bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Number of Web-Based Behavioral Health Coaching Sessions Associated With Symptom Improvement in Youth: Observational Retrospective Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Lawrence-Sidebottom Darian , Huffman Landry Goodgame , Beam Aislinn , Guerra Rachael , Parikh Amit , Roots Monika , Huberty Jennifer
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Rates of anxiety and depression have been increasing among children and adolescents for the past decade; however, many young people do not receive adequate mental health care. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) that include web-based behavioral health coaching are widely accessible and can confer significant improvements in youth anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, more research is necessary to determine the number of web-based coaching sessions that confer clinically significant improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms in youth.

OBJECTIVE

This study uses data from a pediatric DMHI to explore the number of web-based coaching sessions required to confer symptom improvements among children and adolescents with moderate or moderately severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.

METHODS

We used retrospective data from a pediatric DMHI that offered web-based behavioral health coaching in tandem with self-guided access to asynchronous chat with practitioners, digital mental health resources, and web-based mental health symptom assessments. Children and adolescents who engaged in 3 or more sessions of exclusive behavioral health coaching for moderate to moderately severe symptoms of anxiety (n=66) and depression (n=59) were included in the analyses. Analyses explored whether participants showed reliable change (a decrease in symptom scores that exceeds a clinically established threshold) and stable reliable change (at least 2 successive assessments of reliable change). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to determine the median number of coaching sessions when the first reliable change and stable reliable change occurred for anxiety and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Reliable change in anxiety symptoms was observed after a median of 2 (95% CI 2-3) sessions, and stable reliable change in anxiety symptoms was observed after a median of 6 (95% CI 5-8) sessions. A reliable change in depressive symptoms was observed after a median of 2 (95% CI 1-3) sessions, and a stable reliable change in depressive symptoms was observed after a median of 6 (95% CI 5-7) sessions. Children improved 1-2 sessions earlier than adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study will inform caregivers and youth seeking mental health care by characterizing the typical time frame in which current participants show improvements in symptoms. Moreover, by suggesting that meaningful symptom improvement can occur within a relatively short time frame, these results bolster the growing body of research that indicates web-based behavioral health coaching is an effective form of mental health care for young people.
Adaptation and Reach of a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Social Marketing Campaign for Latino, Latina, and Latinx Populations: Development Study (Preprint)
Authors: Shah Harita S , Serrano Pedro Alonso , Phillips II Gregory
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Latino, Latina, and Latinx (Latino/a/x) individuals remain disproportionately impacted by HIV, particularly sexual minority men and transgender women. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective means of biomedical HIV prevention, but awareness and uptake remain low among marginalized Latino/a/x populations. Social marketing campaigns have demonstrated promise in promoting PrEP in other populations but are poorly studied in Latino/a/x sexual minority men and transgender women.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to (1) adapt and pilot a PrEP social marketing campaign tailored to Latino/a/x populations with a focus on sexual minority men and transgender women through community-based participatory research (CBPR) and (2) evaluate the reach and ad performance of the adapted PrEP social marketing campaign.

METHODS

We used the ADAPT-ITT (assessment, decision, adaptation, production, topical experts-integration, training, and testing) framework for adapting evidence-based interventions for new settings or populations. This paper presents how each phase of the ADAPT-ITT framework was applied via CBPR to create the PrEPárate (“Be PrEPared”) campaign. Key community engagement strategies included shared ownership with community partners, focus groups to guide content, crowdsourcing to name the campaign, design by local Latino/a/x artists, and featuring local influencers as the faces of PrEPárate. We evaluated campaign reach and advertisement performance using social media platform metrics (paid and organic reach, impressions, unique clicks, and click-through rates [CTR]) and website use statistics from Google Analytics.

RESULTS

The PrEPárate campaign ran in Cook County, Illinois, from April to September 2022. The campaign reached over 118,750 people on social media (55,750 on Facebook and Instagram [Meta Platforms Inc] and 63,000 on TikTok [ByteDance Ltd]). The Meta ads performed over the industry benchmark with ads featuring local transgender women (2% CTR) and cisgender sexual minority men (1.4% CTR). Of the different Grindr (Grindr Inc) ad formats piloted, the interstitial Grindr ads were the highest performing (1183/55,479, 2.13% CTR). YouTube (Google) ads were low performing at 0.11% (153/138,337) CTR and were stopped prematurely, given limits on sexual education–related content. In the first year, there were 5006 visitors to the website.

