bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 and older adults discrimination: Truth or false?
Authors: Štrbac Katarina , Janković Svetlana , Milojević Nataša
Published: July 2023

Discrimination against older adults is a reality in the Republic of Serbia and other countries on the European continent. Attitudes in developed societies are full of prejudices, and older people are victims of discrimination, especially women who are double discriminated against based on age and gender. State institutions often consider older adults a burden rather than an integral segment of the population that must be provided with adequate support. In patriarchal societies such as the one in Serbia, older adults rarely have the opportunity to express themselves on critical life issues, nor do they have the chance to make decisions. The healthcare system in the Republic of Serbia adapted relatively well to the public health crisis caused by the appearance of the unknown virus COVID-19. However, based on the experience during the pandemic, older people were still significantly more vulnerable than the rest. The already difficult situation of older adults has been further aggravated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults' lives are undervalued, and the attitude towards them worsens in the family, society, and access to healthcare facilities and other services of interest to their survival. This paper's topic is analysing the condition of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Integrated nutrient management in barley (Hordeum vulgare) under central plateau and hills agroecological region
Authors: M.L. JAT  , P.C. CHAPLOT  , B.C. DHAYAL  , S.N. MEENA  , REEMA
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2017–18 and 2018–19 at the Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan, to find out best integrated nutrient management strategy in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The correlation and regression were studied between yield attributes and yield as influenced by these treatments. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (factorial), comprising combinations of 6 fertility levels [75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), (45 kg N and 22.5 kg P2 O5 ) 100% RDF (60 kg N and 30 kg P2 O5 ); 125% RDF (75 kg N and 37.5 P2 O5 ); 75% RDF + farmyard manure (FYM) 5 t/ha; 100% RDF + FYM 5 t/ha; and 125% RDF + FYM 5 t/ha, and 4 liquid bioinoculants, viz. Azotobacter, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Azotobactor + PSB and Azotobactor + Azospirillum + phosphates solubilizer + PGPR (plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria) at the rate 5 ml/kg seed. The results indicated that, application of 125% RDF in conjunction with FYM 5 t/ha had significant effect on yield attributes, viz. effective tillers (45.36), ear length (9.37 cm), ear weight (3.22g), grains/ear (54.49), grain weight/ear (2.70 g), straw weight/ear (0.52 g), filled spikelet/ear (54.47), least number of unfilled spikelet/ear (3.24) and test weight (49.92 g), and grain (5.20 t/ha), straw (7.79 t/ha) and biological yield (12.99 t/ha) which was at par with 100% RDF + FYM 5 t/ha. However, both these fertility levels significantly increased the grain weight/ear over application of 75% RDF + FYM 5 t/ha, 125% RDF, 100% RDF and 75% RDF during both the years. The barley crop under the influence of conjoint inoculation with liquid bio-fertilizers, consisting combination of Azotobacter + Azospirillum + phosphates solubilizer + plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) recorded significantly higher yield attributes, grain (5.12 t/ha), straw (7.57 t/ha) and biological yields (12.69 t/ha) and was found at par with inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB inoculation. The results showed positive interrelationship between grain yield and yield components, viz. effective tillers, ear length, test weight, grain/ear and grain weight/ear, clearly indicate that grain yield is dependent on several component which are interrelated with each other.
Effect of integrated rainwater-management practices on soil properties and productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in arid and semi-arid regions of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: A. MALLISWARA REDDY  , A. PRATAP KUMAR REDDY  , B. RAVINDRANATHA REDDY  , M.V.S. NAIDU  , P. SUDHAKAR  , B. SAHADEVA REDDY
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season (kharif) of 2017 and 2018 at Agricultural Research Station of the Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, to study the effect of integrated rainwater-management practices on soil properties and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) productivity. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 9 rainwater-management practices with 3 replications. Results indicated that, application of shales @ 300 t/ha as surface mulch combined with 2 supplemental irrigations of 10 mm each when dryspell of 10 days occurs after 50% flowering treatment (T7 ) increased the porosity, water holding capacity, infiltration rate by 17.8, 41.2 and 24.6%, respectively, and bulk density was reduced by 5.0% compared to dryland groundnut (T1 ). Similarly, the same treatment (T7 ) enhanced the groundnut pod yield by 39.68% compared to the control (T1). Thus, application of shales @ 300 t/ha as surface mulch combined with 2 supplemental irrigations of 10 mm each when dryspell of 10 days occurs after 50% flowering proved the best integrated rainwater-management practice to improve soil properties and increase the productivity of groundnut under arid and semi-arid regions of Andhra Pradesh.
Effect of nano-urea and herbicides on yield and yield attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: AYAN SARKAR  , TEEKAM SINGH  , ABHIJEET MONDAL  , SARVENDRA KUMAR  , TAPAS KUMAR DAS  , RAMANJIT KAUR  , RISHI RAJ  , PRAVEEN KUMAR UPADHYAY  , SUSHEEL SARKAR
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to investigate the effect of nano-urea and herbicides on yield and yield-attributing characters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was tested in a split-plot design with 4-nano-urea based treatments, viz. control (no nitrogen), recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) 120 kg N/ha, 50% RDN + 2 sprays of nano-urea, at 40 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) and 75% RDN + 1 spray of nano-urea (at 60 DAS) in main plots and 4 herbicides based weed management options, viz. sulfosulfuron 75% + metsulfuron methyl 5% WG (ready mix) @ 40 g a.i./ ha at 30 DAS; tank-mix of clodinafop propargyl and carfentrazone-ethyl (60 and 20 g a.i./ha) at 30 DAS; weed-free check and unweeded check, in subplots and replicated thrice. Results revealed that, yield attributes were significantly higher with 100% RDN. This treatment also resulted in 40 and 18% more grain yield with 100% RDN (5.21 t/ha) over 50% RDN + 2 sprays of nano-urea (3.7 t/ha) and 75% RDN + 1 spray of nano-urea (4.4 t/ha) respectively. Among the weed-management options, weed-free check was superior in yield and yield attributes followed by tank mixed carfentrazone ethyl + clodinafop propargyl (60 and 20g a.i./ha) at 30 DAS. However, tank mixed carfentrazone ethyl + clodinafop propargyl was significant superior to the ready-mixed metsulfuron methyl + sulfosulfuron in terms of number of ear-bearing tillers/m2 and number of grains/spike which resulted in significantly higher grain yield. Thus, 100% RDN (120 kg N/ha) along with tank-mixed carfentrazone ethyl + clodinafop propargyl (60 and 20 g a.i./ha) at 30 DAS are the more productive options for wheat-growing farmers keeping view of the uprising labour cost in manual weeding.
Karakter pintu masuk sarang kelulut (Apidae: Meliponinae) di Kawasan Konservasi Resort Belaban Taman Nasional Bukit Baka Bukit Raya Kalimantan Barat
Authors: Rivaldy Marsianus Marthin , Kustiati Kustiati , Rousdy Diah Wulandari , Priyandono Hendro
Published: July 2023

