bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of patients’ preoperative expectations on postoperative outcomes after total knee or hip arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Mooiweer Yvet , Roling Lina , Vugrin Margaret , Ansmann Lena , Stevens Martin , Seeber Gesine H
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The association between preoperative expectations and treatment outcomes in total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is still unclear. Therefore the aim is to examine the association between preoperative outcome expectations, process expectations, and self-efficacy, and the postoperative outcomes overall outcome, pain, function, stiffness, satisfaction, and quality of life following THA/TKA.

Methods

A systematic review with narrative synthesis was conducted. PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to October 17, 2022. Included were prospective longitudinal cohort studies published in English, German, or Dutch, with an adult population undergoing THA/TKA, and including at least one measure of preoperative expectations and the postoperative outcomes mentioned earlier. Two independent reviewers screened the retrieved articles for eligibility, a third solved disagreements. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the QUIPS tool.

Results

Of the 50 included studies, 38 had high RoB and 12 moderate RoB. Unadjusted results suggest a positive association between preoperative outcome expectations and overall outcome in the medium and long term, and between self-efficacy and change in ‘overall outcome’ in the long term. Adjusted results suggest positive associations between outcome expectations and function and between self-efficacy and overall outcome in the medium term, and for outcome expectations with pain and change in pain, respectively, and self-efficacy and stiffness in the long term.

Conclusions

Preoperative expectations show a possible positive association with specific outcome measures, such as pain or function. For future research, it is advised to link matching specific expectations with specific outcomes.
Correction of rotational deformities in long bones using guided growth: a scoping review
Authors: Halloum Ahmed , Kold Søren , Rölfing Jan Duedal , Abood Ahmed A , Rahbek Ole
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The objective of this scoping review was to describe the extent and type of evidence of using guided growth to correct rotational deformities of long bones in children.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. All published and unpublished studies investigating surgical methods using guided growth to perform gradual rotation of long bones were included.

Results

Fourteen studies were included: one review, three clinical studies, and ten preclinical studies. In the three clinical studies, three different surgical methods were used on 21 children. Some degree of rotation was achieved in all but two children. Adverse effects reported included limb length discrepancy (LLD), knee stiffness and rebound of rotation after removal of tethers. Of the ten preclinical studies, two were ex vivo and eight were in vivo. Rotation was achieved in all preclinical studies. Adverse effects reported included implant extrusions, LLD, articular deformities, joint stiffness and rebound of rotation after removal of tethers. Two of the studies reported on histological changes.

Conclusions

All studies conclude that guided growth is a potential treatment for rotational deformities of long bones. There is great variation in animal models and surgical methods used and in reported adverse effects. More research is needed to shed light on the best surgical guided growth method, its effectiveness as well as the involved risks and complications. Based on current evidence the procedure is still to be considered experimental.

Level of evidence

4
In vitro assessment on anti-inflammatory and anti-lipidemic properties of selected plant species
Authors: Ezung Benchilo , Kalivarathan Roja , Khusro Ameer , Agastian Paul , Almutairi Bader O. , Arokiyaraj Selvaraj
Published: February 2024

Preliminary assessment for anti-inflammatory and anti-lipidemic properties was done with different solvent extracts derived from Urtica urens and Polygonum chinense leaves through in vitro experimentation. To evaluate anti-inflammatory properties, the stability of human red blood cells membranes and the denaturation activity of proteins were assessed. For anti-lipidemic effects, an assay was conducted to measure the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase. The results of membrane stabilization showed IC50 values of 480.96 ± 0.02 and 319.41 ± 0.19 µg/mL for ethyl acetate extract of U. urens and P. chinense, respectively. The standard drug Diclofenac sodium exhibited IC50 value of 240.37 ± 0.04 µg/mL. For protein denaturation, IC50 values were determined as 221.75 ± 0.2 and 315.76 ± 0.19 µg/mL for U. urens and P. chinense, respectively. The IC50 value of the standard drug was calculated as 126.7 ± 0.34. The IC50 values towards HMG-CoA reductase inhibition were subsequently determined as 29.84 ± 0.35 µg/mL for U. urens and 24.34 ± 0.04 µg/mL for P. chinense against the standard drug Diclofenac sodium (7.52 ± 0.43 µg/mL). GC-MS chromatograms revealed the presence of bioactive compounds in ethyl acetate extract of P. chinense leaves. This work is substantiation for the traditional therapeutic utilization of these extracts.
Cultural studies and yield attributes of pink oyster mushroom (Pleurotus djamor) in West Bengal
Authors: Chowdhury Gopal , Sharma Rishu , Sarkar Ujjwal
Published: February 2024

