bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women’s Experiences of Life Force Atrocities in the Baltic Ghettos, 1941–1944
Authors: Eglitis Daina S.
Published: August 2023

This article focuses on Jewish women in the Nazi ghettos of German-occupied Latvia and Lithuania. It uses testimonies and memoirs of survivors to develop a narrative about life force atrocities at these sites, highlighting ways in which being a Jewish woman shaped the experience of the ghettos, where gendered risks were ubiquitous. Being a woman in the ghettos meant being both exploited and undervalued as a source of physical labor, targeted as a potential or actual bearer of children, and violated as an object of racist and sexist ideology and rage. Life force atrocities have physical and symbolic dimensions, targeting bodies, bonds, and norms of the community. This work considers what women’s accounts tell us about the presence – or ubiquity – of life force atrocities in the Baltic ghettos. It draws on the concepts of the universe of obligation and social death to highlight key roots and consequences of these atrocities for women. In testimonies and memoirs, we encounter themes of pregnancy, forced abortion, the wrenching loss of loved ones, sexual violence, and decisions made in the desperate hope of saving oneself or another. Survivor accounts are key to revealing life force atrocities as defining features of the Nazi ghettos, and the gendered risks faced by women prisoners in Nazi-occupied Riga, Daugavpils, and Kaunas.
International Trade, Labor Flexibilization, and Wage Inequality: The Colombian Manufacturing Case
Authors: Hernández-Luna Yezid , Salazar-Pérez Camila , Herrera-Cuartas Jorge A.
Published: August 2023

This article delivers empirical evidence for the Colombian manufacturing sectors (during 1993–2012 and the subperiod 2000–2012) regarding the relationship between trade integration after the openness policy and the sector skill intensity over the skill premia, which depends on the Skill Biased Technical Change. We find that international trade reduces the positive sector skill intensity effect on wage inequality, moderately benefiting unskilled workers; however, a negative impact of the 1990 labor flexibilization on the skill premia, which increased the hiring of less expensive temporary and agency workers. Furthermore, the positive sector skill intensity impact on wage inequality is more important for trade with less developed countries than with the developed ones.
Computer technology of multisensor data fusion based on FWA–BP network
Authors: Hai Xiao
Published: August 2023

Due to the diversity and complexity of data information, traditional data fusion methods cannot effectively fuse multidimensional data, which affects the effective application of data. To achieve accurate and efficient fusion of multidimensional data, this experiment used back propagation (BP) neural network and fireworks algorithm (FWA) to establish the FWA–BP multidimensional data processing model, and a case study of PM2.5 concentration prediction was carried out by using the model. In the PM2.5 concentration prediction results, the trend between the FWA–BP prediction curve and the real curve was basically consistent, and the prediction deviation was less than 10. The average mean absolute error and root mean square error of FWA–BP network model in different samples were 3.7 and 4.3%, respectively. The correlation coefficient R value of FWA–BP network model was 0.963, which is higher than other network models. The results showed that FWA–BP network model could continuously optimize when predicting PM2.5 concentration, so as to avoid falling into local optimum prematurely. At the same time, the prediction accuracy is better with the improvement in the correlation coefficient between real and predicted value, which means, in computer technology of multisensor data fusion, this method can be applied better.
The status and childcare management of overweight and obesity among preschool children in Hangzhou
Authors: Hu Ye , Qian Xia , Chen Jinqing , Huang Dan
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschool children in Hangzhou and assess the impact of childcare management. By examining the characteristics and predicting the trends of overweight and obesity, we hope to emphasize the significance of childcare management in primary community health service centers and the use of Electronic Health-care System in kindergartens. This study also seeks to provide evidence for intervention measures and effective prevention and control management of childhood obesity.

Methods

From 2020 to 2022, kindergarten children aged 3–6 years old were selected as the research objects in kindergartens in Hangzhou. The Electronic Health-care System will be utilized to facilitate the management of childhood obesity and provide guidance and training to pediatricians and Primary Care Physicians.

Results

The overall detection rates of overweight and obesity were 7.27 % and 3.55 %, respectively, among children aged 3–6 years in Hangzhou. The rates of simple obesity in Hangzhou preschool children aged 3–6 years were 4.25 , 3.42, and 3.04 % from 2020 to 2022, respectively; the overweight detection rates of children were 8.27 , 7.28, and 6.34 %, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The detection rates of overweight and obesity in 2022 were significantly lower than those in 2020 (p<0.05). The prevalence of obesity in children increased with age. Boys had a significantly higher incidence rate of obesity than girls (p<0.05). The proportion of children with moderate and severe obesity showed a downward trend. Intervention measures for childhood obesity in primary community health service centers and kindergartens are constantly being implemented.