CONCLUSIONS

Adaptation of an existing evidence-based intervention served as an effective method for developing a PrEP social marketing campaign for Latino/a/x audiences. CBPR and strong community partnerships were essential to tailor materials and provide avenues to systematically address barriers to PrEP access. Social marketing is a promising strategy to promote PrEP among underserved Latino/a/x populations.
Dampak Perubahan Penutup dan Penggunaan Lahan Terhadap Nilai Jasa Ekosistem di Kabupaten Sleman
Authors: Widayani Prima , Salsabila Huwaida Nur , Andriantari Agatha
Published: September 2023

Perubahan penutup dan penggunaan lahan di suatu wilayah adalah sebuah keniscayaan, konsisi ini juga terjadi di Kabupaten Sleman Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. Pada dasarnya penutup penggunaan lahan merupakan bagian dari ekosistem yang bisa dihitung nilai jasa ekosistemnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memetakan penutup dan penggunaan lahan dan menganalisi dampak perubahan penututup penggunaan lahan terhadap nilai jasa ekosistem di Kabupaten Sleman pada tahun 1991, 2001, 2013 dan 2022. Data utama yang digunakan adalah Citra Satelit Landsat 5 tahun 1991, Landsat 7 tahun 2001, Landsat 8 tahun 2013 dan Landsat 9 tahun 2022. Klasifikasi multispektral supervised dengan algoritma maksimum likelihood digunakan untuk mendapatkan data penutup dan penggunaan lahan. Berdasarkan hasil klasifikasi penutup dan penggunaan lahan selama kurun waktu 31 tahun, lahan terbangun memiliki nilai landuse dynamic index (K) paling tinggi yaitu 4,5%. Penutup lahan yang paling stabil hanya sedikit mengalami perubahan adalah tubuh air dan lahan pertanian. Perubahan penutup dan penggunaan lahan memiliki dampak terhadap nilai jasa ekosistem dengan nilai elastisitas sebesar 0,4% dari tahun 1991-2022.
Outcomes of Hospital-Acquired Hypernatremia
Authors: Arzhan Soraya , Roumelioti Maria-Eleni , Litvinovich Igor , Bologa Cristian G. , Unruh Mark L.
Published: September 2023

Background

Hospital-acquired hypernatremia is highly prevalent, overlooked, and associated with unfavorable consequences. There are limited studies examining the outcomes and discharge dispositions of various levels of hospital-acquired hypernatremia in patients with or without CKD.

Methods

We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study, and we analyzed the data of 1,728,141 patients extracted from the Cerner Health Facts database (January 1, 2000, to June 30, 2018). In this report, we investigated the association between hospital-acquired hypernatremia (serum sodium [Na] levels >145 mEq/L) and in-hospital mortality or discharge dispositions with kidney function status at admission using adjusted multinomial regression models.

Results

Of all hospitalized patients, 6% developed hypernatremia after hospital admission. The incidence of in-hospital mortality was 12% and 1% in patients with hypernatremia and normonatremia, respectively. The risk of all outcomes was significantly greater for serum Na >145 mEq/L compared with the reference interval (serum Na, 135–145 mEq/L). In patients with hypernatremia, odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for in-hospital mortality, discharge to hospice, and discharge to nursing facilities were 14.04 (13.71 to 14.38), 4.35 (4.14 to 4.57), and 3.88 (3.82 to 3.94), respectively (P < 0.001, for all). Patients with eGFR (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) 60–89 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and normonatremia had the lowest odds ratio for in-hospital mortality (1.60 [1.52 to 1.70]).

Conclusions

Hospital-acquired hypernatremia is associated with in-hospital mortality and discharge to hospice or to nursing facilities in all stages of CKD.
Nurse Practitioner Care Compared with Primary Care or Nephrologist Care in Early CKD
Authors: James Matthew T. , Scory Tayler D. , Novak Ellen , Manns Braden J. , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Bello Aminu K. , Ravani Pietro , Kahlon Bhavneet , MacRae Jennifer M. , Ronksley Paul E.
Published: September 2023

Background

Early interventions in CKD have been shown to improve health outcomes; however, gaps in access to nephrology care remain common. Nurse practitioners can improve access to care; however, the quality and outcomes of nurse practitioner care for CKD are uncertain.

Methods

In this propensity score–matched cohort study, patients with CKD meeting criteria for nurse practitioner care were matched 1:1 on their propensity scores for (1) nurse practitioner care versus primary care alone and (2) nurse practitioner versus nephrologist care. Processes of care were measured within 1 year after cohort entry, and clinical outcomes were measured over 5 years of follow-up and compared between propensity score–matched groups.

Results

A total of 961 (99%) patients from the nurse practitioner clinic were matched on their propensity score to 961 (1%) patients receiving primary care only while 969 (100%) patients from the nurse practitioner clinic were matched to 969 (7%) patients receiving nephrologist care. After matching to patients receiving primary care alone, those receiving nurse practitioner care had greater use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blocker (82% versus 79%; absolute differences [ADs] 3.4% [95% confidence interval, 0.0% to 6.9%]) and statins (75% versus 66%; AD 9.7% [5.8% to 13.6%]), fewer prescriptions of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (10% versus 17%; AD –7.2% [−10.4% to −4.2%]), greater eGFR and albuminuria monitoring, and lower rates of all-cause hospitalization (34.1 versus 43.3; rate difference −9.2 [−14.7 to −3.8] per 100 person-years) and all-cause mortality (3.3 versus 6.0; rate difference −2.7 [−3.6 to −1.7] per 100 person-years). When matched to patients receiving nephrologist care, those receiving nurse practitioner care were also more likely to be prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and statins, with no difference in the risks of experiencing adverse clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Nurse practitioner care for patients with CKD was associated with better guideline-concordant care than primary care alone or nephrologist care, with clinical outcomes that were better than or equivalent to primary care alone and similar to those with care by nephrologists.