The pink oyster mushroom, scientifically known as Pleurotus djamor, is characterized by its appealing color, positive sensory qualities, substantial nutritional content, and its possession of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and medicinal properties. Mushrooms degrade lignocellulosic substrates through lignocellulosic enzyme production and utilize the degraded products to produce their fruiting bodies, contributing to sustainable agriculture and forestry and a short-term generation of income. The present study was carried out to assess the effect of various cultural parameters viz. temperatures, pH, solid culture media, carbon, and nitrogen sources on mycelial growth of the fungus and to identify the suitable grain for spawn production, optimum dose of spawn and suitable substrate for obtaining the highest yield of the mushroom. All of the experiments were conducted following standard protocols after procuring the pure culture of P. djamor from DMR-Solan. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth of the fungus was 28 °C at pH 7.5, and the best solid culture media was oat meal agar. Starch was the best carbon source and 0.3% L-asparagine served as the best source of nitrogen. Sorghum grains promoted the fastest spawn production. Out of five different doses of spawn and two assessed substrates, 4% spawn on paddy straw promoted the highest yield.
Internet Use, Leisure Activities, and Memory Performance Among 65+ Residents of Baltic States
Authors: Ivleva Viktorija , Kairys Antanas , Jurkuvėnas Vytautas
Published: February 2024

Advances in the healthcare system and socioeconomic progress have led to longer life expectancy, resulting in an ageing population and societal challenges for policymakers. Active ageing, promoted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe through the Active Ageing Index, highlights Capacity and Enabling Environment for Active Ageing. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use is crucial, enabling participation in social, economic, and cultural activities (UNECE, 2020).
Research indicates cognitive changes in ageing, especially memory deterioration, associating these changes with genetics, education, and professional and leisure activities (Stern, 2009). According to research, ICT positively affects cognition, enhancing memory (Almeida et al., 2012; Benge et al., 2023), but may also pose cognitive issues (Nagam, 2023). Prioritizing cognitive health among the elderly in social policies is vital, with ICT playing a key role.
The present study aimed to assess the links between Internet use and memory performance after controlling for demographic factors and leisure activities. Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe’s 8th Wave (Börsch-Supan, 2022) included 2320 individuals aged 65–100 from Baltic countries. Memory was assessed using a modified Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test. Participation in leisure activities was assessed by asking respondents if they had taken part in any of the listed activities in the past year, and Internet use was assessed by asking about Internet use in the past 7 days.
Significant associations were found between memory, leisure activities, and Internet use. Internet use predicted memory capacity in older adults, remaining significant after controlling for demographics, health, and leisure activities. The current findings show that Internet use might be valuable in predicting memory functioning among older adults and can potentially contribute to the protection of cognitive function.
ВИКЛИКИ І МОЖЛИВОСТІ ДЛЯ СТІЙКОГО ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО РОЗВИТКУ УКРАЇНИ В КОНТЕКСТІ ГЛОБАЛЬНОГО ТРАНЗИТУ
Authors: СІДЕНКО Володимир
Published: February 2024

Показано, що сутність (глибинну основу) змін у сучасному світі формує процес переходу до якісно нового глобального устрою, обумовлений складним поєднанням і взаємодією низки потужних чинників природного, технологічного і суспільно-політичного характеру. Цей перехід є незворотним і відбуватиметься протягом відносно тривалого (два-три десятиліття) часу, породжуючи суттєві невизначеності, ризики і загрози для розвитку. Це істотно підвищує значення параметрів стійкості (resilience) соціально-економічних систем.
Глобальний перехідний процес має надзвичайно комплексний характер і спричиняє переосмислення методологічних підходів до формування політики і стратегії економічного розвитку. Гранично важливим принципом стає розуміння процесу змін як нелінійного за своїм характером і такого, у якому відбувається складне поєднання процесів руйнування і творення. Процес глобального переходу (транзиту) супроводжується істотними змінами в співвідношенні сил, реструктуризацією глобальних і макрорегіональних виробничих ланцюгів і ринків, відчутними зрушеннями в структурах економіки на основі нових технологій і принципів ефективності просторового розміщення виробництва.
Глобальні виклики, ризики і загрози матимуть суттєвий, але специфічний вплив на економічний розвиток України в повоєнний період, що вимагатиме застосування не лише глобально узгоджених, але й ендогенно генерованих заходів реагування. На особливу увагу заслуговують можливе посилення посух, архаїчна структура включення в міжнародний обмін, реальні перспективи втрати або значного зменшення транзитного потенціалу по лінії Схід – Захід, недостатність розвитку власного науково-технологічного потенціалу й еміграція висококваліфікованих кадрів.
Наявні в Україні засади формування стратегій економічного розвитку є неефективними, морально застарілими і мають бути істотно скориговані. Вони повинні базуватися на активному формуванні сприятливого екосередовища та інститутах підтримки розвитку, принципах багаторівневого управління, значному посиленні відкритості процесів державного управління для взаємодії з недержавними учасниками.
До 105-ї річниці створення Національної академії наук України
Authors: Загородній Анатолій Глібович
Published: February 2024

Доповідь присвячено 105-й річниці від часу заснування Національної академії наук України. Висвітлено основні етапи становлення Академії, розгортання її наукової діяльності, а також відзначено окремі вагомі здобутки вчених НАН України.
Nephrocalcinosis in Neonates
Authors: Oh Gia J. , Butani Lavjay
Published: February 2024

