bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity is the rule, not the exception? A tentative typology of national innovation systems
Authors: Cavalcante Pedro Luiz Costa
Published: March 2024

The inquiry departs from the idea that heterogeneity is the rule, not the exception, regarding the National Innovation Systems (NIS) worldwide. The paper’s main goal is to advance understanding with empirical-based knowledge on how this uneven pattern occurs by formulating an original typology of NIS that surpasses the continental boundaries analysis and, primarily, highlighs the strengths of few and weaknesses of most nations. Using the Global Innovation Index (GII), the paper employs descriptive analysis, bivariate correlation, and variance analysis, followed by clustering. The cluster analysis created five types of NIS that displayed an even more accurate description of how innovative countries are, beyond the income or continent cohorts. This original and comprehensive approach to the NIS disparities is crucial to advancing in how few countries continue to improve their innovative performance. At the same time, most countries keep struggling to increase innovation capacity to overcome their economic underdevelopment issues.
Global changes in production, distribution and legitimization of scientific knowledge: consequences for Brazil
Authors: Neves Fabrício , Hitner Verena
Published: March 2024

The article aims to discuss recent changes in the way science has produced, distributed and legitimized scientific knowledge. The analysis seeks to articulate the global transformations of science with the way they have occurred in Brazil, emphasizing its own and particular characteristics. The chosen time frames bring us three different periods. The first corresponds to the post-war period and ends in the mid-1970s. The second did not end but has been gradually challenged by the phenomenon of globalization of National Innovation Systems (NIS) and the concomitant trend of internationalization of science and technology. The third time frame refers to this emergence and its meaning, still in dispute, which points to new ways of producing science.
Diplomacy, debt, and change: the international debt architecture after the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Souza Filho Osvaldo Quirino de
Published: March 2024

The article argues that the response from the Group of Twenty (G20) and the Paris Club to the covid-19 pandemic in the field of sovereign debt marks a turning point in the international debt architecture. In articulating a new approach, G20 leaders and Paris Club creditors approved the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), which seeks to provide fiscal relief to help low-income economies (LIEs) face the pandemic crisis. Thereafter, the G20 and the Paris Club endorsed the Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the DSSI (CFDT), a mechanism to tackle the solvency problems of LIEs through debt restructuring processes. The CFDT is the first mechanism since the Paris Club’s creation in 1956 that brings together both its members and non-members on a permanent basis, and the first one that the G20 rather than the Group of Seven (G7) established. The CFDT’s design takes into account the changes in the sovereign debt landscape over the last 25 years, but it also seeks to maintain the Paris Club’s influence as the main forum for sovereign debt restructuring despite its declining importance.
Unasur, una oportunidad renovada
Authors: Suñé Natasha , Long Guillaume
Published: March 2024

Este estudio analiza: i) los antecedentes históricos de la integración suramericana, a fines de resaltar la importancia de un proyecto autónomo y multidimensional; ii) el legado de la Unión de Naciones Suramericanas (Unasur), sus aciertos, errores y vulnerabilidades, a efectos de repensar una institucionalidad teniendo en cuenta las debilidades; iii) las alternativas existentes a la Unasur, en razón de entender que ningún marco tiene el potencial estratégico de la Unasur; y iv) las reformas que se deberían llevar a cabo para garantizar la sostenibilidad en el largo plazo de este proyecto de integración.
Paraná social: legados, desafíos y oportunidades para el devenir del Mercosur
Authors: Mondelli Marcelo
Published: March 2024

El texto contribuye a la dimensión socio-política del Mercado Común del Sur (Mercosur), y su objetivo se orienta en identificar algunas dinámicas a nivel regional registrados en la agenda social y ciudadana a partir de la Cumbre del Mercosur de Paraná, Argentina (2014). Se analizan las decisiones y compromisos asumidos, su relevancia estratégica y los entramados normativos acordados, donde se destacan aspectos vinculados con asuntos laborales, movilidad de trabajadores, salud y en espacial migraciones. La evolución de los compromisos asumidos a nivel inter-gubernamental en Mercosur, marcan los contornos estratégicos, las limitaciones y las oportunidades que presenta dicho espacio regional. También los alcances y redefiniciones de los socios del bloque, en las múltiples instancias de coordinación y de gobernanza, que incluye también a los países del eje Pacifico.
A Missão de paz do Haiti (2004-2017) como oportunidade de integração: transferência internacional de políticas públicas como ação de política externa .
Authors: Gallo Rodrigo Fernando
Published: March 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a transferência internacional de políticas públicas brasileiras dentro da lógica da política externa no que diz respeito às ações paralelas à Missão das Nações Unidas para a Estabilização no Haiti (Mission des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation en Haïti – Minustah), de 2004 a 2017. Busca-se compreender como a agenda nacional foi articulada para o plano externo, tendo o Haiti como destino, bem como identificar os principais pontos críticos desse processo de integração. A hipótese é que o Ministério das Relações Exteriores (MRE) procurou aproveitar a janela de oportunidades aberta pela missão de paz, dada a importância do Brasil para a operação, como forma de ampliar a cooperação internacional com o Haiti, por meio da transferência de políticas públicas, para, assim, demonstrar capacidade de solucionar as causas primárias que produzem conflitos, como a pobreza – ainda que os resultados sejam passíveis de críticas. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir do método de process tracing, com a adoção das metodologias de estudo de caso, análise documental e técnica de entrevista discursiva semiestruturada.
Cooperação científica e tecnológica para o desenvolvimento e a produção de tecnologias farmacêuticas: um caminho para a autonomia em saúde na América do Sul
Authors: Menezes Henrique Zeferino de
Published: March 2024