Conclusions

The prevalence of obesity in preschool children aged 3–6 years in Hangzhou exhibited a decreasing tendency. This research has identified that child care administration, particularly the implementation of the Electronic Health-care System, demonstrates effectiveness in handling overweight and obesity amongst children.
Deep learning empowering design for selective solar absorber
Authors: Ma Wenzhuang , Chen Wei , Li Degui , Liu Yue , Yin Juhang , Tu Chunzhi , Xia Yunlong , Shen Gefei , Zhou Peiheng , Deng Longjiang , Zhang Li
Published: August 2023

The selective broadband absorption of solar radiation plays a crucial role in applying solar energy. However, despite being a decade-old technology, the rapid and precise designs of selective absorbers spanning from the solar spectrum to the infrared region remain a significant challenge. This work develops a high-performance design paradigm that combines deep learning and multi-objective double annealing algorithms to optimize multilayer nanostructures for maximizing solar spectral absorption and minimum infrared radiation. Based on deep learning design, we experimentally fabricate the designed absorber and demonstrate its photothermal effect under sunlight. The absorber exhibits exceptional absorption in the solar spectrum (calculated/measured = 0.98/0.94) and low average emissivity in the infrared region (calculated/measured = 0.08/0.19). This absorber has the potential to result in annual energy savings of up to 1743 kW h/m2 in areas with abundant solar radiation resources. Our study opens a powerful design method to study solar-thermal energy harvesting and manipulation, which will facilitate for their broad applications in other engineering applications.
The coordination chemistry and supramolecular interactions of 2-(2′-Pyridyl)imidazole ligand: a comprehensive review with theoretical insight
Authors: Singha Debabrata , Halder Sasthi Charan , Jana Atish Dipankar , Pal Nilasish
Published: August 2023

This review explores the role of 2-(2′-Pyridyl)imidazole (PyimH) as a coordinating ligand and also its role as a supramolecular agent through hydrogen bonding and π⋯π interaction. Two N coordination sites make 2-(2′-Pyridyl)imidazole an analogous ligand to 2,2′-bipyridine. The syn orientation of imidazole and pyridine sp

2
nitrogen makes it a bidentate chelating ligand. PyimH mainly produces discrete coordination complexes (0D), but in a few cases, 1D coordination polymers are observed due to bridging co-ligands like oxalate, dicyanamide, tricyanomethanide, croconate, thiocyanate, and iso-thiocyanate. These discrete coordination units and co-ligand bridged 1D coordination polymers are further augmented to higher dimensional supramolecular systems having linear, zig-zag, ladder-shaped, ribbon-like, and helical geometry. These supramolecular structures are stabilized by intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction (N–H⋯N, N–H⋯O, O–H⋯N, O–H⋯O, and C–H⋯O) and π⋯π interaction capability of PyimH ligand. PyimH generally acts as an excellent chelating ligand for a range of metal ions and is also a capable supramolecular glueing agent due to hydrogen bonding and π-stacking ability.
Addressing the Elephant in the Middle: Implications of the Midscale Disagreement Problem Through the Lens of Body-Object Interaction Ratings
Authors: Paisios Dimitri , Huet Nathalie , Labeye Elodie
Published: August 2023

When participants disagree about their judgments on a Likert-type scale, the average rating will be naturally drawn towards its middle. The present work’s goal is to explore the implications of this midscale disagreement problem for psycholinguistic norms by using the literature on Body-Object Interaction (BOI) ratings as a case study. Through a series of graphical analyses, we argue that (i) the average rating of most midscale items cannot be interpreted as their true position on the variable’s continuum; (ii) other variables driving the disagreement in judgements can introduce an independent midscale effect in word processing performances; (iii) the typical sample sizes used by norming studies are likely insufficient to reliably detect disagreements and can lead to significant measurement error. A methodological review of the studies on BOI’s effect in word processing reveals that most of them suffer from the midscale disagreement problem, either because of inadequate word sampling or statistical modelling. Whereas these observations provide initial clues for the interpretation and use of the ratings, it remains difficult to determine the full scope of the disagreement problem based only on the summary statistics reported by rating studies. To address this point, we present new BOI ratings for a set of 1019 French words which we use to perform item-level descriptive and exploratory analyses. Overall, the results confirm that unipolar Likert-type scale ratings such as BOI capture the dimension of interest mainly at the two ends of the scale, while they represent increasing disagreement among participants as they approach the middle. These observations provide initial best-practice recommendations for the use and interpretation of subjective variables. Our analyses can additionally serve as general guidelines to interpret similar ratings and to assess the validity of previous findings in the literature based on standard summary statics.
How the General Election Supervisory Agency Resolving the Election Disputes?
Authors: Wahyuni Dina Puji , Bedi Shruti
Published: August 2023

