bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of the NPT test combined with amplitude integrated electroencephalogram in children with VE and its bioreliability analysis
Authors: Liu Yinghong , Li Wenjuan , Wang Chaohai , Chen Shuyun , Wang Gaiqing
Published: June 2023

Background: Viral encephalitis (VE) is one of the common diseases of children with intracranial infection, it has come on urgent, progress is fast, and the clinical features of severe cases may even lead to disability, death, and other serious adverse prognostic outcomes, so seek in early diagnosis and prognosis of efficiency of the relevant indicators to stop in time and take effective means to prevent the further development is of great significance. Neopterin (NPT), as a factor that plays an important role in the process of validation development, has been relatively rarely studied in children with VE. Methods: In this study, 127 cases of children with VE were retrieved from the TCGA database by bioinformatics, and their amplitude integrated electroencephalogram (AEEG) related information was collected at the same time. The neurodevelopmental status of VE children was evaluated according to the Gesell scale and divided into the good group (n=88) and the poor group (n=39). The differences in NPT expression and AEEG score between them were observed. In addition, the clinical data of 100 children without VE were screened from the database, and the differences in NPT expression and AEEG score between VE children and non-VE children were compared. The ROC curve was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of NPT combined with AEEG in diagnosis and prognosis prediction. Kaplan-Meier was used to observe the effect of NPT high expression and low expression on poor prognosis of VE children. Results: Compared with the non-VE children, the VE children had higher NPT and lower AEEG scores, while the poor group had higher NPT and lower AEEG scores. The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of NPT combined with AEEG for the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of VE were 0.892 and 0.884, respectively, which were higher than those of single NPT or AEEG, indicating that the combined detection has a high clinical value not only for diagnosis but also for prediction and prognosis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that high NPT expression often predicted poor prognosis. Conclusion: The combination of NPT and AEEG can be used to timely and effectively evaluate the condition of children with VE in the process of clinical practice.
Diagnóstico de los factores que influyen en la competitividad de las empresas de alojamiento
Authors: Manosalvas Vaca Carlos Anibal , Manosalvas Vaca Luis Oswaldo
Published: June 2023

En la actualidad, las empresas que desarrollan actividades relacionadas al turismo, están inmersas en un mundo globalizado, caracterizado por la aparición de mercados competitivos y clientes informados y exigentes; lo que las ha obligado a diseñar e implementar estrategias innovadoras con el objetivo de mejorar su desempeño, rentabilidad, y posición frente a la competencia. Bajo este contexto, este estudio analiza cuáles son los factores que influyen en la competitividad de las empresas de alojamiento de la provincia de Pastaza - Ecuador, desde el punto de vista de gerentes y propietarios, con el objetivo de determinar las variables más importantes sobre las que se deben diseñar estrategias que les permitan ser más competitivas y obtener mejores resultados. El modelo subyacente utilizado para aplicar las encuestas, fue el Diamante de Porter, enriquecido con variables de otros estudios que analizan la competitividad en la industria hotelera. Los resultados muestran que casi todas las variables tienen una influencia directa en cada categoría de empresa de alojamiento, encontrando diferencias significativas en las variables: innovación, capital de inversión y recursos turísticos y culturales.
Computational scheme for a differential difference equation with a large delay in convection term
Authors: Erla Srinivas , Kolloju Phaneendra
Published: June 2023

A computational scheme for the solution of layer behaviour differential equation involving a large delay in the derivative term is devised using numerical integration. If the delay is greater than the perturbation parameter, the layer structure of the solution is no longer preserved, and the solution oscillates. A numerical method is devised with the support of a specific kind of mesh in order to reduce the error and regulate the layered structure of the solution with a fitting parameter. The scheme is discussed for convergence. The maximum errors in the solution are tabulated and compared to other methods in the literature to verify the accuracy of the numerical method. Using this specific kind of mesh with and without the fitting parameter, we also studied the layer and oscillatory behavior of the solution with a large delay.
Making Connections Between Representations
Authors: Wonsavage F. Paul
Published: June 2023

Three approaches to the Doughnut task highlight how representing functions in multiple ways can support student understanding in interpreting key features of functions within a context.
Ահմեդ Ջևդեթ Փաշայի զեկուցագիրը Հայկական հարցի վերաբերյալ
Authors: Սահակյան Կարոլինա Մ.
Published: June 2023