Podcast

This article contains a podcast at https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2023_11_10_CJN0000000000000305.mp3
Увековечение памяти воинов-казахов в Оренбургской и Волгоградской областях
Authors:   Makhambet Utemisov West Kazakhstan University (162, N. Nazarbayev Аve., 090000 Uralsk, Republic of Kazakhstan), Nurgalieva Agila M. , Amen Askhat Zh. ,   Makhambet Utemisov West Kazakhstan University (162, N. Nazarbayev Аve., 090000 Uralsk, Republic of Kazakhstan)
Published: September 2023

Introduction. The paper investigates interactions between memory projects — both all-Russia ones and those implemented in regions bordering Kazakhstan. Special attention is paid to the unfolding narratives underlying annual commemoration ceremonies in Orenburg and Volgograd oblasts for Yestekbay Batyr (hero of war against Dzungars) and for soldiers/officers who participated in the Great Patriotic War, military conflicts in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Special Military Operation in Ukraine. Goals. The work aims to describe memorial objects associated with individuals who performed exploits for the sake of their compatriots, and to analyze commemorative practices carried out by local communities. Results. The article focuses on activities of local Kazakh communities of Orenburg and Volgograd oblasts aimed at memorializing war heroes collected by our research group during field studies of places sacred to Kazakhs, summarizes the authors’ observations and stories recorded from informants. Acts of commemoration for warriors are somewhat re-readings or re-inclusions of the past into the present-day agenda. Such venerations articulate significant ethnic values, norms, and behavioral patterns. The work traces a certain trend towards ‘militarization of consciousness’ in commemorative practices associated with particularly revered places of memory relating to the Great Patriotic War — and in sacralizing names of soldiers/officers who have taken part in local military conflicts.
Хадж советских мусульман 1966–1967 гг. через призму архивных документов
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation (49/2, Leningradsky Ave., 125167 Moscow, Russian Federation), Akhmadullin Vyacheslav A.
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Analysis of Soviet religious policies essentially represented by government-Muslim relations is most important to the history of our motherland. An indicator to characterize the quality of these relations is efforts of authorities in organizing Hajj trips, including multifaceted interaction with leaders of Soviet Muslims. Goals. The article examines archival documents — some to be newly introduced into scientific circulation — and attempts an analysis of the actual conditions, scope of related work, and conclusions articulated by officials who were to arrange comprehensive interaction with Muslims and Hajj participants. The study seeks to answer a number of questions pertaining to Hajj-related activities of the Council for Religious Affairs (under the USSR Council of Ministers) and Muslim spiritual directorates in 1966–1967. Materials and methods. The paper focuses on documents stored at the State Archive of the Russian Federation (coll. Р-6991 ‘Council for Religious Affairs under the Council of Ministers of the USSR’) covering the period from 1943 to 1991, with special emphasis be laid on analyses of files contained in Catalogue 6 ‘Council for Religious Affairs under the Council of Ministers of the USSR: 1966–1991’. It is in 1966 that the Soviet government agency created by way of merger (Council for the Russian Orthodox Church and Council for Religious Cults) and established by a decree of the USSR Council of Ministers began its actual work with all registered religious organizations. Methods and tools of analysis, synthesis, and that of historical reconstruction proved most instrumental in investigating efforts of the Council. Results. The work introduces into scientific circulation some archival documents that have remained unknown both to experts and the public at large, provides a historiographic review of the problem on the basis of publications authored by famous foreign and domestic researchers. Conclusions. The study shows certain peculiarities of government-Muslim relations during the period under consideration, namely: the Hajj was being prepared when the key body supposed to facilitate such constructive relations (Council for Religious Cults) had ceased its work, and the new one (Council for Religious Affairs) was not yet completely staffed.
Тувинский род монгуш. К историографии вопроса
Authors:   Tuvan Institute for Humanities and Applied Socioeconomic Research (4, Kochetov St., 667000 Kyzyl, Russian Federation), Mongush Artysh M. , Aiyzhy Elena V. ,   Tuvan State University (5, Lenin St., 667000 Kyzyl, Russian Federation)
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Tuvan clan history (and that of certain clan clusters) dates back to most ancient times and is characterized by long and intertwined paths of formation and development. So, it had — and still does — attracted the attention of researchers representing various fields of science. However, there have been no fundamental works involving both historical, ethnographic, and anthropological insights into Tuvan clans. Goals. The article attempts a historical investigation into origins of Tuvan clans and particularly the Mongush one. Materials and methods. The paper focuses on scientific works by Tsarist and Soviet scientists, analyzes field data collected by the authors. The study employs the principle of historicism which makes it possible to consider the Mongush tribal group in retrospective and trace its development. The method of comparative typology (the Mongush of Tuva and the Mungush of Kyrgyzstan) supplemented with that of participant observation prove most efficient. In terms of historical science, events and phenomena are considered through temporal sequences, changes of periods and development stages. Results. The authors’ findings reveal the Mongush clan has a number of branches, while scrupulous insights into writings of earlier researchers have yielded a clarified etymology of the word mongush and certain demographic data on the group.
Социокультурная ситуация в селах Провиденского городского округа Чукотки глазами их жителей по полевым материалам 2021 г. Часть 1
Authors:   Shilo North-East Interdisciplinary Scientific Research Institute, Far Eastern Branch of the RAS (15, Energetikov St, 689000 Anadyr, Russian Federation), Kolomiets Oksana P. , Vukvukai Nadezhda I. ,   Shilo North-East Interdisciplinary Scientific Research Institute, Far Eastern Branch of the RAS (15, Energetikov St, 689000 Anadyr, Russian Federation)
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Due to remoteness, limited accessibility and ethnocultural uniqueness, Chukotka used to be — and still is — a particular region of Russia. In Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, the nationwide and specifically ‘northern’ political, economic, social and cultural processes are paralleled by vivid local specifics manifested in all life spheres. The work introduces accounts of the current sociocultural situation articulated by rural residents of Providensky Urban Okrug. Goals. The paper aims to deliver native inhabitants’ opinions on village life, including which realms of social agenda they tend to view as promising, their actual challenges, controversies, and threats. Materials and methods. The study focuses on field materials collected in the town of Provideniya, villages of Enmelen, Nunligran, Sireniki, Novoye Chaplino, and Yanrakynnot in 2021. Special attention is paid to publications characterizing the socioeconomic situation of Chukotka’s indigenous peoples. Part One of the article reviews publications summarizing results of expeditions to Providensky District, briefly describes traditional occupations of rural dwellers, characterizes the sociocultural situation in the villages of Enmelen, Sireniki and Nunligran. Part Two shall deal with the sociocultural situation in the villages of Novoye Chaplino and Yanrakynnot. Conclusions. According to the Russian Census of 2020, the population of Providensky Urban Okrug is 3,707 people, of which 2,140 live in urban areas and 1,567 — in rural ones. About half of the residents are ethnic Chukchis (36.7%) and Eskimos (Siberian Yupiks; 19,1 %). The last ten years have witnessed a minor population growth only in two settlements — town of Provideniya and village of Novoye Chaplino. The main reasons of rural depopulation are low living standards, deterioration of housing facilities, underdevelopment of rural infrastructure, poor educational and medical services, under- and unemployment, low wages, isolation and limited leisure time opportunities. All the interviewed residents stress the importance of sea-hunting industry as a basis of present-day life in the villages. Elders still hope for further development of reindeer breeding and related sectors. The language situation is characterized by a virtually complete displacement of native languages in family and everyday communicative practices.
Мотив помощника в калмыцких сказках на сюжетный тип AT 508 «Благодарный мертвец»
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., 358000 Elista, Russian Federation), Goryaeva Baira B.
Published: September 2023