General Election is one form of efforts to implement a democratic system in Indonesia. With this election, people can fulfill their right to freedom of expression. However, besides that, the holding of elections often creates conflicts that have an impact on election disputes. This is what hinders the process of state sovereignty from running properly. Therefore, in an effort to avoid this, a supervisory agency was formed to organize elections in Indonesia. The General Election Supervisory Agency (or as Bawaslu) is one form of effort in implementing a good electoral process. Bawaslu has the authority to oversee everything that happens when the election takes place from the start until the election results are read. From this article the author will discuss the Bawaslu Institution as well as its role in resolving election disputes in Indonesia. In addition, the author also provides an analysis of a case study, an example of election disputes that have occurred in Purwakarta Regency, West Java.
Polemic on the Legitimacy of Proof of E-Court Trial at the State Administrative Court (Harmonization of Legal Courts and Information Technology in the Covid-19 Pandemic Era)
Authors: Al Ikhsan Andrean , Wibowo Rachman Adi
Published: August 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic situation which is very dangerous and experienced by all citizens of the world limits all forms of activities in the community. This activity restriction also directly limits the direct interaction of each community. All forms of activity are restricted except regarding activities within the court itself. The courts and trials that should be held directly and open to the public have had to change due to circumstances that are not possible. This court then turned into an online court or commonly known as e-court. The court with the e-court system allows for each of those who served in the trial itself to be carried out online or online. Departing from the existing problems, researchers are interested to make it as research material this time. Looking at the effectiveness of e-court during the Covid-19 pandemic, it became the main goal in this study which was accompanied by polemics or problems that occurred a lot with the implementation of e-court. The writing method on this occasion is a literature study method which will be more emphasized on the use of reading books, related literature, and data collection. This study resulted in a new thought that the implementation of e-court can not be implemented as a whole. The enforcement of this trial or trial must still be accompanied by a non-electronic or conventional trial or trial. Electronic courts have not been fully able to certify the evidence in the trial, especially in the Administrative Court. This electronic justice is still in doubt, especially in terms of the validity that occurs in the evidence itself. This study is expected to be able to make a reference to the legislation after this to strengthen the parts in the judiciary online, especially in electronic evidence
JAM’ AL TAKSĪR DALAM AL QUR’AN JUZ 1-10 (ANALISIS MORFOSINTAKSIS).
Authors: Maghfiroh Luthfirif'atul , Elmubarok Zaim , Multazam Multazam
Published: August 2023

Jama' taksīr included the  classification of Arabic nouns in number. The jama' taksīr classification in morphogenetic studies  discuss processes of formation, cases, changes in grammatical bookmarks, and syntax functions. The research aims to describe the form of jama' taksīr in the qur 'an in juz 1-10 and explain  the jama' taksīr analysis in the juz 1-10 of qur'an reviewing morphogenetic studies. It is a descriptive  study with a qualitative approach.  The study used content analysis as a research study. The data in this study is the written data  of fragments of qur'an containing the jama' taksīr. Data collection techniques are conducted with  predetermined elemental computing techniques, their tools being the mental effects of researchers.  Research instruments are the researchers themselves aided by data cards. The study uses inductive  data analysis techniques. The research found 94 data of jama' taksīr, consisting of 33 data of qillah (minor plural), 43  data of 'kasrah (major plural). According to syntax function, there are three cases in the JAM’ AL TAKSĪR  analysed data, comprise 23 counts, 33 archivists, and 38 genetical-case data
A Cross-sectional Study of Psychosocial Problems Following Therapeutic Abortion With the Mother’s Spiritual Experiences
Authors: Alipanahpour Sedighe , Zarshenas Mahnaz , Taheri Mina , Akbarzadeh Marzieh
Published: August 2023

Objectives: Abortion can be stressful for the family and may lead to psychological problems. The question arises whether religious attitudes can be restructured into women who experience induced and spontaneous abortions. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after therapeutic abortion (Induced and spontaneous) with the mother’s spiritual experiences. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study with a sample size of 104 people was conducted in 2018-2019 in the selected hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The convenience sampling method was used in 2018. Research tools including the Mississippi PTSD Scale questionnaire were implemented for measuring stress and religious attitudes and completed immediately and a month after abortion. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using one-way ANOVA, least significant difference post hoc test, and paired t-test or Wilcoxon test. Results: Based on the results, 68.7%, 71.8%, and 72.7% of the abortion group with forensic medical letter, other causes, and spontaneous abortion had a high level of religious attitudes, respectively. In addition, 78.1%, 69.2%, and 72.7% of those who had an abortion with a forensic medical letter, underwent abortion for other causes, and experienced a spontaneous abortion had moderate PTSD immediately after abortion, respectively. Further, 62.5%, 64.1%, and 66.7% of women having an abortion with forensic medical letter, undergoing abortion for other causes, and experiencing spontaneous abortion had moderate PTSD one month after abortion, respectively. The findings revealed no significant relationship between PTSD differences immediately and a month after the abortion in the subjects (P=0.175). Conclusions: The research community had a high religious attitude while having no association with PTSD reductions. More than half of the pregnancies were unwanted, which may be due to stress levels.
Factors Affecting Postpartum Overt and Covert Urinary Retention After Vaginal Delivery
Authors: Ghanbarpour Azita , Barat Shahnaz , Amirkhanloo Fatemeh , Hajian Karimollah , Bouzari Zinatossadat
Published: August 2023