Ахмед Джевдетпаша (1822–1895) был ключевой фигурой реформ Османской империи в XIX веке. Он был интеллектуалом, государственным деятелем и историком, известным своим вкладом в правосудие, управление и образование, а также историографию и политику. С целью пролить свет на отношение Джевдетпаши к армянам в этой статье, мы представляем один из его докладов, написанный высокопоставленным османским чиновником по приказу султана АбдулХамида II (1876–1909), в котором наряду с ситуацией в Османской империи упоминается и Армянский вопрос.
Ahmed Cevdet Paşa (1822–1895) was a key figure in the 19th century reforms of the Ottoman Empire. He was an intellectual, statesman and historian known for his contributions to justice, administration and education, historiography and politics. His works reflect his views as a witness and participating statesman on Armenians and the Armenian question. In this article, we present one of the reports written by Cevdet Paşa on the order of Sultan Abdul Hamid II (1876–1909) to shed light on the attitude of a high-ranking Ottoman official towards the Armenians.
Empirical ensemble equating under the NEAT design inspired by machine learning ideology
Authors: Jiang Zhehan , Han Yuting , Zhang Jihong , Xu Lingling , Shi Dexin , Liang Haiying , Ouyang Jinying
Published: June 2023

This study proposes an empirical ensemble equating (3E) approach that collectively selects, adopts, weighs, and combines outputs from different sources to take and combine advantage of equating techniques in various score intervals. The ensemble idea was demonstrated and tailored to the Non-Equivalent groups with Anchor Test (NEAT) equating. A simulation study based on several published settings was conducted. Three outcome measures – average bias, its absolute value, and root mean square difference – were used to evaluate the selected methods’ performance. The 3E approach outperformed other counterparts in most given conditions, while the cautions, such as tuning weights and assuming possible scenarios for using the proposed approach were also addressed.
A simulation-based scaled test statistic for assessing model-data fit in least-squares unrestricted factor-analysis solutions
Authors: Lorenzo-Seva Urbano , Ferrando Pere J.
Published: June 2023

A shortcoming of least-squares unrestricted factor analysis (UFA) procedures, which are widely used in psychometric applications is that a test statistic for assessing model-data fit cannot be easily derived from the minimum fit function value. This paper proposes a chi-square type goodness-of-fit test statistic intended for the principal-axis, MINRES, and minimum-rank UFA procedures. The statistic is empirically obtained via intensive simulation based on a two-stage approach. First, a distribution of minimum fit function values is obtained from a scenario in which the null hypothesis of perfect model-data fit holds. Second, the obtained statistic is non-linearly transformed so that it has its first four moments equal to those of the theoretical reference chi-square distribution with the appropriate degrees of freedom. Extensions of the basic statistic are next proposed that include comparative and relative indexes based on it. Tests of close-fit and power assessment derived from the basic statistic are also proposed.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Authors:   King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia, M. Alghamdi Wajdi , A. Kateb Faris , O. Alassafi Madini
Published: June 2023

Artificial intelligence and machine learning is a comprehensive discourse on the fundamental principles and concepts. This book is primarily intended for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of computer science and engineering, this text bridges the gaps in knowledge of the seemingly difficult areas of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Strategies to alleviate the unusual effects of climate change on crop production: a thirsty and warm future, low crop quality. A review
Authors: Janmohammadi Mohsen , Sabaghnia Naser
Published: June 2023

Climate change is one of the most common challenges in semiarid regions, which are affected by such constraints as drought, heat stress, and decreased soil fertility. The most important consequences of climate change – rising temperature, decreasing rainfall, and deteriorating quality of some crops – are studied in detail in this review. The main future climate scenarios in semiarid regions include decreased precipitation with highly irregular and unpredictable distribution patterns, with most rainfall concentrated over winter months, prolonged dry spells, early heat stress, exacerbation of edaphic constraints such as reduced soil moisture content, reduced soil organic matter, reduced soil biodiversity, reduced critical nutrient availability, and, ultimately, fewer crop yields. Due to the moisture and soil constraints caused by climate change, the cropping system, crop succession, and soil tillage techniques will need a major overhaul, and this requires modifying soil management and fertilisation, design of some new agro-climatic zoning, including neglected and underutilised crop species in rotations, optimised sowing time windows, expanded irrigation, design of multi-functional cropping systems, conservation agriculture, some changes in agricultural equipment, and the use of climate-smart agriculture practices. Rising carbon dioxide concentrations will decrease nitrogen metabolism by reducing photorespiration, and this reduces the protein content of the grain and worsens the quality of the staple crops. Selection of climate-smart varieties, application of agro-inputs at the right time, right place, and right amount (precision agriculture), and the use of leading technologies such as nano for designing the smart fertiliser should be considered to overcome the adverse effects of climate anomalies.
The second heat wave leads to changes in the efficiency of alfalfa’s photosynthetic energy use
Authors: Januškaitienė Irena
Published: June 2023

