bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards the Sustainable Intensification of Aquaculture: Exploring Possible Ways Forward
Authors: Laktuka Krista , Kalnbalkite Antra , Sniega Liga , Logins Kalvis , Lauka Dace
Published: December 2023

Meeting the global demand for aquatic products while maintaining sustainability is a critical challenge. This review article examines global practices of land-based aquaculture systems that could be implemented in the EU, as the EU has not yet fully realized its potential in developing the aquaculture sector. Therefore, the article examines different aspects (aquaculture systems, technological solutions and improvements, and best management practices) in achieving sustainable aquaculture and emphasizes the need for innovation and cooperation in the face of increasing environmental concerns and resource constraints. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the sustainable intensification of aquaculture. The way forward requires a combination of different and improved-upon technological solutions complemented by technological innovation and better management practices. The sustainability of aquaculture requires a broader application of the ecosystem approach to aquaculture and the promotion of energy and resource efficiency measures in aquaculture systems.
Clustering of Floating Tracers in a Random Velocity Field Modulated by an Ellipsoidal Vortex Flow
Authors: Koshel Konstantin , Stepanov Dmitry , Kuznetsova Nata , Ryzhov Evgeny
Published: December 2023

The influence of a background vortex flow on the clustering of floating tracers is addressed. The vortex flow considered is induced by an ellipsoidal vortex evolving in a deformation. The system exhibits various vortex motion regimes: (1) a steady state, (2) oscillation and (3) rotation of the ellipsoidal vortex core. The latter two induce an unsteady velocity field for the tracer, thus leading to irregular (chaotic) tracer motion. Superimposing a stochastic divergent velocity field onto the deterministic vortex flow allows us to observe significantly different tracer evolution. An ellipsoidal vortex has ellipsoidal symmetry, and the tracer’s trajectories exhibit the same symmetry inside the vortex. Outside the vortex, the external deformation flow symmetry dominates. Diffusion scattering and chaotic advection give tracers the opportunity to leave the region of ellipsoidal symmetry and form a picture of shear flow symmetry. We use the method of characteristics to integrate the floating tracer density evolution equation and the Euler Ito scheme for obtaining the floating tracer trajectories with a random velocity field. The cluster area and cluster mass from the statistical topography are used as the quantitative diagnostics of a floating tracer’s clustering. For the case of a steady ellipsoidal vortex embedded into the deformation flow with a random velocity field component, we found that the clustering characteristics were weakened by the steady vortex. For the cases of an unsteady ellipsoidal vortex, we observed clustering in the floating tracer density field if the contribution of the divergent component was greater than or equal to that of the rotational (nondivergent) component. Even when the initial floating tracer patch was set on the boundary of the oscillating ellipsoidal vortex, we observed the formation of clusters. In the case of a rotating ellipsoidal vortex, we also observed pronounced clustering. Thus, we argue that unsteady ellipsoidal vortex regimes (oscillation and rotation), which induce chaotic motion of the nearby passive tracer’s trajectories, are still conducive to clustering of floating tracers observed in the density field, despite the intense deformation introduced by strain and shear.
Blend of Deep Features and Binary Tree Growth Algorithm for Skin Lesion Classification
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Nath Vijay Kumar , Hazarika Deepika
Published: December 2023

One of the most frequently identified cancers globally is skin cancer (SC). The computeraided categorization of numerous skin lesions via dermoscopic images is still a complicated problem. Early recognition is crucial since it considerably increases the survival chances. In this study, we introduce an approach for skin lesion categorization where, at first, a powerful hybrid deep-feature set is constructed, and then a binary tree growth (BTG)-based optimization procedure is implemented using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier with an intention to compute the categorizing error and build symmetry between categories, for selecting the most significant features which are finally fed to a multi-class SVM for classification. The hybrid deep-feature set is constructed by utilizing two pre-trained models, i.e., Densenet-201, and Inception-v3, that are fine-tuned on skin lesion data. These two deep-feature models have distinct architectures that characterize dissimilar feature abstraction strengths. This effective deep feature framework has been tested on two publicly available challenging datasets, i.e., ISIC2018 and ISIC2019. The proposed framework outperforms many existing approaches and achieves notable {accuracy, sensitivity, precision, specificity} values of {98.50%, 96.60%, 97.84%, 99.59%} and {96.60%, 94.21%, 96.38%, 99.39%} for the ISIC2018 and ISIC2019 datasets, respectively. The proposed implementation of the BTG-based optimization algorithm performs significantly better on the proposed feature blend for skin lesion classification.
Efficient Computation of Null Affine Parameters
Authors: Visser Matt
Published: December 2023