A fim de alcançar maior autonomia em saúde para os países da América do Sul e reduzir sua dependência e vulnerabilidade externas, é necessário fortalecer a cooperação regional para impulsionar a capacidade de desenvolvimento e produção de tecnologias farmacêuticas. Isso contribuirá para aumentar a oferta e o acesso a medicamentos, vacinas e outras tecnologias relevantes, além de reduzir as desigualdades em saúde por meio da cooperação extrarregional. Para atingir esse objetivo, são propostos dois eixos de reflexão e ação. Primeiro, é necessário promover a cooperação técnica e formular políticas de desenvolvimento científico-tecnológico em nível regional para fortalecer a capacidade tecnológica no campo farmacêutico. Além disso, é importante estabelecer mecanismos de governança para a compra compartilhada de produtos farmacêuticos, visando à redução de preços e ao aumento do poder de barganha nos processos de transferência de tecnologia. Segundo, é essencial construir uma agenda política comum em relação às organizações internacionais, especialmente a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), para redirecionar a agenda internacional no sentido de capacitar tecnicamente os países do Sul global. O desenvolvimento e a produção de medicamentos e vacinas em maior escala permitirão uma participação mais assertiva desses países junto a outros parceiros do Sul global, especialmente os países do bloco econômico formado por Brasil, Rússia, Índia, China e África do Sul (BRICS), estimulando a diversificação e a distribuição geográfica na produção de tecnologias farmacêuticas e garantindo maior poder nas negociações internacionais.
On the Penetration of Large-scale Flows into Stellar Radiative Zones
Authors: Korre Lydia , Featherstone Nicholas A.
Published: March 2024

The propagation of meridional circulation below the base of the convection zone (CZ) of low-mass stars may play a crucial role in the transport of angular momentum and also significantly contribute to the transport of chemical species and magnetic fields within their stable radiative zone (RZ). We systematically study these large-scale mean flows by performing three-dimensional global numerical simulations in a spherical shell that consists of a convective region overlying a stably stratified region. We find that the meridional flows can penetrate distances as large as ∼0.21r

o
(where r

o
is the outer radius) below the base of the CZ, provided that the Eddington–Sweet timescale t
ES is much shorter than the viscous timescale t

ν
, as measured by the parameter

σ
=

(

t

ES

/

t

ν

)

1

/

2

. In the solar-like regime, where σ ≲ 1 in the upper RZ, we find that the angular momentum transport in the deep RZ is determined primarily by the action of the Coriolis force on meridional flows. In contrast, in models run in the σ > 1 regime, the meridional flows become weaker and the viscous effects dominate. We find that the penetration lengthscale δ
MC of these mean flows when σ ≲ 1 is proportional to σ
−0.22. Our findings may provide a better understanding of the role of the meridional flows in the dynamics of the solar interior and inform future numerical studies that are focused on capturing solar-like dynamics self-consistently.
Atomic-scale Element and Isotopic Investigation of 25Mg-rich Stardust from an H-burning Supernova
Authors: Nevill N. D. , Bland P. A. , Saxey D. W. , Rickard W. D. A. , Guagliardo P. , Timms N. E. , Forman L. V. , Daly L. , Reddy S. M.
Published: March 2024

We have discovered a presolar olivine from ALH 77307 with the highest 25Mg isotopic composition measured in a silicate to date (δ
25Mg = 3025.1‰ ± 38.3‰). Its isotopic compositions challenge current stellar models, with modeling of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen showing a closest match to formation in a supernova (SN) where hydrogen ingestion occurred in the pre-SN phase. Presolar grains within primitive astromaterials retain records of processes and environmental changes throughout stellar evolution. However, accessing these records has proved challenging due to the average grain size (∼150 nm) of presolar silicates, their sensitivity to extraction agents, and instrumental restrictions, limiting the range of isotopic and chemical signatures which can be studied per grain volume. Here, we present the first known detailed geochemical study of a presolar silicate from a hydrogen-burning SN, studied in 3D without contributions to the analysis volume and at unprecedented spatial resolutions (<1 nm), essential for constraining physical and chemical processes occurring within this recently proposed stellar environment. From our results, we infer either (i) condensation within an environment depleted of heavy elements compatible with the olivine lattice under the pressure and temperature conditions during condensation, or (ii) during periods of limited mixing either near the end of the pre-SN phase or from a collapse so rapid localized pockets of different gas compositions formed.
The Redshift Evolution of the M
•–M
⋆ Relation for JWST’s Supermassive Black Holes at z > 4
Authors: Pacucci Fabio , Loeb Abraham
Published: March 2024