Nephrocalcinosis occurs in as many as 40% of preterm neonates. Many causes and contributors predispose neonates to develop nephrocalcinosis, including metabolic, genetic, and iatrogenic factors. Because nephrocalcinosis can be a manifestation of an underlying genetic disorder, neonates with nephrocalcinosis must undergo an evaluation to identify and address contributors, to prevent further renal calcium deposition that can potentially lead to renal dysfunction. In this article, we review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and evaluation of nephrocalcinosis in neonates. We also summarize the natural history of nephrocalcinosis of prematurity as well as the management of this condition.
Threats, Violence, and Weapon Use Against Children in Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Authors: Ellyson Alice M. , Adhia Avanti , Mustafa Ayah , Lyons Vivian H. , Shanahan Sandra , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Childhood exposure to domestic violence is common, but the overlap between threats and violence against children and weapon/firearm use has not been well studied. The objectives of this study were to: assess differences in respondent firearm access and the use of weapons in granted domestic violence protection orders (DVPOs) with and without minors (individuals <18 years of age); and characterize the frequency and characteristics of threats and acts of violence against minors.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of a random sample of granted DVPOs from 2014–2020 in King County, Washington. We examined the use of threats, violence, and weapons by restrained individuals (ie, respondents) by reviewing and abstracting information from DVPO case files.

RESULTS

Respondent weapon use and firearm possession were more common among DVPOs including minors than DVPOs not including minors (weapon use: 38.2% and 33.0%; firearm possession: 23.1% and 19.1%, respectively). Almost 2 in 3 DVPOs including minors (1338 of 2029) involved threats or violence directed at a minor perpetrated by the DVPO respondent. About 1 in 3 (32.5%) DVPOs documented explicit threats, and 1 in 2 (48.9%) documented violence. Over two-thirds (680 of 993, 68.5%) of acts of violence directed at minors included a weapon.

CONCLUSIONS

We found higher lethality risk (weapon use and respondent firearm access/ownership) among DVPOs including minors. Many minors experienced threats and acts of violence involving weapons and firearms by DVPO respondents. Evidence-based safety planning strategies and training of judicial officers are needed.
Child Health Needs and the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Workforce: 2020–2040
Authors: Iyer Maya S. , Nagler Joshua , Mink Richard B. , Gonzalez del Rey Javier
Published: February 2024

Approximately 30 million ill and injured children annually visit emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. Data suggest that patients seen in pediatric EDs by board-certified pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians receive higher-quality care than those cared for by non-PEM physicians. These benefits, coupled with the continued growth in PEM since its inception in the early 1990s, have impacted child health broadly. This article is part of a Pediatrics supplement focused on predicting the future pediatric subspecialty workforce supply by drawing on the American Board of Pediatrics workforce data and a microsimulation model of the future pediatric subspecialty workforce. The article discusses the utilization of acute care services in EDs, reviews the current state of the PEM subspecialty workforce, and presents projected numbers of PEM subspecialists at the national, census region, and census division on the basis of this pediatric subspecialty workforce supply model through 2040. Implications of this model on education and training, clinical practice, policy, and future workforce research are discussed. Findings suggest that, if the current growth in the field of PEM continues on the basis of the increasing number and size of fellowship programs, even with a potential reduction in percentage of clinical time and attrition of senior physicians, the PEM workforce is anticipated to increase nationally. However, the maldistribution of PEM physicians is likely to be perpetuated with the highest concentration in New England and Mid-Atlantic regions and “PEM deserts” in less populated areas.
Child Health Needs and the Pediatric Endocrinology Workforce: 2020–2040
Authors: Aye Tandy , Boney Charlotte M. , Orr Colin J. , Leonard Mary B. , Leslie Laurel K. , Allen David B.
Published: February 2024

The pediatric endocrinology (PE) workforce in the United States is struggling to sustain an adequate, let alone optimal, workforce capacity. This article, one of a series of articles in a supplement to Pediatrics, focuses on the pediatric subspecialty workforce and furthers previous evaluations of the US PE workforce to model the current and future clinical PE workforce and its geographic distribution. The article first discusses the children presenting to PE care teams, reviews the current state of the PE subspecialty workforce, and presents projected headcount and clinical workforce equivalents at the national, census region, and census division level on the basis of a subspecialty workforce supply model through 2040. It concludes by discussing the educational and training, clinical practice, policy, and future workforce research implications of the data presented. Data presented in this article are available from the American Board of Pediatrics, the National Resident Matching Program, and the subspecialty workforce supply model. Aging, part-time appointments, and unbalanced geographic distribution of providers diminish the PE workforce capacity. In addition, limited exposure, financial concerns, and lifestyle perceptions may impact trainees. Additional workforce challenges are the subspecialty’s increasingly complex cases and breadth of conditions treated, reliance on international medical graduates to fill fellowship slots, and high relative proportion of research careers. The recent limitations on pediatric endocrinologists providing gender-affirming care may also impact the geographic distribution of the subspecialty’s workforce. Deliberate actions need to be taken now to continue serving the needs of children.
Child Health Needs and the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Workforce: 2020–2040
Authors: Russell Heidi , Hord Jeffrey , Orr Colin J. , Moerdler Scott
Published: February 2024