Extreme climatic events, which have become more common, more intense, and more frequent, threatencrop productivity and food security. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters of Medicago sativa L. under regulated environment and recurrent heat waves stress effect. Plants were grown in pots. Two four-day heat waves (35/28°C day/night temperature) were simulated simultaneously with drought (10% soil moisture). Each four-day heat wave was followed by a five-day recovery period. Measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters were taken on the last, fourth, day of the exposure of each heat wave and after each recovery period. Results of this study showed that both the first and second heat waves significantly reduced the quantum yield of PSII photochemistry. During the second heat wave, the negative effects persisted, but were already weaker. The same pattern of change wasfound for the performance index (PIABS). PIABS decreased by 54.0% and 46.8% during the first and second heat waves, respectively, compared to controls (p < 0.05). Despite the increase in absorbed and trapped energy due to the effect of the heat waves, the electron transport rate from QA to QB in the plants exposed to heat waves was not followed by an increase. The above-mentioned changes in the viability of the photosystem may have been caused by a decrease in the density of the active reaction centers (RC/CSo) and an increase in the amount of dissociated energy (DIo/CSo). After the second recovery period, the RC/CSo in heat and drought stressed plants was equal to that of control plants, which resulted in lower energy waste in the form of heat (DIo/CSo).
The impact of sex, age, and season on the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Lithuania
Authors: Lipatova Indrė , Kulnickaitė Ieva , Jacikė Živilė , Korsakovė Ieva
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of H. pylori infection in adult patients in Kaunas, Lithuania, and to assess the dependence of H. pylori infection on sex, age, and seasonality. A total of 5799 patients were tested for the presence of H. pylori by ELISA. Three different tests were used: IgA and IgG antibodies against H. pylori from blood serum and antigens of H. pylori from faeces. The results revealed that the frequency of H. pylori infection varied depending on the test (31.8% for IgG, 16.7% for IgA, and 22.9% for antigens test). No significant association between sex, season, and the prevalence of H. pylori was observed. However, our findings indicate a significant increase in the prevalence of H. pylori infection with age. This study is the first report about the impact of sex, age, and season on the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Lithuania.
Denosumab use in osteogenesis imperfecta: an update on therapeutic approaches
Authors: Majdoub Fatma , Ferjani Hanene Lassoued , Nessib Dorra Ben , Kaffel Dhia , Maatallah Kaouther , Hamdi Wafa
Published: June 2023

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inherited skeletal disorder that leads to bone fragility and multiple fractures. Given advances in the genetic understanding of existing phenotypes and newly discovered mutations, therapeutic management of OI has become challenging. Denosumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the interaction between the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and its receptor RANK, has been approved to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis and emerged as an important therapy for malignancies and other skeletal disorders, including pediatric skeletal conditions such as OI. This review summarizes information about denosumab therapy in OI by exploring its mechanisms of action, main indications, and safety and efficacy. Several case reports and small series have been published about the short-term use of denosumab in children with OI. Denosumab was considered a strong drug candidate for OI patients with bone fragility and a high risk of fracture, particularly for patients with the bisphosphonate (BP)-unresponsive OI-VI subtype. The evidence for denosumab's effects in children with OI indicates that it effectively improves bone mineral density but not fracture rates. A decrease in bone resorption markers was observed after each treatment. Safety was assessed by tracking the effects on calcium homeostasis and reporting side effects. No severe adverse effects were reported. Hypercalciuria and moderate hypercalcemia were reported, suggesting that BPs be used to prevent the bone rebound effect. In other words, denosumab can be used as a targeted intervention in children with OI. The posology and administration protocol require more investigation to achieve secure efficiency.
Cushing disease in pediatrics: an update
Authors: Concepción-Zavaleta Marcio José , Armas Cristian David , Quiroz-Aldave Juan Eduardo , García-Villasante Eilhart Jorge , Gariza-Solano Ana Cecilia , Durand-Vásquez María del Carmen , Concepción-Urteaga Luis Alberto , Zavaleta-Gutiérrez Francisca Elena
Published: June 2023

Cushing disease (CD) is the main cause of endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) and is produced by an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing pituitary adenoma. Its relevance in pediatrics is due to the retardation of both growth and developmental processes because of hypercortisolism. In childhood, the main features of CS are facial changes, rapid or exaggerated weight gain, hirsutism, virilization, and acne. Endogenous hypercortisolism should be established after exogenous CS has been ruled out based on 24-hour urinary free cortisol, midnight serum or salivary cortisol, and dexamethasone suppression test; after that, ACTH dependence should be established. The diagnosis should be confirmed by pathology. The goal of treatment is to normalize cortisol level and reverse the signs and symptoms. Treatment options include surgery, medication, radiotherapy, or combined therapy. CD represents a challenge for physicians owing to its multiple associated conditions involving growth and pubertal development; thus, it is important to achieve an early diagnosis and treatment in order to control hypercortisolism and improve the prognosis. Its rarity in pediatric patients has led physicians to have limited experience in its management. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the current knowledge about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of CD in the pediatric population.
Global Competitiveness of Trade in the West Coast of Sumatra from the Perspective of the Agglomeration of Economic Approach
Authors: Ansofino Anas , Zusmelia Zubir
Published: June 2023