JWST has detected many overmassive galactic systems at z > 4, where the mass of the black hole, M
•, is 10–100 times larger than expected from local relations, given the host’s stellar mass, M
⋆. This paper presents a model to describe these overmassive systems in the high-z Universe. We suggest that the black hole mass is the main driver of high-z star formation quenching. Supermassive black holes globally impact their high-z galaxies because their hosts are physically small, and the black holes have duty cycles close to unity at z > 4. In this regime, we assume that black hole mass growth is regulated by the quasar’s output, while stellar mass growth is quenched by it and uncorrelated to the global properties of the host halo. We find that the ratio M
•/M
⋆ controls the average star formation efficiency: if M
•/M
⋆ > 8 × 1018(nΛ/ f
Edd)[(Ω
b

M

h
)/(Ω
m

M
⋆) − 1], then the galaxy is unable to form stars efficiently. Once this ratio exceeds the threshold, a runaway process brings the originally overmassive system toward the local M
•–M
⋆ relation. Furthermore, the M
•–M
⋆ relation evolves with redshift as ∝(1 + z)5/2. At z ∼ 5, we find an overmassive factor of ∼55, in excellent agreement with current JWST data and the high-z relation inferred from those. Extending the black hole horizon farther in redshift and lower in mass will test this model and improve our understanding of the early coevolution of black holes and galaxies.
Modeling and Calibration of Gaia, Hipparcos, and Tycho-2 Astrometric Data for the Detection of Dark Companions
Authors: Feng Fabo , Rui Yicheng , Xuan Yifan , Jones Hugh
Published: March 2024

Hidden within the Gaia satellite’s multiple data releases lies a valuable cache of dark companions. To facilitate the efficient and reliable detection of these companions via combined analyses involving the Gaia, Hipparcos, and Tycho-2 catalogs, we introduce an astrometric modeling framework. This method incorporates analytical least-square minimization and nonlinear parameter optimization techniques to a set of common calibration sources across the different space-based astrometric catalogs. This enables us to discern the error inflation, astrometric jitter, differential parallax zero-points, and frame rotation of various catalogs relative to Gaia Data Release 3 (DR3). Our findings yield the most precise Gaia DR2 calibration parameters to date, revealing notable dependencies on magnitude and color. Intriguingly, we identify submilliarcsecond frame rotation between Gaia DR1 and DR3, along with an estimated astrometric jitter of 2.16 mas for the revised Hipparcos catalog. In a thorough comparative analysis with previous studies, we offer recommendations on calibrating and utilizing different catalogs for companion detection. Furthermore, we provide a user-friendly pipeline (https://github.com/ruiyicheng/Download_HIP_Gaia_GOST) for catalog download and bias correction, enhancing accessibility and usability within the scientific community.
Modeling the Morphology of Fast Radio Bursts and Radio Pulsars with fitburst
Authors: Fonseca E. , Pleunis Z. , Breitman D. , Sand K. R. , Kharel B. , Boyle P. J. , Brar C. , Giri U. , Kaspi V. M. , Masui K. W. , Meyers B. W. , Patel C. , Scholz P. , Smith K.
Published: March 2024

We present a framework for modeling astrophysical pulses from radio pulsars and fast radio bursts (FRBs). This framework, called fitburst, generates synthetic representations of dynamic spectra that are functions of several physical and heuristic parameters; the heuristic parameters can nonetheless accommodate a vast range of distributions in spectral energy. fitburst is designed to optimize the modeling of features induced by effects that are intrinsic and extrinsic to the emission mechanism, including the magnitude and frequency dependence of pulse dispersion and scatter broadening. fitburst removes intrachannel smearing through two-dimensional upsampling, and can account for phase-wrapping of “folded” signals that are typically acquired during pulsar-timing observations. We demonstrate the effectiveness of fitburst in modeling data containing pulsars and FRBs observed with the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment telescope.
Experimental Branching Fractions, Transition Probabilities, and Oscillator Strengths in Sm ii
Authors: Wang Xinghao , Yu Qi , Tan Jiajin , Xie Hongqiang , Chen Zhiming , Li Xiong
Published: March 2024

Branching fractions (BFs) of Sm ii for 71 lines from 12 excited levels ranging from 31,638.79 to 35,463.91 cm−1 were determined for the first time based on the Fourier transform spectra available from the National Solar Observatory database. New transition probabilities and oscillator strengths for these lines were derived by combining the determined BFs with reliable lifetimes measured using a time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence technique. Furthermore, BFs for 38 lines from five levels included in earlier studies were also determined for comparisons. The new results reported in this work will be useful in many fields, especially for astrophysics.
Histopathological investigation and risk factors of Coccidiosis in camels (Camelus dromedarius), Algeria
Authors: Boukert Razika , Chikhaoui Mira , Saidj Dahia , Baaissa Babelhadj , Damene Hanane , Benali Souad , Abdul Hussain Alia Simona , Sahraoui Naima
Published: March 2024