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting postpartum urinary retention (PPUR) following vaginal delivery. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study measured the post-void residual (PVR) urine volume by ultrasound, at most, 15 minutes after the first urination after delivery. Women with a PVR >150 mL without urinary symptoms were assigned to the postpartum covert urinary retention group. Data were analyzed with SPSS22. The chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used for quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. Results: In this study, 1120 patients had a normal delivery at Ayatollahs Rouhani hospital from 21 January 2016 to 20 January 2017. Of this number, 306 (29.4%) and 734 (70.6%) cases with and without urinary retention were allocated to the case and control groups, respectively. Women with instrumental delivery had 30.19 times (P=0.003) higher odds of urinary retention. Instrumental delivery is one of the known risk factors of urinary retention. The linear effect of the total length of labor was also measured, and the results revealed that every one-minute increase in the total length of labor increases the odds of covert urinary retention by 1.008 times (P<0.001). Conclusions: The findings of the study showed that various factors are involved in the incidence of urinary retention. More precisely, instrumental delivery, birth weight, gestational age, and other factors can each be a risk factor for urinary retention.
Association of Cell-Free Fetal DNA at 11-17 Weeks of Pregnancy and the Outcome of Pregnancy
Authors: Borna Sedigheh , Tarafdari Azam , Khenar Hedyeh , Zabolian Amirhossein , Ajir Ava , Mohammadi Shima , Hosseini Ali
Published: August 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association between cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) levels in the first and second trimesters and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including all women who had cffDNA measurement as a primary or secondary screening test for chromosomal abnormalities in a screening laboratory in Iran. Results: Totally, 481 out of 634 pregnant women (75.9%) did not develop any pregnancy complications. On the other hand, 55 pregnancies (8.7%) led to preterm delivery. Based on the results, 33 pregnant women (5.2%) gave birth to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) babies and 16 pregnant women (2.52%) developed preeclampsia (PE). Moreover, 15 women developed gestational diabetes. Further, 11 pregnancies resulted in abortion and 6 pregnancies led to fetal death. There was a positive association between the duration of pregnancies and the weight of the babies at birth (r=0.362, P=0.000). There was a statistically significant association between the increase in cffDNA level and trisomy (P=0.000) and the decrease in cffDNA level and the incidence of PE (P=0.019). Conclusions: The reduction of plasma cffDNA level in pregnancies led to PE and the elevation of cffDNA results in fetal trisomy. However, further studies will be required to confirm these findings.
Molecular characterization of the follicular development of BMP15-edited pigs
Authors: Jiao Yafei , Jiang Tiantuan , Lin Qiyuan , Guo Jinming , Bei Chang , Cong Peiqing , Mo Delin , Liu Xiaohong , Chen Yaosheng , He Zuyong
Published: August 2023

In brief

The regulatory role of BMP15 on porcine ovarian follicular development still remains unclear. This study reveals that biallelic editing of BMP15 impairs SMAD signaling and inhibits granulosa cell proliferation, resulting in porcine follicular development arrest and ovarian hypoplasia.

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, which is critical for facilitating ovarian folliculogenesis in mono-ovulatory mammalian species but is not essential in polyovulatory mice. Our previously established BMP15-edited pigs presented varied female reproductive phenotypes, suggesting the important role of BMP15 in ovarian folliculogenesis in polyovulatory pigs. To understand the regulatory mechanism underlying the effect of BMP15 on porcine ovarian follicular development, we molecularly characterized infertile biallelic-BMP15-edited gilts with ovarian hypoplasia. We found that an absence of BMP15 proteins in biallelic-BMP15-edited gilts can lead to premature activation of primordial follicles, possibly through the upregulation of KITLG-KIT-PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. However, this absence severely impaired SMAD (Sma and Mad proteins from Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila, respectively) signaling, causing severely reduced granulosa cell proliferation, leading to the arrest of follicular development during the preantral stage and ovarian hypoplasia, resulting in complete infertility. Our study expands the understanding of the molecular functions of BMP15 in nonrodent polyovulatory mammals.
Murine models of advanced maternal age: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dalton-O’Reilly Jessica , Heazell Alexander E P , Desforges Michelle , Greenwood Susan , Dilworth Mark
Published: August 2023

In brief

Animal models have been developed to aid understanding of the increased incidence of adverse pregnancy complications observed in women of advanced maternal age (AMA). This systematic review of murine models of AMA demonstrates consistent effects of decreased litter size and fetal weight; this supports the future use of these models to determine pathophysiological mechanisms and test therapeutic strategies to improve poor pregnancy outcomes in AMA.

Advanced maternal age (AMA; ≥35 years of age) is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. To explore causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes in AMA, and to test candidate therapies, an increasing number of murine AMA models have been developed. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to assess whether murine AMA models demonstrate a reproducible effect on pregnancy outcomes. PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched. Studies that reported on pregnancy outcomes in AMA mice and rats were included; the SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool evaluated the risk of bias. Eleven mouse and six rat studies were included. AMA mice and rats had reduced litter size (standardised mean difference (SMD): −1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.84, −1.34 for mice; SMD: −1.66, 95% (CI): −2.09, −1.23 for rats) and reduced fetal weight (SMD: −0.87, 95% CI: −1.24, −0.49 for mice; SMD: −1.05, 95% CI: −1.40, −0.69 for rats). Placental weight was increased in AMA mice (SMD: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.16, 1.08). Subgroup analysis indicated that C57Bl/6 mice had less heterogeneity than other, mostly outbred, mouse strains with regards to litter size (C57 strain I2 = 68.2% vs other strain types I2 = 85.7%). The risk of bias was high, mostly due to the lack of methodological detail and unclear reporting of findings. Murine models of AMA demonstrate similar adverse pregnancy outcomes to those observed in large human epidemiological studies. The reproducible phenotypes in AMA murine models allow the exploration of mechanisms underpinning poor pregnancy outcomes and the pursuit of therapeutic interventions.
EL INCORRUPTIBLE POLÍTICO PARCIAL. NOTAS SOBRE EL COHECHO DEL POLÍTICO
Authors: Cerina Giorgio Dario Maria
Published: August 2023