Informasi karakter pintu masuk sarang kelulut (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponinae) sebagai penciri identifikasi spesies kelulut belum pernah dilakukan lebih mendalam. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui karakter penciri morfologi pintu masuk sarang yang membedakan antar spesies kelulut yang ditemukan di kawasan konservasi Resort Belaban, Taman Nasional Bukit Baka Bukit Raya. Penelitian dilakukan pada tanggal 16–26 Maret 2022. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode jelajah dengan mengikuti arah jalur interpretasi Resort Belaban. Analisis data dilakukan dengan software PAST 4.03. Berdasarkan sampling dan identifikasi spesies, ditemukan 32 pintu masuk sarang dari 7 spesies kelulut, yaitu Homotrigona fimbriata (Smith), Pariotrigona pendleburyi (Schwarz), Tetragonilla collina (Smith), Tetragonula iridipennis Smith, T. melanocephala (Gribodo), T. melina (Gribodo), dan Tetrigona apicalis (Smith). Hasil PCA menunjukkan bahwa karakter morfometrik dan meristik paling menonjol dalam PC 1 (eigenvalue = 4,89; % variance = 44,51%) yang dapat digunakan sebagai penciri masing-masing pintu masuk sarang kelulut adalah luas bukaan rongga pintu masuk (0,66), variasi warna (0,78), paparan sinar matahari (0,85), dan variasi bentuk corong pintu masuk (0,57). Penelitian ini menunjukkan terdapat variasi karakter meristik dan morfometrik dari pintu masuk sarang kelulut. Meski demikian, identifikasi suatu spesies kelulut berdasarkan karakter pintu masuk sarang belum dapat digunakan secara valid sehingga hanya sebagai perkiraan sementara.
Review: Mark LeVine, We’ll Play till We Die: Journeys across a Decade of Revolutionary Music in the Muslim World, Oakland 2022: University of California Press, pp. 310.
Authors:   Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures, Polish Academy of Sciences, Moch Michał
Published: July 2023

The book, combining the form of an academic work with a musical travelogue, is a continuation of Heavy Metal Islam: Rock, Resistance, and the Struggle for the Soul of Islam, which was published in 2008, two years before the main wave of political transformation in the Arab countries started. LeVine’s volume is just the newest and one of the most interesting examples of the growing body of texts analysing the central importance of popular music in Arabic popular culture and its influence on the wider sociopolitical context of the region. LeVine makes use of his rich experience as a researcher, traveller and musician, also with experiences of playing or recording with some of the musicians mentioned in the book.
Washback and CLT
Authors:   Monash University, Melbourne, Australia., Barnes Melissa
Published: July 2023

Realizing the social consequences involved in language testing, many researchers have attempted to investigate ‘washback’, or the influence of testing on teaching and learning. While it is widely acknowledged that the nature of washback is dependent on context (Burrows, 2004; Shih, 2010; Shohamy, Donitsa-Schmidt, & Ferman, 1996), the very definition of washback is problematic due to its reliance on what constitutes ‘good’ teaching and learning practices which can differ from one educational context to another. To determine whether a test has had a positive washback effect on teaching and learning, one must identify the characteristics that constitute positive washback, which is likely to espouse a preferred teaching paradigm. This article argues that the majority of washback studies to date suggest that positive and negative washback are defined by the presence or absence of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). The findings from an empirical investigation into the washback of the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) in a Vietnamese context raises the need to rethink how washback is defined.
Further Results on Radio Number of Wedge sum of Graphs
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Govt. College University, Lahore, Pakistan, Naseem Asim , Shabbir Khurram ,   Department of Mathematics, Govt. College University, Lahore, Pakistan, Ramzan M. ,   Department of Mathematics, Govt. College University, Lahore, Pakistan
Published: July 2023