The main aim of this study is to analysed the pattern of agglomeration of trade flows in the city of Padang and Teluk Bayur Port with the regencies and cities along the west coast of Sumatra, as well as the factors that influence them. How competitive is trade flow with the West coast region compared to the East coast of Sumatra. The analytical approach used is spatial econometrics, especially the spatial lag model and spatial error model. The data used is the volume of loading and unloading of inter-island and foreign ships at Teluk Bayur Port and other districts and cities in 133 areas on the West Coast and 155 districts and cities in the economic corridors of Sumatra. The results showed that the West Coast trade flow variable had no significant effect on the existence of Padang City as the centre of economic agglomeration in the economic corridor area of Sumatra. Our findings are that trade flows in the city of Padang have not been able to encourage economic agglomeration in regencies and cities on the West Coast of Sumatra, on the contrary there are connections with regencies and cities in the economic corridors of the East Coast of Sumatra. Therefore, to accelerate the process of economic agglomeration through trade flows, joint policies are needed with the agricultural sector in the Sumatran economic corridor in facing global market competition, as well as strengthening inter-regional internal markets in the Sumatra corridor, agricultural commodity transactions between regencies and cities in the Sumatran economic corridor which must be strengthened, so as to be able to compete in a competitive global market.
An Analysis of the Gross Domestic Product of Municipalities: a Spatial Glance into the State of Paraná-Brazil
Authors: Cima Elizabeth Giron , da Rocha-Junior Weimar Freire , Uribe-Opazo Miguel Angel , Henrique Gustavo
Published: June 2023

The vast relevance of applications of spatial regression models has recently captured the interest of Economics and Agriculture, in the sense of better understanding the spatial behavior of the region under study, in the different forms of approaches. It is interesting to understand why some regions show greater variability than others, and why some forms of regional development are better explained. It is up to the researcher to understand, explore, and organize a series of observations, so that it is possible to make predictions, diagnoses, and recommendations to public policy managers and regional development agents. The municipalities’ Gross Domestic Product (Gdp) has driven studies involving spatial information. The objective of this study was to analyze the Gdp of the municipalities in Paraná-Brazil, in 2018, regarding soybean yield, corn yield, pig production, and the tax on the circulation of goods, through different approaches of spatial regression models. SAR and CAR models are global models, while the GWR model is considered a local one. Three spatial analysis models were used to perform this study: Spatial Autoregressive (SAR), Conditional Autoregressive (CAR), and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR). The results were compared using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Cross-Validation Criterion (CVC), and the descriptive graphic of residual diagnoses-Worm Plot. The best result obtained was for the GWR model, which best explained the GDP of the state of Paraná-Brazil in terms of its covariates.
Determining Factors of Retaining Young Farmers in Agriculture: A Case study in Turkey and Japan
Authors: Karahan Mizgin , Abay Cannan , Ito Ryoji
Published: June 2023

Young farmers have an important role as the future of food security and sustainable agriculture depends on them. However, the young farmer problem is getting serious all over the world, whether the countries are developed or developing. The objective of this study is to determine the factors that affect the willingness of young farmers to continue agriculture in the future, especially based on social and cultural factors with economic factors. Data were collected from 200 young farmers' questionnaires in İzmir, Turkey, and Niigata, Japan. Using the logistic regression model, we found that social factors play an important role in retaining young farmers in agriculture such as the respectability and importance of farming, and the multifunctional role of farming, along with economic factors such as off-farm job, farmland size, and subsidies. If countries can clarify the importance of farming and food production to young generations, they will make essential contributions to the sustainability of food security and agricultural sustainability.
Are Agricultural Households Resilient to Food Insecurity in Nigeria?
Authors: Popoola Grace Oluwatofunmi , Adeniyi Olawamiwa Reuben , Omolehin Raphael Ajayi
Published: June 2023

Food insecurity remains a threat to Nigerians especially agricultural households who are the most vulnerable. This study focuses on the structure of the resilience of agricultural households to food insecurity in Nigeria using the World Bank‘s Living Standard Measurement Studies Integrated Survey on Agriculture (LSMS-ISA), covering four rounds (2010/2011, 2012/2013, 2015/2016 and 2018/2019) using a total of 4975, 4394, 4226 and 4797 households respectively. Data were analysed using Descriptive Statistics, Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes Model and the Random Effects Probit model. The pillars of resilience to food insecurity among agricultural households include access to basic services, asset, agricultural practice and technology, social safety net, adaptive capacity and stability. Results showed that only about 34% of households were resilient to food insecurity during the periods under review. The most essential determinants affecting food insecurity resilience are access to basic services, assets, stability, adaptive capacity and social safety net. Age of household head, livelihood strategy employed, geo-political zones and location of residence significantly influence food insecurity resilience of households. Farmers’ income and food access must be improved as well as their adaptive capacity to food insecurity in order to help them become more resilient to food insecurity and inevitably help in achieving the Sustainable Development goal two of ending hunger in all its forms and improving food security which is one of the main policy thrust of the Nigeria’s economic and sustainability plan and the National Development Plan.
An Assessment of M-Commerce Adoption Amongst Women Fish Vendors in Coastal India Using System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Prabhu Raghavendra , Kamath Vasanth , D’Souza Darryl Jeethesh , Joshi Harisha
Published: June 2023