Coccidiosis in dromedaries is an intestinal protozoan infection caused by apicomplexan parasites belonging to the genus Eimeria. A prospective examination was conducted at two slaughterhouses in southern Algeria. The primary objective of this investigation was to ascertain the prevalence of intestinal parasites in camels, elucidate the associated microscopic lesions, and identify the risk factors contributing to this infestation. In pursuit of this, we procured four segments of the intestines from 31 dromedarieas that appeared healthy and displayed no symptoms. Subsequently, these samples were collected, preserved, subjected to routine processing, and subsequently stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Intestinal parasitic infection showed an incidence rate of 45.16% (14 out of 31). Specifically, two types of parasites were discerned in the intestinal specimens through microscopic examination, namely Eimeria (41.93%; 13 out of 31) (p-value = 0.046) and Taenia (3.22%; 1 out of 31) (p = 0.001). Eimeria cameli was observed in the ceacum (41.93%; 13 out of 31), jejunum (12.90%; 4 out of 31), and in one instance in the duodenum (3.22%; 1 out of 31). Furthermore, numerous development stages of coccidia were identified, including gamonts, schizonts and oocysts. Deep microscopic lesions attributed to Eimeria cameli were detected, such as enteritis, eosinophilic infiltration and inflammation. In addition, associated risk factors were identified. This study has furnished valuable insights into parasitic infestations affecting dromedaries, particularly Eimeria cameli. The molecular studies are needed to delineate the diverse variations within Eimeria strains. Effective parasite control strategies specific to dromedary camels need to be developed.
A new species of freshwater snail of Fenouilia (Gastropoda, Pomatiopsidae) from northern Guangxi, China, based on morphological and DNA evidence
Authors: Chen Hui , He Yue Ming , Wang Chong Rui , Pan Da
Published: March 2024

A new species of pomatiopsid freshwater snail, Fenouilia undata Chen & He, sp. nov., is described from Guangxi, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: shell with low, prosocline, rounded axial ribs and fine spiral striae, broader than high; aperture broader than shell height; radula with lateral teeth have only two or three faint, wavy ridges on inner side. A molecular analysis of partial mitochondrial COI and 16S DNA sequences supports the systematic position of the new taxon.
« Une question assez malheureuse ». L’Italie, la France et le « drame » de la fourniture d’armes à la Tunisie en 1957
Authors: Bagnato Bruna
Published: March 2024

Dans les derniers mois de 1957, la réponse à donner à la requête d’armes adressée à plusieurs pays de l’alliance atlantique de la part d’une Tunisie pro-occidentale fut à l’origine d’une crise que montrait la difficulté de concilier les priorités françaises (résoudre la question algérienne) et les objectifs plus généraux de la politique occidentale dans la Méditerranée (soustraire les pays de la région à l’influence de l’Union Soviétique et de l’Egypt de Nasser). L’Italie décida finalement de ne pas s’associer à la livraison d’armes anglo-américaines à Tunis pour sauvegarder ses rapports avec Paris et par crainte, en accueillant la requête de Bourguiba, de faciliter une « dépression politique » française dont « les conséquences pourraient être extrêmement graves pour tous les pays libres ».
L’histoire, la philosophie politique et l’École de Cambridge
Authors: Skinner Quentin , Brisson Justine , Miranda Arnaud
Published: March 2024

Cet article, issu de la traduction du chapitre « Political Philosophy and the Uses of History » (paru dans Richard Bourke et Quentin Skinner (dir.), History in the Humanities and Social Sciences , Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2022) retrace d’abord l’émergence de l’approche « historiciste » pour étudier les textes de philosophie politique. À travers l’exemple de la philosophie de Thomas Hobbes, ce texte montre ce qui fait la spécificité de la méthode historiciste. L’article s’intéresse ensuite à deux objections fréquemment adressées à cette approche. La première lui reproche d’avoir déconnecté la philosophie politique et juridique de sa dimension normative, c’est-à-dire d’avoir cédé à une forme de « tyrannie de l’histoire ». La seconde affirme que les historicistes sont incapables de saisir ce qui, dans les phénomènes politiques, est transhistorique et universel. Après avoir étudié puis réfuté chacune de ces critiques, l’article se penche sur une objection plus récente : l’histoire de la philosophie politique serait encore une chapelle, qu’il faudrait déparoissialiser grâce à une approche plus globale. L’article se termine par une évaluation de ce qui se présente comme le « tournant global » de l’histoire de la philosophie politique.
Multi-label feature selection via constraint mapping space regularization
Authors: Li Bangna , Zhang Qingqing , He Xingshi
Published: March 2024

Multi-label feature selection, an essential means of data dimension reduction in multi-label learning, has become one of the research hotspots in the field of machine learning. Because the linear assumption of sample space and label space is not suitable in most cases, many scholars use pseudo-label space. However, the use of pseudo-label space will increase the number of model variables and may lead to the loss of sample or label information. A multi-label feature selection scheme based on constraint mapping space regularization is proposed to solve this problem. The model first maps the sample space to the label space through the use of linear mapping. Second, given that the sample cannot be perfectly mapped to the label space, the mapping space should be closest to the label space and still retain the space of the basic manifold structure of the sample space, so combining the Hilbert-Schmidt independence criterion with the sample manifold, basic properties of constraint mapping space. Finally, the proposed algorithm is compared with MRDM, SSFS, and other algorithms on multiple classical multi-label data sets; the results show that the proposed algorithm is effective on multiple indicators.
Extension operators of circular intuitionistic fuzzy sets with triangular norms and conorms: Exploring a domain radius
Authors: Pratama Dian , Yusoff Binyamin , Abdullah Lazim , Kilicman Adem , Kamis Nor Hanimah
Published: March 2024

