bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-obvious and obvious signs of the thoracic spine pathology: a clinical study
Authors: Jasim M. R. , Saeed M. A. M.
Published: April 2024

Background The thoracic spine pathology can lead to severe disability and discomfort.

This study aims to identify determinant characteristics in patients with thoracic spine pathologies who present with non-regional complaints such as lumbar/cervical pain and others.

Methods A prospective observational descriptive study was conducted at Basrah Teaching Hospital from March 2020 to December 2021, enrolling 114 patients categorized into two groups. Group A included patients with thoracic spine pathology and thoracic pain, while Group B consisted of patients with thoracic spine pathology and non-local symptoms (such as lower lumbar pain, pain in extremities, etc.). Comprehensive clinical evaluations were performed using a specially designed questionnaire.

Results The majority of patients were in the 60-79 age group, with females comprising 55 % in Group A and 60 % in Group B. Smoking was observed in 28.98 % of Group A and 26.66 % of Group B. Symptomatic patients with solitary back pain commonly exhibited dorsal root compression symptoms (49.27 %), lower limb weakness (18.84 %), and sphincter dysfunction (7.24 %). Patients with thoracic plus lower and/or neck pain frequently reported paraesthesia (42.22 %) and cervical root symptoms (48.38 %). Kyphotic deformity was present in 20.28 % of Group A and 11.11 % of Group B, while tenderness was observed in 23.18 % of Group A and 13.33 % of Group B. Plain radiograph changes, including disk space narrowing (44.44 %), subchondral sclerosis (29.63 %), curve alterations (29.63 %), and facet arthropathy (25.9 %), were more prevalent in those with symptomatic thoracic back pain (Group A).

Conclusion Non-local symptoms in thoracic spine pathologies are common, with complicated and multi-site low back pain being more prevalent than isolated back or thoracic pain. Elderly individuals, females, obesity, and comorbidities appear to be predictive risk factors for low back pain development. Paraesthesia emerges as the most common neurological manifestation, while kyphosis and scoliosis are primary presentations of thoracic pathologies. Multi-modalities of imaging, including plain radiographs, MRI, CT scan, and DEXA scan, can aid in detecting back pathologies. The mainstay of managing symptomatic thoracic pathologies is surgical intervention.
Evolution of tactical approaches to eliminating limb length discrepancy
Authors: Novikov K. I. , Komarova E. S. , Kolesnikov S. V. , Klimov O. V. , Sergeev K. S.
Published: April 2024

Introduction Limb length discrepancy (LLD) can be debilitating and may cause other medical and social problems. LLD is a serious physical condition and have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life changing the gait, forming pathological adaptive mechanisms and causing long-term musculoskeletal disturbances in children. The objective was to analyze the evolution of tactical approaches to the rehabilitation of patients with lower limb length inequality.

Material and methods The original literature search was conducted on key resources including Scientific Electronic Library (www.elibrary.ru) and the National Library of Medicine (www.pubmed.org). Literature searches included both Russian and English studies. The search strategy was comprised of keywords: lower limbs, limb length inequality, approaches and means of limb length correction, osteosynthesis. Clinical guidelines, clinical recommendations, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials and multicenter cohort studies were selected for analysis.

Results and discussion Normal individuals can often experience a difference in the length of the lower limbs from several mm to 1.5 cm and have no effect on the gait, condition of adjacent joints and joints of the opposite limb. Some authors report inequality of 5 mm leading to orthopaedic pathology. A variety of  conservative and  surgical treatments are offered for limb length equalization. Elimination of LLD is a  common and  unresolved medical problem. Conservative treatment of LLD can be considered as one of  the  stages of rehabilitation. Some patients can benefit from conservative treatments. Alternatively, surgical equalization is a treatment option for patients with LLD.

Conclusion Surgical methods offered earlier to address LLD had disadvantages, which ultimately minimized their use, and orthopaedic surgeons abandoned some of them due to the high risk of severe complications. The device and the technique developed by Dr. Ilizarov in the 50s of the last century was an epoch-making event in the elimination of LLD and are constantly being improved.
Community Based Tourism: A Global South Perspective
Authors:   University of Barcelona, Gascón Jordi , Milano Claudio ,   University of Barcelona
Published: April 2024

The analysis of the impact of Community Based Tourism (CBT) has revealed a significant divergence in assessments. This paper aims to analyse the factors contributing to the observed "Duality Dilemma" in CBT projects. The research seeks to leave behind a simplistic binary perspective that categorises CBT solely as either beneficial or problematic. The paper identifies three key variables contributing to this dual perspective: a) the Context Variable, which displays how the outcomes of CBT projects m can vary based on the specific circumstances in which they are implemented; b) the Methodological Variable, which underlines the importance of developing long-term and longitudinal fieldwork to avoid a biased analysis based on the short-term observations; c) the Paradigm Variable which takes into account that the researcher's theoretical framework inevitably shapes their focus, potentially emphasising certain outcomes over others. Finally, the paper draws on empirical evidence based on a 30-year longitudinal ethnographic study conducted on Amantaní island (Lake Titicaca, Peruvian Andes)
Identifying the stability of housekeeping genes to be used for the quantitative real-time PCR normalization in retinal tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors:   Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM), Bukit Baru, Melaka 75150, Malaysia, Sadikan Muhammad Zulfiqah , Ibahim Mohammad Johari ,   Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh, Selangor 47000, Malaysia, Iezhitsa Igor ,   School of Medicine, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; Department of Pharmacology and Bioinformatics, Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd 400131, Russia, Agarwal Renu ,   School of Medicine, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
Published: April 2024