Let G be a simple connected graph with vertex set V and diameter d . An injective function c : V → { 1 , 2 , 3 , … } is called a radio labeling of G if | c ( x ) c ( y ) | + d ( x , y ) ≥ d + 1 for all distinct x , y ∈ V , where d ( x , y ) is the distance between vertices x and y . The largest number in the range of c is called the span of the labeling c . The radio number of G is the minimum span taken over all radio labelings of G . For a fixed vertex z of G , the sequence ( l 1 , l 2 , … , l r ) is called the level tuple of G , where l i is the number of vertices whose distance from z is i . Let J k ( l 1 , l 2 , … , l r ) be the wedge sum (i.e. one vertex union) of k ≥ 2 graphs having same level tuple ( l 1 , l 2 , … , l r ) . Let J ( l 1 l ′ 1 , l 2 l ′ 2 , … , l r l ′ r ) be the wedge sum of two graphs of same order, having level tuples ( l 1 , l 2 , … , l r ) and ( l ′ 1 , l ′ 2 , … , l ′ r ) . In this paper, we compute the radio number for some sub-families of J k ( l 1 , l 2 , … , l r ) and J ( l 1 l ′ 1 , l 2 l ′ 2 , … , l r l ′ r ) .
Mother's Knowledge and Attitudes About Diarrhea Management in Children
Authors: Sasarari Zusana A , Yuriatson Yuriatson , Arda Darmi , Musrah Andi Suyatni , Wahyuni Ria
Published: July 2023

Diarrhoea is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, including in Indonesia. The magnitude of the problem can be seen from the high rate of pain and death due to diarrhea. The study aims to determine mothers' knowledge and attitudes about treating diarrhea in children. Experimental quantitative research with a descriptive approach. The results showed that the level of knowledge was less than 25 people (62.5%), and the negative attitude category was 29 people (72.5%). It can be concluded that they suffer from diarrhea, while parents with good knowledge regarding managing diarrhea tend to have their children not suffer from diarrhea. Recommendations are expected to provide information for local health offices and puskesmas in overcoming diarrhea problems; this is valuable information to carry out programs to improve public health, especially diseases in children.
Financial Management Concepts: A Review
Authors: Sukenti Siti
Published: July 2023

Effective and functional financial management can be found in financial management. Financial management is a financial management process that organises financial activities from planning, implementation and control to financial accountability. However, when it comes to educational institutions, the impact is quite significant. This research aims to find out the definition, principles and concepts of return assessment in financial management. This research is literature research, and the data used is secondary data from various literatures.  Qualitative descriptive method is used to assess the data obtained. Based on the description of the findings, financial management can be interpreted as business activities related to the acquisition, use and management of company funds to achieve the company's main objectives. Good financial management is certainly needed. The need for financial management can be concluded as the need to identify the objectives that must be met, the right choice is the one that advances the company's goals; usually, the purpose of financial management choices is to maximise the company.
El testimonio del gudari, agente de memoria
Authors: Martínez Rueda Fernando
Published: July 2023

Este artículo analiza los testimonios sobre la guerra civil publicados durante el franquismo por antiguos gudaris (excombatientes nacionalistas vascos). El corpus del análisis está compuesto por las obras autobiográficas de Luis Ruiz de Aguirre (1956), Agapito de Urarte (1956 y 1964), Joseba Elosegi (1971) y Ramón Galarza (1974), todos ellos jóvenes voluntarios nacionalistas durante la guerra civil que alcanzaron puestos de cierta responsabilidad en el Ejército Vasco. El artículo tiene un doble objetivo. En primer lugar, indaga en la naturaleza del testimonio del gudari: las motivaciones del testigo para difundir su experiencia, la funcionalidad del testimonio, su capacidad de perdurar a lo largo del tiempo y de transmitir memoria a las nuevas generaciones. En segundo término, examina el contenido de los testimonios con el fin de conocer cómo fue relatada la guerra civil por estos antiguos gudaris. El artículo concluye que la publicación de estos testimonios perseguía diversos objetivos políticos. Por un lado, se pretendía denunciar la cruel represión del régimen franquista. Por otro, se buscaba movilizar a la juventud vasca, presentando al gudari como ejemplo de compromiso patriótico, modelo de conducta para las nuevas generaciones. Por último, se refutaba la memoria oficial franquista y se difundía una memoria alternativa que recordaba la guerra civil como guerra patriótica por Euskadi.s
Resignificar el rostro trans: el testimonio sexo-disidente de personas ecuatorianas en España
Authors: Falconí Trávez Diego
Published: July 2023

El artículo busca analizar un testimonio de migración poco abordado por los estudios especializados: el de personas andinas sexo-disidentes originarias de Ecuador que se trasladaron a España. Para ello, se analiza el imaginario de la migración regional (andina) y nacional (ecuatoriana) en la Península para, desde una lectura anticolonial e interseccional del género, hablar de la insignificancia y la resignificación que ciertas personas han realizado a través del testimonio. Finalmente, y a modo de ejemplificación, se examinará el caso de Alex Aguirre, persona trans que reactualiza la plantilla testimonial en la España de hoy en día.
“'Cría cuervos' y te sacarán los ojos”: Fantasías femeninas de disidencia en tiempos de Franco
Authors: Ituarte Leire
Published: July 2023