The circular intuitionistic fuzzy set (CIFS) extends the concept of IFS, representing each set element with a circular area on the IFS interpretation triangle (IFIT). Each element in CIFS is characterized not only by membership and non-membership degrees but also by a radius, indicating the imprecise areas of these degrees. While some basic operations have been defined for CIFS, not all have been thoroughly explored and generalized. The radius domain has been extended from $ [0, 1] $ to $ [0, \sqrt{2}] $. However, the operations on the radius domain are limited to $ min $ and $ max $. We aimed to address these limitations and further explore the theory of CIFS, focusing on operations for membership and non-membership degrees as well as radius domains. First, we proposed new radius operations on CIFS with a domain $ [0, \psi] $, where $ \psi \in [1, \sqrt{2}] $, called a radius algebraic product (RAP) and radius algebraic sum (RAS). Second, we developed basic operators for generalized union and intersection operations on CIFS based on triangular norms and conorms, investigating their algebraic properties. Finally, we explored negation and modal operators based on proposed radius conditions and examined their characteristics. This research contributes to a more explicit understanding of the properties and capabilities of CIFS, providing valuable insights into its potential applications, particularly in decision-making theory.
Co-Creating a Learning Community
Authors: Andersson Gunnar , Johansen Frode Ramstad , Hauge Bjørn Gitle , Torgersen Mirielle , Tellnes Lars Gunnar Furelid , Valter Per
Published: March 2024

This study explores the emergence of a distinctive learning-community aspect of teaching sustainability. It uses action nets to describe major contributions shaping a learning community about sustainability. The results describe how the growing learning community of research, externally funded projects, teaching strategies, students, NGOs, and regional industry is framed within a sociotechnical network of actants and identifies events exposing the transitions in the making. Based on the findings, we discuss lessons learned from the co-creation, increasing the awareness of mechanisms involved in gaining (and regaining) support needed to create the new approach to teaching sustainability. The learning community mirrors, in many ways, the systemic nature of sustainability and sustainable development. It also introduces the uncertainty and ambiguity inherent in the transitions. It was easier than anticipated to mobilize resources, but the connections between the different contributions are also delicate, and we experience the learning community as something like fresh produce—something we must create and recreate continuously.
Best Practices for Increasing Employee Engagement and Completion Rates in Online Courses
Authors: Buckley Claudia , Castro Jorge Maria Fernanda
Published: March 2024

This case study examines how the human resource department at the target company used features of their learning management system (LMS) to successfully implement a learning and development (L&D) program where employees were motivated not only to engage with courses in a meaningful way but also to complete them at a rate that was higher than that typically seen for eLearning courses. The research discusses the results of a study on the case organization and presents the implications of the findings.
Faire de la recherche en marge ou s’en tenir aux marges de la recherche
Authors: Boutron Camille
Published: March 2024

Cet article interroge les effets de la restructuration du monde académique sur les trajectoires individuelles de chercheur·es en sciences sociales. Il montre qu’au-delà de la précarité et de la difficulté d’accès à un emploi pérenne, les modes de production des connaissances ont été considérablement affectés par les logiques de marché imposées par les politiques néo-libérales de ces quinze dernières années, en France et ailleurs, contribuant à la reproduction de rapports d’oppression et de domination. Prenant pour point de départ une expérience personnelle et assumant sa dimension testimoniale, cet article se veut avant tout réflexif et engagé pour le changement.
Determinants, Motivators and Barriers for Utilitarian Cycling in Starter Cities: Case of Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
Authors: Rodrigo Malki , De Silva Chameera , Wattage Premachandra
Published: March 2024

In the 1960s, a counter-cultural movement promoting utilitarian bicycle usage emerged in Europe and North America, challenging the dominance of cars, and advocating for sustainable urban mobility. despite the emergence of this movement, many developing cities have low cycling modal share and encounter obstacles in promoting utilitarian cycling. This study delves into workers attitudes toward using bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation. Employing a Binary logistic regression model and incorporating the Relative Importance Index (RII), the research identifies key determinants of utilitarian cycling. The findings highlight significant community willingness (71%) to bike to work, despite perceived barriers. Safety concerns (RII - 0.88) and environmental factors (RII = 0.60), such as rain and heat, emerge as prominent deterrents. Societal perceptions linking cycling to lower social status (vanity) (RII = 0.35), bicycle affordability (RII = 0.35), and work-related factors (RII = 0.48), such as non-cycle-friendly work attire and insufficient office parking safety, play relatively minor roles in discouraging bicycle use. Using the logistic regression model, the study predicts factors influencing the willingness to use bicycles for utilitarian transportation, revealing negative impacts from the absence of cycling infrastructure, motor traffic, rainy weather, and a lack of a cycling community.
The scientific targets: the myocardium, the vasculature and the body’s response to heart failure
Authors: Vidal-Pérez Rafael , Jankowska Ewa A.
Published: March 2024