Introduction. In the Kalmyk folktale tradition, AT type 508 (The Grateful Dead) develops through the motif of miraculous helper. The analysis shows that the main character pays some debt of the deceased one — to acquire an assistant. Goals. The study examines the motif of assistant in Kalmyk folktales clustering with AT type 508 (The Grateful Dead). Materials. The paper analyzes folktale texts published in Clear Script (Kalm. todo bičiq), Roman characters, and modern Kalmyk Cyrillic. Results. Before a long journey, the hero offers his servant to partake of some food which is a test for the latter: any refusal from the viands of humans shall indicate the companion belongs to the spirit world. The magic nature of the hero’s assistant is also manifested through his abilities to move at extremely high speed and understand the language of animals. And it is due to the latter gift that the assistant hears a dog and a cat’s conversation — to prompt the young man a remedy for the Khan’s daughter. Cat bile acts as medicine in all versions of Kalmyk folktales related to the type ‘Grateful Dead’. A. Afanasyev notes bile serves as medicine for the resurrection and eyesight recovery in the Russian fairy tale ‘Yeruslan Lazarevich’, emphasizing the ‘linguistic and mythical connection’ between — sunshine, glitter of gold, and the yellow color of bile. Being aware of the trouble, the grateful dead person protects his savior and the latter’s spouse from the snake venom. When accused of encroachments, he confesses all his good deeds (massacre of seven cannibal demons, their daughters, wives, and the former’s old mother) and sets outs towards the world of the dead ruled by Erlik Nomin Khan. The hero decides not to leave his assistant and follows him up to hell. Kalmyk folktales of the mentioned type are distinguished by description of trials experienced by the main character and his assistant in the realms of the dead. Possessions of Erlik Nomin Khan — the lord of the dead — are depicted in accordance with ideas of Buddhist hell traced in Oirat written monuments, such as The Story of Chojid-Dagini, The Tale of Molon-Toyin, The Tale of the Goose-Lama, The Tale of Naranu Gerel etc. It is the descriptions of Buddhist hell that distinguish the international type ‘Grateful Dead’ in the Kalmyk oral tradition through the motif of miraculous helper. Conclusions. The motif of helper in the considered folktales unfolds on the basis of traditional ideas with that earlier views were replaced by later Buddhist ones.
Árboles y humanidad: un vínculo entre manejo forestal y antropología ecológica
Authors: López Colunga Paloma , Murrieta-Galindo René , León Estrada Xochitl del Alba
Published: September 2023