La aplicabilidad del delito de cohecho a los políticos ha suscitado dudas relacionadas tanto con el an como con el quantum. Descartado, de iure condito, que se puede desaplicar el cohecho a los políticos, se discuten algunos planteamientos doctrinales así como la respuesta jurisprudencial al problema. Así, frente a quien ha sugerido sustituir (o identificar) la imparcialidad como bien jurídico protegido con la persecución de intereses generales, se propone un entendimiento procedimental de la misma. Analizando la jurisprudencia sobre prevaricación (pre)legislativa (caso ERE) o sobre el transfuguismo retribuido, se critica cierta tendencia a estirar los preceptos del Código penal en aras a configurar un Estatuto penal del político cuya creación (jurisprudencial), sin embargo, termina resultando contradictoria. Se apuntan, finalmente, algunas directrices para una posible intervención del legislador.
On the semigroup $\boldsymbol{B}_{\omega}^{\mathscr{F}_n}$, which is generated by the family $\mathscr{F}_n$ of finite bounded intervals of $\omega$
Authors: Gutik O.V. , Popadiuk O.B.
Published: August 2023

We study the semigroup $\boldsymbol{B}_{\omega}^{\mathscr{F}_n}$, which is introduced in the paper [Visnyk Lviv Univ. Ser. Mech.-Mat. 2020, 90, 5-19 (in Ukrainian)], in the case when the ${\omega}$-closed family $\mathscr{F}_n$ generated by the set $\{0,1,\ldots,n\}$. We show that the Green relations $\mathscr{D}$ and $\mathscr{J}$ coincide in $\boldsymbol{B}_{\omega}^{\mathscr{F}_n}$, the semigroup $\boldsymbol{B}_{\omega}^{\mathscr{F}_n}$ is isomorphic to the semigroup $\mathscr{I}_\omega^{n+1}(\overrightarrow{\mathrm{conv}})$ of partial convex order isomorphisms of $(\omega,\leqslant)$ of the rank $\leqslant n+1$, and $\boldsymbol{B}_{\omega}^{\mathscr{F}_n}$ admits only Rees congruences. Also, we study shift-continuous topologies on the semigroup $\boldsymbol{B}_{\omega}^{\mathscr{F}_n}$. In particular, we prove that for any shift-continuous $T_1$-topology $\tau$ on the semigroup $\boldsymbol{B}_{\omega}^{\mathscr{F}_n}$ every non-zero element of $\boldsymbol{B}_{\omega}^{\mathscr{F}_n}$ is an isolated point of $(\boldsymbol{B}_{\omega}^{\mathscr{F}_n},\tau)$, $\boldsymbol{B}_{\omega}^{\mathscr{F}_n}$ admits the unique compact shift-continuous $T_1$-topology, and every $\omega_{\mathfrak{d}}$-compact shift-continuous $T_1$-topology is compact. We describe the closure of the semigroup $\boldsymbol{B}_{\omega}^{\mathscr{F}_n}$ in a Hausdorff semitopological semigroup and prove the criterium when a topological inverse semigroup $\boldsymbol{B}_{\omega}^{\mathscr{F}_n}$ is $H$-closed in the class of Hausdorff topological semigroups.
Depth effect of tropical heavy hardwood of kekatong species towards EC5 using Weibull’s theory
Authors: Purwanto Nasroien Bambang , Bhkari Norshariza Mohamad , Lum Wei Chen , Ahmad Zakiah , Azmi Anis , Rosli Muhammad Amirul Akmal , Aziz Nurul Faiizin Abdul , Za’ba Nurul Izzatul Lydia
Published: August 2023

The design practice has shifted from permissible stress design to limit state design using Eurocode 5 (EC5), which introduces design strength optimization. However, the adoption of EC5 in Malaysia cannot be done directly due to the absence of design strength data for Malaysian timber species. This paper presents a study that evaluates the bending strength properties, moisture content, and density of kekatong (Cynometra malaccensis) timber specimens using the Weibull theory to produce 1/k values for the local timber species. The depth impact adjustment factors for kekatong timber had a value of 0.23, which is not far from the well-established 1/k value of 0.2 for softwood and temperate hardwood with characteristic densities below 700 kg/m3 in EC5. The study shows that the bending strength of local timber is affected by its volume, and the variation of bending strength at several probabilities is in close agreement with theoretical predictions. Overall, the study provides important insights for the design of timber structures using Malaysian timber species, which can be used to improve the safety and sustainability of timber structures.
Microwave-assisted formic acid/cold caustic extraction for separation of cellulose and hemicellulose from biomass
Authors: Zhu Longxiao , Liang Kangzhe , Wang Min , Xing Tao , Chen Chunxia , Wang Quanliang
Published: August 2023