Finding affine parameters for null geodesics is often of considerable physical importance, especially when studying null geodesics or dealing with conservation laws and/or averaged energy conditions. But explicitly finding null affine parameters is also often quite tedious and can sometimes even be somewhat tricky. Herein we shall demonstrate that the existence of a conformally related spacetime containing a conformal Killing vector, timelike in the domain of outer communication, is quite sufficient to define a preferred set of spatial three-slices—on which a well-defined “affine” three-metric can be introduced to capture the notion of affine null parameter—before explicitly finding the null geodesics. The construction depends on the properties of conformal transformations and on the conserved quantity associated with the conformal Killing vector. Having the affine null parameter in hand before attempting to find the actual null geodesics often quite radically simplifies other parts of the analysis. We emphasize that the successful identification of affine null parameters is a general-purpose tool of wide applicability in both general relativistic and astrophysical settings.
Immune Responses to Influenza D Virus in Calves Previously Infected with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus 2
Authors: Vicosa Bauermann Fernando , Falkenberg Shollie , Rudd Jennifer M. , Peter Cristina Mendes , Merchioratto Ingryd , Ritchey Jerry W. , Gilliam John , Taylor Jared , Ma Hao , Maggioli Mayara Fernanda
Published: December 2023

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) induces immunosuppression and thymus depletion in calves. This study explores the impact of prior BVDV-2 exposure on the subsequent immune response to influenza D virus (IDV). Twenty 3-week-old calves were divided into four groups. Calves in G1 and G3 were mock-treated on day 0, while calves in G2 and G4 received BVDV. Calves in G1 (mock) and G2 (BVDV) were necropsied on day 13 post-infection. IDV was inoculated on day 21 in G3 calves (mock + IDV) and G4 (BVDV + IDV) and necropsy was conducted on day 42. Pre-exposed BVDV calves exhibited prolonged and increased IDV shedding in nasal secretions. An approximate 50% reduction in the thymus was observed in acutely infected BVDV calves (G2) compared to controls (G1). On day 42, thymus depletion was observed in two calves in G4, while three had normal weight. BVDV-2-exposed calves had impaired CD8 T cell proliferation after IDV recall stimulation, and the α/β T cell impairment was particularly evident in those with persistent thymic atrophy. Conversely, no difference in antibody levels against IDV was noted. BVDV-induced thymus depletion varied from transient to persistent. Persistent thymus atrophy was correlated with weaker T cell proliferation, suggesting correlation between persistent thymus atrophy and impaired T cell immune response to subsequent infections.
Generation and Characterization of an Influenza D Reporter Virus
Authors: Probst Lukas , Laloli Laura , Licheri Manon Flore , Licheri Matthias , Gultom Mitra , Holwerda Melle , V’kovski Philip , Dijkman Ronald
Published: December 2023

Influenza D virus (IDV) can infect various livestock animals, such as cattle, swine, and small ruminants, and was shown to have zoonotic potential. Therefore, it is important to identify viral factors involved in the broad host tropism and identify potential antiviral compounds that can inhibit IDV infection. Recombinant reporter viruses provide powerful tools for studying viral infections and antiviral drug discovery. Here we present the generation of a fluorescent reporter IDV using our previously established reverse genetic system for IDV. The mNeonGreen (mNG) fluorescent reporter gene was incorporated into the IDV non-structural gene segment as a fusion protein with the viral NS1 or NS2 proteins, or as a separate protein flanked by two autoproteolytic cleavage sites. We demonstrate that only recombinant reporter viruses expressing mNG as an additional separate protein or as an N-terminal fusion protein with NS1 could be rescued, albeit attenuated, compared to the parental reverse genetic clone. Serial passaging experiments demonstrated that the mNG gene is stably integrated for up to three passages, after which internal deletions accumulate. We conducted a proof-of-principle antiviral screening with the established fluorescent reporter viruses and identified two compounds influencing IDV infection. These results demonstrate that the newly established recombinant IDV reporter virus can be applied for antiviral drug discovery and monitoring viral replication, adding a new molecular tool for investigating IDV.
The Identification of Host Proteins That Interact with Non-Structural Proteins-1α and -1β of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus-1
Authors: Riccio Sofia , Childs Kay , Jackson Ben , Graham Simon P. , Seago Julian
Published: December 2023

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses (PRRSV-1 and -2) are the causative agents of one of the most important infectious diseases affecting the global pig industry. Previous studies, largely focused on PRRSV-2, have shown that non-structural protein-1α (NSP1α) and NSP1β modulate host cell responses; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to identify novel PRRSV-1 NSP1–host protein interactions to improve our knowledge of NSP1-mediated immunomodulation. NSP1α and NSP1β from a representative western European PRRSV-1 subtype 1 field strain (215-06) were used to screen a cDNA library generated from porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs), the primary target cell of PRRSV, using the yeast-2-hybrid system. This identified 60 putative binding partners for NSP1α and 115 putative binding partners for NSP1β. Of those taken forward for further investigation, 3 interactions with NSP1α and 27 with NSP1β were confirmed. These proteins are involved in the immune response, ubiquitination, nuclear transport, or protein expression. Increasing the stringency of the system revealed NSP1α interacts more strongly with PIAS1 than PIAS2, whereas NSP1β interacts more weakly with TAB3 and CPSF4. Our study has increased our knowledge of the PRRSV-1 NSP1α and NSP1β interactomes, further investigation of which could provide detailed insight into PRRSV immunomodulation and aid vaccine development.
StM171, a Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Bacteriophage That Affects Sensitivity to Antibiotics in Host Bacteria and Their Biofilm Formation
Authors: Jdeed Ghadeer , Morozova Vera , Kozlova Yuliya , Tikunov Artem , Ushakova Tatyana , Bardasheva Alevtina , Manakhov Andrey , Mitina Maria , Zhirakovskaya Elena , Tikunova Nina
Published: December 2023