Heart failure (HF) is a common but complex clinical syndrome associated with a reduced ability of a heart to pump and/or fill with blood. We now appreciate the more complex picture involving metabolic derangements, changes in fetal gene expression and abnormalities in the periphery as forming part of the HF syndrome. Therapeutic targets include the failing myocardium, the vasculature and peripheral mechanisms. The pathophysiology of HF is currently being intensively investigated, with the identification of new relevant mechanisms, some of them emerging as potential therapeutic targets.
Quality of life in Maltese adults with congenital heart disease: a second look
Authors: Caruana Maryanne , Moons Philip , Kovacs Adrienne H. , Luyckx Koen , Thomet Corina , Budts Werner , Sluman Maayke , Eriksen Katrine , Dellborg Mikael , Berghammer Malin , Johansson Bengt , Soufi Alexandra , Callus Edward , Grech Victor , Apers Silke
Published: March 2024

Background: A first quality of life (QOL) study among Maltese adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) in 2016 found no significant differences when compared to the general population. The aims of the present study were i) to compare QOL between Maltese and other European ACHD patients and ii) investigate medical predictors (i.e. number of surgical/non-surgical interventions, heart failure, arrhythmias, pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, cardiac hospitalization during preceding year, follow-up frequency, other medical conditions, mood/anxiety/psychiatric disorders) of QOL in Maltese patients.Methods: Data collected during Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease – International Study was used. QOL was measured using linear analogue scale (LAS) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). QOL in 109 Maltese and 1510 European participants was compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the predictive value of medical factors on QOL in Maltese patients.Results: There were no significant differences in QOL between the two cohorts [mean LAS Malta 80.51 (95% CI: 77.96, 83.07) vs. European 79.43 (95% CI: 78.65, 80.21) (p=0.776); mean SWLS Malta 26.00 (95% CI: 24.94, 27.06) vs. European 26.26 (95% CI: 25.95, 26.57) (p=0.288)] and no significant differences when cohorts were divided by gender and age. Only a mood/anxiety/other psychiatric disorder significantly predicted poorer QOL on both scales in Maltese patients [LAS (ß=-0.389, p<0.001), SWLS (ß=-0.352, p=0.001)].Conclusions: Maltese ACHD patients have a good QOL comparable to that of European counterparts. Mood, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders can negatively impact Maltese patients’ QOL. Better access to clinical psychology services should be ensured.
Neck-to-height ratio in Bosnian university students according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines on hypertension classification
Authors: Začiragić Asija , Mikić Marija , Dervišević Amela , Lepara Orhan , Avdagić Nesina , Babić Nermina , Fajkić Almir , Valjevac Amina
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to assess neck-to-height ratio (NtHR) and its possible association with other anthropometric measures of obesity and blood pressure (BP) values in Bosnian university students stratified by new 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force hypertension (HT) guidelines.Methods: The present study included 417 subjects with median age 20 (19-21) years that were divided into normal BP, elevated BP, stage 1 HT, and stage 2 HT groups based on BP measurements using auscultatory methods. Standard anthropometric indices including neck circumference (NC) were measured. NtHR (cm/m) was calculated in each participant based on the NC and height. Differences between groups were assessed by Kruskal-Wallis followed by Man-Whitney test and correlations were determined by Spearman test.Results: The prevalence of elevated BP was 19.2%, stage 1 HT 21.6%, and stage 2 HT 11.0 %. NtHR was highest in the stage 2 HT group. NtHR correlated significantly with all anthropometric measures in all groups. No correlation between NtHR, systolic BP, and diastolic BP was found, except in the stage 1 HT group, where a significant correlation between NtHR and systolic BP was uncovered.Conclusions: Based on the observed correlations between NtHR and standard measures of obesity, NtHR could be included in clinical practice, since it is simple and does not induce discomfort. The high prevalence of elevated BP found in the present study suggests HT prevention requires the implementation of programs aimed at promoting healthy dietary habits, physical activity, as well as effective stress management and coping mechanisms.
Specialty Certifications and Their Place Within the Practice of Athletic Training
Authors: Hudson Michael B. , Frank Eva
Published: March 2024

Context

Athletic training has evolved dramatically in the last decade. Professional education has changed to the graduate level. Advanced training has manifested itself in doctoral and residency programs. Clinical practice settings have also evolved along with the knowledge and skills required to care for the diverse patients in these settings. Athletic training specialties are accompanying these changes, and now athletic training has specialty certifications to formally validate a specialty and recognize the athletic trainer (AT) specialist.

Objective

This article conveys key information about credentialing, highlights historical events in the development of AT specialty certifications, and examines the concept of general practice. The purpose of conveying this information is to better understand and explore specialties and certifications in athletic training, which requires also conceptualizing athletic training as a general practice.

Background

One of the earliest documents mentioning specialty certifications within athletic training was published in 1997. In 2018, the Board of Certification formed the Specialty Council to validate athletic training specialties and oversee specialty certifications.

Synthesis

Earning a specialty certification is a rigorous process requiring the credentialed AT to gain, as well as maintain, postprofessional education and experience in a focused practice area. This education and training can come from an accredited residency program but also from on-the-job training and professional development.