AIM: To investigate the stability of the seven housekeeping genes: beta-actin (ActB), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), 18s ribosomal unit 5 (18s), cyclophilin A (CycA), hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT), ribosomal protein large P0 (36B4) and terminal uridylyl transferase 1 (U6) in the diabetic retinal tissue of rat model.
METHODS: The expression of these seven genes in rat retinal tissues was determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in two groups; normal control rats and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The stability analysis of gene expression was investigated using geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and comparative delta-Ct (ΔCt) algorithms.
RESULTS: The 36B4 gene was stably expressed in the retinal tissues of normal control animals; however, it was less stable in diabetic retinas. The 18s gene was expressed consistently in both normal control and diabetic rats’ retinal tissue. That this gene was the best reference for data normalisation in RT-qPCR studies that used the retinal tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, there was no ideal gene stably expressed for use in all experimental settings.
CONCLUSION: Identifying relevant genes is a need for achieving RT-qPCR validity and reliability and must be appropriately achieved based on a specific experimental setting.
Small-diameter acellular porcine corneal stroma for peripheral corneal ulceration treatment
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, Xi’an No.1 Hospital, Xi’an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China, Liang Tian , Wu Jie ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Xi’an No.1 Hospital, Xi’an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China, Cheng Yan ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Xi’an No.1 Hospital, Xi’an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
Published: April 2024

AIM: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of small-diameter acellular porcine corneal stroma (SAPS) for the treatment of peripheral corneal ulceration (PCU).
METHODS: This retrospective clinical study included 18 patients (18 eyes) with PCU between April 2018 and December 2020. All patients had PCU and underwent lamellar keratoplasty with SAPS. Observation indicators included preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and transparency of SAPS. The infection control rate in the surgical eye-lesion area was also calculated.
RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent lamellar keratoplasty with SAPS to treat PCU. None of the patients experienced rejection after 6mo (18/18) and 12mo (16/16) of follow-up. The BCVA (0.47±0.30) at the 6mo follow-up after operation was significantly improved compared with the baseline (0.99±0.80), and the difference was statistically significant (Z=-3.415, P<0.05). The BCVA at the 12mo follow-up after operation was not statistically significant compared to the 6mo (Z=0, P=1). With time, the SAPS graft gradually became transparent. At the 6mo (18/18) and 12mo (16/16) follow-up, none of the patients had recurrent corneal infection.
CONCLUSION: SAPS is clinically effective in the treatment of PCU, improving the patient’s BCVA and reducing the incidence of rejection after keratoplasty.
Exploratory Study on Value Proposition Barriers for Civil Engineering Entrepreneurships - Pilot Study
Authors: Vélez Andrés , Baldajos Mauricio , Toscano Alejandro , Solorzano Leonela , Guerra Moscoso Miguel Andrés
Published: April 2024

This research analyzes how business models arise for people, specifically civil engineers, who want to start their own business based on construction and who want to establish their own Ecuadorian company. Small, medium, and large construction companies were taken as a reference. For this, surveys were conducted with eight companies, and the questions were based on adequately knowing personal barriers, how they can be overcome, and effectively knowing the value propositions and qualities that should be emphasized. The results obtained from this research show that most people within this industry face different personal barriers, both when wanting to communicate their ideas and when having confidence in themselves. In the same way, limitations were found, as well as how to know how to take advantage of them. Also, thanks to this, it is highlighted that the greatest competitive advantage is creativity and that it is necessary to have superior quality and decent prices both at the public and private level to stabilize at a good level compared to other companies. Finally, it is observed that within large, medium, and small companies there are personal barriers on the part of civil engineers, which disappear on a day-to-day basis, and that the best way to move forward is to try to improve day by day and not remain stagnant with something that can be optimized or improved in several ways.
Relaxation oscillations in the Darie wind power plant model
Authors: Kirsanova A. S.
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the mathematical model of the Daria small wind power plant. This installation is a type of vertical axis wind turbine named after its inventor, Georges Jean Marie Darrieux. The design consists of a vertically oriented shaft with curved blades or airfoils attached to it, forming a shape similar to an egg whisk. In today’s world, against the backdrop of climate change and steadily increasing energy demand, wind energy acts as a critical pillar of the transition to renewable energy sources. This technology helps reduce carbon emissions and mitigate humanity’s impact on the environment. In this context, wind energy is emerging not only as a means of supplying electricity, but also as a powerful catalyst for building a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. The equation of stationary modes is studied at the value of the external resistance of the dynamic model specified by the simplest equation. Conditions have been found under which relaxation oscillations are observed in the system.
Professor Mieczysław Chorąży and His Works
Authors: Lisowska Katarzyna Marta , Rzeszowska-Wolny Joanna , Sochanik Aleksander
Published: April 2024