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia mainly causes respiratory infections that are associated with a high mortality rate among immunocompromised patients. S. maltophilia exhibits a high level of antibiotic resistance and can form biofilms, which complicates the treatment of patients infected with this bacterium. Phages combined with antibiotics could be a promising treatment option. Currently, ~60 S. maltophilia phages are known, and their effects on biofilm formation and antibiotic sensitivity require further examination. Bacteriophage StM171, which was isolated from hospital wastewater, showed a medium host range, low burst size, and low lytic activity. StM171 has a 44kbp dsDNA genome that encodes 59 open-reading frames. A comparative genomic analysis indicated that StM171, along with the Stenotrophomonas phage Suso (MZ326866) and Xanthomonas phage HXX_Dennis (ON711490), are members of a new putative Nordvirus genus. S. maltophilia strains that developed resistance to StM171 (bacterial-insensitive mutants) showed a changed sensitivity to antibiotics compared to the originally susceptible strains. Some bacterial-insensitive mutants restored sensitivity to cephalosporin and penicillin-like antibiotics and became resistant to erythromycin. StM171 shows strain- and antibiotic-dependent effects on the biofilm formation of S. maltophilia strains.
Toll-like Receptor 2 Mediated Immune Regulation in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Boby Nongthombam , Williams Kelsey M. , Das Arpita , Pahar Bapi
Published: December 2023

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial to the innate immune response. They regulate inflammatory reactions by initiating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. TLRs also play a role in shaping the adaptive immune responses. While this protective response is important for eliminating infectious pathogens, persistent activation of TLRs may result in chronic immune activation, leading to detrimental effects. The role of TLR2 in regulating HIV-1 infection in vivo has yet to be well described. In this study, we used an SIV-infected rhesus macaque model to simulate HIV infection in humans. We evaluated the plasma of the macaques longitudinally and found a significant increase in the soluble TLR2 (sTLR2) level after SIV infection. We also observed an increase in membrane-bound TLR2 (mb-TLR2) in cytotoxic T cells, B cells, and NK cells in PBMC and NK cells in the gut after infection. Our results suggest that sTLR2 regulates the production of various cytokines and chemokines, including IL-18, IL-1RA, IL-15, IL-13, IL-9, TPO, FLT3L, and IL-17F, as well as chemokines, including IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-2, ENA-78, GRO-α, I-TAC, Fractalkine, SDF-1α, and MIP-3α. Interestingly, these cytokines and chemokines were also upregulated after the infection. The positive correlation between SIV copy number and sTLR2 in the plasma indicated the involvement of TLR2 in the regulation of viral replication. These cytokines and chemokines could directly or indirectly regulate viral replication through the TLR2 signaling pathways. When we stimulated PBMC with the TLR2 agonist in vitro, we observed a direct induction of various cytokines and chemokines. Some of these cytokines and chemokines, such as IL-1RA, IL-9, IL-15, GRO-α, and ENA-78, were positively correlated with sTLR2 in vivo, highlighting the direct involvement of TLR2 in the regulation of the production of these factors. Our findings suggest that TLR2 expression may be a target for developing new therapeutic strategies to combat HIV infection.
HBV Vaccines: Advances and Development
Authors: Mahmood Faisal , Xu Ruixian , Awan Maher Un Nisa , Song Yuzhu , Han Qinqin , Xia Xueshan , Wei Jia , Xu Jun , Peng Juan , Zhang Jinyang
Published: December 2023

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem that is closely related to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The prevalence of acute and chronic HBV infection, liver cirrhosis, and HCC has significantly decreased as a result of the introduction of universal HBV vaccination programs. The first hepatitis B vaccine approved was developed by purifying the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from the plasma of asymptomatic HBsAg carriers. Subsequently, recombinant DNA technology led to the development of the recombinant hepatitis B vaccine. Although there are already several licensed vaccines available for HBV infection, continuous research is essential to develop even more effective vaccines. Prophylactic hepatitis B vaccination has been important in the prevention of hepatitis B because it has effectively produced protective immunity against hepatitis B viral infection. Prophylactic vaccines only need to provoke neutralizing antibodies directed against the HBV envelop proteins, whereas therapeutic vaccines are most likely needed to induce a comprehensive T cell response and thus, should include other HBV antigens, such as HBV core and polymerase. The existing vaccines have proven to be highly effective in preventing HBV infection, but ongoing research aims to improve their efficacy, duration of protection, and accessibility. The routine administration of the HBV vaccine is safe and well-tolerated worldwide. The purpose of this type of immunization is to trigger an immunological response in the host, which will halt HBV replication. The clinical efficacy and safety of the HBV vaccine are affected by a number of immunological and clinical factors. However, this success is now in jeopardy due to the breakthrough infections caused by HBV variants with mutations in the S gene, high viral loads, and virus-induced immunosuppression. In this review, we describe various types of available HBV vaccines, along with the recent progress in the ongoing battle to develop new vaccines against HBV.
Safety and Immunogenicity of an In Vivo Muscle Electroporation Delivery System for DNA-hsp65 Tuberculosis Vaccine in Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: de Lima Monique Ribeiro , Leandro Ana Cristina C. S. , de Souza Andreia Lamoglia , Barradas Marcio Mantuano , Roma Eric Henrique , Fernandes Ana Teresa Gomes , Galdino-Silva Gabrielle , Carvalho Joyce Katiuccia M. Ramos , Marchevsky Renato Sergio , Coelho Janice M. C. Oliveira , Gonçalves Eduardo Dantas Casillo , VandeBerg John L. , Silva Celio Lopes , Bonecini-Almeida Maria da Gloria
Published: December 2023

A Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) is still the only licensed vaccine for the prevention of tuberculosis, providing limited protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in adulthood. New advances in the delivery of DNA vaccines by electroporation have been made in the past decade. We evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of the DNA-hsp65 vaccine administered by intramuscular electroporation (EP) in cynomolgus macaques. Animals received three doses of DNA-hsp65 at 30-day intervals. We demonstrated that intramuscular electroporated DNA-hsp65 vaccine immunization of cynomolgus macaques was safe, and there were no vaccine-related effects on hematological, renal, or hepatic profiles, compared to the pre-vaccination parameters. No tuberculin skin test conversion nor lung X-ray alteration was identified. Further, low and transient peripheral cellular immune response and cytokine expression were observed, primarily after the third dose of the DNA-hsp65 vaccine. Electroporated DNA-hsp65 vaccination is safe but provides limited enhancement of peripheral cellular immune responses. Preclinical vaccine trials with DNA-hsp65 delivered via EP may include a combination of plasmid cytokine adjuvant and/or protein prime–boost regimen, to help the induction of a stronger cellular immune response.
A CTB-SARS-CoV-2-ACE-2 RBD Mucosal Vaccine Protects Against Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Dénes Béla , Fuller Ryan , Kelin Wayne , Levin Tessa , Gil Jaipuneet , Harewood Aaren , Lőrincz Márta , Wall Nathan , Firek Anthony , Langridge William
Published: December 2023

Mucosal vaccines protect against respiratory virus infection by stimulating the production of IgA antibodies that protect against virus invasion of the mucosal epithelium. In this study, a novel protein subunit mucosal vaccine was constructed for protection against infection by the beta coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine was assembled by linking a gene encoding the SARS-CoV-2 virus S1 angiotensin converting enzyme receptor binding domain (ACE-2-RBD) downstream from a DNA fragment encoding the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB), a mucosal adjuvant known to stimulate vaccine immunogenicity. A 42 kDa vaccine fusion protein was identified in homogenates of transformed E. coli BL-21 cells by acrylamide gel electrophoresis and by immunoblotting against anti-CTB and anti-ACE-2-RBD primary antibodies. The chimeric CTB-SARS-CoV-2-ACE-2-RBD vaccine fusion protein was partially purified from clarified bacterial homogenates by nickel affinity column chromatography. Further vaccine purification was accomplished by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electro-elution of the 42 kDa chimeric vaccine protein. Vaccine protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection was assessed by oral, nasal, and parenteral immunization of BALB/c mice with the CTB-SARS-CoV-2-ACE-2-RBD protein. Vaccine-induced SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies were quantified in immunized mouse serum by ELISA analysis. Serum from immunized mice contained IgG and IgA antibodies that neutralized SARS-CoV-2 infection in Vero E6 cell cultures. In contrast to unimmunized mice, cytological examination of cell necrosis in lung tissues excised from immunized mice revealed no detectable cellular abnormalities. Mouse behavior following vaccine immunization remained normal throughout the duration of the experiments. Together, our data show that a CTB-adjuvant-stimulated CTB-SARS-CoV-2-ACE-2-RBD chimeric mucosal vaccine protein synthesized in bacteria can produce durable and persistent IgA antibodies in mice that neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 subvariant Omicron BA.1.1.
Predicting the Distribution of the Invasive Species Atractosteus spatula, the Alligator Gar, in China
Authors: Li Manli , Zhang Hua
Published: December 2023

The Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula) is a very dangerous species that has an extremely destructive impact on the ecological environment in aquatic areas. As a kind of ornamental fish, it is spreading rapidly all over the world. In order to avoid or delay the spread of Alligator Gar in China, it is urgent to further monitor and clarify its distribution range within the country. In this study, a maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) and geographical information system (ArcGIS) were used to identify suitable regions under climate change scenarios in China, and the significance of environmental factors that shape this species’ distribution were evaluated. According to the geographical distribution data of Alligator Gar and selected environmental variables, the potential habitat area of Chinese Alligator Gar under four climate scenarios in the present (2000s) and future (2050s and 2070s) was predicted. (1) The main environmental variables affecting the potential geographical distribution of Alligator Gar are temperature factor variables (the mean temperature of the warmest quarter and the mean temperature of the coldest quarter), precipitation factor variables (precipitation in the driest month and in the driest quarter), and altitude. (2) Under the current climate conditions, the suitable breeding areas of Alligator Gar are mainly concentrated in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangdong Province, and Hainan Province. Under the four future climate scenarios, the distribution area of the total suitable area of Alligator Gar will gradually decrease, and the suitable area of Alligator Gar will spread to high latitudes.
Leakage Risk Assessment of Urban Water Distribution Network Based on Unascertained Measure Theory and Game Theory Weighting Method
Authors: Xiong Chuyu , Wang Jiaying , Gao Wei , Huang Xianda , Tao Tao
Published: December 2023