Sumérgete en un apasionante viaje que une antropología ecológica y el mundo forestal de Veracruz, México. Acompañado de evocadores refranes de la cultura popular, este artículo te conduce por un recorrido que entrelaza conceptos profundos con el marco normativo para el aprovechamiento de recursos forestales. Explora la riqueza de conocimientos ancestrales reflejada en refranes y descubre cómo se conecta con la naturaleza y la regulación en un relato ameno y analítico.
La experiencia de ser estudiante de enfermería en la nueva normalidad post COVID-19
Authors: Muñoz Torres Teresita de Jesús , Sánchez López Francisco , Izar Ávalos Valerie Sachiel
Published: September 2023

Interpretar las experiencias vividas del estudiante de enfermería en la nueva normalidad post covid-19. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo de diseño fenomenológico, con una muestra estructural de 16 estudiantes de licenciatura distribuidos en cuatro grupos focales; el principal criterio de inclusión fue estar inscrito en alguna asignatura disciplinar del programa educativo de la Licenciatura en Enfermería. Para la recolecta de los datos se utilizó una entrevista de tipo semiestructurada, la cual fue audiograbada para realizar la transcripción. El análisis se realizó a través del programa Atlas.ti versión 22.2.3.0. Resultados: Se identificaron four categorías de análisis: i. Proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje durante la pandemia por covid-19; ii. Reincorporación a la nueva normalidad; iii. Ser estudiante de enfermería durante la emergencia sanitaria y iv. El sentir del estudiante. Conclusiones: En la experiencia vivida del estudiante de enfermería ante la nueva normalidad post covid-19, se destaca la importancia de la práctica y del escenario híbrido en el proceso de formación y, al mismo tiempo, se identifican las limitantes y retos que propician en el estudiante un sentir de estrés y temor. Con todo ello, se transforma el concepto de ser enfermero y ese evidencia la necesidad de modificar el desarrollo de las actividades académicas para una reincorporación efectiva.
Las microondas en la síntesis de nanomateriales
Authors: Zarazua Aguilar Yohuali , Velázquez Herrera Franchescoli Didier , Garzón Pérez Amanda Stephanie
Published: September 2023

Durante las últimas décadas se han estudiado diferentes maneras de obtener nanomateriales (materiales que presentan tamaños de partícula hasta cien mil veces menor que un cabello humano). Los métodos tradicionales de síntesis requieren altas temperaturas y presiones, con el fin de obtener materiales con características específicas, como la cristalinidad, o el arreglo que tienen los átomos cuando forman una estructura. Para alcanzar estas altas temperaturas se emplean técnicas de calentamiento por convección o conducción, que suelen tomar varios días en obtener el resultado deseado. Es por ello que es importante buscar rutas que sean fáciles, rápidas, económicas y comercialmente viables para la producción de nanomateriales; una de las más importantes y versátiles investigadas en los últimos años es el uso microondas. Las microondas son ondas eléctricas y magnéticas generadas artificialmente, que provocan que las moléculas aumenten su movimiento, generando un sobrecalentamiento de manera fácil y rápida en una sustancia. Por lo anterior, una síntesis asistida por irradiación de microondas permite obtener nanomateriales con características específicas, ajustables a las necesidades de aplicación, como el tamaño y tipo de distribución de poros, el área superficial específica y la cristalinidad, que dependen en gran medida del tiempo, frecuencia y potencia de irradiación. Además, con el uso de las microondas se logra disminuir el tiempo que se emplea para la obtención de nanomateriales. Así, en este texto se abordará la importancia del uso de las microondas en la síntesis de nanomateriales a través de un contexto aplicativo y se dará una breve descripción histórica.
Descifrando códigos
Authors: Fortoul Teresa I.
Published: September 2023

The Rosetta Stone was important in deciphering the meaning of the hieroglyphs inscribed on the walls of temples and tombs of the ancient Egyptians. Thanks to the interest and perseverance of Thomas Young and Jean-François Champollion we now know what was kept in those texts with figures of plants, animals and other symbols ""meaningless"" for those who did not know their secrets. Here we summarize part of that history that now allows us to communicate with a past of more than 3000 years ago.
The Rosetta Stone was important in deciphering the meaning of the hieroglyphs inscribed on the walls of temples and tombs of the ancient Egyptians. Thanks to the interest and perseverance of Thomas Young and Jean-François Champollion we now know what was kept in those texts with figures of plants, animals and other symbols ""meaningless"" for those who did not know their secrets. Here we summarize part of that history that now allows us to communicate with a past of more than 3000 years ago.
Performance Characteristics of Diesel Engine Using Biodiesel Blends
Authors: Santharaman P. P. , Priya E. , Rajadurai R. , Vivekananthan M. , Balaganesh S.
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Diesel vehicles are similar to gasoline vehicles because they both use internal combustion engines. One difference is that diesel engines have a compression-ignited injection system rather than the spark-ignited system used by most gasoline vehicles. In recent years, the acceptance of fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel) as a substitute to petroleum diesel has rapidly grown in India. The raw materials for biodiesel productionin this country mainly include traditional seed oils and used frying oils. In the search for new low-cost alternative feed stocks for biodiesel production, this study emphasizes the evaluation of lemon grassoil. The experimental results showed that the oil content of Lemon grass were remarkably high (45%). The main emphasis has been laid on optimum production of biodiesel from Lemongrass Oil then using the biodiesel blends with diesel studying the comparative characteristics and engine performance and the blends made from the biodiesel with diesel. The oil was chemically converted via an alkaline transesterification reaction with methanol to methyl esters, with a yield nearly 97.5 wt.%.All of the measured properties of the produced biodiesel met the current quality requirements. Oils were esterifying (butyl esters) before blending with pure diesel in the ratio of 4:96, 8:92, 12:80 by volume. Pure diesel was used as control. Initially the properties of the lemongrass Oil blends were determined density, viscosity, dynamic viscosity, flashes point, fire point and calorific value. An assessment of engine performance brake power (BP), brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE) etc., was carried out for pure diesel and the oil blends. However,lemongrass oil at 12% blend with diesel gave best performance as compared to other blends
Co-expression of Extensively drug resistant (XDR) clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa harboring FOX and MOX ampicillinase Gene
Authors: John-Onwe Beatrice Ngozi , Ibiam Francis Amadi , Udenweze Evangeline Chinyere , Iroha Chidinma Stacy , Edemekong Christiana Inuaesiet , Peter Ikemesit Udeme , Iroha Ifeanyichukwu Romanus
Published: September 2023

