bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation and agreement between infrared thermography and a thermometer for equine body temperature measurements
Authors: Lampang Kannika Na , Isawirodom Ashannut , Rungsri Porrakote
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim: Body temperature is a vital sign that determines physical status. Infrared thermography (IRT) is more frequently used for assessing horses’ temperature because of its ease of use and less contact with the horses, making it a safer measurement method. However, the accuracy of IRT remains unclear; therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential use of IRT as an alternative method for measuring horse body temperature.

Materials and Methods: Temperatures were measured in 14 horses. A digital thermometer was used to collect rectal temperature (RT), whereas a thermographic camera was used for IRT at three different positions to obtain the center of body temperature (CBT), head temperature (HT), and eye temperature (ET). The protocol was performed over 30 days, repeated thrice daily: morning (6:00–8:00), afternoon (14:00–15:00), and evening (17:00–19:00). Environmental factors, including humidity, ambient temperature, wind flow, and light intensity, were recorded indirectly according to the time of day and cooling device use.

Results: Mean RT, CBT, HT, and ET were 37.33°C, 34.08°C, 35.02°C, and 35.14°C, respectively. Center of body temperature was lower than RT by an average of 3.24°C (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.4°C–1.09°C). HT was lower than RT by an average of 2.3°C (95% CI, 4.33–0.28). The eye position showed the least difference between RT and infrared temperature, with an average of 2°C (95% CI, 0.7–3.92). However, there was no significant correlation between RT and infrared temperature at any position. Spray and vaporizer use significantly affected IRT and time of day (p = 0.05).

Conclusion: Although IRT has advantages in terms of non-invasiveness and reduced stress on horses, its accuracy and reliability may be compromised by environmental variables, which interfere with infrared measurement. Future research should specifically focus on investigating environmental factors.

Keywords: body temperature, digital thermometer, horse, infrared thermography, radiation.
The Precision Oncology Approach to Molecular Cancer Therapeutics Targeting Oncogenic Signaling Pathways is a Means to an End
Authors: Kumar Manish
Published: December 2023

Cancer is a deadly genetic disease with diverse aspects of complexity, including cancer immune evasion, treatment resistance, and recurrence requiring optimized treatment to be cured. Molecular studies have revealed that tumors are profoundly heterogeneous in nature, leading to the complexity of cancer progression that is ultimately linked to its genetic machinery. It is important to note that patients with the same types of cancer respond differently to cancer treatments, indicating the need for patient-specific treatment options. This requires an in-depth genomic study of the patient's tumors to fully understand the driving factors of cancer for effective targeted therapy. Precision oncology has evolved as a form of cancer therapy focused on genetic profiling of tumors to identify molecular alterations involved in cancer development for tailored individualized treatment of the disease. Whole genome sequencing, tumor and cell-free DNA profiling, transcriptomics, proteomics and exploration of the cancer immune system form the basis of this field of cancer research and treatment. This article aims to briefly explain the foundations and frontiers of precision oncology in the context of ongoing technological advancements in related fields of study in to assess its scope and importance in achieving effective cure against cancer.
Glutamate release by basolateral amygdala affect GABA receptors in the NAc Shell
Authors: Lee Jiwon
Published: December 2023

The nucleus Accumbens (NAc) is composed of two major regions which are the shell and core. The NAc shell is composed of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) medium spiny neurons (MSN), and can be further divided to D1 MSN and D2 MSN. These neurons play a role in cognitive and motor functions related to reward. The NAc shell receives a signal from the basolateral amygdala (BLA) for glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, and this process is known to play a role of self-stimulation behavior. The aim of this research is to determine how dopamine released from the amygdala influences GABA release in the NAc shell.
Cointegration FDI to Economy Growth
Authors: Sudibyo Ivan
Published: December 2023

The contribution of foreign direct investment to economic growth is perhaps one of the most studied topics in academic research over the past five decades. However, few studies have examined both the short-term and long-term effects of this impact on developing and emerging markets, particularly during times of economic uncertainty including the financial crisis. This paper examines the relevant quantitative evidence on the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) and outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on economic growth by the regression method and the Johansen cointegration test.
Sobrevivência em ambiente de crescente hostilidade
Authors: Dias de Souza Ferreira Otávio
Published: December 2023

Desde o início da redemocratização vários atores coletivos foram se agrupando em São Paulo para lidar com a defesa e promoção de direitos humanos no sistema punitivo. Conviveram entre si numa ecologia organizacional, empreendendo numerosas iniciativas políticas e enfrentando transformações na esfera pública. Apesar de um ranço autoritário na sociedade e em instituições de controle, o momento inicial mostrou-se favorável politicamente para a defesa de direitos humanos, mas uma grave crise se instaurou no campo. Esse trabalho analisa esses fenômenos de modo descritivo, entre 2012 e 2019, embasado em banco de dados documental, respostas de autoridades estatais a pedidos de acesso à informação e em entrevistas realizadas com lideranças e ativistas de organizações da sociedade civil.
historiografia da infância na berlinda (?)
Authors: Júnior José
Published: December 2023