This essay is in memoriam of Professor Mieczysław Chorąży (1925 – 2021). Eminent Man, outstanding scientist, soldier of the Warsaw Uprising, moral authority for generations of fellow researchers and an exceptionally warm person. His character and life works are recalled here against the background of the times he lived in.
Empowering futures: A financial literacy assessment among graduate students at Tribhuvan university
Authors: Lamichhane Basu Dev , Bhaumik Amiya , Gnawali Achyut
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to assess the level of financial literacy among graduate students. The focus is on exploring the relationship between financial literacy and three key factors: financial attitude, financial knowledge, and financial behavior. The study targeted graduate students at Tribhuvan University's Faculty of Management (FOM) in Kathmandu valley with 710 students receiving a structured questionnaire. Total of 427 valid responses were received, establishing the sample for analysis. Descriptive and relational research designs was adopted for the analysis. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire, reflecting participants' financial attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors. The study concludes that there exists a positive association between the levels of students' financial attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors with their financial literacy. Additionally, the research findings reveal a significant and positive impact of financial attitude, knowledge, and behavior on financial literacy. Government authorities will utilize findings of the study for the development of policies aimed at enhancing financial literacy programs in Nepal. Banking and Financial Institutions (BFIs), Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) as well as regulators can use the insights to modify financial literacy programs that address the specific needs identified in the study. Professors, teachers, and trainers can incorporate with the study's results for curriculum planning, designing courses to foster financial attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors among graduate and post-graduate students.
Research on national fitness policy (1995-2021) from the perspective of objectives and tools
Authors: Yu Mingxing
Published: April 2024

This study delves into the intricate landscape of China's national fitness policy, emphasizing the pivotal role of policy tools in crafting and executing effective strategies. Through a meticulous examination of 13 policy texts, significant disparities in tool utilization emerge, revealing issues such as imbalances and varying degrees of emphasis on content system construction. Leveraging Rothwell and Zegveld's classification method, the study categorizes national fitness policy tools into supply, demand, and environment types, elucidating their unique impacts and roles. It advocates for a strategic selection and utilization of policy tools to rectify existing imbalances and bolster effectiveness. The study underscores the importance of a balanced approach between supply and demand-oriented tools, advocating for transparency, flexibility, and accountability in policy adjustments. Additionally, it highlights the significance of maintaining stable utilization of supply-oriented tools and strengthening efforts in talent development and social guidance teams to sustain momentum. Overall, the study advocates for a holistic and dynamic approach to policy tool selection and utilization, ensuring alignment with overarching goals and fostering a healthier, more active society. By offering nuanced insights and pragmatic recommendations, it aims to catalyze the realization of a stronger and healthier nation through the implementation of effective national fitness policies, thereby uplifting the well-being of its citizens and nurturing a vibrant and resilient society.
Collective Rights and Sovereignty of the State: Collision Borders
Authors:   Head of the Department of Theory and History of State and Law of the Kuban State University, LL.D., Associate Professor, Adygezalova Gyulnaz E.
Published: April 2024

The article reviews the problem of collective rights, where the central place belongs to the collective right to security that is of natural character along with natural rights of an individual.
The Role of Local Self-Government Authorities in the Establishment and Development of Lay Justice in Russia in the Second Half of the 19th Century
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of State and Legal Disciplines of the Saransk Cooperative Institute (Branch) of the Central Union of Consumer Societies of the Russian Federation of the Russian University of Cooperation, PhD (History), Associate Professor, Tarakanova Natalya G. , Yambushev Fail Sh. ,   Head of the Department of State and Legal Disciplines of the Saransk Cooperative Institute (Branch) of the Central Union of Consumer Societies of the Russian Federation of the Russian University of Cooperation, PhD (Law), Associate Professor
Published: April 2024

The main aspects of the influence of local governments represented by district zemstvo assemblies on the organization and functioning of world justice in the post-reform Russian province are considered. Attention is focused on the commonality of the principles of building a system of local self-government and world courts, as well as on the problems that the zemstvo faced in the formation of the world judiciary, in particular, restrictions on the property qualification, difficulties in implementing the provisions of the law on unanimous election, a narrow circle of candidates, the impact of social contradictions, financial opportunities. At the same time, it is recognized that the zemstvo institutions as a whole successfully coped with the responsible task entrusted to them and formed a world court worthy of respect and trust.
The N.E. Chizhov’s Contribution to the Development of Legal Education in Russia (on the Scientist’s 170th Anniversary)
Authors:   Postgraduate Student of the Department of Theory and History of State and Law of the Belgorod University of Cooperation, Economics and Law, Chibisov Ilya S.
Published: April 2024