Pediatric hematology-oncology (PHO) is 1 of the oldest recognized pediatric subspecialities. PHO physicians care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with all types of cancer and nonmalignant blood conditions, in many cases temporarily assuming the role of a primary care physician because of the complexity and intensity of treatment. However, the number of clinically active PHO subspecialists needed to care for children in the United States remains unknown. Recent papers suggest a potential oversaturation of PHO physicians in some geographic areas. This article is part of a Pediatrics supplement focused on projecting the future supply of the pediatric subspecialty workforce. It draws on information available in the literature, data from the American Board of Pediatrics, and findings from a new microsimulation model estimating the future supply of pediatric subspecialists through 2040. The model predicts a workforce growth in PHO subspecialists of 66% by 2040. Alternative scenarios, including changes in clinical time and fellowship size, resulted in a difference in growth of ±18% from baseline. The model also forecasts significant geographic maldistribution. For example, the current workforce is concentrated in the Northeast Census region and the model predicts the New England Census division will have a 2.9-fold higher clinical workforce equivalent per 100 000 children aged 0 to 18 years than the Mountain Census division by 2040. These findings suggest potential opportunities to improve the PHO subspecialty workforce and the outcomes and experiences of its patient population through educational changes, practice initiatives, policy interventions, and dedicated research.
Construction of New Operators by Composition of Integral-Type Operators and Discrete Operators
Authors: Abel Ulrich , Gupta Vijay
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we propose some new positive linear approximation operators, which are obtained from a composition of certain integral type operators with certain discrete operators. It turns out that the new operators can be expressed in discrete form. We provide representations for their coefficients. Furthermore, we study their approximation properties and determine their moment generating functions, which may be useful in finding several other convergence results in different settings.
Ligeti and Artistic Research
Authors: Marx Wolfgang
Published: February 2024

György Ligeti was very interested in many artistic and scientific fields and drew inspiration for his compositional work from them (his engagement with mathematics – particularly fractal geometry and chaos theory – is perhaps the best known). In this chapter I compare the concept of artistic research with Ligeti's practice and oeuvre. While the notion of artistic research was only appearing in embryonic form during the latter stages of Ligeti's career, many – though not all – of his statements seem to be suitable for describing his artistic processes. The benefit of this investigation is expected to be twofold: applying the concept of artistic research to Ligeti's approaches and practices should yield new insights on the relationship between his work and his interest in other humanities and sciences. Yet this look at Ligeti may also help to refine the concept of artistic research as discussed and applied to the artistic output of today.
Sándor Weöres's Poetry as a Catalyst for György Ligeti's Early Development
Authors: Kerékfy Márton
Published: February 2024

Sándor Weöres's poetry was a life-long passion and source of inspiration for György Ligeti. This article explores the role Weöres played in Ligeti's early development as a composer by providing insight into the genesis of all of his 13 early settings of Weöres, including the unpublished choral works Hajnal [Dawn] and Tél [Winter], the incomplete song “Nagypapa leszállt a tóba” [Grandpa descended in the pond], and the unfinished oratorio “Istar pokoljárása” [Ishtar's Journey to Hell], and by making some analytical observations on them. Ligeti's early settings of Weöres were composed in three periods. The first stage in 1946–1947 was his compositional discovery of Weöres's poetry, which seems to have acted as a fuel and a challenge for him, triggering something of a musical self-liberation. His Weöres settings in 1949–1950 may be seen as a sign of solidarity with the poet effectively silenced by Communist state authorities, while in 1952–1955, Weöres texts seem to have served specifically as material for Ligeti's experimentation with static music and serialism.
Deaths: Leading Causes for 2021
Authors: Curtin Sally , Tejada-Vera Betzaida , Bastian Brigham
Published: February 2024

This report provides health data from the National Center for Health Statistics.
Niveles de Engagement en los Colaboradores de Empresas del Sector Privado
Authors: Laura Katherine Urrego  , María José Higuita Guevara  , Manuela Calle Hincapié  , Maricela Galvis Murillo  , Juliana Hincapié Gómez
Published: February 2024

El presente estudio tiene la finalidad de analizar los niveles de engagement que presentan los colaboradores en empresas del sector privado. En la metodología se abordó una investigación cuantitativa, con un alcance descriptivo de corte transversal. Se abordó una muestra de 54 trabajadores de distintos cargos de empresas privadas, aplicando el Cuestionario Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Dentro de los resultados, se encontraron puntuaciones altas en la dimensión vigor (pregunta No 17) de dedicación (Pregunta No 2) y absorción (pregunta No 9), evidenciándose elevados niveles de engagement en los participantes. Como conclusión, se observa que los niveles de engagement en los empleados de estas organizaciones es significativamente positivo donde los empleados se sienten altamente satisfechos, orgullosos y creativos lo que hace que sean más productivos y que las organizaciones sean más competitivas en el mercado.
El impacto de las calificadoras de deuda en el mercado laboral
Authors: Herman Eduardo Dávila Aguja
Published: February 2024