Problematiza-se a emergência da infância e da criança como objeto de investigação histórica. Indaga, do interior de um campo desenhado em um profícuo diálogo interdisciplinar, sobre o “como” e os “porquês” do modo de tratar certa imagem da criança e da infância associada com a violência e a marginalização. Apesar das diferenças mapeáveis entre algumas obras e autorias, continua-se a caracterizar a infância sob o signo de uma “minoridade”. Assim, este texto contribui tanto para um debate nos termos de uma epistemologia da história que auxilie (re) pensar temas como sujeito da história, estrutura/sujeito e agência, como também faz da crítica historiográfica um modo de pensar diferentemente. Ao olhar para a historiografia brasileira e estrangeira busca-se pluralizar as noções de infâncias e crianças, reconhecendo que a produção do discurso historiográfico se associa ou questiona algumas imagens e formas de inteligibilidade que incidem sobre a pesquisa, a escrita e a tessitura de um saber.
Reflexiones desde las metodologías de diseño, estrategias didácticas en la enseñanza de la práctica proyectual
Authors: Bortolotto Leonardo Federico
Published: December 2023

Este artículo es de reflexión sobre resultados parciales de tesis doctoral en curso. Nos proponemos evaluar el potencial de los principales desarrollos de los estudios sobre metodología del diseño, originalmente tratados en el Simposio de Portsmouth. Estos son revisados, y resignificados, como alternativas para la construcción de estrategias didácticas en la enseñanza de la práctica proyectual contemporánea. La misma es concebida como una dimensión particular de la enseñanza de la arquitectura, por lo que constituye un objeto de enseñanza específico. Trabajado desde los enfoques de la metodología de diseño es posible construir algunas herramientas para la externalización de las interrogantes que atraviesan a los estudiantes durante el aprendizaje de esta práctica, como también sus posiciones respecto del problema proyectual y las decisiones de diseño aplicadas. Se conforma así una serie de alternativas concretas para la tarea docente respecto de la orientación a proveer en el proceso de desarrollo de las habilidades requeridas para concretar una práctica proyectual.
Revista Arquitectura de la Sociedad de Arquitectos
Authors: Canén Suárez Pablo
Published: December 2023

Este artículo explora y analiza un segmento de la revista Arquitectura, publicada por la Sociedad de Arquitectos del Uruguay, enfocándose en los desafíos disciplinares que surgieron entre 1914 y 1940. Aunque 1914 marca el año de fundación de dicha Sociedad y el comienzo de la Primera Guerra Mundial a nivel internacional, 1940 no representa un hito definitivo; sin embargo, coincide —aproximadamente— con la construcción de la nueva sede de la Facultad de Arquitectura y el recrudecimiento de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, iniciada en 1939. Durante este período, la arquitectura uruguaya mostró una inclinación notable hacia el movimiento moderno. De los diversos temas tratados en la revista, se seleccionaron cinco basados en su frecuencia, claridad y relevancia. Estos temas son: la enseñanza, la consolidación de una corporación profesional, la transición de las «Bellas Artes» a la «Modernidad», los desafíos de la vivienda y el debate sobre el urbanismo como disciplina, poniendo especial atención en las visitas internacionales. A pesar de que el análisis de estos tópicos es breve, el objetivo es identificar las principales corrientes de debate desde una perspectiva crítica, lo que lleva a un conjunto de conclusiones preliminares que fomenten una reflexión contemporánea.
"A Great Way to Connect"
Authors: Kingsley Tara , Mihai Alina
Published: December 2023

The growth in online education has prompted a focus on ensuring students are engaged, persistent, and successful in their studies. A recognized challenge with online learning is developing a community of learners, where students feel connected to their peers and instructor and experience a sense of belonging. In this article, we highlight using the platform Flip to engage students in video-based discussions. We describe our use of Flip in two online asynchronous courses and provide recommendations for instructors seeking to embed this tool in the learning experiences they develop for their students. In addition, we present our students' perspectives on belonging within the course and their use of Flip, collected using an anonymous survey. Last, we examine the advantages and challenges of using this tool and discuss the implications for promoting connection and belonging in online courses.
Online Collaboration Tools and International Students’ Sense of Belonging in Group Work
Authors: Chen Xin
Published: December 2023

Group work has been widely used as a pedagogical practice in higher education institutions in the United States. Nevertheless, few studies have looked into the processes of collaboration for group work involving international students who speak English as a second language. This population of students, which is increasing at my university, is usually at a disadvantage linguistically and culturally compared to their American peers in group work, which might pose challenges in their communication and interactions with group mates and lead to a lack of a sense of belonging in the group and also in the class. Part of a larger research project on international students’ learning experience with group work, this study focuses on three international students’ experiences using online collaboration tools for group work. Pedagogical implications for using online collaboration tools in group work to enhance international students’ learning and sense of belonging are discussed.
Introduction: Special Issue on Belonging
Authors: Morrone Michael , Evans Nancy
Published: December 2023