2023 marks the 170th anniversary of the birth of Nikolai Efimovich Chizhov (1853–1910), Doctor of State Law, Honored Professor of the Department of Encyclopedia and Philosophy of Law of Novorossiysk Imperial University, state Councilor and public figure. The article examines the main milestones of the scientist’s professional life, focuses on the contribution of N.E. Chizhov to the development of Russian legal education, which was in demand at the end of the XIX and the beginning of the XX century in connection with the development of the judicial system, the formation of law enforcement agencies, as well as representative (legislative) state authorities. The author of the article comes to the conclusion about the value of N.E. Chizhov’s views for modern legal education, striving for constant improvement of the quality of education and the effectiveness of legal education.
Political Evil: Discovery of Modernity
Authors:   Head, Department of History of State and Law of the Kutafin Moscow State Law University (MSAL), Distinguished Lawyer of the Russian Federation, Doctor of Science (Law), Professor, Isaev Igor A.
Published: April 2024

Considering evil against the backdrop of the dichotomy of normative-and-evaluative categories in the political space in various historical periods, the author of the article gradually brings us closer to the modern scientific interpretation of political evil.
Understanding Qibla Orientation through the 'Nagara' Artificial Compass: A Falak Legal Perspective
Authors: Mahmud Hamdan , Bahran Bahran , Ipansyah Nor , Faridah Siti , Ruslan Ruslan
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Facing or directing towards Qibla, which is one of the essential conditions for the validity of prayer, is sometimes challenging and tends to rely on existing directions or estimations. Among the various Qibla direction indicators circulating in society, especially in South Kalimantan, the Nagara-made compass was found (from one of the Districts in South Hulu Sungai Regency), which later became known as the Nagara compass. The research method used by the author is qualitative research, which produces descriptive data. The type of research is field research, conducted by gathering data by observing the object to be studied, with the researcher as the subject (actor) of the research. The reason for using this type of research is to obtain data in line with the location's data and to avoid invalid data regarding the Nagara compass. The data obtained are collected through observation techniques and data analysis through the science of falak. This study proves that the results of the Qibla direction indication by the Nagara compass cannot be considered scientifically accurate and cannot be justified scientifically; it can only be used as a mere aid for estimating the Qibla direction.Keywords: Qibla, Compass, magnetic correction. Abstrak:Ketentuan menghadap atau mengarah ke Qiblat yang merupakan salah satu syarat sahnya shalat, terkadang merupakan hal yang sulit untuk dilakukan, dan cenderung memanfaatkan arah yang sudah ada atau dengan taksiran saja. Diantara sekian banyak alat penunjuk arah Qiblat yang beredar di masyarakat, khususnya di Kalimantan Selatan, ditemukan kompas buatan Nagara  (salah satu Kecamatan di Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Selatan), kompas ini kemudian lebih dikenal dengan kompas Nagara. Metode penelitian yang dilakukan penulis merupakan metode penelitian kualitatif yang menghasilkan data deskriptif. Untuk jenis penelitian yaitu penelitian lapangan. Dengan cara mencari data dengan melihat obyek yang akan diteliti. Dimana peneliti sebagai subyek (pelaku) penelitian. Alasan peneliti menggunakan jenis penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan data sesuai dengan data lokasi, serta untuk menghindari data yang tidak valid terhadap kompas Nagara. Data yang diperoleh menggunakan teknik observasi dan telaah data melalui ilmu falak. Penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa hasil penunjukkan arah Qiblat kompas Nagara secara ilmiah belum dapat dikatakan akurat dan malah belum dapat dipertanggungjawabkan keilmiahannya, dan hanya dapat dijadikan sebagai alat bantu semata, untuk mengira-ngira “arah” Qiblat.Kata Kunci : Qiblat, Kompas, koreksi magnet,
Implications of Annulment of Marriage on the Distribution of Joint Assets according to the Compilation of Islamic Law and National Law
Authors: Nurunnisa Nurunnisa , Erliyani Rahmida , Hermawan Gilang Fitri , Abdelhadi Yehia Mohamed Mostafa
Published: April 2024

Marriage, marriage dissolution due to marriage annulment and joint property which must be divided because of marriage annulment is one of the things that must strictly regulated by the state, but in Indonesia is still not regulated concretely, giving rise to a legal vacuum. So, this research aims to find out how the legal arrangements regarding the settlement of the division of joint assets after the cancellation of marriage and to find out how the implications of the cancellation of marriage on joint assets according to the Compilation of Islamic Law and National Law. The results are that first, the Compilation of Islamic Law and National Law cannot become the norm governing the distribution of joint assets if a marriage annulled. Second, there are no legal consequences for shared assets after the annulment of the marriage, but the ownership rights to the assets that have been mixed must be divided fairly between the parties. So that there must be codified arrangements so that there is no legal vacuum which can lead to multiple interpretations and in conducting marriages it would be better to make a marriage agreement to separate assets.
Harmonizing Conflicts: Integrating Ilmu Mukhtalif Al-Hadits and Adat Badamai Approaches For Conflict Resolution in Indonesia
Authors: Sagir Akhmad , Monady Hanief , Hasan Muhammad , Abdul Majid Latifah , Abidin Muhammad Zainal
Published: April 2024