El presente artículo es el resultado de la investigación documental acerca de la deuda publica en Colombia, teniendo en cuenta las repercusiones en las tasas de interés tasas de cambio e interés, en el contexto de la situación y realidad económica no solamente del país sino del mundo entero, la deuda pública cobra vital importancia al constituir una de las fuentes primarias de financiación de los gobiernos en América Latina con el fin de adquirir recursos con el objeto de atender todas las demandas a fin de cumplir con su cometido social tiene como fin presentar un análisis de la deuda pública en  Colombia hasta la fecha del año 2023, presentado su definición, su alcance  y consecuencia en generales, concluyendo que que pese a una leve disminución que se ha venido presentado en los últimos años con respecto al Producto Interno Bruto PIB, la Deuda Pública continua siendo sustancialmente alta al constituir un 22,2% del PIB
Pediatric bacteremia and CNS infections associated with klebsiella pneumoniae: molecular genetic characteristics and clinical features
Authors: Sadeeva Zulfirya Z. , Novikova Irina E. , Lazareva Anna V. , Alyabyeva Natalya M. , Karaseva Olga V. , Yanushkina Olga G. , Verschinina Marina G. , Fisenko Andrey P.
Published: February 2024

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most significant and life-threatening pathogen of nosocomial infections. This opportunistic microorganism can cause infections of the bloodstream, respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and soft tissues, inflammation of meninges of the brain and spinal cord, leading to elevated hospital mortality. The purpose of our study was a retrospective analysis of molecular genetic characteristics of K. pneumoniae isolated from blood and liquor samples as well as to describe clinical features in bacteremia and CNS infections. According to the results of assessed clinical data, K. pneumoniae isolates were selected from 64 children suffered from surgical pathology (congenital heart defects — 30%, abdominal pathology — 39%, severe combined trauma — 12%) and somatic diseases accompanied by antibacterial and/or glucocorticosteroid therapy — 14%. The minimum suppressive concentrations of antibiotics were determined by the broth micro-dilution method. Carbapenemases were detected by real time polymerase chain reaction. Virulence genes and capsule serotypes K1/K2 were assessed by multiplex PCR. Biofilms were grown using flat-bottomed polystyrene plates, followed by coloring, fixation, elution and data detection. The population diversity was assessed by multilocus sequence typing. Bacteremia and CNS infections associated with K. pneumoniae were fatal in 25% of cases. A substantial portion of the isolates demonstrated the phenotype of extremely drug resistance (XDR) — 43%, the phenotype of multidrug resistance (MDR) was shown in 16% of the isolates. The blaCTX-M cephalosporinase gene was found in 85% of the strains. The main determinant of resistance to carbapenems was the blaOXA-48 gene (33%); the blaNDM gene was detected in 9% of strains. The combination of blaOXA-48 and blaNDM was found in 7% of isolates. The study of biofilm production showed that moderate ability to form biofilms was shown in 61%, strong — 21%, and weak — 15% isolates. Two isolates (3%) did not form biofilms. The virulence genes entB and mrkD were detected in 100% of isolates, ybtS — in 78%. The iutA gene was found in 18% of the strains. Two isolates showed the presence of the kfu gene. Seven isolates belonged to the K2 serotype. 27 different genotypes were found in K. pneumoniae isolates examined. The most common were: ST307 — 21%, ST395 — 12%, ST48 — 7%, ST39 — 6% and ST29 — 6%. Infections of the bloodstream and central nervous system associated with K. pneumoniae have great importance in clinical practice. This microorganism is able to long persist on biotic and abiotic surfaces, has a wide natural and acquired resistance to antibiotics.
Modernisation Factors of Infant Mortality Transition in Late Imperial Perm Province
Authors:   Institute of History and Archaeology UB RAS, Ekaterinburg, Bakharev Dmitry S.
Published: February 2024

This article studies urban infant mortality in the post-reform period of Perm Province. The work reconstructs the dynamics of infant mortality in cities and villages of the Middle Urals, highlighting the patterns of individual cities and identified factors of evolution. It is based on published state and zemstvo statistics, archival documents from medical institutions and public organisations, as well as Orthodox Church parish records from Ekaterinburg. Methodologically, the work relies on general demographic indices, descriptive statistics techniques, seasonality coefficients, and dynamic series analysis. During the first half of the nineteenth century, the mining Urals had extremely high birth and death rates and the highest infant mortality rate in European Russia. The Great Reforms launched the demographic transition in the region, resulting, among other things, in the Empire’s most significant infant mortality decline in the early twentieth century. The earliest and fastest infant mortality decline took place in cities. Small towns had slightly better rates than rural areas, while Perm and especially Ekaterinburg had significant reductions. The main reasons behind the changes in infant mortality were economic employment diversification, the weakening of ethno-religious traditions, and the creation of medical infrastructure. In daily life, these factors manifested in the smoothing of demographic seasonality, increased period between birth and baptism, the introduction of artificial nourishment with the help of glass feeding bottles and rubber comforters, and moving childbirths and infant care to hospitals. Ekaterinburg, the economic capital of the region, was the place where these factors had the best effect.
Theoretical Aspect of Studying the Literary Utopias and Dystopias of the First Decades of the 20th Century (on the Genre Identification Problem)
Authors:   Institute of Slavic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Amelina Anna V.
Published: February 2024