Assessing the risk of water leakage within urban water distribution networks (UWDN) is crucial prior to implementing any control measures. Conducting a risk assessment facilitates the development of effective water leakage management plans. By comprehensively analyzing the probability and loss factors that contribute to the risk of leakage in UWDN, this paper presents an evaluation index system for pipeline leakage risk. This index system utilized both quantitative and qualitative data on influencing factors derived from an actual pipeline network. In order to determine the precise level of pipeline leakage risk, an index theory-based pipeline leakage risk evaluation model was established. This model consisted of a single-index measure function and a multi-index comprehensive measure vector. The combined weight of evaluation indices through game theory was used to determine the weight of each index, thereby minimizing the negative effects of a single weight determination method. A risk assessment model that evaluated the leakage risk of specific pipelines was constructed based on actual data from the water distribution network in a certain area of China. The analysis showed that the risk of pipeline leakage in this area was mainly classified as a third-level risk, which is consistent with the actual evaluation results obtained from field visits.
Variations in Precipitation at the Shimantan Reservoir, China
Authors: Zhang Jinghan , Ju Xiaopei , Wang Sheng , Li Fengping , Zhao Ziyue
Published: December 2023

Global warming substantially intensifies hydrologic cycles, causing increasing frequency and magnitude of catastrophic floods and droughts. Understanding the patterns and mechanisms of precipitation in historical periods is pivotal for regional disaster prevention and mitigation. Here, we analyzed the daily precipitation of six stations at the Shimantan Reservoir from 1952 to 2013 to examine precipitation characteristics at different time scales. The Mann–Kendall test, moving t-test, and Innovative Polygon Trend Analysis (IPTA) were employed to detect the trends and change points in total precipitation amount, frequency, and duration. Influences of atmospheric circulations on precipitation were then explored via cross-wavelet analysis. Our results showed increased average precipitation and decreased precipitation days annually at the Shimantan Reservoir in the past decades. Specifically, increased seasonal precipitation was only detected in summer, while precipitation days were mainly reduced in winter. There was a noticeable increasing to decreasing transition trend in precipitation from July to August, and a transition from decreasing to increasing from June to July in precipitation days. Summer rainfall was predominantly moderate and light, accompanied by shortening and highly fluctuating rainstorm durations. July exhibited the highest precipitation frequency and always experienced rainstorms. The Arctic Oscillation and East Asian summer monsoon showed positive and negative correlations, respectively, with the changes in precipitation at the Shimantan Reservoir. Our analyses provide a fine-scale portrait of precipitation patterns and mechanisms under a changing climate and benefit regional flood control and sustainable development.
The Role of the CEE Region’s Banking Sector in the Time of the Russo-Ukrainian War: Measuring Volatility Spillovers
Authors: Badics Milán Csaba
Published: December 2023

In this paper, I investigate the volatility spillovers of the European banking network in 21-22. Applying the Diebold-Yilmaz framework to the daily stock return, which identified volatilities for 14 European banks, I analyse the impact of the first 100 days of the Russo-Ukrainian War on the banking sector. The empirical results suggest that the volatility-connectedness of the system reaches its maximum at a time of war. Similar to the earlier empirical literature, I find that, in calm periods, large banks play a critical role in volatility risk transmission. However, I conclude that, during the first 100 days of the Russo-Ukrainian War, the key participants in the financial network were institutions from the CEE region. My results suggest that, considering the banking network’s macro and groupaggregated level volatility connectedness, an early-warning system to detect troubled financial institutions should be built.
Forgive Me
Authors: dela Cruz Carmen
Published: December 2023

poem by Carmen dela Cruz
On the Scanlon Plan and Servant-Leadership
Authors: Davis Paul W. , Spears Larry C.
Published: December 2023

For 75 years, Joe Scanlon, the Scanlon Plan, and Scanlon-led companies had a robust run in the world of business, aided by the Scanlon Leadership Network.  Over time, the number of Scanlon companies declined, and in 2013 the Scanlon Leadership Network, Foundation, and Consultancy ceased to exist.  And for the past 53 years, servant-leadership has been growing in practice and influence around the world.  This article in The International Journal of Servant-Leadership is adapted from a book that we created and published in 2008 titled, Scanlon EPIC Leadership, published by the Scanlon Foundation.  Sections of the paper include an overview of Scanlon thought, as well as servant-leadership; reflections on the significance of Scanlon by twenty leadership and business authors; commentary on Joe Scanlon by Warren Bennis; an analysis of the history of Scanlon practices by organizations, written by Paul W. Davis and Larry C. Spears; an Afterword by Max DePree; and, closing thoughts on the end of Scanlon companies after 75 years of practice.