This article explores a harmonization approach in conflict resolution by integrating Ilmu Mukhtalif Al-Hadits and Adat Badamai within the framework of Islamic Jurisprudence. Ilmu Mukhtalif Al-Hadits, emphasizing the interpretation of conflicting hadiths, and Adat Badamai, within the context of the Banjar society, employing principles such as musyawarah and mekarajah, are considered aligned approaches in maintaining harmony and justice. The analysis demonstrates similarities in the principles of musyawarah, mekarajah, and decision-making by respected authorities in both approaches, aiming to achieve fair and harmonious agreements. This article highlights the significance of local wisdom, justice, and harmony in conflict resolution, considering consistency with Islamic teachings. In conclusion, the article proposes the integration of Ilmu Mukhtalif Al-Hadits and Adat Badamai as a method to bridge differences in conflict resolution, acknowledging the richness of local values while ensuring conformity with Islamic principles within a broader legal framework.
Analyzing the Legal Framework of Substitute Heirs in Islamic Inheritance Cases: DKI Jakarta High Religious Courts Perspective
Authors: Budiono Eko , Mukhlas Oyo Sunaryo , Mustofa Mustofa , Solehudin Ending , Ridwan Ahmad Hasan
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze the construction and legal certainty of replacement heirs in the compilation of Islamic law and its application in the religious courts of the DKI Jakarta region. This research uses a qualitative method with a normative legal approach, legislation, decision analysis, and Islamic law literature. Primary sources are obtained from the decisions of the religious courts of the DKI Jakarta high religious court region numbered: 131/pdt.p/2022/pa.jp, 339/pdt.p/2021/pa.jp, 166/pdt.p/2021/pa-jb, 3950/pdt.g/2020/pa-js, the compilation of Islamic law, and other legal materials related to inheritance. Meanwhile, secondary sources are obtained from literature searches such as books, documents, and journals that have the same relevance as this research. After the data is obtained and collected, data will be filtered and grouped according to its type, then the data is analyzed using descriptive analysis to be able to provide an overview of the existing problems. The results showed that, the legal construction of the concept of substitute heirs in the Compilation of Islamic Law in the Religious Courts in the DKI Jakarta PTA region by placing the position of substitute heirs by applying justice to the inheritance of his parents who had died before the heir. The research confirms the legal construction and rationale behind substitute heirs in Islamic inheritance law, highlighting their significance in inheritance disputes. Recognized under KHI Article 185, substitute heirs play a crucial role in ensuring fairness and equity in inheritance distribution. However, obstacles such as public awareness, evidentiary challenges, and conflicts with local customs impede the effective implementation of the substitute heir rule.
Alpha acids content in Czech hops from the 2023 harvest – forecasts, reality and trends
Authors: Krofta Karel , Mikyška Alexandr , Fritschová Gabriela , Kroupa František , Tichá Jana
Published: April 2024

The most important weather factor for the hop growing season in 2023 was the rainy period in the last decade of July and the first decade of August, which replaced the previously warm and dry weather. Heavy rainfall with a total of 60–100 mm of water and temperatures in the range of 20–25 °C saved the annual hop harvest from the yield decline that occurred in 2022. However, the above-average harvest of nearly 7000 tonnes and a yield of 1.44 t/ha was achieved at the expense of the bitter compound content of most varieties. The alpha acid content of Saaz hops was well below 3.0% w/w in all hop-growing regions, one of the lowest levels for the last 10 years. It is even lower than the extremely hot and dry year 2022 and comparable to 2015. Lower levels of alpha acids were also found in Sládek (4.8–6.7% w/w), Premiant (6.9–7.9% w/w) and Saaz Special (4.3% w/w). The varieties Agnus, Rubín and Vital contained stable amounts of alpha acids in the range of 11–13% w/w, which is about the same as in previous years. The total production of alpha acids in Czech hops from the 2023 harvest was 253 tons, which is average in a longerterm comparison. Saaz hops accounted for only 55% of the total production, although they are grown on 83.3% of the harvest area.
Peer-Led Focus Groups Identify Barriers to Healthy Lifestyle in African American Adolescents from Baltimore City
Authors: Warren Kimberly R. , Parker Elizabeth A. , Ganjavi Maryam , Watkins-Lewis Karen , Clark Sarah , Randolph Cunningham Suzanne , Hancock Yolandra
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Black youth are disproportionately affected by the US obesity epidemic. Early-age obesity often continues into adulthood and is associated with a higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Few studies have incorporated community-based participatory research (CBPR) facilitated by youth to provide frank discussions among teens living in inner cities about challenges and facilitators in maintaining a healthy weight and to design teen-identified interventions.