This special issue considers uses of technology aimed at facilitating our students’ sense of belonging. As we received proposals and submissions for the issue, we found the very notion of “facilitating our students’ sense of belonging” proved to be a doorway to a rich context with a diversity of purposes for using technology and a multitude of tools. As our authors broke down the meaning of “sense of belonging,” they often identified that feelings such as respect, courage, and importance, were at play. They found that relatedness, thinking of oneself as a member of a group or community, matters.
TRADITIONS AND PERSPECTIVES OF THE TECHNOLOGY OF SILICATES AND NANOMATERIALS DEPARTMENT
Authors: Vereshchagin V. I. , Petrovskaya T. S.
Published: December 2023

The article provides a brief historical outline of the activities of the Technology of Silicates and Nanomaterials Department of the National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University which is the first technical university in the Asian part of Russia. Initially, the Laboratory of Chemical Technology of Mineral Substances, since 1929 the Silicate Technology Department, since 2007 the Technology of Silicates and Nanomaterials Department, nowdays it is one of the leading scientific and educational centers of the country for the study of silicate raw materials, the development of advanced technologies for ceramics, binders and glass materials, and the training of engineers and scientists specializing in the relevant fields.
Research areas of the team embrases now the development of materials and technologies for nanostructured technical and building ceramics with enhanced functional properties, foam glass-ceramic materials, proppants for oil and gas production, biomedical ceramics, magnesian binders with increased strength and water resistance.
FEATURES IN MICROSTRUCTURE AND THERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF TWO-PHASED CERAMIC MATERIAL BASED ON HIGH-ENTROPY Bi–Sb–Te–Se–S SYSTEMS
Authors: Vasil’ev A. E. , Ivanov O. N. , Yaprintsev M. N. , Yaprintseva E. N. , Efremenko A. V.
Published: December 2023

The aim of present work is to prepare by using the method of reactive spark plasma sintering, a ceramic material based on the high-entropy Bi–Sb-Te–Se–S system, the nominal composition of which corresponds to the BiSbTeSeS compound (all the atoms are taken in an equiatomic ratio), and to analyze the features in the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of this material. During reactive spark plasma sintering of starting Bi, Sb, Se, Te, and S powders, hexagonal and orthorhombic phases are formed in the bulk material. The hexagonal phase, which corresponds to the high-entropy compound Bi1.5Sb0.5Te1.25Se1.25S0.5, forms a continuous connected “net”. The orthorhombic phase, which corresponds to the wide-gap Sb3S2 semiconductor, fills the hollows in the net isolated from each other. The thermoelectric properties of the material being developed, which are mailnly due to the properties of the high-entropy phase, are promising enough (the maximum value of the thermoelectric figure of merit reaches ~ 0.18). Therefore, this material should be considered as a new prospect high-entropy thermoelectric.
INVESTIGATION OF THE LANTHANUM HEXABORIDE OBTAINING PROCESSES BY THE METHOD OF BOROTHERMAL REDUCTION
Authors: Kablov E. N. , Shchegoleva N. E. , Lebedeva Yu. E. , Zhuravleva P. L. , Vaganova M. L. , Chainikova A. S.
Published: December 2023

Obtaining new ceramic and composite materials is associated with a number of difficulties, the key of which is the lack of pure initial refractory components. The presence of impurities in the powders available on the market (such as oxygen, iron, carbon, etc.) has a negative impact on the performance characteristics of the resulting materials and products from them. The paper presents the results of experimental studies on the lanthanum hexaboride powder synthesis by boron thermal reduction of lanthanum oxide in a vacuum furnace and a spark plasma sintering unit. The analysis of the obtained results showed that when the content of excess boron in the mixture is 20 wt. % by heat treatment in a vacuum furnace, a single-phase powder of lanthanum hexaboride was obtained at temperatures of 1800 – 1900 ?C. The use of the spark plasma sintering method, however, makes it possible to reduce the temperature of synthesis of a single-phase powder of lanthanum hexaboride to 1700 and 1600 ?C with an excess boron content in the charge of 10 and 20 wt. %, respectively. It is also shown that these powders are characterized by a more uniform cubic structure of lanthanum hexaboride, reflecting its crystalline structure, due to the suppression of the grain recrystallization process by reducing the temperature and time of the technological process.
GLAUCONITIC SANDSTONES OF THE CHANGI DEPOSIT ARE A PROMISING RAW MATERIAL FOR OBTAINING GREEN AND BROWN PIGMENT
Authors: Makhsudova Z. I. , Kadyrova Z. R. , Mirzaev A. Zh.
Published: December 2023

The results of the research are given: the physicochemical properties of glauconite sandstones of the Changi deposit, the fractional composition, enrichment methods are determined, thermal activation is performed. The coloring properties, coverness, oil capacity of the resulting brown pigment were studied. It has been established that this glauconite sandstone can be used as a raw material for the production of coloring pigments in the construction industry and the manufacture of ceramic materials at the enterprises of Uzbekistan.
INVESTIGATION OF SCALE FORMATION ON GLASS PIPE COATINGS
Authors: Ibragimov N. Yu.
Published: December 2023