This article examines the theoretical problems of studying literary utopias and dystopias. Since utopia and dystopia exist far beyond fiction, it is proposed to approach the analysis of a literary work as a particular case of the manifestation of a universal model of utopian/dystopian consciousness. First, in the texts under consideration, their elements should be identified with the support of research in social philosophy — the structure of utopian consciousness is outlined in the article, and the structure of dystopian consciousness is derived by the author of the article by analogy. If a work shows signs of utopian or dystopian consciousness, the next step in working with the text is to compare its genre features with the established genre invariant developed by literary critics. The article also presents the corresponding conditionally universal genre models of utopia and dystopia. This approach allows, firstly, to reasonably attribute the work to utopias and dystopias in the presence of signs of utopian or dystopian consciousness, secondly, to expand the body of texts that can be considered utopias or dystopias, and, finally, to fix individual genre features and correlate them with the corresponding invariant. During the formation of the genre of literary dystopia, i.e. in the first decades of the twentieth century, when the diversity of genre features in national literatures was extensive, this algorithm helps to fully trace the formation of the national invariant of the genre and establish its national specifics. At the same time, destroyed by the twentieth century, the genre of “classical utopia” is reborn and significantly modified under the influence of the novel form, so the identification of literary utopia becomes difficult — in this situation, the combination of philosophical and literary methods considered in the article also seems productive.
Yawning Heights by A. A. Zinoviev as a Model of Philosophical Dystopia
Authors:   Voronezh State University, Voronezh, Serebryakova Elena G.
Published: February 2024

This article analyses A. A. Zinoviev’s dystopia Yawning Heights. The author substantiates the thesis about the fundamental difference between philosophical and artistic dystopias. In the author’s opinion, the fundamental difference is rooted in the scientific and artistic methods of cognition of the world, specific ways of creating philosophical and artistic pictures of the world, and types of narrative. The author of a literary text moves towards a model of the world from an artistic image. The philosophical picture of the world presupposes a conceptual vision of the world and evidence-based argumentation of this concept. This methodological difference entails unique author’s strategies that determine the poetics and style of philosophical and literary texts. The emotional-sensual perception of the world by the author of a literary text determines the type of narrative in which the logical-analytical approach to reality is secondary in comparison with the figurative one. For scientific thinking, the analyticity and infallibility of conclusions are primary. The philosophical approach presupposes integrity, and in a certain sense completeness. The artistic picture of the world is focused on a dialogue with the reader, and therefore on the additional construction of the semantics of the text through the reader’s experience. The dystopia Yawning Heights is evaluated by the author of the article as a scientific but not a literary text. Observation, analysis, hypothesis, and assumption are a tool for analysing social reality, in which, according to Zinoviev, there are universal laws that are common to any human community and social system. The philosopher transfers the scientific method into the novel, moves in the comprehension of social laws from the abstract to the particular, i.e., from society to the individual. Zinoviev uses mask characters to evaluate the laws of sociality that depersonalise a person. The method, which is also typical of a literary text, receives a special interpretation from the philosopher. The schematic character of images reflects a law common to all social individuals, in which the particular is subordinate to the general, and psychological and personal differences are leveled. Zinoviev created a special genre — a philosophical dystopia, which is guided not by artistic, but by scientific logic.
P. Czerwiński’s Dystopia International in the Context of the Young Polish Prose of the Early 21st Century
Authors:   Institute of Slavic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Adelgeim Irina Ye.
Published: February 2024

This article analyses the novel International (2011) by Piotr Czerwiński, a representative of the so-called “post-PRL” generation and describes the worldview of this generation as a whole and its reasons. The change of the system rendered the romanticism of social resistance, which had been one of the most important pillars of Polish mentality and culture, pragmatically unclaimed. This tool of national consolidation, which had repeatedly proved its real effectiveness, lost its obvious field of application, and turned into an instrument of violence, because romantic myths continue to be present in Polish public consciousness and the subconscious, and are actively used by the authorities. The deadlock between the two discourses — the new and the old, global consumerism and heroic martyrology — has led to a massively expressed sense of hopelessness, fear, and their own inferiority by young writers. Czerwiński’s text is considered from the perspective of the genres of utopia, dystopia, and post-dystopia. The aim of the study is to analyse and identify the supertask of Czerwiński’s ironic reinterpretation of the extra-literary context, to bring to absurdity the merged ideas of (super)Polishness and (super)consumerism. First of all, the novel refers to the specificity of the Polish mentality and only secondly is a warning for any nationalist “accentuation” of society. Attention is also paid to the linguistic aspect of the alarmism of the novel: the prose of the “post-PRL” generation, of which the analysed novel is a vivid example, is a reaction both to the dissatisfaction with Polish reality and to the inadequacy of the language functioning in society to this experience. As a result, the author concludes that for Czerwiński, as for other young prose writers of this time, the generation and experience of comic consciousness becomes only partially a liberating experience.
Exploring Lattice Defects in Palladium and Its Alloys Using Dissolved Hydrogen
Authors: Flanagan Ted B. , Balasubramaniam R. , Kirchheim R.
Published: February 2024