Results

Practitioners of a validated athletic training specialty can become board-certified specialists with advanced clinical experience or after completing postprofessional education and training and passing the respective specialty certification examination.

Recommendations

We recommend conceptualizing athletic training as general practice so that we can differentiate the relationships of general, advanced, and specialty practices.

Conclusions

Athletic trainer specialty certifications are part of athletic training. Growing existing and creating new specialties and specialty certifications requires conceptualizing athletic training as general, advanced, and specialized practices.
The Explanations for Unemployment Scale: An Eight-Country Study on Factor Equivalence
Authors: Mylonas Kostas , Furnham Adrian , Konstantinidis Emmanouil , Papazoglou Sofia , Divale William , Leblebici Cigdem , Gondim Sonia , Moniz Angela , Grad Hector , Alvaro Jose , Zeno Romeo , Filus Anna , Boski Pawel
Published: March 2024

Explanations for Unemployment have been studied through a 20-item scale created by Furnham (1982) on three theoretical dimensions: the individualistic, the societal, and the fatalistic. In this study we revised this scale to co-ordinate it with contemporary social and economic facts and through metric testing-adjustments and multivariate statistical analysis we arrived at a 19-item scale retaining eight of the original scale items. This revised scale was statistically and theoretically valid as its factor structure closely resembled the original factor structure Furnham had described. For the second stage of the study, data were collected from eight countries and multilevel covariance structure analysis was applied to the data pool. The final structure can be considered universal for seven of these countries, meaning that the structure people employ to explain unemployment is the same across countries. The individualistic factor was clearly supported in this structure. The second factor narrowed the societal spectrum to industrial management and educational provision and the third factor appeared as a transformation of the fatalistic dimension to a “helplessness” factor. The three factors were investigated for their scoring differences across countries and overall.
A Qiang Perspective on Promoting the Rehabilitation of Children Affected by the Earthquake
Authors: Chai S. , Yang Xian Gui , Wang Shuguang
Published: March 2024

The Qiang ethnic minority had a population of around 300,000 at the time of the earthquake. The Qiang mostly inhabit the poorest and most socially disadvantaged remote rural mountainous areas of the Wen Chuan and Mao Wen Qiang Autonomous Counties of Sichuan. The Qiang have a continuous cultural history dating from the Diqiang groups of the Xia Dynasty (16th to 11th century BC). They have their own language and animistic belief system, and have developed their own traditional ways of dealing with disasters. The Qiang’s myth of “Bubita” (God) and the legend of “Mutazhu and Douanzhu” (a heroic story) are key messages in understanding disasters; the village “Duyaomao” (poisonous cat, meaning witch) is important for explaining children’s illness and health. The rites conducted by the Shibi (cultural leader) are the core activity in advocating collective action for responding to disaster. To reach out quickly to children who have been affected by their traumatic experiences, many volunteers have given their assistance, including doctors, psychologists, counselling staff and social workers. In particular, a large-scale program of psychiatric counselling/therapies administered by the government is being carried out. However, employing psychological counselling and psychiatric therapies from the western individualistic perspective has led to a dilemma for public health based on medical/psychological agendas. Widespread evidence has also shown that there is a very limited effect from outside community visitors, whose one-off, inconsistent, non-indigenous messages do not carry over into the children’s everyday lives. The need for an indigenous approach is stressed.
A man with two penises: A rare case report
Authors: Sinharay Keshab , Bhattacharyya Kalisankar , Banerjee Swapan , Paul Uttam Kumar
Published: March 2024

Diphallia, commonly referred to as penile duplication, is a relatively rare congenital anomaly. It affects one out of every 5.5 million live infants. The degree of penile duplication and the number of associated anomalies varies greatly, ranging from a double glans from a penis without an accompanying aberration up to total penile duplication linked with multiple anomalies. In this case, a 65-year-old man is seen with a cleft scrotum and complete bifid diphallia.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Plain Computed Tomography to Detect the Morphological Variations of Liver: An Update
Authors: Muraleedharan Aparna , Ragavan Saranya , Nayakar Gopinath L , Bage Nutan Nalini , Devi Rema , Phansalkar Dilip Shankar
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

The prevalence of accessory fissures (AFs) in the liver ranges from 6% to 56%, as reported by cadaveric studies, which is much higher than the prevalence of 25% on computed tomography (CT) scans. Despite reporting many morphological variations in the liver by various cadaveric studies worldwide, the imaging studies are very few. Radiological imaging of patients undergoing liver surgery is a routine preoperative investigation. Despite there are several occasions where liver variations occur as a surprise during surgery which reflects on the diagnostic capacity of CT.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty cadaveric livers removed and stored in 10% Formalin were studied for all morphological abnormalities. The same livers were analyzed separately by anatomists by gross examination and radiologists by plain CT imaging. The radiologists were blinded from the gross examination findings. The data obtained by both methods were compared and the diagnostic accuracy of CT was estimated.

Results:

The common surface morphological variations detected were AFs, accessory lobes (ALs), pons hepatis (PH), and multilobed caudate and quadrate lobes (QLs). Out of the total 89 AFs identified by gross examination, only 73 could be detected by CT scan, thus the sensitivity of CT scan in detecting AFs is 82%. Similarly, the sensitivity of CT scan in detecting ALs, PH, and multilobed caudate, and QL was 64% (low), 81%, and 19% (very low), respectively. Thus, plain CT has variable sensitivity depending on the morphological variation.