The results of theoretical and experimental studies of the influence of scale deposits on heat exchange processes in vitrified pipes washed by seawater are presented. Experimental studies have shown that during long-term operation of heat exchangers, minor scale deposits with a layer thickness of up to 0.4 mm are observed on the surface of glass coatings of pipes, while a strong scale layer up to 2 mm thick is formed on the inner surfaces of metal pipes. The practical absence of deposits in vitrified pipes is explained by the increased cleanliness of the glass surface and its resistance to aggressiveness of substances dissolved in sea water. This eliminates the formation of large foci of scale on the glass surface and washing off the formed scale with a stream of seawater.
FEATURES IN MICROSTRUCTURE AND THERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF THE COMPOSITES Bi2Te2,7Se0,3+Fe WITH FILLER INCLUSIONS OF CORE-SHELL TYPE
Authors: Vasil’ev A. E. , Ivanov O. N. , Yaprintsev M. N. , Zhezhu M.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of this work is to establish the features in the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of composites consisting of Bi2Te2.7Se0.3-based matrix and a Fe filler. The composition with a filler content of 0.3 wt. % Fe has a higher thermolectric figure of merit as compared to the Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 matrix. For this composition, the maximum value of ZT reaches ~0.75, while for Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 ZT does not exceed ~0.63. Thus, in the composite of the Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 + Fe system, the thermoelectric figure of merit can be increased by about 20 %.
SYNTHESIS OF A FRIT FOR OBTAINING ENAMEL COATING OF STEEL PIPES BY THE METHOD OF INDUCTION HEATING
Authors: Borovoy V. Yu. , Kazmina O. V. , Shekhovtsov V. V.
Published: December 2023

The paper presents the results of a study of the processes of glass formation during the production of a frit by the method of induction heating. According to X-ray phase analysis, the resulting frit is completely amorphous. The frit meets the standard requirements for a 45 mm flow and a thermal expansion coefficient of 120?10–7 K–1. The enamel coating has a high chemical resistance to acids and alkalis. A comparative analysis of frit synthesis in a laboratory electric furnace using an induction heating device showed that the duration of frit induction heating is halved, energy consumption is reduced by 23 %, and the process efficiency is increased four times on average.
INVESTIGATION OF THE CONDITIONS OF CERAMIC AND MECHANOCHEMICAL SYNTHESIS OF COMPOSITES CuO/ZnO/?-Al2O3
Authors: Rumyantsev R. N. , Kournikova A. A. , Ilyin A. A. , Afineevsky A. V. , Prozorov D. A. , Smirnov N. N. , Borisova T. N. , Severgina E. S.
Published: December 2023

In this work, using the methods of X-ray phase, X-ray diffraction, synchronous thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, low-temperature adsorption-desorption of nitrogen, the process of obtaining CuO/ZnO/?-Al2O3 composites, which can be used as the main component of catalysts for large-tonnage processes for methanol production and monoxide conversion, was studied. carbon. The influence of the method of preparation, the nature and intensity of processing on the phase composition of the resulting precursors and the physicochemical properties of the resulting composites was established. The processes occurring at the stage of mechanochemical activation of a mixture of anhydrous CuO/ZnO/?-Al2O3 oxides, a mixture of oxides with ammonium carbonate and ethanedienic acid have been studied.
The optimal parameters for obtaining CuO/ZnO/?-Al2O3 composites with a developed specific surface area and porous structure have been determined.
INFLUENCE OF CERIUM CONCENTRATION AND SINTERING ATMOSPHERE ON THE PHASE COMPOSITION AND LUMINESCENT PROPERTIES OF Y2.98-хCeхAl5.02О12 CERAMICS
Authors: Malyavin F. F. , Tarala V. A. , Kravtsov A. A. , Vakalov D. S. , Kozhitov L. V. , Lapin V. A. , Dziov D. T. , Medyanik E. V. , Tarala L. V. , Suprunchuk V. E.
Published: December 2023

The phase composition and spectral-luminescent properties of ceramic samples obtained from oxide compositions with the general formula Y2.98-хCeхAl5.02О12 (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60 formula units (f.u.)) were investigated.
It was found that the phase composition of the ceramic powders depended significantly on the concentration of cerium and the calcination atmosphere. The maximum concentration of cerium cations in the garnet lattice was determined to be approximately 0.1 f.u. when calcined in air, and approximately 0.16 f.u. when calcined in the argon – hydrogen atmosphere.
The photoluminescence of the ceramic samples was studied when excited by a laser with a wavelength of 445 nm.
It was observed that ceramic samples sintered in argon and hydrogen had a higher luminescence intensity compared to samples synthesized in a vacuum. The possibility of shifting the wavelength of the maximum luminescence intensity from 546 nm to 570 nm by changing the cationic composition and sintering conditions of the ceramics was demonstrated. Additionally, the negative effect of oxidative annealing of ceramic samples on the intensity and position of luminescence maxima in Y2.98-хCeхAl5.02О12 oxide compositions heavily doped with cerium was shown.
Payment for Non-Standard Forms of Labor and their Impact on the Economy and Social Status of Employees
Authors: YAROSHENKO Oleg M. , LUTSENKO Оlena Yе. , MELNYCHUK Nataliia O. , ZHYGALKIN Ivan P. , DEMENKO Oleksandr Yе.
Published: December 2023