Design

Black youth (n=10) were recruited from a Baltimore City high school during the 2019 to 2020 academic year and were trained by seasoned investigators and mentored by graduate and undergraduate students on qualitative methods using CBPR. These youth then implemented focus groups with their peers aged 15 to 18 years (10 focus groups of 10 teens each). Topics included healthy lifestyle knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, and suggested interventions. Content analyses were conducted using dual-rater techniques.

Results

Focus group themes yielded strengths and challenges of weight maintenance for Black youth at various levels, including in their personal lives, families, school, and community. Themes also suggested several technology-based possibilities using social media to reach Black youth about healthy living practices.

Conclusions

Engagement of Black youth in CBPR projects can yield valuable data to design more culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate interventions. Youth are competent collectors of information to identify needed changes in their schools/communities and about the use of technology/social media to facilitate improved health practices among their peers and should be involved early in the process of developing targeted obesity prevention interventions and/or programs.
Family Health Equity in Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Authors: Ellis Katrina R. , Young Tiffany L. , Langford Aisha T.
Published: April 2024

Introduction/Purpose

Efforts to improve chronic disease outcomes among US adults highlight families, particularly support from families, as a key aspect of disease prevention and management. To date, however, an overwhelming focus on individual-level outcomes and unidirectional support (eg, from a family caregiver to an identified care recipient) belies the existence of co-occurring health concerns and interdependent care. There are increasing calls for more sophisticated and intensive family health interventions that better integrate family-level factors, processes, and outcomes to provide comprehensive family support services in health care and community-based settings.

Methods

This commentary provides key considerations for advancing this work while centering family health equity and families themselves in health initiatives.

Results

Several critical barriers are identified and discussed. For example, a narrow focus on family and inadequate measures of family-level disease burden make it challenging to understand how the disproportionate burden of chronic disease observed among individuals of lower socioeconomic status and certain racial and ethnic groups compounds and complicates family health experiences. In addition, limited attention to the interaction between individuals, families, and broader sociocultural factors that influence family resources and constraints, such as racism, hamper program design, implementation, and evaluation.

Conclusion

To center families in efforts to reduce chronic disease disparities, it is necessary to move beyond superficial attention to the complexity of disease prevention and management within the family context. This commentary serves to enhance understanding of important drivers of family-level chronic disease outcomes, while providing important considerations for advancing research and practice.
Economic heavy minerals in the stream sediments of wadi Shaàb, southern coast of the Red Sea, Egypt; characterization and upgrading for investigation of their potential recovery
Authors: Fawzy Mona , Bayoumi Mustafa , Shahin Hassan , Emad Bahaa , El Shafey Abdel Hay , Abdel-azeem Marwa , Ismail Ahmed , El-moghazy Asmaa , Diab Mohamed
Published: April 2024

The southern coast of the Red Sea is one of the most promising areas for the occurrence of economic minerals. Therefore, studying the characterization and evaluation of these minerals in the Wadi Shaàb Quaternary sediments and investigating their ability to concentrate and physically separate using economical and ecofriendly techniques is the main goal of this work. The results showed that the representative sample contains an average of 0.06% ilmenite, 0.08% zircon, 0.07% rutile, 0.07% leucoxene, 0.008% cassiterite, 0.004% xenotime, 0.0004% monazite, 0.022% almandine garnet, and 0.46% magnetite. The recovery of economic heavy minerals was applied using a combination of wet-gravity technique via shaking table and magnetic separation using high intensity magnetic separator. The results demonstrated the success of gravity separation in raising the grade from 7.63% to 45.03% in a yield of 13.74% out of the original sample, and also valuable metallurgical recoveries that greater than 89% for tabling multi-stages (rougher and scavenging) was obtained. Concentrated mineral fractions of magnetite, ilmenite, almandine, heavy silicates, and the non-magnetic fraction bearing zircon and rutile were obtained using a high intensity magnetic separator at different ampere range
Post-halite gypsum pseudomorphs with evidence of challenging climatic conditions and diagenetic replacement: a study from the southwest of Kağızman Basin (Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye)
Authors: Güngör Yeşilova Pelin
Published: April 2024

The study area is about the evaporitic-dominated Middle Miocene sequence situated in the southwest of the Kağızman Basin in Eastern Anatolia. The aim of this study is to investigate the formation conditions and diagenetic development of pseudomorph gypsum formed after halite. Pseudomorph gypsum formations are intriguing geological features found in terrestrial deposits. These formations are replaced by primary halite crystals during the very early phases of diagenesis, giving the appearance of halite crystals but being composed of gypsum. The development of these pseudomorphs is indicative of specific paleoenvironmental conditions. The fact that these gypsum pseudomorphs are found in shallow depths of the lake and are well-preserved, smooth-surfaced, and varying in size suggests that they were the result of intense evaporation and rapid fluctuations in the water and pH level. This evaporation likely led to a decrease in the lake level and changes in the concentration of saltwater over time. The correlation coefficient relationships and element concentration values of these gypsums show that these elements are both continental in origin and subject to microbial influence. These pseudomorph gypsum and the clastic materials (transported by fluvial activity) that were interbedded gave important insights into the hot, long-drought, and low-humidity climate of the era and adapted to the Middle Miocene global warming conditions.
Temáticas e abordagens dos editoriais jornalísticos brasileiros no contexto da desinformação
Authors: Rodrigues Cristiano Magrini , Pozobon Rejane de Oliveira
Published: April 2024