The first part of this paper describes a combination of physical metallurgical techniques and hydrogen (H2) solubilities employed to help in the characterisation of defects in palladium and its alloys. Cold working or hydride formation and decomposition introduce large dislocation densities into palladium and palladium alloys. These can be examined by transmission electron microscopy and correlated with hydrogen (H) segregation to the stress fields of the dislocations determined from H2 solubilities. H atoms are strongly trapped by vacancies in the palladium lattice and evidence for vacancy trapping in cold-worked palladium is shown by deviations in H2 solubility, different to that expected if H segregated only to the dislocation stress fields. The second part of this paper, to be published in the October 2001 issue, will be concerned with hydrogen segregation to defects introduced by the internal oxidation of palladium alloys or by treatment at moderately high temperatures and hydrogen pressures.
Platinum Alloys for Shape Memory Applications
Authors: Biggs T. , Cortie M. B. , Witcomb M. J. , Cornish L. A.
Published: February 2024

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are materials that can change their shape at a specific temperature and are used in applications as diverse as sensors, temperature sensitive switches, force actuators, fre-safety valves, orthodontic wires, fasteners, and couplers. The possible advantages offered by platinum-based SMAs involving the metals: iron, aluminium, gallium, titanium, chromium, and vanadium, are considered here and the likely systems upon which such alloys might be based are assessed. It is suggested that the most promising candidate systems are ternary-alloyed variations of the Pt3Al and PtTi phases, although SMAs based on PtFe3 have potential for low temperature applications. It appears possible to engineer a shape memory transition in the (Pt, Ni)Ti system anywhere between room temperature and 1000°C, a versatility which is probably unique among all known SMAs.
The Minting of Platinum Roubles - PART II: The Platinum Roubles of Heraeus
Authors: Lupton David F.
Published: February 2024

Heraeus has in its possession four platinum rouble coins and one commemorative platinum medallion minted between 1826 and 1844. In order to determine their composition and to learn a little more about the methods used in their manufacture, they have been subjected to various techniques of non-destructive examination. These have included a developmental SQUID microscope specifically used to look at magnetic effects due to the iron content.
The Design of Platinum-wound Electric Resistance Furnaces
Authors: Priddis J. E.
Published: February 2024

Platinum and its alloys are particularly suitable for the construction of electric resistance heating elements for furnaces with working temperatures in the range from 1200 to 1700°C. The principal factors governing the design of these furnaces are discussed in this article.
Platinum in the Decoration of Ceramic Wares
Authors: Wynn Neville
Published: February 2024

Ancient methods of producing lustre effects are briefly described as a background to the introduction of platinum for this purpose. There follows a short history of the uses of platinum for producing bright and matt-surfaced decorations on ceramic glazes.
The Hydrides of Palladium and Palladium Alloys
Authors: Lewis F. A.
Published: February 2024

In the second part of this article, concluded from the October issue of ‘Platinum Metals Review’, a short account is given of changes in the physical properties of palladium following absorption of hydrogen. The behaviour of certain palladium alloys is compared with that of palladium and alternative methods of approach towards an understanding of the constitution of the hydrides are briefly outlined.
Palladium-on-Charcoal Catalysts
Authors: Chaston J. C. , Sercombe E. J.
Published: February 2024

The performance of charcoal-based catalysts cannot be described simply in terms of their mesh size and noble metal content, as many factors can cause wide variations in activity, selectivity and resistance to poisoning. It is possible, however, by close collaboration between catalyst manufacturer and user, and by suitable choice of base and production technique, to provide a range of such catalysts tailored to meet the needs of a particular industrial reaction.
Immersion Pyrometry and Open Hearth Furnace Productivity
Authors: Hadfield Douglas
Published: February 2024

The use of platinum thermocouples to measure molten steel temperatures has been well established for many years, and normal steelmaking practice involves the control of tapping temperatures by this means. But in the new melting shop at the Ravenscraig works of Colvilles Limited the author has developed a method of controlling the whole open hearth process on the basis of temperature measurement at fixed intervals of time. The procedure he describes here results in a significant increase in productivity and reduction in cost per ton of steel.
Palladium Plating on Telephone Plugs and Sockets
Authors: Beattie R. W.
Published: February 2024