Today, in the context of the formation of a new historical phase of social development of civilization - post-industrial society - there is a de-standardization of employment, i.e. the spread of flexible and variable forms of employment, which are called non-standard. It is the modification of traditional and the emergence of completely new forms of employment that actively influence the main parameters of the labor market (demand, supply, labor price, etc.). Therefore, today, personnel leasing, outsourcing, outstaffing, remote employment, non-standard working hours, etc. can be considered fundamental innovations in the field of employment. The following methods were used during the study: analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, dialectical approach, analytical thinking, abstraction, and generalization. The purpose of the study is to define the essence of precarious forms of labor, their impact on the economy and social protection of the employee, advantages, and disadvantages. Also, to investigate problematic theoretical and practical issues related to the right to remuneration in Ukraine in the context of precarious employment, in particular, to summarize the main directions of reforming legal regulation in this area.
G. Boole, Not J. M. Keynes, Is the Founder of the Logical Approach to Probability
Authors: BRADY Michael
Published: December 2023

A fundamental and basic error committed by all economists and philosophers doing work on Keynes is their failure to realize that the original, logical theory of probability, with the consequent emphasis placed on relational, propositional logic, imprecise probability and interval valued approaches to decision making, was developed by George Boole and not by J. M. Keynes.

All one needs to do is read chapters I, II and X to XVII of Keynes’s 1921 A Treatise on Probability and compare Keynes’s chapters with chapters I, XI, XII and XVI to XXI of Boole’s The Laws of Thought. A shorter route to this conclusion is to skip all but chapter I of Boole and compare it with chapter I of Keynes. Why no social scientist, behavioral scientist, economist, or philosopher has been able to do this simple task is a question that needs to be investigated by psychologists and psychiatrists looking for problems related to cognitive dissonance.

A careful reader of chapters I and II of Keynes’s A Treatise on Probability will soon realize that Keynes is talking explicitly about Boole’s logical, objective, probability relation. This relation has absolutely nothing to do with Plato’s theory of forms. How do we come to know this relationship? Boole states that we come to know this relationship through both observation (empirical) and reflection (intuition or perception).

This paper shows that there is a deep Boole-Keynes connection that has been overlooked in the literature on Keynes. Keynes built his logical theory of probability on Boole. One can extend Hishiyama’s 1969 conjecture, about Keynes’s A Treatise on Probability not having been read by any economist, to also conclude that Boole’s The Laws of Thought was not read by any other economist except Keynes.
Did the Economic Reforms Change the Macroeconomic Drivers of the Indian Economy in the Post-Reform Era? An ARDL Bounds Test Approach
Authors: REDDY Pujari Sudharsana , BAGRECHA Chaya , KRISHNAN Muthu Gopala
Published: December 2023

Purpose:  The purpose of this study is to investigate the macroeconomic forces that have been driving the Indian economy during both the pre-reform and post-reform eras, that is, from 1950-1951 to 1990-1991 and from 1991-1992 to 2022-2023 respectively. 

Problem:  The Indian economy underwent significant economic and financial sector reforms in 1991-92, with the goal of reviving its stagnant growth.  These reforms are intended to spur the economic growth of India.  What were the main forces behind the Indian economy before and after the reforms? Is the research question.  The goal of the current study is to determine if the economic reforms shifted or maintained the pre-reform era’s driving forces for the Indian economy in the post-reform era. 

Design/Methodology/Approach:  The gross domestic product (GDP), the gross domestic savings (GDS), the private consumption expenditure (PFCE), the government final consumption expenditure (GFCE),  the inflation rate, the exchange rate, the exports, the imports, the internal and external borrowings of the government, personal remittances, foreign direct investment (FDI), and foreign portfolio investments (FPI) are all taken into consideration in order to fill the research gap that has been identified as a result of the comprehensive review of the literature.  Following an analysis of the selected variables' fundamental characteristics, an econometric model is developed using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds Test Model. 

Findings: There is no evidence of long-run causation and association between the variables, but the findings of the ARDL Bounds Test showed that in the pre-reform period, PFCE is the major driver of the GDP in the short-run, with strong support from imports.  However, since the reform, PFCE, GDS, and Exports are the primary short- and long-term contributors to GDP. 

Practical Implication: These findings indicate that India's macroeconomic system is shifting.  The Indian economy has undergone a dramatic shift, moving away from a reliance on imports and toward one that is consumer-driven and export-driven. As savings and consumer expenditures are the main drivers of the Indian economy’s growth in the post-reform era, policies should be designed to increase savings and consumption as well as increase exports.
Inflation Persistence and Implications for the Euro Area
Authors: MIRDALA Rajmund
Published: December 2023