This study determines the Co-expression of clinical isolates of XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa harboring FOX and MOX ampicillinase Gene. A total of five (500) hundred “Clean catch” midstream urine and wound samples collected from patients at a tertiary healthcare institution in Ebonyi State Nigeria were analyzed using standard microbiological techniques. Determination of XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates was by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Molecular characterization of FOX and MOX ampicillinase resistant genes were done by PCR using specific primers. In total, the Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for 22.6 %. XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for 17. 8 % and 25.3 % in Wound and urine samples respectively. All the XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa harbored FOX and MOX ampicillinase resistant Gene. The high frequency of XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa in our study is very worrisome and could have significant public health impact such as treatment failures, and possibly death, if not properly managed. The solutions to this crisis are to allocate more resources to basic and clinical research and to infection control and antimicrobial stewardship, to develop new antimicrobials, and to optimize the use of those that are currently available. Keywords: XDR, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, FOX, MOX ampicillinase
Nanotechnology and Nanocapsule-Based Approaches for the Diagnosis and Therapeutics of Diabetes Mellitus: A Concise Survey
Authors: Terse Pratik Prakash , Pawaskar Pranav , Pawar Pranita K. , Samant Sheetal S. , Teli Aishwarya
Published: September 2023

A serious health concern of frightening proportions is diabetes mellitus, a common metabolic illness marked by increased blood sugar levels as a result of insufficient insulin production or response. Nanosensors and nanomaterials have recently shown tremendous promise for enhancing glucose detection for the treatment of diabetes. Significant improvements in glucose sensor sensitivity, specificity, and reversibility have been achieved through the incorporation of nanoscale carbon structures, nanocomposites, and other nanomaterials. The use of these tailored nanocarriers offers a viable technique to enhance patient compliance and diabetes management by addressing the difficulties associated with oral peptide medication delivery for the treatment of diabetes caused by adverse circumstances in the gastrointestinal system. Nanocapsules are a promising approach for effective medication transportation via biological barriers by protecting drug molecules from the biological environment. A workable solution to problems with oral peptide medicine distribution for treating diabetes, particularly when it comes to unfavorable gastrointestinal conditions, is the use of customized nanocarriers. These nanocarriers have a flexible design and special in vivo characteristics that make it possible to go beyond cellular and tissue absorption barriers while improving the stability and effectiveness of therapeutic peptides. The management of diabetes mellitus has a great deal of potential for targeted lipid-based nanoparticles, which operate as an efficient drug delivery technique for oral administration of therapeutic peptides. With these developments in nanotechnology and nanocapsule-based techniques, diabetes treatment might be improved, patient compliance could be increased, and drug administration frequency could be decreased, potentially changing the field. This article presents a comprehensive review of recent advances in nanotechnology for diabetes mellitus diagnosis and the utilization of nanocapsules in diabetes treatment

Keywords: Nanotechnology, Nanocapsules, Diabetes Mellitus, Nanocarriers, Nanomaterial, Nanotube
Bipedal walking robot platform with a vertically stabilized base usable as a bipedchair for disabled people
Authors: Kelemenova Tatiana , Kolarikova Ivana , Palova Katarina
Published: September 2023

The article deals with the design of a concept for a mobile robotic platform for transporting equipment or people. For disabled people, this system can represent an alternative to a wheelchair with better mobility in an urbanized environment. The proposed solution is unique in that it maintains a stabilized vertical position of the base.
How to save the world with zombies? — A scientainment approach to engage young people
Authors: Bättig-Frey Petra , West Mirjam , Skelton Rahel , Berger Verena
Published: September 2023