Effective separation of cellulose and hemicellulose from lignocellulosic biomass is an essential step for creating high-value products. In this study, a modified treatment process was proposed for cellulose purification via microwave-assisted formic acid catalytic hydrolysis followed by cold caustic extraction. The sugar content in the extract was determined using UV spectrophotometer and dual-wavelength visible spectrophotometry. Combined microwave-assisted formic acid (M-FA) with cold caustic extraction (CCE) treatments achieved rapid separation and removal of hemicelluloses from waste hardwood pulp fibers. The hemicelluloses content decreased from 28.6% to 2.3%, and the lignin content changed from 27.8% to 6.1%, which resulted in a maximal cellulose content of 91.5% under the optimal M-FA/CCE treatment conditions. In addition, the crystallinity index of pulp fibers increased from 54.3% to 67.1%, and the initial decomposition temperature decreased from 335.4 to 270.2 °C with the decrease of hemicellulose and lignin content. The modified process provided a sustainable and effective method for hemicellulose separation and lignin removal from cellulosic fibers.
Antiracism: An Ethical Imperative
Authors: Wolfe Ian , Moore Bryanna , Bush Lynn , Knackstedt Angela , Derrington Sabrina , Hoehn K. Sarah , Johnson Liza-Marie , Porter Sarah , Brown Amy Caruso
Published: August 2023

Pediatric ethicists hold a privileged position of influence within health care institutions. Such a position confers a corresponding responsibility to address barriers to the health and flourishing of all children. A major barrier to children’s health is racism. Pediatric ethicists can, and should, leverage their position to address racism both in institutional policy and the provision of pediatric care. Health care’s historical and continued contributions to fostering and sustaining racist values and systems mean that those within all medical fields— regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, or profession—should consider ways they can work to offset and ultimately dismantle those values and systems. Institutional policy is a critical mechanism propagating racism in hospitals and an area where ethicists have a unique perspective to bring antiracism into ethical analysis. Many institutional and organizational policies have unintended consequences, negatively impacting children and families who have been historically marginalized and oppressed. In this paper, we report and discuss existing policies, along with how they are implemented (procedures) and how they are conducted (practices), identified through a workshop during a pediatric subgroup meeting at an annual bioethics conference. We highlight the need to focus on these structural factors and reference scholarship that can be used to correct institutional policies that uphold white supremacy. We conclude with actionable, concrete recommendations for change.
Ideas about the Geopolitical Future of Russia as a Factor of Russian Society Consolidation
Authors: Velikaya Natalia M. , Tartygasheva Galina V. , Novozhenina Olga P.
Published: August 2023

Introduction. The problems of preserving the sovereignty, national identity, territorial and cultural integrity of Russia have become now particularly relevant in the framework of the global confrontation with the West, and have become important factors in the consolidation of Russian society. The purpose of the article is to assess the role of civil society and the expert community’s views on the geopolitical future of Russia in the context of preserving the territorial and cultural integrity of the country as a factor of consolidation of Russian society.

Materials and Methods. The empirical basis of the article is the results of the sociological monitoring “How do you live, Russia” (1992–2022) and the data of in-depth interviews of experts obtained as part of the study “Forecasts and alternatives for the development of Russia by the eyes of Russians” (2021), which were conducted with the participation of the authors of the article. The sociological monitoring survey allowed to study the dynamics of citizens’ perceptions of the geopolitical future of the Russian Federation and to trace the connection of the main trends with the indicators of consolidation of society included in the toolkit. In-depth interviews were aimed at identifying the dominant points of the expert community’s view that determine the direction of public discourse.

Results. The preservation of the integrity of the Russian Federation and its sovereignty in the long term does not cause doubts among experts or the population, even in the conditions of a crisis and uncertain future associated with the formation of a multipolar world. Optimistic scenarios are considered, emphasizing the strengthening of Russia’s role in the new world order, and pessimistic ones, reflecting isolation models of development.

Discussion and Conclusion. Although the multinational composition of Russia and the federal structure can be interpreted as a potential threat to the internal destabilization of the country, a favorable trend in the field of interethnic and interfaith relations in Russia has been observed since 2016. Both the population and the majority of experts are optimistic about the prospects of interethnic and interregional relations against the background of the emerging civil identity. They predict Russia’s powerful progressive development in the future, using as arguments ideologems about Russia’s special path, as well as the achievements of the state in solving social problems and their own hopes.
Implementing the Concept of Open Innovation in Russia: State, Regional and Corporate Level
Authors: Vasina Anastasia V. , Kiseleva Oksana N. , Sysoeva Olga V.
Published: August 2023

Introduction. The recent imperatives challenge the conventional innovation system in Russia and initiate developing the concept of open innovations. The paper targets analyzing the comparative characteristics of the concept of open innovations to be implemented at three levels, federal, regional, and corporate one, to clarify features and barriers that hinder a diffusion of innovations.