The deceleration of consolidation trends subsequent to the previous financial crisis has had a mitigating effect on price dynamics. Furthermore, the expansionary fiscal and monetary measures implemented to stimulate the recuperation of crisis-affected economies did not yield substantial inflationary consequences. The disruptions in supply chains caused by the pandemic, the increased use of expansionary fiscal and monetary policies in response to the outbreak, and the influence of geopolitical factors such as energy prices have recently rekindled the capacity of price level dynamics to react. When the underlying economic factors deteriorate, it leads to an increase in vulnerability and a decrease in the ability of the euro area to withstand adverse events. During periods of economic prosperity, the monetary policy implemented by the European Central Bank (ECB) has the tendency to enhance the convergence of countries within the euro area and bolster its resilience against adverse economic disturbances. The findings of the article provide support for arguments emphasizing the need to adjust the institutional framework of the euro area, hence reinforcing the rationale for the concept of a two-speed euro area.
Modern Approaches to Reforms in the Economy: Performance Measurement Development in the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Authors: PAKHOLCHUK Vadym , HORIACHEVA Kira , TURCHENKO Yuliia , KOVAL Oles
Published: December 2023

This paper reflects the empirical study of how the environment affects the performance measurement evaluation methodology in the organization, based on research of the Ukrainian Armed Forces experience. The problem is defined by the different needs of main stakeholders and management. This paper seeks the possibility to develop the role of stakeholders in performance measurement. In this research, several sources and methods were used to collect data. First, the interviews were conducted by the representatives of the research organization. Documents analysis and meetings also played a significant role in research. The paper emphasizes the influence of the environment, represented by the external actors and development vector, on the performance measurement building. Balancing between interests of stakeholders and levels of management helps to develop a performance system, which will be suitable to reflect the Armed Forces outputs and outcomes. Originality of the study of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is an extreme and interesting case because the institution is under high pressure during reforms and military conflict. But such cases facilitate the existing theory, depicting the problems and advantages of the management approaches. Future research in this area should pay more attention to the interaction between the external and internal actors in performance management methods building, especially in the defense sector.
The Moderating Effect of Digitalisation on the Relationship between Corruption and Domestic Resource Mobilisation: Evidence from Developing Countries
Authors: JALLOH Talatu , JACKSON Emerson A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose: Domestic Resource Mobilisation (DRM) is vital for government financing of essential sectors like infrastructure, education, and healthcare, but corruption impedes revenue collection and erodes trust in government institutions. Nevertheless, digitalisation offers a promising way to combat corruption and improve DRM. This study aims to explore how digitalisation can enhance transparency and efficiency in addressing these issues by specifically investigating how digitalisation can moderate the relationship between corruption and DRM in developing nations. Methodology: Utilizing panel data of 65 developing countries from 2007 to 2019, a Panel Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) estimator was employed. Findings: The findings indicate that corruption negatively affects DRM, while digitalisation has a positive influence. Importantly, digitalisation was found to moderate the adverse impact of corruption on DRM, albeit after a certain threshold level of digitalisation. Across regions, the net effect of this interaction varied, with some regions experiencing negative consequences. Notably, the existence of a threshold level of digitalisation above which its influence becomes more pronounced in mitigating corruption's impact on DRM revealed that the association is non-linear. Originality: This study addressed an important gap in the literature by examining how digitalisation moderates the connection between corruption and DRM in developing countries, offering nuanced insights into the feasibility of leveraging digital technologies to bolster revenue mobilisation despite corruption challenges. Implication: These results have significant implications for policymakers, highlighting the potential of digitalisation to enhance revenue mobilisation and combat corruption in developing countries, albeit with context-specific considerations.
Marketing Audit as a Tool for Assessing Business Performance
Authors: FESHCHUR Iryna , HURZHYI Nataliia , KUZMINSKA Yuliia , DANCHENKO Olena , HORIASHCHENKO Yuliia
Published: December 2023

The aim of this article is to determine an approach to the practical implementation of a marketing audit of business performance in a competitive environment. The aim will be achieved with the involvement of the following methods: trend, comparative and rating analyses, the BCG matrix, the Brand Health Tracking, and Delfi methods. As a result of the conducted research, an approach to conducting a marketing audit of business performance in a competitive environment with an emphasis on the use of modern digital platforms and web resources was proposed. The proposed approach to the implementation of a marketing audit of business performance in a competitive environment involved the use of the BCG matrix to determine the positions of the four leading confectionery companies of Ukraine in terms of revenue volume and growth, as well as the market share. The online presence analysis evaluated the online presence of the studied companies and to analyse other related indicators. The conducted analysis gave grounds to provide relevant recommendations. The importance of implementing each of them was determined with the help of the Delphi method. The obtained results can be applied in practice in the activities of companies in order to improve the approach to the implementation of marketing audit as a tool for assessing business performance in a competitive environment. Academic novelty is the developed comprehensive practical approach to the implementation of marketing audit as a tool for assessing business performance relative to competitors using modern digital platforms.
A Review and Comparative Analysis of Digital Literacy Frameworks – Where Are We Heading and Why?
Authors: LEE Yoo -Taek , FANEA-IVANOVICI Mina
Published: December 2023