Joe Scanlon, the originator of what came to be called the Scanlon Plan, and Robert K. Greenleaf who coined the term “servant-leader” have each had a profound influence on leadership and management practices.  What was once radical ideas have entered the mainstream.  The following essay will delve into the ongoing impact of Scanlon thought through employee involvement, teams, labor-management cooperation, gainsharing, goal-sharing, profit-sharing, suggestion systems, open-book management, lean techniques, and Theory Y management; and also, how servant-leadership continues to shape our understanding of what it means to serve first, and then to lead.
On the Interaction of Noscapine (Narcotine) with Ammonium Tellurate in Sulphuric Acid
Authors: Sánchez-Viesca Francisco , Gómez Reina
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study is to clear up what is happening in the test tube during the interaction of ammonium tellurate with noscapine in sulphuric acid (Brociner test). The approach is a Theoretical Organic Chemistry Study based on the chemical deportment of reagent and substrate, the reaction medium, and experimental conditions. This point out that a redox process is going up, with the following results: meta-telluric acid is formed in situ whose protonation yields the reactive species. Reaction with the methylenedioxy group present in noscapine affords an oxonium salt. Reaction proceeds when a water molecule forms a hemiacetal and an organometallic ester, a tellurate. Acidolysis of the latter gives rise to a concerted mechanism involving five electron-shifts. This way the following compounds are formed: tellurious acid, an ortho-benzoquinone, and formaldehyde. Tellurium dioxide results by acid catalyzed dehydration of tellurious acid.
Infectious surgically induced necrotising scleritis presenting 10 years post-pterygium excision: a case report
Authors: Teoh Ru Jian Jonathan , Siti Aeisyah Binti Ayob , Lai Yin Peng , Rohanah Alias
Published: December 2023

Background: Surgically induced necrotizing scleritis (SINS) is a rare sequela that may occur after ocular surgery. We report a case of infectious SINS as a complication of pterygium excision.

Case presentation: A 75-year-old man had undergone pterygium excision in the right eye and developed infectious SINS 10 years post-surgery. The sclera adjacent to the previous site of pterygium excision showed significant thinning with uveal show, complicated with signs of infection including purulent discharge, necrotic sclera, and hypopyon. Conjunctival swab culture yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Blood investigations demonstrated positive rheumatoid factor. The patient was successfully treated with a 2-week course of systemic and topical antibiotics with topical steroid.

Conclusion: SINS may develop post-pterygium excision. Early diagnosis and intervention prevent progression and further complications.
On advanced global strength analysis of a pleasure yacht by user’s procedures implemented in FEMAP / NX Nastran
Authors: Popa Alexandru , Domnișoru Leonard
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study is to analyze the global structural strength of a pleasure yacht by advanced FEA approach. This is accomplished by developing and using a user FEMAP API script for equilibrating the FEA ship model, in calm water and sagging and hogging wave conditions, for different wave design heights, up to a maximum height of 6.5 meters. The FEA strength is assessed by yielding stress and buckling criteria.
IS THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE TAX ACCRUAL/COLLECTION RATE? EVIDENCE FROM TÜRKİYE
Authors: ÇOBANOĞULLARI Gökhan
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy, including in Türkiye. The tax accrual-collection rate is one area that has been impacted. The purpose of this study is to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Türkiye's tax accrual-collection rates at the provincial and regional levels. Data will be collected and analyzed to determine the extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak has affected the tax accrual and collection rate in Türkiye, as well as any potential mitigating factors or strategies that have been implemented to address the impact. In the study, accrual-collection rates in the pre-pandemic period and the post-pandemic period were compared at the provincial and regional levels. According to the findings, there have been serious decreases in tax collection in Türkiye after the pandemic process. At the regional level in 2020, the accrual/collection ratio decreased in all regions of Türkiye compared to the pre-pandemic period. At the provincial level, this rate has decreased in 51 of the 81 provinces. The basis of this decrease in tax revenues was the tax regulations implemented to eliminate the economic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pemanfaatan Komunikasi Pemasaran Terpadu Pada UMKM Snack Indochip
Authors: Teguh Monika , Benita Aviana , Utari Dewi Ni Ketut Ayu Sari
Published: December 2023

Di era globalisasi seperti sekarang ini, pembangunan usaha khususnya di bidang industri makanan dan minuman berlangsung cepat. Banyak bermunculan usaha– usaha baru khususnya produsen dalam industri makanan dan minuman baik dalam skala kecil, menengah, hingga skala besar. Oleh karena itu, selaku pengusaha yang bergerak dalam industri makanan harus memperhatikan komunikasi pemasarannya agar tetap dapat bertahan ditengah persaingan. Snack Indochip merupakan bisnis makanan UMKM yang memproduksi keripik dengan rasa khas telur asin, dengan merek Three O’Clock. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis komunikasi pemasaran terpadu yang digunakan Snack Indochip sehingga dapat mempertahankan penjualannya ditengah peningkatan persaingan bisnis. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan wawancara kepada tiga kategori sumber. Analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan tiga tahap yaitu reduksi data, penyajian data dan verifikasi. Validasi data dilakukan dengan teknik triangulasi sumber yaitu membandingkan data dari tiga sumber kategori informan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan Snack Indochip telah melaksanakan komunikasi pemasaran terpadu dimana kegiatan yang dilakukan antara lain personal selling, direct marketing, publicity, online marketing dan sales promotion. Kegiatan unggulan yang selama ini memberikan kontribusi besar adalah personal selling dan sales promotion. Sedangkan kegiatan direct marketing dan advertising yang dilaksanakan Snack Indochip masih belum maksimal, sehingga perlu dilakukan pengembangan kedepannya.Kata Kunci: Komunikasi Pemasaran Terpadu, UMKM, Snack Indochip
Pengaruh Relasi Pemimpin dan Anggota Terhadap Kepuasan Kerja Karyawan RSUD Kabupaten Karawang
Authors: Suciati Lina , Nursanti Siti
Published: December 2023