Materials and Methods. The study has been performed employing statistics collections to analyze the degree of applying open innovations at various levels. Using the method of hierarchical analysis and the k-means method, we have clustered subjects in Russia into three strata depending on the power of cooperative ties. The results of the correlation analysis allowed us to clarify the factors influencing the development of open innovations.

Results. The conclusion has been derived about insufficiency in supporting an implementation of open innovations at the federal and regional levels that negatively affects their performance in the corporate sector. The open innovations are more frequently initiated in large business companies. However, organizations note a lack of information about inventions and difficulties to interact with various actors. These conclusions have been demonstrated while analyzing the dynamics of regions in terms of using a scientific cooperation by organizations. As a result, the authors identified the major barriers for implementing open innovations.

Discussion and Conclusion. General directions for the domestic development of open innovations have been formulated to contribute to stimulating a growth in the number of participants and their interest in innovations, expanding spatial and industry boundaries, as well as initiating new solutions in conventional technologies. The results of the study can be employed by authorities while making new programs and platforms to support an innovative development at the federal level; by local government when composing a strategy for innovative improvement of regions; by subjects of business, industry and science at the corporate level to advance innovation and strengthen their cooperation.
Dynamic Controllability of Temporal Plans in Uncertain and Partially Observable Environments
Authors: Bit-Monnot Arthur , Morris Paul
Published: August 2023

The formalism of Simple Temporal Networks (STNs) provides methods for evaluating the feasibility of temporal plans. The basic formalism deals with the consistency of quantitative temporal requirements on scheduled events. This implicitly assumes a single agent has full control over the timing of events. The extension of Simple Temporal Networks with Uncertainty (STNU) introduces uncertainty into the timing of some events. Two main approaches to the feasibility of STNUs involve (1) where a single schedule works irrespective of the duration outcomes, called Strong Controllability, and (2) whether a strategy exists to schedule future events based on the outcomes of past events, called Dynamic Controllability. Case (1) essentially assumes the timing of uncertain events cannot be observed by the agent while case (2) assumes full observability.
The formalism of Partially Observable Simple Temporal Networks with Uncertainty (POSTNU) provides an intermediate stance between these two extremes, where a known subset of the uncertain events can be observed when they occur. A sound and complete polynomial algorithm to determining the Dynamic Controllability of POSTNUs has not previously been known; we present one in this paper. This answers an open problem that has been posed in the literature.
The approach we take factors the problem into Strong Controllability micro-problems in an overall Dynamic Controllability macro-problem framework. It generalizes the notion of labeled distance graph from STNUs. The generalized labels are expressed as max/min expressions involving the observables. The paper introduces sound generalized reduction rules that act on the generalized labels. These incorporate tightenings based on observability that preserve dynamic viable strategies. It is shown that if the generalized reduction rules reach quiescence without exposing an inconsistency, then the POSTNU is Dynamically Controllable (DC). The paper also presents algorithms that apply the reduction rules in an organized way and reach quiescence in a polynomial number of steps if the POSTNU is Dynamically Controllable.
Remarkably, the generalized perspective leads to a simpler and more uniform framework that applies also to the STNU special case. It helps illuminate the previous methods inasmuch as the max/min label representation is more semantically clear than the ad-hoc upper/lower case labels previously used.
Identification of Potential Targets and Mechanisms of Sinomenine in Allergic Rhinitis Treatment Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Liu Xuemei , Chen Hong , Chen Xiaobo , Wu Peng , Zhang Jianhua
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the potential targets and molecular mechanism of sinomenine in treating allergic rhinitis (AR) using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Relevant targets of sinomenine and AR were obtained from public databases, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for AR were identified in the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Using VennDiagram, we identified 22 potential targets of sinomenine against AR by crossing disease targets, drug targets, and DEGs. Functional analysis revealed that sinomenine may act via its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, and its action pathways may include the MAPK, HIF-1, and JAK-STAT pathways. Furthermore, hub targets were identified using EPC, MCC, and MNC algorithms, and six hub targets (STAT3, EGFR, NFKB1, HIF1A, PTGS2, and JAK1) were selected by integrating the top 10 hub genes and 22 potential targets. Molecular docking analysis indicated that STAT3, EGFR, PTGS2, and JAK1 may be key targets of sinomenine against AR. Overall, our results suggest that sinomenine has potential therapeutic effects against AR, and its mechanism of action may involve the regulation of key targets and pathways related to inflammation and immunity.
PM2.5: Epigenetic Alteration in Lung Physiology and Lung Cancer Pathogenesis
Authors: Parida Tamanna , Daka Gopamma , Murapala Deepthi , Kolli Suresh Kumar , Malla Rama Rao , Namuduri Srinivas
Published: August 2023