This article describes the performance of electrodeposited palladium on a typical telephone two-motion selector plug and socket employing contact forces in the range 100 to 300 grammes. The conclusions are based on environmental tests and electrical measurements which indicate that palladium forms a reliable contact finish in this application.
The Mechanism of Electrode Erosion in Electrical Discharges
Authors: Llewellyn-Jones F.
Published: February 2024

This paper outlines the nature of the various classes of electrical discharges—the high voltage capacitative spark discharge, the normal arc discharge, and the low voltage arc that occurs at electrical contacts—and discusses the physical processes that determine the dependence of the rate of electrode erosion on the physical properties of the metal. It is concluded that the most important properties conducive to low erosion rates are high boiling point, high thermal conductivity and high density, so providing the physical reason for the low erosion rates observed for the platinum metals when used as electrodes and electrical contacts.
Stress in Electrodeposited Rhodium
Authors: John Hill
Published: February 2024

In the electrodeposition of rhodium from the sulphate bath normally employed highly stressed deposits are produced. In this paper the author describes an investigation of the effects of contamination by organic compounds contained in masking paints on these stresses, and shows that the results of earlier studies on internal stress may have been vitiated by the employment of a method relying on such paints for masking one side of the cathode. An apparatus completely avoiding the use of paint was designed in the course of the present investigation, and an improved paint, giving markedly less contamination and lower stresses in the deposit, was formulated for use in commercial rhodium plating practice.
Platinum and the Refractory Oxides
Authors: Darling A. S. , Selman G. L. , Rushforth R.
Published: February 2024

Platinum reacts exothermically with aluminium, zirconium and thorium, but is very reluctant to alloy with magnesium. It dissolves 2.2 per cent by weight of aluminium at 1500°C and 10 per cent by weight of zirconium at 1650°C. These wide solid solutions are in equilibrium with very stable inter-metallic compounds, thus accounting for the severe reactions which can occur when platinum is heated in contact with alumina and zirconia. Zirconium reacts peritectically with platinum. The effects of these refractory decomposition processes on the long-term stability of platinum thermocouples will be discussed in the fourth and concluding article in this series.
The Purity of Platinum
Authors: Chaston J. C.
Published: February 2024

Platinum as supplied to industry contains less than 200 parts per million of total impurities, and is probably the purest metal refined by chemical means alone. This article reviews the influence of individual impurities upon the properties of platinum, illustrates some of the sophisticated methods of analysis and control employed, and discusses the reasons why particular care is taken to eliminate specific impurities from platinum intended for use in certain applications.
Platinum Catalysts in Lead-free Gasoline Production
Authors: Pollitzer E. L.
Published: February 2024

Although general application of any process for the production of clear gasoline still has to await a number of decisions, the necessary technology is already available. This article indicates that, while no single process is likely to provide the complete solution, a combination of processes – in which platinum catalysts will play a significant part – will probably be adapted to meet the requirements of individual refineries.
The Manufacture of Continuous Glass Fibres
Authors: Loewenstein K. L
Published: February 2024

One of the most exacting applications of platinum is in the production of glass fibre. This involves the rapid flow of molten glass at temperatures around 1300°C through a series of small orifices which must retain their size and alignment. Current trends in the design of platinum alloy bushings are towards a greater output of fibre per unit weight of platinum employed.
Reactions between Some Alkali and Platinum Group Metals
Authors: Loebich O. , Raub Ch. J.
Published: February 2024

The present knowledge of reactions between the alkali metals, lithium, sodium, potassium and rubidium with the platinum group metals, platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium, their reaction products, and the relevant binary phase diagrams, is surveyed. Information is included on the magnetic and electrical behaviour of some alloys, especially those with the higher platinum contents.
Durability of Platinum-Containing Automotive Exhaust Control Catalysts
Authors: Cooper B. J.
Published: February 2024

Since the introduction in 1974 of catalytic converters for automotive emission control in the United States significant advances have been made in the design of durable monolith supported catalysts for the control of carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions. However, high temperature durability, has been a significant problem, particularly of three-way catalysts. Johnson Matthey Inc. have examined the fundamental nature of catalyst deactivation under high temperature conditions. This has been found to be associated with problems as diverse as adhesion of the catalyst layer to the ceramic monolith, interaction of the platinum metals with the underlying support and poor thermal stability of base metal promoters incorporated in the catalyst. As a result a new generation of catalysts has now been developed with substantially improved thermal stability.
Some Novel Electronic Effects in Hydrogenation Catalysis
Authors: Jenkins J. W.
Published: February 2024

Recent work at the Johnson Matthey Research Centre has thrown fresh light upon the electronic effects in hydrogenation catalysis that underlie the whole nature of the catalytic act and in particular many of the effects that may manifest themselves as support metal interactions. The results show that currently accepted models of the catalytic act are incomplete, that ionic intermediates are sometimes important and that both the relative acidity of the reaction system and the redox potential of products and intermediates must be considered.