O artigo apresenta as temáticas e abordagens dos editoriais jornalísticos de três impressos de circulação nacional no Brasil (Folha de S.Paulo, O Estado de S. Paulo e O Globo) quanto à forma que abordaram a desinformação em seus textos. O recorte compreende todos os editoriais com alguma menção à desinformação ou fake news publicados entre janeiro de 2019 e dezembro de 2022, período de mandato de Jair Bolsonaro na presidência. A teorização considera as desordens de informação no contexto de pós-modernidade, isto é, período em que toda e qualquer verdade é questionada. Os editoriais são analisados sob a ótica da Análise Discursiva Argumentativa e da Linguística de Corpus. Juntas, elas possibilitam uma análise do discurso tradicional e a expansão das suas inferências a um conjunto volumoso de textos. O estudo revela que a temática da desinformação nos editoriais é vinculada principalmente à política. Quanto ao conteúdo, são defendidos os valores jornalísticos e constitucionais e o jornalismo é reforçado como pilar da democracia. Sobre a organização política nacional, a temática da desinformação reforça a necessidade de um regramento das redes sociais e destaca o uso da desinformação como estratégia política bolsonarista.
Duygusal Zekânın Kariyer Başarısına Etkisinde Çalışan Dayanıklılığının Rolü: Lojistik Sektöründe Bir Alan Araştırması
Authors: ÇİÇEKLİOĞLU Hüseyin
Published: April 2024

Kariyer belirsizlikleri, kariyer çabaları ve örgütlerin sahip olduğu kıt kaynakların dağıtımı noktasında rekabetin artması gibi günümüz endüstriyel çalışma koşullarında karşılaşılan zorluklar göz önüne alındığında, çalışanlar bu belirsiz ve stresli olayları yönetebilmek adına duygusal, sosyal ve bilişsel yeteneklere ihtiyaç duymaktadırlar. Söz konusu ihtiyaç doğrultusunda, bu çalışmada duygusal zekânın kariyer başarısı üzerindeki etkisinde çalışan dayanıklılığının aracı rolü incelenmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında Mersin limanı ile entegre bir şekilde faaliyet gösteren lojistik sektörü firmalarında çalışan 182 bireyden anket tekniği kullanılarak veri toplanmış, elde edilen verilerin analizinde yapısal eşitlik modellemesi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma bulguları, duygusal zekânın kariyer başarısını ve çalışan dayanıklılığını doğrudan etkilediğini ortaya koymuştur. Bununla birlikte, çalışan dayanıklılığı tüm duygusal zekâ boyutları ve kariyer başarısı arasında kısmı bir aracı olarak tanımlanmıştır.
Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Among Residents and Employees in a Veterans Affairs Community Living Center: A 42-Month Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jinadatha Chetan , Jones Lucas , Hailes Jennifer , Marshall Emma , Hwang Munok , Cadnum Jennifer , Choi Hosoon , Chatterjee Piyali , Chan Ernest , Zimmerman Peter , El Chakhtoura Nadim , Saade Elie , Donskey Curtis
Published: April 2024

Background: Understanding routes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in long-term care facilities is essential for the development of effective control measures. 
Methods: Between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2023, we identified coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases among residents and employees in a Veterans Affairs community living center that conducted routine screening for asymptomatic COVID-19. Contact tracing was conducted to identify suspected transmission events, and whole genome sequencing was performed to determine the relatedness of SARS-CoV-2 samples. 
Results: During the 42-month study period, 269 cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, including 199 employees and 70 residents. A total of 48 (24.1%) employees and 30 (42.9%) residents were asymptomatic. Sequencing analysis provided support for multiple events in which employees transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to co-workers and residents. There was 1 episode of likely transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from one resident to another resident, but no documented transmissions from residents to employees. 
Conclusions: Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the community living center predominantly involved transmission from employees to co-workers and residents. There is a need for improved measures to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by healthcare personnel.
The Effect of Different Seeding and Fertilizer Rates on Agronomic Traits, Yield and Yield Components of Two Fodder Oat(Avena Sativa) Varieties in Highlands of North Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Amare Zinash , Tamiru Metekia , Alemu Tesfaye Aredo , Dinkale Tamrat
Published: April 2024