The digital revolution in India has played a significant role transforming traditional organizations through adoption of mobile commerce (m-commerce) and transforming the way they do business. For the successful implementation of m-commerce, a thorough understanding of the stakeholder perspectives is always important. Hence, to summarize the issues and perspectives of the women fish vendors (WFVs) and to study the effect of crucial parameters on the implementation success of m-commerce a system dynamics (SD) approach was used. SD methodology is used to develop a simulation model to understand the m-commerce adoption rate amongst WFVs considering multiple scenarios. The research findings reveal that, word of mouth (WOM) and user experience plays a major role towards the adoption of m-commerce. However, the WFVs were sceptical about the capabilities of m-commerce and weren’t well equipped with infrastructure. This approach will enable the academicians and social entrepreneurs to formulate strategies to empower WFVs by using technology. Also, it opens a new area of simulation-based policy modelling in the fisheries retail sector.
Are you ready to accompany autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients in their treatment journey? Real practice for selecting rapid progressors and treatment with tolvaptan
Authors: Jung Yeonsoon , Oh Yun Kyu
Published: June 2023

Tolvaptan treatment is costly, often accompanied by aquaresis-related adverse events, and requires careful monitoring by medical staff due to the possibility of hepatotoxicity. Nevertheless, it is the only disease-modifying drug to date that has been shown to successfully delay renal replacement therapy. For more patients to receive proper treatment, medical doctors, the rest of the medical team, and the patient must all work together. This paper reviews parameters that can help identify rapid autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease progressors, who are the target of tolvaptan therapy. It is expected that these parameters will help nephrologists learn practical prescription methods and identify patients who can benefit from tolvaptan treatment. Although several strategies can be used to find rapid progressors, the present review focuses on a practical method to identify rapid progressors according to the presence or absence of evidence and the factors associated with rapid progression based on the Mayo image classification.
Omnia sunt communia : un état des lieux des communs au Québec
Authors: Furukawa Marques Dan , Durand Folco Jonathan
Published: June 2023

Les communs sont des formes de coopération socioéconomique novatrices qui favorisent l’autonomie collective, l’autogestion et la réappropriation des moyens de subsistance. Au Québec, une multitude de projets collectifs depuis la dernière décennie s’inscrivent dans ce paradigme pour reconstruire du lien social et entamer une transition écologique. Dans cette introduction, nous situons ces initiatives collectives dans le vaste champ de recherche sur les communs en distinguant deux approches au sein de la littérature : les travaux issus de l’École de Bloomington, dans la lignée des recherches d’Elinor Ostrom, puis les perspectives anticapitalistes qui problématisent la relation entre les communs, lesenclosures et le capitalisme. Dans un deuxième temps, nous faisons un survol historique des communs afin de mieux situer ces expériences dans le « temps long » de la société québécoise, en dialogue avec les initiatives d’économie sociale et d’autogestion au 19eet 20esiècle.
Una revisión de la "teoría triple" de Parfit
Authors: Bares Partal Manuel
Published: June 2023

Revisiting Parfit’s ‘Triple Theory’ 
Resumen: En On What Matters, Derek Parfit trata, según nos dice él mismo, de solucionar lo que Sidgwick denominó “el dualismo de la razón práctica”. Según Sidgwick, el intuicionismo y el consecuencialismo son fácilmente compatibles dentro de un utilitarismo sensato, si bien no se pueden hacer compatibles con el egoísmo ético. Parfit, quien considera a Kant y al propio Sidgwick como sus dos influencias más importantes, cree que es posible encontrar una solución a través de lo que denomina The Triple Theory. Una vez rechazado el egoísmo ético, el intuicionismo objetivista puede hacerse compatible con el universalismo kantiano a través del consecuencialismo de Thomas Scanlon. La articulación y defensa de esta propuesta conforman los tres gruesos volúmenes de On What Matters. En este trabajo trataré de argumentar que, además de tener que enfrentar importantes problemas teóricos ya clásicos, el proyecto de unificación de las diferentes propuestas éticas puede dejar sin contestar importantes cuestiones prácticas que eran tratadas por las distintas teorías por separado.
Abstract: The main topic in On What Matters is, in Parfit’s own words, trying to solve what Henry Sidgwick called “the practical reason´s dualism”. Following Sidgwick, intuitionism and consequentialism are easily compatible related to a reasonable utilitarianism, but both became strongly incompatible with ethic egoism. Parfit, who considers Kant and Sidgwick as his most important influence, believes that it is possible to find a solution through what he calls “The Triple Theory”. Once rejected ethical egoism in his several forms, he thinks that objectivist intuitionism can be compatible with Kantian universalism through Thomas Scanlon consequentialism in his work What We Owe Each Other. The structure and defense of this thesis will make up most of the three volumes of On What Matters. In this essay I will try to argue that, in addition to having to face several classical criticisms, the aim of unifying different ethical theories can leave unanswered important practical questions that where dealt with by the different theories separately.
Patologías sociales. Un debate en la teoría crítica contemporánea
Authors: Ortega-Esquembre Cesar
Published: June 2023