Conclusions:

This study has highlighted some of the diagnostic inaccuracies that may arise during plain CT examination of the liver in a person posted for liver surgery or a person with abdominal trauma. Contrast-enhanced CT scans can circumvent many of these problems. Lack of awareness of these issues may affect the normal course of treatment and prognosis in such patients.
Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in diabetic patients type 2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in Zabol City, 2017–2018
Authors: Dabirzadeh Mansour , Sargazi Mojtaba , Bagheri Somayeh
Published: March 2024

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is prone to opportunistic infections, including toxoplasmosis, due to an immunodeficiency system. This study aimed to evaluate the serum of people with T2DM to determine the titer of anti-toxoplasma antibodies in patients and compare it with the control group.

Materials and Methods:

720 blood samples have been carried out between October and the end of January 2017 in Sistan, and Baluchestan provinces in southeastern Iran, of these, 360 samples were related to healthy individuals (control), and 360 samples were related to T2DM individuals. The immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods have been used to detect toxoplasmosis. The data were analyzed using SPSS-19, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test to compare statistical parameters.

Results:

In this cross-sectional study, out of 360 samples of T2DM by ELISA method, 60% samples in diabetic patients and 48.1% in control group were IgG positive (P < 0.05). Nearly 2.5% samples in diabetic patients and 0.3% in control group were IgM positive (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Anti-toxoplasma antibodies including IgG and IgM were higher in diabetic patient in comparison to control group.
Synthesis of DyF3 paste and Magnetic Properties of GBDPed Nd-Fe-B Magnets
Authors: Jeon Kwang-Won , Cha Hee-Ryoung , Lee Jung-Goo
Published: March 2024

Recently, the grain boundary diffusion process (GBDP), involving heavy rare-earth elements such as Dy and Tb, has been widely used to enhance the coercivity of Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets. For example, a Dy compound is coated onto the surface of Nd-Fe-B sintered magnets, and then the magnets are heat treated. Subsequently, Dy diffuses into the grain boundaries of Nd-Fe-B magnets, forming Dy-Fe-B or Nd-Dy-Fe-B. The dip-coating process is also used widely instead of the GBDP. However, it is quite hard to control the thickness uniformity using dip coating. In this study, first, a DyF3 paste is fabricated using DyF3 powder. Subsequently, the fabricated DyF3 paste is homogeneously coated onto the surface of a Nd-Fe-B sintered magnet. The magnet is then subjected to GBDP to enhance its coercivity. The weight ratio of binder and DyF3 powder is controlled, and we find that the coercivity enhances with decreasing binder content. In addition, the maximum coercivity is obtained with the paste containing 70 wt% of DyF3 powder.
Условие Липшица метрической проекции и сходимость градиентных методов
Authors: Balashov Maxim Viktorovich
Published: March 2024

Рассмотрены разные опорные условия для замкнутого множества из вещественного гильбертова пространства $\mathcal H$ в точке границы множества. Указанные условия обеспечивают некоторое локальное условие Липшица метрического проектора точки на множество по точке. Также имеет место локальная липшицевость проектора в метрике Хаусдорфа как функции множества. Полученное условие Липшица применено для доказательства линейной сходимости ряда градиентных методов (метода проекции градиента, метода условного градиента) без предположения сильной выпуклости или даже выпуклости функции и без выпуклости множества. Функция при этом предполагается дифференцируемой с непрерывным по Липшицу градиентом.
Библиография: 29 названий.
Классификация двухкомпонентных систем Бенджамина-Оно
Authors: Zhao Min , Qu Changzheng
Published: March 2024

Уравнение Бенджамина-Оно, содержащее преобразование Гильберта, широко изучалось с разных точек зрения; были предложены различные его варианты и многокомпонентные обобщения. Представлена классификация двухкомпонентных систем типа Бенджамина-Оно общего вида. Для этого используется усовершенствованный пертурбативный симметрийный подход Михайлова и Новикова. В заключение получены новые интегрируемые двухкомпонентные системы типа Бенджамина-Оно.
Суперстатистические свойства осциллятора Дирака с гамма-, логнормальным и F-распределениями
Authors: Siouane S , Boumali Abdelmalek , Guvendi A
Published: March 2024

С использованием концепции суперстатистики исследованы термодинамические характеристики фермионных полей с неминимальным взаимодействием в одном, двух и трех измерениях. Рассмотрены три вероятностных распределения: гамма-, логнормальное и F-распределения. Каждое из них задается функцией плотности вероятности. Для расчета статистической суммы в низкоэнергетической асимптотике суперстатистики применяется формула Эйлера-Маклорена с учетом остаточного члена. С помощью найденных статистических сумм для каждого распределения проведен анализ изменений энтропии и теплоемкости при различных температурах и различных значениях универсального суперстатистического параметра $q$. В целом при увеличении $q$ наблюдается улучшение характера всех кривых. Кроме того, обнаружено, что энтропия увеличивается при понижении температуры и уменьшается при увеличении параметра $q$.