Digital literacy has become as important as other types of literacies that schools and universities teach. In this context, defining it and understanding its components are critical in order to be able to design meaningful policies meant to improve the digital literacy level of the population and to create adequate and well-articulated educational tools and curricula. The purpose of this paper is to identify, briefly describe and compare the existing digital literacy frameworks issued by academia, as well as by governmental and international organizations. Based on this comparative analysis, the paper concludes as to the strengths of the most recent and comprehensive digital literacy framework and discusses the need of progression from earlier frameworks to the most recent ones.
Das soziale Gehirn – 1. Evolution, funktionelle Komponenten, neuronale Implementierung
Authors: Fries W.
Published: December 2023

Sich in der Interaktion mit anderen Menschen in einer Gruppe kooperativ und sozial zu verhalten, setzt eine Vielzahl von Fähigkeiten voraus. Die seit den letzten 20 Jahren rasant zunehmende Forschung mithilfe der funktionellen bildgebenden Verfahren hat gezeigt, dass die neuronalen Strukturen, die für dieses komplexe Verhalten aktiviert werden, sich nicht nur auf den präfrontalen Kortex beschränken, sondern auch weitere komplexe Netzwerke einbeziehen. Das soziale Gehirn als funktionelle Grundlage für die vielfältigen sozialen Interaktionen des Menschen muss daher als ein hochkomplexes strukturelles und dynamisches System verstanden werden. In der vorliegenden Literaturübersicht werden die essenziellen Komponenten dieses Systems und deren neuronale Implementierung beschrieben. Schlüsselwörter: Evolution, frontaler Kortex, soziale Kompetenz, soziale Kognition, Kooperativität
Comical Features in Constructions with Transformation and Identification Motifs in Plautus’ Comedies
Authors: Eliášová Buzássyová Ľudmila
Published: December 2023

In this paper, constructions with transformation and identification motifs (Fraenkel, Plautine Elements in Plautus 2007) are analysed against the background of Lakoff and Johnson’s concept of metaphor (Metaphors We Live By 2003, 1st ed. 1980). The typology of these constructions as well as their wider context is presented. The paper shows that constructions with transformation and identification motifs can range from easy-tounderstand figurative expressions to riddles where two domains from distant semantic fields are connected on a very unusual ground. The constructions are highly contextual phenomena. In them, there is a playing out of various connotated meanings that depend on cultural, pragmatic, and other contexts.
The Parasite Curculio
Authors: Skwara Ewa
Published: December 2023

At first glance, Curculio is no different from other Plautine parasites. However, the uniqueness of this character lies not so much in his characteristics as in the way Plautus uses him on stage. Curculio disguises himself as the soldier, and by playing the role of servus currens, he takes on the role of a slave. Moreover, by reporting offstage conversations, he doubles as some of the other characters in the comedy. Curculio’s stage movement and its influence on the comings and goings of the other characters make one look at this character as the author of the structure of the entire comedy. Moreover, his rants about bankers and pimps make him the porte-parole of Plautus himself.
Sfinga vortit barbare. Over Twenty-fiveYears of Student Theatre in Poznań
Authors: Kaniecka-Juszczak Katarzyna
Published: December 2023

Students’ Classical Theatre Sfinga debuted with comedy Miles Gloriosus in 1997. Over the years they staged various plays of Plautus in order to prove themselves and their audience that certain themes and Plautine humour were not only still alive but also deeply emerged into the temporary culture. The main purpose of Sfinga has always been to familiarize their audience with Plautus and pay special attention to the care of ancient taste. The article discusses the following plays by Plautus: Miles Gloriosus, Amphitruo, Asinaria, Casina and Curculio. The authors present how, thanks to the available theatrical elements (costumes, music or scenography), Sfinga managed to make some performances take on new, fresh meanings, and others turned into musicals, burlesque or operetta.
Mit Augmented Reality orientieren, navigieren, vernetzen – eine App für die Zentralbibliothek Düsseldorf im KAP1
Authors: Lins Maike
Published: December 2023

Im November 2022 ist die Zentralbibliothek im KAP1 mit einer eigenen App an den Start gegangen. Die „Stadtbüchereien Düsseldorf App“ bietet den Besucher*innen der Zentralbibliothek ein besonderes Erlebnis, indem sie den realen Ort Bibliothek mit Augmented-Reality-Technologie um virtuelle Elemente erweitert. Gut ein Jahr nach der Eröffnung der neuen Räume erhielten diese mit der App nun eine neue, virtuelle Nutzungsebene. Aufgrund der großzügigen Öffnungszeiten der neuen Zentralbibliothek, auch ohne dass das Bibliotheksteam zur Unterstützung vor Ort ist, war es von Anfang an geplant, umfangreiche digitale Self-Services anzubieten, um die Zentralbibliothek jederzeit eigenständig entdecken und sich zurechtfinden zu können. Mit dem Düsseldorfer Unternehmen und AR-Experten Exponential Dimensions hat das Team nun eine alles andere als typische Bibliotheks-App entwickelt. Der Schwerpunkt liegt, übereinstimmend mit der Leitlinie „Menschen, Bücher, Räume“, ganz auf Ort und Besuchenden.