Social pathologies. A debate in contemporary critical theory
Resumen: El objetivo del presente trabajo es exponer los rasgos fundamentales del debate contemporáneo en torno a las llamadas patologías sociales, así como los principales diagnósticos sobre patologías sociales formulados por la teoría crítica contemporánea. Para ello analizaré en primer lugar el trabajo tradicionalmente considerado canónico para comprender el debate actual sobre las patologías sociales, a saber, un artículo de Axel Honneth publicado en 1994 bajo el título de “Patologías de lo social”. En segundo lugar, expondré algunos diagnósticos sobre patologías sociales concretas formulados por los principales representantes contemporáneos de la teoría crítica. Sobre la base de una visión panorámica de estos diagnósticos, procederé en tercer y último lugar a ofrecer una propuesta de definición provisional del concepto de patología social que tenga en cuenta las diversas posturas mantenidas en el debate filosófico actual.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present the key features of the contemporary debate around the so-called social pathologies, as well as the main diagnoses on social pathologies formulated by contemporary critical theory. To do this, I first analyse the founding paper of the current debate on social pathologies: Axel Honneth’s work “Pathologies of the social”. Secondly, I present some diagnoses on concrete social pathologies formulated by the main contemporary representatives of critical theory. Based on an overview of these diagnoses, I offer a proposal for a provisional definition of the concept of social pathology that takes into account the different positions maintained in the current philosophical debate.
Rethinking Society: Individuals, Culture and Migration. Vol. 1: Individuals and Society, por Vladimer Luarsabishvili (ed.)
Authors: Hellín Nistal Lucía
Published: June 2023

Ressenya / Reseña / Review
Luarsabishvili, Vladimer (ed.) 2021, Rethinking Society: Individuals, Culture and Migration. Vol. 1: Individuals and Society, Tbilisi: New Vision University Press. ISBN 978-9941-9692-7-0, 121 páginas
Contra la distopía, por Francisco Martorell Campos
Authors: Bugajska Anna
Published: June 2023

Ressenya /Reseña / Review 
Martorell Campos, Francisco 2021, Contra la distopía. La cara B de un género de masas, Valencia: La Caja Books. ISBN 978-84-17496-54-8, 256 páginas
Determining the Probability of Unproductive Manipulations in Inland Intermodal Terminal Operations
Authors: Zajac Mateusz , Rožić Tomislav , Naletina Dora
Published: June 2023

The paper concerns the method of determining the probability of unproductive manipulations during operations, maintenance or repairs on an inland intermodal terminal. The method is mathematically based on the semi-Markov process. The developed method enables revision of unproductive manipulation frequency and duration. It provides an opportunity to analyse and change inland terminal operations so as to increase productivity.
Hydrogeochemical evolution and mineralization origin in a semi-arid shallow aquifer: a case study of the Barika area in northeast Algeria
Authors: Tafrount Assia , Drias Tarek , Chenaf Djaouida , Nafaa Brinis
Published: June 2023

Most Middle Eastern and North African regions are characterized by an arid and semi-arid climate. As such, the drinking water supply and management have become a challenging task for local and regional authorities. The Mio-Plio Quaternary aquifer of the Barika area is the only drinking and irrigation water reservoir in the region. The objective of this paper is to identify the origin and evolution process of the groundwater mineralization of this aquifer using major elements as indicators. To achieve this objective water samples were collected, from several boreholes drilled in the aquifer, in June 2018 and March 2019, and subsequently analyzed. The results obtained in terms of Gibbs plot, Piper, chemical correlation, and statistical analysis of chemical data identified the origins of groundwater mineralization. The dissolution of evaporated minerals, precipitation of carbonates, evapotranspiration, and ion exchange reactions have been identified as the primary processes of mineralization. The results of the physicochemical analysis showed that these waters consisted mainly of chloride, calcium sulfate, and magnesium facies types with a slight change of facies in some boreholes during the two sampling periods. This is due to the interactions with the-aquifer geology and to the water scarcity caused by climate change.
Feasibility study for the southern extension of Mila town (northeast of Algeria) for urbanization purposes: a geotechnical and hydrogeophysical approach
Authors: Khellaf Khoudir , Bechkit Mohamed Amine , Chettah Wahid , Youcef Brahim El Hadj , Dib Imane
Published: June 2023