Este trabajo aborda el análisis de Cría cuervos (1975) del cineasta aragonés Carlos Saura, una película fronteriza de tránsito hacia el posfranquismo rodada en un momento clave del periodo de transición a la democracia (1975-1982). Un melodrama familiar que explora las tensiones de los ideales normativos de género y las condiciones de vida de las mujeres durante el franquismo en el marco de la institución patriarcal de la familia burguesa que en el filme se articula como representación alegórica del régimen y su podredumbre moral. El estudio parte de una propuesta metodológica que recurre a la Teoría feminista del cine para desgranar la puesta en escena de los conflictos edípicos en el seno de la célula familiar, en tanto que metáfora política de la dictadura, en una dramaturgia que apela al parricidio como acto simbólico de trasgresión femenina y, en último término, como leitmotiv narrativo central de su disidencia ideológica al régimen patriarcal de Franco.
Voces apenas escuchadas, nunca creídas. Análisis de los testimonios de las reclusas en el asilo de Leganés bajo el prisma de la injusticia epistémica
Authors: Gamero Cabrera Isabel Gloria
Published: July 2023

En este artículo se van a analizar cartas de quince mujeres que estuvieron recluidas en la Casa de Dementes de Leganés durante la primera mitad del siglo XX. El análisis está enmarcado con explicaciones naturalistas y constructivistas sobre el concepto de salud mental, así como con el concepto de injusticia epistémica de Miranda Fricker. El principal objetivo del artículo es visibilizar las historias de estas mujeres y explicar los perjuicios que sufrieron, a nivel personal, político y epistémico. En la primera parte se describe la situación del asilo, en la segunda se profundiza sobre las causas del encierro de estas mujeres, en contraste con distintos marcos teóricos para entender el concepto de salud mental, en la tercera se desarrolla el concepto de justicia epistémica en conexión con estos casos y en la cuarta y conclusión se reflexiona sobre la relación entre salud mental y género y se trasladan estas ideas al presente.
“(Des)Aparecer. Sobre las inscripciones biográficas de la (propia) desaparición en sobrevivientes de los Centros Clandestinos de Detención en Argentina”
Authors: Lampasona Julieta
Published: July 2023

Las vivencias asociadas al cautiverio clandestino constituyeron instancias profundamente disruptivas, en términos de sus construcciones simbólicas e identitarias de las y los sujetos, de sus proyecciones de futuro y sus entramados de relación. Este artículo analiza las inscripciones biográficas de la experiencia de la (propia) desaparición y posterior sobrevida en los sobrevivientes de los Centros Clandestinos de Detención (CCD) emplazados en la Argentina durante el período 1975-1983, con el objeto de reflexionar en torno de las formas de persistencia de la violencia en el presente y los procesos (siempre abiertos) de recomposición subjetiva. A partir de un abordaje de tipo cualitativo sostenido, principalmente, en el análisis de las historias de vida de hombres y mujeres que atravesaron la experiencia del cautiverio y posterior liberación, se hace foco en dos dimensiones analíticas: las modalidades de persistencia de la violencia en el espacio subjetivo y los procesos de ruptura y recomposición de los espacios de acción e interacción entendidos en el largo plazo.
“La vida de los comunistas no nos pertenece. Pertenece al Partido”. Prácticas de escritura autobiográfica de guerrilleros comunistas a instancias del PCE
Authors: Bueno Aguado Mario
Published: July 2023

Durante la década de los cuarenta y principios de los cincuenta, un gran número de militantes comunistas españoles dedicaron importantes esfuerzos a narrar sus experiencias vitales a través de autobiografías que eran reclamadas por el Partido Comunista de España. La aportación de estos testimonios fue uno de los mecanismos que empleó dicho Partido para seleccionar a cuadros políticos que serían trasladados desde Francia a España para fortalecer a las Agrupaciones Guerrilleras. Igualmente, sirvió para valorar y juzgar la actuación de estos militantes en el interior, una vez acabó su lucha armada contra la dictadura. En el presente artículo se realizará una aproximación a estos escritos testimoniales producidos en el contexto de resistencia armada al franquismo, atendiendo a sus condiciones de producción y recepción, conservación, así como a sus estrategias discursivas y a las funcionalidades que cumplieron.
Cute or creepy, that is the question of liveness: can artificial actors perform live?
Authors: Sajadieh Sahar
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the liveness of the performative acts of technologically simulated or synthesized agents in interaction with humans. It questions the ability of artificial performers to construct a sense of live presence on stage and in other daily performative scenarios and evaluates our perception of liveness in those contexts. In this critical and comparative analysis, I study the live quality of Hatsune Miku’s live musical performances – a computer-generated cyber celebrity with a three-dimensional holographic body and an artificially synthesized singing voice – and the stimulating interactions of PARO, the seal – an adorable therapeutic cuddle-robot utilized as an emotional companion in nursing homes and hospitals. Using performance and media theories, I examine the audience/users’ affective responses and engagement quality with the holographic singer and the robotic pet, directly leading to the acceptance or rejection of the claim to the liveness of these techno-actors. This research also evaluates the impact of the application of cuteness (or kawaii) in designing non-human agents versus the emergence of creepiness in interactions with their incorporeal bodies on our emotive response. The objective is to study the difference between the liveness and aliveness of non-human, non-living performing agents and the impact of evoking the sense of “cute” versus “creepy” on warping the Uncanny Valley Curve.
Structural basis of EHEP-mediated offense against phlorotannin-induced defense from brown algae to protect akuBGL activity
Authors: Sun Xiaomei , Ye Yuxin , Sakurai Naofumi , Wang Hang , Kato Koji , Yu Jian , Yuasa Keizo , Tsuji Akihiko , Yao Min
Published: July 2023