Im Juni 2023 erhielt die „Stadtbüchereien Düsseldorf App“ international Anerkennung. Sie erhielt den renommierten Auggie Award in der Kategorie „Best Consumer App“. Die jährlichen Auggie Awards sind seit 2010 die weltweit anerkanntesten Auszeichnungen der AR- und VR-Branche.
Characteristics, source, and health risk assessment of aerosol polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the rural and urban regions of western Saudi Arabia
Authors: Orif Mohamed I. , El-Shahawi Mohammad S. , Ismail Iqbal M. I. , Alshemmari Hassan , Rushdi Ahmed , El-Sayed Mohammed A.
Published: December 2023

Air quality represents one of the most important parameters determining indoor microclimate and human comfort. Thus, the current study reports a comprehensive study on the dominant sources, organic compositions, and potential health impacts of the polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmospheric particle matters (PMs) ranging from 2.5 µm (PM2.5) to 10 µm (PM10) size in the rural and urban regions of western (Jeddah city) Saudi Arabia collected over 1 year between 2014 and 2015. The levels of PAHs in two locations namely Obhur (Urban) and Hada Alsham (Rural) were monitored over 1 year (2014 and 2015) using the gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry. The level of ƩPAHs in Obhur (819.25 ng/m3) has a significantly high concentration of PAHs compared to Hada Alsham (Rural) (675.26 ng/m3). Indeno(1,2,3-CD)pyrene was the major contributor with an average value of 215.66 ng/m3 followed by benzo[k]fluranthene with a concentration of 150.68 ng/m3, respectively. The major contributors were indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, benzo[k]fluranthene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, benzo[g,h]perylene, and benzo[b]fluranthene are the major contributors with contributing percentages of 26.32, 18.39, 9.07, and 8.29%, respectively. The rest of all compounds were below 4%. The highest concentrations of PAHs in Obhur (1836.99 ng/m3) and in Hada Alsham (1107.40 ng/m3) were observed in winter in January 2014. PAHs with 4–6 aromatic ring components are primarily emitted by high temperature combustion. The average values for the BaA/(BaA + Chr) and Flt/(Flt + Pyr) ratios at Obhur were found 0.58 and 0.43 and at Hada Alsham were found 0.63 and 0.38, respectively, indicating that coal/biomass burning is the major source of PAHs. Hada Alsham (rural area), the transportation system, is a significant contributor to the observed PAHs. These results reflect Saudi Arabia’s traffic load in both rural and urban areas. On road sites, the impact of petroleum combustion and vehicular emissions was also identified. The sum of the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for all congeners for infants along the Obhur location was 2.13 × 10−6 and 1.38 × 10−6, respectively. ILCR values were less than 1.0 × 10−4, implying that PAH exposure posed an acceptable potential cancer risk in this study. Various local emission sources contributed more PAHs in many Saudi urban areas, increasing the risk of lung cancer, and the health risk. PAHs have an associated large surface area and are capable of deposition in the respiratory system with high efficiency. The total health risk assessment study also helps in alarming the toxicity at both the locations.
Identification of diagnostic immune-related gene biomarkers for predicting heart failure after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hu Yingchun , Chen Xiaoyu , Mei Xiyuan , Luo Zhen , Wu Hongguang , Zhang Hao , Zeng Qingchun , Ren Hao , Xu Dingli
Published: December 2023

Post-myocardial infarction heart failure (HF) is a major public health concern. Previous studies have reported the critical role of immune response in HF pathogenesis. However, limited studies have reported predictive immune-associated biomarkers for HF. So we attempted to identify potential immune-related indicators for HF early diagnosis and therapy guidance. This study identified two potential immune-related hub genes (IRHGs), namely CXCR5 and FOS, using bioinformatic approaches. The expression levels of CXCR5 and FOS and their ability to predict long-term HF were analyzed. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the hub genes were enriched in immune system processes, including the interleukin-17 and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathways, which are involved in the pathogenesis of HF. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that the Fos mRNA levels, but not the Cxcr5 mRNA levels, were downregulated in the mice of the HF group. This study successfully identified two IRHGs that were significantly and differentially expressed in the HF group and could predict long-term HF, providing novel insights for future studies on HF and developing novel therapeutic targets for HF.
Vibrational spectra, effect of solvents in UV-visible, electronic properties, charge distribution, molecular interaction and Fukui analysis on 3-amino-2,5-dichloropyridine
Authors: Joseph Deepthi , Alharbi Naiyf S. , Abbas Ghulam , Sambantham Muthu
Published: December 2023

FT-Raman, UV-visible, infrared Fourier transform, and DFT approaches, were used on molecule 3-amino-2,5-dichloropyridine. An extensive analysis of the vibrational distribution energy has been undertaken for the complete assignments for all the vibrations. Also carried out atoms in molecules theory of topological analysis, reduced density gradient and electron localization function. The contacts among the giver and acceptor were studied through natural bond orbital. The estimated values for the orbital of the highest and orbital of the lowest for various solvents reflect the electron stimulation properties. The electronic transition was obtained by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and time dependent-density function theory method with several solvents. The molecule’s reactive regions are obtained by Fukui function and MEP exploration. The compound was subjected to non-linear optical investigations to determine its dipole moment, first-order polarizability, and hyperpolarizability.