The population of Mila is increasing and local authorities are looking for new lands to develop the town and provide housing. However, the soil of these lands is unstable and requires detailed studies to serve as a foundation. This work presents the geotechnical and the geophysical characteristics of the Marechau soils, which forms the southeast extension of the Mila town. To provide an idea about the soil condition, to choose the type of adequate constructions and to make decision for building it, we adopted a geotechnical approach, where we analysed the soils by carrying out core drilling tests, dynamic penetration tests and the laboratory tests. We also, employed the geophysical approach in determining the electrical resistivity so as to map the depth of bedrock roof. Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive hydrogeological study, monitoring precipitation and the piezometric level of the aquifer over a period of 200 days, and determined the flow direction. The core drilling test results indicate a clayey soil with limestone blocks. The dynamic penetration test show two categories of soil. The laboratory tests show that the materials analysed are very plastic, over-consolidated and medium to very compressible. They have a medium to high swelling potential and medium amount of aggressiveness to concrete. Besides, the tomography results also showed a single layer land (clay) with massive rocks embedded in it. The piezometric monitoring reveals the presence of two aquifer systems. The first is superficial and the second is deep. They don’t recharge directly after the rain falls and the groundwater flows in the direction of the slope. All the results indicate that solutions must be found for soil movements in the area under study before urbanization takes place. The combination of these results with the location, land morphology, tectonic activity, and seismotectonic aspects suggest that the area presents a high risk, and its urbanization requires rigorous and mandatory precautionary measures.
Assessment of groundwater vulnerability to pollution using DRASTIC and the SI methods: case of the alluvial aquifer in Tadjenanet-Chelghoum laid (East Algeria)
Authors: Khedidja Abdelhamid , Drias Tarek , Reghais Azzeddine
Published: June 2023

The region of Chelghoum Laid - Tadjenanet is located in the east of Algeria in the high southern plains of Setif, characterized by a highly vulnerable shallow alluvial aquifer. The vulnerability of groundwater to pollutants is a relative concept, not measurable or dimensional. The nature, quality, and reliability of used data used have a major impact on the correctness of its assessment. Its classification is usually based on the estimation of many more or less essential factors, such as the characteristics of soil and unsaturated zone, the saturated zone, the recharge , the topography and the hydraulic conductivity. The vulnerability of the aquifer to pollution was investigated using two intrinsic vulnerability methods: DRASTIC and susceptibility index (SI). SI method is an adaptation of the DRASTIC specifically design for nitrate-based pollution. The parameters used as input data are, among others, the depth of the groundwater, the soil type, the topographic slope and the groundwater recharge. The validity of the two methods for assessing the vulnerability to nitrates was established by comparing the distribution of these elements in groundwater with the distribution of the various vulnerability classes. GIS techniques were used to implement these methods. Vulnerability maps created using the DRASTIC and SI method’s depict the potential for pollutants to penetrate and spread in these locations depending on the terrain encountered on the surface and the depth of the aquifer. The comparison revealed that the SI technique is the most accurate in the studied alluvial aquifer. The establishment of the pollution vulnerability map highlighted an area of great vulnerability in the center of the plain, reflected by the fragility of the soil and the shallow depth of the water. While the average vulnerability areas are in the center, and east at the periphery of Wadi Rhumel, the rest of the field is slightly vulnerable. The vulnerability and contamination risk maps created for this study are valuable tools for environmental planning and can be used for predictive management of groundwater resources. This case study suggests that the approach may be applicable to other areas as part of efforts to target groundwater management efforts.
[Relevance of groundwater to the national water resource availability: a simple solution to mitigate the effect of water shortage]
Authors: Petitta Marco
Published: June 2023

[Article in Italian]
Hydrogeology in Algeria - 2nd section
Authors: Kessasra Farès , Mezerreg Nour-Houda
Published: June 2023

Groundwater depletion is the natural consequence of withdrawing water from an aquifer at a higher rate than recharge. If groundwater abstraction exceeds groundwater recharge for extensive areas and long time, overexploitation or persistent groundwater depletion can occur [...].
Hydrogen-rich water treatment targets RT1-Db1 and RT1-Bb to alleviate premature ovarian failure in rats
Authors: Meng Xiaoyin , Zhang Shuai , Zhao Lu , Wang Yingmei
Published: June 2023

Background

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is defined as the cessation of ovarian function before the age of 40 years, imposing a significant health burden on patients. However, effective etiological therapy for POF is scarce. Thus, we aimed to explore the protective role and targets of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) in POF.

Methods

Based on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced POF rat models, the protective role of HRW treatment was mainly determined through serum 17-β-estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, ovarian histomorphological analysis, and TUNEL assay. Tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomic analysis was then conducted on ovarian tissues, and the targets of HRW in POF were identified integrating differential expression analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and interaction analysis.