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed and fertilizer rates on biomass yield and other agronomic treats of two oat varieties (Bona-bas and Bate) at the Kuyu sub-site of Fitche Agricultural Research Center in 2022. Four levels of Nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 23, 46, and 69 kg ha-1) and three levels of seed rates (60, 80, and 100 kg ha-1) with two oat varieties (Bona-bas and Bate) were using randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. Soil samples before and after were collected and analyzed. The analysis of soil samples before planting indicated that the soil pH was strongly acidic (5.16) and after harvest, it raised to a strongly acidic level (5.29). The interaction effect of varieties, seed rates, and fertilizer rates showed highly significant (p<0.001) variation on the number of tillers per plant, leaf area per plant, leaf-to-stem ratio, fresh biomass yield, dry matter yield, days to maturity, and seed yield. The treatment combination of Bona-bas: FR46:SR100 has produced the highest dry matter yield (5.1 t/ha), followed by Bona-bas: FR46:SR60 and Bona-bas: FR69:SR80 which produced the same value of 4.9 t/ha dry matter yield. This study recommends that for the better agronomic performance of oat varieties, 46 kgha-1 N of fertilizer with 60 kgha-1 of seed rate is preferable to use by farmers in the study area and other areas having similar agroecologies and soil types. In addition, it is essential to conduct the year-over location to confirm the present findings and the result needs to be supported with animal evaluation trials.
Estimating Wastewater Dilution Using Chemical Markers and Incomplete Flow Measurements: Application to Normalisation of SARS-CoV-2 Measurements
Authors: Jones Owen D. , Baldwin Amy J. , Perry William B. , Wilde Henry , Durance Isabelle , Jones Davey L. , Weightman Andrew
Published: April 2024

We construct a Bayesian estimator for the dilution of a wastewater sample. When wastewater is diluted by rainwater an estimate of the level of dilution is required if we are to normalise sample measurements of disease markers such as SARS-CoV-2 RNA. We consider the situation where flow measurements are available, but will regularly be unreliable because of the action of combined sewer outflows (CSOs) and wastewater storage tanks, which divert wastewater away from treatment plants when the flow is excessive. However, we also have proxies for the flow from various chemical markers (e.g.\ phosphate, ammonium, electrical conductivity), whose level per unit of population is fixed. The new flow estimator has multiple advantages compared to existing procedures: credible intervals for the estimates; optimal weighting of the chemical markers; systematic handling of missing and censored values; and model based smoothing without lags.
Developing a conceptual framework for characterizing and measuring social resilience in blue-green infrastructure (BGI)
Authors: Campbell Angie , Chanse Victoria , Schindler Mirjam
Published: April 2024

Many cities are increasingly adopting blue-green infrastructure (BGI) to bolster resilience against environmental challenges. Beyond its well-acknowledged environmental benefits, the role of BGI in enhancing social resilience is becoming an equally important area of focus. However, the integration of BGI to foster social resilience presents complexities, stemming from the evolving and occasionally ambiguous definition of social resilience. Considering the broad application of BGI across various disciplines makes the evaluation of social resilience within a BGI framework complex. Consequently, a structured approach to develop a clear framework tailored to understanding and measuring social resilience in a BGI setting is needed. This study consolidates various existing frameworks of social resilience, especially utilizing the detailed 5S framework proposed by Saja et al. [1]. It integrates findings from an extensive review of literature on social resilience to develop a novel conceptual framework, the BGI Social Resilience Framework. This new framework specifically aims to capture the distinct social aspects and advantages associated with BGI. The BGI Social Resilience Framework is organized into a three-tier model focusing on four critical aspects of social resilience—social values, social capital, social structure, and social equity—and explores how these aspects are interconnected. Characteristics and indicators are customized to accomodate the BGI context in a way that integrates the physical and human dimensions within a comprehensive approach to measurement that uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Specifically, this research formulates a theoretical framework for BGI with the aim of investigating BGI strategies and viewpoints that bolster social resilience. The BGI Social Resilience Framework takes into account the varied demographics and the physical characteristics of urban areas to explore ways to create BGI spaces that are more inclusive and contribute to the enhancement of social resilience.
Driving Reality vs Simulator: Data Distinctions
Authors: Piaseczna Natalia , Doniec Rafał , Sieciński Szymon , Barańska Klaudia , Jędrychowski Marek , Grzegorzek Marcin
Published: April 2024

As the automotive industry undergoes a transformative phase driven by technological advancements, the integration of driving simulators stands out as an important tool for research and development. These simulators offer a controlled environment for studying driver behavior; however, the alignment of data remains a complex aspect that warrants thorough investigation. This research investigates driver state classification using a dataset obtained from real-road and simulated conditions, recorded through JINS MEME ES_R smart glasses. The data set encompasses electrooculography signals, with a focus on standardizing and processing the data for subsequent analysis. For this purpose, we used a recurrent neural network model, which yielded 95.21% accuracy on testing dataset. The findings of this study indicate the plausible use of proposed methodology in practical scenarios, providing possibility for developments in intelligent transportation systems and driver monitoring technology.