Kepuasan pegawai menjadi salah satu faktor penyebab terciptanya suasana dan budaya kerja yang positif dalam sebuah organisasi. Pemimpin menjadi faktor yang tidak kalah penting dalam keberhasilan pencapaian tujuan organisasi. Diperlukan seorang pempimpin yang dapat membina hubungan baik serta komunikasi yang efektif antara bawahan dan atasan untuk menciptakan sebuah budaya organisasi. Penelitian ini akan melihat sejauh mana pengaruh relasi pimpinan terhadap kepuasan anggota kerja di RSUD Karawang. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif dan pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui pengisian kuisener. Hasil penelitian dari 92 kuisener yang dibagikan menunjukan adanya pengaruh relasi pimpinan terhadap kepuasan kerja karyawan di RSUD Karawang. Perlakuan positif pimpinan berpengaruh kepada kepuasan dan produktifitas kerja karyawan di RSUD Karawang.Kata Kunci: Relasi Pimpinan, kepuasan kerja, Produktifitas
Pola Komunikasi Interpersonal Satgas COVID-19 dalam Menghadapi Stigma Negatif Pasien COVID-19 di RW 01 Kelurahan Kaliabang Tengah, Bekasi Utara
Authors: Widiantoro Aditya , Endah Nursyamsi Sari , Imaddudin Imaddudin
Published: December 2023

Peningkatan jumlah kasus stigma dan prasangka meningkat di Indonesia sejak pertama kali kasus COVID-19 ini dilaporkan masuk Indonesia. Stigma negatif yang terjadi di RW 01 Kaliabang Tengah ini hingga ada warga yang ingin pindah atau mengungsi dari rumahnya karena rumahnya dekat dengan warga positif COVID-19 yang sedangmelakukan isolasi mandiri kemudian anggota keluarga yang negatif juga  dikucilkan dari masyarakat. Stigma negatifmasyarakat terhadap COVID-19 ini tentunya memberikan hambatan atau gangguan komunikasi bagi warga yang sedang menjalankan isolasi mandiri, maka dari itu satgas penanganan COVID-19 mengedukasi masyarakat dengankomunikasi agar stigma negatif berkurang bahkan hilang. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui komunikasi interpersonal Satgas penanganan COVID-19 RW 01 Kelurahan Kaliabang Tengah dalam menghadapi stigma masyarakat bagi pasien COVID-19. Metode yang digunakan adalah kualitatif deskriptif. Hasil penelitian inimenunjukkan bahwa komunikasi interpersonal yang digunakan Satgas yakni komunikasi linear, komunikasi interaksional, dan komunikasi transaksional, namun pola komunikasi yang lebih baik untuk dilakukan Satgas RW 01Kelurahan Kaliabang Tengah ini, yakni pola komunikasi interaksional berupa penyampaian pesan nasihat kepadamasyarakat dengan contoh pengalaman Satgas menangani warga positif yang telah negatif. Dapat dikatakan demikian karena komunikasi interaksional yang terjadi secara terus-menerus mendapatkan (feedback) umpan balik yang positif untuk menghadapi stigma negatif warga terhadap COVID-19 dan warga yang terkonfirmasi COVID-19
The Influence of Soviet Ideology on the Worldview of the Orthodox Clergy and Laity of the Ukrainian SSR (the Second Half of the 1980s)
Authors: Savchuk Ruslan
Published: December 2023

This study examines concrete examples of the formation of a utilitarian view of Orthodoxy among the Orthodox clergy of the Ukrainian SSR in the second half of the 1980s under the influence of Soviet atheistic ideology. Three aspects of the church's worldview are considered: comprehension of history, patriotism and attitude to the union and uniates. The publications in the central periodical of the Ukrainian Exarchate «Orthodox Bulletin» are taken as a source. The conclusions about the significant influence of the Soviet atheistic ideology on the format of interaction of the Orthodox clergy of the Ukrainian SSR with society are substantiated.
Trade Policy of the «Nowgorodfahrer» from Lübeck in the Late 15th Century
Authors: Ushakov Artem
Published: December 2023

The article presents an analysis of Hanseatic documentation to define specifics of the trading strategy of the «Nowgorodfahrer» from Lübeck guild in the late 15th century. The traditional Hanseatic-Russian exchange of merchandise where the