Particulate matter (PM) has a very negative impact on human health, specifically the respiratory system. PM comes in many forms, among these is PM2.5,which is a major risk factor for lung cancer and other cardiovascular diseases. PM is inherent in emissions from industrial production, manufacturing, vehicle exhaust, mining, and cigarette smoking. For this reason, the composition of PM differs from area to area although its primary constituents are heavy metals and petroleum elements. PM has a long and toxic impact on human health. After extended exposure to PM2.5 the mortality rate for lung cancer patients increases. Already, lung cancer is the leading cause of death globally with the highest mortality rate. PM2.5 creates epigenetic changes in miRNA, histone modification, and DNA methylation, causing tumorigenesis followed by lung cancer.
Biomonitoring of Heavy Metals Pollution in Lakes of Kyiv (Ukraine) Using Submerged Macrophytes and Assessment of Their Phytoremediative Potential
Authors: Pasichna O. O. , Gorbatiuk L. O. , Platonov M. O. , Burmistrenko S. P. , Godlevska O. O.
Published: August 2023

The possibility to use the submerged aquatic plants (macrophytes) Cera-tophyllum demersum L., Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Potamogeton perfoliatus L. for biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution of the water bodies in urbanized areas was considered. The degree of the metals' (Mn, Pb, Ni, Cd) accumulation by the considered plants was determined and correlation with their concentration in water of the lakes of Kyiv (Ukraine) was established. The coefficients of the metals' biological accumulation by the submerged macrophytes were calculated. It was established that maximal amount of heavy metals was accumulated by the aquatic macrophytes in the lakes Minske, Luhove, Bohatyrske, Kyrylivske and Yordanske (Opechen lake system). The minimal content of heavy metals was in the aquatic macrophytes in the lakes Redchyne, Verbne, Synie, Tyagle and Telbin. The use of C. demersum, M. spicatum and P. perfoliatus for phytoremediation and restoration of ecological state of the water bodies contaminated by heavy metals is recommended.
Optimization of water removal from oil by eggplant stems using response surface methodology
Authors: Ordu Zehra , Belibagli Pinar , Yalvac Mutlu , Arslan Hudaverdi , Dizge Nadir
Published: August 2023

Eggplant stems are among the most produced organic wastes. Unfortunately, the burning and irregular storage of eggplant stems outdoors causes both global air pollution and environmental pollution. Environmental impacts can be minimized by recycling eggplant stems, turning them into valuable products and using them as valuable additives. In this study, the water-binding capacity (WBC) and water-binding capacity in oil (WBCO) potential of eggplant stems was investigated. In the first step, optimization of the alkaline treatment of eggplant stems was carried out. Alkaline treatment optimization parameters such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration (0.050, 0.125 and 0.200 M), temperature (20, 40 and 60°C) and reaction time (30, 90 and 150 min) were investigated using response surface methodology. In the second stage, WBC and WBCO tests of eggplant stems were carried out. According to the experimental results, capacity efficiencies of 30.64 and 98.20% were obtained for WBC and WBCO, respectively, at 0.125 M sodium hydroxide concentration, 60°C temperature and 150 min reaction time. In addition, eggplant stems demonstrated the ability to retain water effectively for up to five cycles. The high WBC of eggplant stems in oil after alkali treatment showed that they could be a suitable and inexpensive candidate for use in biodiesel purification and methane production.
Europe: Well-positioned to get through next winter without major gas shortages
Authors: Rua Gisela
Published: August 2023

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 and resulting international sanctions, natural gas imports from Russia to Europe declined drastically to well below their historical averages. This reduction raised concerns about Europe’s energy supply, given its dependence on Russian gas.
Principios de desarrollo de Índices de Ancestralidad para taxones biológicos
Authors: Espósito Sandoval Elián M.
Published: August 2023

Antecedentes. Históricamente en biología ha habido discrepancias a la hora de considerar a ciertos taxones dentro de las categorías “nativo” o “exótico” en determinadas áreas geográficas.

Preguntas y/o hipótesis. ¿Tienen los taxones cualidades inherentes que permitan establecer formalismos concordantes con un principio de prioridad como criterio para resolver los problemas derivados de la categorización “nativo-exótico”?

Sitio y años de estudio: Tres áreas asociadas geográficamente pero con características discordantes fueron seleccionadas. Este trabajo se realizó entre 2017 y 2022.

Métodos: Se proponen dos tipos de índices complementarios. El “Índice de Ancestralidad Binario”, que parte de la distinción clásica de especie “nativa-exótica” y se codifica en forma binaria. El “Índice de Ancestralidad Escalar”, que se basa en el desarrollo de dos criterios: uno espacial (“distancia al área de origen”) y otro temporal (“tiempo de permanencia”).

Resultados: Se obtuvieron tablas con los índices mencionados para las especies y áreas elegidas.

Conclusiones: Estos índices resultarán útiles, por ejemplo, cuando sea necesario tomar decisiones que puedan afectar negativamente a los ecosistemas, considerando la historia e identidad del sitio. Los índices también serían fundamentales como estímulo a investigaciones de temáticas asociadas y para componerlo que se propone como estratigrafía ecológicade un área.