The defensive-offensive associations between algae and herbivores determine marine ecology. Brown algae utilize phlorotannin as their chemical defense against the predator
Aplysia kurodai
, which uses β-glucosidase (
aku
BGL) to digest the laminarin in algae to glucose. Moreover,
A. kurodai
employs
Eisenia
hydrolysis-enhancing protein (EHEP) as an offense to protect
aku
BGL activity from phlorotannin inhibition by precipitating phlorotannin. To underpin the molecular mechanism of this digestive-defensive-offensive system, we determined the structures of apo and tannic-acid (TNA, a phlorotannin-analog) bound form of EHEP, as well as
aku
BGL. EHEP consisted of three peritrophin-A domains formed in a triangle and bound TNA in the center without significant conformational changes. Structural comparison between EHEP and EHEP– TNA led us to find that EHEP can be resolubilized from phlorotannin-precipitation at an alkaline pH, which reflects a requirement in the digestive tract.
aku
BGL contained two GH1 domains, only one of which conserved the active site. Combining docking analysis, we propose the mechanisms by which phlorotannin inhibits
aku
BGL by occupying the substrate-binding pocket, and EHEP protects
aku
BGL against the inhibition by binding with phlorotannin to free the
aku
BGL pocket.
Spatio-temporal causal graph attention network for traffic flow prediction in intelligent transportation systems
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Shiqi , Wang Bei , Zhou Bing
Published: July 2023

Accurately predicting traffic flow on roads is crucial to address urban traffic congestion and save on travel time. However, this is a challenging task due to the strong spatial and temporal correlations of traffic data. Existing traffic flow prediction methods based on graph neural networks and recurrent neural networks often overlook the dynamic spatiotemporal dependencies between road nodes and excessively focus on the local spatiotemporal dependencies of traffic flow, thereby failing to effectively model global spatiotemporal dependencies. To overcome these challenges, this article proposes a new Spatio-temporal Causal Graph Attention Network (STCGAT). STCGAT utilizes a node embedding technique that enables the generation of spatial adjacency subgraphs on a per-time-step basis, without requiring any prior geographic information. This obviates the necessity for intricate modeling of constantly changing graph topologies. Additionally, STCGAT introduces a proficient causal temporal correlation module that encompasses node-adaptive learning, graph convolution, as well as local and global causal temporal convolution modules. This module effectively captures both local and global Spatio-temporal dependencies. The proposed STCGAT model is extensively evaluated on traffic datasets. The results show that it outperforms all baseline models consistently.
Large-sized fossil hamsters from the late Middle Pleistocene Locality 2 of Shanyangzhai, China, and discussion on the validity of Cricetinus and C. varians (Rodentia: Cricetidae)
Authors: Xie Kun , Zhang Yunxiang , Li Yongxiang
Published: July 2023

A detailed morphological description and comparative study were conducted on numerous large-sized hamster remains collected from the late Middle Pleistocene Locality 2 of Shanyangzhai (Syz 2), Hebei Province, China. The comparisons reveal that these fossils are highly similar to the extant Tscherskia triton in size and morphology, including the small degree of alternating between the main opposite cusps on M1-3, the presence of axioloph on M3, and mesolophids on m1-2 that are present but seldom reach the lingual margin of the teeth, among other features. However, minor differences between the two still exist. Consequently, all these fossils are designated as a chronosubspecies of the extant species, T. triton varians comb. nov. The skull and molar morphologies of Cricetinus varians and T. triton were meticulously compared to resolve the long-standing debate regarding the validity of Cricetinus Zdansky, 1928 and C. varians Zdansky, 1928. The findings indicate that the differences between the two are slight; as a result, C. varians can only be considered a chronosubspecies of T. triton, i.e., T. triton varians comb. nov., and Cricetinus should be recognized as a junior synonym of Tscherskia. We tentatively propose that, among the seven species once referred to Cricetinus, C. europaeus, C. gritzai, C. janossyi, and C. koufosi should be reassigned to Tscherskia, while C. beremendensis should be transferred to Allocricetus, and C. mesolophidos to Neocricetodon. Excluding Tscherskia sp. from the Late Pliocene Youhe fauna, there are no reliable Tscherskia fossils in China earlier than the Middle Pleistocene. Based on the current evidence, Tscherskia may have originated from Neocricetodon during the Early Pliocene in Europe and subsequently spread to Asia. T. triton is its sole surviving representative, which now exclusively inhabits East Asia.
Eutrophication trends in the coastal region of the Great Tokyo area based on long-term trends of Secchi depth
Authors: Akada Hideyuki , Kodama Taketoshi , Yamaguchi Tamaha
Published: July 2023

Background

The coastal ocean’s environment has changed owing to human activity, with eutrophication becoming a global concern. However, oligotrophication occurs locally and decreases fish production. Historically, the Secchi depth has been used as an index of primary productivity. We analyzed the results of over-a-half-century routine observations conducted in Sagami Bay and Tokyo Bay to verify the eutrophication/oligotrophication trend based on Secchi depth observations in a temperate coastal region near the Greater Tokyo area, which is highly affected by human activities.

Methods

Data recorded in the Kanagawa Prefecture from 1963 to 2018 were used in this study. After quality control, the observation area was divided into Tokyo Bay, the Uraga Channel (outer part of Tokyo Bay), Sagami Bay (northern part), and Sagami Nada (southern part of Sagami Bay) based on temperature and salinity at a depth of 10 m. Because the environmental parameters showed autocorrelation, time-series and correlation analyses were conducted using generalized least squares (GLS) models with a Prais-Winsten estimator.

