traducción de la literatura española en China tiene cien años de historia y en este trabajo se disponen dos grandes apartados para analizar la historia de estas traducciones. El primero trata sobre las comprendidas entre 1915 y 1950; el segundo, sobre las posteriores, de 1980 hasta nuestros días.
Análisis de la traducción del chino al español de los refranes en "Sueño en el Pabellón Rojo"
Authors: Lyu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Sisi
Published: October 2024

En el presente artículo presentamos previamente la definición y la caracterización del refrán chino para abordar a continuación los problemas que plantea su traducción al español, ejemplificados en el caso de la versión realizada por Zhao Zhengjiang y José Antonio García Sánchez (2010) de una de las cuatro novelas clásicas más importantes de la literatura china, Hóng lóu mèng (1791). El objetivo principal es reflexionar sobre las ventajas e inconvenientes de las estrategias y procedimientos empleados para trasladar los refranes del chino al español, elaboramos un corpus de 228 refranes extraídos de la dicha novela, con el fin de hallar las técnicas más apropiadas para la traducción fraseológica entre ambos idiomas. En definitiva, la traducción del refrán no es simple descodificación lingüística, sino también la traslación de civilizaciones.