When trying to sensitize adolescents for sustainability, innovative communication approaches are needed. In the outdoor escape “Zombie mission”, players follow a story and try to save the world by solving puzzles about sustainability topics with scientific information found in the university gardens. This study investigates to whom this scientainment approach appeals and whether it can impart knowledge and raise interest in science and the environment. A mixed methods approach was adopted using questionnaires and interviews. The results suggest that the game is a promising tool for communicating sustainability to adolescents, even those who may not have had prior interest in the environment or science. Participants enjoyed the activity and gained new knowledge as a result.
The effects of occupational hazards and health-related behavior on workers’ health: A multivariate probit approach
Authors:   HSE University, Saint‐Petersburg, Russian Federation, Zazdravnykh Evgeniy , Rodionova Tatiana ,   First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation,   HSE University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Taraskina Elena ,   HSE University, Saint‐Petersburg, Russian Federation, Garipova Farida ,   HSE University, Saint‐Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: September 2023

This paper attempts to assess the effect of work stress, physical occupational hazards, smoking, alcohol consumption, and low physical activity on the health of Russia’s employed population. For this, a multivariate probit model is used, which makes it possible to reduce the effect of unobserved heterogeneity. The results demonstrate that univariate probit models may underestimate occupational factors and overestimate lifestyle determinants.
Mikhail Shemyakin’s Illustrations of Dostoevsky’s Novel Crime and Punishment in the Perception of Contemporary Students
Authors:   “Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Memorial Apartment,” Vladimir Dahl State Museum of the History of Russian Literature, Borisova Valentina V. ,   Moscow State Linguistic University,   M. Akmullah Bashkir State Pedagogical University
Published: September 2023

The article analyzes the essays by students at the Moscow State Linguistic University about Mikhail Shemyakin’s exhibit in Dostoevsky’s House-Museum in Moscow, presenting a series of graphic illustrations to the novel Crime and Punishment. The exhibit, titled “Raskolnikov’s Delusions,” reflects the dreamlike content of the novel. The aesthetic reactions of contemporary students are considered here as a significant example of receptive polyphony. In their feedbacks, the students draw connections between the artist’s visual interpretations and their prior encounters with Crime and Punishment during their school studies, admitting that the exhibition revealed the text from a new, unexpected side, which confirms the idea that the perception of a classic work deepens thanks to its figurative visualization. Immersed in the inner world of the novel Crime and Punishment, the students paid attention to key paintings such as the first and last illustrations, framing the entire exhibition. Here Shemyakin conveyed the main idea of Dostoevsky’s text on resurrection, which was emphasized in many reviews. The association of non-verbal and literary texts undoubtedly affected the attention to the details. For example, the symbolic light emanating from the pages of the Gospel in the hands of Sonya Marmeladova, along with the figure of Lazarus, was noted as important. A careful contemplation of Shemyakin’s illustrations led the students to a deeper understanding of the meaning of Dostoevsky’s novel. Their essays testify that, despite the difference in opinions and assessments, the attitude of modern youth towards Dostoevsky’s work, refracted in the art of Shemyakin, generally corresponds to the spectrum of adequate readings of the novel Crime and Punishment in the 21st century.
About the Joy of Being a Teacher, Student, Reader — Researcher. Memories and Reflections of the Participants to the International Readings “Dostoevsky’s Works in the Perception of 21st-Century Readers”
Authors:   Municipal Autonomous Educational Institution “Pola Secondary School”, Evlampieva Irina N.
Published: September 2023

The material presents a brief history of the beginning and evolution of the International Readings “Dostoevsky’s Works in the Perception of 21st-Century Readers,” which have been held annually for over 24 years in the city of Staraya Russa. The Readings are conducted under the expert guidance of Tatiana A. Kasatkina, Doctor of Philological Sciences, Director of research at IWL RAS, Head of the Research Centre “Dostoevsky and World Culture” IWL RAS, Head of the Research Committee for Dostoevsky’s Artistic Heritage within the Academic Council for the History of World Culture RAS. The publication includes recollections from former students, teachers, and museum staff who have actively participated in the Readings across various years.
On the Human Being, Personality and Mystery, and its Solutions. Review of: Kasatkina, T.A. “We Will Be Faces/Persons…” An Analytical-Synthetic Reading of Dostoevsky’s Work
Authors:   Institute of Linguistics, Russian State University for the Humanities, Kovalevskaya Tatyana V.
Published: September 2023

The review treats Tatiana Kasatkina’s monograph “We Will Be Faces/ Persons…” An Analytical-Synthetic Reading of Dostoevsky’s Works. The book focuses on Dostoevsky’s religious and philosophical anthropology and the means of teasing it out of the texts, i.e. on the principles of analyzing the writer’s text and on the level of its interpretation and commentaries. Dostoevsky’s works are analyzed in an extensive typological context that spans literature and broadly construed art.
A Sensation That Turned into a Confusion. An Open Letter to the Editorial Board
Authors:   Fyodor Dostoevsky Museum, Tikhomirov Boris N.
Published: September 2023

The material contains a critical analysis of the article by Ekaterina Mochalova, “Dostoevsky’s Petersburg through the Eyes of a Contemporary Schoolgirl,” published in the journal Dostoevsky and World Culture: Philological journal, 2023, no. 1 (21).
The Semiotics of Dacha in Dostoevsky’s Story “The Eternal Husband”
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Bogdanova Olga A.
Published: September 2023