Results

In HRW treatment of POF rats, the serum AMH and E2 levels significantly increased, and FSH level significantly reduced, indicating the protective role of HRW. After TMT quantitative proteomic analysis, a total of 16 candidate differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified after the cross analysis of DEPs from POF vs. control and POF+HRW vs. POF groups, which were found to be significantly enriched in 296 GO terms and 36 KEGG pathways. The crucial targets, RT1-Db1 and RT1-Bb, were finally identified based on both protein-protein interaction network and GeneMANIA network.

Conclusions

The HRW treatment could significantly alleviate the ovarian injury of POF rats; RT1-Db1 and RT1-Bb are identified as two crucial targets of HRW treatment in POF rats.
Marco jurídico del apoyo a las instalaciones de energía fotovoltaica en Estados Unidos. Organización administrativa e instrumentos jurídicos
Authors: Ruiz Olmo Irene
Published: June 2023

La transición energética es una cuestión de interés global. Más aún, en un contexto de emergencia climática y de crisis energética ocasionada en gran medida por el conflicto bélico provocado por Rusia, que ha puesto de manifiesto la alta dependencia existente a los combustibles fósiles y que convierte el marco normativo estadunidense en determinante ante la magnitud y urgencia del problema. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la regulación de la electricidad fotovoltaica en Estados Unidos, que calificamos de discreta por cuanto se ha ido extendiendo con pasos continuados y considerablemente firmes, pero sin alardes, bajo una apariencia más bien modesta. Dado que el país está dividido en 50 Estados, la primera imagen que surge es la de un panorama diverso y fragmentado; de esta forma, parece interesante desde el punto de vista jurídico ver como los distintos niveles gubernamentales han establecido técnicas de regulación y políticas basadas en objetivos para fomentar su inclusión en el mercado y en el consumo energético.
impacto económico de las normas de indemnización de perjuicios en la expropiación de concesiones mineras de explotación en Chile entre los años 1925 a 2010
Authors: Torres Fuentealba Juan Guillermo
Published: June 2023

La certeza jurídica requiere, dentro de otras materias que, en caso de expropiación de los bienes de los privados, se les indemnice por el daño patrimonial efectivamente causado. En este artículo revisaremos las normas jurídicas que han regulado, a nivel constitucional y legal, a contar del Código de Minería de 1932, la manera de determinar la indemnización de perjuicios que se le ha de pagar a un concesionario minero de explotación, producto de una expropiación. Se realizará un especial análisis de la ley que Nacionalizó a la Gran Minería del Cobre en 1971, revisando si en las discusiones de la ley o en la doctrina, se consideran los eventuales impactos económicos -costos y beneficios- de su aplicación. Finalmente, haremos un análisis de nuestra actual legislación minera, en lo que respecta al art. 11° N°3 de la Ley Orgánica Constitucional de Concesiones Mineras, la que tuvo criterios económicos para su consagración y donde acreditaremos la efectividad de ésta y procuraremos la mantención de este numeral y la normativa en materia de expropiación e indemnizaciones consagradas en la Constitución Política de la República de 1980.
Heart Rate Variability and Cold Pressor Test before Onset of Pre-eclampsia in Pregnant Women-A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Fatima Tazyeen , Muthukrishnan Shobitha , Gupta Neha , Maurya Ashish Kumar
Published: June 2023

Introduction: A major obstetric complication, that leads to severe maternal and foetal morbidity is Pre-eclampsia (PE). Studies evaluating the autonomic nervous activity in pregnant women with PE shows conflicting results. Previous studies are inadequate for the identification of the most useful tools to detect and monitor autonomic dysfunction prior to PE. The cold pressor test is a simple and validated test, in which the afferent sensory pathways are stimulated by the cold stimulus, resulting in an increase in Blood Pressure (BP). Aim: To evaluate the response to cold pressor test and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) to detect increased vascular reactivity and sympathetic activity prior to the clinical manifestation of PE in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in in the Department of Physiology at Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences, HAHC Hospital, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India. The duration of the study was 11 months, from December 2018 to November 2019. Subjects were 50 pregnant women, between age 18-40 years and of 12-14 weeks of gestation. Cold pressor test and HRV were parameters measured for the assessment of the autonomic functions during 12 and 21 weeks of gestational period. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used for analysis of the quantitative data. Paired t-test was done for comparison of all values. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 29±2.7 years. There was no hyper-reaction to cold pressor test at 12 weeks of gestation, nor the subjects showed any signs of PE. At 14 weeks of gestation, 2 (4%) showed hyper-reaction to cold pressor test. At 21 weeks of gestation, 3 (6%) subjects showed hyper-reactions to cold pressor test and out of them, 2 developed PE. Root Mean Square Standard Deviation (RMSSD) and difference between adjacent Standard Deviation of N-N intervals (SDNN) of HRV analysis were significantly higher in the first trimester as compared to 21 weeks of pregnancy. Conclusion: Response to cold pressor test showed increased vascular reactivity, as a sign before the development of PE. HRV analysis could not detect any significant features of increased sympathetic activity prior to the clinical manifestation of PE in pregnant women.