Results

The Secchi depth was the shallowest in Tokyo Bay, followed by the Uraga Channel, Sagami Bay, and Sagami Nada, and was deep in winter (December and January), and shallow in summer (July) in all regions. The correlated analyses using the GLS model indicated that the shallowing of Secchi depth was significantly associated with decreases in temperature, salinity, and phosphate concentration. However, time-series analyses using GLS models indicated that the Secchi depth was significantly shallower, except in Tokyo Bay, where the surface temperature was significantly warming and the surface phosphate and nitrite concentrations decreased everywhere. A significant shallowing trend of the Secchi depth was mostly observed during the light-limiting season (January–March).

Discussion

Correlation analyses suggested the importance of horizontal advective transport, particularly from Tokyo Bay, which has cold and less saline eutrophic water. However, long-term shallowing of the Secchi depth was associated with warming, and changes in salinity were not significant in most months when the Secchi depth trend was significant. Thus, horizontal advection is not the primary cause of long-term eutrophication. Because the eutrophication trend was primarily observed in winter, when light is the major limiting factor of primary production, we concluded that warming provides a better photoenvironment for phytoplankton growth and induces eutrophication. As a decline in anthropogenic nutrient input after 1990s was reported in the investigated area, the long-term eutrophication trend was most likely caused due to global warming, which is another alarming impact resulting from human activities.
Exploring the Facts Regarding Colon Transit Study in Children
Authors: Namboothiri Smitha Parameswaran
Published: July 2023

Aim: Constipation is a problem faced by many children around the world. There are different ways of diagnosis and management of this condition. The key to the right diagnosis is based on the series of investigation that differs with children. The subject of interest is often the amount of time it takes for a substance to move through the colon which is known as Colon Transit Time [CTT]. Colon transit study or radio-opaque marker [ROM] study otherwise known as pellet study is one of the first choices of treatment to identify the CTT. Describing the colon transit study based on the established findings is the aim of this study.

Methods: The MeSH terms used for literature retrieval were ‘marker studies in children’, ‘pellet study in children’, ‘colon transit study in children’. The retrieval was performed based on pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science as well as official websites. The search found 31 studies published from 2002 to 2022, as being met the inclusion criteria.

Results: The existing studies have identified a systematic way of performing the colon transit studies in children in many different ways. The colon transit differs with the segment of the colon and the age group of children.

Conclusion: Although the colon transit study requires series of intervention and investigation, the exact way of performing the same depends on the policies and protocols adopted by the individual specialist health care setting.
Comparative Analysis on the Proximate Composition of Processed Cassava Products Obtained from January to March, 2023 in Lafia Town, Nigeria
Authors: Edet Idongesit V. , Akpomie Timothy M. , Augustine Abel U. , Samoh Teghtegh F. , Ekam Ekponoudim J. , Nzegbuna Dumebi D.
Published: July 2023

The extensive applicability of cassava and its derivatives in various industries in Nigeria is constantly increasing, thus the necessity to evaluate the chemical composition in order to ascertain the nutritional value of these products. This study investigated and compared the proximate composition of eight samples of processed cassava products (Niji® Foods Cassava Flour, IFGREEN® Odourless Fufu Flour, Ayoola® Fufu Flour, Aiteefills® Fufu flour, Niji® Foods Garri, Golden Penny Garri, GGEE® foods Ijebu Garri and local brand cassava starch) obtained from supermarkets and local markets in Lafia town from January to March, 2023 using standard official methods for proximate analysis. The results were analyzed by Minitab version 20.0 by one way ANOVA and pair-wise comparison was made post hoc using Tukey t-tests. The moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, crude fats and carbohydrate ranged from 4.34 – 12.70 %, 0.34 – 1.63 %, 1.30 – 10.06 %, 0.02 – 0.81 %, 4.01 – 12.53 % and 70.83 – 85.73 %. The study revealed that the results of the proximate composition in all the samples varied significantly (P ≤ .05). Crude protein and Crude fibre contents in all the samples agreed with the recommended limits by FAO/WHO and SON. The high moisture content in Aiteefills Fufu Flour may impart a shorter shelf life on the product. Findings from the study also suggested the possibility of formation of metal-ion pigment complexes in GGEE® foods Ijebu Garri, Ayoola® Fufu Flour, Niji® Foods Cassava Flour and Local Brand Cassava Starch due to high ash contents. However, all samples meet the basic nutritional requirements for crude protein, crude fibre, fats and carbohydrate contents in cassava products. The study recommended regular routine proximate composition checks on new and existing products available to consumers to further maintain high nutritional standards in processed cassava products.
Effect of Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Strawberry in Open Field Condition, and Study of Packaging Materials and Shelf Life of Strawberry after Harvesting
Authors: Ventakalakshmi Harijana , Nagavalli Poojitha , Singh Devi , Chaurasia Jitendra , Manoj Achanta
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was carried out during 2022-2023 to see the effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources on growth, yield and quality of strawberry cv. Winter dawn with 7+1 treatments with different combinations of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients (Vermicompost, FYM, and R.D.F.) replicated thrice with 3 plants per replication in Randomized Block Design. Observations were recorded for vegetative growth, fruit yield, quality. In different combinations (organic manure and inorganic manure) the treatment T5 (60% RDF+ 40% Vermicompost) recorded highest plant height, plant spread, number of leaves and flowers as compared to T0 (control). Plant treatment T5 (20% RDF+ 80% Vermicompost) registered earliest flowering and also highest number of flowers per plant. The maximum fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and yield were recorded with plants treated with T5 (60% RDF+ 40% Vermicompost) followed by T6 (40% RDF + 60% Vermicompost) at 90 DAP. Due to its lower production costs, T5's 20% RDF+ 80% Vermicompost had a higher benefit to cost ratio than T6's 40% RDF + 60% Vermicompost.
BENEFÍCIOS ECONÔMICOS E AMBIENTAIS DA IMPLANTAÇÃO DE UM SISTEMA DE PRODUÇÃO MAIS LIMPA EM OFICINA MECÂNICA
Authors: Jeranoski Rhuan Felipe , Battistelli André Aguiar
Published: July 2023