Lübeck people trading with the Russians exclusively being brokered by of the Livonians, during the period in question finally became incompatible with growing interests of Lübeck corporation, and this is the reason why the «Nowgorodfather» made an attempt to change it by reducing the privileges of Livonian merchants and received active countermeasures of the town council of Reval (Tallinn) in return for. At the same time,

the guild’s impact on the Hanseatic branch in Brügge increased, which makes it possible to draw conclusion that the representtives of «Nowgorodfather» were poised to take control of the Brügge-Novgorod merchandise transit. It was essential to recall that the considered events took place in the period of weakening of the Hanseatic-Russian trade. Contrary to established opinion in historiography, the author reasons that in the late 15th century, the trade with Novgorod was not overtaken by events either for the Lübeck people or for the Livonians. This position is also confirmed by the amount of costs of the «Nowgorodfather» for embassies to Moscow and other costs connected with actions focused on the resume of Hanseatic-Russian trade.
The Image of a Woman in White in Oral Narratives about the Great Patriotic War: Motives, Plots, Functions
Authors: Litsareva Alexandra
Published: December 2023

The subject of the study in the article is the image of a woman in white and its modifications. The material was actually oral narratives about the Great Patriotic War, as well as their transformation in artistic and journalistic articles. The

relevance is due to the fact that, despite the frequent appeal of scientists to this image, it is not fully described. The purpose of the analysis is to systematize views on the genesis and interpretation of this character (from the personification of

diseases, death, war to the appearance of the saint or the Virgin), highlighting the main functions, images, motives and plots. Also, this work describes the characteristic features of a woman in white (appearance, actions and their consequences). The question of the origin of this character continues to be debatable,

in connection with which various interpretations are given. In addition, the analysis of the woman in white as a character of modern urban folklore (primarily among young people) is given, some parallels are drawn with similar characters

in other cultures (Yuki-onna, banshee), which can become an interesting perspective for the development of the topic, especially in the perspective of comparison with the plots of traditional folklore.
Subjective Word Formation in Smolensk Dialect: Word-formation Type with the Suffix -k(a)
Authors: Lunkova Ekaterina
Published: December 2023

The subject of the study in the article is the word-formation type of subjective dialect nouns that have a specific subject meaning and are formed with the suffix -k(a). The word-formation type includes words recorded on the territory of the Smolensk region from the end of the XIX century to the present. The type under

consideration as an independent word-formation unit is of particular interest in the field of dialect word-formation, since the nouns included in it were formed using the suffix -k(a), which is widely used in the Russian language, while dialect

adjectives clearly show all the specifics of dialect word formation proper: filling the type with nouns belonging to a variety of semantic groups; wide involvement of not only typical Russian, but also dialect words as generating bases; the special

role of derived words with a complicated word-formation structure within the type. The significance of the conducted research is emphasized by a large number of derived nouns formed from adjectives and words used in Smolensk dialects as

adjectives (passive participles), with one or more suffixes, i.e. located at different stages of the derivation process; this circumstance indicates the complex structure of the dialect word-formation system of Smolensk dialects
The German Threat and Discussions about European Unions:
Features of the Liberal Political and Ideological Continuity
of the Leaders of the Liberal Party from W. Gladstone to G. Asquith
in the Late XIX – Early XX Centuries
Authors: Boyko Oleg
Published: December 2023

The subject of the research is the foreign policy of Great Britain in the late 19th – early 20th centuries and the continuity of the foreign policy course of liberal political figures. The purpose of the analysis is the views and activities of significant British liberal politicians on foreign policy issues against the background of the transformation of the philosophy of liberalism and unprecedented

competition in colonial expansion among major European powers. A number of trends in the development of the political and ideological course of the Liberal Party of Great Britain are demonstrated - a quick rejection of the policy of

«Splendid Isolation» to the search for friendly powers on the European continent and the direct influence of liberal-imperialist circles on changing the foreign policy strategy. The study of sources confirms that as part of the evolution of the philosophy of liberalism at the end of the 19th century, the idea of the foreign

policy of Great Britain in the circles of liberal politicians of the country also changed. The author comes to the conclusion that after W. Gladstone left power, the liberals hastened to move away from the policy of «Splendid Isolation». A. Rosebery tried to maintain a balance of power, but, as an adherent of liberal

imperialism, he actively used military force, not striving to be the first to establish friendship with anyone in Europe. During the period of opposition 1896-1905 not only liberal-imperialists such as E. Grey, H. Asquith, R. Haldane, but also pacifists such as H. Campbell-Bannerman came to the conclusion that a world conflict was inevitable against the backdrop of growing disagreements with Germany and the need to choose an ally in Europe.
Attributive Structure of the Lyrical Cycles «Angel of Armenia»
by Sergei Gorodetskyand «Armenia» by Osip Mandelstam
Authors: Andreev Sergey
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the analysis of the attributive structure of two poetic collections of well-known authors – «The Angel of Armenia» by Sergei Gorodetsky and «Armenia» by Osip Mandelstam. These poems occupy an important place among the works of Russian poets about Armenia, making it possible to form the perception of the history and culture of Armenia, its artistic representation in Russian poetry.

The article sets the task of a quantitative analysis of the distribution and nature of the use of attributes of various types. Attribute types are determined by the part-of-speech filling of the syntactic position of the definition and by its position relative to the word being defined.

In the course of the study, various statistical methods were used, which include the chi-square test, correlation coefficients, variance, Euclidean distance.

As a result of the analysis, data were obtained that characterize the authors' approaches to the description, similarities and differences in the distribution of various types of attributes, the degree of intensity of the description, the level of inversion of attributive structures.