Dostoevsky’s story “The Eternal Husband” (1870) is analyzed here for the first time in the light of the estate/dacha topics present in it and placed in the context of the development of the “dacha text” in 19th-century Russian literature. The dynamics of Dostoevsky’s perception of the dacha are also traced: from positive connotations in early works to negative, ironic ones in late works. It is established that while the “estate text” is present in most of the writer’s works of 1840s–1870s, the “dacha text” can be found mainly in two works of the late 1860s: the novel The Idiot (1868) and the story “The Eternal Husband.” The reason for Dostoevsky’s short–term fascination with the “dacha topos” in the post-reform era is the search for a platform for the interaction between Russian social stratums to develop a nationwide worldview and identify the new “best people,” future leaders of the country. Such a role was played in The Idiot by the dachas of Epanchins and Lebedev. In “The Eternal Husband” the dachas of Pogoreltsevs and Zakhlebinins also serves as a neutral, middle space for an equal dialogue between “people of different worlds:” Velchaninov, a prominent figure of the high society, and Trusotsky, a provincial official. However, here the sociocultural possibilities of the “dacha topos” are disappointed: now the dacha is only the focus of petty-bourgeois vulgarity and mediocrity, a sign of decrease compared to the estate. Boris Tikhomirov’s conclusions about the involution of Velchaninov’s inner world, made at the level of characterology, are confirmed by our analysis at the level of topics: the spiritual and moral degradation of the hero is accompanied by his transition from the world of “estate” values to the sphere of “dacha” interests, which corresponds to a noticeable trend in the life of the Russian educated class of the last third of the 19th century. In our opinion, this can explain Dostoevsky’s refusal to develop the “dacha topos” in the late 1860s and return to the “estate topos” in the last three novels written in the 1870s.
The Garage Tapes
Authors: Tor Einar Bekken
Published: September 2023

Exploring the sound of the parking garage in the building where I live, using cheap Casio electric keyboards, low end melodicas and a recorder. All instruments, electronic or not, have been played live in the garage as if they were purely acoustic instruments, making this an artistic exposition exclusively, intended to make people consider and reflect upon what can be done with humble instruments in the right sonic environment.

Videos shot with an iPhone 5. No overdubs, mix, mastering or other tampering with the actual sound.
High-Quality Auditor Presence and Informational Influence: Evidence from Firm Investment Decisions
Authors: Li Xudong , Sun Lili
Published: September 2023

This study examines whether the presence of high-quality auditors (Big 4 or industry specialist auditors [ISAs]) in an industry facilitates accounting information transfer among industry peers and enhances investment decisions of firms not audited by high-quality auditors (non-Big 4-ISA client firms). Consistent with the prediction of informational influence theories, we find that non-Big 4-ISA client firms that belong to an industry with a greater presence of high-quality auditors are associated with lower investment inefficiency. The effect is more pronounced for firms with less precise private information. Path analysis shows that the association between high-quality auditor presence and learning firms’ investment inefficiency is explained via a direct path of source credibility and an indirect path mediated by peer firms’ accounting information quality. Finally, we find that firms in industries with larger reductions in Big 4 presence following the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 incur more investment inefficiency.

Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text.

JEL Classifications: M40; M41; M42.
Branch Networks, Client Networks, and Knowledge Sharing in Audit Firms
Authors: Wang Lin
Published: September 2023

SYNOPSIS

In large audit firms, interoffice knowledge sharing is embedded in two networks: the branch network, comprising all branch offices, and the client network, formed by similar engagements. Proximity between branch offices may enhance knowledge accessibility, whereas similarity between engagements could impact the relevance of that knowledge. I investigate how the two networks jointly influence the effectiveness of knowledge sharing. I construct client networks based on the similarity of clients’ product offerings and find that clients with greater centrality in the neighboring client network benefit more from knowledge sharing in terms of improved audit quality. I further show that this effect only exists when similar clients in neighboring offices are larger in size and is more salient when there is a gap in expertise between the current auditing office and neighboring offices. By enriching our understanding of interoffice knowledge sharing, these results offer practical insights to auditors, regulators, and audit-report users.

Data Availability: Data are available from the data sources indicated in the paper.

JEL Classifications: M42.
Do Performance-Contingent Incentives Help or Hinder Divergent Thinking?
Authors: Kachelmeier Steven J. , Webb R. Alan , Williamson Michael G.
Published: September 2023

Toward the goal of reconciling conflicting arguments on whether performance-based incentives facilitate or impede divergent thinking, we identify a feature common to prior demonstrations of negative incentive effects: they generally involve tasks with only one correct solution. Our first experiment replicates a negative incentive effect when insight problems require “bottom-up” divergent thinking from an unexpected resource to the problem it is uniquely equipped to solve, whereas our second experiment finds a positive incentive effect in the more general case of problems that enable “top-down” divergent thinking from a problem to multiple potential solutions. We also observe a positive incentive effect in a third experiment that measures the time needed to generate a solution to problems that have multiple potential solutions and in a fourth experiment in which participants design insight problems. Overall, our findings suggest that any harmful effects of performance-based incentives are likely restricted to highly constrained settings.

Data Availability: Data are available from the authors upon request.

JEL Classifications: J33; M14; M41; M52.