A redução da degradação ambiental, o aumento da eficiência no uso de matérias-primas, água e energia e a minimização ou reciclagem de resíduos gerados são uma grande necessidade na atualidade. Dentro desta realidade, as oficinas mecânicas se demonstram como empreendimentos com alto potencial poluidor ao meio ambiente necessitando de uma gestão ambiental eficiente e contínua que aperfeiçoe a prestação dos serviços e controle suas ações, a fim de evitar maiores danos causados ao meio ambiente. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estudar os conceitos de desenvolvimento sustentável e produção mais limpa em empresa de médio porte, utilizando como parâmetro uma oficina mecânica localizada no município de Blumenau – Santa Catarina, avaliando os benefícios econômicos e ambientais. Foram verificados dados quantitativos dos gastos com água e energia e possíveis atenuações, além de verificação qualitativa da eficiência do sistema de separação água-óleo, a qualidade da impermeabilização e cobertura de locais de risco e a logística reversa dos resíduos gerados na empresa, sendo apresentado que a redução de gastos foi um item estratégico para a implantação do sistema de produção mais limpa em médio e longo prazo, evidenciando a gestão ambiental como elemento importante para um melhor rendimento da empresa.
SANEAMENTO RURAL: PESQUISA DE OPINIÃO E PROPOSIÇÃO DE TECNOLOGIAS PARA TRATAMENTO DE ESGOTO DOMÉSTICO E ANIMAL EM UMA PROPRIEDADE RURAL
Authors: Oliveira Silva Letícia , Cândido Xavier Vinicius , Gandra Lima de Moura Alana , Soares Garcia da Silva Rodrigo , Diniz dos Santos Carla Eloísa
Published: July 2023

O Saneamento Básico no Brasil é um direito de todos, entretanto, nem toda a população tem acesso à água potável, coleta e tratamento adequado do esgoto sanitário, coleta e manejo de resíduos sólidos e infraestrutura de drenagem pluvial. No ambiente rural, a precariedade desses serviços é ainda mais evidente. Neste contexto, os sistemas descentralizados de tratamento de esgoto sanitário apresentam-se como alternativas viáveis para fomentar a melhoria do saneamento rural no Brasil. Nesse contexto, um dos objetivos deste trabalho foi realizar uma pesquisa de opinião com proprietários rurais do município de Luz – MG para mapear as condições de saneamento básico rural. Adicionalmente, foram dimensionados biodigestores e fossa séptica seguida de fossa verde para tratamento de efluentes animal e doméstico, respectivamente, de uma fazenda do município, atrelando o dimensionamento ao estudo da viabilidade energética dessas alternativas de tratamento. Na pesquisa de opinião, observou-se a necessidade de conscientização dos proprietários rurais acerca da implementação tratamento de esgoto adequado, da potabilidade da água consumida e do descarte correto dos resíduos sólidos. Para o estudo de caso da fazenda, três biodigestores (68 m³ cada) foram dimensionados para o tratamento do rejeito animal, com produção de 866,41 m³ de biogás/mês. Já para o tratamento do esgoto doméstico, dimensionou-se fossa séptica (volume útil de 1,4 m³) seguida de fossa verde (9,2 m³). Desta forma, a conscientização da população associada à apresentação de alternativas tecnológicas de saneamento é uma forma efetiva de melhorar o índice brasileiro de saneamento na área rural.
Examination of Staffing Shortages at US Nursing Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Brazier Joan F. , Geng Fangli , Meehan Amy , White Elizabeth M. , McGarry Brian E. , Shield Renee R. , Grabowski David C. , Rahman Momotazur , Santostefano Christopher , Gadbois Emily A.
Published: July 2023

Importance

Staffing shortages have been widely reported in US nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, but traditional quantitative research analyses have found mixed evidence of staffing shortfalls.

Objective

To examine whether nursing home administrator perspectives can provide context for conflicting aggregate staffing reports in US nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In a qualitative study, convergent mixed-methods analysis integrating qualitative and quantitative data sets was used. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted between July 14, 2020, and December 16, 2021. Publicly available national Payroll Based Journal data were retrieved from January 1, 2020, to September 30, 2022, on 40 US nursing homes in 8 health care markets that varied by region and nursing home use patterns. Staffing and resident measures were derived from Payroll Based Journal data and compared with national trends for 15 436 US nursing homes. Nursing home administrators were recruited for interviews. Of the 40 administrators who consented to participate, 4 were lost to follow-up.

Exposure

Four repeated, semistructured qualitative interviews with participants were conducted. Interview questions focused on the changes noted during the COVID-19 pandemic in nursing homes.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Thematic description of nursing home administrator compensatory strategies to provide context for quantitative analyses on nursing home staffing levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

A total of 156 interviews were completed with 40 nursing home administrators. Administrators reported experiencing staff shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic and using compensatory strategies, such as overtime, cross-training, staff-to-resident ratio adjustments, use of agency staff, and curtailing admissions, to maintain operations and comply with minimum staffing regulations. Payroll Based Journal data measures graphed from January 1, 2020, to September 30, 2022, supported administrator reports showing that study facilities had reductions in staff hours, increased use of agency staff, and decreased resident census. Findings were similar to national trends.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this qualitative, convergent mixed-methods study, nursing home administrators reported the major staffing strain they experienced at their facilities and the strategies they used to offset staffing shortages. Their experiences provide context to quantitative analyses on aggregate nursing home census data. The short-term compensatory measures administrators used to comply with regulations and maintain operations may be detrimental to the long-term stability of this workforce.
Anisotropic Pressure Sensors Fabricated by 3D Printing‐Aligned Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Chong Yi Ting , Wang Xizu , Cao Shuai , Cui Fangsen , Zhu Qiang , Xu Jianwei , Wang Fuke
Published: July 2023

The flexibility and controllability of 3D printing technologies have made them popular for creating integrated wearable sensors. However, producing sensors with 3D anisotropic response is still difficult with current printing materials and techniques. To address this challenge, digital light process (DLP) printing technology with blading function to fabricate 3D anisotropic pressure and strain sensors is used. By applying blading‐induced shearing force, nanoalignment of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in each layer is achieved, while the continuous liquid interface production of the DLP printing process facilitates good electrical communication between adjacent microlayers. The constructed 3D sensor displays high tensile and pressure responses up to 40 MPa and the ability to detect pressure changes in all directions. Additionally, the resistance anisotropy ratio range is adjustable. Finite‐element method (FEM) simulation shows that the relative change in resistance has an anisotropic distribution that aligns well with experimental results. The work would offer a new way to create 3D anisotropic pressure/strain sensors for advanced flexible and stretchable sensing applications.
Piezoelectric Glass‐Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer Sensor for Structural Health Monitoring and Stiffness Sensing
Authors: Yu Yaonan , Kubota Yuki , Kurita Hiroki , Narita Fumio
Published: July 2023

Strengthening and repairing infrastructure with fiber‐reinforced polymers while achieving low‐cost, real‐time monitoring of cracks in engineering structures is highly challenging. Herein, a piezoelectric glass‐fiber‐reinforced polymer (piezo‐GFRP) sensor is used to monitor the mechanical behavior of cement beams with cracks under cyclic bending. The output voltage and frequency of the sensor are shown to be effective feedback signals for determining the mechanical behavior. The thin piezo‐GFRP sensor shows sufficient piezoelectric sensitivity to monitor the slight variations in the mechanical behavior of the cement beams during the early stages of cracking. It is indicated in this result that such sensors have the potential for the multifunctional structural health monitoring of engineering structures.
An MMP‐2 Responsive Nanotheranostic Probe Enabled Synergistic Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis and MR/CT Assessment of Therapeutic Response In Situ
Authors: Chen Xuan , Dai Deshen , Ma Junping , Yu Zipei , Zhao Junkai , Yi Changqing
Published: July 2023

This study reports a facile and green synthesis of a new multifunctional nanotheranostic probe for the synergistic therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in situ assessment of therapeutic response. The probe is synthesized through a one‐step self‐assembly of two exquisitely designed peptide‐amphiphilic block copolymers (PEG‐DTIPA‐KGPLGVRK‐MTX and Pal‐GGGGHHHHD‐TCZ) under mild conditions, requiring minimal energy input. The resultant probe demonstrates excellent biocompatibility, water solubility, and colloidal stability. It exhibits a strong IL‐6R targeting ability toward inflamed joints, and releases drugs in an MMP‐2‐responsive manner. The co‐loading of methotrexate(MTX) and tocilizumab (TCZ) into the probe enables synergistic RA therapy with improved efficacy by simultaneously decreasing the activity of adenosine synthetase and interfering with the binding of IL‐6 to its receptor. In addition, the resultant probe exhibits a high r1 relaxation rate (7.00 mm−1 s−1) and X‐ray absorption capability (69.04 Hu mm−1), enabling sensitive MR and CT dual‐modal imaging for simultaneous evaluation of synovial thickness and bone erosion. Both in vitro experiments using lipopolysaccharide‐treated RAW264.7 cells and in vivo experiments using collagen‐induced arthritis mice demonstrate the probe's high effectiveness in synergistically inhibiting inflammation. This study provides new insights into RA theranostics, therapeutic monitoring, the design of multifunctional theranostic probes, and beyond.
A Combined Halogen‐ and Chalcogen‐Bonding Organocatalyst
Authors: Pal Dhananjoy , Steinke Tim , Vogel Lukas , Engelage Elric , Heinrich Sascha , Kutzinski Dana , Huber Stefan M.
Published: July 2023

Applications of both halogen and chalcogen bonding in organocatalysis are by now well established with various examples. However, the combination of both interactions within one catalyst is currently unknown. Herein, we describe the synthesis of such a mixed chalcogen‐ and halogen‐bond donor and present a first indication of its catalytic activity in a benchmark reaction.